fp0011472_ncsr.htm
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-06445

The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

119 Washington Ave. Suite 504, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

THOMAS J. HERZFELD
119 Washington Ave. Suite 504, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 305-271-1900

Date of fiscal year end: 06/30/14

Date of reporting period: 7/01/13 - 6/30/14

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. ss. 3507.
 
 
 

 
 
ITEM 1. SHAREHOLDER REPORT
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc.
119 Washington Avenue, Suite 504
Miami Beach, FL  33139
(305) 271-1900
 
Investment Advisor
HERZFELD/CUBA
a division of Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc.
119 Washington Avenue, Suite 504
Miami Beach, FL  33139
(305) 271-1900
 
Transfer Agent & Registrar
State Street Bank and Trust
200 Clarendon Street, 16th Floor
Boston, MA  02116
(617) 662-2760
 
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust
200 Clarendon Street, 5th Floor
Boston, MA  02116
 
Counsel
Pepper Hamilton LLP
3000 Two Logan Square
18th and Arch Streets
Philadelphia, PA  19103
 
Independent Auditors
KPMG, LLP
55 Second Street, Suite 1400
San Francisco, CA 94105
The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund Inc.’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation. To achieve its objective, the Fund invests in issuers that are likely, in the Advisor’s view, to benefit from economic, political, structural and technological developments in the countries in the Caribbean Basin, which include, among others, Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Barbados, Aruba, Haiti, the Netherlands Antilles, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, the United States and Venezuela (“Caribbean Basin Countries”). The Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in equity and equity-linked securities of issuers, including U.S.-based companies which engage in substantial trade with, and derive substantial revenue from, operations in the Caribbean Basin Countries.

Listed NASDAQ Capital Market
Symbol: CUBA
 
 
-2-

 
 
Letter to Stockholders (Unaudited)

 
 
July 31, 2014

Dear Fellow Stockholders:

We are pleased to present our Annual Report for the period ended June 30, 2014.  On that date, the net asset value of The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. (CUBA) was $9.12 per share. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014, the total investment return of the Fund was 8.98% based on market value per share, and 11.83% based on net asset value per share.*

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through investment in companies which the Advisor believes are poised to benefit from economic, political, structural, and technological developments in countries within the Caribbean Basin.  As part of that strategy we have focused specifically on companies that are poised to benefit from the resumption of U.S. trade with Cuba, once the U.S. embargo prohibiting trade with that country is eased or lifted.  Since it is impossible to predict the future path of the U.S. embargo, we have further concentrated on investments which we believe can do well even if there is no political or economic change with respect to Cuba.

Growing Support for Economic and Political Relations with Cuba

In recent months, prominent businessmen, politicians, military officers, and former government officials have encouraged greater engagement with Cuba citing the failure of the 53 year U.S. embargo to effect changes to the existing regime.  Hillary Clinton, sugar tycoon Alfonso Fanjul, and President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Thomas Donohue, are among the many powerful people who have voiced support for normalizing relations with Cuba, assuming certain conditions are met.  Also, recent polls show a shift in political views with a majority of Americans now in favor of lifting the embargo.  Cuban-Americans, who for many years have supported the embargo, now make up the minority, because the younger generation of Cuban-Americans seem to have more moderate views.

*
The calculation of the total investment return assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at prices obtained by the dividend reinvestment plan.
 
 
-3-

 
 
Letter to Stockholders (Unaudited) (continued)

 
 
These developments may mean that the main impediment to normalizing relations -- voters’ support of the embargo, is waning.

Additionally, continuing instability in Venezuela threatens the inflows of subsidized oil to Cuba -- one of the last things keeping afloat the communist regime.  Extreme inflation and rapidly increasing poverty have led to continued economic and political volatility in Venezuela.  This, coupled with plummeting oil exports and declining production levels for the nation, may force Venezuela to reconsider its policy of supplying subsidized oil to Cuba.  As a result of this pressure on its economy, the Cuban regime may be more amenable to U.S. diplomatic overtures, even though relations between Cuba and Russia have been warming.
 
We believe these developments could be extremely important catalysts in normalizing relations with Cuba -- and we view them as especially promising for select holdings in the Fund.

Investment Strategy

Over the fiscal year, a strong rally in domestic equity markets pushed fundamental valuations higher and presented a good opportunity for us to reposition our portfolio.  As a result of the repositioning, Seaboard Corporation (SEB), the diverse agri-business and transportation company, our largest holding for many years, is now the third largest position in the Fund.  We reduced our holding of SEB’s shares after the company announced a tender offer and share buyback program at an average price of approximately $2,910 per share.

Copa Holdings, S.A. (CPA) was by far our largest addition to the portfolio over the fiscal year, and it is now our largest holding.  After steadily trimming this core holding over the past few years, we decided to buy CPA following a more than 25% decline from its January highs, on news that airlines had billions in cash trapped in Venezuela.  As CPA’s revenues from Venezuela make up 15% of the company’s total revenue, we felt the market overreacted to the news and we aggressively added shares, almost doubling our position since the start of the calendar year.  The sell-off in CPA proved to be a great opportunity to take advantage of investor pessimism, as the airline has some of the highest revenue growth rates and net profit margins in the industry.  In addition, we believe that CPA will benefit from both short-term and long-term tailwinds from increased travel accompanying the World Cup in
 
 
-4-

 

Letter to Stockholders (Unaudited) (continued)

 
Brazil and the upgrade of the Panama Canal (expected to be completed in 2015).  Venezuela has made efforts to pay installments to the airline and CPA has rebounded off its recent lows.  A new position we added during the period was airline Avianca Holdings S.A. (AVH), also punished severely by Venezuelan news, in spite of the fact that the company’s exposure to Venezuela represents only 7% of revenues.

Our second largest holding, Coca-Cola Femsa, S.A.B. de C.V. ADR (KOF), has not fared very well.  The optimistic comments in our most recent semi-annual letter to shareholders (indicating that we believed SEB and KOF would rebound in 2014), have been only half right so far.  SEB hit new all-time highs during the first six months of 2014 and remains strong, while KOF fell 5.7% during the six month period.  Revenue growth rates have slowed for KOF as investors have punished the growth stock.  At the present time, we consider it a good value.  Going forward we believe it should benefit from higher estimated global growth rates in the second half of 2014 and beyond.

Outlook

After the U.S., Mexican securities make up our second largest geographic allocation for the Fund.  For the second consecutive fiscal year, the S&P 500 Index beat the Mexican Bolsa Index by a substantial margin as the S&P 500 returned 24.15% to the Mexican Bolsa’s 7.15%, adjusted for dividends.  The Mexican market, along with other under performing Latin American markets, now appear to be on the upswing.  We look for this to continue going forward and expect some of our larger Mexican and other Latin American holdings such as CPA, KOF, Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (BLX), Bancolombia, S.A. (CIB), Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. ADR (CX), Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. ADR (TV), and America Movil, S.A.B. de C.V. ADR (AMX), among others, to participate in the rally.

We are cautious on the U.S. domestic markets, given the steady rise in prices we have seen over the past five years, as well as valuations which are beginning to look fully priced.  Furthermore, the Federal Reserve has stated it intends to end Quantitative Easing through the purchase of bonds in the open market toward the end of this year.  We are however, still seeing pockets of opportunity.  For example, in our opinion, MasTec Inc. (MTZ), one of our top holdings, and an interesting CUBA play looks especially undervalued based on its fundamentals.  We feel that this speciality contractor operating across a range of industries in the energy and communications infrastructure space is well positioned in one of the larger growth sectors in the United States.  We are optimistic that shares of MTZ will rebound from its current lows.

 
-5-

 

Letter to Stockholders (Unaudited) (continued)
 
Rights Offering

As you may have seen in the press release, The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. is planning to conduct a nontransferable rights offering in 2014 that will provide stockholders with the opportunity to purchase more shares of the Fund at a discounted price.  Commencement of the offer will be announced via press release and the definitive terms of the offer, including important dates and the subscription price, will be included in the prospectus. Discussion regarding the rights offering herein is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.  The offer will be made only by means of a prospectus and only after the registration statement on file with the SEC has been declared effective.

Largest Allocations

The following tables present our largest investment and geographic allocations as of June 30, 2014.

Geographic Allocation
% of Net Assets
 
Largest Portfolio Positions
% of Net Assets
USA
52.05%
 
Copa Holdings, S.A
7.24%
Mexico
20.23%
 
Coca Cola Femsa, S.A.B
 
Panama
11.20%
 
de C.V. ADR
6.58%
Cayman
3.99%
 
Seaboard Corporation
5.65%
Bahamas
3.63%
 
MasTec, Inc.
5.47%
Colombia
3.64%
 
Lennar Corp.
5.03%
Puerto Rico
2.38%
 
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
4.93%
Latin Amer. Region
0.03%
 
Watsco Incorporated
3.73%
Belize
0.06%
 
Banco Latinoamericano
 
Cuba
0.00%
 
de Comercio Exterior, S.A.
3.71%
Cash and
   
Bancolombia, S.A.
3.63%
Other Countries
2.80%
 
Consolidated Water Co. Ltd.
3.62%
 

The above commentary is for informational purposes only and does not represent an offer, recommendation or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any security.  The specific securities identified and described do not represent all of the securities purchased or sold and you should not assume that investments in the securities identified and discussed will be profitable.  Portfolio composition is subject to change.
 
 
-6-

 
 
Letter to Stockholders (Unaudited) (continued)

 
20th Anniversary of Start of Trading

May 20, 2014 marked the 20th anniversary of the Fund’s start of trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market.  The date was selected to honor Cuban Independence Day and to emphasize the importance of Cuba to the economic future of the Caribbean Basin.  The Fund was launched through a continuous offering which began in 1993 and closed in the first quarter of 1994.  Trading was then delayed until May 20, 1994.  Below is a photo commemorating the Fund’s 20th anniversary.  
 
 
Daily net asset values and press releases by the Fund are available on the Internet at www.herzfeld.com.

We would like to thank the members of the Board of Directors for their hard work and guidance and also thank our fellow stockholders for their continued support and suggestions.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Herzfeld
Erik M. Herzfeld
 
Chairman of the Board,
Portfolio Manager
President and Portfolio Manager
 
 
 
-7-

 
 
Schedule of Investments as of June 30, 2014

 
Shares or Principal Amount
 
Description
 
Fair Value
 
       
Common stocks - 97.40% of net assets
     
           
Airlines - 7.75%
     
  5,000  
Avianca Holdings, SA Spon ADR
  $ 80,250  
  17,200  
Copa Holdings, S.A.
    2,452,204  
  3,215  
ERA Group Inc.*
    92,206  
               
Banking and finance - 9.82%
       
  21,280  
Bancolombia, S.A.
    1,229,984  
  42,300  
Banco Latinoamericano de Exportaciones, S.A.
    1,255,041  
  17,643  
Evertec, Inc.
    427,666  
  6,000  
Popular Inc.*
    205,080  
  3,844  
W Holding Co. Inc. (Note 3)*
    146  
  12,000  
Western Union Company
    208,080  
               
Communications - 9.36%
       
  44,690  
América Móvil, S.A.B. de C.V. ADR
    927,318  
  71,200  
América Móvil, S.A.B. de C.V. Series A
    73,269  
  209,144  
América Móvil, S.A.B. de C.V. Series L
    217,318  
  8,000  
Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc.
    464,000  
  512,210  
Fuego Enterprises Inc.*
    179,624  
  212,994  
Grupo Radio Centro S.A.B. de C.V.*
    275,827  
  28,400  
Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. ADR
    974,404  
  10,030  
Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.*
    56,569  
               
Conglomerates and holding companies - 0.05%
       
  250,000  
Admiralty Holding Company (Note 3)*
    --  
  70,348  
BCB Holdings Ltd.*
    15,036  
  3,250  
Shellshock Ltd. Ord.*
    3,223  
               
Construction and related - 9.43%
       
  56,743  
Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. ADR
    750,710  
  62,754  
Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. Series CPO
    83,056  
  20  
Ceramica Carabobo Class A ADR (Note 3)*
    --  
  1,900  
Martin Marietta Materials
    250,895  
  60,100  
MasTec, Inc.*
    1,852,282  
  4,000  
Vulcan Materials
    255,000  
               
Consumer products and related manufacturing - 3.73%
       
  327,290  
Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V. (Note 3)*
    --  
 

*
Non-income producing
 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
 
-8-

 
 
Schedule of Investments as of June 30, 2014

 
Shares or Principal Amount
 
Description
 
Fair Value
 
           
  12,300  
Watsco Incorporated
  $ 1,263,948  
               
Food, beverages and tobacco - 14.31%
       
  95,244  
Chiquita Brands International Inc.*
    1,033,397  
  53,874  
Cleanpath Resources Corp.*
    16  
  19,602  
Coca Cola Femsa, S.A.B. de C.V. ADR
    2,227,179  
  18,900  
Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. Series UBD
    177,097  
  9,500  
Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. ADR
    889,675  
  16,890  
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.
    517,678  
               
Housing - 5.04%
       
  40,500  
Lennar Corporation
    1,700,190  
  6,100  
Homex Development Corp.*
    4,819  
               
Investment companies - 0.10%
       
  800  
Latin American Discovery Fund
    10,976  
  1,451  
Mexico Equity & Income Fund
    23,361  
  70,348  
Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd. (Note 3)*
    --  
               
Leisure - 14.46%
       
  31,000  
Carnival Corp.
    1,167,150  
  38,443  
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.*
    1,218,643  
  30,000  
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
    1,668,000  
  19,467  
Steiner Leisure Ltd.*
    842,726  
               
Mining - 4.80%
       
  3,872  
Grupo México, S.A.B. de C.V. Series B
    12,921  
  27,000  
Freeport McMoran Copper
    985,500  
  23,900  
Tahoe Resources, Inc.*
    626,180  
               
Pulp and paper - 0.15%
       
  18,300  
Kimberly-Clark de México, S.A.B. de C.V. Series A
    51,361  
               
Railroad - 1.67%
       
  5,500  
Norfolk Southern Corporation
    566,665  
 

*
Non-income producing
 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
 
-9-

 
 
Schedule of Investments as of June 30, 2014

 
Shares or Principal Amount
 
Description
 
Fair Value
 
           
Retail - 2.02%
     
  1,270  
Grupo Elektra, S.A.B. de C.V. Series CPO
  $ 33,933  
  1,000  
Pricesmart Inc.
    87,040  
  210,222  
Wal-Mart de México, S.A.B. de C.V. Series V
    563,595  
               
Service - 0.03%
       
  700  
Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. Series B
    8,895  
               
Trucking and Marine Freight - 7.62%
       
  12,280  
Grupo TMM, S.A.B. ADR*
    10,684  
  633  
Seaboard Corporation
    1,911,831  
  2,000  
Seacor Holdings, Inc.*
    164,500  
  8,361  
Teekay LNG Partners LP
    385,776  
  36,000  
Ultrapetrol Bahamas Ltd.*
    106,920  
               
Utilities - 6.20%
       
  12,000  
Caribbean Utilities Ltd. Class A
    125,400  
  104,013  
Consolidated Water, Inc.
    1,224,233  
  700  
Cuban Electric Company (Note 3)*
    --  
  40,500  
Teco Energy Inc.
    748,440  
               
Other - 0.86%
       
  25,000  
Geltech Solutions Inc.*
    18,250  
  4,420  
Gusbourne PLC*
    5,517  
  13,000  
Impellam Group
    96,692  
  55,921  
Margo Caribe, Inc.*
    170,559  
  895  
Siderurgica Venezolana Sivensa, S.A. ADR (Note 3)*
    --  
  79  
Siderurgica Venezolana Sivensa, S.A. Series B (Note 3)*
    --  
               
Total common stocks (cost $28,379,412)
  $ 32,978,935  
 

*
Non-income producing
 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
 
-10-

 
 
Schedule of Investments as of June 30, 2014

 
Shares or Principal Amount
 
Description
 
Fair Value
 
           
Bonds - 0% of net assets
     
$ 165,000  
Republic of Cuba - 4.5%, 1977 - in default
  $  
               
Total bonds (cost $63,038) (Note 3)*
  $  
               
Other assets less liabilities - 2.60% of net assets
  $ 883,001  
               
Net assets - 100%
  $ 33,861,936  

The investments are concentrated in the following geographic regions (as percentages of net assets):

United States of America
52.05%
Mexico
20.23%
Panama
11.20%
Other, individually under 5%**
16.52%
 
100.00%
 

*
Non-income producing
**
Amount includes other assets less liabilities of 2.60%
 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
 
-11-

 
 
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2014

 
ASSETS
           
             
Investments in securities, at fair value (cost $28,442,450)
           
(Notes 2 and 3)
        $ 32,978,935  
Cash
          998,946  
Dividends receivable
          20,164  
Deferred offering costs
          37,400  
Other assets
          18,867  
               
TOTAL ASSETS
          34,054,312  
               
LIABILITIES
             
               
Accrued investment advisor fee (Note 4)
  $ 120,200          
Foreign tax withholding
    340          
Other payables
    71,836          
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
            192,376  
                 
NET ASSETS (Equivalent to $9.12 per share
               
based on 3,713,071* shares outstanding)
          $ 33,861,936  
                 
Net assets consist of the following:
               
Common stock, $.001 par value; 100,000,000
               
shares authorized; 3,713,071* shares issued
               
and outstanding
          $ 3,713  
Additional paid-in capital
            26,057,406  
Accumulated net investment gain and net realized gain
               
on investments and foreign currency
            3,264,332  
Net unrealized gain on investments and foreign
               
currency (Note 5)
            4,536,485  
                 
NET ASSETS
          $ 33,861,936  

*
213,222 shares issued through dividend reinvestment plan and 1,812,293 shares issued through rights offering (Note 7)

See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
 
-12-

 
 
Statement of Operations Year Ended June 30, 2014

INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES
           
             
Dividends and interest
        $ 571,280  
               
Investment advisor fees (Note 4)
  $ 494,178          
Professional fees
    95,000          
Custodian fees
    84,000          
Insurance
    38,577          
CCO salary (Note 4)
    26,913          
Transfer agent fees
    24,000          
Director fees
    20,800          
Listing fees
    15,000          
Printing and postage
    14,700          
Proxy services
    4,945          
Other
    21,109          
Total investment expenses
            839,222  
                 
NET INVESTMENT LOSS
            (267,942 )
                 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
               
ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY
               
Net realized gain on investments and foreign
               
currency
    4,571,398          
Net decrease in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
               
on investments and foreign currency
    (653,954 )        
                 
NET GAIN ON INVESTMENTS
            3,917,444  
                 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
               
FROM OPERATIONS
          $ 3,649,502  

See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
 
-13-

 
 
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

   
Year-Ended
2014
   
Year-Ended
2013
 
             
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
           
FROM OPERATIONS
           
Net investment loss
  $ (267,942 )   $ (124,099 )
Net realized gain on investments and
               
foreign currency
    4,571,398       4,553,333  
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation
               
(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency
    (653,954 )     1,413,639  
                 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
               
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
    3,649,502       5,842,873  
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO STOCKHOLDERS
               
Realized gains
    (4,232,900 )     (727,762 )
                 
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
    (583,398 )     5,115,111  
                 
NET ASSETS
               
                 
Beginning
    34,445,334       29,330,223  
                 
Ending
  $ 33,861,936     $ 34,445,334  
 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
 
-14-

 
 
Financial Highlights
Years Ended June 30, 2010 through 2014

   
Year Ended June 30
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
                       
(For a share of capital stock outstanding for each year)
                   
Net asset value, beginning of year
  $ 9.28     $ 7.90     $ 8.13     $ 6.12     $ 5.35  
                                         
Operations:
                                       
Net investment loss1
    (0.07 )     (0.03 )     (0.06 )     (0.06 )     (0.07 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
                                       
investment transactions1
    1.05       1.61       (0.11 )     2.07       0.84  
Total from operations
    0.98       1.58       (0.17 )     2.01       0.77  
                                         
Distributions:
                                       
From net realized gains
    (1.14 )     (0.20 )     (0.06 )     --       --  
Total distributions
    (1.14 )     (0.20 )     (0.06 )     --       --  
                                         
Net asset value, end of year
  $ 9.12     $ 9.28     $ 7.90     $ 8.13     $ 6.12  
                                         
Per share market value, end of year
  $ 8.15     $ 8.51     $ 6.97     $ 7.14     $ 5.67  
                                         
Total investment return (loss) based on
                                       
market value per share
    8.98 %     25.31 %     (1.39 %)     25.93 %     (6.59 %)
                                         
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
                                       
Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)
  $ 33,862     $ 34,445     $ 29,330     $ 30,169     $ 22,707  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
    2.46 %     2.50 %     2.68 %     2.66 %     2.78 %
Ratio of net investment loss
                                       
to average net assets
    (0.78 %)     (0.38 %)     (0.81 %)     (0.81 %)     (1.05 %)
Portfolio turnover rate
    24 %     37 %     15 %     22 %     27 %

1
Computed by dividing the respective year’s amounts from the Statement of Operations by the average outstanding shares for each year presented.
 
 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
 
-15-

 
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND RELATED MATTERS
 
The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on March 10, 1992, and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund commenced investing activities in January 1994. The Fund is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market and trades under the symbol “CUBA.”
 
The Fund’s investment objective is to obtain long-term capital appreciation.  The Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in equity and equity-linked securities of public and private companies, including U.S.-based companies, (i) whose securities are traded principally on a stock exchange in a Caribbean Basin Country or (ii) that have at least 50% of the value of their assets in a Caribbean Basin Country or (iii) that derive at least 50% of their total revenue from operations in a Caribbean Basin Country (collectively, “Caribbean Basin Companies”).  Under normal conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in equity and equity-linked securities of Caribbean Basin Countries.  This 80% policy may be changed without stockholder approval upon sixty days written notice to stockholders.  The Fund’s investment objective is fundamental and may not be changed without the approval of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities.
 
At June 30, 2014, the Fund had foreign investments in companies operating principally in Mexico and Panama representing approximately 20.23% and 11.20% of the Fund’s net assets, respectively.
 
The Fund’s custodian and transfer agent is State Street Bank and Trust Company (“SSBT”), 200 Clarendon Street, PO Box 9130, Boston, Massachusetts  02117.
 
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Security Valuation
 
In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
 
In determining fair value, the Fund uses various valuation approaches.  In accordance with GAAP, a fair value hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available.
 
 
-16-

 
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
Observable inputs are those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund.  Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.  The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels based on the inputs as follows:
 
Level 1:
quoted prices in active markets for identical investments
 
Level 2:
other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for identical investments in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)
 
Level 3:
significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
 
The availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors including, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction.  To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment.  Those estimated values do not necessarily represent the amounts that may be ultimately realized due to the occurrence of future circumstances that cannot be reasonably determined.  Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may be materially higher or lower than the values that would have been used had a ready market for the securities existed.  Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Fund in determining fair value is greatest for securities categorized in Level 3.  In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy.  In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
 
Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure.  Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Fund’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.  The Fund uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including periods of market dislocation.  In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many securities.  This condition could cause a security to be reclassified to a lower level within the fair value hierarchy.
 
 
-17-

 
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
Investments in securities traded on a national securities exchange (or reported on the NASDAQ National Market or Capital Market) are stated at the last reported sales price on the day of valuation (or at the NASDAQ official closing price); other securities traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date are stated at the last quoted bid price. Restricted securities and other securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined by the Board of Directors.
 
The following table summarizes the classification of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2014:
 
LEVEL
Investments in Securities
Level 1
$32,502,785
Level 2
$476,004
Level 3
$146*
 
*
See Note 3, non-marketable and restricted securities owned
 
 
Investment in Securities at
Value Level 3
Balance as of 6/30/13
$0
Realized/Unrealized gain/(loss)
0
Net purchases
0
Transfer into Level 3
146
Transfer out of Level 3
0
Balance as of 6/30/14
$146
 
Additional quantitative disclosures for assets in which Level 3 inputs are used in determining fair value are presented when there are significant Level 3 investments at the end of the period.
 
All transfers are recognized by the Fund at the end of each reporting period.
 
Under procedures approved by the Directors, the Advisor provides administration and oversight of the Fund’s valuation policies and procedures, which are reviewed at least annually by the Directors.  Among other things, these procedures allow the Fund to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.
 
The Fund has procedures to determine the fair value of securities and other financial instruments for which market prices are not readily available.  Under these procedures, the Advisor convenes on a regular and ad hoc basis to review such securities and considers a number of factors, including valuation methodologies and significant unobservable valuation
 
 
-18-

 
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
inputs, when arriving at a fair value.  The Advisor may employ a market-based approach which may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values and other relevant information for the investment to determine the fair value of the investment.  An income-based valuation approach may also be used in which the anticipated future cash flows of the investment are discounted to calculate fair value.  Discount may be applied due to the nature or duration of any restrictions on the disposition of investments.  Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations of such investments, the fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had an active market existed.  The Advisor employs various methods for calibrating these valuation approaches including a regular view of valuation methodologies, key inputs and assumptions, transactional back-testing or disposition analysis and reviews of any related market activity.
 
Income Recognition
 
Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date or in the case of certain foreign securities, as soon as the Fund is notified, and interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Pursuant to a custodian agreement, SSBT receives a fee reduced by credits which are determined based on the average daily cash balance the Fund maintains with SSBT.  Credit balances used to reduce the Fund’s custodian fees for the year ended June 30, 2014 were approximately $0.  Discounts and premiums on debt securities purchased are amortized over the life of the respective securities.  It is the Fund’s practice to include the portion of realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments denominated in foreign currencies as components of realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments and foreign currency.
 
Foreign Currency
 
The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars.  Foreign currency amounts and investments denominated in a foreign currency, if any, are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at current exchange rates on the valuation date.  Purchases and sales of investments denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the exchange rate on the respective dates of such transactions.
 
Deposits with Financial Institutions
 
The Fund may, during the course of its operations, maintain account balances with financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits.
 
 
-19-

 
 
Notes to Financial Statements

 
Counterparty Brokers
 
In the normal course of business, substantially all of the Fund’s money balances and security positions are custodied with the Fund’s custodial broker, SSBT.  The Fund transacts with other brokers.  The Fund is subject to credit risk to the extent any broker with which it conducts business is unable to fulfill contractual obligations on its behalf.  The Fund’s management monitors the financial condition of such brokers and does not anticipate any losses from these counterparties.
 
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Income Taxes
 
The Fund’s policy is to continue to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that are applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all its taxable income to its stockholders.  Under these provisions, the Fund is not subject to federal income tax on its taxable income and no federal income tax provision is required.
 
The Fund has adopted a June 30 year-end for federal income tax purposes.
 
Distributions to Stockholders
 
Distributions to stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  For the year ended June 30, 2014, a distribution from long-term capital gains of $1.13 per share and from short-term capital gains of $0.01 per share was declared on November 14, 2013.
 
NOTE 3. NON-MARKETABLE AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES OWNED
 
Investments in securities include $165,000 principal, 4.5%, 1977 Republic of Cuba bonds purchased for $63,038.  The bonds were listed on the New York Stock Exchange and had been trading in default since 1960.  A “regulatory halt” on trading was imposed by the New York Stock Exchange in July 1995 and trading in the bonds was suspended as of December
 
 
-20-

 
 
Notes to Financial Statements

 
28, 2006.  The New York Stock Exchange has stated that following the suspension of trading, application will be made to the Securities and Exchange Commission to delist the issue.  As of June 30, 2014, the position was valued at $0 by the Board of Directors, which approximates the bonds’ fair value.
 
Investments in securities also include 250,000 shares of Admiralty Holding Company, 20 shares of Ceramica Carabobo Class A ADR, 700 shares of Cuban Electric Company, 895 shares of Siderurgica Venezolana Sivensa, S.A. ADR, 79 shares of Siderurgica Venezolana Sivensa S.A. Series B, 70,348 shares of Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd., 327,290 shares of Grupo Case Saba, S.A.B. de C.V., and 3,844 shares of W Holding Company Inc. As of June 30, 2014, all the positions, except W Holding Company Inc., were valued at $0 by the Board of Directors, which approximates their fair value.  As of June 30, 2014, W Holding Company Inc., was valued at $146, which approximates its fair value.
 
Two of the Fund’s holdings are currently segregated and restricted from transfer.  These securities are: $165,000 principal value Republic of Cuba bonds, 4.5%, 1977 in default with a fair value of $0, and 700 shares of Cuban Electric Company with a fair value of $0.
 
   
% of Net
 
Acquisition
 
Acquisition
             
Security
 
Assets
 
Date
 
Cost
   
Shares/Units
   
Fair Value
 
                           
Republic of Cuba 4.5%, 1977 bond
    0 %
2/15/1995
  $ 52,850       140,000     $ 0  
Republic of Cuba 4.5%, 1977 bond
    0 %
4/27/1995
    10,188       25,000       0  
Total
    0 %     $ 63,038       165,000     $ 0  
                                   
Cuban Electric Company
    0 %
9/5/2005
  $ 4,005       482     $ 0  
Cuban Electric Company
    0 %
9/5/2005
    1,812       218       0  
Total
    0 %     $ 5,817       700     $ 0  
                                   
Ceramica Carabobo Class A ADR
    0 %
1/5/1998
  $ 4,400       11     $ 0  
Ceramica Carabobo Class A ADR
    0 %
1/5/1998
    881       2       0  
Ceramica Carabobo Class A ADR
    0 %
1/5/1998
    528       1       0  
Ceramica Carabobo Class A ADR
    0 %
1/5/1998
    1,938       6       0  
Total
    0 %     $ 7,747       20     $ 0  
                                   
Siderurgica Venezolana Sivensa, S.A. ADR
    0 %
3/30/1998
  $ 8,414       895     $ 0  
Total
    0 %     $ 8,414       895     $ 0  
                                   
Siderurgica Venezolana Sivensa, S.A. Series B
    0 %
3/30/1998
  $ 106       79     $ 0  
Total
    0 %     $ 106       79     $ 0  
                                   
Admiralty Holding Company
    0 %
10/30/2006
  $ 830       40,000     $ 0  
Admiralty Holding Company
    0 %
10/31/2006
    450       20,000       0  
Admiralty Holding Company
    0 %
11/1/2006
    67       2,600       0  
Admiralty Holding Company
    0 %
11/2/2006
    3,667       187,400       0  
Total
    0 %     $ 5,014       250,000     $ 0  
 
 
-21-

 
 
Notes to Financial Statements

 
   
% of Net
 
Acquisition
 
Acquisition
             
Security
 
Assets
 
Date
 
Cost
   
Shares/Units
   
Fair Value
 
Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd.
    0 %
6/26/1996
  $ 8,737       12,814     $ 0  
Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd.
    0 %
8/7/1996
    530       801       0  
Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd.
    0 %
2/5/1997
    621       891       0  
Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd.
    0 %
3/6/1997
    0       0       0  
Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd.
    0 %
6/10/1997
    11,332       12,000       0  
Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd.
    0 %
8/6/1997
    657       894       0  
Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd.
    0 %
6/24/1998
    5,506       3,000       0  
Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd.
    0 %
8/10/1998
    9,585       6,000       0  
Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd.
    0 %
8/11/1998
    4,792       3,000       0  
Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd.
    0 %
11/17/2005
    1,128       1,000       0  
Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd.
    0 %
3/22/2006
    1,890       2,195       0  
Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd.
    0 %
11/19/2007
    5,757       27,754       0  
Total
    0 %     $ 50,536       70,348     $ 0  
                                   
Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V.
    0 %
8/10/1998
  $ 28,457       41,730     $ 0  
Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V.
    0 %
11/17/2005
    17,841       10,000       0  
Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V.
    0 %
3/23/2007
    19,716       6,000       0  
Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V.
    0 %
8/15/2007
    37,511       10,000       0  
Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V.
    0 %
8/16/2007
    34,361       10,000       0  
Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V.
    0 %
12/11/2007
    7,770       2,000       0  
Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V.
    0 %
12/12/2007
    156,403       40,000       0  
Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V.
    0 %
1/11/2008
    30,873       8,000       0  
Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V.
    0 %
1/15/2008
    11,499       3,000       0  
Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V.
    0 %
1/22/2008
    7,268       2,000       0  
Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V.
    0 %
11/30/2011
    16,436       20,000       0  
Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V.
    0 %
11/16/2012
    37,715       100,000       0  
Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V.
    0 %
11/23/2012
    8,616       24,560       0  
Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V.
    0 %
11/26/2012
    15,775       50,000       0  
Total
    0 %     $ 430,241       327,290     $ 0  
                                   
W Holding Company Inc.
    0 %
10/10/2007
  $ 14,240       120     $ 5  
W Holding Company Inc.
    0 %
10/15/2007
    4,420       40       2  
W Holding Company Inc.
    0 %
11/2/2007
    9,550       100       4  
W Holding Company Inc.
    0 %
11/7/2007
    16,992       200       8  
W Holding Company Inc.
    0 %
12/11/2007
    24,600       400       15  
W Holding Company Inc.
    0 %
12/26/2007
    28,700       400       15  
W Holding Company Inc.
    0 %
12/31/2007
    140,038       2,184       83  
W Holding Company Inc.
    0 %
1/11/2008
    1,035       18       1  
W Holding Company Inc.
    0 %
1/11/2008
    8,468       146       6  
W Holding Company Inc.
    0 %
1/11/2008
    13,806       236       9  
Total
    0 %     $ 261,849       3,844     $ 146  
 
NOTE 4. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
HERZFELD / CUBA (the “Advisor”), a division of Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc., is the Fund’s investment advisor and charges a monthly fee at the annual rate of 1.45% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.  Total fees for the year ended June 30, 2014 amounted to $494,178, of which $120,200 is payable as of June 30, 2014.
 
A director of the Fund served on the Board of Directors of Margo Caribe, Inc., a company in which the Fund has an investment.  A director of the Fund is an owner of the Advisor and the owner of Thomas J. Herzfeld & Co., Inc.
 
The Fund reimbursed the Advisor in the amount of $26,913 for the portion of the chief compliance officer’s (the “CCO”) salary determined to be attributable to the services provided as CCO of the Fund.
 
NOTE 5. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
 
During the year ended June 30, 2014, purchases and sales of investment securities were $8,156,956 and $12,748,778, respectively.
 
 
-22-

 
 
Notes to Financial Statements

 
At June 30, 2014, the Fund’s investment portfolio had gross unrealized gains of $7,305,250 and gross unrealized losses of $2,768,764, resulting in a net unrealized gain of $4,536,485 for financial statement purposes.
 
NOTE 6. INCOME TAX INFORMATION
 
For financial statement purposes, the Fund’s net investment loss for the year ended June 30, 2014 does not differ from the net investment loss for tax purposes.  Realized gains differ for financial statement and tax purposes primarily due to differing treatments of wash sales.
 
As of June 30, 2014, for tax purposes the Fund’s undistributed net investment loss was $0 and its accumulated net realized gain on investments was $3,563,497.
 
The cost basis of securities owned for financial statement purposes is lower than the cost basis for income tax purposes by $343,521 due to wash sale adjustments.  As of June 30, 2014, gross unrealized gains were $6,961,728 and gross unrealized losses were $2,768,764 for income tax purposes.
 
Permanent differences accounted for during the year ended June 30, 2014 result from differences between book and tax accounting for the characterization of foreign currency losses and the reclassification of the Fund’s net investment loss for tax purposes.  Such amounts have been reclassified as follows:
 
 
Accumulated Net
Investment Loss
Accumulated Net Realized Loss on Investments
Additional Paid
 in Capital
Year ended June 30, 2014
$267,942
($366,757)
$98,815
 
In accordance with GAAP, the Fund is required to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position.  The Fund files an income tax return in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and may file income tax returns in various U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions.  Generally the Fund is no longer subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities for years before June 30, 2011.  The tax benefit recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.  De-recognition of a tax benefit previously recognized results in the Fund recording a tax liability that reduces ending net assets.  This policy has been applied to all existing tax positions upon the Fund’s initial adoption for the period ended June 30, 2009.  Based on its analysis, the Fund has determined that the adoption of this policy did not have a material impact on the Fund’s financial statements upon adoption.  However, the Fund’s conclusions regarding this policy may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, ongoing analyses of and changes to tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof.
 
 
-23-

 
 
Notes to Financial Statements

 
The Fund’s policy would be to recognize accrued interest expense to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses.  There were none for the period ended June 30, 2014.
 
NOTE 7. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
 
Rights Offering

On October 26, 2007, the Fund issued 1,812,293 common shares in connection with a rights offering.  Stockholders of record September 26, 2007 were issued one non-transferable right for every share owned on that date.  The rights entitled the stockholders to purchase one new common share for every right held.  In addition, the Fund had the discretion to increase the number of shares of common stock subject to subscription by up to 100% of the shares offered, or up to an additional 1,678,556 shares of common stock.

The subscription price was equal to 85% of the average volume-weighted sales price per share of the Fund’s common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on October 26, 2007 and the four preceding trading days.  The final subscription price was $10.04 per share.  Net proceeds to the Fund were $18,075,138 after deducting rights offering costs of $120,284.  The net asset value of the Fund’s common shares was increased by approximately $0.09 per share as a result of the share issuance.

Year-End Distributions
 
No distribution was declared during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011 or 2010.
 
On January 9, 2012, the Fund paid a year-end distribution of $0.0634 per share in cash.
 
On December 26, 2012, the Fund paid a year-end distribution of $0.196 per share in cash.
 
On January 7, 2014, the Fund paid a year-end distribution of $1.140 per share in stock.  Stockholder were also given the option of receiving the payment in cash.  Shares were purchased in the open market to pay the distribution at a reinvestment price of $8.2657 per share including brokerage commissions.
 
NOTE 8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
The Fund has filed a preliminary prospectus with the SEC for a proposed nontransferable rights offering, the terms of which have yet to be announced, expected to be commenced in 2014.  Discussion regarding the rights offering herein is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.  The offer will be made only by means of a prospectus and only after the registration statement on file with the SEC has been declared effective.
 
 
-24-

 
 
KPMG LLP
Suite 1400
55 Second Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. (the Fund), including the schedule of investments, as of June 30, 2014, and the related statements of operations, changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for the year then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audit. The accompanying statement of changes in net assets for the year ended June 30, 2013 and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period ended June 30, 2013 were audited by prior auditors whose report thereon dated August 16, 2013, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial highlights.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of June 30, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of June 30, 2014, the results of its operations, changes in its net assets, and its financial highlights for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
 
 
San Francisco, California
August 20, 2014
 
KPMG LLP is a Delaware limited liability partnership,
the U.S. member firm of KPMG International Cooperative
(“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity.
 
 
-25-

 
 
Directors and Officers of the Fund (Unaudited)

Name Address and Age
Position(s) Held with Fund
Term of Office and Length of Time Served
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
Number of Portfolios In Complex Overseen
By Director
Other Directorships Held by Director
Interested Director
 
 
 
 
 
Thomas J. Herzfeld*
119 Washington Avenue, Suite 504
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Age: 69
President, Portfolio Manager, Chairman, Director
three years; 1993 to present
Chairman and President of Thomas J. Herzfeld & Co., Inc., a broker dealer 1981-2010, and Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc. 1984-present
2
The Cuba Fund, Inc. (in registration)
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
 
Ann S. Lieff
c/o The Herzfeld Caribbean
Basin Fund, Inc.
119 Washington Avenue, Suite 504
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Age: 62
Director
three years; 1998 to present
President of the Lieff Company, a management consulting firm that offers ongoing advisory services as a corporate director, 1998-present; former CEO Spec’s Music 1980- 1998, a retailer of recorded music.
1
None
Michael A. Rubin
c/o The Herzfeld Caribbean
Basin Fund, Inc.
119 Washington Avenue, Suite 504
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Age: 72
Director
three years; 2002 to present
Partner of Michael A. Rubin P.A., attorney at law, 1974-present; Broker, Oaks Management & Real Estate Corp., a real estate corporation, 1977-present.
1
None
Kay W. Tatum, Ph.D., CPA
c/o The Herzfeld Caribbean
Basin Fund, Inc.
119 Washington Avenue, Suite 504
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Age: 62
Director
three years; 2007 to present
Associate Professor of Accounting, University of Miami School of Business Administration, 1992-present; Chair, Department of Accounting, 2004-2008; Assistant Professor of Accounting, University of Miami, 1986-1992.
1
None
John A. Gelety
c/o The Herzfeld Caribbean
Basin Fund, Inc.
119 Washington Avenue, Suite 504
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Age: 46
Director
three years; 2011 to present
John A. Gelety, PA, attorney at law, a transactional law firm that specializes in business law, with a concentration on domestic and cross-border mergers & acquisitions, private equity and commercial transactions 2005-present.
1
None
 
*
Mr. Thomas J. Herzfeld is considered an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder because of his position with the Advisor.
 
Additional information about the Directors is included in the Fund’s Prospectus.
 
 
-26 and 27-

 
 
Directors and Officers of the Fund (Unaudited)(cont’d)


Name Address and Age
Position(s) Held with Fund
Term of Office and Length of Time Served
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
Other Directorships Held by Officer
Officers
 
 
 
 
Erik M. Herzfeld
119 Washington Avenue, Suite 504
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Age: 40
Portfolio Manager
2008 to present
Portfolio Manager and Managing Director, Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc. 2007-present; Vice President JPMorgan Chase 2000-2007, foreign exchange option trading
Strategic Investment Partners, Inc.
Reanna J. M. Lee
119 Washington Avenue, Suite 504
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Age: 28
Secretary, Treasurer
2014 to present
In-house counsel of Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc., 2012 - present; Chief Compliance Officer of Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc., 2013 - present; Reanna J M Lee, P.A., a law firm with areas of practice including intellectual property and entertainment law, 2011-present
N/A
 
 
-28 and 29-

 
 
Quarterly Portfolio Reports (Unaudited)
 
The Fund files quarterly schedules of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q.  The Form N-Q is available by link on the Fund’s website at www.herzfeld.com, by calling the Fund at 800-TJH-FUND, or on the SEC’s EDGAR database at www.sec.gov.  In addition, the Form N-Q can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C.  More information about the SEC’s website or the operation of the public reference room can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-732-0330.
 
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Unaudited)
 
Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014, and a description of the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at 800-TJH-FUND, or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
 
 
-30-

 
 
Privacy Policy (Unaudited)

 
Information We Collect
 
We collect nonpublic information about you from applications or other account forms you complete, from your transactions with us, our affiliates or others through transactions and conversations over the telephone.
 
Information We Disclose
 
We do not disclose information about you, or our former customers, to our affiliates or to service providers or other third parties except on the limited basis permitted by law. For example, we may disclose nonpublic information about you to third parties to assist us in servicing your account with us and to send transaction confirmations, annual reports, prospectuses and tax forms to you. We may also disclose nonpublic information about you to government entities in response to subpoenas.
 
Our Security Procedures
 
To ensure the highest level of confidentiality and security, we maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your personal information. We also restrict access to your personal and account information to those employees who need to know that information to provide services to you.
 
 
-31-

 
 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Unaudited)

 
Registered holders (“Stockholders”) of shares of common stock, $0.001 par value (“Common Stock”) of Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) will automatically be enrolled (“Participants”) in the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”) and are advised as follows:
 
1.
State Street Bank & Trust Company (the “Agent”) will act as agent for each Participant.  The Agent will open an account for each registered shareholder as a Participant under the Plan in the same name in which such Participant’s shares of Common Stock are registered.
 
2.
CASH OPTION.  Pursuant to the Fund’s Plan, unless a holder of Common Stock otherwise elects, all dividend and capital gains distributions payable in cash (“Distributions”) will be automatically reinvested by the Agent in additional Common Stock of the Fund. Stockholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all cash distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder of record (or, if the shares are held in street or other nominee name then to such nominee) by the Agent, as dividend paying agent. Stockholders and Participants may elect not to participate in the Plan and to receive all cash distributions of dividends and capital gains in cash by sending written instructions to the Agent, as dividend paying agent, at the address set forth below.
 
3.
MARKET PREMIUM ISSUANCES. If on the payment date for a Distribution, the net asset value per Common Stock is equal to or less than the market price per Common Stock plus estimated brokerage commissions, the Agent shall receive newly issued Common Stock (“Additional Common Stock”) from the Fund for each Participant’s account. The number of Additional Common Stock to be credited shall be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the Distribution by the greater of (i) the net asset value per Common Share on the payment date, or (ii) 95% of the market price per Common Share on the payment date.
 
4.
MARKET DISCOUNT PURCHASES. If the net asset value per Common Stock exceeds the market price plus estimated brokerage commissions on the payment date for a Distribution, the Agent (or a broker-dealer selected by the Agent) shall endeavor to apply the amount of such Distribution on each Participant’s Common Stock to purchase Common Stock on the open market. In the event of a market discount on the payment date, the Agent will have 30 days after the dividend payment date (the “last purchase date”) to invest the dividend amount in shares acquired in open-market purchases.  The weighted average price (including brokerage commissions) of all Common Stock purchased by the
 
 
-32-

 
 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Unaudited)(continued)

 
Agent as Agent shall be the price per Common Stock allocable to each Participant. If, before the Agent has completed its purchases, the market price plus estimated brokerage commissions exceeds the net asset value of the Common Stock as of the payment date, the purchase price paid by Agent may exceed the net asset value of the Common Stock, resulting in the acquisition of fewer Common Stock than if such Distribution had been paid in Common Stock issued by the Fund. Because of the foregoing difficulty with respect to open-market purchases, the Plan provides that if the Plan Agent is unable to invest the full dividend amount in open-market purchases during the purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Plan Agent may cease making open-market purchases and may invest the uninvested portion of the dividend amount in newly issued Common Stock at the net asset value per Common Stock at the close of business on the last purchase date. Participants should note that they will not be able to instruct the Agent to purchase Common Stock at a specific time or at a specific price. Open-market purchases may be made on any securities exchange where Common Stock are traded, in the over-the-counter market or in negotiated transactions, and may be on such terms as to price, delivery and otherwise as the Agent shall determine. Each Participant’s uninvested funds held by the Agent will not bear interest. The Agent shall have no liability in connection with any inability to purchase Common Stock within the time provided, or with the timing of any purchases effected. The Agent shall have no responsibility for the value of Common Stock acquired. The Agent may commingle Participants’ funds to be used for open-market purchases of the Fund’s shares and the price per share allocable to each Participant in connection with such purchases shall be the average price (including brokerage commissions and other related costs) of all Fund shares purchased by Agent. The rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission may require the Agent to limit the Agent’s market purchases or temporarily cease making market purchases for Participants.
 
5.
The market price of Common Stock on a particular date shall be the last sales price on the securities exchange where the Common Stock are listed on that date (currently the NASDAQ Capital Market)(the “Exchange”), or, if there is no sale on the Exchange on that date, then the average between the closing bid and asked quotations on the Exchange on such date will be used. The net asset value per Common Stock on a particular date shall be the amount calculated on that date (or if not calculated on such date, the amount most recently calculated) by or on behalf of the Fund.
 
6.
Whenever the Agent receives or purchases shares or fractional interests for a Participant’s account, the Agent will send such Participant a notification of the transaction as soon as practicable.  The Agent will hold such shares and fractional interests as such Participant’s agent and may hold them in the Agent’s name or the name of the Agent’s nominee.  The Agent will not send a Participant stock certificates for shares unless a Participant so requests in writing or unless a Participant’s account is terminated as stated below.  The Agent will vote any shares so held for a Participant in accordance with any proxy returned to the Fund by such Participant in respect of the shares of which such Participant is the record holder.
 
 
-33-

 
 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Unaudited) (continued)

 
7.
There is presently no service charge for the Agent serving as Participants’ agent and maintaining Participants’ accounts.  The Agent may, however, charge Participants for extra services performed at their request.  The Plan may be amended in the future to impose a service charge.  In acting as Participants’ agent under the Plan, the Agent shall be liable only for acts, omissions, losses, damages or expenses caused by the Agent’s willful misconduct or gross negligence.  In addition, the Agent shall not be liable for any taxes, assessments or governmental charges which may be levied or assessed on any basis whatsoever in connection with the administration of the Plan.
 
8.
The Agent may hold each Participant’s Common Stock acquired pursuant to the Plan together with the Common Stock of other Stockholders of the Fund acquired pursuant to the Plan in non-certificated form in the Agent’s name or that of the Agent’s nominee. Each Participant will be sent a confirmation by the Agent of each acquisition made for his or her account as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 60 days, after the date thereof. Upon a Participant’s request, the Agent will deliver to the Participant, without charge, a certificate or certificates for the full Common Stock. Although each Participant may from time to time have an undivided fractional interest in a Common Share of the Fund, no certificates for a fractional share will be issued. Similarly, Participants may request to sell a portion of the Common Stock held by the Agent in their Plan accounts by calling the Agent, writing to the Agent, or completing and returning the transaction form attached to each Plan statement. The Agent will sell such Common Stock through a broker-dealer selected by the Agent within 5 business days of receipt of the request. The sale price will equal the weighted average price of all Common Stock sold through the Plan on the day of the sale, less brokerage commissions. Participants should note that the Agent is unable to accept instructions to sell on a specific date or at a specific price. Any share dividends or split shares distributed by the Fund on Common Stock held by the Agent for Participants will be credited to their accounts. In the event that the Fund makes available to its Stockholders rights to purchase additional Common Stock, the Common Stock held for each Participant under the Plan will be added to other Common Stock held by the Participant in calculating the number of rights to be issued to each Participant.
 
If a Participant holds more than one Common Stock Certificate registered in similar but not identical names or if more than one address is shown for a Participant on the Fund’s records, all of such Participant’s shares of Common Stock must be put into the same name and address if all of them are to be covered by one account. Additional shares subsequently acquired by a Participant otherwise than through the Plan will be covered by the Plan.
 
9.
The reinvestment of Distributions does not relieve Participants of any federal, state or local taxes which may be payable (or required to be withheld on Distributions.) Participants will receive tax information annually for their personal records and to help them prepare their federal income tax return. For further information as to tax consequences of participation in the Plan, Participants should consult with their own tax advisors.
 
 
-34-

 
 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Unaudited) (continued)

 
10.
Each registered Participant may terminate his or her account under the Plan by notifying the Agent in writing at State Street Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 642, Boston, MA  02117-0642, or by calling the Agent at (617) 662-2760.  Such termination will be effective with respect to a particular Distribution if the Participant’s notice is received by the Agent prior to such Distribution record date. The Plan may be terminated by the Agent or the Fund upon notice in writing mailed to each Participant at least 60 days prior to the effective date of the termination. Upon any termination, the Agent will cause a certificate or certificates to be issued for the full shares held for each Participant under the Plan and cash adjustment for any fraction of a Common Share at the then current market value of the Common Shares to be delivered to him. If preferred, a Participant may request the sale of all of the Common Shares held by the Agent in his or her Plan account in order to terminate participation in the Plan. If any Participant elects in advance of such termination to have Agent sell part or all of his shares, Agent is authorized to deduct from the proceeds the brokerage commissions incurred for the transaction. If a Participant has terminated his or her participation in the Plan but continues to have Common Shares registered in his or her name, he or she may re-enroll in the Plan at any time by notifying the Agent in writing at the address above.
 
11.
These terms and conditions may be amended by the Agent or the Fund at any time but, except when necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law or the rules or policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority, only by mailing to each Participant appropriate written notice at least 30 days prior to the effective date thereof. The amendment shall be deemed to be accepted by each Participant unless, prior to the effective date thereof, the Agent receives notice of the termination of the Participant’s account under the Plan. Any such amendment may include an appointment by the Agent of a successor Agent, subject to the prior written approval of the successor Agent by the Fund.
 
12.
These terms and conditions shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland.
 
Dated: November 22, 2006
 
 
-35-

 

 
THE HERZFELD CARIBBEAN BASIN FUND, INC.
119 Washington Avenue
Suite 504
Miami Beach, FL  33139
 
 
 

 
 
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS

(a) The registrant, as of the end of the period covered by this report, has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.

(c) There have been no amendments, during the period covered by this report, to a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics description.

(d) The registrant has not granted any waivers, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more of the items set forth in Item 2(b) of Form N-CSR.

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

As of the end of the period covered by the report, the registrant's board of directors has determined that Dr. Kay Tatum is an "audit committee financial expert" serving on its audit committee and that she is "independent" as such terms are defined by Item 3 of Form N-CSR.

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

(a) - (d)

Set forth in the table below are audit fees and non-audit related fees billed to the registrant by its principal accountant (the "Auditor") for the audit of the registrant's annual financial statements and services provided by the Auditor in connection with statutory and regulatory filings during and for the Registrant's fiscal years ended June 30, 2013 and 2014.
 
Fiscal Year
Ended June 30,
Audit
Fees
Audit-Related
Fees
Tax
Fees(2)
All Other
Fees(3)
         
2013 $50,500 $0
$10,000
$0
2014 $47,000 $0 $10,500 $0
 
 
 

 
 
(2) These fees related to services consisting of the review or preparation of U.S. federal, state, local and excise tax returns.

(3) These fees related to services consisting of accounting consultations, agreed upon procedure reports, attestation reports, comfort letters and review of statutory and regulatory filings.

(e) The registrant's Audit Committee charter requires that the Audit Committee pre-approve all auditing services and non-audit services (including the fees for such services and terms thereof) to be performed for the registrant by its Auditor, and the committee has not adopted pre-approval policies and procedures, although it may determine to do so in the future. The engagement to render auditing and non-auditing services would be presented to and pre-approved by the Audit Committee. All of the audit, audit-related and tax services described above for which the Auditor billed the registrant fees for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2013 and 2014 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

(f) Not applicable.

(g) The aggregate non-audit fees bills by the registrant's Auditor for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant's investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant were $0 for 2013 and $0 for 2014.

(h) Not applicable.

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS

(a) The registrant has a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. As of June 30, 2014, the registrant's audit committee was comprised of Kay W. Tatum, John A. Gelety, Michael A. Rubin, and Ann S. Lieff.

(b) Not applicable.

ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS

(a) Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

(b) Not applicable.

 
 

 
 
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
 
A copy of the registrant's proxy voting policies and procedures as well as its adviser's policies and procedures are attached hereto as Appendix A.

ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

(a)(1) Thomas J. Herzfeld, Chairman and President of The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. serves as a portfolio manager of the Fund and has held this position since its inception in 1993. This information is as of August 29, 2014.

Erik M. Herzfeld, Portfolio Manager of The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. serves as a portfolio manager of the Fund and has held this position since 2008. Before joining the Fund's investment adviser in 2007, Erik served in quantitative research and trading with both Lehman Brothers and JPMorgan, where he served as Vice President in New York and Asia. This information is as of August 29, 2014.

(a)(2)(i) and (ii) Mr. Thomas J. Herzfeld and Mr. Erik M. Herzfeld are also portfolio managers for approximately 260 other accounts comprising $214 million under management, and 0 pooled investment vehicles comprising $0 under management, however, none of the these accounts are managed with an investment strategy similar to the Fund's. The Fund is the only investment company managed by Mr. Thomas J. Herzfeld and Mr. Erik M. Herzfeld; the Fund has total assets of approximately $34 million.

(a)(2)(iii) No accounts are charged fees based on performance. For accounts other than the Fund, fees are calculated as a percentage of the value of assets under management at the end of each quarter.

(a)(2)(iv) The Fund does not believe that any material conflicts are likely to arise through Mr. Thomas J. Herzfeld's or Mr. Erik M. Herzfeld's management of other accounts in addition to the Fund in that there is very little overlap in the type of investments made for the Fund and other accounts, which generally trade shares of closed-end funds. The Fund is permitted, to a limited extent, to buy shares of other closed-end funds and occasionally other clients or Mr. T. Herzfeld may buy shares of securities also held in the portfolio of the Fund. The advisor and the Fund have adopted procedures overseen by the Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") intended to monitor compliance with such policies which include conflicts which may occur regarding allocation of investment opportunities between the Fund and other account. The CCO of the Fund reports directly to the Board of Directors at least annually.

(a)(3) Mr. Thomas J. Herzfeld and Mr. Erik M. Herzfeld receive no direct compensation from the Fund for their services as Portfolio Managers. Mr. Thomas J. Herzfeld owns 100% of the voting stock of the Advisor, a Subchapter S Corporation, therefore he is taxed on its profits. Portfolio managers, other than Thomas J. Herzfeld, are paid a fixed salary by the Advisor. In addition, the Advisor retains the ability to pay bonuses based on the overall profitability of the Advisor, however, compensation is not directly based upon the performance
 
 
 

 
 
of a particular client or account, including the Fund's performance, nor the value of a particular client or account, including the value of the Fund's assets.

(a)(4)(a) Range of value of shares of the Fund owned by Mr.  Thomas J.  Herzfeld as of June 30, 2014: over $1,000,000. Range of value of shares of the Fund owned by Mr. Erik M. Herzfeld as of June 30, 2014: $100,001-$500,000.
 
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END FUND MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Period
(a) Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
(b) Average
Price Paid
Per Share
(c) Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
(d) Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
Month #1 (beginning July 1, 2013 and ending July 31, 2013)
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
Month #2 (beginning August 1, 2013 and ending August 31, 2013)
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
Month #3 (beginning September 1, 2013 and ending September 30, 2013) 0
n/a
n/a
n/a
Month #3 (beginning October 1, 2013 and ending October 31, 2013)
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
Month #4 (beginning November 1, 2013 and ending November 30, 2013)
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
Month #5 (beginning December 1, 2013 and ending December 31, 2013)
6,475
7.861
n/a
n/a
Month #7 (beginning January 1, 2014 and ending January 31, 2014)
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
Month #8 (beginning February 1, 2014 and ending February 28, 2014)
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
Month #9 (beginning March 1, 2014 and ending March 31, 2014)
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
Month #10 (beginning April 1, 2014 and ending April 30, 2014)
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
Month #11 (beginning May 1, 2014 and ending May 31, 2014)
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
Month #12 (beginning June 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2014)
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
Total
6,475
7.861
n/a
n/a

 
 

 
 
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
 
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the stockholders may recommend nominees to the registrant's board of directors, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 7(d)(2)(ii)(G) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101), or this Item.

ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a) The registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).

(b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the registrant's last fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.

(a)(1) Code of ethics is filed as Exhibit 99.CodeEth to the N-CSR.

(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are filed herewith as Exhibits 99.302 Cert.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

(b) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are filed herewith as Exhibits 99.906 Cert.
 
 
 

 
 
Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc.

 
By: /s/ Thomas J. Herzfeld
 
Thomas J. Herzfeld
 
President and Chairman
   
 
Date: August 29, 2014
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
 
By: /s/ Thomas J. Herzfeld
 
Thomas J. Herzfeld
 
President and Chairman
   
 
Date: August 29, 2014
   
   
 
By: /s/ Reanna J. M. Lee
 
Reanna J. M. Lee
 
Secretary and Treasurer
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
   
 
Date: August 29, 2014
 
 
 

 

APPENDIX A
THE HERZFELD CARIBBEAN BASIN FUND, INC.
Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures

The Board of Directors of The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") hereby adopts the following policy and procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund:

Policy

It is the policy of the Board of Directors of the Fund (the "Board") to delegate the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund to the Fund's investment adviser (the "Adviser") as a part of the Adviser's general management of the Fund, subject to the Board's continuing oversight.' The voting of proxies is an integral part of the investment management services that the Adviser provides pursuant to the advisory contract.

The Adviser may, but is not required to, delegate the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund to a sub-adviser ("Sub-Adviser") retained to provide investment advisory services, if applicable. If such responsibility is delegated to a Sub-Adviser, then the Sub-Adviser shall assume the fiduciary duty and reporting responsibilities of the Adviser under these policy guidelines.

Fiduciary Duty

The right to vote a proxy with respect to portfolio securities held by the Fund is an asset of the Fund. The Adviser, to which authority to vote on behalf of the Fund is delegated, acts as a fiduciary of the Fund and must vote proxies in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.

Procedures

The following are the procedures adopted by the Board for the administration of this policy:

A. Review of Adviser Proxy Voting Procedures. The Adviser with authority to vote proxies on behalf of the Fund shall present to the Board its policies, procedures and other guidelines for voting proxies at least annually, and must notify the Board promptly of material changes to any of these documents.

B. Voting Record Reporting. No less than annually, the Adviser shall report to the Board a record of each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of the Fund during the year. With respect to those proxies that the Adviser has identified as involving a conflict of interest(2), the Adviser shall submit a separate report indicating the nature of the conflict of interest and how that conflict was resolved with respect to the voting of the proxy.
 
 
 

 
 
Revocation

The delegation by the Board of the authority to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Fund is entirely voluntary and may be revoked by the Board, in whole or in part, at any time.

Annual Filing

The Fund shall file an annual report of each proxy voted with respect to its portfolio securities during the twelve-month period ended June 30 on Form N-PX not later than August 31 of each year.

Disclosures

The Fund shall include in its annual report to stockholders:

A description of this policy and of the policies and procedures used by the Adviser to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities (3); and

A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund's toll-free telephone number and on the SEC website(4).

The Fund shall also include in its annual and semi-annual reports to stockholders:

A statement disclosing that a description of the policies and procedures used by or on behalf of the Fund to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Funds is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund's toll-free telephone number and on the SEC website.(5)

A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund's toll-free telephone number and on the SEC website.(6)

Review of Policy.

At least annually, the Board shall review this Policy to determine its sufficiency and shall make and approve any changes that it deems necessary from time to time
 
 
 

 
 
______________
 
(1)This policy is adopted for the purpose of the disclosure requirements adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Release Nos. 33-8188, 34-47304, IC-25922.

(2)As it is used in this document, the term "conflict of interest" refers to a situation in which the Adviser or Sub-Adviser or affiliated persons of the Adviser or Sub-Adviser have a financial interest in a matter presented by a proxy other than the obligation it incurs as investment adviser to the Fund which compromises the Adviser's or Sub-Adviser's independence of judgment and action with respect to the voting of the proxy.

(3)This disclosure shall be included in the annual report next filed by the Fund, on Form N-CSR on or after July 1, 2003.

(4)Id.

(5)This disclosure shall be included in the report next filed by the Fund on or after July 1, 2003.

(6)Id.
 
 
 

 
 
THOMAS J. HERZFELD ADVISORS, INC.

PROXY VOTING

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

I.
POLICY

Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc. (the "Adviser") acts as discretionary investment adviser for various clients, including The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and clients governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA").

Selected clients, including The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. have elected to have the Adviser vote proxies or act on the other shareholder actions on their behalf, while other clients vote proxies themselves.

When voting proxies or acting on corporate actions for clients, the Adviser's utmost concern is that all decisions be made in the best interest of its clients (for ERISA accounts, plan beneficiaries and participants, in accordance with the letter and spirit of ERISA). The Adviser will act in a manner deemed prudent and diligent and which is intended to enhance the economic value of the assets of its clients' accounts.

II.
PURPOSE

The purpose of these Policies and Procedures is to memorialize the procedures and policies adopted by the Adviser to enable it to comply with its responsibilities and the requirements of Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended ("Advisers Act"). These Policies and Procedures also reflect the fiduciary standards and responsibilities set forth by the Department of Labor for ERISA accounts.

III.
PROCEDURES

The Portfolio Managers are ultimately responsible for ensuring that all proxies received by the Adviser are voted in a timely manner and voted consistently across all portfolios.  Although many proxy proposals can be voted in accordance with the Adviser’s established guidelines (see Section V. below) (the “Guidelines”), the Adviser recognizes that some proposals require special consideration, which may dictate that the Adviser makes an exception to the Guidelines.
The Portfolio Managers are also responsible for ensuring that all corporate actions received by the Adviser are addressed in a timely manner and consistent action is taken across all portfolios.
 
 
 

 
 
A. Conflicts of Interest. Where a proxy proposal raises a material conflict of interest between the Adviser's interests and that of one or more its clients, the Adviser shall resolve such conflict in the manner described below.

1. Vote in Accordance with the Guidelines. To the extent that the Adviser has little or no discretion to deviate from the Guidelines with respect to the proposal in question, the Adviser shall vote in accordance with such pre-determined voting policy.

2. Obtain Consent of Clients. To the extent that the Adviser has discretion to deviate from the Guidelines with respect to the proposal in question, the Adviser shall disclose the conflict to the relevant clients and obtain their consent to the proposed vote prior to voting the securities. The disclosure to the clients will include sufficient detail regarding the matter to be voted on and the nature of our conflict that the clients would be able to make an informed decision regarding the vote. When a client does not respond to such a conflict disclosure request or denies the request, the Adviser will abstain from voting the securities held by that client's account.

B. Limitations. In certain circumstances, in accordance with a client's investment advisory contract (or other written directive) or where the Adviser has determined that it is in the client's best interest, the Adviser will not vote proxies received. The following are some circumstances where the Adviser will limit its role in voting proxies received on client securities:

1. Client Maintains Proxy Voting Authority: Where a client has not specifically delegated the authority to vote proxies to the Adviser or that it has delegated the right to vote proxies to a third party, the Adviser will not vote the securities and will direct the relevant custodian to send the proxy material directly to the client. If any proxy material is received by the Adviser, it will promptly be forwarded to the client.

2. Terminated Account: Once a client account has been terminated with the Adviser in accordance with its investment advisory agreement, the Adviser will not vote any proxies received after the termination. However, the client may specify in writing that proxies should be directed to the client for action.

3. Limited Value: If the Adviser concludes that the client's economic interest or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant, the Adviser will abstain from voting a client's proxies. The Adviser does not vote proxies received for securities which are no longer held by the client's account. In addition, the Adviser generally does not vote securities where the economic value of the securities in the client's account is less than $500.

4. Securities Lending Programs: When securities are out on loan, they are transferred into the borrower's name and are voted by the borrower, in its discretion. However, where the Adviser determines that a proxy vote (or shareholder action) is materially important to the client's account, the Adviser may recall the security.
 
 
 

 
 
5. Unjustifiable Costs: In certain circumstances, after doing a cost-benefit analysis, the Adviser may abstain from voting where the cost of voting a client's proxy would exceed any anticipated benefits of the proxy proposal.

IV.
RECORD KEEPING

In accordance with Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act, the Adviser will maintain for the time periods set forth in the Rule (i) these proxy voting procedures and policies, and amendments thereto; (ii) all proxy statements received regarding client securities (provided however, that the Adviser may rely on the proxy statement filed on EDGAR as its records)(1); (iii) a record of votes cast on behalf of clients; (iv) records of client requests for proxy voting information; (v) any documents prepared by the adviser that were material to making a decision how to vote or that memorialized the basis for the decision; and (vi) records relating to requests made to clients regarding conflicts of interest in voting the proxy.

The Adviser will describe in its Part II of Form ADV (or other brochure fulfilling the requirement of Rule 204-3) its proxy voting policies and procedures and advising clients how they may obtain information on how the Adviser voted their securities. Clients may obtain information on how their securities were voted or a copy of our Policies and Procedures by written request addressed to the Adviser.

V.
GUIDELINES

Each proxy issue will be considered individually. The following guidelines are a partial list to be used in voting proposals contained in the proxy statements, but will not be used as rigid rules.

1.
Issues regarding the issuer's Board entrenchment and anti-takeover measures such as the following:
Oppose
     
 
b.
Proposals to limit the ability of shareholders to call special meetings;
 
       
 
c.
Proposals to require super majority votes;
 
       
 
d.
Proposals requesting excessive increases in authorized common or preferred shares where management provides no explanation for the use or need for these additional shares;
 
       
 
e.
Proposals regarding "poison pill" provisions; and
 
       
 
f.
Permitting "green mail".
 
     
2.
Providing cumulative voting rights.
Oppose
 
 
 

 
 
3.
"Social issues," unless specific client guidelines supersede, e.g., restrictions regarding South Africa.
Oppose
     
4.
Election of directors recommended by management, except if there is a proxy fight.
Approve
     
5.
Election of auditors recommended by management, unless seeking to replace if there exists a dispute over policies.
Approve
     
6.
Date and place of annual meeting.
Approve
     
7.
Limitation on charitable contributions or fees paid to lawyers.
Approve
     
8.
Ratification of directors' actions on routine matters since previous annual meeting.
Approve
     
9.
Confidential voting
Approve
     
 
Confidential voting is most often proposed by shareholders as a means of eliminating undue management pressure on shareholders regarding their vote on proxy issues.
 
     
 
The Adviser will generally approve these proposals as shareholders can later divulge their votes to management on a selective basis if a legitimate reason arises.
 
     
10.
Limiting directors' liability
Approve
     
11.
Eliminate preemptive right
Approve
     
 
Preemptive rights give current shareholders the opportunity to maintain their current percentage ownership through any subsequent equity offerings. These provisions are no longer common in the U.S., and can restrict management's ability to raise new capital.
 
     
 
The Adviser approves the elimination of preemptive rights, but will oppose the elimination of limited preemptive rights, E.G., on proposed issues representing more than an acceptable level of total dilution.
 
     
12.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Approve
     
13.
Establish 401(k) Plan
Approve
     
14.
Rotate annual meeting location/date
Approve
 
 
 

 
 
15.
Establish a staggered Board
Approve
     
16.
Eliminate director mandatory retirement policy
Case-by-Case
     
17.
Option and stock grants to management and directors
Case-by-Case
     
18.
Allowing indemnification of directors and/or officers after reviewing the applicable laws and extent of protection requested.
Case-by-Case
 
 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT A
 
Chief Executive Officer - Thomas J. Herzfeld

Chief Financial Officer - Reanna J. M. Lee