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    SEC Form N-CSRS filed by abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund Inc.

    9/8/25 3:05:46 PM ET
    $AEF
    Finance/Investors Services
    Finance
    Get the next $AEF alert in real time by email
    N-CSRS 1 tm2524681d1_ncsrs.htm N-CSRS

     

     

    UNITED STATES

    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

    Washington, D.C. 20549

     

    FORM N-CSR

     

    CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

     

    Investment Company Act file number: 811-05770
       
    Exact name of registrant as specified in charter: abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.
       
    Address of principal executive offices: 1900 Market Street, Suite 200
      Philadelphia, PA 19103
       
    Name and address of agent for service: Ms. Sharon Ferrari
      abrdn Inc.
      1900 Market Street, Suite 200
      Philadelphia, PA 19103
       
    Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 800-522-5465
       
    Date of fiscal year end: December 31
       
    Date of reporting period: June 30, 2025

     

     

     

     

     

    Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

     

    (a) A copy of the report transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) is filed herewith.

     

     

     
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. (AEF)
    Semi-Annual Report
    June 30, 2025
    aberdeeninvestments.com

     


     

    Letter to Shareholders  (unaudited) 

    Dear Shareholder,
    We present the Semi-Annual Report, which covers the activities of abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025. The Fund’s investment objective is to seek to provide both current income and long-term capital appreciation.
    For more information about Fund performance, please visit the Fund on the web at https://www.aberdeeninvestments.com/en-us/investor/investment-solutions/closed-end-funds. Here, you can view quarterly commentary on the Fund's performance, monthly fact sheets, distribution and performance information, and other Fund literature.
    Total Investment Return1
    For the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, the total return to shareholders of the Fund based on the net asset value (“NAV”) and market price of the Fund, respectively, compared to the Fund’s benchmark,  is as follows:
    NAV2,3 17.30%
    Market Price2 20.87%
    MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index (Net Daily Total Return)4,5 14.53%
    NAV, Market Price and Premium(+)/Discount(-)
    The below table represents a comparison between the current six-month period end and the prior fiscal year end of the Fund's market price to NAV and associated Premium(+) and Discount(-).
           
      NAV Closing
    Market
    Price
    Premium(+)/
    Discount(-)
    6/30/2025 $6.62 $5.94 -10.27%
    12/31/2024 $5.96 $5.19 -12.92%
    During the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, the Fund’s NAV was within a range of $5.16 to $6.65 and the Fund’s market price traded within a range of $4.46 to $5.94. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, the Fund’s shares traded within a range of a premium(+)/discount(-) of -15.85% to -9.80%. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2025 and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund made distributions of $0.30 and $0.39, respectively.
    Aberdeen Name Change
    On March 4, 2025, abrdn plc, the parent company of the Fund's adviser and sub-adviser, announced that it would change its name, and from that date, will use 'Aberdeen' as the principal trading identity for its investments business. On March 12, 2025, abrdn plc completed the steps to legally change its name to Aberdeen Group plc. Aberdeen has retained 'abrdn' as an operational abbreviation across its subsidiary legal entities (including the Fund's adviser and sub-adviser, fund names and descriptors).
    Strategic Changes
    On December 10, 2024, the Fund announced that its Board of Directors (the "Board") had approved multiple changes to the Fund including: (1) changes to the Fund's name and 80% non-fundamental investment policy; (2) a 20% tender offer to be offered in the first quarter of 2025; (3) a new 3-year performance-based conditional tender offer policy commencing on March 1, 2025; and (4) an increase to its annualized distribution rate from 6.5% to 10% effective with the distribution that was declared in March 2025.
     
    {foots1}
    1 Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate and shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Net asset value return data include investment management fees, custodial charges and administrative fees (such as Director and legal fees) and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
    {foots1}
    2 Assuming the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.
    {foots1}
    3 The Fund’s total return is based on the reported NAV for each financial reporting period end and may differ from what is reported on the Financial Highlights due to financial statement rounding or adjustments.
    {foots1}
    4 The MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index captures large and mid cap representation across 23 of the 24 Emerging Markets (EM) countries excluding China. With 645 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. EM countries include: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. The Index is calculated net of withholding taxes to which the Fund is generally subject. The Index is unmanaged and has been provided for comparison purposes only. No fees or expenses are reflected. You cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance is not an indication of the performance of the Fund itself.
    {foots1}
    5 Performance information for periods prior to February 24, 2025 does not reflect the current 80% investment policy.
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 1

     

    Letter to Shareholders  (unaudited)  (continued)

    Fund Name Change and Changes to Non-Fundamental Investment Policy
    As previously announced, on December 10, 2024, the Fund's Board approved a change in the name of the Fund, and corresponding changes to the Fund's investment policies, including its 80% investment policy, and benchmark, as set forth below, that went effective February 24, 2025. There was no change to the Fund’s investment objective and the Fund continued to trade on the NYSE American under ticker symbol “AEF”.
    In approving the strategy and name change, the Board considered, among other factors, that as the only U.S. closed-end fund currently offering the emerging market ex-China strategy, the Fund will be less driven by the policy actions of the Government of China, and more driven by stock fundamentals, which aligns with Management’s style of bottom-up investing. The Fund will remain a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company whose objective is to provide both current income and long-term appreciation. Subsequent to the reporting period, and in connection with these changes, the Fund transitioned its portfolio consistent with its change to an emerging market ex-China strategy, which included the sale of China securities held by the Fund. Realized capital gains generated from these sales were offset by the Fund's capital loss carryforward.
      Current New
    Fund Name abrdn Emerging Markets Equity Income
    Fund, Inc.
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund,
    Inc.
    80% Investment Policy The Fund invest at least 80% of its net
    assets (plus any borrowings for
    investment purposes) in emerging
    markets equity securities.
    Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in emerging markets (excluding China) equity securities.
    Benchmark MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net Daily Total Return) MSCI Emerging Markets ex-China Index (Net Daily Total Return)
    Tender Offer
    The Fund announced on January 21, 2025, the commencement of a cash tender offer to purchase up to 10,150,355 shares, representing approximately 20% of the Fund's outstanding shares, at a price per share equal to 98% of the Fund's NAV per share as determined by the Fund on the next business day immediately following the day the tender expires. The offer commenced at 12:01 am, January 21, 2025, and expired at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on February 20, 2025. In connection with the tender offer, the Fund purchased 10,150,355 shares for cash payment stock at a price equal to $6.07 per share. The tender offer was oversubscribed and all tenders of shares were subject to pro ration (at a ratio of approximately 0.27624999) in accordance with the terms of the tender offer.
    Update to the Fund’s Conditional Tender Offer Policy
    As part of the Board’s commitment to shareholders relating to the investment strategy changes, the Board has adopted a policy (the “Policy”) pursuant to which it will cause the Fund to conduct a one-time tender offer for twenty percent (20%) of its then issued and outstanding shares of common stock on or before June 30, 2028, if the Fund’s total return investment performance measured on a NAV basis does not equal or exceed the total return investment performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets ex-China Index (Net Daily Total Return) during the period commencing on March 1, 2025 and ending on February 28, 2028. The price at which shares are to be tendered and other terms and conditions of such tender offer would be determined by the Board in its discretion based on its review and
    consideration of the then-current size of the Fund, market conditions and other factors it deems relevant.
    Annualized Distribution Rate Increase and Declaration of Next Distribution
    The Fund also announced that, as part of the strategic changes, the Board approved an increase to its annualized distribution rate from 6.5% to 10%, commencing with the quarterly distribution paid in March 2025. The actual amount of the distribution is based on the average daily NAV for the previous three months as of the month-end prior to declaration. The Fund intends to maintain the increased distribution rate for at least the 12 months following the effective increase, unless there is a significant and unforeseen change in market conditions. This policy will be subject to regular review by the Board. The policy is expected to provide a steady and sustainable quarterly cash distribution to Fund shareholders that may help reduce any discount to NAV at which the Fund’s shares trade. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve these results.
    Credit Facility
    On June 16, 2025, the Fund renewed its revolving credit facility for a 1-year period with The Bank of Nova Scotia with a committed facility of $40,000,000. The outstanding balance on the loan as of June 30, 2025 was $32,000,000. Under the terms of the loan facility and applicable regulations, the Fund is required to maintain certain asset coverage ratios for the amount of its outstanding borrowings. The Board regularly reviews the use of leverage by the Fund.
     
    2 abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    Letter to Shareholders  (unaudited)  (concluded)

    Unclaimed Share Accounts
    Please be advised that abandoned or unclaimed property laws for certain states require financial organizations to transfer (escheat) unclaimed property (including Fund shares) to the state. Each state has its own definition of unclaimed property, and Fund shares could be considered “unclaimed property” due to account inactivity (e.g., no owner-generated activity for a certain period), returned mail (e.g., when mail sent to a shareholder  is returned to the Fund's transfer agent as undeliverable), or a combination of both. If your Fund shares are categorized as unclaimed, your financial advisor or the Fund's transfer agent will follow the applicable state’s statutory requirements to contact you, but if unsuccessful, laws may require that the shares be escheated to the appropriate state. If this happens, you will have to contact the state to recover your property, which may involve time and expense. For more information on unclaimed property and how to maintain an active account, please contact your financial adviser or the Fund's transfer agent.
    Open Market Repurchase Program
    The Board approved an open market repurchase and discount management policy (the “Program”). The Program allows the Fund to purchase, in the open market, its outstanding common shares, with the amount and timing of any repurchase determined at the discretion of the Fund's investment adviser. Such purchases may be made opportunistically at certain discounts to NAV per share in the reasonable judgment of management based on historical discount levels and current market conditions. If shares are repurchased, the Fund reports repurchase activity on its website on a monthly basis. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, the Fund did not repurchase any shares through the Program.
    On a quarterly basis, the Board will receive information on any transactions made pursuant to this policy during the prior quarter. Under the terms of the Program, the Fund is permitted to repurchase up to 10% of its outstanding shares of common stock in the open market as of a date determined by the Board.
    Portfolio Holdings Disclosure
    The Fund's complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the second and fourth quarters of each fiscal year are included in the Fund's semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. These reports are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Fund makes the information available to shareholders upon request and without charge by calling Investor Relations toll-free at 1-800-522-5465.
    Proxy Voting
    A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available by August 31 of the relevant year: (1) upon request without charge by calling Investor Relations toll-free at 1-800-522-5465; and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
    Investor Relations Information
    As part of Aberdeen's commitment to shareholders, we invite you to visit the Fund on the web at https://www.aberdeeninvestments.com/en-us/investor/investment-solutions/closed-end-funds. Here, you can view monthly fact sheets, quarterly commentary, distribution and performance information, as well as other Fund literature. Enroll in Aberdeen's email services to receive content related to your fund. In addition, you will receive monthly factsheets based on your preferences. Sign up today at https://www.aberdeeninvestments.com/en-us/investor/investment-solutions/closed-end-funds.
    Contact Us:
    • Visit: https://www.aberdeeninvestments.com/en-us/investor/investment-solutions/closed-end-funds
    • Email: [email protected]; or
    • Call: 1-800-522-5465 (toll free in the U.S.).
    Yours sincerely,
    /s/ Alan Goodson
    Alan Goodson
    President 
     
    {foots1}
    All amounts are U.S. Dollars unless otherwise stated.
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 3

     

    Total Investment Return  (unaudited) 

    The following table summarizes the average annual Fund performance compared to the Fund’s primary benchmark and Custom Index (as defined below) for the six-month (not annualized), 1-year, 3-year, 5-year and 10-year periods ended June 30, 2025.
      6 Months 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
    Net Asset Value (NAV) 17.30% 18.51% 10.77% 6.03% 4.90%
    Market Price 20.87% 23.25% 11.06% 7.19% 4.67%
    MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index (Net Daily Total Return) 14.53% 9.39% 13.22% 11.34% 6.19%
    MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net Daily Total Return) 15.27% 15.29% 9.70% 6.81% 4.81%
    Custom AEF Index1 19.25% 19.27% 10.95% 7.54% 5.33%
    Performance of a $10,000 Investment (as of June 30, 2025)
    This graph shows the change in value of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund for the periods indicated. For comparison, the same investment is shown in the indicated index.
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund Inc. (formerly, the abrdn Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, Inc.) changed its 80% investment policy and benchmark to the MSCI Emerging Markets ex-China Index (Net Daily Total Return) effective February 24, 2025. Performance information for periods prior to February 24, 2025 does not reflect the current 80% investment policy and benchmark.
    All performance information for the periods prior to April 30, 2018 are for the Aberdeen Latin American Equity Fund, Inc. (“LAQ”), the performance and accounting survivor of the reorganizations of seven closed-end funds into the Fund. Performance information for periods prior to April 30, 2018 do not reflect the Fund’s current investment strategy. Returns prior to April 30, 2018 reflect the impact of any contractual waivers in effect for LAQ, without which performance would be lower. Effective April 30, 2018, abrdn Investments Limited (formerly known as Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited) (the "Investment Adviser" or the "Adviser"), the Fund’s Adviser, entered into an expense limitation agreement with the Fund that is effective through June 30, 2026. Without such waivers and limitation agreements, performance would be lower.
    abrdn Inc. has entered into an agreement with the Fund to limit investor relations services fees, without which performance would be lower if the Fund’s investor services fees exceeded such limit during the relevant period. This agreement aligns with the term of the advisory agreement and may not be terminated prior to the end of the current term of the advisory agreement. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements.
    {foots1}
    1 The Custom Index reflects the returns of the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index (Net Daily Total Return) from February 24, 2025, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net Daily Total Return) from April 30, 2018 to February 23, 2025, and the MSCI Emerging Markets Latin America Index (Net Daily Total Return) for periods prior to April 30, 2018. The indices and time periods for the Custom Index align with the strategies utilized and benchmark for the Fund during the same time periods.
    4 abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    Total Investment Return  (unaudited)  (concluded)

    Returns represent past performance. Total investment return at NAV is based on changes in the NAV of Fund shares and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, at market prices pursuant to the dividend reinvestment program sponsored by the Fund’s transfer agent. All return data at NAV includes fees charged to the Fund, which are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Operations under “Expenses.” Total investment return at market value is based on changes in the market price at which the Fund’s shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") American during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, at market prices pursuant to the dividend reinvestment program sponsored by the Fund’s transfer agent. The Fund’s total investment return is based on the reported NAV during the six-month period ended June 30, 2025. Because the Fund’s shares trade in the stock market based on investor demand, the Fund may trade at a price higher or lower than its NAV. Therefore, returns are calculated based on both market price and NAV. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The performance information provided does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on  distributions received from the Fund or the sale of Fund shares. The current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the figures shown. The Fund’s yield, return, market price and NAV will fluctuate. Performance information current to the most recent month-end is available at https://www.aberdeeninvestments.com/en-us/investor/investment-solutions/closed-end-funds or by calling 800-522-5465.
    The annualized gross operating expense ratio excluding fee waivers based on the six-month period ended June 30, 2025 was 2.09%. The annualized net operating expense ratio net of fee waivers based on the six-month period ended June 30, 2025 was 1.92%. The annualized total expense ratio net of fee waivers and excluding taxes and interest and revolving credit facility expenses based on the six-month period ended June 30, 2025 was 1.20%. 
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 5

     

    Portfolio Summary   (as a percentage of net assets) (unaudited) 
    As of June 30, 2025

    The following table summarizes the sector composition of the Fund’s portfolio, in S&P Global Inc.’s Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) The Fund may invest in securities of any market sector and may hold a significant amount of securities of companies, from time to time, within a single sector. The Fund will not invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of companies in the same industry. In the chart below, if the sector represents more than 25% of the Fund's portfolio, the industry information has been presented.
    Sectors  
    Information Technology 37.6%
    Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 23.0%
    Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 5.3%
    IT Services 4.3%
    Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 3.7%
    Communications Equipment 1.3%
    Financials 27.6%
    Banks 19.5%
    Consumer Finance 3.6%
    Insurance 2.8%
    Capital Markets 1.7%
    Industrials 13.1%
    Consumer Discretionary 7.0%
    Consumer Staples 5.4%
    Communication Services 4.6%
    Materials 4.4%
    Energy 4.0%
    Utilities 2.7%
    Real Estate 2.6%
    Health Care 2.4%
    Private Equity -%
    Short-Term Investment 1.3%
    Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (12.7%)
      100.0%
    The following table summarizes the composition of the Fund’s portfolio by geographic classification.
    Countries  
    India 30.1%
    Taiwan 25.5%
    South Korea 16.6%
    Brazil 8.7%
    Mexico 5.2%
    Saudi Arabia 5.2%
    United Arab Emirates 4.7%
    Indonesia 3.4%
    Kazakhstan 3.0%
    Vietnam 2.5%
    Poland 2.0%
    Other, less than 2% each 4.5%
    Short-Term Investment 1.3%
    Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (12.7%)
      100.0%
        
    6 abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    Portfolio Summary   (as a percentage of net assets) (unaudited)  (concluded)
    As of June 30, 2025

    Currency Composition  
    Indian Rupee 30.1%
    New Taiwan Dollar 25.5%
    South Korean Won 16.6%
    U.S. Dollar 9.9%
    Brazilian Real 5.5%
    Saudi Arabia Riyal 5.2%
    United Arab Emirates Dirham 4.7%
    Euro Currency 3.4%
    Indonesian Rupiah 3.4%
    Viet Nam Dong 2.5%
    Mexican Peso 1.9%
    South African Rand 0.9%
    Polish Zloty 0.7%
    Canadian Dollar 0.6%
    Turkish Lira 0.5%
    Russian Ruble -
    Short-Term Investment 1.3%
    Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (12.7%)
      100.0%
    The following were the Fund’s top ten holdings as of June 30, 2025:
    Top Ten Holdings  
    Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. 17.8%
    Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. 5.3%
    ICICI Bank Ltd. 3.5%
    SK Hynix, Inc. 2.9%
    HDFC Bank Ltd. 2.8%
    FPT Corp. 2.5%
    Chroma ATE, Inc. 2.4%
    Al Rajhi Bank 2.3%
    ITC Ltd. 2.2%
    Bharti Airtel Ltd. 2.2%
     
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 7

     

    Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) 
    As of June 30, 2025

      Shares Value
    COMMON STOCKS—104.2%  
    BRAZIL—6.8%
    Consumer Discretionary—1.5%
    MercadoLibre, Inc.(a)         1,569 $   4,100,785
    Consumer Staples—1.1%
    Raia Drogasil SA     1,031,964   2,871,896
    Energy—1.4%
    PRIO SA(a)       487,161   3,801,812
    Financials—1.7%
    NU Holdings Ltd., Class A(a)       321,598   4,412,325
    Industrials—1.1%
    Localiza Rent a Car SA       398,420   2,971,412
    Total Brazil   18,158,230
    CANADA—0.6%
    Materials—0.6%
    Capstone Copper Corp.(a)       243,837   1,496,954
    GREECE—1.2%
    Financials—1.2%
    National Bank of Greece SA   262,638 3,348,832
    INDIA—30.1%
    Communication Services—3.1%
    Bharti Airtel Ltd.   248,652 5,826,802
    Info Edge India Ltd.   137,930 2,386,158
          8,212,960
    Consumer Discretionary—3.4%
    Indian Hotels Co. Ltd.   469,621 4,162,765
    Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.   136,543 5,061,089
          9,223,854
    Consumer Staples—2.2%
    ITC Ltd.   1,236,111 6,000,955
    Financials—11.3%
    360 ONE WAM Ltd.   146,591 2,034,746
    Cholamandalam Financial Holdings Ltd.   98,380 2,490,942
    Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Co. Ltd.   201,691 3,831,882
    HDFC Bank Ltd.   323,922 7,556,440
    ICICI Bank Ltd.   548,131 9,283,775
    SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd.(b)   245,432 5,248,625
          30,446,410
    Health Care—1.6%
    JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.   71,730 1,402,564
    Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.   73,414 2,920,791
          4,323,355
    Industrials—2.8%
    Havells India Ltd.   113,369 2,052,800
    KEI Industries Ltd.   32,953 1,461,590
    Larsen & Toubro Ltd.   90,842 3,889,416
          7,403,806
    Information Technology—1.8%
    Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.   120,771 4,873,971
    Materials—1.0%
    UltraTech Cement Ltd.   18,733 2,640,544
    Real Estate—1.3%
    Godrej Properties Ltd.(a)   126,142 3,443,153
    Utilities—1.6%
    Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd.   1,234,087 4,302,528
    Total India   80,871,536
    8 abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    Portfolio of Investments (unaudited)  (continued)
    As of June 30, 2025

      Shares Value
    COMMON STOCKS (continued)  
    INDONESIA—3.4%
    Communication Services—1.5%
    Telkom Indonesia Persero Tbk. PT    23,505,300 $   4,021,324
    Financials—1.9%
    Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk. PT    20,293,400   5,150,534
    Total Indonesia   9,171,858
    KAZAKHSTAN—3.0%
    Energy—1.7%
    NAC Kazatomprom JSC, GDR(a)(b)       108,418   4,683,658
    Financials—1.3%
    Kaspi.KZ JSC, GDR(b)        40,450   3,433,800
    Total Kazakhstan   8,117,458
    MEXICO—5.2%
    Consumer Staples—0.9%
    Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV, ADR        23,372   2,406,849
    Industrials—1.5%
    Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte SAB de CV, ADR        39,371   4,153,640
    Materials—2.8%
    Grupo Mexico SAB de CV   829,641 5,007,159
    Southern Copper Corp.   24,738 2,502,744
          7,509,903
    Total Mexico   14,070,392
    NETHERLANDS—0.9%
    Information Technology—0.9%
    ASML Holding NV   3,046 2,440,872
    PERU—0.4%
    Financials—0.4%
    Credicorp Ltd.   4,743 1,060,155
    POLAND—2.0%
    Consumer Staples—0.7%
    Zabka Group SA(a)   326,972 1,965,233
    Industrials—1.3%
    InPost SA(a)   209,917 3,493,377
    Total Poland   5,458,610
    RUSSIA—0.0%
    Energy—0.0%
    Novatek PJSC(c)(d)   20,251 –
    Financials—0.0%
    Sberbank of Russia PJSC(c)(d)   730,234 –
    Total Russia   –
    SAUDI ARABIA—5.2%
    Consumer Discretionary—0.4%
    Leejam Sports Co. JSC   30,319 1,048,266
    Energy—0.9%
    Saudi Arabian Oil Co.(b)   387,608 2,513,218
    Financials—3.2%
    Al Rajhi Bank   243,141 6,132,709
    Saudi Tadawul Group Holding Co.   50,278 2,365,663
          8,498,372
    Industrials—0.7%
    Riyadh Cables Group Co.   50,209 1,893,219
    Total Saudi Arabia   13,953,075
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 9

     

    Portfolio of Investments (unaudited)  (continued)
    As of June 30, 2025

      Shares Value
    COMMON STOCKS (continued)  
    SOUTH AFRICA—0.9%
    Financials—0.9%
    Sanlam Ltd.       480,020 $   2,404,201
    SOUTH KOREA—11.3%
    Financials—1.9%
    Shinhan Financial Group Co. Ltd.       114,980   5,212,828
    Health Care—0.8%
    Samsung Biologics Co. Ltd.(a)(b)         2,821   2,070,099
    Industrials—5.7%
    HD Hyundai Electric Co. Ltd.         7,413   2,779,037
    HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. Ltd.        20,672   5,582,283
    Samsung C&T Corp.        34,319   4,090,240
    Samsung E&A Co. Ltd.       176,455   2,880,836
          15,332,396
    Information Technology—2.9%
    SK Hynix, Inc.        36,370   7,837,064
    Total South Korea   30,452,387
    TAIWAN—25.5%
    Consumer Discretionary—1.3%
    Makalot Industrial Co. Ltd.   278,000 2,249,055
    Poya International Co. Ltd.(a)   75,000 1,289,185
          3,538,240
    Information Technology—24.2%
    Accton Technology Corp.   141,000 3,524,119
    Chroma ATE, Inc.   424,000 6,419,723
    Delta Electronics, Inc.   253,000 3,580,190
    MediaTek, Inc.   84,000 3,599,287
    Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.   1,311,000 47,942,414
          65,065,733
    Total Taiwan   68,603,973
    TURKEY—0.5%
    Consumer Staples—0.5%
    Coca-Cola Icecek AS   1,024,066 1,266,273
    UNITED ARAB EMIRATES—4.7%
    Consumer Discretionary—0.4%
    Talabat Holding PLC   3,285,625 1,197,966
    Financials—1.9%
    Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC   873,756 5,115,642
    Real Estate—1.3%
    Aldar Properties PJSC   1,490,583 3,622,112
    Utilities—1.1%
    Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corp.   6,247,345 2,823,774
    Total United Arab Emirates   12,759,494
    VIETNAM—2.5%
    Information Technology—2.5%
    FPT Corp.   1,478,460 6,688,955
    Total Common Stocks   280,323,255
    PREFERRED STOCKS—7.2%  
    BRAZIL—1.9%
    Financials—1.9%
    Itausa SA   2,503,509 5,045,632
    10 abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    Portfolio of Investments (unaudited)  (concluded)
    As of June 30, 2025

      Shares Value
    PREFERRED STOCKS (continued)  
    SOUTH KOREA—5.3%
    Information Technology—5.3%
    Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.       385,482 $  14,141,371
    Total Preferred Stocks   19,187,003
    PRIVATE EQUITY—0.0%  
    GLOBAL*—0.0%
    Private Equity —0.0%      
    Emerging Markets Ventures I LP(a)(c)(e)(f)(g)(h)    11,723,413(i)       8,324
    ISRAEL—0.0%
    Private Equity —0.0%      
    BPA Israel Ventures LLC(a)(c)(e)(f)(g)(h)(j)     3,349,175(i)      12,559
    UNITED STATES—0.0%
    Private Equity —0.0%      
    Telesoft Partners II LP(a)(c)(e)(h)(j)     2,400,000(i)      23,808
    Total Private Equity   44,691
    SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT—1.3%  
    State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Premier Class, 4.27%(k)     3,613,678   3,613,678
    Total Short-Term Investment   3,613,678
    Total Investments
    (Cost $243,286,979)(l)—112.7%
    303,168,627
    Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets—(12.7%) (34,214,327)
    Net Assets—100.0% $268,954,300
        
    (a) Non-income producing security.
    (b) Denotes a security issued under Regulation S or Rule 144A.
    (c) Illiquid security.
    (d) Level 3 security. See Note 2(a) of the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
    (e) Fair Value is determined pursuant to procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. Unless otherwise noted, securities are valued by applying valuation factors to the exchange traded price. See Note 2(a)  of the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements for inputs used.
    (f) Considered in liquidation by the Fund's Adviser.
    (g) As of June 30, 2025, the aggregate amount of open commitments for the Fund is $2,806,782.
    (h) Restricted security, not readily marketable. See Notes to Financial Statements.
    (i) Represents contributed capital.
    (j) Fund of Fund investment.
    (k) Registered investment company advised by State Street Investment Management. The rate shown is the 7 day yield as of June 30, 2025.
    (l) See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements for tax unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of securities.
    * “Global” is the percentage attributable to the Fund’s holdings in a private equity fund which invests globally and is not categorized under a particular country.
        
    ADR American Depositary Receipt
    GDR Global Depositary Receipt
    PLC Public Limited Company
     
    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 11

     

    Statement of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited) 
    As of June 30, 2025

    Assets  
    Investments, at value (cost $239,673,301) $ 299,554,949
    Short-term investment, at value (cost $3,613,678)  3,613,678
    Foreign currency, at value (cost $76,399) 76,278
    Receivable for investments sold 2,101,730
    Interest and dividends receivable 582,427
    Tax reclaim receivable 66,120
    Prepaid expenses in connection with revolving credit facility (Note 7) 13,574
    Prepaid expenses 51,397
    Total assets 306,060,153
    Liabilities  
    Revolving Credit Facility payable (Note 7) 32,000,000
    Deferred foreign capital gains tax (Note 2h) 2,304,838
    Payable for investments purchased 2,032,102
    Investment advisory fees payable (Note 3) 411,229
    Director fees payable 62,033
    Administration fees payable (Note 3) 49,004
    Investor relations fees payable (Note 3) 24,163
    Interest payable on Revolving Credit Facility 14,800
    Other accrued expenses 207,684
    Total liabilities 37,105,853
     
    Net Assets $268,954,300
    Composition of Net Assets  
    Common stock (par value $0.001 per share) (Note 5) $ 40,601
    Paid-in capital in excess of par  320,864,410
    Accumulated loss  (51,950,711)
    Net Assets $268,954,300
    Net asset value per share based on 40,601,423 shares issued and outstanding $6.62
     
    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
    12 abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    Statement of Operations  (unaudited) 
    For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2025

    Net Investment Income  
    Investment Income:  
    Dividends and other income (net of foreign withholding taxes of $647,406) $ 3,806,206
    Total investment income 3,806,206
    Expenses:  
    Investment advisory fee (Note 3)  1,172,942
    Custodian’s fees and expenses  136,558
    Directors' fees and expenses  131,459
    Administration fee (Note 3)  105,178
    Legal fees and expenses  59,810
    Independent auditors’ fees and tax expenses  39,009
    Reports to shareholders and proxy solicitation  36,593
    Investor relations fees and expenses (Note 3)  34,236
    Transfer agent’s fees and expenses  16,488
    Insurance expense  14,071
    Miscellaneous  50,948
    Total operating expenses, excluding interest expense 1,797,292
    Interest expense (Note 7)  951,697
    Total operating expenses before reimbursed/waived expenses 2,748,989
    Expenses waived (Note 3) (219,618)
    Net expenses 2,529,371
     
    Net Investment Income 1,276,835
    Net Realized/Unrealized Gain/(Loss):  
    Net realized gain/(loss) from:  
    Investments (including $925,553 foreign capital gains tax) (Note 2h) 13,492,235
    Foreign currency transactions (186,112)
      13,306,123
    Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on:  
    Investments (including change in deferred foreign capital gains tax of $607,472) (Note 2h) 25,848,016
    Foreign currency translation 19,032
      25,867,048
    Net realized and unrealized gain from investments and foreign currencies 39,173,171
    Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $40,450,006
     
    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 13

     

    Statements of Changes in Net Assets 

      For the
    Six-Month
    Period Ended
    June 30, 2025
    (unaudited)
    For the
    Year Ended
    December 31, 2024
    Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets:    
    Operations:    
    Net investment income $1,276,835 $1,959,129
    Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions 13,306,123 (22,904,772)
    Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency translations 25,867,048 40,685,382
    Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 40,450,006 19,739,739
    Distributions to Shareholders From:    
    Distributable earnings (12,180,427) (771,595)
    Return of capital – (19,021,599)
    Net decrease in net assets from distributions (12,180,427) (19,793,194)
    Cost of shares purchased through a tender offer of 10,150,355 and 0 shares of common stock, respectively (net of expenses of $150,000 and 0, respectively) (Note 5) (61,762,655) –
    Change in net assets (33,493,076) (53,455)
    Net Assets:    
    Beginning of period 302,447,376 302,500,831
    End of period $268,954,300 $302,447,376
    Amounts listed as “–” are $0 or round to $0. 
    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
    14 abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    Statement of Cash Flows  (unaudited) 
    For the Six-Month Period Ended  June 30, 2025

    Cash flows from operating activities:  
    Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations $ 40,450,006
    Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting
    from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
     
    Investments purchased  (93,676,338)
    Investments sold and principal repayments  180,542,581
    Net change in short-term investments  (1,269,406)
    Increase in interest, dividends and other receivables  (363,797)
    Increase in prepaid expenses  (17,471)
    Decrease in interest payable on Revolving Credit Facility  (48,978)
    Decrease in accrued investment advisory fee payable  (230,795)
    Increase in other accrued expenses  42,888
    Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments  (25,848,016)
    Net change in unrealized appreciation on foreign currency translation  (19,032)
    Net realized gain on investments transactions  (13,492,235)
    Net cash provided by operating activities 86,069,407
    Cash flows from financing activities:  
    Repayment of Revolving Credit Facility (8,000,000)
    Distributions paid to shareholders (17,255,605)
    Cost of shares purchased through a tender offer (61,762,655)
    Net cash used in financing activities (87,018,260)
    Effect of exchange rate on cash 1,248
    Net change in cash (947,605)
    Unrestricted and restricted cash and foreign currency, beginning of period 1,023,883
    Unrestricted and restricted cash and foreign currency, end of period $76,278
    Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:  
    Cash paid for interest and fees on borrowing  $1,000,675
     
    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 15

     

    Financial Highlights 

      For the
    Six-Month
    Period Ended
    June 30,
    For the Fiscal Years Ended December 31,
      2025
    (unaudited)
    2024
    2023
    2022
    2021
    2020
    PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:            
    Net asset value per common share, beginning of period $5.96 $5.96 $5.78 $8.70 $9.41 $8.66
    Net investment income(a) 0.03 0.04 0.07 0.12 0.16 0.23
    Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on
    investments and foreign currency transactions
    0.90 0.35 0.50 (2.60) (0.34) 0.79
    Total from investment operations applicable to common shareholders 0.93 0.39 0.57 (2.48) (0.18) 1.02
    Distributions to common shareholders from:            
    Net investment income (0.30) (0.02) (0.06) (0.13) (0.22) (0.27)
    Return of capital – (0.37) (0.33) (0.31) (0.31) –
    Total distributions (0.30) (0.39) (0.39) (0.44) (0.53) (0.27)
    Capital Share Transactions:            
    Anti-dilutive impact due to capital shares tendered 0.03 – – – – –
    Net asset value per common share, end of period $6.62 $5.96 $5.96 $5.78 $8.70 $9.41
    Market price, end of period $5.94 $5.19 $5.11 $5.15 $7.92 $8.16
    Total Investment Return Based on(b):            
    Market price 20.87% 9.24% 7.12% (29.76%) 3.27% 11.42%
    Net asset value 17.30% 7.56% 11.32% (28.23%) (1.63%) 13.06%
    Ratio to Average Net Assets/Supplementary Data:            
    Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) $268,954 $302,447 $302,501 $293,167 $441,576 $477,473
    Average net assets applicable to common shareholders (000 omitted) $265,125 $310,363 $301,746 $335,898 $492,593 $390,881
    Gross operating expenses, excluding fee waivers 2.09%(c) 2.04% 2.24% 1.74% 1.27% 1.44%
    Net operating expenses, net of fee waivers 1.92%(c) 1.96% 2.14% 1.65% 1.31% 1.44%
    Total expenses, excluding taxes and interest and revolving credit facility expenses, net of fee waivers 1.20%(c) 1.20% 1.20% 1.20% 1.21% 1.27%
    Net Investment income 0.97%(c) 0.63% 1.15% 1.83% 1.61% 2.96%
    Portfolio turnover 31%(d) 42% 25% 32% 50% 21%
    Senior securities (loan facility) outstanding (000 omitted) $32,000 $40,000 $35,000 $55,000 $55,000 $40,900
    Asset coverage ratio on revolving credit facility at period end 940% 856% 964% 633% 903% 1,267%
    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
    16 abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    Financial Highlights  (concluded)

      For the
    Six-Month
    Period Ended
    June 30,
    For the Fiscal Years Ended December 31,
      2025
    (unaudited)
    2024
    2023
    2022
    2021
    2020
    Asset coverage per $1,000 on revolving credit facility at period end(e) $9,405 $8,561 $9,643 $6,330 $9,029 $12,674
        
    (a) Based on average shares outstanding.
    (b) Total investment return based on market value is calculated assuming that shares of the Fund’s common stock were purchased at the closing market price as of the beginning of the period, dividends, capital gains and other distributions were reinvested as provided for in the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan and then sold at the closing market price per share on the last day of the period. The computation does not reflect any sales commission investors may incur in purchasing or selling shares of the Fund. The total investment return based on the net asset value is similarly computed except that the Fund’s net asset value is substituted for the closing market value.
    (c) Annualized.
    (d) Not annualized.
    (e) Asset coverage ratio is calculated by dividing net assets as of each fiscal period end plus the amount of any borrowings, for investment purposes outstanding as of each fiscal period end by the amount of the Revolving Credit Facility as of each fiscal period end.
    Amounts listed as “–” are $0 or round to $0. 
    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 17

     

    Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited) 
    June 30, 2025

    1.  Organization
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. (formerly known as abrdn Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, Inc.) (the “Fund”) was incorporated in Maryland on January 30, 1989 and commenced investment operations on September 27, 1989. The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a non-diversified closed-end, management investment company. The Fund trades on the NYSE American under the ticker symbol “AEF”.
    The Fund’s investment objective is to seek to provide both current income and long-term capital appreciation.
    2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
    The Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services-Investment Companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. Dollars and the U.S. Dollar is used as both the functional and reporting currency.
    a.  Security Valuation:
    The Fund values its securities at fair value, consistent with regulatory requirements. "Fair value" is defined in the Fund's Valuation and Liquidity Procedures as the price that could be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing market participants without a compulsion to transact at the measurement date, also referred to as market value. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board of Directors (the "Board") designated abrdn Investments Limited (the "Adviser") as the valuation designee ("Valuation Designee") for the Fund to perform the fair value determinations relating to Fund investments for which market quotations are not readily available or deemed unreliable.
    In accordance with the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures under U.S. GAAP, the Fund discloses the fair value of its investments using a three-level hierarchy that classifies the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure the fair value. The hierarchy assigns Level 1, the highest level, measurements to valuations based upon unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets, Level 2 measurements to valuations based upon other significant observable inputs, including adjusted quoted prices in
    active markets for similar assets, and Level 3, the lowest level, measurements to valuations based upon unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk, for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, which are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
    Open-end mutual funds are valued at the respective net asset value (“NAV”) as reported by such company. The prospectuses for the registered open-end management investment companies in which the Fund invests explain the circumstances under which those companies will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing. Closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") are valued at the market price of the security at the Valuation Time (defined below). A security using any of these pricing methodologies is generally determined to be a Level 1 investment.
    Equity securities that are traded on an exchange are valued at the last quoted sale price or the official close price on the principal exchange on which the security is traded at the “Valuation Time” subject to application, when appropriate, of the valuation factors described in the paragraph below. Under normal circumstances, the Valuation Time is as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). In the absence of a sale price, the security is valued at the mean of the bid/ask price quoted at the close on the principal exchange on which the security is traded. Securities traded on NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price.
    Foreign equity securities that are traded on foreign exchanges that close prior to the Valuation Time are valued by applying valuation factors to the last sale price or the mean price as noted above. Valuation factors are provided by an independent pricing service provider. These valuation factors are used when pricing the Fund's portfolio holdings to estimate market movements between the time foreign markets close and the time the Fund values such foreign securities. These valuation factors are based on inputs such as depositary receipts, indices, futures, sector indices/ETFs, exchange rates, and local exchange opening and closing prices of each security. When prices with the application of valuation factors are utilized, the value assigned to the foreign securities may not be the same as quoted
     
    18 abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited)  (continued)
    June 30, 2025

    or published prices of the securities on their primary markets. A security that applies a valuation factor is generally determined to be a Level 2 investment because the exchange-traded price has been adjusted. Valuation factors are not utilized if the independent pricing service provider is unable to provide a valuation factor or if the valuation factor falls below a predetermined threshold; in such case, the security is determined to be a Level 1 investment.
    Short-term investments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents invested in short-term investment funds which are redeemable daily. The Fund sweeps available cash into the State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, which has elected to qualify as a “government money market fund” pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, and has an objective, which is not guaranteed, to maintain a $1.00 per share NAV. Generally, these investment types are categorized as Level 1 investments.
    In the event that a security’s market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable (for reasons other than because the foreign exchange on which it trades closes before the Valuation Time), the security is valued at fair value as determined by the Valuation Designee, taking into account the relevant factors and surrounding circumstances using valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board. A security that has been fair valued by the Adviser may be classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the nature of the inputs.
    The three-level hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:
    Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments;
    Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including valuation factors, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, and credit risk, etc.); or
    Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
    The Fund may also invest in private equity private placement securities, which represented less than 0.01% of the net assets of the Fund as of June 30, 2025. The private equity private placement securities in which the Fund is invested are deemed to be restricted securities. In the absence of readily ascertainable market values, these securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of the Board, pursuant to valuation policies and procedures established by the Board. The Fund’s estimate of fair value assumes a willing buyer and a willing seller neither of whom are acting under the compulsion to buy or sell. Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized on such sales could differ from the prices originally paid by the Fund or the current carrying values, and the difference could be material. These securities are stated at fair value by utilizing the net asset valuations provided by the underlying funds as a practical expedient. In determining the fair value of these investments, management uses the market approach which includes as the primary input the capital balance reported; however, adjustments to the reported capital balance may be made based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the attributes of the interest held, including the rights and obligations, and any restrictions or illiquidity of such interests, and the fair value of these private equity investments. No such adjustments were made to the NAVs provided by the underlying funds.
     
    A summary of standard inputs is listed below:
    Security Type Standard Inputs
    Foreign equities utilizing a fair value factor Depositary receipts, indices, futures, sector indices/ETFs, exchange rates, and local exchange opening and closing prices of each security.
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 19

     

    Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited)  (continued)
    June 30, 2025

    The following is a summary of the inputs used as of June 30, 2025 in valuing the Fund's investments and other financial instruments at fair value. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for a detailed breakout of the security types:
    Investments, at Value Level 1 – Quoted
    Prices
    Level 2 – Other Significant
    Observable Inputs
    Level 3 – Significant
    Unobservable Inputs
    Total
    Assets    
    Investments in Securities      
    Common Stocks $48,131,164 $232,192,091 $– $280,323,255
    Preferred Stocks 5,045,632 14,141,371 – 19,187,003
    Short-Term Investment 3,613,678 – – 3,613,678
    Total $56,790,474 $246,333,462 $– $303,123,936
    Private Equity(a)       44,691
    Total Investments in Securities       $303,168,627
    Amounts listed as “–” are $0 or round to $0.
    (a) Private Equity investments are measured at the net asset valuations provided by the underlying funds as a practical expedient and have not been classified in the fair value levels. The fair value amounts presented are intended to permit reconciliation to the total investment amount presented in the Portfolio of Investments.
    During the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, there have been no transfers between levels and no significant changes to the fair valuation methodologies. There were no Level 3 investments held during and at the end of the year and accordingly, a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025 is not presented. The valuation technique used at June 30, 2025 was fair valuation at zero pursuant to procedures approved by the Board.
    b.  Restricted Securities:
    Restricted securities are privately-placed securities whose resale is restricted under U.S. securities laws. The Fund may invest in restricted securities, including unregistered securities eligible for resale without registration pursuant to Rule 144A and privately-placed securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers offered outside the U.S. without registration pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). Rule 144A securities may be freely traded among certain qualified institutional investors, such as the Fund, but resale of such securities in the U.S. is permitted only in limited circumstances.
    c.  Foreign Currency Translation:
    Foreign securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate of said currencies against the U.S. Dollar, as of the Valuation Time, as provided by an independent pricing service approved by the Board.
    Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. Dollars on the following basis:
    (i) fair value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities – at the current daily rates of exchange at the Valuation Time; and
    (ii) purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses – at the relevant rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.
    The Fund does not isolate that portion of gains and losses on investments in equity securities due to changes in the foreign exchange rates from the portion due to changes in market prices of equity securities. Accordingly, realized and unrealized foreign currency gains and losses with respect to such securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investment transactions balances.
    The Fund reports certain foreign currency related transactions and foreign taxes withheld on security transactions as components of realized gains for financial reporting purposes, whereas such foreign currency related transactions are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
    Net unrealized currency gains or losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation/depreciation in value of investments, and translation of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies.
    Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses represent foreign exchange gains and losses from transactions in foreign currencies and forward foreign currency contracts, exchange gains or losses realized between the trade date and settlement date on security transactions,
     
    20 abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited)  (continued)
    June 30, 2025

    and the difference between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. Dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received.
    Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of domestic origin, including unanticipated movements in the value of the foreign currency relative to the U.S. Dollar. Generally, when the U.S. Dollar rises in value against foreign currency, the Fund's investments denominated in that foreign currency will lose value because the foreign currency is worth fewer U.S. Dollars; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. Dollar falls in relative value.
    d.  Rights Issues and Warrants:
    Rights issues give the right, normally to existing shareholders, to buy a proportional number of additional securities at a given price (generally at a discount) within a fixed period (generally a short-term period) and are offered at the company’s discretion. Warrants are securities that give the holder the right to buy common stock at a specified price for a specified period of time. Rights issues and warrants are speculative and have no value if they are not exercised before the expiration date. Rights issues and warrants are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are traded.
    e.  Security Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses:
    Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) from security and currency transactions are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except for certain dividends on foreign securities, which are recorded as soon as the Fund is informed after the ex-dividend date. Interest income and expenses are recorded on an accrual basis.
    Certain distributions received by the Fund could represent a return of capital or capital gain. The Fund determines the components of these distributions subsequent to the ex-dividend date, based upon receipt of tax filings or other correspondence relating to the underlying investment. These distributions are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain.
    f.  Distributions:
    The Fund records dividends and distributions payable to its shareholders on the ex-dividend date. The amount of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. These book basis/tax basis differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. Dividends and distributions which exceed net
    investment income and net realized capital gains for tax purposes are reported as return of capital.
    g.  Federal Income Taxes:
    The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a “regulated investment company” by complying with the provisions available to certain investment companies, as defined in Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended the ("Code"), and to make distributions of net investment income and net realized capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all federal income taxes. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
    The Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management of the Fund has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. Since tax authorities can examine previously filed tax returns, the Fund’s U.S. federal and state tax returns for each of the most recent four fiscal years up to the most recent fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 are subject to such review.
    h.  Foreign Withholding Tax:
    Dividend and interest income from non-U.S. sources received by the Fund are generally subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes and are recorded on the Statement of Operations. The Fund files for tax reclaims for the refund of such withholdings taxes according to tax treaties. Tax reclaims that are deemed collectible are booked as tax reclaim receivable on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. In addition, the Fund may be subject to capital gains tax in certain countries in which it invests. The above taxes may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of applicable U.S. income tax treaties with some of these countries. The Fund accrues such taxes when the related income is earned.
    In addition, when the Fund sells securities within certain countries in which it invests, the capital gains realized may be subject to tax. Based on these market requirements and as required under U.S. GAAP, the Fund accrues deferred capital gains tax on securities currently held that have unrealized appreciation within these countries. The amount of deferred capital gains tax accrued is reported on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
    3.  Agreements and Transactions with Affiliates
    a.  Investment Adviser:
    abrdn Investments Limited serves as the Fund’s investment adviser with respect to all investments. The Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Aberdeen Group plc. The Adviser receives an annual fee, calculated weekly and paid quarterly, equal to 0.90% of the first $250 million, 0.80% of amounts $250-$500 million and
     
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 21

     

    Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited)  (continued)
    June 30, 2025

    0.75% of amounts over $500 million. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, the Adviser earned $1,172,942 for advisory services.
    The Adviser and the Fund are party to an expense limitation agreement dated April 27, 2018 (the "Expense Limitation Agreement"), which limits the total ordinary operating expenses of the Fund (excluding any interest, taxes, brokerage fees, short sale dividend and interest expenses and non-routine expenses) from exceeding 1.20% of the average daily Net Assets of the Fund on an annualized basis. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before June 30, 2026 without the approval of the Independent Trustees. Through  June 30, 2025, the Adviser waived a total of $219,618 pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement. The Adviser may request and receive reimbursement of the advisory fees waived and other expenses reimbursed pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement as of a date not more than three years after the date when the Adviser limited the fees or reimbursed the expenses; provided that the following requirements are met: the reimbursements do not cause the Fund to exceed the lesser of the applicable expense limitation in the contract at the time the fees were limited or expenses are paid or the applicable expense limitation in effect at the time the expenses are being recouped by the Adviser (the “Reimbursement Requirements”).
    As of June 30, 2025, to the extent the Reimbursement Requirements are met, the cumulative potential reimbursements to the Adviser for the Fund, based on expenses reimbursed by the Adviser, including adjustments described above, would be:
    Amount Fiscal Year 2022 (Expires 12/31/25)   $309,304
    Amount Fiscal Year 2023 (Expires 12/31/26)   $284,122
    Amount Fiscal Year 2024 (Expires 12/31/27)   $224,465
    Amount Fiscal Year 2025 (Expires 12/31/28)   $219,618
    Total*   $1,037,509
        
    * Amounts reported are due to expire throughout the respective 3-year expiration period presented above.
    b.  Fund Administration:
    abrdn Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, is the Fund’s Administrator, pursuant to an agreement under which abrdn Inc. receives a fee paid by the Fund, at an annual fee rate of 0.08% of the Fund’s average monthly net assets. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, abrdn Inc. earned $105,178 from the Fund for administration services.
    c.  Investor Relations:
    Under the terms of the Investor Relations Services Agreement, abrdn Inc. provides and/or engages third parties to provide investor relations services to the Fund and certain other funds advised by the Adviser or its affiliates as part of an Investor Relations Program. Under the Investor Relations Services Agreement, the Fund owes a portion of the fees related to the Investor Relations Program (the “Fund’s Portion”). However, investor relations services fees are limited by abrdn Inc. so
    that the Fund will only pay up to an annual rate of 0.05% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets. Any difference between the capped rate of 0.05% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets and the Fund’s Portion is paid for by abrdn Inc.
    During the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, the Fund incurred investor relations fees of approximately $34,236. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, abrdn Inc. did not contribute to the investor relations fees for the Fund because the Fund’s contribution was below 0.05% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets on an annual basis.
    4.  Investment Transactions
    Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term securities) for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, were $93,396,747 and $181,131,758, respectively.
    5.  Capital
    The authorized capital of the Fund is 100 million shares of $0.001 par value per share of common stock. As of June 30, 2025, there were 40,601,423 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
    a.  Tender Offer:
    The Fund announced on January 21, 2025, the commencement of a cash tender offer to purchase up to 10,150,355 shares, representing approximately 20% of the Fund's outstanding shares, at a price per share equal to 98% of the Fund's NAV per share as determined by the Fund on the next business day immediately following the day the tender expires. The offer commenced at 12:01 am, January 21, 2025, and expired at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on February 20, 2025. In connection with the tender offer, the Fund purchased 10,150,355 shares for cash payment stock at a price equal to $6.07 per share. The tender offer was oversubscribed and all tenders of shares were subject to pro ration (at a ratio of approximately 0.27624999) in accordance with the terms of the tender offer.  Following the purchase of the properly tendered shares, the Fund had 40,601,423 outstanding shares.
    6.  Open Market Repurchase Program
    The Board approved an open market repurchase and discount management policy (the “Program”). The Program allows the Fund to purchase, in the open market, its outstanding common shares, with the amount and timing of any repurchase determined at the discretion of the Fund’s investment adviser. Such purchases may be made opportunistically at certain discounts to NAV per share in the reasonable judgment of management based on historical discount levels and current market conditions. If shares are repurchased, the Fund reports repurchase activity on its website on a monthly basis.
     
    22 abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited)  (continued)
    June 30, 2025

    On a quarterly basis, the Board will receive information on any transactions made pursuant to this policy during the prior quarter. Under the terms of the Program, the Fund is permitted to repurchase up to 10% of its outstanding shares of common stock in the open market during any 12 month period.
    For the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, the Fund did not repurchase any shares through this program.
    7.  Credit Facility
    On June 16, 2025, the Fund renewed its revolving credit facility for a 1-year period with The Bank of Nova Scotia with a committed facility of $40,000,000. Previously the committed facility amount was $50,000,000. The outstanding balance on the loan as of June 30, 2025 was $32,000,000. During the current fiscal period ended June 30, 2025, the average daily balance outstanding and the average interest rate on the loan facility was $32,000,000 and 5.39%, respectively. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the average daily balance outstanding and the average interest rate on the loan facility was $36,147,541 and 6.45%, respectively. The interest expense is accrued on a daily basis and is payable to The Bank of Nova Scotia on a monthly basis. The Fund uses leverage for investment purposes. In the event of a general market decrease in the value of assets in which the Fund invests, the effect of that decline will be magnified in the Fund because of the additional assets purchased with the proceeds of the leverage. Non-recurring expenses in connection with the implementation of the loan facility will reduce the Fund’s performance.
    The Fund’s leveraged capital structure creates special risks not associated with unleveraged funds having similar investment objectives and policies. The funds borrowed pursuant to the loan facility may constitute a substantial lien and burden by reason of their
    prior claim against the income of the Fund and against the net assets of the Fund in liquidation. The Fund is not permitted to declare dividends or other distributions in the event of default under the loan facility. In the event of a default under the loan facility, the lenders have the right to cause a liquidation of the collateral (i.e., sell portfolio securities and other assets of the Fund) and, if any such default is not cured, the lenders may be able to control the liquidation as well. A liquidation of the Fund’s collateral assets in an event of default, or a voluntary paydown of the loan facility in order to avoid an event of default, would typically involve administrative expenses and sometimes penalties. Additionally, such liquidations often involve selling off of portions of the Fund’s assets at inopportune times which can result in losses when markets are unfavorable. The loan facility has a one year term and is not a perpetual form of leverage; there can be no assurance that the loan facility will be available for renewal on acceptable terms, if at all. Bank loan fees and expenses included in the Statement of Operations include fees for the loan facility as well as commitment fees for any portion of the loan facility not drawn upon at any time during the period. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, the Fund incurred fees of approximately $18,354.
    The credit agreement governing the loan facility includes usual and customary covenants for this type of transaction. These covenants impose on the Fund asset coverage requirements, Fund composition requirements and limits on certain investments, such as illiquid investments, which are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act. The covenants or guidelines could impede the Investment Adviser from fully managing the Fund’s portfolio in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. Furthermore, non-compliance with such covenants or the occurrence of other events could lead to the cancellation of the loan facility.
     
    8.  Private Equity Investments
    Certain of the Fund’s investments, listed in the chart below, are restricted as to resale and are valued at NAV as a practical expedient.
    Security Acquisition
    Date(s)
    Commitment Cost Fair
    Value at
    June 30, 2025
    Percent
    of Net
    Assets
    Cumulative
    Distributions
    Received
    BPA Israel Ventures LLC(a) 10/05/00-12/09/05 $4,600,000 $1,670,809 $12,559 0.01 $844,787
    Emerging Markets Ventures I LP(a) 01/22/98-01/10/06 13,100,000 3,935,953 8,324 0.00 12,787,187
    Telesoft Partners II LP 07/14/00-03/01/10 2,400,000 801,637 23,808 0.01 1,694,311
    Amounts listed as “–” are $0 or round to $0.
    (a) BPA Israel Ventures LLC has open commitments of $1,250,825. Emerging Markets Ventures I, L.P. has open commitments of $1,555,957. These investments are in liquidation status, as indicated on the Portfolio of Investments. As such, future contributions are expected to be limited.
    The Fund may incur certain costs in connection with the disposition of the above securities.
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 23

     

    Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited)  (continued)
    June 30, 2025

    9.  Portfolio Investment Risks
    a.  Equity Securities Risk:
    The stock or other security of a company may not perform as well as expected, and may decrease in value, because of factors related to the company (such as poorer than expected earnings or certain management decisions), to the industry in which the company is engaged (such as a reduction in the demand for products or services in a particular industry) or to the market as a whole (such as periods of market volatility or instability, or general and prolonged periods of economic decline). Holders of common stock generally are subject to more risks than holders of preferred stock or debt securities because the right to repayment of common shareholders' claims is subordinated to that of preferred stock and debt securities upon the bankruptcy of the issuer.
    b.  Illiquid Securities Risk:
    Illiquid securities are assets that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the asset. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Illiquid securities are relatively less liquid securities may also be difficult to value.
    c.  Issuer Risk:
    The value of a security may decline for reasons directly related to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer's goods or services. In an increasingly interconnected financial market, the adverse changes in the financial conditions of one issuer may negatively affect other issuers.
    d.  Leverage Risk:
    The Fund may use leverage to purchase securities. Increases and decreases in the value of the Fund's portfolio will be magnified when the Fund uses leverage. Certain investments or trading strategies that involve leverage can result in losses that greatly exceed the amount originally invested.
    e.  Management Risk:
    The Fund is subject to the risk that the Adviser may make poor security selections. The Adviser and its portfolio managers apply their own investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund and there can be no guarantee that these decisions will achieve the desired results for the Fund. In addition, the Adviser may select securities that underperform the relevant market or other funds with similar investment objectives and strategies.
    f.  Market Events Risk:
    Markets are affected by numerous factors, including interest rates, the outlook for corporate profits, the health of the national and world economies, the fluctuation of other stock markets around the world, and financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, such as those arising from war, terrorism, market manipulation, government interventions, trading and tariff arrangements, defaults and shutdowns, political changes or diplomatic developments, public health emergencies and natural/environmental disasters. Such events can negatively impact the securities markets and cause the Fund to lose value.
    Policy and legislative changes in countries around the world are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and governmental and quasi-governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world have previously responded to serious economic disruptions with a variety of significant fiscal and monetary policy changes.
    The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. In addition, economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries or sectors experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by such events.
    g.  Mid-Cap Securities Risk:
    Securities of medium-sized companies tend to be more volatile and less liquid than securities of larger companies.
    h.  Non-U.S. Taxation Risk:
    Income, proceeds and gains received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries, which will reduce the return on those investments. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes.
    If, at the close of its taxable year, more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets consists of securities of foreign corporations, including for this purpose foreign governments, the Fund will be permitted to make an election under the Code that will allow shareholders a deduction or credit for foreign taxes paid by the Fund. In such a case, shareholders will include in gross income from foreign sources their pro rata shares of such taxes. A shareholder’s ability to claim an offsetting foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of such foreign taxes is subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code, which may result in the shareholder’s not receiving a full credit or
     
    24 abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited)  (continued)
    June 30, 2025

    deduction (if any) for the amount of such taxes. Shareholders who do not itemize on their U.S. federal income tax returns may claim a credit (but not a deduction) for such foreign taxes. If the Fund does not qualify for or chooses not to make such an election, shareholders will not be entitled separately to claim a credit or deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to foreign taxes paid by the Fund; in that case the foreign tax will nonetheless reduce the Fund’s taxable income. Even if the Fund elects to pass through to its shareholders foreign tax credits or deductions, tax-exempt shareholders and those who invest in the Fund through tax-advantaged accounts such as IRAs will not benefit from any such tax credit or deduction.
    i.  Risks Associated with Foreign Securities and Currencies:
    Investments in securities of foreign issuers carry certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks include future political and economic developments, and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws and restrictions. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there is the possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, and political or social instability or diplomatic developments, which could adversely affect investments in those countries. Foreign securities may also be harder to price than U.S. securities.
    Certain countries also may impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets by foreign entities, including restrictions on investments in issuers of industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests. These factors may limit the investment opportunities available and result in a lack of liquidity and high price volatility with respect to securities of issuers from developing countries.
    The value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar fluctuates in response to market, economic, political, regulatory, geopolitical or other conditions. A decline in the value of a foreign currency versus the U.S. Dollar reduces the value in U.S. Dollars of investments denominated in that foreign currency. This risk may impact the Fund more greatly to the extent the Fund does not hedge its currency risk, or hedging techniques used by the Adviser are unsuccessful.
    j.  Risks Associated with Emerging Markets:
    The emerging countries' securities markets are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United States. A high proportion of the securities of many companies in emerging countries may be held by a limited number of persons, which may limit the number of securities available for investment by the Fund. The limited liquidity of emerging country securities markets may also affect the Fund's ability to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so.
    k.  Risks Associated with Restricted Securities:
    The Fund, subject to local investment limitations, may invest up to 30% of its assets (at the time of commitment) in illiquid equity securities, including securities of private equity funds (whether in corporate or partnership form) that invest primarily in emerging markets. When investing through another investment fund, the Fund will bear its proportionate share of the expenses incurred by that underlying fund, including management fees. Such securities are expected to be illiquid and may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses. Because of the current absence of any liquid trading market for these investments, the private equity funds may take longer to liquidate than would be the case for publicly traded securities. Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized on such sales could be substantially less than those originally paid by the Fund or the current carrying values and these differences could be material. Further, companies whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosures and other investor protection requirements applicable to companies whose securities are publicly traded.
    l.  Russia/Ukraine Risk:
    In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future, could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of the Fund's investments. As of June 30, 2025, the Fund holds 2 Russian securities that are all valued at zero.
    m.  Sector Risk:
    To the extent that the Fund has a significant portion of its assets invested in securities of companies conducting business in a broadly related group of industries within an economic sector, the Fund may be more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that economic sector than funds that invest more broadly.
    Information Technology Sector Risk. To the extent that the information technology sector represents a significant portion of the Fund, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, factors impacting this sector. Information technology companies face intense competition, both domestically
     
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 25

     

    Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited)  (concluded)
    June 30, 2025

    and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Like other technology companies, information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments, frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
    Financial Sector Risk. To the extent that the financial sector represents a significant portion of the Fund's investments, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, factors impacting this sector. Performance of companies in the financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades, changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. The impact of more stringent capital requirements, recent or future regulation of any individual financial company, or recent or future regulation of the financials sector as a whole cannot be predicted. In recent years, cyber attacks and technology malfunctions and failures have become increasingly frequent in this sector and have caused significant losses.
    n.  Small-Cap Securities Risk:
    Securities of smaller companies are usually less stable in price and less liquid than those of larger, more established companies. Therefore, they generally involve greater risk.
    o.  Valuation Risk:
    The price that the Fund could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from the Fund's valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair valuation methodology or a price provided by an independent pricing service. As a result, the price received upon the sale of an investment may be less than the value ascribed by the Fund, and the Fund could realize a greater than expected loss or lower than expected gain upon the sale of the investment. The Fund's ability to value its investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.
    10.  Contingencies
    In the normal course of business, the Fund may provide general indemnifications pursuant to certain contracts and organizational documents. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund, and therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of loss from such claims to be remote.
     
    11.  Tax Information
    The U.S. federal income tax basis of the Fund's investments (including derivatives, if applicable) and the net unrealized appreciation as of June 30, 2025, were as follows:
    Tax Cost of
    Securities
    Unrealized
    Appreciation
    Unrealized
    Depreciation
    Net
    Unrealized
    Appreciation/
    (Depreciation)
    $239,943,063 $74,861,307 $(11,635,743) $63,225,564
    12.  Segment Reporting
    Effective December 31, 2024, the Fund adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280) - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”). Adoption of the new standard impacted disclosures only and did not affect the Fund's financial position nor the results of its operations.
    13.  Subsequent Events
    Management has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. Based on this evaluation, no disclosures and/or adjustments were required to the financial statements as of June 30, 2025, other than as noted below. 
     
    26 abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    Supplemental Information (Unaudited) 

    Results of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
    The Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on May 28, 2025 and all proposals were approved by Shareholders. The description of each proposal and number of shares voted at the meeting are as follows:
    To re-elect one Class II Director to the Board of Directors:
      Votes For Votes Against/
    Withheld
    Votes Abstained
    C. William Maher 32,763,343 1,454,907 85,481
    Summary of Board Considerations in Approving the Investment Advisory Agreement
    At a regularly scheduled meeting (the “Meeting”) of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of abrdn Emerging Markets Ex-China Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) held on June 10, 2025, the Board, including those Directors (the “Independent Directors”) who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”)) of the Fund, approved the continuation of the investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between abrdn Investments Limited (the “Adviser”) and the Fund.  In connection with their consideration of whether to approve the continuation of the Advisory Agreement, the Board members received and reviewed a variety of information provided by the Adviser relating to the Fund, the Advisory Agreement and the Adviser. The information provided to the Board members included (but was not limited to): comparative performance, fee and expense information (as well as information on the limitations of such comparable data) of a peer group of funds based on the Fund’s Morningstar category (the “Peer Funds”), as selected by Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”), an independent third-party provider of investment company data and other performance information.  The Peer Funds presented for fee and expense data comparison consisted of a group of closed-end funds categorized by Morningstar as determined independently by ISS, and the Peer Funds presented for the performance data comparison consisted of the Fund’s Morningstar category, as determined by ISS. The Board also received information regarding relevant benchmark indices and information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement.
    The materials provided to the Board generally included, among other items: (i) information on the investment performance of the Fund, the performance of the Peer Funds, comparable funds, if any, and the Fund’s performance benchmark; (ii) reports prepared by the Adviser in response to requests submitted by the Independent Directors’ independent legal counsel on behalf of such Directors; (iii) information on the Fund’s management fee and other expenses, including information comparing the Fund’s expenses to the Peer Funds, comparable funds, if any, and information about applicable fee “breakpoints” in the Fund’s fee structure and expense limitations, if any; (iv) information regarding the Adviser’s revenues and costs of providing services to the Fund and any compensation paid to affiliates of the Adviser; and (v) a memorandum from the Independent Directors’ independent legal counsel on the responsibilities of the Board in considering the approval of the investment advisory arrangement under the 1940 Act and Maryland law. 
    The Independent Directors met with representatives of the Adviser and separately in executive session with independent legal counsel on June 10, 2025 to discuss the continuation of the Advisory Agreement.  The Independent Directors also met with representatives of the Adviser and separately in executive session with independent legal counsel on May 30, 2025 to discuss the materials provided to the Board by the Adviser in response to a request for information sent to them by the Independent Directors’ independent legal counsel.
    In evaluating whether to renew the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, the Board considered numerous factors, including: (i) the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement; (ii) the costs of the services provided to the Fund and the profits realized by the Adviser (and its affiliates) from its relationship with the Fund; (iii) the Fund’s total expense ratio as well as the management fees paid by the Fund pursuant to the Advisory Agreement relative to the total expense ratios of and the management fees charged to the Peer Funds and comparable accounts, if any; (iv) the investment performance of the Fund relative to that of its benchmark index as well as the performance of the Peer Funds and comparable funds, if any; (v) any additional benefits (such as soft dollars, if any) received by the Adviser or its affiliates; (vi) the extent to which economies of scale are being realized by shareholders and will be realized as the Fund’s assets increase; (vii) the Adviser’s compliance program; and (viii) any other considerations deemed relevant by the Board. The Independent Directors also discussed the Advisory Agreement in an executive session with independent legal counsel at which no representatives of the Adviser were present. No single factor reviewed by the Board was identified as the principal factor in determining whether to renew the Advisory Agreement, and individual Directors may have given different weight to various factors.
    The discussion immediately below outlines in greater detail certain of the materials and information presented to the Board by the Adviser in connection with the Board’s consideration and approval of the continuation of the Advisory Agreement, and the conclusions made by the Board at the Meeting when determining to renew the Advisory Agreement.
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 27

     

    Supplemental Information (Unaudited)  (continued)

    The Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services Provided to the Fund Under the Advisory Agreement
    The Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund. They reviewed information about the resources dedicated to the Fund by the Adviser and its affiliates. Among other things, the Board reviewed and discussed the background and experience of the Adviser’s senior management personnel who serviced the Fund and the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the portfolio managers primarily responsible for providing day-to-day portfolio management services for the Fund. The Directors also considered the financial condition of the Adviser and the Adviser’s ability to provide quality service to the Fund. Management representatives reported to the Board and responded to questions on, among other things, the Adviser’s business plans and any current or proposed organizational changes. The Directors also took into account the Adviser’s experience as an asset manager and considered information regarding the Adviser’s compliance with applicable laws and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and other regulatory agency inquiries or audits of the Fund, the Adviser and/or the Adviser’s affiliates. The Board considered reports from the Adviser on its risk management processes. The Board noted that it received information on a regular basis from the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding the Adviser’s compliance policies and procedures and information concerning the Adviser’s brokerage policies and practices. The Directors also noted that the Adviser had provided information and periodic reporting, including updates on its management of the Fund and the quality of its performance and had discussed these matters with the Directors at meetings held regularly throughout the preceding year.
    Based on the totality of the information considered, the Board concluded that they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of the Adviser’s services provided to the Fund, and that the Adviser has provided and can continue to provide these services on an ongoing basis based on its experience, operations and resources.
    The Costs Of The Services Provided And Profits Realized By The Adviser And Its Affiliates From Their Relationships With the Fund
    The Board reviewed information compiled by ISS that compared the Fund’s effective annual management fee rate with the fees paid by its Peer Funds. The Board reviewed with management the effective annual management fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser for investment management services. The Board considered the Fund’s management fee structure, including that management fees for the Fund were based on the Fund’s average weekly net assets rather than total managed assets. Management noted that due to the unique strategy and structure of the Fund, the Adviser and its affiliates (together, “abrdn”) did not have any SEC-registered closed-end funds that were directly comparable to the Fund. Although there were no other substantially similar abrdn-advised investment vehicles against which to compare the Fund’s management fees, the Adviser provided information for other abrdn-advised products with similar investment strategies, including separately managed accounts, to those of the Fund where available. In evaluating the Fund’s management fees, the Board took into account the regulatory regimes, fund structure, level of services, complexity and quality of the investment management of the Fund.
    In addition to the foregoing, the Board considered the Fund’s fees and expenses relative to the fees and expenses of Peer Funds in the Fund’s Morningstar category, as well as information on the limitations of such comparable data given differences between the Fund and the Peer Funds presented. This information showed that the Fund’s net management fee and total net expenses, exclusive of investment-related expenses, were below the median of the Peer Funds. The Board also reviewed the profitability of the investment advisory relationship with the Fund to the Adviser.
    Investment Performance Of The Fund
    The Board received and reviewed with the Fund’s management, among other performance data, information that compared the Fund’s return over various time periods to those of comparable investment companies and discussed this information and other related performance data with management. The Board received and considered information comparing the Fund’s performance to the performance of the Fund’s Peer Funds, including information on the limitations of such comparable data given differences between the Fund and the Peer Funds presented.
    In addition, the Board received and reviewed information regarding the Fund’s total return on a net and gross basis and relative to the Fund’s benchmark. The Directors considered management’s discussion of the factors contributing to differences in performance between the Fund, its Peer Funds, other abrdn strategies, as applicable, and the Fund’s benchmark, including (but not limited to) differences in the investment strategies and geographic investment focuses of the Peer Funds and distinguishing features of the Fund relative to the benchmark and other abrdn strategies. Additionally, the Board considered information about the Fund’s discount/premium ranking relative to its Peer Funds and the Adviser’s discussion of the Fund’s performance, The Directors noted that the Fund underperformed its benchmark and the average of the Peer Funds for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended March 31, 2025. The Directors noted that, effective February 24, 2025, the Fund had revised its principal investment strategy from an emerging markets equities strategy to an emerging markets equities excluding China investment strategy, such that, under normal circumstances, the Fund invests atleast 80% of its assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in emerging markets (excluding China) equity securities. The Board considered the Adviser’s discussion of Fund performance, the Adviser’s efforts to improve performance, including the investment strategy change, and the Adviser’s plans for the Fund, among other factors, in determining to continue the Advisory Agreement.
    Direct And Indirect Benefits
    The Board then considered whether or the extent to which the Adviser derives any direct, ancillary or indirect benefits, such as reputational benefits, that could accrue to the Adviser from the Fund’s operations as a result of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund. The Board recognized
    28 abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    Supplemental Information (Unaudited)  (concluded)

    the services provided to the Fund by affiliates of the Adviser and the related compensation paid by the Fund for those services. Based on the totality of the information considered, the Board concluded that any benefits accruing to the Adviser by virtue of its relationship with the Fund appeared to be reasonable.
    Economies Of Scale
    The Board next considered management’s discussion of the Fund’s management fee structure and determined that the management fee structure was reasonable and reflected the sharing of economies of scale between the Fund and the Adviser as the Fund’s assets increased. The Board based its determination on various factors, including how the Fund’s management fees compared relative to the Peer Funds at higher asset levels and that the breakpoints in the Fund’s Advisory Agreement would adjust the management fee rate downward to reflect anticipated economies of scale in the event of asset increases, as applicable. The Board also considered that the Adviser agreed to extend the expense limitation agreement in place until June 30, 2026, pursuant to which the Adviser agreed to waive a portion of its management fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting the Fund’s total annual operating expenses. The Board noted that the expense limitation agreement was implemented in 2018 in connection with the merger of seven funds into the Fund and a related principal investment strategy change.
    *  *  *
    Based on the Board’s deliberations and its evaluation of the information described above and other factors and information the Directors deemed relevant in the exercise of their individual reasonable business judgment, the Board, including the Independent Directors, with the assistance of fund counsel and independent legal counsel to the Independent Directors, unanimously concluded that the terms of the Advisory Agreement, including the fees to be paid thereunder, were fair and reasonable and approved the continuation of the Advisory Agreement. 
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 29

     

    Dividend Reinvestment and Optional Cash Purchase Plan  (Unaudited) 

    The Fund intends to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its net investment income and to distribute any net realized capital gains at least annually. Net investment income for this purpose is income other than net realized long-term and short-term capital gains net of expenses. Pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment and Optional Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”), shareholders whose shares of common stock are registered in their own names will be deemed to have elected to have all distributions automatically reinvested by Computershare Trust Company N.A. (the “Plan Agent”) in the Fund shares pursuant to the Plan, unless such shareholders elect to receive distributions in cash. Shareholders who elect to receive distributions in cash will receive such distributions paid by check in U.S. Dollars mailed directly to the shareholder by the Plan Agent, as dividend paying agent. In the case of shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees that hold shares for others who are beneficial owners, the Plan Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of shares certified from time to time by the shareholders as representing the total amount registered in such shareholders’ names and held for the account of beneficial owners that have not elected to receive distributions in cash. Investors that own shares registered in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee should consult with such nominee as to participation in the Plan through such nominee and may be required to have their shares registered in their own names in order to participate in the Plan. Please note that the Fund does not issue certificates so all shares will be registered in book entry form. The Plan Agent serves as agent for the shareholders in administering the Plan. If the Directors of the Fund declare an income dividend or a capital gains distribution payable either in the Fund’s common stock or in cash, nonparticipants in the Plan will receive cash and participants in the Plan will receive common stock, to be issued by the Fund or purchased by the Plan Agent in the open market, as provided below. If the market price per share (plus expected per share fees) on the valuation date equals or exceeds NAV per share on that date, the Fund will issue new shares to participants at NAV; provided, however, that if the NAV is less than 95% of the market price on the valuation date, then such shares will be issued at 95% of the market price. The valuation date will be the payable date for such distribution or dividend or, if that date is not a trading day on the NYSE American, the immediately preceding trading date. If NAV exceeds the market price of Fund shares at such time, or if the Fund should declare an income dividend or capital gains distribution payable only in cash, the Plan Agent will, as agent for the participants, buy Fund shares in the open market, on the NYSE American or elsewhere, for the participants’ accounts on, or shortly after, the payment date. If, before the Plan Agent has completed its purchases, the market price exceeds the NAV of the Fund's share, the average per share purchase price paid by the Plan Agent may exceed the NAV of the Fund’s shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer shares than if the distribution had been paid in shares issued by the Fund on the dividend payment date. Because of
    the foregoing difficulty with respect to open-market purchases, the Plan provides that if the Plan Agent is unable to invest the full dividend amount in open-market purchases during the purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Plan Agent will cease making open-market purchases and will receive the uninvested portion of the dividend amount in newly issued shares at the close of business on the last purchase date.
    Participants have the option of making additional cash payments of a minimum of $50 per investment (by check, one-time online bank debit or recurring automatic monthly ACH debit) to the Plan Agent for investment in the Fund’s common stock, with an annual maximum contribution of $250,000. The Plan Agent will wait up to three business days after receipt of a check or electronic funds transfer to ensure it receives good funds. Following confirmation of receipt of good funds, the Plan Agent will use all such funds received from participants to purchase Fund shares in the open market on the 25th day of each month or the next trading day if the 25th is not a trading day.
    If the participant sets up recurring automatic monthly ACH debits, funds will be withdrawn from his or her U.S. bank account on the 20th of each month or the next business day if the 20th is not a banking business day and invested on the next investment date. The Plan Agent maintains all shareholder accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmations of all transactions in an account, including information needed by shareholders for personal and tax records. Shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Agent in the name of the participant, and each shareholder’s proxy will include those shares purchased pursuant to the Plan. There will be no brokerage charges with respect to common shares issued directly by the Fund. However, each participant will pay a per share fee of $0.02 incurred with respect to the Plan Agent’s open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends, capital gains distributions and voluntary cash payments made by the participant. Per share fees include any applicable brokerage commissions the Plan Agent is required to pay.
    Participants also have the option of selling their shares through the Plan. The Plan supports two types of sales orders. Batch order sales are submitted on each market day and will be grouped with other sale requests to be sold. The price will be the average sale price obtained by Computershare’s broker, net of fees, for each batch order and will be sold generally within 2 business days of the request during regular open market hours. Please note that all written sales requests are always processed by Batch Order. ($10 and $0.12 per share). Market Order sales will sell at the next available trade. The shares are sold real time when they hit the market, however an available trade must be presented to complete this transaction. Market Order sales may only
     
    30 abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    Dividend Reinvestment and Optional Cash Purchase Plan  (Unaudited)  (concluded)

    be requested by phone at 1-800-647-0584 or using Investor Center through www.computershare.com/buyaberdeen. ($25 and $0.12 per share).
    The receipt of dividends and distributions under the Plan will not relieve participants of any income tax that may be payable on such dividends or distributions. The Fund or the Plan Agent may terminate the Plan as applied to any voluntary cash payments made and any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to notice of the termination sent to members of the Plan at least 30 days prior to the record date for such dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended by
    the Fund or the Plan Agent, but (except when necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law or the rules or policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority) only by mailing a written notice at least 30 days prior to the effective date to the participants in the Plan. All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent by phone at 1-800-647-0584, using Investor Center through www.computershare.com/buyaberdeen or in writing to Computershare Trust Company N.A., P.O. Box 43006, Providence, RI 02940-3078. 
     
    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. 31

     

    [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

     

    Corporate Information 

    Directors
    Rahn Porter, Chair
    Anthony Clark (appointed July 29, 2025)
    C. William Maher
    Nancy Yao
    Investment Adviser
    abrdn Investments Limited
    1 George Street
    Edinburgh, EH2 2LL
    United Kingdom
    Administrator
    abrdn Inc.
    1900 Market Street, Suite 200
    Philadelphia, PA 19103
    Custodian
    State Street Bank and Trust Company
    John Adams Building
    1776 Heritage Drive
    North Quincy, MA 02171
    Transfer Agent
    Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
    P.O. Box 43006
    Providence, RI 02940-3078
    Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
    KPMG LLP
    191 West Nationwide Blvd., Suite 500
    Columbus, OH 43215
    Legal Counsel
    Dechert LLP
    1900 K Street N.W.
    Washington, D.C. 20006
    Investor Relations
    abrdn Inc.
    1900 Market Street, Suite 200
    Philadelphia, PA 19103
    1-800-522-5465
    [email protected]
     
    The Financial Statements as of June 30, 2025, included in this report, were not audited and accordingly, no opinion is expressed thereon.
    Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that the Fund may purchase, from time to time, shares of its common stock in the open market.
    Shares of abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. are traded on the NYSE American under the symbol “AEF.” Information about the Fund’s net asset value and market price is available at https://www.aberdeeninvestments.com/en-us/investor/investment-solutions/closed-end-funds.
    This report, including the financial information herein, is transmitted to the shareholders of abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. for their general information only. It does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

     

    AEF-SEMI-ANNUAL

     

    (b) Not applicable.

     

    Item 2. Code of Ethics.

     

    This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.

     

    Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

     

    This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.

     

    Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

     

    This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.

     

    Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

     

    This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.

     

     Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

     

    (a) Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of close of the reporting period are included as part of the Report to Shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

     

    (b) Not applicable.  

     

    Item 7. Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Investment Companies.

     

    Not applicable.

     

    Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies.

     

    Not applicable.

     

    Item 9. Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies.

     

    Not applicable.

     

    Item 10. Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies.

     

    Not applicable.

     

    Item 11. Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract.

     

    The statement regarding the basis for approval of investment advisory contracts is included in the response to Item 1, above.

     

     

     

     

    Item 12. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

     

    This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.

     

    Item 13. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

     

    (a) Not applicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.

     

    (b) There has been no change, as of the date of this filing, in any of the portfolio managers identified in response to paragraph (a)(1) of this Item in the registrant’s most recently filed annual report on Form N-CSR.

      

    Item 14. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

     

    Period  (a) Total
    Number of
    Shares
    Purchased
       (b) Average Price
    Paid per Share
       (c) Total Number
    of Shares
    Purchased as Part
    of Publicly
    Announced Plans
    or Programs (1)
       (d) Maximum
    Number of Shares
    That May Yet Be
    Purchased Under
    the Plans or
    Programs (1)
     
    January 1, 2025 through January 31, 2025   —    —    —    8,105,861 
    February 1, 2025 through February 28, 2025(2)   10,150,355   $6.07    10,150,355    8,105,861 
    March 1, 2025 through March 31, 2025   —    —    —    8,105,861 
    April 1, 2025 through April 30, 2025   —    —    —    8,105,861 
    May 1, 2025 through May 31, 2025   —    —    —    8,105,861 
    June 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025   —    —    —    8,105,861 
    Total   10,150,355   $6.07    10,150,355    — 

     

    (1) On June 12, 2018, the Board approved an open market share repurchase program (the “Program”). The Program allows the Fund to purchase, in the open market, its outstanding common shares, with the amount and timing of any repurchase determined at the discretion of the Fund’s investment adviser. Such purchases may be made opportunistically at certain discounts to NAV per share in the reasonable judgment of management based on historical discount levels and current market conditions. On a quarterly basis, the Board will receive information on any transactions made pursuant to this policy during the prior quarter. Under the terms of the Program, the Fund is permitted to repurchase up to 10% of its outstanding shares of common stock as of a date determined by the Board. On June 12, 2018, the Board authorized shares eligible to be repurchased from time to time on the open market in an amount up to 10% of the Fund’s outstanding shares as of June 12, 2018. For the fiscal period ended June 30, 2025, the Fund did not repurchase any shares through the Program.

     

    (2) On December 10, 2024, the Board approved a tender offer for shares of the Fund’s common stock. The tender offer authorized the Registrant to purchase up to 20% of its issued and outstanding shares at a price equal to 98% of the Registrant’s net asset value per share at the close of business on the NYSE American on February 21, 2025, the first business day following the expiration of the offer. The tender offer commenced on January 21, 2025, and expired on February 20, 2025. In connection with the tender offer, the Fund purchased 10,150,355 shares of capital stock at a price equal to $6.07 per share. The tender offer was oversubscribed, and all tenders of shares were subject to proration (at a ratio of approximately 0.27624999) in accordance with the terms of the tender offer.

     

    Item 15. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

     

    During the period ended June 30, 2025, there were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Directors. 

     

     

     

     

    Item 16. Controls and Procedures.

      

    (a)The Registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a3(b)) and Rule 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d15(b)).

     

    (b)There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d))) that occurred during 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 17. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies

     

    Not applicable.

     

    Item 18. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.

     

    Not applicable.

     

    Item 19. Exhibits. 

     

    (a)(1)   Not applicable
         
    (a)(2)   Any policy required by the listing standards adopted pursuant to Rule 10D-1 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10D-1) by the registered national securities exchange or registered national securities association upon which the registrant’s securities are listed. Not applicable.
         
    (a)(3)   The certifications of the Registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act are exhibits to this Form N-CSR.
         
    (a)(4)   Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.23c-1) sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable.
         
    (a)(5)   Change in Registrant’s independent public accountant. Not applicable.
         
    (b)   The certifications of the Registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act are exhibits to this Form N-CSR.

     

     

     

     

    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.

     

    abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.

     

    By: /s/ Alan Goodson  
      Alan Goodson  
      Principal Executive Officer of  
      abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.  

     

    Date: September 8, 2025

     

    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/ Alan Goodson  
      Alan Goodson  
      Principal Executive Officer of  
      abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.  

     

    Date: September 8, 2025

     

    By: /s/ Sharon Ferrari  
      Sharon Ferrari  
      Principal Financial Officer of  
      abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.  

     

    Date: September 8, 2025

     

     

     

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    ABERDEEN INVESTMENTS U.S. CLOSED-END FUNDS ANNOUNCE DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT DETAILS

    PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The following Aberdeen Investments U.S. Closed-End Funds (NYSE:ACP, AGD, AOD, ASGI, AWP, THQ, NYSE:AEF, FAX, FCO, VFL)), announced today that the closed end funds in the chart directly below will pay the distributions indicated on a per share basis on September 30, 2025 to all shareholders of record as of September 23, 2025 (ex-dividend date September 23, 2025). Ticker Exchange Fund Amount ACP NYSE abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund $   0.0775 AEF NYSE American Abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. $   0.1700 AGD NYSE abrdn

    9/10/25 4:17:00 PM ET
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    ABERDEEN INVESTMENTS U.S. CLOSED-END FUNDS ANNOUNCE DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT DETAILS

    PHILADELPHIA, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The following Aberdeen Investments U.S. Closed-End Funds (NYSE: ACP, AGD, AOD, ASGI, AWP, THQ, NYSE:AEF, FAX, FCO, VFL), announced today that the closed end funds in the chart directly below will pay the distributions indicated on a per share basis on June 30, 2025 to all shareholders of record as of June 23, 2025 (ex-dividend date June 23, 2025). Ticker Exchange Fund Amount ACP NYSE abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund $   0.0775 AEF NYSE American Abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. $   0.1500 AGD NYSE abrdn Global Dynamic D

    6/10/25 4:17:00 PM ET
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    ABERDEEN INVESTMENTS U.S. CLOSED-END FUNDS ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

    PHILADELPHIA, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The following Aberdeen Investments U.S. Closed-End Funds announced they each held their Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meetings") on May 28, 2025.  At the Meetings, shareholders of the respective Funds voted on the proposals set forth below: abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc.  ("FAX")As of the record date, April 7, 2025, FAX had outstanding 41,282,628 shares of common stock and 4,000,000 shares of preferred stock. 60.36% of outstanding common stock and 100% of preferred stock were voted representing a quorum. To elect one Clas

    5/28/25 6:13:00 PM ET
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    Large Ownership Changes

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    Amendment: SEC Form SC 13G/A filed by abrdn Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund Inc.

    SC 13G/A - ABRDN EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY INCOME FUND, INC. (0000846676) (Subject)

    11/14/24 4:05:57 PM ET
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    SEC Form SC 13G/A filed by abrdn Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund Inc. (Amendment)

    SC 13G/A - ABRDN EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY INCOME FUND, INC. (0000846676) (Subject)

    2/14/24 4:04:58 PM ET
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    SEC Form SC 13G/A filed by abrdn Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund Inc. (Amendment)

    SC 13G/A - ABRDN EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY INCOME FUND, INC. (0000846676) (Subject)

    2/13/24 4:28:17 PM ET
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    ABERDEEN INVESTMENTS U.S. CLOSED-END FUNDS ANNOUNCE DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT DETAILS

    PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The following Aberdeen Investments U.S. Closed-End Funds (NYSE:ACP, AGD, AOD, ASGI, AWP, THQ, NYSE:AEF, FAX, FCO, VFL)), announced today that the closed end funds in the chart directly below will pay the distributions indicated on a per share basis on September 30, 2025 to all shareholders of record as of September 23, 2025 (ex-dividend date September 23, 2025). Ticker Exchange Fund Amount ACP NYSE abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund $   0.0775 AEF NYSE American Abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. $   0.1700 AGD NYSE abrdn

    9/10/25 4:17:00 PM ET
    $ACP
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    ABERDEEN INVESTMENTS U.S. CLOSED-END FUNDS ANNOUNCE DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT DETAILS

    PHILADELPHIA, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The following Aberdeen Investments U.S. Closed-End Funds (NYSE: ACP, AGD, AOD, ASGI, AWP, THQ, NYSE:AEF, FAX, FCO, VFL), announced today that the closed end funds in the chart directly below will pay the distributions indicated on a per share basis on June 30, 2025 to all shareholders of record as of June 23, 2025 (ex-dividend date June 23, 2025). Ticker Exchange Fund Amount ACP NYSE abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund $   0.0775 AEF NYSE American Abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. $   0.1500 AGD NYSE abrdn Global Dynamic D

    6/10/25 4:17:00 PM ET
    $ACP
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    ABERDEEN INVESTMENTS U.S. CLOSED-END FUNDS ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

    PHILADELPHIA, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The following Aberdeen Investments U.S. Closed-End Funds announced they each held their Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meetings") on May 28, 2025.  At the Meetings, shareholders of the respective Funds voted on the proposals set forth below: abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc.  ("FAX")As of the record date, April 7, 2025, FAX had outstanding 41,282,628 shares of common stock and 4,000,000 shares of preferred stock. 60.36% of outstanding common stock and 100% of preferred stock were voted representing a quorum. To elect one Clas

    5/28/25 6:13:00 PM ET
    $ACP
    $AEF
    $AGD
    Investment Managers
    Finance
    Finance/Investors Services
    Trusts Except Educational Religious and Charitable