REG-Invesco Perp Sel Tst: Half-year Report
05/02/2020 07:05
Invesco Perpetual Select Trust plc
LEI: 549300JZQ39WJPD7U596
HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2019
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FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS((1)(2)) TO 30 NOVEMBER 2019
UK Equity Shares
SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR THREE YEARS FIVE YEARS
Net Asset Value 6.4% 15.0% 19.4% 35.5%
Share Price 4.4% 12.8% 19.1% 34.2%
FTSE All-Share Index 5.8% 11.0% 24.0% 37.0%
Global Equity Income Shares
SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR THREE YEARS FIVE YEARS
Net Asset Value 9.1% 10.8% 27.7% 61.3%
Share Price 8.8% 11.0% 26.3% 61.1%
MSCI World Index (£) 10.1% 13.0% 37.0% 75.8%
Balanced Risk Allocation Shares
SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR THREE YEARS FIVE YEARS
Net Asset Value 4.6% 9.9% 13.7% 20.9%
Share Price 4.0% 9.1% 12.9% 24.1%
Merrill Lynch 3 month LIBOR plus 5% per annum 2.9% 5.9% 16.8% 28.0%
Managed Liquidity Shares
SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR THREE YEARS FIVE YEARS
Net Asset Value 1.1% 2.2% 2.8% 2.6%
Share Price 1.3% 1.3% 1.5% 1.2%
PERIOD END NET ASSET VALUE, SHARE PRICE AND DISCOUNT
SHARE CLASS NET ASSET VALUE (PENCE) SHARE PRICE (PENCE) DISCOUNT
UK Equity 181.1 178.0 (1.7)%
Global Equity Income 212.4 209.0 (1.6)%
Balanced Risk Allocation 145.9 144.0 (1.3)%
Managed Liquidity 105.3 102.0 (3.1)%
(1) Alternative Performance Measures (APM) see pages 40 to 42 for the
explanation and calculation of APMs. Further details are provided in the
Glossary of Terms and Alternative Performance Measures in the 2019 annual
financial report.
(2) Source: Refinitiv.
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INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT INCORPORATING THE CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
This is my first statement since taking over the chairmanship of the Company
and I would like to start by thanking my predecessor, Patrick Gifford, for his
excellent chairmanship of the Company for much of its history. Patrick was
chairman from 2008 until the Company’s last AGM on 3 October 2019, when he
retired and I took over. I shall endeavour to emulate his drive, innovation
and concern for shareholders’ interests during my tenure.
Investment Objective and Policy
The Company’s investment objective is to provide shareholders with a choice
of investment strategies and policies, each intended to generate attractive
risk-adjusted returns.
The Company’s share capital comprises four share classes: UK Equity Shares,
Global Equity Income Shares, Balanced Risk Allocation Shares and Managed
Liquidity Shares, each of which has its own separate portfolio of assets and
attributable liabilities.
The Company enables shareholders to alter their asset allocation to reflect
their views of prevailing market conditions. Shareholders have the
opportunity, every three months, to convert between share classes, free of
capital gains tax and free of charges.
Performance
In net asset value (NAV) terms, with dividends reinvested, the UK Equity Share
Portfolio returned +6.4% over the six months to the end of November 2019,
compared with its benchmark, the FTSE All-Share Index total return of +5.8%.
The share price total return was +4.4%.
The Global Equity Income Share Portfolio returned +9.1% in NAV terms, and
+8.8% on the share price, compared with its benchmark, the MSCI World Index
total return over the period of +10.1%.
The Balanced Risk Allocation Share Portfolio returned +4.6% in NAV terms, and
+4.0% on the share price. The Portfolio’s benchmark, Merrill Lynch 3 month
LIBOR plus 5% per annum, returned +2.9%.
The Managed Liquidity Share Portfolio had a return of +1.1% based on NAV and
+1.3% based on the share price.
This was a very good period for most markets in risk assets, and it is
pleasing to report the continued improvement in the Company’s relative
performance. Both the UK Equity Share Portfolio and the Balanced Risk
Allocation Share Portfolio outperformed their respective benchmarks, and
although the Global Equity Income Share Portfolio continued to lag its
benchmark the performance ranked second for the period amongst its peers in
the AIC Global Equity Income sector. The Balanced Risk Allocation Share
Portfolio benefitted from the rise in both equity and bond markets, although
fears over global growth impacted the return from commodities. As was stated
in the Annual Report, the UK Portfolio is somewhat contrarian, with an
emphasis on stocks with low valuations and exposure to the UK economy. During
the period the Portfolio benefitted from a degree of rotation in style towards
value. This outperformance continued after the period end, with the
Conservatives’ election victory prompting a significant rise in the equity
market and in some domestically orientated stocks in particular.
The Global Equity Income Portfolio also benefitted from the rotation in
investment style, but it still underperformed the benchmark over the period.
The portfolio was negatively impacted by the underweight position in the US
market, which continued to outperform markets in the UK and Europe.
Furthermore, the Portfolio was overweight in energy stocks, which lagged the
market on investor concerns about potential oversupply of oil and gas.
Performance of the Managed Liquidity Portfolio, although modest, was
encouraging, given the continued low interest rate environment. It should be
noted that with the adjustment of the investment policy and change in
principal investment in January 2019 the risk profile marginally increased.
The Directors would like to remind shareholders that the Managed Liquidity
Share Portfolio is not designed to replicate the returns or other
characteristics of a bank or building society deposit or money market fund.
Accordingly, the NAV of the shares can both increase and decrease, albeit the
risk of a significant loss of value is considered to be quite small.
Global Equity Income Share Portfolio Management Arrangements
The Board announced on 8 January 2020 that Stephen Anness has taken over
responsibility for the management for the Company’s Global Equity Income
Share Portfolio. Based in Henley, Stephen joined Invesco in 2002 to work in
the UK equities team and moved on to manage global equity portfolios in 2012.
Stephen now leads the dedicated Global Equity team, which takes responsibility
for research, portfolio construction and communications. Additional idea
generation and market insights are provided by regional equity market
specialists in the Henley Investment Centre. There is no change to the
investment objective and policy of the Portfolio.
As announced by Invesco in October, Nick Mustoe stepped down at the end of
2019 from his roles as Chief Investment Officer and lead manager of the global
equity portfolios managed in Henley. The Directors wish to record their thanks
to Nick for his support of the Company over the years.
Dividends
The Board has declared equal first, second and third quarterly dividends for
the current year for each of the equity share classes. For the UK Equity
shares each of these dividends was 1.5p, making 4.5p declared to date. For the
Global Equity Income shares each of these dividends was 1.55p, making 4.65p
declared to date.
We continue to target annual dividends of at least 6.6p for the UK Equity
shares and at least 6.9p for the Global Equity Income shares, these being the
levels declared last year. Achieving these targets may require a contribution
from capital, as has been true in recent years.
It continues to be the case that in order to maximise the capital return on
the Balanced Risk Allocation Shares, the Directors only intend to declare
dividends on the Balanced Risk Allocation Shares to the extent required,
having taken into account the dividends paid on the other Share classes, to
maintain the Company’s status as an investment trust. None have been
declared to date.
No dividends have been declared in respect of the current financial year on
the Managed Liquidity Shares. With continued very low interest rates net
revenue of the Managed Liquidity Portfolio has been minimal for some time,
although it has seen improvement, and a dividend was paid in respect of the
last financial year, the first since 2012. As stated in the last annual
financial report it remains the Directors’ intention to distribute
substantially all net revenues earned by the Portfolio going forward. However,
given the quantum involved, it is unlikely that such payments will be more
frequent than annual and may indeed be less so.
Discount and Share Buy Backs
The Company has continued to operate a discount control policy for all four
share classes through the period and the discounts have remained within a
tight range throughout.
During the period the Company bought back 719,772 UK Equity shares at an
average price of 172.9p, 1,411,136 Global Equity Income shares at an average
price of 203.7p, 97,000 Balanced Risk Allocation shares at an average price of
141.0p and 763,893 Managed Liquidity shares at an average price of 101.1p.
Outlook
Since the period end, equity markets have continued to rise, with both the US
S&P and NASDAQ indices reaching all-time highs. Confidence in equity markets
was boosted by the announcement in December that the US and China had reached
a phase one trade agreement, now signed. European markets, and the UK in
particular, have rallied following the UK general election. Investors had been
concerned by the radical economic policy proposed by the Labour Party, as well
as by the prospect of prolonged political deadlock in the event of a hung
parliament. The decisive Conservative victory has removed this uncertainty,
and there are hopes that business and consumer confidence will recover.
There are good reasons why markets have risen over recent months, and although
valuations are not stretched by historical standards relative to bond and cash
yields, a period of consolidation seems likely. Geopolitical tensions remain
high, with the US and China clashing over a number of issues including the
situation in Hong Kong. Furthermore, at the time of writing the outbreak of
the coronavirus has prompted a classic flight to safety, but it appears it is
being well contained and, from a market perspective, will likely not have a
long term impact and, conversely, may provide short term opportunities for
investment. Attention will also shift to the US presidential election, and the
outcome of any impeachment proceedings against President Trump. In the rest of
the world economic growth remains subdued, most notably in Europe, where
conventional monetary policy may have reached its limit. In the UK the
political deadlock over leaving the EU has been removed, but considerable
uncertainty remains over the exact nature of any future trade agreement with
the EU. After a year, and a decade, of very positive returns from markets, a
more cautious outlook seems appropriate. Against this background our portfolio
managers continue to emphasise valuation, holding relatively cheap assets
which mitigate some of the wider risks in the equity market.
We remain convinced that the Company offers an attractive and unique mix of
strategies, and its structure, with opportunities to convert between share
classes, makes it an ideal vehicle for DIY investors who want enhanced control
of their investments.
Graham Kitchen
Chairman
4 February 2020
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Related Party Transactions
Under United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK Accounting
Standards and applicable law), the Company has identified the Directors as
related parties. No other related parties have been identified during the
period. No transactions with related parties have taken place which have
materially affected the financial position or the performance of the Company.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
Explanations of the Company’s principal risks and uncertainties are set out
on pages 36 to 39 of the 2019 annual financial report, which is available on
the Manager’s website.
These are summarised as follows:
• Investment Objectives – the investment policies may not achieve
the published investment objectives;
• Market Movements and Portfolio Performance – falls in stock
markets will affect the performance of the individual Portfolios and
securities held within the Portfolios;
• Risks Applicable to the Company’s shares – the prices of shares
in the Company may not appreciate and the level of dividends may fluctuate;
• Viability and Compulsory Conversion of a Class of Share – lack of
demand for one of the Company’s share classes could result in the relevant
portfolio becoming too small to be viable. If ownership of a class of shares
becomes too concentrated the Directors may serve notice on holders of the
affected class requiring them to convert to another class;
• Liability of a Portfolio for the Liabilities of Another Portfolio
– in the event that any Portfolio was unable to meet its liabilities, the
shortfall would become a liability of the other Portfolios;
• Gearing – borrowing will amplify the effect on shareholders’
funds of gains and losses on the underlying securities;
• Hedging – where hedging is used there is a risk that the hedge
will not be effective;
• Regulatory and Tax Related – whilst compliance with rules and
regulations is closely monitored, breaches could affect returns to
shareholders;
• Additional Risks Applicable to Balanced Risk Allocation Shares –
the use of financial derivative instruments, in particular futures, forms part
of the investment policy and strategy of the Balanced Risk Allocation
Portfolio. The degree of leverage inherent in futures trading potentially
means that a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result
in an immediate and substantial loss to the Portfolio; and
• Reliance on Third Party Service Providers – the Company has no
employees, so is reliant upon the performance of third party service
providers, particularly the Manager, for it to function.
In the view of the Board these principal risks and uncertainties are as
equally applicable to the remaining six months of the financial year as they
were to the six months under review.
Going Concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The
Directors consider this to be appropriate as the Company has adequate
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future,
being 12 months after approval of the financial statements. In reaching this
conclusion, the Directors took into account the value of net assets; the
Company’s Investment Policy; its risk management policies; the diversified
portfolio of readily realisable securities which can be used to meet funding
commitments; the credit facility and the overdraft which can be used for
short-term funding requirements; the liquidity of the investments which could
be used to repay the credit facility in the event that the facility could not
be renewed or replaced; its revenue; and the ability of the Company in the
light of these factors to meet all its liabilities and ongoing expenses.
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MARKET AND ECONOMIC BACKGROUND
Global equity market sentiment swung from overly pessimistic to cautious
optimism over the six months to 30 November 2019, as the prevailing economic
outlook evolved.
The spring and summer of 2019 was characterised by a modest global economic
slowdown, most especially in manufacturing sectors, and markets reacted with a
move towards perceived ‘safe-haven’ assets such as gold and government
bonds.
By July, a significant portion of the global government bond market was
offering negative yields, reinforcing equity market investors’ preference
for stocks with earnings not strongly correlated to the economic cycle,
sometimes seemingly regardless of valuation.
In the UK, having risen steadily through June and July, the equity market sold
off sharply at the beginning of August, amid concerns about the inversion of
the US and UK yield curves and the reignition of US-China trade tensions.
Meanwhile domestic politics dominated headlines. Boris Johnson was confirmed
as the UK’s new Prime Minister and Parliament prorogued, further elevating
fears of a ‘no-deal Brexit’.
Sterling depreciated against international currencies throughout June and July
and fell below US$1.21 during August. The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy
Committee voted to hold the base rate at 0.75% during its June and August
meetings.
The US Federal Reserve’s (the Fed) cuts to interest rates in July and
September were widely anticipated by markets and, together with more dovish
commentary from both the Fed and the European Central Bank (ECB), provided a
positive inflection in the tone for the latter half of the period under
review. The US interest rate cuts were aimed at keeping the record-long US
economic expansion going into 2020, helping to underpin confidence in
continued global economic growth into the year ahead. Expectations of some
detente in the ongoing China/US trade dispute further helped to improve
investor confidence. The late summer/autumn period witnessed not only gains
for global markets at an overall index level, but also a sharp intra-market
rotation. Sentiment had started to shift towards previously unloved, and
relatively cheap sectors such as financials and industrial companies, and away
from hitherto favoured areas such as consumer staples, utilities and software
companies.
In the UK, the equity market rose steadily throughout September to recover
losses from a volatile August, but suffered sharp falls at the beginning of
October, with the FTSE 100 Index posting its worst single day return in more
than three years on very weak UK and EU manufacturing data and poor US jobs
figures. This was compounded by a World Trade Organisation ruling that cleared
the way for the US to impose tariffs on US$7.5 billion of EU imports.
Political factors continued to dominate in the UK. In mid-October the UK
Government announced that it had negotiated a revised Withdrawal Agreement
with the European Union. The UK equity market took comfort from the decreased
likelihood of a no-deal exit on 31 October 2019 and there was an immediate
rally in Sterling, which peaked at US$1.30. Towards the end of October the
Government agreed an extension to Article 50 and succeeded in calling an early
general election.
On the UK economic front, there was a surprise contraction in the UK Service
Sector Purchasing Manager’s Index data for September. Employment data was
slightly softer, as the number of people in work fell in the third quarter.
However, the UK economy avoided a technical recession following an increase in
real GDP over the third quarter.
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UK EQUITY SHARE PORTFOLIO
PERFORMANCE RECORD
Total Return
SIX MONTHS TO 30 NOV 2019 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2019 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2018 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2017 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2016
Net Asset Value 6.4% –4.9% 1.1% 22.0% –1.4%
Share Price 4.4% –3.1% 0.3% 22.5% –2.2%
FTSE All-Share Index 5.8% –3.2% 6.5% 24.5% –6.3%
Source: Refinitiv.
Revenue return per share 2.42p 5.73p 5.49p 5.38p 5.81p
Dividends paid 3.00p 6.60p 6.45p 6.25p 6.15p
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UK EQUITY SHARE PORTFOLIO
MANAGER’S REPORT
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the UK Equity Portfolio is to provide shareholders
with an attractive real long-term total return by investing primarily in UK
quoted equities.
Portfolio Strategy and Review
The Portfolio’s net asset value, including reinvested dividends, returned
+6.4% over the six months to 30 November 2019 compared with a return of +5.8%
by the FTSE All-Share Index. The positive performance over this review period
was driven principally by the holdings in UK domestically focused companies
such as Babcock International, CVS, JD Sports Fashion, easyJet, Barclays and
Next. These stocks were the main beneficiaries as the market reappraised the
outlook for domestic equities against a clearer political backdrop. The
Portfolio’s gold mining shares also performed well, led by Acacia Mining,
which was acquired in September by Barrick Gold. Barrick Gold and Agnico Eagle
Mines also performed very strongly, helped by a significant increase in the
price of gold itself.
Babcock International was the single largest contributor to performance over
the period. The company released results for the first half of the year that
contained no real surprises, which, after a somewhat turbulent 12 months of
trading, was reassuring. This allowed the market to focus on the strong order
book and pipeline, which support the Group’s future revenue prospects, and
the shares re-rated.
Barclays released third-quarter results during the period and cited the
“resilient delivery” on management targets year-to-date. Meanwhile JD
Sports Fashion also benefitted from strong half-year results as significant
improvements in performance were delivered by the recently acquired Finish
Line business in the US.
Elsewhere in the Portfolio, Future continued to perform well. Over the period
the company released a strong full-year trading update and announced the
acquisition of TI Media. This acquisition is significantly earnings enhancing
and was funded partly via an equity placing, in which the Portfolio
participated.
EasyJet performed well on the back of continued reductions in capacity growth
forecasts and improved management of ticket pricing. On the Beach also
released a full-year trading update that confirmed management’s previous
trading guidance despite the challenge faced from pronounced weakness in
Sterling and the disruption from the failure of Thomas Cook.
Having not previously held shares in Burford Capital, an investment was made
following the large negative share price reaction to the publication of a
short seller’s report. The shares were trading below their net asset value,
which seemed a significant overreaction to a company that I have followed for
some time and know well. Once the company published their response to the
points raised by the short seller, the shares recovered strongly, generating a
positive return for the Portfolio.
Conversely, the Portfolio’s holding in AJ Bell detracted from performance
over the period, giving up some of the stellar gains made post the December
2018 IPO. The company’s share price weakened on some selling activity during
September and one analyst also downgraded the stock at the beginning of
October. However, AJ Bell released an encouraging full year trading update
later in October, which cited “the resilience of our business model”. The
business added an additional 34,000 customers over the year, an increase of
17%, and profits grew at twice that rate.
Certain of the Portfolio’s holdings that have performed extremely well since
purchase and have a strong investment case, detracted from performance over
the period under review. These included Bushveld Minerals, Victoria, Coats and
Sigma Capital. Specific issues impacted two of these companies, Bushveld
Minerals, the vanadium mining company, has been under pressure as the price of
vanadium has fallen over the last twelve months, and Victoria fell sharply at
the end of 2018 following the release of an unexpected trading update, but has
since seen performance stabilise.
Outlook
Since the end of the period under review the UK has found itself in a much
more stable position as a result of the significant Conservative majority
gained in the General Election held on 12 December 2019. The result removes
the threat of a far-left socialist government, but after two and a half years
of parliamentary deadlock it also restores the Government’s ability to pass
legislation and set the policy agenda. It therefore holds out the prospect of
strengthening the UK’s negotiating position with the EU who can now rely on
whatever may be negotiated passing through parliament. If the government are
to avoid requesting an extension to the transition phase beyond January 2021,
a trade deal will need to have been agreed by July and that timetable looks
tight to say the least. Judging by the subdued performance of sterling since
the election, this continued uncertainty appears to be weighing on
international investors’ minds.
Nevertheless, the very early signs from housing indices, PMI surveys and
employment series are that the Conservative majority has had an immediate
positive impact on businesses and consumers. It is still too early to be
definitive, but if the sharp improvement in some of these soft datapoints is
reflected in activity levels in the real economy, the recent comments from the
Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee will be seen as too dovish and
interest rate and currency markets will have to readjust. Sterling has for
some time looked very undervalued on a purchasing power parity basis against a
basket of international currencies. If GDP and domestic corporate earnings are
set to strengthen, this undervaluation should close, and this would have a
significant impact on the equity market with the scope for a major rotation
away from international earners towards domestic earners.
Further afield, China remains of significant concern. There is no sign of a
much-needed boost to growth from the recent fiscal and monetary stimulus and
the weakness in the exchange rate. With GDP and corporate profits stagnating,
the foundations of China’s rapidly assembled debt mountain look more
unsustainable than ever and corporate defaults are rising. The recently
announced phase one trade deal appears to lack a decisive solution to the
critical issues of intellectual property and Huawei, and is therefore little
more than a fig leaf in the long-running trade dispute with the US. Meanwhile
violent protests in Hong Kong continue and the rhetoric from the mainland
suggests that patience is almost exhausted. US politicians disagree on most
things, but both sides seem united in their concern over Hong Kong and in the
view that China poses a long-term threat to US interests that needs to be
contained. The risk of a more serious US-China disagreement at some point is
therefore high.
US growth has likewise been damaged by the trade war, but there are also signs
that the domestic engine is misfiring, with a flattening labour market and
subdued housing demand. Whilst very recent leading indicators point to some
tentative improvement, this is against the backdrop of a US fiscal position
that looks unsustainable. Having conceded that interest rates have peaked, the
US Federal Reserve (the Fed) have now embarked on another round of monetary
easing. Ostensibly to deal with a severe liquidity issue that arose in
mid-September in the critically important repo market, the Fed has so far
committed to provide almost US$0.5 trillion of liquidity. Markets have not yet
made a connection between the fiscal deficit and this recent change to
monetary policy, but I believe this is the next step as the US continues to
live beyond its means. China has reduced its treasury holdings further and
domestic buyers now appear to be saturated too, so notwithstanding a recent
increase in Japan’s holding, the US government risks running out of buyers
to fund this overspend. That would leave the Fed as buyer of last resort and
threatens to take US monetary policy into a new realm with direct monetisation
of government spending. This threatens the US dollar, both its value and also
its status as the world’s reserve currency.
Gold has responded well to recent events, but if a weaker US dollar and yet
more unconventional monetary and fiscal policy do lie ahead, our holdings in
gold shares should continue to offer protection and diversification to the
Portfolio. Critically, an increase in the gold price is not required to
justify holding the shares: all five of the companies held generate enough
cash flow at spot gold prices for their valuations to be attractive. Any
further upside in the price of the metal will make them more attractive still.
Whilst Brexit has dominated the headlines, the UK stock market has been
affected in recent years by a far broader, global phenomenon that has seen
‘Value’ de-rated very sharply relative to all other styles and factors.
Predictability of revenues and earnings has always merited a premium rating
and a lack of visibility has always attracted a discount. However, the
current climate has produced a divergence in valuations that is extreme,
levels only seen twice in the last thirty years in the teeth of stock market
crashes in 2001 and 2008/9. At the top-end I believe we are now at the limits
of the re-rating that has driven share price performance in recent years. The
reciprocal of these high multiples is such low earnings yields that even if
growth expectations are met, investing in these companies is unlikely to
deliver an attractive total return. At the bottom end, earnings yields are so
high that they alone deliver a compelling total return. Should these companies
grow earnings in the way I believe possible or ever be considered worthy of a
re-rating by the market, the total return from this point will be significant.
This is not what the market expects. It is an increasingly contrarian approach
that has seen underperformance in recent periods. Regardless, now is not the
time to compromise on my conviction that valuation does matter and in fact in
recent weeks we have observed some evidence of a re-rating.
James Goldstone
Portfolio Manager
4 February 2020
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UK EQUITY SHARE PORTFOLIO
LIST OF INVESTMENTS
AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019
Ordinary shares listed in the UK unless stated otherwise
COMPANY SECTOR† MARKET VALUE £’000 % OF PORTFOLIO
Barclays Banks 3,118 5.3
BP Oil & Gas Producers 2,886 4.9
British American Tobacco Tobacco 2,378 4.0
JD Sports Fashion General Retailers 2,100 3.6
Tesco Food & Drug Retailers 2,091 3.5
Coats General Industrials 1,954 3.3
Next General Retailers 1,948 3.3
Barrick Gold – Canadian Listed Mining 1,042 3.2
Barrick Gold – UK Listed 847
Babcock International Aerospace & Defence 1,887 3.2
Royal Dutch Shell – B shares Oil & Gas Producers 1,874 3.2
AJ Bell Financial Services 1,554 2.6
Legal & General Life Insurance 1,265 2.1
Johnson ServiceAIM Support Services 1,232 2.1
Royal Bank of Scotland Banks 1,179 2.0
easyJet Travel & Leisure 1,143 1.9
Future Media 1,128 1.9
Agnico Eagle Mines – Canadian Listed Mining 1,046 1.8
Melrose Industries Construction & Materials 1,011 1.7
Endeavour Mining – Canadian Listed Mining 987 1.7
On the Beach Travel & Leisure 977 1.7
Ultra Electronics Aerospace & Defence 968 1.6
RELX Media 966 1.6
CVSAIM General Retailers 962 1.6
Hollywood Bowl Travel & Leisure 957 1.6
Phoenix Spree Deutschland Real Estate Investment & Services 952 1.6
Secure Trust Bank Banks 945 1.6
International Airlines Group Travel & Leisure 922 1.6
Ashtead Support Services 906 1.5
VictoriaAIM Household Goods & Home Construction 892 1.5
XPS Pensions Financial Services 875 1.5
MJ Gleeson Household Goods & Home Construction 868 1.5
Sigma CapitalAIM Financial Services 799 1.4
PRS REIT Real Estate Investment Trusts 799 1.4
Bushveld MineralsAIM Mining 796 1.3
Newmont Goldcorp – US Listed Mining 790 1.3
DS Smith General Industrials 778 1.3
Chesnara Life Insurance 742 1.3
Essentra Support Services 732 1.2
IWG Support Services 717 1.2
McBride Household Goods & Home Construction 681 1.2
Harworth Real Estate Investment & Services 661 1.1
Fevertree DrinksAIM Beverages 658 1.1
Wheaton Precious Metals Mining 648 1.1
HomeServe Support Services 633 1.1
BT Fixed Line Telecommunications 624 1.1
N Brown General Retailers 549 0.9
Burford CapitalAIM Financial Services 502 0.8
Cairn Homes Household Goods & Home Construction 456 0.8
Pearson Media 443 0.7
Countryside Household Goods & Home Construction 425 0.7
Sherborne Investors (Guernsey) C Financial Services 418 0.7
Distribution Finance CapitalAIM Financial Services 333 0.6
Summit PropertiesAIM Real Estate Investment & Services 332 0.6
Alfa Financial Software Software & Computer Services 319 0.5
Zegona Communications Non-Equity Investment Instruments 313 0.5
Hadrian’s Wall Secured Investments Equity Investment Instruments 300 0.5
TungstenAIM Financial Services 290 0.5
Safestyle UKAIM General Retailers 262 0.4
Amigo Financial Services 163 0.3
TruFinAIM Financial Services 55 0.1
DFS Furniture General Retailers 35 0.1
Rolls-Royce – C shares Aerospace & Defence 4 –
Total Holdings (63) 59,117 100.0
†FTSE Industry Classification Benchmark.
AIM Investments quoted on AIM.
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UK EQUITY SHARE PORTFOLIO
INCOME STATEMENT
SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2019 SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2018
REVENUE £’000 CAPITAL £’000 TOTAL £’000 REVENUE £’000 CAPITAL £’000 TOTAL £’000
Gains/(losses) on investments held at fair value – 2,855 2,855 – (8,630) (8,630)
Income 959 48 1,007 1,169 5 1,174
Investment management fees – note 2 (47) (110) (157) (50) (116) (166)
Other expenses (102) (2) (104) (100) – (100)
Net return before finance costs and taxation 810 2,791 3,601 1,019 (8,741) (7,722)
Finance costs – note 2 (9) (21) (30) (31) (72) (103)
Return before taxation 801 2,770 3,571 988 (8,813) (7,825)
Tax – note 3 (7) – (7) (6) – (6)
Return after taxation for the financial period 794 2,770 3,564 982 (8,813) (7,831)
Basic return per ordinary share – note 4 2.42p 8.46p 10.88p 2.79p (25.05)p (22.26)p
SUMMARY OF NET ASSETS
AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019 £’000 AT 31 MAY 2019 £’000
Fixed assets 59,117 61,250
Current assets 376 4,056
Creditors falling due within one year, excluding borrowings (666) (670)
Bank loan (100) (7,350)
Net assets 58,727 57,286
Net asset value per ordinary share – note 5 181.1p 173.1p
Gearing:
– gross 0.2% 12.8%
– net 0.2% 12.0%
SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019 £’000 AT 31 MAY 2019 £’000
Net assets brought forward 57,286 68,008
Shares bought back and held in treasury (1,253) (4,056)
Share conversions 114 (1,062)
Return after taxation for the financial period/year 3,564 (3,325)
Dividends paid – note 9 (984) (2,279)
Net assets 58,727 57,286
.
GLOBAL EQUITY INCOME SHARE PORTFOLIO
PERFORMANCE RECORD
Total Return
SIX MONTHS TO 30 NOV 2019 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2019 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2018 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2017 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2016
Net Asset Value 9.1% –1.3% 7.8% 29.2% –0.2%
Share Price 8.8% –0.1% 5.7% 31.1% –2.8%
MSCI World Index (£) 10.1% 5.3% 8.2% 31.3% 0.7%
Source: Refinitiv.
Revenue return per share 2.56p 6.90p 6.50p 5.62p 5.51p
Dividends paid 3.10p 6.90p 6.70p 6.40p 6.00p
.
GLOBAL EQUITY INCOME SHARE PORTFOLIO
MANAGER’S REPORT
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Global Equity Income Share Portfolio is to
provide an attractive and growing level of income return and capital
appreciation over the long term, predominantly through investment in a
diversified portfolio of equities worldwide.
Portfolio Strategy and Review
On a total return basis, the Portfolio’s net asset value rose by 9.1% over
the six months to the end of November 2019, compared to a rise of 10.1% in the
MSCI World index (£, total return, net of withholding tax).
The Portfolio underperformed the reference index over the six months. Our
investment process focusses on stocks that are attractively valued versus
their history and the market, but which also pay attractive and growing
dividends. Against a more supportive market and macro backdrop from September
onwards, the Portfolio benefitted from style rotation away from
‘defensive’ parts of the market and into more ‘cyclical’ and
economically-sensitive equities, including financial stocks that have
underperformed the broader market in recent years. However, the Portfolio’s
smaller weighting of US and larger weighting of energy stocks than the
benchmark index compromised the overall return.
Many financial stocks benefitted from stronger-than-expected company earnings
growth amid signs of better cost management and lending discipline. As such,
the Portfolio’s financials exposure was particularly strong with Citigroup,
JP Morgan Chase, Intesa Sanpaolo and BNP Paribas all among the strongest
individual stocks. Positive performance also came from a range of consumer
discretionary stocks. Next, the UK fashion retailer, continues to benefit from
solid execution on its strategy and a modest valuation. Williams-Sonoma, the
US homewares company, has gained more directly from hopes of resolution to
US/China trade issues. The UK market was weak relative to other global markets
overall, however, it had begun to recover in October and November on
expectations of some resolution to the Brexit issue following the general
election, which benefitted holdings such as BAE Systems and easyJet. The
improvement in sentiment towards the global economy also boosted technology
hardware companies, notably semiconductors. The uniquely strong position of
Taiwan Semiconductor, both in terms of scale and its cutting-edge technology,
meant it was a leading performer for the Portfolio over the period.
The energy sector remained the laggard, however, and our overweight relative
to benchmark exposure was a negative. Energy stocks were adversely affected by
continued concerns around the long-term risk of oversupply of both of oil and
gas. Nonetheless, we continue to be positive on the energy sector where we see
demand growth outpacing supply growth, depleting inventories, and companies
with attractive valuations. We also remain encouraged with the speed and size
of cuts in operating costs of the oil and gas companies in the Portfolio,
which has positive implications for dividend growth and share buybacks.
Energy company valuations have rarely been lower, and we feel the sector is
going through positive fundamental changes with a growing focus on returns and
cash flows following years of capital destruction. We are confident that this
thesis is playing out, but clearly it is taking longer than originally thought
for these companies to rebuild investor trust and interest. When that happens
equity returns could be significant. We continue to believe the sector offers
an outstanding valuation opportunity as well as a high level of dividends.
With regards to the broader environmental challenges posed by the sector we
believe it appropriate for us to own and engage with these companies with the
aim of shifting their emphasis over time to less carbon intensive energy
exposures and to mitigate their carbon footprint today. As much as we may wish
fossil fuels away, they will remain an important component of our economic
well-being for some decades to come.
In terms of the Portfolio’s regional exposure, its focus on attractive
valuations and growing dividend streams has meant that we continued to be
underweight the US market, where valuations remained most stretched, in our
view, and dividends are relatively low. While our stock selection in the US
was positive for performance, our underweight exposure overall detracted from
returns given that the US was the strongest performing market over the six
months. We were overweight markets such as Asia, the UK and Europe where we
see companies which we believed to be more attractively valued.
Boris Johnson’s announcement in mid-October of a new deal with the European
Union to deliver on Brexit saw a sharp rise in the value of Sterling and a
marked change in the composition of the stock and sector leadership within the
UK equity market. This rotation from international towards more domestically
exposed companies favoured the UK stocks held within the Portfolio.
The Asian stocks held within the Portfolio performed well despite the outbreak
of civil unrest in Hong Kong since the summer and their greater exposure to
US-China trade pressures. Asian equity markets, in general, are sensitive to
global trade flows, with export growth and US dollar strength still having
a significant impact on the outlook for overall corporate earnings growth.
Over the period we introduced three new positions: in Bristol-Myers Squibb,
Nintendo, and Texas Instruments. Bristol-Myers Squibb is a US pharmaceutical
company with leading market drugs, especially for cancer treatment. It has
recently acquired Celgene, another large US pharmaceutical company. We are
optimistic on the prospects of the combined entity, believing that the
consensus underestimated the potential both to reduce costs but also the
potential from new product launches, and we consider the stock to be
attractively valued; Nintendo is a gaming company which we feel is less
exposed to increased regulation as its games tend to be more
family-orientated, its balance sheet is extremely strong, with close to 20% of
its market value being net cash on its balance sheet. It is paying a solid and
growing dividend with scope for profit growth to accelerate due to changes in
the structure of the gaming market; and Texas Instruments is the market leader
in analogue and embedded chips. Analogue chips turn real world signals/data
(e.g. temperature, airflow, light, sound) into digital signals, while
embedded chips use that data to operate other functions. This is a long-term
growth market as the number of applications and usage for such chips expands.
We view Texas Instruments as a very high-quality business. It is highly cash
generative, with most of the cash being returned to shareholders either as
dividends or share buybacks.
Meanwhile, we sold our positions in Telefonica Brasil following strong share
price performance; Pfizer and Legal & General as we saw much better value
elsewhere; likewise, Kangwon Land, the Korean casino operator.
Nick Mustoe
Portfolio Manager (until 31 December 2019)
Stephen Anness took on responsibility for the management of the Company’s
Global Equity Income Portfolio from 1 January 2020, when Nick Mustoe stepped
down from the role.
Outlook
Looking ahead our central case from a macroeconomic perspective is for a
continuation of slow but steady economic growth, punctuated by periods of over
optimism or pessimism. Inflation remains low, and central bank policy
accommodative in most regions. Whilst valuations are high by historic
standards, particularly in the US, this is justifiable with bond yields at
record low levels. Absent a material decline in corporate earnings we would
expect equity markets to move modestly higher this year. Whilst recognising
the short term impact of the coronavirus, past outbreaks, such as SARs and
bird flu, have proven to be transitory and, in hindsight, provided
opportunities for investment.
As we enter 2020 some of the uncertainty and large dispersion in sector
valuations that was present in equity markets through the early part of 2019
has been resolved. Many financial stocks and industrials have seen decent
recovery in their share prices and no longer look ‘standout’ cheap. The
extreme bifurcation of valuations within the market we witnessed has narrowed.
Whilst we still see opportunities in a number of financials, especially in the
US, and the energy sector, which has continued to be a disappointing
performer, we believe it appropriate to reduce our significant overweight
exposure to these hitherto unloved sectors. We continue to believe the market
is paying too high a premium for ‘stable earnings’ stocks, such as
utilities and consumer staple companies, and also many supposedly high growth
companies where rapid growth is projected far into the future, rather than
being faded as is normal in the real world.
Our preference is therefore toward focussing on individual stock positions
rather than taking large valuation calls on sectors. We prefer those companies
where we see some long term growth opportunity but where the consensus overly
frets about the short term earnings fluctuations. If we are patient such
companies can often be bought at a discount price.
In the short term, a certain amount of realignment has taken place since
taking over the portfolio. Whilst a majority of the stocks in the Portfolio at
30 November 2019 continue to be held, the weightings have been changed, a
number have been sold, and a number of new names have been introduced,
including American Express, Analog Devices, Baker Hughes, Bayer,
Colgate-Palmolive, Delta Airlines, Sony, Standard Chartered, Tencent, Unibanco
and Volkswagen. This has resulted in a Portfolio with a higher, though still
underweight, exposure to the US market than previously and less correlation to
macro-economic events, such as changes in the oil price and interest rates.
Stephen Anness
Portfolio Manager
4 February 2020
.
GLOBAL EQUITY INCOME SHARE PORTFOLIO
LIST OF INVESTMENTS
AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019
Ordinary shares unless stated otherwise
COMPANY INDUSTRY GROUP† COUNTRY MARKET VALUE £’000 % OF PORFOLIO
Chevron Energy United States 2,155 3.1
Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences United States 2,015 2.9
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Taiwan 1,962 2.8
Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences France 1,959 2.8
Royal Dutch Shell – A shares Energy Netherlands 1,888 2.7
Orange Telecommunication Services France 1,877 2.7
Aon – A shares Insurance United States 1,862 2.7
Citigroup Banks United States 1,822 2.6
BP Energy United Kingdom 1,815 2.6
Nasdaq Diversified Financials United States 1,802 2.6
Total Energy France 1,795 2.6
Roche Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences Switzerland 1,758 2.6
Next Retailing United Kingdom 1,639 2.4
Toyota Motor Automobiles & Components Japan 1,612 2.3
Verizon Communications Telecommunication Services United States 1,553 2.3
Las Vegas Sands Consumer Services United States 1,515 2.2
JPMorgan Chase Banks United States 1,490 2.2
Microsoft Software & Services United States 1,459 2.1
Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences Switzerland 1,411 2.0
Broadcom Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment United States 1,384 2.0
ING Banks Netherlands 1,379 2.0
Amcor Materials Australia 1,379 2.0
Texas Instruments Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment United States 1,374 2.0
Tesco Food & Staples Retailing United Kingdom 1,365 2.0
TE Connectivity Technology Hardware & Equipment Switzerland 1,358 2.0
Nintendo Media & Entertainment Japan 1,345 2.0
Gilead Sciences Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences United States 1,333 1.9
Deutsche Post Transportation Germany 1,329 1.9
Allianz Insurance Germany 1,310 1.9
Rolls-Royce Capital Goods United Kingdom 1,279 1.9
– C shares 7
Carrefour Food & Staples Retailing France 1,271 1.8
BNP Paribas Banks France 1,195 1.7
United Technologies Capital Goods United States 1,192 1.7
Samsung Electronics – preference shares Technology Hardware & Equipment South Korea 1,179 1.7
Wells Fargo Banks United States 1,160 1.7
Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize Food & Staples Retailing Netherlands 1,125 1.6
Adecco Commercial & Professional Services Switzerland 1,112 1.6
easyJet Transportation United Kingdom 1,106 1.6
CRH Materials Ireland 1,087 1.6
Intesa Sanpaolo Banks Italy 1,078 1.6
BAE Systems Capital Goods United Kingdom 1,074 1.6
Williams-Sonoma Retailing United States 1,052 1.5
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Banks Japan 1,019 1.5
Royal Bank of Scotland Banks United Kingdom 1,018 1.5
British American Tobacco Food, Beverage & Tobacco United Kingdom 1,005 1.5
BASF Materials Germany 1,004 1.5
Equinor Energy Norway 857 1.3
Caixabank Banks Spain 835 1.2
Canadian Natural Resources Energy Canada 741 1.1
Hyundai Motor – preference shares Automobiles & Components South Korea 584 0.9
Total Holdings (50) 68,925 100.0
†MSCI and Standard & Poor’s Global Industry Classification Standard.
.
GLOBAL EQUITY INCOME SHARE PORTFOLIO
INCOME STATEMENT
SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2019 SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2018
REVENUE £’000 CAPITAL £’000 TOTAL £’000 REVENUE £’000 CAPITAL £’000 TOTAL £’000
Gains/(losses) on investments held at fair value – 4,869 4,869 – (2,538) (2,538)
Losses on foreign exchange – (6) (6) – (4) (4)
Income 1,079 32 1,111 1,054 – 1,054
Investment management fees – note 2 (53) (123) (176) (55) (128) (183)
Other expenses (113) (2) (115) (106) (1) (107)
Net return before finance costs and taxation 913 4,770 5,683 893 (2,671) (1,778)
Finance costs – note 2 (10) (22) (32) (11) (26) (37)
Return before taxation 903 4,748 5,651 882 (2,697) (1,815)
Tax – note 3 (105) – (105) (106) – (106)
Return after taxation for the financial period 798 4,748 5,546 776 (2,697) (1,921)
Basic return per ordinary share – note 4 2.56p 15.21p 17.77p 2.38p (8.27)p (5.89)p
SUMMARY OF NET ASSETS
AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019 £’000 AT 31 MAY 2019 £’000
Fixed assets 68,925 67,040
Current assets 555 763
Creditors falling due within one year, excluding borrowings (159) (334)
Bank loan (5,180) (4,880)
Net assets 64,141 62,589
Net asset value per ordinary share – note 5 212.4p 197.6p
Gearing:
– gross 8.1% 7.8%
– net 7.9% 7.4%
SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019 £’000 AT 31 MAY 2019 £’000
Net assets brought forward 62,589 69,057
Shares bought back and held in treasury (2,895) (4,865)
Share conversions (128) 1,576
Return after taxation for the financial period/year 5,546 (947)
Dividends paid – note 9 (971) (2,232)
Net assets 64,141 62,589
.
BALANCED RISK ALLOCATION SHARE PORTFOLIO
PERFORMANCE RECORD
Total Return
SIX MONTHS TO 30 NOV 2019 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2019 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2018 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2017 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2016
Net Asset Value 4.6% –2.7% 6.4% 9.8% –0.3%
Share Price 4.0% –0.7% 4.5% 11.9% –2.1%
3 month LIBOR plus 5% per annum 2.9% 5.8% 5.4% 5.5% 5.6%
Source: Refinitiv.
.
BALANCED RISK ALLOCATION SHARE PORTFOLIO
MANAGER’S REPORT
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Balanced Risk Allocation Portfolio is to
provide shareholders with an attractive total return in differing economic and
inflationary environments, and with low correlation to equity and bond market
indices by gaining exposure to three asset classes: debt securities, equities
and commodities.
Portfolio Strategy and Review
For the half year to 30 November 2019 the Balanced Risk Allocation Portfolio
posted a return of +4.6%. All three asset classes in which the Portfolio
invests generated positive results, with equities outpacing bonds and
commodities, where performance was mixed.
Strategic exposure to equities was the top contributor for the period as five
of the six markets in which the Portfolio invests saw index levels rise.
Japanese equities provided the greatest contribution to results as investors
cheered the Bank of Japan (BOJ) policy announcement suggesting future rate
cuts were possible to support growth. European equities also had a meaningful
contribution to results, rising in response to the European Central Bank (ECB)
restarting quantitative easing (QE) in the form of €20 billion in bond
purchases per month. US large and small-cap equities also rose as the
US Federal Reserve (the Fed) cut rates three times (August, September and
October) and as US-China trade negotiations showed progress. The sole
detractor from results for the period came from Hong Kong, which continued to
deal with civil unrest.
Strategic exposure to government bonds bolstered results as yields fell across
most markets in which the Portfolio was invested. A combination of
accommodative central bank policy in light of uncertainty about global
economic activity, geopolitical events and potential for a hard Brexit left
investors nervous about risk assets and fuelled demand for safe haven assets.
Results in the asset class were led by Australia, followed by the US and the
UK. Germany and Japan were absent from the Portfolio during the period due to
a combination of negative yields and impaired credit quality.
Strategic exposure to commodities delivered more muted positive performance
for the period due to mixed results across the four sub-complexes in which the
Portfolio was invested. Precious metals were the top contributor as both gold
and silver prices rose amid accommodative actions from central banks and
increased safe haven demand. Energy prices also rose in aggregate on
geopolitical risk and signs of reduced output in the US and OPEC. Agriculture
and industrial metals both struggled amid signs of slowing global growth and
ongoing US-China trade tensions.
Tactical positioning delivered further gains as overweights to equities and
underweights to select commodities (e.g. natural gas, aluminium, sugar,
cotton, soybean meal) proved timely.
Outlook
We see several challenges to getting global growth on track such as a stagnant
economy in Europe and uncertainty surrounding the outcome of trade
negotiations between the US and China. Having said that, some bright spots are
developing which may give rise to optimism. One of these areas is the November
reading for global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) manufacturing data,
which indicates that industrial activity strengthened across most regions and
that the worst of the slowdown may be behind us. Additionally, while rates
have most likely hit the low in the US for this cycle, other central banks
clearly stand willing to make use of unconventional monetary policy in an
effort to try to spur growth. Signs that growth is returning could help to
extend the record performance of equities and could cause a powerful rebound
in economically sensitive commodity prices. However, the markets are not
without risk, and adverse outcomes on the trade front or signs that
exceptional policy is not having the intended impact could spur a new bout of
risk-off behaviour. Given the wide range of potential outcomes, we continue to
argue for a balanced risk approach.
Scott Wolle
Portfolio Manager
4 February 2020
.
BALANCED RISK ALLOCATION SHARE PORTFOLIO
MANAGER’S REPORT
TARGET ANNUALISED RISK
The targeted annualised risk (volatility of monthly returns) for the Portfolio
as listed above is analysed as follows:
ASSET CLASS RISK CONTRIBUTION
Equities 4.6% 49.9%
Bonds 2.4% 26.3%
Commodities 2.2% 23.8%
9.2% 100.0%
Derivative instruments held in the Balanced Risk Allocation Share Portfolio
are shown on the next page. At the period end all derivative instruments held
in this Portfolio were exchange traded futures contracts. Holdings in futures
contracts that are not exchange traded are permitted as explained in the
investment policy which is disclosed in full on page 31 of the 2019 annual
financial report.
BALANCED RISK ALLOCATION SHARE PORTFOLIO
LIST OF INVESTMENTS
AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019
YIELD % MARKET VALUE £’000 % OF PORTFOLIO
Short Term Investments
Short-Term Investments Company (Global Series) plc 0.79 1,805 24.2
UK Treasury Bill 17 Feb 2020 0.72 1,388 18.6
UK Treasury Bill 3 Feb 2020 0.70 949 12.8
UK Treasury Bill 4 May 2020 0.76 797 10.7
UK Treasury Bill 11 May 2020 0.73 747 10.0
UK Treasury Bill 18 May 2020 0.75 598 8.0
UK Treasury Bill 9 Mar 2020 0.72 549 7.4
UK Treasury Bill 6 Jan 2020 0.69 450 6.1
UK Treasury Bill 27 Apr 2020 0.74 149 2.0
Total Short Term Investments 7,432 99.8
Hedge Funds(1)
Harbinger Class PE Holdings 14 0.2
Harbinger Class L Holdings 2 –
Total Hedge Funds 16 0.2
Total Fixed Asset Investments 7,448 100.0
(1) The hedge fund investments are residual holdings of the previous
investment strategy, which are awaiting realisation of underlying investments.
.
LIST OF DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019
NOTIONAL EXPOSURE £’000 NOTIONAL EXPOSURE AS % OF NET ASSETS
Government Bond Futures:
Australia 1,921 23.8
Canada 1,789 22.2
US 738 9.1
UK 265 3.3
Total Bond Futures (4) 4,713 58.4
Equity Futures:
Japan 839 10.4
UK 661 8.2
Europe 598 7.4
US small cap 568 7.0
Hong Kong 520 6.4
US large cap 486 6.0
Total Equity Futures (6) 3,672 45.4
Commodity Futures:
Agriculture
Sugar 191 2.4
Soybean 178 2.2
Cotton 176 2.2
Soybean meal 159 2.0
Coffee 69 0.9
Wheat 63 0.8
Corn 45 0.6
Soybean oil 43 0.6
Live cattle 39 0.5
Energy
Gasoline 209 2.6
Brent crude 186 2.3
Low sulphur gasoil 88 1.1
WTI crude 84 1.0
New York Harbor ultra-low sulphur diesel 60 0.7
Natural gas 20 0.3
Industrial Metals
Copper 343 4.2
Aluminium 202 2.5
Precious Metals
Gold 341 4.2
Silver 198 2.5
Total Commodity Futures (19) 2,694 33.6
Total Derivative Instruments (29) 11,079 137.4
.
BALANCED RISK ALLOCATION SHARE PORTFOLIO
INCOME STATEMENT
SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2019 SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2018
REVENUE £’000 CAPITAL £’000 TOTAL £’000 REVENUE £’000 CAPITAL £’000 TOTAL £’000
Losses on investments held at fair value – (7) (7) – (3) (3)
Gains/(losses) on derivative instruments (3) 400 397 22 (670) (648)
(Losses)/gains on foreign exchange – (11) (11) – 18 18
Income 30 – 30 24 – 24
Investment management fees - note 2 (9) (21) (30) (9) (21) (30)
Other expenses (21) – (21) (20) – (20)
Return before taxation (3) 361 358 17 (676) (659)
Tax – – – – – –
Return after taxation for the financial period (3) 361 358 17 (676) (659)
Basic return per ordinary share – note 4 (0.05)p 6.47p 6.42p 0.28p (11.05)p (10.77)p
SUMMARY OF NET ASSETS
AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019 £’000 AT 31 MAY 2019 £’000
Fixed assets 7,448 7,385
Derivative assets held at fair value through profit or loss 188 175
Current assets 512 565
Derivative liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss (57) (223)
Creditors falling due within one year, excluding borrowings (26) (65)
Net assets 8,065 7,837
Net asset value per ordinary share – note 5 145.9p 139.5p
Notional exposure of derivative instruments as % of net assets 137.4% 158.2%
SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019 £’000 AT 31 MAY 2019 £’000
Net assets brought forward 7,837 9,287
Shares bought back and held in treasury (138) (522)
Share conversions 8 (663)
Return after taxation for the financial period/year 358 (265)
Net assets 8,065 7,837
.
MANAGED LIQUIDITY SHARE PORTFOLIO
PERFORMANCE RECORD
Total Return
SIX MONTHS TO 30 NOV 2019 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2019 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2018 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2017 YEAR TO 31 MAY 2016
Net Asset Value 1.1% 1.3% 0.3% 0.0% –0.1%
Share Price 1.3% –0.5% 0.5% 0.5% –0.9%
Source: Refinitiv.
Revenue return per share 0.36p 0.59p 0.24p (0.04)p (0.14)p
Dividend nil 0.80p nil nil nil
.
MANAGED LIQUIDITY SHARE PORTFOLIO
MANAGER’S REPORT
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Managed Liquidity Share Portfolio is to
produce an appropriate level of income return combined with a high degree of
security.
Portfolio Strategy and Review
From 18 January 2019 the investment strategy followed for this Portfolio has
been to invest principally in the PIMCO Sterling Short Maturity Source UCITS
ETF, which is managed by PIMCO with Invesco acting as co-promoter, and also in
the Sterling Liquidity Portfolio of Short-Term Investments Company (Global
Series) plc, which is a money market fund managed by Invesco. Shareholders
should note that, with the change of the principal investment of the Portfolio
at the beginning of 2019, the risk profile also changed, albeit marginally,
and consequently the Shares carry a slightly higher risk than previously that
their net asset value could fall, as well as rise.
The PIMCO Sterling Short Maturity Source UCITS ETF seeks to maximise current
income consistent with the preservation of capital and a high degree of
liquidity. The ETF is actively managed by PIMCO and invests in a diversified
portfolio of government, corporate and asset-backed bonds, denominated in, or
hedged back to, Sterling. To limit the exposure to interest rate risk and
credit risk (the likelihood of an issuer defaulting), these bonds are both
short dated and of high quality. At 30 November 2019, 85% of the ETF’s
portfolio was rated A or above (S&P, Moody’s or Fitch, source: PIMCO). The
portfolio manager at PIMCO is Andrew Bosomworth.
The Sterling Liquidity Portfolio of the Short-Term Investments Company (Global
Series) plc is managed by Invesco in a laddered maturity structure, investing
in repurchase agreements, time deposits, commercial paper, certificates of
deposit, medium-term notes and floating rate notes rated A–1/P–1 or
better. At 30 November 2019, the Sterling Liquidity Portfolio was rated AAAm
by Standard and Poor's and AAAmmf by Fitch Ratings.
Outlook
The PIMCO Sterling Short Maturity Source UCITS ETF is actively managed by
PIMCO, with the flexibility to navigate changes in the macroeconomic outlook.
PIMCO’s baseline outlook is for a window of weakness in the global economy
as trade tensions and political uncertainty act as a drag on global trade. For
the UK, the conclusive election result has reduced, but not eliminated,
uncertainty around Brexit. While PIMCO see the probability of the UK ending
the transition period with no deal as low, there will be limited upside for UK
growth in the near term. Updates around the trade negotiations are likely to
cause some volatility in financial markets which will create relative value
opportunities in UK risk assets.
Invesco
4 February 2020
.
MANAGED LIQUIDITY SHARE PORTFOLIO
LIST OF INVESTMENTS
AS AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019
MARKET VALUE £’000 % OF PORTFOLIO
PIMCO Sterling Short Maturity Source UCITS ETF 3,752 100.0
3,752 100.0
As of 30 November 2019, there was no holding in the Short-Term Investments
Company (Global Series) plc.
MANAGED LIQUIDITY SHARE PORTFOLIO
INCOME STATEMENT
SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2019 SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2018
REVENUE £’000 CAPITAL £’000 TOTAL £’000 REVENUE £’000 CAPITAL £’000 TOTAL £’000
Gains on investments held at fair value – 11 11 – – –
Income 23 – 23 19 – 19
Investment management fees - note 2 (2) – (2) (3) – (3)
Other expenses (6) – (6) (7) – (7)
Return before taxation 15 11 26 9 – 9
Tax – – – – – –
Return after taxation for the financial period 15 11 26 9 – 9
Basic return per ordinary share – note 4 0.36p 0.26p 0.62p 0.19p – 0.19p
SUMMARY OF NET ASSETS
AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019 £’000 AT 31 MAY 2019 £’000
Fixed assets 3,752 4,710
Current assets 195 16
Creditors falling due within one year, excluding borrowings (144) (143)
Net assets 3,803 4,583
Net asset value per ordinary share – note 5 105.3p 104.9p
SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019 £’000 AT 31 MAY 2019 £’000
Net assets brought forward 4,583 4,864
Shares bought back and held in treasury (777) (482)
Share conversions 6 149
Return after taxation for the financial period/year 26 52
Dividend paid – note 9 (35) –
Net assets 3,803 4,583
.
CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER
2019 2018
REVENUE £’000 CAPITAL £’000 TOTAL £’000 REVENUE £’000 CAPITAL £’000 TOTAL £’000
Gains/(losses) on investments held at fair value – 7,728 7,728 – (11,171) (11,171)
Gains/(losses) on derivative instruments (3) 400 397 22 (670) (648)
(Losses)/gains on foreign exchange – (17) (17) – 14 14
Income 2,091 80 2,171 2,266 5 2,271
Investment management fees – note 2 (111) (254) (365) (117) (265) (382)
Other expenses (242) (4) (246) (233) (1) (234)
Net return before finance costs and taxation 1,735 7,933 9,668 1,938 (12,088) (10,150)
Finance costs – note 2 (19) (43) (62) (42) (98) (140)
Return before taxation 1,716 7,890 9,606 1,896 (12,186) (10,290)
Tax – note 3 (112) – (112) (112) – (112)
Return after taxation for the financial period 1,604 7,890 9,494 1,784 (12,186) (10,402)
Basic return per ordinary share – note 4
UK Equity Share Portfolio 2.42p 8.46p 10.88p 2.79p (25.05)p (22.26)p
Global Equity Income Share Portfolio 2.56p 15.21p 17.77p 2.38p (8.27)p (5.89)p
Balanced Risk Allocation Share Portfolio (0.05)p 6.47p 6.42p 0.28p (11.05)p (10.77)p
Managed Liquidity Share Portfolio 0.36p 0.26p 0.62p 0.19p – 0.19p
The total column of this statement represents the Company’s profit and loss
account, prepared in accordance with UK Accounting Standards. The return after
taxation is the total comprehensive income and therefore no additional
statement of other comprehensive income is presented. The supplementary
revenue and capital columns are presented for information purposes in
accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice issued by the
Association of Investment Companies. All items in the above statement derive
from continuing operations of the Company. No operations were acquired or
discontinued in the period. Income Statements for the different Share classes
are shown on pages 13, 19, 24 and 27 for the UK Equity, Global Equity Income,
Balanced Risk Allocation and Managed Liquidity Share Portfolios respectively.
.
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER
SHARE CAPITAL £’000 SHARE PREMIUM £’000 SPECIAL RESERVE £’000 CAPITAL REDEMPTION RESERVE £’000 CAPITAL RESERVE £’000 REVENUE RESERVE £’000 TOTAL £’000
At 31 May 2019 1,055 1,290 66,372 353 62,871 354 132,295
Shares bought back and held in treasury – – (5,063) – – – (5,063)
Return after taxation – – – – 7,890 1,604 9,494
Dividends paid - note 9 – – (190) – – (1,800) (1,990)
At 30 November 2019 1,055 1,290 61,119 353 70,761 158 134,736
At 31 May 2018 1,057 1,290 76,594 351 71,624 300 151,216
Cancellation of deferred shares – – (2) 2 – – –
Shares bought back and held in treasury – – (4,629) – – – (4,629)
Share conversions (2) – 2 – – – –
Return after taxation – – – – (12,186) 1,784 (10,402)
Dividends paid – note 9 – – (72) – – (1,960) (2,032)
At 30 November 2018 1,055 1,290 71,893 353 59,438 124 134,153
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MAY 2019
Registered number 5916642
UK EQUITY £’000 GLOBAL EQUITY INCOME £’000 BALANCED RISK ALLOCATION £’000 MANAGED LIQUIDITY £’000 TOTAL £’000
Fixed assets
Investments held at fair value through profit or loss 59,117 68,925 7,448 3,752 139,242
Current assets
Derivative assets held at fair value through profit or loss – – 188 – 188
Debtors 366 418 209 10 1,003
Cash and cash equivalents 10 137 303 185 635
376 555 700 195 1,826
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Derivative liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss – – (57) – (57)
Other creditors (666) (159) (26) (144) (995)
Bank loan (100) (5,180) – – (5,280)
(766) (5,339) (83) (144) (6,332)
Net current (liabilities)/assets (390) (4,784) 617 51 (4,506)
Net assets 58,727 64,141 8,065 3,803 134,736
Capital and reserves
Share capital 437 388 108 122 1,055
Share premium – – 1,290 – 1,290
Special reserve 27,221 27,712 2,976 3,210 61,119
Capital redemption reserve 74 78 26 175 353
Capital reserve 30,995 35,763 3,724 279 70,761
Revenue reserve – 200 (59) 17 158
Shareholders’ funds 58,727 64,141 8,065 3,803 134,736
Net asset value per ordinary share
Basic – note 5 181.1p 212.4p 145.9p 105.3p
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MAY 2019
UK EQUITY £’000 GLOBAL EQUITY INCOME £’000 BALANCED RISK ALLOCATION £’000 MANAGED LIQUIDITY £’000 TOTAL £’000
Fixed assets
Investments held at fair value through profit or loss 61,250 67,040 7,385 4,710 140,385
Current assets
Derivative assets held at fair value through profit or loss – – 175 – 175
Debtors 3,580 518 412 6 4,516
Cash and cash equivalents 476 245 153 10 884
4,056 763 740 16 5,575
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Derivative liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss – – (223) – (223)
Other creditors (670) (334) (65) (143) (1,212)
Bank loan (7,350) (4,880) – – (12,230)
(8,020) (5,214) (288) (143) (13,665)
Net current (liabilities)/assets (3,964) (4,451) 452 (127) (8,090)
Net assets 57,286 62,589 7,837 4,583 132,295
Capital and reserves
Share capital 436 389 108 122 1,055
Share premium – – 1,290 – 1,290
Special reserve 28,551 30,734 3,106 3,981 66,372
Capital redemption reserve 74 78 26 175 353
Capital reserve 28,225 31,015 3,363 268 62,871
Revenue reserve – 373 (56) 37 354
Shareholders' funds 57,286 62,589 7,837 4,583 132,295
Net asset value per ordinary share
Basic – note 5 173.1p 197.6p 139.5p 104.9p
.
CONDENSED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2019 £’000 SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2018 £’000
Cash flow from operating activities
Net return before finance costs and taxation 9,668 (10,150)
Tax on overseas income (112) (114)
Adjustments for:
Purchase of investments (21,408) (29,076)
Sale of investments 33,393 35,957
Sale of futures 208 (240)
12,193 6,641
Scrip dividends (26) (30)
(Gains)/losses on investments (7,728) 11,171
(Gains)/losses on derivatives (397) 648
Decrease in debtors 443 26
Decrease in creditors (59) (70)
Net cash inflow from operating activities 13,982 8,122
Cash flow from financing activities
Interest paid on bank borrowings (63) (140)
Decrease in bank loan (6,950) (750)
Share buy back costs (5,228) (4,629)
Equity dividends paid – note 9 (1,990) (2,032)
Net cash outflow from financing activities (14,231) (7,551)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (249) 571
Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the period 884 732
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 635 1,303
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents to the Balance Sheet is as follows:
Cash held at custodian 635 1,303
Cash flow from operating activities includes:
Dividends received 2,220 2,351
Interest received 23 46
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities:
Opening bank loan as at 31 May 12,230 16,350
Decrease in bank loan (6,950) (750)
Closing bank loan as at 30 November 5,280 15,600
.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Accounting Policies
The condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law (UK
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 The Financial
Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, FRS 104
Interim Financial Reporting and the Statement of Recommended Practice
Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts,
issued by the Association of Investment Companies in October 2019. The
financial statements are issued on a going concern basis.
The accounting policies applied to these condensed financial statements are
consistent with those applied in the financial statements for the year ended
31 May 2019.
2. Management Fees and Finance Costs
Investment management fees and finance costs are charged to the applicable
Portfolio as follows, in accordance with the Board’s expected split of
long-term income and capital returns:
PORTFOLIO REVENUE RESERVE CAPITAL RESERVE
UK Equity 30% 70%
Global Equity Income 30% 70%
Balanced Risk Allocation 30% 70%
Managed Liquidity 100% –
Any entitlement to the investment performance fee which is attributable to the
UK Equity and/or the Global Equity Income Portfolio is allocated 100% to
capital as it is principally attributable to the capital performance of the
investments in that Portfolio.
The Manager is entitled to a basic fee which is calculated and payable
quarterly. The fee is based on the net assets of each Portfolio, at the
following percentages:
– 0.55% per annum in the case of the UK Equity and Global Equity
Income Portfolios;
– 0.75% per annum for the Balanced Risk Allocation Portfolio; and
– 0.12% per annum for the Managed Liquidity Portfolio.
The Manager is also entitled to receive performance fees in respect of the UK
Equity and Global Equity Income Portfolios of 12.5% of the increase in net
assets per relevant Share in excess of a hurdle of the relevant benchmark plus
1% per annum. The amount of the performance fee that can be paid in any one
year has been capped at 0.55% of the net assets of the relevant Portfolio and
payment is subject to a high water mark. Any underperformance of the
benchmark, or performance above the cap, is carried forward to subsequent
periods and any underperformance must be offset by future overperformance
before any performance fee can be paid.
No performance fee was earned by the UK Equity Portfolio during the six months
(30 November 2018: £nil). The performance fee accrued for past periods is
£531,000 and, as it cannot be reduced by future underperformance, remains an
obligation of the Company. No performance fee was earned for the Global Equity
Portfolio during the six months (30 November 2018: £nil).
Underperformance movements in the six months to 30 November 2019 are shown
below:
UK EQUITY £’000 GLOBAL EQUITY INCOME £’000
Underperformance brought forward (768) (1,491)
Underperformance in the period (34) (137)
Underperformance carried forward (802) (1,628)
3. Investment Trust Status and Tax
It is the intention of the Directors to conduct the affairs of the Company so
that it satisfies the conditions for approval as an investment trust company.
Any company so approved is not liable for taxation on capital gains.
The tax charge represents withholding tax suffered on overseas income for the
period.
4. Basic Return per Ordinary Share
Basic revenue, capital and total return per ordinary share is based on each of
the returns on ordinary activities after taxation as shown by the income
statement for the applicable Share class and on the following number of shares
being the weighted average number of shares in issue throughout the period for
each applicable Share class:
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2019 SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2018
UK Equity 32,758,348 35,172,933
Global Equity Income 31,216,223 32,601,022
Balanced Risk Allocation 5,580,509 6,117,689
Managed Liquidity 4,189,561 4,703,864
5. Net Asset Values per Ordinary Share
The net asset values per ordinary share were based on the following
Shareholders' funds and shares (excluding treasury shares) in issue at the
period end:
AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019 £’000 AT 31 MAY 2019 £’000
PORTFOLIO SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS
UK Equity 58,727 57,286
Global Equity Income 64,141 62,589
Balanced Risk Allocation 8,065 7,837
Managed Liquidity 3,803 4,583
NUMBER OF SHARES
AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019 £’000 AT 31 MAY 2019 £’000
PORTFOLIO SHARES IN ISSUE
UK Equity 32,432,465 33,088,595
Global Equity Income 30,195,843 31,668,234
Balanced Risk Allocation 5,526,917 5,618,428
Managed Liquidity 3,612,466 4,370,361
6. Classification Under Fair Value Hierarchy
FRS 102 as amended for fair value hierarchy disclosures (March 2016) sets out
three fair value levels. These are:
Level 1 The unadjusted quoted price in an active market for identical assets
or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are
observable (i.e. developed using market data) for the asset or liability,
either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 Inputs are unobservable (i.e. for which market data is unavailable)
for the asset or liability.
The fair value hierarchy analysis for investments held at fair value at the
period end is as follows:
UK EQUITY £’000 GLOBAL EQUITY INCOME £’000 BALANCED RISK ALLOCATION £’000 MANAGED LIQUIDITY £’000
AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019
Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss:
Level 1 59,117 68,925 7,432 3,752
Level 2 – – 188 –
Level 3 – – 16 –
Total financial assets 59,117 68,925 7,636 3,752
Financial liabilities:
Level 2 – Derivative instruments – – 57 –
AT 31 MAY 2019
Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss:
Level 1 61,250 67,040 5,635 4,490
Level 2 – – 1,910 220
Level 3 – – 15 –
Total financial assets 61,250 67,040 7,560 4,710
Financial liabilities:
Level 2 – Derivative instruments – – 223 –
Level 1 This is the majority of the Company’s investments and comprises all
quoted investments and Treasury bills.
Level 2 This includes liquidity funds held in the Balanced Risk Allocation and
Managed Liquidity Portfolios, and any derivative instruments.
Level 3 This includes hedge fund investments of the Balanced Risk Allocation
Portfolio.
7. Movements in Share Capital and Share Class Conversions
IN THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2019
UK EQUITY GLOBAL EQUITY INCOME BALANCED RISK ALLOCATION MANAGED LIQUIDITY
Ordinary 1p shares (number)
At 31 May 2019 33,088,595 31,668,234 5,618,428 4,370,361
Shares bought back into treasury (719,772) (1,411,136) (97,000) (763,893)
Arising on share conversion:
– August 2019 886 (234) (578) (240)
– November 2019 62,756 (61,021) 6,067 6,238
At 30 November 2019 32,432,465 30,195,843 5,526,917 3,612,466
UK EQUITY GLOBAL EQUITY INCOME BALANCED RISK ALLOCATION MANAGED LIQUIDITY
Treasury Shares (number)
At 31 May 2019 10,517,040 7,301,023 5,157,218 7,805,785
Shares bought back into treasury 719,772 1,411,136 97,000 763,893
At 30 November 2019 11,236,812 8,712,159 5,254,218 8,569,678
Total shares in issue at 30 November 2019 43,669,277 38,908,002 10,781,135 12,182,144
Average buy back price 172.9p 203.7p 141.0p 101.1p
As part of the conversion process, 16,109 deferred shares of 1p each were
created. All deferred shares are cancelled before the period end and so no
deferred shares are in issue at the start or end of the period.
8. Share Prices
PERIOD END UK EQUITY GLOBAL EQUITY INCOME BALANCED RISK ALLOCATION MANAGED LIQUIDITY
30 November 2018 164.0p 195.0p 132.0p 101.5p
31 May 2019 173.5p 195.0p 138.5p 101.5p
30 November 2019 178.0p 209.0p 144.0p 102.0p
9. Dividends on Ordinary Shares
First interim dividends for UK Equity and Global Equity Income together with a
prior year dividend for Managed Liquidity were paid on 16 August 2019. Second
interim dividends for UK Equity and Global Equity Income were paid on 15
November 2019:
PORTFOLIO NUMBER OF SHARES DIVIDEND RATE TOTAL £’000
UK Equity
First interim 33,048,823 1.50p 496
Second interim 32,549,709 1.50p 488
3.00p 984
Global Equity Income
First interim 31,466,468 1.55p 488
Second interim 31,189,234 1.55p 483
3.10p 971
Managed Liquidity
Prior year dividend 4,370,361 0.80p 35
0.80p 35
Dividends paid for the six months to 30 November 2019 totalled £1,955,000
(six months to 30 November 2018: £2,032,000). In addition, a dividend of
£35,000 was paid in the period to the holders of Managed Liquidity shares in
respect of the year ended 31 May 2019, (six months to 30 November 2018:
£nil).
10. The financial information contained in this half-yearly financial
report, which has not been reviewed or audited by the independent auditor,
does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of
the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the half years ended 30
November 2019 and 30 November 2018 has not been audited. The figures and
financial information for the year ended 31 May 2019 are extracted and
abridged from the latest audited accounts and do not constitute the statutory
accounts for that year. Those accounts have been delivered to the Registrar of
Companies and include the Independent Auditor’s Report, which was
unqualified and did not include a statement under section 498 of the Companies
Act 2006.
By order of the Board
Invesco Asset Management Limited
Company Secretary
4 February 2020
.
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY
in respect of the preparation of the half-yearly financial report
The Directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report
using accounting policies consistent with applicable law and UK Accounting
Standards.
The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:
– the condensed set of financial statements contained within the half-yearly
financial report has been prepared in accordance with the FRC’s FRS 104
Interim Financial Reporting;
– the interim management report includes a fair review of the information
required by DTR 4.2.7R and DTR 4.2.8R of the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules; and
– the interim management report includes a fair review of the information
required on related party transactions.
The half-yearly financial report has not been audited or reviewed by the
Company’s auditor.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors.
Graham Kitchen
Chairman
4 February 2020
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