REG - Athelney Trust plc - Net Asset Value(s)

Athelney TrustAnnouncement

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RNS Number : 8133G  Athelney Trust PLC  03 June 2026

 

Athelney Trust PLC

 

Legal Entity Identifier:

213800ON67TJC7F4DL05

The unaudited net asset value of Athelney Trust was 160.9p at 31 May 2026.

Fund Manager's comment for May 2026

After continued negotiations and ceasefire discussions between the US and
Iran, investor optimism improved materially during May, easing concerns around
energy supply disruptions and broader geopolitical escalation. This supported
a continued rebound in global equities, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow
Jones all reaching record highs during the month, led by strength in large-cap
technology and AI-related companies. The Nasdaq was higher by 8.36%, the MSCI
World Index rose 4.4%, while the S&P 500 gained 5.15%. In the UK, the FTSE
100 was up a modest 0.3%, but the FTSE 250 and FTSE Small Cap's rose 4.3% and
3.5% respectively. The AIM index rose 3.4% continuing its rebound since
March's lows.

The US economy grew at an annualised 1.6% in Q1 2026, supported by stronger
consumer spending and business investment, particularly in equipment and
intellectual property. However, growth remained below expectations as imports
surged, residential investment weakened, and net trade detracted materially
from overall GDP growth.

Eurozone GDP growth was confirmed at 0.1% in Q1 2026, the weakest expansion
since Q2 2025, as energy supply disruptions and inflationary pressures weighed
on activity. France stagnated, Germany modestly improved, and Spain remained
the strongest performer with annual growth of 0.8%.

The UK economy grew by 0.6% in Q1 2026, its strongest expansion since Q1 2025,
driven primarily by robust services activity and improved consumer spending.
Retail and wholesale trade led gains, while annual GDP growth accelerated to
1.1%, exceeding market expectations.

Our portfolio increased by 1.8% for the month and after all fees and expenses
the NAV increased by 1.4%. During the month, we trimmed our holding in AJ Bell
and added to our holding in RELX. We initiated a new position in Yu Group Plc.
Yu Group is a fast-growing UK independent energy supplier focused on SMEs,
combining energy supply with smart metering and water services. The company
has built a niche through strong customer service, disciplined pricing and
organic growth.

Turning to our portfolio companies, AutoTrader Group delivered solid FY2026
results, with revenue and operating profit both rising 4%, supported by higher
dealer pricing and growing adoption of AI-enabled products. BTG Consulting
expects FY2026 results to exceed market expectations, with revenue projected
to rise around 10% and profit growth supported by strong restructuring demand
and resilient advisory activity.

Games Workshop estimates FY26 core revenue of at £625.0m (FY25: £565.0m),
licensing revenue of £30.0m (FY25: £52.5m), and profit before tax of at
least £265.0m (FY25: £262.8m).  Impax Asset Management Group reported
weaker H1 2026 results as assets under management declined to £22.3bn
following significant net outflows, reducing revenue and profitability.
Despite this, investment performance remained solid, with most AUM
outperforming benchmarks.

National Grid delivered strong FY2026 results, with underlying EPS rising 8%
and record capital investment of £11.6bn supporting future growth. Management
outlined a £70bn five-year investment plan targeting around 10% asset growth
and 8-10% annual EPS growth through 2031. Rightmove reaffirmed FY2026
guidance, targeting 8-10% revenue growth and continued EPS expansion The
company is accelerating AI-driven product innovation, although softer new home
activity and higher mortgage rates may weigh on near-term performance.

Fact Sheet

An accompanying fact sheet which includes the information above as well as
wider details on the portfolio can be found on the Fund's website
www.athelneytrust.co.uk (http://www.athelneytrust.co.uk) under "About" then
select "Latest Monthly Fact Sheet".

Background Information

Dr. Emmanuel (Manny) Pohl AM

Manny is Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of E C Pohl & Co ("ECP"),
an investment management company and has been a major shareholder in Athelney
trust for many years.

E C Pohl & co is licensed by the Australian Financial services (license
no.421704).

www.ecpohl.com (http://www.ecpohl.com)

www.ecpam.com (http://ecpam.com/)

Manny Pohl and the ECP group has AUD2.7bn (£1.5 billion) under its management
including four listed investment companies, three listed in Australia and one
in the UK:

·     Flagship Investments (ASX code:FSI)

 https://flagshipinvestments.com.au (https://flagshipinvestments.com.au)

·     ECP Emerging Growth (ASX code: ECP)

 https://ecpam.com/emerging (https://ecpam.com/emerging)

·     Global Masters Fund Limited (ASX code: GFL)

 www.globalmastersfund.com.au (http://www.globalmastersfund.com.au)

·     Athelney Trust plc (LSE code: ATY)

 www.athelneytrust.co.uk (http://www.athelneytrust.co.uk)
 

Athelney Trust plc Investment Policy

 The investment objective of the Trust is to provide shareholders with
prospects of long-term capital growth with the risks inherent in small cap
investment minimised through a spread of holdings in quality small cap
companies that operate in various industries and sectors. The Fund Manager
also considers that it is important to maintain a progressive dividend record.

The assets of the Trust are allocated predominantly to companies with either a
full listing on the London Stock Exchange or a trading facility on AIM or
ISDX. The assets of the Trust have been allocated in two main ways: first, to
the shares of those companies which have grown steadily over the years in
terms of profits and dividends but, despite this progress, the market rating
is favourable when compared to future earnings and dividends; second, to those
companies whose shares are standing at a favourable level compared with the
value of land, buildings or cash in the balance sheet.

Athelney Trust was founded in 1994. In 1996 it was one of the ten pioneer
members of the Alternative Investment Market ("AIM"). In 2008 the shares
became fully listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. Athelney
Trust has a successful progressive dividend growth record and the dividend has
grown every year since 2004. According to the Association of Investment
Companies (AIC) Athelney Trust is a "Dividend Hero" being one of only a few
investment companies that have increased their dividend every year for 20
years or more. See link

https://www.theaic.co.uk/income-finder/dividend-heroes
(https://www.theaic.co.uk/income-finder/dividend-heroes)

Website

www.athelneytrust.co.uk (http://www.athelneytrust.co.uk)
 

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