PETROLEUM & RESOURCES CORPORATION - FORM N-CSR - DECEMBER 31, 2014

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-02736
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

PETROLEUM & RESOURCES CORPORATION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

7 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1140, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Lawrence L. Hooper, Jr.
Petroleum & Resources Corporation
7 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1140
Baltimore, Maryland 21202

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (410) 752-5900
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: December 31, 2014

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

LOGO

 


2014 AT A GLANCE

 

 

THE FUND

 

Ÿ   a closed-end equity investment company specializing in energy and other natural resources stocks
Ÿ   objectives:   preservation of capital

reasonable income

opportunity for capital gain

Ÿ   internally-managed
Ÿ   annual distribution rate of at least 6%

 

 

STOCK DATA (12/31/14)

 

NYSE Symbol PEO

Market Price $23.84

52-Week Range $21.50–$31.62

Discount 13.5%

Shares Outstanding 27,380,920

 

SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

               Year Ended December 31,  
      2014        2013  

Net asset value per share

   $ 27.56         $ 32.26   

Total net assets

     754,505,739           863,689,833   

Unrealized appreciation on investments

     281,366,035           402,483,744   

Net investment income

     13,467,415           11,590,396   

Net realized gain

     35,112,615           37,428,311   

Total return (based on market price)

     (6.3)%           22.7%   

Total return (based on net asset value)

     (8.0)%           24.2%   

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     0.63%           0.78%   

Annual distribution rate

     6.6%           7.2%   
                     

 

 

2014 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

 

Paid    Amount
(per share)
    Type

March 3, 2014

   $ 0.06      Long-term capital gain

March 3, 2014

     0.02      Short-term capital gain

March 3, 2014

     0.02      Investment income

June 2, 2014

     0.10      Investment income

September 2, 2014

     0.10      Investment income

December 23, 2014

     1.20      Long-term capital gain

December 23, 2014

     0.10      Short-term capital gain

December 23, 2014

     0.29      Investment income
              
   $ 1.89     
              

 

 

2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

Location: Belmond Charleston Place, Charleston, South Carolina

Date: April 30, 2015

Time: 10:00 a.m.


PORTFOLIO REVIEW

 

 

December 31, 2014

(unaudited)

 

 TEN LARGEST EQUITY PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

      Market Value       

Percent

of Net Assets

 

Exxon Mobil Corp.

   $ 125,586,853           16.6

Chevron Corp.

     83,372,176           11.0   

Schlumberger Ltd.

     53,466,660           7.1   

EOG Resources, Inc.

     32,961,060           4.4   

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

     32,647,050           4.3   

Phillips 66

     30,922,418           4.1   

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (Class A)

     28,104,060           3.7   

Dow Chemical Co.

     24,971,475           3.3   

Monsanto Co.

     23,224,968           3.1   

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

     22,912,165           3.0   
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

   $ 458,168,885           60.6
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 INDUSTRY WEIGHTINGS

 

LOGO

 

 

1


LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

Dear Fellow Shareholders:

 

After a slow start to 2014, the S&P 500 reached an all-time high in December, marking the sixth consecutive year of gains. The rocky start to the year reflected soft U.S. economic data and fears that economic growth might be slowing in China, Japan and Europe. The Federal Reserve’s decision in December 2013 to taper its bond-buying campaign raised fears of slowing the U.S. economy’s momentum. Weather also took a heavy toll with unusually cold temperatures and heavy snow storms cutting into consumer spending, construction and industrial activity. Internationally, sharp declines in the currencies of Argentina and Turkey and tensions in Russia and the Ukraine heightened fears. Markets overcame these fears and, after the sell-off in January, recovered to finish in positive territory by the end of the first quarter.

 

Spring ushered in confidence that the U.S. economic recovery would gather pace despite the decline of 2.1% in Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) for the first quarter. Earnings season was strong and reported job gains were broad-based, recovering to pre-recession levels. Strong manufacturing data, coupled with positive momentum in the housing market and robust merger and acquisition activity, confirmed that the economy had begun an upswing from both a difficult winter and the long, subpar expansion. Markets discounted the tepid international economic data and geopolitical risks in the Ukraine and Iraq, and though volume and volatility were low, markets rallied for the eighth consecutive quarter. In the months that followed, investors continued to observe positive economic data, but were less certain regarding market direction. Volatility returned after an extended period of calm as solid U.S. economic reports and potential rising interest rates contrasted sharply with weaker foreign markets and central bank initiatives. This dynamic also caused the U.S. dollar to move higher against most currencies.

 

Building toward year-end, risk aversion became apparent. Falling oil prices and disappointing European data along with ongoing geopolitical risks tested the market’s conviction and led to a 7.4% drop in the S&P 500 moving into October. However, markets bounced back quickly as solid corporate earnings and guidance, a 5.0% rise in GDP, and surging U.S. economic data combined with monetary easing in Japan and interest rate cuts in China, assuaging investor concerns. During the year, a key theme that influenced investor decisions was the unfettered growth in domestic energy production. U.S. shale oil production accounted for virtually all of the increase in world production growth outside of OPEC in 2014. Subsequently, oil shale opportunities and the capital spending to develop them played an important role in the U.S. recovery. Jobs growth was significant and related industries prospered. That theme began to unravel by mid-year on the strength of the U.S. dollar and slowing demand growth, but the sell-off gained pace after Thanksgiving Day when OPEC decided to keep its output target unchanged. The decision not to cut production quotas stunned markets and oil prices plunged, taking with them many ancillary businesses. Market participants quickly identified beneficiaries of the downward move in oil prices. This helped to sustain the upward march of the broader markets, leading to an annual return on the S&P 500 of 13.7%.

 

Four years of oil averaging $100 per barrel enabled the U.S. oil shale revolution to develop rapidly. Double digit U.S. production growth, along with OPEC’s decision to maintain its production, collided with anemic demand growth to produce the perfect storm. Oversupplied markets minimized geopolitical concerns, and historic risk premiums were no longer factored into oil prices. Commodity prices instead honed in on supply/demand issues and the rising dollar, causing crude prices to be cut in half from June peaks. Oil closed the year slightly above $50 per barrel.

 

Natural gas pricing met a similar demise. Exploration and production (“E&P”) companies in large part shifted capital spending budgets to focus on higher-return oil prospects. As oil production increased, gas produced in conjunction with oil (associated gas) also increased. Total gas produced increased by 5.5%, surpassing demand. Prompted by extreme weather conditions, gas prices spiked early in the year and peaked at $6.20 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) but fell sharply to close the year at $2.90/MMBtu, reflecting plentiful supply and ample storage.

 

2


LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

Against this backdrop, energy was the only sector in the S&P 500 that declined for the year. Petroleum & Resources distributed 6.6% to shareholders and generated a total return on market price of -6.3%. The Fund performed well in comparison to our peer group, the Lipper Global Natural Resources Funds Index, which returned -14.8%. The Dow Jones U.S. Oil and Gas Index return was -9.3% and the Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Index returned 3.4%. The Fund’s total return on net asset value was -8.0%.

 

The dispersion of returns within our portfolio was high. The performance of companies involved in gathering, moving, and processing oil provided positive returns. The Fund’s pipeline holdings, Kinder Morgan and Williams Companies, advanced 23.8%. On the other end of the spectrum, companies involved in exploring for and producing oil and gas suffered with the declining commodity price, hurting the Fund’s overall performance. Having the greatest sensitivity to the price of oil, our drilling stocks responded with a -38.5% return. Overall, our E&P stocks returned -14.0%. Smaller-cap E&P names levered to oil prices, including Whiting Petroleum and Oasis Petroleum, were particularly impacted. Many larger-cap E&P companies with strong balance sheets and production increases fared relatively better. Our holding in EOG Resources bucked the decline in the sector and gained 10.3% for the year. The Fund’s holdings in the integrated oil companies, including ExxonMobil and Chevron, returned -6.8%, as size and diversification of assets across the energy complex softened the impact of the falling oil price.

 

Basic materials stocks in the portfolio generally helped to offset the decline in energy stocks. Agricultural stocks generated good returns for the portfolio as they benefited from attractive plantings and advantaged raw material costs. CF Industries delivered a 19.3% return for the Fund and Monsanto returned 4.1%. Heading into the second half of the year, the containerboard market looked attractive and structurally sound after many years of oversupply. Specifically, specialty packaging was experiencing demand growth. In September, we identified an opportunity in Packaging Corporation of America based on its exposure to that growth and attractive margins versus competitors. The stock produced a 12.5% return through the end of the year.

 

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2015

 

Neither a supply reduction nor a demand increase will come easily in the short-run. Without OPEC intervention, the supply response will result from less investment in domestic E&P projects. Several U.S. shale producers have already announced plans to cut capital spending for 2015. However, a production response will take some time. While additional U.S. supply will flow from previous drilling, exerting pressure on oil prices in the first half of 2015, incremental oil production from shale plays should decline by the second half of the year. Future oil production from major international projects will also need to be absorbed, but a longer-term market balance is not hard to envision. Markets can be stabilized by shale growth slowing, OPEC curtailments or rising demand.

 

While OPEC currently seems willing to let market forces set the oil price, its member countries are under intense fiscal pressure to fund social spending programs. The unintended consequences of lower oil revenue in producing countries, including Russia and those in the Middle East, and geopolitical issues are always a threat to supply and can influence prices quickly.

 

A demand response for oil may vary geographically. In the U.S., a drop in energy prices represents a windfall in discretionary income. An increase in demand from lower-priced gasoline is already being recorded. Oil demand growth outside the U.S., however, is dependent on local economic activity, government pricing and the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar.

 

Lower domestic oil production resulting from capital spending declines will also benefit the U.S. natural gas supply/demand balance. Growth of associated gas from oil wells will fall as oil production declines. A normal weather demand pattern or slowing production growth could also stabilize prices.

 

3


LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

The portfolio is positioned to weather the storm and participate when conditions improve. ExxonMobil and Chevron remain large positions for the Fund and offer defensive characteristics. Their diversified assets across the energy spectrum result in less sensitivity to the price of the commodity. We also continue to maintain a strong weighting in midstream companies for similar reasons. Our positions in Kinder Morgan and Williams Companies represent our exposure to that space. While cautious on the upstream, or producing side of the business, we believe EOG Resources has the asset base, business model and balance sheet to outperform its peers. In equipment and services, we are avoiding large exposure to drilling companies. We favor Schlumberger, a large, diversified international service company that we believe is a best-of-breed operator in this very challenging segment of the energy sector.

 

Basic materials stocks offer attractive investment opportunities. We believe that exposure to secular growth trends and superior cost structures are important attributes for success in this segment. One area that offers superior growth is agricultural chemicals. Demand for agricultural products continues to grow unabated while new arable land is scarce. CF Industries and Monsanto help farmers increase yield on existing farmland in order to meet the rising demand. We believe that LyondellBasell, a major petrochemical company, has one of the best comparative cost structures in the sector. Inexpensive, U.S.-sourced natural gas gives them a sustainable cost advantage versus their global competitors. Also, management has consistently shown strong capital discipline, returning a large portion of their significant free cash flow to shareholders through both dividends and share repurchases.

 

Market volatility increased significantly the past year, which has proven challenging for active managers. A steadfast commitment to our philosophy and process has served us well. We strive to identify high quality companies that we can own for multiple years. We also look for near-term opportunities that can benefit our shareholders. Looking over the horizon, we are optimistic about the outlook for the Fund in 2015.

 

 

 

On January 21, 2015, we announced changes to the management of the Fund. Jim Haynie, who had held the position of Executive Vice President since 2013, was named President, succeeding Nancy Prue, who was named Executive Vice President, Director of Shareholder Communications. Jim has over 25 years of experience in equity investing and is well-versed in the energy sector. He and I will comprise the portfolio management team for the Fund. We want to thank Nancy for her invaluable contributions to the Fund. In her new role, she will be responsible for the content and delivery of information about the Funds to shareholders and the investment community.

 

During the past year, we completed a rebranding study for the Fund. Our objective was to remember our proud history but to more accurately reflect what we offer to investors today. Therefore, the decision was made to rebrand both Petroleum & Resources and our non-controlling affiliate, The Adams Express Company, under the Adams Funds platform. By bringing these Funds together under the Adams Funds platform, we are acknowledging the shared value proposition these Funds bring to shareholders through their longstanding history, unwavering commitment to serving generations of investors, and strong track records.

 

Beginning March 31, 2015, Petroleum & Resources will change its name to Adams Natural Resources Fund to increase investor awareness of what we do and what we offer. The Fund’s ticker symbol will remain the same. Similarly, the name of The Adams Express Company will change to Adams Diversified Equity Fund. Our values and commitment to you will not change. The Funds will continue to share a Board of Directors and be managed by the experienced team of portfolio managers dedicated to employing a disciplined approach to identifying investment opportunities and carefully managing risk. Look for additional information in the coming weeks.

 

By order of the Board of Directors,

 

LOGO  

Mark E. Stoeckle

 
Chief Executive Officer  

 

January 23, 2015

 

4


STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

       

Investments* at value:

       

Common stocks (cost $472,827,506)

   $ 753,950,867        

Short-term investments (cost $988,681)

     988,681        

Securities lending collateral (cost $2,148,019)

     2,148,019         $ 757,087,567   

Cash

          351,354   

Dividends and interest receivable

         
894,402
  

Prepaid pension cost

          215,873   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

                1,305,071   

Total Assets

                759,854,267   

Liabilities

       

Open written option contracts* at value (proceeds $443,324)

          200,650   

Obligations to return securities lending collateral

          2,148,019   

Accrued pension liabilities

          1,487,488   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

                1,512,371   

Total Liabilities

                5,348,528   

Net Assets

              $ 754,505,739   

Net Assets

       

Common Stock at par value $0.001 per share, authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 27,380,920 shares (includes 41,347 nonvested restricted shares, 11,200 nonvested or deferred restricted stock units, and 12,391 deferred stock units) (note 6)

        $ 27,381   

Additional capital surplus

          473,964,033   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (note 5)

          (1,432,315

Undistributed net investment income

          101,177   

Undistributed net realized gain on investments

          479,428   

Unrealized appreciation on investments

                281,366,035   

Net Assets Applicable to Common Stock

              $ 754,505,739   

Net Asset Value Per Share of Common Stock

                $27.56   

 

* See Schedule of Investments on page 14 and Schedule of Outstanding Written Option Contracts on page 16.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

5


STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Income:

  

Dividends (net of $13,035 in foreign taxes)

   $ 18,948,087   

Other income

     81,275   

Total income

     19,029,362   

Expenses:

  

Investment research

     2,603,085   

Administration and operations

     1,195,293   

Directors’ compensation

     452,803   

Travel, training, and other office expenses

     304,718   

Reports and shareholder communications

     193,960   

Investment data services

     160,828   

Transfer agent, registrar, and custodian

     155,496   

Occupancy

     148,308   

Audit and accounting services

     110,817   

Legal services

     108,776   

Insurance

     74,439   

Other

     53,424   

Total expenses

     5,561,947   

Net Investment Income

     13,467,415   

Realized Gain and Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Investments

  

Net realized gain on security transactions

     34,856,819   

Net realized gain on written option contracts

     255,796   

Change in unrealized appreciation on securities

     (121,745,401

Change in unrealized appreciation on written option contracts

     627,692   

Net Loss on Investments

     (86,005,094

Other Comprehensive Income (note 5)

  

Defined benefit pension plans:

  

Net actuarial loss arising during period

     (485,480

Amortization of net loss

     96,519   

Other Comprehensive Income

     (388,961

Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ (72,926,640

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

6


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
      2014     

2013

 

From Operations:

     

Net investment income

   $ 13,467,415       $ 11,590,396   

Net realized gain on investments

     35,112,615         37,428,311   

Change in unrealized appreciation on investments

     (121,117,709)         118,292,094   

Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (note 5)

     (388,961)         899,149   

Change in net assets resulting from operations

     (72,926,640)         168,209,950   

Distributions to Shareholders from:

     

Net investment income

     (13,600,658      (12,044,136

Net realized gain from investment transactions

     (36,790,519      (37,060,004

Decrease in net assets from distributions

     (50,391,177      (49,104,140

From Capital Share Transactions:

     

Value of shares issued in payment of distributions (note 4)

     17,609,265         18,698,338   

Cost of shares purchased (note 4)

     (3,867,668      (7,441,145

Deferred compensation (notes 4, 6)

     392,126         338,368   

Increase in net assets from capital share transactions

     14,133,723         11,595,561   

Total Change in Net Assets

     (109,184,094)         130,701,371   

Net Assets:

     

Beginning of year

     863,689,833         732,988,462   

End of year (including undistributed net investment
income of $101,177 and $585,938, respectively)

   $ 754,505,739       $   863,689,833   

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

7


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Petroleum & Resources Corporation is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a non-diversified investment company (the Fund). The Fund is an internally-managed closed-end fund specializing in energy and other natural resources stocks. The investment objectives of the Fund are preservation of capital, the attainment of reasonable income from investments, and an opportunity for capital appreciation.

 

The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require the use of estimates made by Fund management. Management believes that estimates and security valuations are appropriate; however, actual results may differ from those estimates, and the security valuations reflected in the financial statements may differ from the value the Fund ultimately realizes upon sale of the securities.

 

Expenses — The Fund shares certain costs for investment research and data services, administration and operations, travel, training, office expenses, occupancy, accounting and legal services, insurance, and other miscellaneous items with its non-controlling affiliate, The Adams Express Company. Expenses that are not solely attributable to one fund are allocated to each fund based on relative net asset values or, in the case of investment research staff and related costs, relative market values of portfolio securities in the particular sector of coverage. Expense allocations are updated quarterly, as appropriate, except for those related to payroll, which are updated annually.

 

Security Transactions and Investment Income — Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gain or loss on sales of securities and options is determined on the basis of specific identification. Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are recognized on the ex-dividend date, and interest income is recognized on the accrual basis.

 

Security Valuation — The Fund’s investments are reported at fair value as defined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Investments in securities traded on national security exchanges are valued at the last reported sale price on the day of valuation. Over-the-counter and listed securities for which a sale price is not available are valued at the last quoted bid price. Short-term investments (excluding purchased options and money market funds) are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Purchased and written options are valued at the last quoted bid and asked price, respectively. Money market funds are valued at net asset value on the day of valuation.

 

Various inputs are used to determine the fair value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the following three levels:

 

   

Level 1 — fair value is determined based on market data obtained from independent sources; for example, quoted prices in active markets for identical investments,

   

Level 2 — fair value is determined using other assumptions obtained from independent sources; for example, quoted prices for similar investments,

   

Level 3 — fair value is determined using the Fund’s own assumptions, developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

 

The Fund’s investments at December 31, 2014 were classified as follows:

 

    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Common stocks

  $ 753,950,867      $      $      $ 753,950,867   

Short-term investments

    988,681                      988,681   

Securities lending collateral

    2,148,019                      2,148,019   

Total investments

  $ 757,087,567      $      $      $ 757,087,567   

Written options

  $ (200,650   $      $      $ (200,650

 

There were no transfers into or from Level 1 or Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

 

2. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

 

No federal income tax provision is required since the Fund’s policy is to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Additionally, management has analyzed and concluded that tax positions included in federal income tax returns from the previous three years that remain subject to examination do not require any provision. Any income tax-related interest or penalties would be recognized as income tax expense. As of December 31, 2014, the identified cost of securities for federal income tax purposes was $475,964,206 and net unrealized appreciation aggregated $281,123,361, consisting of gross unrealized appreciation of $324,650,539 and gross unrealized depreciation of $43,527,178.

 

8


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

Distributions are determined in accordance with our annual 6% minimum distribution rate commitment, based on the Fund’s average market price, and income tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. Such differences are primarily related to the Fund’s retirement plans and equity-based compensation. Differences that are permanent, while not material for the year ended December 31, 2014, are reclassified in the capital accounts of the Fund’s financial statements and have no impact on net assets. For tax purposes, distributions paid by the Fund during the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were classified as ordinary income of $16,788,488 and $14,916,062, respectively, and as long-term capital gain of $33,566,928 and $34,182,041, respectively. The tax basis of distributable earnings at December 31, 2014 was $394,087 of undistributed ordinary income and $1,455,876 of undistributed long-term capital gain.

 

 

3. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

The Fund’s investment decisions are made by the portfolio management team with recommendations from the research staff. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities, other than options and short-term investments, during the year ended December 31, 2014 were $171,697,936 and $194,945,328, respectively.

 

The Fund is subject to changes in the value of equity securities held (“equity price risk”) in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The Fund may purchase and write option contracts to increase or decrease its equity price risk exposure or may write option contracts to generate additional income. Option contracts generally entail risks associated with counterparty credit, liquidity, and unfavorable equity price movements. The Fund has mitigated counterparty credit and liquidity risks by trading its options through an exchange. The risk of unfavorable equity price movements is limited for purchased options to the premium paid and for written options by writing only covered call or collateralized put option contracts, which require the Fund to segregate certain securities or cash at its custodian when the option is written. A schedule of outstanding option contracts as of December 31, 2014 can be found on page 16.

 

When the Fund writes (purchases) an option, an amount equal to the premium received (paid) by the Fund is recorded as a liability (asset) and is subsequently marked to market daily in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, with any related change recorded as an unrealized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations. Premiums received (paid) from unexercised options are treated as realized gains (losses) on the expiration date and are separately identified in the Statement of Operations. Upon the exercise of written put (purchased call) option contracts, premiums received (paid) are deducted from (added to) the cost basis of the underlying securities purchased. Upon the exercise of written call (purchased put) option contracts, premiums received (paid) are added to (deducted from) the proceeds from the sale of underlying securities in determining whether there is a realized gain or loss.

 

Transactions in written covered call and collateralized put options during the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

    Covered Calls     Collateralized Puts  
    Contracts     Premiums     Contracts     Premiums  

Options outstanding, December 31, 2013

    4,540      $ 592,957        3,650      $ 409,185   

Options written

    11,567        1,171,579        8,551        1,062,073   

Options terminated in closing purchase transactions

    (2,150     (324,409     (2,765     (331,925

Options expired

    (9,057     (1,004,602     (6,978     (806,634

Options exercised

    (3,000     (237,529     (858     (87,371

Options outstanding, December 31, 2014

    1,900      $ 197,996        1,600      $ 245,328   

 

 

4. CAPITAL STOCK

 

The Fund has 5,000,000 authorized and unissued preferred shares, $0.001 par value.

 

On December 23, 2014, the Fund issued 726,872 shares of its Common Stock at a price of $24.19 per share (the average market price on December 8, 2014) to shareholders of record on November 24, 2014 who elected to take stock in payment of the year-end distribution from 2014 capital gain and investment income. During 2014, 1,041 shares were issued at a weighted average price of $25.21 per share as dividend equivalents to holders of deferred stock units and restricted stock units under the 2005 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan.

 

On December 27, 2013, the Fund issued 705,273 shares of its Common Stock at a price of $26.48 per share (the average market price on December 9, 2013) to shareholders of record on November 25, 2013 who elected to take stock in payment of the year-end distribution from 2013 capital gain and investment income. During 2013, 870 shares were issued at a weighted average price of $26.43

 

9


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

 

per share as dividend equivalents to holders of deferred stock units and restricted stock units under the 2005 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan.

 

The Fund may purchase shares of its Common Stock from time to time, in accordance with parameters set by the Board of Directors, at such prices and amounts as the portfolio management team may deem appropriate.

 

Transactions in Common Stock for 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 

    Shares     Amount  
    2014     2013     2014     2013  

Shares issued in payment of distributions

    727,913        706,143      $ 17,609,265      $ 18,698,338   

Shares purchased (at a weighted average discount from net asset value of 15.0% and 14.5%, respectively)

    (135,000    
(278,744)
       (3,867,668     (7,441,145 )  

Net activity under the 2005 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan

    12,779        22,228        392,126        338,368   

Net change

    605,692        449,627      $ 14,133,723      $ 11,595,561   

 

 

5. RETIREMENT PLANS

 

Defined Contribution Plans — The Fund sponsors a qualified defined contribution plan for all employees with at least six months of service and a nonqualified defined contribution plan for eligible employees to supplement the qualified plan. The Fund expensed contributions to the plans in the amount of $210,047, a portion thereof based on Fund performance, for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Fund does not provide postretirement medical benefits.

 

Defined Benefit Plans — On October 1, 2009, the Fund froze its non-contributory qualified and nonqualified defined benefit pension plans. Benefits are based on length of service and compensation during the last five years of employment through September 30, 2009, with no additional benefits being accrued beyond that date. In 2014, the Fund filed with the appropriate agencies to obtain approval to terminate the plans. Upon receiving the required regulatory approvals, all benefits under the plans will be paid out and all related pension liabilities will be relieved.

 

The funded status of the plans is recognized as an asset (overfunded plan) or a liability (underfunded plan) in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Changes in the prior service costs and accumulated actuarial gains and losses are recognized as accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of net assets, in the year in which the changes occur and are subsequently amortized into net periodic pension cost. Non-recurring settlement costs are recognized in net periodic pension cost when a plan participant receives a lump-sum benefit payment and includes the amount of which is in excess of the present value of the projected benefit and any unamortized actuarial losses attributable to the portion of the projected benefit obligation being satisfied.

 

The Fund’s policy is to contribute annually to the plans those amounts that can be deducted for federal income tax purposes, plus additional amounts as the Fund deems appropriate in order to provide assets sufficient to meet benefits to be paid to plan participants. The Fund contributed $0 to the qualified plan and $98,457 to the nonqualified plan in 2014. In 2015, the Fund anticipates making contributions to the plans to the extent that pension liabilities exceed assets available for plan benefits upon the termination of the plans.

 

The Fund uses a December 31 measurement date for its plans. Details in aggregate for the plans were as follows:

 

     2014     2013  
Change in benefit obligation     

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $  5,220,842      $ 7,224,455   

Interest cost

     187,700        219,235   

Actuarial loss

     477,134        68,167   

Benefits paid

     (141,274     (90,838

Effect of settlement (non-recurring)

    
       (2,200,177

Benefit obligation at end of year

   $  5,744,402      $ 5,220,842   

 

     2014     2013  
Change in qualified plan assets     

Fair value of qualified plan assets at
beginning of year

   $ 4,510,420      $ 6,490,137   

Actual return on plan assets

     5,184        263,277   

Benefits paid

     (42,817     (42,817

Settlement (non-recurring)

    
       (2,200,177

Fair value of qualified plan assets at
end of year

   $ 4,472,787      $ 4,510,420   

Funded status

   $ (1,271,615   $ (710,422

 

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $5,744,402 and $5,220,842 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

The primary investment objective of the Fund’s qualified pension plan assets is capital preservation, achieved through a portfolio of mutual funds and pooled separate accounts (“PSAs”). PSAs, like mutual funds, are made up of a wide variety of underlying investments in securities. The Fund’s targeted asset allocation for 2015 is to maintain approximately 60% of plan assets invested in short-term fixed income

 

10


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

 

securities and approximately 40% of plan assets invested in cash and money market securities.

 

The net asset value of mutual funds and PSAs are based on the fair value of its underlying investments. The fair value of the plan assets is determined using various inputs, summarized into the three levels described in footnote 1. The plan assets at December 31, 2014 were classified as follows:

 

    Level 1     Level
2
    Level 3     Total  

Fixed income securities

   
$2,689,922
     $      $      —           $ 2,689,922   

Money market securities

    1,778,798        4,067             —             1,782,865   

Total

  $ 4,468,720      $ 4,067       
$     —     
     $ 4,472,787   

 

Items impacting the Fund’s net investment income and accumulated other comprehensive income were:

 

     2014     2013  
Components of net periodic pension cost     

Interest cost

   $  187,700      $ 219,235   

Expected return on plan assets

     (22,245     (206,382

Net loss component

     96,519        278,362   

Effect of settlement (non-recurring)

    
     —
       641,408   

Net periodic pension cost

   $  261,974      $ 932,623   

 

     2014     2013  
Accumulated other comprehensive income     

Defined benefit pension plans:

    

Balance at beginning of year

   $ (1,043,354   $ (1,942,503

Net actuarial loss arising during period

     (485,480     (20,621

Reclassifications to net periodic pension cost:

    

Amortization of net loss

     96,519        278,362   

Effect of settlement (non-recurring)

    
     —
       641,408   

Balance at end of year

   $ (1,432,315   $ (1,043,354

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income was comprised of net actuarial losses of $(1,432,315) and $(1,043,354) at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In 2015, the Fund estimates that $174,629 of net losses will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost and the remaining balance of net losses will be recognized upon termination of the plans.

 

Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations were:

 

     2014     2013  

Discount rate

     2.94     3.82

Rate of compensation increase

              

 

The assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost were:

 

     2014     2013  

Discount rate

     3.81     3.62

Expected long-term return on plan assets

     1.20     4.00

Rate of compensation increase

              

 

The assumption used to determine expected long-term return on plan assets was based on historical and future expected returns of multiple asset classes in order to develop a risk-free real rate of return and risk premiums for each asset class. The overall rate for each asset class was developed by combining a long-term inflation component, the risk-free real rate of return, and the associated risk premium. A weighted average rate was developed based on those overall rates and the target asset allocation of the plan.

 

The following benefit payments are eligible to be paid in the years indicated:

 

     Pension Benefits  

2015

   $ 878,000   

2016

     134,000   

2017

     2,560,000   

2018

     444,000   

2019

     118,000   

Years 2020-2024

     640,000   

 

 

6. EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The 2005 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan (“2005 Plan”), adopted at the 2005 Annual Meeting and re-approved at the 2010 Annual Meeting, permits the grant of restricted stock awards (both performance and nonperformance-based), as well as stock options and other stock incentives, to all employees and non-employee directors. Performance-based restricted stock awards vest at the end of a specified three-year period, with the ultimate number of shares earned contingent on achieving certain performance targets. If performance targets are not achieved, all or a portion of the performance-based restricted shares are forfeited and become available for future grants. Nonperformance-based restricted stock awards typically vest ratably over a three-year period and nonperformance-based restricted stock units (granted to non-employee directors) vest over a one-year period. Payment of awards may be deferred, if elected. The 2005 Plan provides for accelerated vesting in the event of death or retirement. Non-employee directors also may elect to defer a portion of their cash compensation, with such deferred amount to be paid by delivery of deferred stock units. Outstanding awards were granted at fair market value on grant date (determined by the average of the high and low price on that date). The 2005 Plan provides for the issuance of up to 872,639 shares of the Fund’s Common Stock, of which 739,419 shares remain available for future grants at December 31, 2014.

 

11


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

A summary of the status of the Fund’s awards granted under the 2005 Plan as of December 31, 2014, and changes during the year then ended is presented below:

 

Awards

   Shares/
Units
    Weighted Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value
 

Balance at December 31, 2013

     61,728      $ 27.41   

Granted:

    

Restricted stock

     12,513        27.48   

Restricted stock units

     2,800        27.98   

Deferred stock units

     3,598        27.70   

Vested & issued

     (15,701     26.87   

Forfeited

    
      
  

Balance at December 31, 2014 (includes 15,295 performance-based awards and 49,643 nonperformance-based awards)

     64,938      $ 27.60   

 

Compensation cost resulting from awards granted under the 2005 Plan is based on the fair market value of the award on grant date and recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. For those awards with performance conditions, compensation cost is based on the most probable outcome and, if such goals are not met, compensation cost is not recognized and any previously recognized compensation cost is reversed. The total compensation cost for restricted stock granted to employees for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $385,667. The total compensation cost for restricted stock units granted to non-employee directors for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $70,803. As of December 31, 2014, there was total unrecognized compensation cost of $573,532, a component of additional capital surplus, related to nonvested equity-based compensation arrangements granted under the 2005 Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.31 years. The total fair value of shares and units vested and issued during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $425,944.

 

 

7. OFFICER AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

The aggregate remuneration paid during the year ended December 31, 2014 to officers and directors amounted to $2,611,639, of which $336,559 was paid as fees and compensation to directors who were not officers. These amounts represent the taxable income to the Fund’s officers and directors and therefore differ from the amounts reported in the accompanying Statement of Operations that are recorded and expensed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

 

8. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES LOANED

 

The Fund makes loans of securities to approved brokers to earn additional income. It receives as collateral cash deposits, U.S. Government securities, or bank letters of credit valued at 102% of the value of the securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is calculated based upon the most recent closing prices and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. Cash deposits are placed in a registered money market fund. The Fund accounts for securities lending transactions as secured financing and receives compensation in the form of fees or retains a portion of interest on the investment of any cash received as collateral. The Fund also continues to receive interest or dividends on the securities loaned. Gain or loss in the fair value of securities loaned that may occur during the term of the loan will be for the account of the Fund. At December 31, 2014, the Fund had securities on loan of $2,097,882 and held cash collateral of $2,148,019. The Fund is indemnified by the Custodian, serving as lending agent, for loss of loaned securities and has the right under the lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

 

 

9. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

 

The Fund leases office space and equipment under operating lease agreements expiring at various dates through the year 2026. The Fund recognized rental expense of $132,416 in 2014, and its minimum rental commitments are as follows:

 

2015

   $ 164,711   

2016

     78,329   

2017

     150,133   

2018

     153,950   

2019

     123,209   

Thereafter

     929,405   

Total

   $ 1,599,737   

 

12


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  

Results Per Share Outstanding For Each Period

         

Net asset value, beginning of year

    $32.26        $27.84        $28.58        $30.73        $26.75   

Net investment income

    0.50        0.44        0.48        0.41        0.35   

Net realized gains and increase (decrease)
in unrealized appreciation

    (3.23)        5.93        0.48        (0.42)        4.97   

Change in accumulated
other comprehensive income (note 5)

    (0.01)        0.03               (0.03)        0.01   

Total from investment operations

    (2.74)        6.40        0.96        (0.04)        5.33   

Less distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.51)        (0.46)        (0.42)        (0.39)        (0.32)   

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.38)        (1.42)        (1.18)        (1.58)        (0.95)   

Total distributions

    (1.89)        (1.88)        (1.60)        (1.97)        (1.27)   

Capital share repurchases

    0.03         0.05                         

Reinvestment of distributions

    (0.10)        (0.15)        (0.10)        (0.14)        (0.08)   

Total capital share transactions

    (0.07)        (0.10)        (0.10)        (0.14)        (0.08)   

Net asset value, end of year

    $27.56        $32.26        $27.84        $28.58        $30.73   

Market price, end of year

    $23.84        $27.38        $23.92        $24.48        $27.01   

Total Investment Return*

         

Based on market price

    (6.3)%        22.7%        4.3%        (2.3)%        19.6%   

Based on net asset value

    (8.0)%        24.2%        4.0%        0.3%        20.8%   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

    $754,506        $863,690        $732,988        $732,811        $761,736   

Ratio of expenses to average net assets**

    0.63%        0.78%        0.65%        0.56%        0.64%   

Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets***

    1.53%        1.44%        1.67%        1.29%        1.32%   

Portfolio turnover

    19.6%        18.7%        11.7%        16.4%        16.8%   

Number of shares outstanding at end of year
(in 000’s)

    27,381        26,775        26,326        25,641        24,790   

 

*   Total investment return assumes reinvestment of all distributions at the price received in the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan.
**   The ratios of expenses to average net assets were 0.70% and 0.64%, in 2013 and 2012, respectively, after adjusting for non-recurring pension expenses as described in footnote 5.
***   The ratios of net investment income to average net assets were 1.52% and 1.68% in 2013 and 2012, respectively, after adjusting for non-recurring pension expenses as described in footnote 5.

 

13


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

      Shares      Value (A)  

Common Stocks — 99.9%

     

Energy — 79.6%

     

Exploration & Production — 26.7%

     

Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (E)

     275,000       $ 22,687,500   

Cimarex Energy Co. 

     108,000         11,448,000   

ConocoPhillips

     197,000         13,604,820   

Energen Corp. 

     190,000         12,114,400   

EOG Resources, Inc. 

     358,000         32,961,060   

EQT Corp. 

     140,000         10,598,000   

Hess Corp. 

     115,000         8,489,300   

Marathon Oil Corp. 

     571,000         16,153,590   

Noble Energy, Inc. 

     373,500         17,715,105   

Oasis Petroleum, Inc. (C)

     162,500         2,687,750   

Occidental Petroleum Corp. 

     405,000         32,647,050   

Pioneer Natural Resources Co. (E)

     99,500         14,810,575   

Whiting Petroleum Corp. (C)

     174,500         5,758,500   
     

 

 

 
        201,675,650   
     

 

 

 

Integrated Oil & Gas — 29.2%

     

Chevron Corp. 

     743,200         83,372,176   

Exxon Mobil Corp. (F)

     1,358,430         125,586,853   

Suncor Energy Inc. 

     350,000         11,123,000   
     

 

 

 
        220,082,029   
     

 

 

 

Oil Equipment & Services — 14.4%

     

Baker Hughes, Inc. 

     160,000         8,971,200   

Ensco plc (Class A) 

     140,000         4,193,000   

Halliburton Co. 

     145,070         5,705,603   

Nabors Industries Ltd.

     162,897         2,114,403   

National Oilwell Varco, Inc. 

     250,000         16,382,500   

Oil States International Inc. (C)

     170,000         8,313,000   

Schlumberger Ltd. 

     626,000         53,466,660   

Seadrill Ltd. (B)

     200,003         2,388,036   

Weatherford International plc (C)

     645,000         7,385,250   
     

 

 

 
        108,919,652   
     

 

 

 

Pipelines — 3.6%

     

Kinder Morgan Inc.

     380,000         16,077,800   

Williams Companies, Inc. 

     250,000         11,235,000   
     

 

 

 
        27,312,800   
     

 

 

 

Refiners — 5.7%

     

Marathon Petroleum Corp. 

     132,300         11,941,398   

Phillips 66

     431,275         30,922,418   
     

 

 

 
        42,863,816   
     

 

 

 

Basic Materials — 20.3%

     

Chemicals — 16.3%

     

CF Industries Holdings, Inc. 

     84,069         22,912,165   

Dow Chemical Co. (E)

     547,500         24,971,475   

Eastman Chemical Co. (E)

     144,000         10,923,840   

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (Class A)

     354,000         28,104,060   

Monsanto Co.

     194,400         23,224,968   

Praxair, Inc. 

     97,300         12,606,188   
     

 

 

 
        122,742,696   
     

 

 

 

 

14


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

      Principal /
Shares
     Value (A)  

General Industrials —1.6%

     

Packaging Corp. of America

     160,000       $ 12,488,000   

Gold & Precious Metals — 0.7%

     

SPDR Gold Trust (C) (E)

     45,000         5,111,100   

Industrial Metals — 1.5%

     

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. 

     487,000         11,376,320   

Mining — 0.2%

     

Peabody Energy Corp

     178,140         1,378,804   
     

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $472,827,506)

        753,950,867   
     

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments — 0.1%

     

Money Market Account — 0.1%

     

M&T Bank, 0.10%

   $ 888,681         888,681   

Money Market Funds — 0.0%

     

Fidelity Institutional Money Market - Money Market Portfolio
(Institutional Class), 0.11% (D)

  

 

100,000

  

     100,000   
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $988,681)

        988,681   
     

 

 

 

Securities Lending Collateral — 0.3%

     

(Cost $2,148,019)

     

Money Market Funds — 0.3%

     

Invesco Short-Term Investment Trust - Liquid Assets Portfolio
(Institutional Class), 0.07% (D)

     2,148,019         2,148,019   
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.3%
(Cost $475,964,206)

        757,087,567   

Cash, receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets, less liabilities — (0.3)%

        (2,581,828
     

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

      $ 754,505,739   

 

Notes:

(A)   Common stocks are listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ and are valued at the last reported sale price on the day of valuation. See note 1 to financial statements.  
(B)   A portion of shares held are on loan. See note 8 to financial statements.  
(C)   Presently non-dividend paying.  
(D)   Rate presented is as of period-end and represents the annualized yield earned over the previous seven days.  
(E)   All or a portion of this security is pledged to cover open written call option contracts. Aggregate market value of such pledged securities is $17,377,850.  
(F)   All or a portion of this security is pledged to collateralize open written put option contracts with an aggregate market value to deliver upon exercise of $16,100,000.  

 

15


SCHEDULE OF OUTSTANDING WRITTEN OPTION CONTRACTS

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

Contracts

(100 shares

each)

     Security   

Strike
Price

  

Contract

Expiration
Date

   Value  

 

COVERED CALLS

  

  300      

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

   $  115        Jan  15    $ 2,700   
  600      

Dow Chemical Co.

   55    Jan  15      600   
  300      

Eastman Chemical Co.

   90    Jan  15      1,500   
  250      

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

   200    Jan  15      1,250   
  150      

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

   210    Mar 15      15,000   
  150      

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

   235    Jun  15      22,500   
  150      

SPDR Gold Trust

   143    Mar 15      1,350   

 

 

             

 

 

 
  1,900                  44,900   

 

 

             

 

 

 

 

COLLATERALIZED PUTS

  

  200      

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

   210    Jan  15      4,400   
  250      

EOG Resources, Inc.

   85    Jan  15      21,500   
  250      

EOG Resources, Inc.

   87.50    Jan  15      34,250   
  500      

Exxon Mobil Corp.

   90    Jan  15      48,500   
  250      

Packaging Corp. of America

   57.50    Jan  15      11,250   
  150      

SPDR Gold Trust

   110    Mar 15      35,850   

 

 

             

 

 

 
  1,600                  155,750   

 

 

             

 

 

 
  

Total Option Liability (Unrealized Gain of $242,674)

         $ 200,650   
           

 

 

 

 

16


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Petroleum & Resources Corporation:

 

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments in securities, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Petroleum & Resources Corporation (the “Fund”) at December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with 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 are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at December 31, 2014 by correspondence with the custodians and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

Baltimore, MD

February 17, 2015

 

17


CHANGES IN PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

 

 

During the Three Months Ended December 31, 2014

(unaudited)

 

     Shares  
      Additions
   

Reductions

     Held
Dec. 31, 2014
 

Baker Hughes, Inc.

     130,000           160,000   

California Resources Corp.

     162,000 (1)      162,000           

Cimarex Energy Co.

     108,000           108,000   

Energen Corp.

     25,000           190,000   

Energy Select Sector SPDR

     190,000        190,000           

Halliburton Co.

     14,200        480,000         145,070   

Kinder Morgan Inc.

     130,000           380,000   

Oasis Petroleum, Inc.

     12,500           162,500   

Schlumberger Ltd.

     66,000           626,000   

SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF

     216,200        216,200           

Whiting Petroleum Corp.

     34,500           174,500   

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

       339,300           

FMC Corp.

       157,000           

Nabors Industries Ltd.

       317,103         162,897   

Peabody Energy Corp.

       24,300         178,140   

Praxair, Inc.

       37,200         97,300   

 

(1)  

By spinoff

 

 

18


HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATISTICS

 

 

(unaudited)

 

Year

   Value of
Net Assets
     Shares
Outstanding
     Net Asset
Value
Per Share
     Market
Value
Per
Share
     Income
Dividends
Per Share
     Capital
Gains
Distributions
Per Share
     Total
Dividends
and
Distributions
Per Share
     Annual
Distribution
Rate*
 

2000**

   $ 688,172,867         21,053,644       $ 32.69       $ 27.31       $ .39       $ 1.35       $ 1.74         6.9

2001

     526,491,798         21,147,563         24.90         23.46         .43         1.07         1.50         5.6   

2002

     451,275,463         21,510,067         20.98         19.18         .43         .68         1.11         5.1   

2003

     522,941,279         21,736,777         24.06         23.74         .38         .81         1.19         5.8   

2004

     618,887,401         21,979,676         28.16         25.78         .44         .88         1.32         5.4   

2005

     761,913,652         21,621,072         35.24         32.34         .56         1.22         1.78         5.9   

2006

     812,047,239         22,180,867         36.61         33.46         .47         3.33         3.80         11.2   

2007

     978,919,829         22,768,250         42.99         38.66         .49         3.82         4.31         11.6   

2008

     538,936,942         23,958,656         22.49         19.41         .38         2.61         2.99         8.9   

2009

     650,718,323         24,327,307         26.75         23.74         .37         1.03         1.40         6.6   

2010

     761,735,503         24,789,698         30.73         27.01         .32         .95         1.27         5.5   

2011

     732,810,692         25,641,018         28.58         24.48         .39         1.58         1.97         7.1   

2012

     732,988,462         26,325,601         27.84         23.92         .42         1.18         1.60         6.4   

2013

     863,689,833         26,775,228         32.26         27.38         .46         1.42         1.88         7.2   

2014

     754,505,739         27,380,920         27.56         23.84         .51         1.38         1.89         6.6   

 

*   The annual distribution rate is the total dividends and capital gain distributions during the year divided by the Fund’s average month-end stock price. For years prior to 2012, the average month-end stock price is determined for the calendar year. For 2012 and later, the average month-end stock price is determined for the twelve months ended October 31, which is consistent with the calculation used for the annual 6% minimum distribution rate commitment adopted in September 2012.  
**   Adjusted for 3-for-2 stock split effected in October 2000.  

 

19


PETROLEUM & RESOURCES CORPORATION

 

 

(unaudited)

 

Calendar
year-
end
  Market
value
of original
investment
    Cumulative
market value
of shares
from capital
gains
distributions
    Cumulative
market value
of shares
from income
dividends
    Total
market
value
    Net asset
value
of total
shares
 

2000

  $ 12,670      $ 703      $ 194      $ 13,567      $ 16,239   

2001

    10,884        1,150        353        12,387        13,148   

2002

    8,898        1,296        491        10,685        11,687   

2003

    11,013        2,110        845        13,968        14,156   

2004

    11,960        2,814        1,201        15,975        17,449   

2005

    15,003        4,270        1,856        21,129        23,024   

2006

    15,523        6,600        2,224        24,347        26,639   

2007

    17,935        10,505        2,930        31,370        34,885   

2008

    9,005        7,464        1,660        18,129        21,005   

2009

    11,013        10,176        2,422        23,611        26,605   

2010

    12,531        12,572        3,132        28,235        32,123   

2011

    11,357        13,028        3,207        27,592        32,212   

2012

    11,097        14,068        3,602        28,767        33,481   

2013

    12,702        17,889        4,695        35,286        41,575   

2014

    11,060        17,332        4,682        33,074        38,235   

 

ILLUSTRATION OF AN ASSUMED 15 YEAR INVESTMENT OF $10,000

 

Investment income dividends and capital gains distributions are taken in additional shares. This chart covers the years 2000–2014. Fees for the reinvestment of interim dividends are assumed as 2% of the amount reinvested (maximum of $2.50) and commissions of $0.05 per share. There is no charge for reinvestment of year-end distributions. No adjustment has been made for any income taxes payable by shareholders on income dividends, capital gains distributions, or the sale of any shares. These results should not be considered representative of the dividend income or capital gain or loss which may be realized in the future.

 

LOGO

 

20


SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION AND SERVICES

 

 

DIVIDEND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

 

The Fund presently pays dividends four times a year, as follows: (a) three interim distributions on or about March 1, June 1, and September 1, and (b) a year-end distribution, payable in late December, consisting of the estimated balance of the net investment income for the year, the net realized capital gain earned through October 31 and, if applicable, a return of capital. Shareholders may elect to receive the year-end distribution in stock or cash. In connection with this distribution, all shareholders of record are sent a dividend announcement notice and an election card in mid-November. Shareholders holding shares in “street” or brokerage accounts may make their election by notifying their brokerage house representative.

 

INVESTORS CHOICE

 

INVESTORS CHOICE is a direct stock purchase and sale plan, as well as a dividend reinvestment plan, sponsored and administered by our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Corporation (AST). The Plan provides registered shareholders and interested first time investors an affordable alternative for buying, selling, and reinvesting in Fund shares. A brochure which further details the benefits and features of INVESTORS CHOICE as well as an enrollment form may be obtained by contacting AST.

 

The costs to participants in administrative service fees and brokerage commissions for each type of transaction are listed below. Fees are subject to change at any time.

 

Fees:

Initial Enrollment and Optional Cash Investments:

Service Fee $2.50 per investment

Brokerage Commission $0.05 per share

 

Reinvestment of Dividends*:

Service Fee 2% of amount invested

(maximum of $2.50 per investment)

Brokerage Commission $0.05 per share

 

Sale of Shares:

Service Fee $10.00

Brokerage Commission $0.05 per share

 

Deposit of Certificates for safekeeping $7.50

(waived if sold)

 

Book to Book Transfers Included

To transfer shares to another participant or to a new participant

 

* The year-end dividend and capital gain distribution will usually be made in newly issued shares of Common Stock. There are no fees or commissions in connection with this dividend and capital gain distribution when made in newly issued shares.

  

Minimum and Maximum Cash Investments:

Initial minimum investment (non-holders) $500

 

Minimum optional investment (existing holders) $50

 

Electronic Funds Transfer (monthly minimum) $50

 

Maximum per transaction $25,000

 

Maximum per year NONE

 

INVESTORS CHOICE Mailing Address:

Attention: Dividend Reinvestment

P.O. Box 922

Wall Street Station

New York, NY 10269-0560

Website: www.amstock.com

E-mail: info@amstock.com

  

 

For shareholders whose stock is held by a broker in “street” name, the AST INVESTORS CHOICE Direct Stock Purchase and Sale Plan remains available through many registered investment security dealers. If your shares are currently held in a “street” name or brokerage account, please contact your broker for details about how you can participate in AST’s Plan or contact AST.

 

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF SHAREHOLDER REPORTS

 

The Fund offers shareholders the benefits and convenience of viewing Quarterly and Annual Reports and other shareholder materials on-line. With your consent, paper copies of these documents will cease with the next mailing and will be provided via e-mail. Reduce paper mailed to your home and help lower the Fund’s printing and mailing costs. To enroll, please visit the following websites:

 

Registered shareholders with AST: www.amstock.com/main

 

Shareholders using brokerage accounts: http://enroll.icsdelivery.com/PEO

 

21


BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

 

Personal
Information
   Position
Held with
the Fund
   Term
of
Office
  Length
of Time
Served
   Principal Occupations   Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Director
  Other
Directorships

Independent Directors

           

Enrique R. Arzac, Ph.D.
7 St. Paul Street,
Suite 1140
Baltimore, MD 21202
Age 73

   Director    One Year   Since
1987
   Professor of Finance and Economics at the Graduate School of Business, Columbia University, formerly Vice Dean of Academic Affairs.   Two   Director of The Adams Express Company (closed-end fund), Aberdeen Asset Management Funds (6 closed-end funds), Credit Suisse Asset Management Funds (2 closed-end funds and 9 open-end funds), and Mirae Asset Discovery Funds (6 open-end funds). In addition, within the past five years, Dr. Arzac served as a director of Epoch Holdings Corporation (an investment management and investment advisory services company) and Starcomms Plc (telecommunications company).

Phyllis O. Bonanno

7 St. Paul Street,

Suite 1140

Baltimore, MD 21202

Age 71

   Director    One Year   Since
2003
   Retired President & CEO of International Trade Solutions, Inc. (consultants). Formerly, President of Columbia College, Columbia, South Carolina, and Corporate Vice President of Warnaco, Inc. (apparel).   Two   Director of The Adams Express Company (closed-end fund) and Borg-Warner Inc. (industrial). In addition, within the past five years, Ms. Bonanno served as a director of Mohawk Industries, Inc. (carpets and flooring).

Kenneth J. Dale

7 St. Paul Street,

Suite 1140

Baltimore, MD 21202

Age 58

   Director    One Year   Since 2008    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Associated Press. Formerly, Vice President, JPMorgan Chase & Co. Inc.   Two   Director of The Adams Express Company (closed-end fund).

Frederic A. Escherich

7 St. Paul Street,
Suite 1140
Baltimore, MD 21202
Age 62

   Director    One Year   Since
2006
   Private Investor. Formerly, Managing Director and head of Mergers and Acquisitions Research and the Financial Advisory Department with JPMorgan & Co. Inc.   Two   Director of The Adams Express Company (closed-end fund).

Roger W. Gale, Ph.D.
7 St. Paul Street,
Suite 1140
Baltimore, MD 21202
Age 68

   Director    One Year  

Since

2005

   President & CEO of GF Energy, LLC (consultants to electric power companies). Formerly, member of management group of PA Consulting Group (energy consultants).   Two   Director of The Adams Express Company (closed-end fund) and during the past five years also served as a director of Ormat Technologies, Inc. (geothermal and renewable energy).

 

22


BOARD OF DIRECTORS (CONTINUED)

 

 

Personal
Information
   Position
Held with the
Fund
   Term
of
Office
  Length
of Time
Served
  Principal Occupations   Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Director
  Other
Directorships

Independent Directors (continued)

       

Kathleen T. McGahran,
Ph.D., J.D., CPA

7 St. Paul Street,

Suite 1140

Baltimore, MD 21202

Age 64

   Director, Chair of the Board    One Year   Since 2003   President & CEO of Pelham Associates, Inc. (an executive education provider). Formerly, Associate Dean & Director of Executive Education and Associate Professor, Columbia University, and Adjunct Associate Professor, Stern School of Business, New York University and Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College.   Two   Director of The Adams Express Company (closed-end fund).

Craig R. Smith, M.D.
7 St. Paul Street,
Suite 1140
Baltimore, MD 21202
Age 68

   Director    One Year  

Since

2005

  Retired Chief Operating Officer of Algenol LLC (ethanol manufacturing). Formerly, President, Williston Consulting LLC (consultants to pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries) and Chairman, President & CEO of Guilford Pharmaceuticals (pharmaceuticals and biotechnology).   Two   Director of The Adams Express Company (closed-end fund) and a Manager of Algenol LLC. In addition, within the past five years, Dr. Smith served as a director of Algenol Biofuels, Inc. (ethanol manufacturing), Depomed, Inc. (specialty pharmaceuticals), and LaJolla Pharmaceutical Company.

Interested Director

             

Mark E. Stoeckle
7 St. Paul Street,
Suite 1140
Baltimore, MD 21202
Age 58

   Director and
CEO
   One Year  

Since 2013

  CEO of the Fund and CEO of The Adams Express Company.   Two   Director of The Adams Express Company (closed-end fund).

 

 

 

 

This report, including the financial statements herein, is transmitted to the shareholders of Petroleum & Resources Corporation for their information. It is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Fund or of any securities mentioned in the report. The rates of return will vary and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate. Shares, if sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Past performance is no guarantee of future investment results.

 

23


OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

STATEMENT ON QUARTERLY FILING OF COMPLETE PORTFOLIO SCHEDULE

 

In addition to publishing its complete schedule of portfolio holdings in the First and Third Quarter Reports to shareholders, the Fund also files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website: www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room, and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The Fund also posts a link to its Forms N-Q on its website: www.peteres.com under the headings “Investment Information”, “Financial Reports” and then “SEC Filings”.

 

ANNUAL CERTIFICATION

 

The Corporation’s CEO has submitted to the New York Stock Exchange the annual CEO certification as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual.

 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND RECORD

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities owned by the Fund and the Fund’s proxy voting record for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2014 are available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund’s toll free number at (800) 638-2479; (ii) on the Fund’s website: www.peteres.com under the headings “About Petroleum & Resources” and “Corporate Information”; and (iii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website: www.sec.gov.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several factors that could materially affect the Fund’s actual results are the performance of the portfolio of stocks held by the Fund, the conditions in the U.S. and international financial, petroleum and other markets, the price at which shares of the Fund will trade in the public markets, and other factors discussed in the Fund’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

PRIVACY POLICY

 

In order to conduct its business, the Fund, through its transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, collects and maintains certain nonpublic personal information about our shareholders of record with respect to their transactions in shares of our securities. This information includes the shareholder’s address, tax identification or Social Security number, share balances, and dividend elections. We do not collect or maintain personal information about shareholders whose shares of our securities are held in “street name” by a financial institution such as a bank or broker.

 

We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about you, our other shareholders or our former shareholders to third parties unless necessary to process a transaction, service an account or as otherwise permitted by law.

 

To protect your personal information internally, we restrict access to nonpublic personal information about our shareholders to those employees who need to know that information to provide services to our shareholders. We also maintain certain other safeguards to protect your nonpublic personal information.

 

24


PETROLEUM & RESOURCES CORPORATION

 

 

Board Of Directors

 

Enrique R. Arzac 1,3,5

 

Phyllis O. Bonanno 1,2,5

 

Kenneth J. Dale 2,3,4

 

Frederic A. Escherich 2,3,4

 

Roger W. Gale 1,3,4,5

 

Kathleen T. McGahran 1,6

 

Craig R. Smith 1,2,5

 

Mark E. Stoeckle 1

 

 

 

  1.   Member of Executive Committee
  2.   Member of Audit Committee
  3.   Member of Compensation Committee
  4.   Member of Retirement Benefits Committee
  5.   Member of Nominating and Governance Committee
  6.   Chair of the Board

 

Officers

 

Mark E. Stoeckle

 

Chief Executive Officer

Nancy J.F. Prue, CFA

 

President

James P. Haynie, CFA

 

Executive Vice President

Brian S. Hook, CFA, CPA

 

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Lawrence L. Hooper, Jr.

 

Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Michael A. Kijesky, CFA

 

Vice President — Research

Michael E. Rega, CFA

 

Vice President — Research

Christine M. Sloan, CPA

 

Assistant Treasurer

 

 

 

Petroleum & Resources Corporation

 

Seven St. Paul Street, Suite 1140, Baltimore, MD 21202

(410) 752-5900        (800) 638-2479

Website: www.peteres.com

E-mail: contact@peteres.com

 

 

 

Counsel: Chadbourne & Parke LLP

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Custodian of Securities: Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.

Transfer Agent & Registrar: American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC

Stockholder Relations Department

6201 15th Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11219

(866) 723-8330

Website: www.amstock.com

E-mail: info@amstock.com

 


LOGO

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

On June 12, 2003, the Board of Directors adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The code of ethics is available on the registrant's website at: www.peteres.com. Since the code of ethics was adopted, there have been no amendments to it nor have any waivers from any of its provisions been granted.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The Board of Directors has determined that at least one of the members of the registrant's audit committee meets the definition of audit committee financial expert as that term is defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The director on the registrant's audit committee whom the Board of Directors has determined meets such definition is Kenneth J. Dale, who is independent pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this Item.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

(a) Audit Fees. The aggregate fees for professional services rendered by the registrant's independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, for the audit of the registrant's annual financial statements and review of the registrant's semi-annual financial statements for 2014 and 2013 were $64,950 and $66,854, as adjusted for subsequent billing, respectively.

(b) Audit-Related Fees. There were no audit-related fees in 2014 and 2013.

(c) Tax Fees. The aggregate fees for professional services rendered to the registrant by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the review of the registrant's excise tax calculations and preparations of federal, state and excise tax returns for 2014 and 2013 were $8,493 and $7,492, respectively.

(d) All Other Fees. The aggregate fees for services rendered to the registrant by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, other than for the services referenced above, for 2014 and 2013 were $4,190 and $5,477, respectively, which related to the review of the registrant's procedures for calculating the amounts granted and vested for the registrant's employees in accordance with the registrant's cash incentive plan for 2013 and the 2005 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan for 2014 and 2013, review of the registrant's calculations related to those plans, and preparation of a related report to the registrant's Compensation Committee.

(e)

(1)

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy. The audit committee's policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent accountants. In assessing requests for services by the independent accountants, the audit committee considers whether such services are consistent with the auditor's independence; whether the independent accountants are likely to provide the most effective and efficient service based upon their familiarity with the registrant; and whether the service could enhance the registrant's ability to manage or control risk or improve financial statement audit and review quality. The audit committee may delegate pre-approval authority to its Chair. Any pre-approvals by the Chair under this delegation are to be reported to the audit committee at its next scheduled meeting. All services performed in 2014 were pre-approved by the audit committee.

 

(2)

Not applicable.

(f) Not applicable.

(g) The aggregate fees for non-audit professional services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to the registrant for 2014 and 2013 were $12,683 and $12,969, respectively.

(h) The registrant's audit committee has considered the provision by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP of the non-audit services described above and found that they are compatible with maintaining PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's independence.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

(a) The registrant has a standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The members of the audit committee are: Kenneth J. Dale, Chair, Phyllis O. Bonanno, Frederic A. Escherich, and Craig R. Smith.

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Investments.

(a) This schedule is included as part of the Report to Stockholders 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.

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

Petroleum & Resources Corporation ("Petroleum") follows long-standing general guidelines for the voting of portfolio company proxies and takes very seriously its responsibility to vote all such proxies. The portfolio company proxies are evaluated by our research staff and voted by our portfolio management team, and we annually provide the Board of Directors with a report on how proxies were voted during the previous year. We do not use an outside service to assist us in voting our proxies.

As an internally-managed investment company, Petroleum uses its own staff of research analysts and portfolio managers. In making the decision to invest in a company for the portfolio, among the factors the research team analyses is the integrity and competency of the company's management. We must be satisfied that the companies we invest in are run by managers with integrity. Therefore, having evaluated this aspect of our portfolio companies' managements, we give significant weight to the recommendations of the company's management in voting on proxy issues.

We vote proxies on a case-by-case basis according to what we deem to be the best long-term interests of our shareholders. The key over-riding principle in any proxy vote is that stockholders be treated fairly and equitably by the portfolio company's management. In general, on the election of directors and on routine issues that we do not believe present the possibility of an adverse impact upon our investment, after reviewing whether applicable corporate governance requirements as to board and committee composition have been met, we will vote in accordance with the recommendations of the company's management. When we believe that the management's recommendation is not in the best interests of our stockholders, we will vote against that recommendation.

Our general guidelines for when we will vote contrary to the recommendation of the portfolio company management's recommendation are:

Stock Options

Our general guideline is to vote against stock option plans that we believe are unduly dilutive of our stock holdings in the company. We use a general guideline that we will vote against any stock option plan that results in dilution in shares outstanding exceeding 4%. Most stock option plans are established to motivate and retain key employees and to reward them for their achievement. An analysis of a stock option plan cannot be made in a vacuum but must be made in the context of the company's overall compensation scheme. In voting on stock option plans, we give consideration to whether the stock option plan is broad-based in the number of employees who are eligible to receive grants under the plan. We generally vote against plans that permit re-pricing of grants or the issuance of options with exercise prices below the grant date value of the company's stock.

Corporate Control/Governance Issues

Unless we conclude that the proposal is favorable to our interests as a long-term shareholder in the company, we have a long-standing policy of voting against proposals to create a staggered board of directors. In conformance with that policy, we will generally vote in favor of shareholder proposals to eliminate the staggered election of directors.

Unless we conclude that the proposal is favorable to our interests as a long-term shareholder in the company, our general policy is to vote against amendments to a company's charter that can be characterized as blatant anti-takeover provisions.

With respect to so-called golden parachutes and other severance packages, it is our general policy to vote against proposals relating to future employment contracts that provide that compensation will be paid to any director, officer or employee that is contingent upon a merger or acquisition of the company.

We generally vote for proposals to require that the majority of a board of directors consist of independent directors and vote against proposals to establish a retirement plan for non-employee directors.

We have found that most stockholder proposals relating to social issues focus on very narrow issues that either fall within the authority of the company's management, under the oversight of its board of directors, to manage the day-to-day operations of the company or concern matters that are more appropriate for global solutions rather than company- specific ones. We consider these proposals on a case-by-case basis but usually are persuaded management's position is reasonable and vote in accordance with management's recommendation on these types of proposals.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

(a)

(1) As of the date of this filing, Mark E. Stoeckle, Chief Executive Officer and James P. Haynie, President, comprise the two-person portfolio management team for the registrant. Mr. Stoeckle has served as portfolio manager for the registrant since February 11, 2013; prior thereto, he served as Chief Investment Officer, U.S. Equities and Global Sector Funds, for BNP Paribas Investment Partners. Mr. Haynie has been a member of the portfolio management team since August 19, 2013, serving as President since January 16, 2015 and Executive Vice President from August 2013 to January 2015; prior thereto, Mr. Haynie served as Chief Investment Officer, U.S. Equities and Global Sector Funds, for BNP Paribas Investment Partners from February 2013 and was Senior Portfolio Manager at BNP Paribas Investment Partners from 2005 to 2013. Mr. Stoeckle is the lead member of the portfolio management team. Messrs. Stoeckle and Haynie receive investment recommendations from a team of research analysts and make decisions jointly about any equity transactions in the portfolio.

 

(2) As of the date of this filing, Messrs. Stoeckle and Haynie also serve on the portfolio management team for the registrant's non-controlling affiliate, The Adams Express Company (Adams), a registered investment company with total net assets of $1,527,772,661 as of December 31, 2014. Mr. Stoeckle is President and Chief Executive Officer of Adams and Mr. Haynie is Executive Vice President. The registrant is a non-diversified fund focusing on the energy and natural resources sectors and Adams is a diversified fund with a different focus. There are few material conflicts of interest that may arise in connection with the portfolio management of both funds. The funds do not buy or sell securities or other portfolio holdings to or from the other, and policies and procedures are in place covering the sharing of expenses and the allocation of investment opportunities, including bunched orders and investments in initial public offerings, between the funds.

 

(3) As of December 31, 2014, the registrant's portfolio managers are compensated through a three-component plan, consisting of salary, annual cash incentive compensation, and annual equity incentive compensation. The aggregate compensation and value of each component in any year is determined by the Compensation Committee, comprised solely of independent director members of the Board of Directors ("Committee"). The Committee has periodically employed a compensation consultant to review the plan and its components. The structure and methods used to determine the compensation of the Portfolio Managers were as follows: Salaries are determined by using appropriate industry surveys and information about the local market. Incentive compensation is based on combination of relative fund performance of the registrant and Adams, with a 70% weighting, and individual performance, with a 30% weighting. Target incentives are set annually based on aggregate compensation less salary for each position. Fund performance used in determining incentive compensation is measured over a one-year period, accounting for one-fourth of the calculation, a three-year period, which accounts for one-half, and a five-year period, which accounts for one-fourth. The registrant's total return on net asset value ("NAV") over each of these periods is used to determine performance relative to a blended benchmark of 80% Dow Jones U.S. Oil and Gas Index and 20% Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Index. Using these calculations, the incentive compensation can be less than or exceed the established target and is divided between cash and equity.

Equity incentive compensation, based on a plan approved by shareholders in 2005 and reapproved in 2010, can take several forms. During 2014, grants of the registrant's restricted stock were made to Messrs. Stoeckle and Haynie on January 9, 2014, which vest three years after grant date.

As of December 31, 2014, the structure of the compensation that the portfolio managers receive from Adams is the same as that for the registrant with the exception that the portfolio managers' incentive compensation is based on a comparison with the performance of a 50/50 blend of the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Large-Cap Core peer group.

 

(4) Using a valuation date of December 31, 2014, Messrs. Stoeckle and Haynie each beneficially owned equity securities in the registrant valued between $100,001 and $500,000.

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

 

Total Number
of Shares (or Units Purchased)

 

Average Price Paid
per Share (or Unit)

 

 

Total Number of Shares
(or Units) Purchased as
Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

 

Maximum Number of
Shares (or Units) That
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or Programs

 
 

-----------------------------------

 

-----------------------------------

 

-----------------------------------

 

-----------------------------------

 

January 2014

12,000

 

$26.72

 

12,000

 

1,292,473

 

February 2014

15,600

 

$26.62

 

15,600

 

1,276,873

 

March 2014

26,200

 

$27.42

 

26,200

 

1,250,673

 

April 2014

15,400

 

$28.26

 

15,400

 

1,235,273

 

May 2014

29,400

 

$29.29

 

29,400

 

1,205,873

 

June 2014

26,600

 

$30.53

 

26,600

 

1,179,273

 

July 2014

9,800

 

$31.13

 

9,800

 

1,169,473

 

August 2014

--

 

--

 

--

 

1,169,473

 

September 2014

--

 

--

 

--

 

1,169,473

 

October 2014

--

 

--

 

--

 

1,169,473

 

November 2014

--

 

--

 

--

 

1,169,473

 

December 2014

--

 

--

 

--

 

1,332,000

(2c)
 

-----------------------------------

 

-----------------------------------

 

-----------------------------------

 

 

Total

135,000

(1)

$28.65

 

135,000

(2a)(2b)

(1) There were no shares purchased other than through a publicly announced plan or program.

(2.a) The Plan was announced on November 15, 2013.

(2.b) The share amount approved in 2013 was 5% of outstanding shares, or 1,304,473 shares.

(2.c) The Plan was set to expire on December 31, 2014, but was extended by the Board on December 11, 2014, authorizing purchases of up to 5% of the outstanding shares, or approximately 1,332,000 shares.

(2.d) None.

(2.e) None.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant's Board of Directors made or implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A), or this Item.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a) The registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) are effective based on their evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.

(b) There have been no significant changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the registrant's second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this 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)

Not applicable. See registrant's response to Item 2 above.

(2)

Separate certifications by the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, are attached.

(3)

Written solicitation to purchase securities: not applicable.


(b) A certification by the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, is attached.

 

 

 

 

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.   
   
   
Petroleum & Resources Corporation
   
By:

/s/ Mark E. Stoeckle

  Mark E. Stoeckle
  Chief Executive Officer 
  (Principal Executive Officer) 
   
Date: February 27, 2015
 


   
  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/ Mark E. Stoeckle

  Mark E. Stoeckle
  Chief Executive Officer 
  (Principal Executive Officer) 
   
Date: February 27, 2015
   
   
By:  /s/ Brian S. Hook 
  Brian S. Hook 
  Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
  (Principal Financial Officer) 
   
Date: February 27, 2015