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BUT Brunner Investment Trust Plc

1,290.00
0.00 (0.00%)
18 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Brunner Investment Trust Plc LSE:BUT London Ordinary Share GB0001490001 ORD 25P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 1,290.00 1,285.00 1,295.00 1,300.00 1,295.00 1,295.00 69,919 16:35:22
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Unit Inv Tr, Closed-end Mgmt 46.66M 40.63M 0.9517 13.61 552.87M

Brunner Investment Trust PLC Half-year Report (4145L)

18/07/2017 2:56pm

UK Regulatory


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TIDMBUT

RNS Number : 4145L

Brunner Investment Trust PLC

18 July 2017

For immediate release 18 July 2017

THE BRUNNER INVESTMENT TRUST PLC

HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT

For the six months ended 31 May 2017

Highlights

   --      Net asset value (debt at fair value) per share up by 11.6% (2016: +1.5%) 
   --      Net asset value (debt at par) per share up by 11.3% (2016: +1.3%) 
   --      Earnings per ordinary share 10.2p (2016: 8.9p) 
   --      Dividends for the half year 7.0p(1) (2016: 6.6p) 
   --      Net asset value total return (debt at fair value) per share up by 12.6% (2016: +2.6%) 
   --      Net asset value total return (debt at par) per share up by 12.3% (2016: +2.3%) 
   --      Share price up by 18.5% to 701.0p (2016: 591.8p) 

-- Discount of net asset value (debt at fair value) to share price 12.5% and an average of 14.1% over the period

 
                                                    At 31 May        At 31 May                 % 
                                                     2017             2016                      change 
   Revenue 
 Available for ordinary dividend                    GBP4,343,000     GBP3,806,000              +14.1 
 Earnings per ordinary share                        10.2p            8.9p                      +14.6 
 Quarterly dividends per 
  ordinary share                                    7.0p(1)          6.6p                      +6.1 
 Retail price index                                 271.7            262.1                     +3.7 
 
 (1) First quarterly 3.5p, 
  second quarterly 3.5p 
 
                                                      At 31 May        At 30 Nov                 % change 
 Assets                                               2017             2016 
 Net asset value per ordinary 
  share 
  (debt at fair value)                                801.6p           718.0p                    +11.6 
 Net asset value per ordinary 
  share (debt at par)                               826.8p           742.8p                    +11.3 
 Ordinary share price                               701.0p           591.8p                    +18.5 
 Total net assets (debt at 
  fair value)                                       GBP342,219,000   GBP307,707,000            +11.2 
 Total net assets (debt at 
  par)                                              GBP352,984,000   GBP318,334,000            +10.9 
 
 
   Net Asset Value relative                                            Capital Return(2)         Total Return(3) 
   to Benchmark* 
 
 Change in net asset value                                                         11.6%                   12.6% 
 Change in benchmark                                                                9.3%                   11.1% 
 
 Performance against benchmark*                                                     2.3%                    1.5% 
 
            (2) Debt at fair value. 
             (3) Total returns are calculated with net dividends reinvested 
                                                                      Capital Return(2)          Total Return(3) 
   Portfolio relative to benchmark* 
 
 Net portfolio return (excluding 
  cash)                                                                            11.2%                   13.0% 
 Change in benchmark                                                                9.3%                   11.1% 
 
 Performance against benchmark*                                                     1.9%                    1.9% 
 
 

*The benchmark applied was 50% FTSE All-Share Index and 50% FTSE World Ex UK Index until 21 March 2017, and 70% FTSE World Ex UK Index and 30% FTSE All-Share Index from 22 March 2017.

Interim Management Report

Performance

The Net Asset Value per ordinary share of the company increased by 12.6% on a total return basis, outperforming the benchmark (50% FTSE All-Share Index and 50% FTSE World Ex UK Index until 21 March 2017, and 70% FTSE World Index and 30% FTSE All-Share Index from 22 March 2017), by 1.5%.

Earnings

Earnings increased by 14.6% to 10.2p per ordinary share in the six months to 31 May 2017 (2016: 8.9p).

Gearing

The gearing at 30 November 2016 was 6.9% and at 31 May 2017 was 5.7%. Gearing is calculated after deducting cash held to offset some of the long term debentures issued.

Dividends

In continuation of the policy to distribute income more evenly throughout the year, the board declared a first quarterly dividend of 3.50p per ordinary share which was paid on 30 June 2017. The board has now declared a second quarterly dividend of 3.50p per ordinary share payable on 20 September 2017 to holders on the register of members at the close of business on 18 August 2017. Accordingly, this has no implication for the growth of the final dividend for the year. A third quarterly payment will be made in December and the final dividend will be proposed for payment in March 2018.

Material events and transactions

In the six month period ended 31 May 2017 the following material events and transactions have taken place.

-- At the annual general meeting of the company held on 21 March 2017, all the resolutions put to shareholders were passed.

-- The change of the company's benchmark to 70% FTSE World Ex UK Index and 30% FTSE All-Share Index was approved at the AGM and took effect from 22 March 2017.

-- During the period under review the company purchased 164,931 ordinary shares for cancellation.

There were no related party transactions in the period.

Since the period end, no further ordinary shares have been purchased for cancellation.

Principal Risks

The principal risks facing the company over the next six months are broadly unchanged from those described in the Annual Financial Report for the year ended 30 November 2016. These are set out in a table in the Strategic Report on page 12 of the annual report, together with commentary on the board's approach to mitigating the risks, under the following headings: Portfolio Risk; Business Risk; and Operational Risk.

In addition to the principal risks, the company faces the risks associated with the provision of services by third parties and general business risks including accounting, legal and regulatory matters. The board oversees a detailed review of the principal risks by the audit committee at least twice a year to ensure the risk assessment is current and relevant, adjusting mitigating factors and procedures as appropriate.

Going concern

The directors believe it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements as the assets of the company consist mainly of securities which are readily realisable and accordingly, the company has adequate financial resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

Responsibility Statement

The directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that:

-- The condensed set of financial statements contained within the half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 and FRS 104, as set out in Note 2, and the Accounting Standards Board's Statement 'Half-Yearly Financial Reports'; and

-- The interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by Disclosure and Transparency Rule 4.2.7 R of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and

-- The interim management report includes a fair review of the information concerning related parties transactions as required by the Disclosure and Transparency Rule 4.2.8 R.

The half-yearly financial report was approved by the board on 18 July 2017 and the above responsibility statement was signed on its behalf by the Chairman.

Carolan Dobson

Chairman

Enquiries:

For further information, please contact:

Allianz Global Investors GmbH, UK Branch

Melissa Gallagher

Head of Investment Trusts

Tel: 020 3246 7539

Investment Manager's Review

Market Review

During the period, European and emerging market equities led market strength helped by further signs that global economic activity continued to improve. US equities were arguably held back somewhat by increasing political risks and uncertainties concerning the ability of President Trump's administration to enact its policy agenda. Strong corporate results and better-than-expected US jobless claims and regional manufacturing data at the end of May helped calm the nerves.

In terms of sectors, Information Technology stocks delivered robust returns. Utilities and Consumer Staples also performed well. On the other hand, Energy lagged as oil prices failed to build on earlier gains.

During the period, the Federal Reserve raised US interest rates twice - in December and again in March - taking the federal funds rate to a range of 0.75% to 1.0%. In contrast, in December the European Central Bank (ECB) extended its bond-buying programme until at least the end of 2017, but reduced the size of its monthly bond purchases. Subsequently, rising inflation in the first quarter of 2017 led to speculation that the ECB would need to wind down these measures, with President Mario Draghi noting that the battle against deflation had now been won. The Bank of England and Bank of Japan left monetary policy unchanged.

Diminishing political risk following Emmanuel Macron's victory in the French presidential elections and further signs of euro-zone recovery boosted the euro while the US dollar weakened amid rising political turmoil.

Oil prices initially strengthened following the news that OPEC had agreed to cut production, but later weakened amid signs of rising US supply.

Portfolio Review

On a total return basis, over the period the portfolio's NAV with debt at fair value rose 12.6%, compared to a 11.1% gain for the benchmark (50% FTSE All-Share Index and 50% FTSE World Ex UK Index until 21 March 2017, and 70% FTSE World Ex UK Index and 30% FTSE All-Share Index from 22 March 2017). Overall stock selection contributed positively, particularly in Financials, Technology and Consumer Goods, which more than offset a negative contribution from Consumer Services, Health Care and Telecommunications. Industry weights, which are a result of bottom-up stock picking, also contributed.

The top contributor to performance was United Internet, which announced the merger of their consumer telecom operations with Drillisch to gain strength in the telecom sector in Germany. This deal represents significant synergies and a solution for the issue of credible 4G wholesale access for United Internet, one of the major market concerns for the company.

Tyman was another strong contributor. FY16 results were strong, with margins in both the US and Europe ahead of expectations. This margin momentum looks set to continue as the US footprint project delivers more savings and synergies come through early. Management continues to benefit from self-help initiatives and plans to manage higher cost inflation through pricing, effective purchasing and cost reductions. The company has made significant progress structurally improving the business and we expect continued progress over the next few years.

Firstgroup, the US and UK ground transportation company, also outperformed. Full year results for the year to 31 March 2017 were better than expected, primarily due to better performances in North America. The share price has risen strongly in recent months: up 22% since it announced the South Western rail franchise win on 25 March 2017 and supported by a stronger dollar.

Nielsen was the top detractor. First quarter results came slightly below expectations as the company continued to experience weakness in the Buy segment, attributed to continued spending pressure from retail customers in the US. We view this as a short-term issue and the rest of the business remains strong; we maintain our belief that Nielsen is one of the better positioned companies within the media sector, particularly given its leading position in the evolving and steadily growing Watch segment.

We reduced our exposure to the Energy sector in the first quarter this year and the underweight in the sector was positive to performance during the period. EOG Resources detracted, reflecting the overall fall in oil prices. EOG has grown mostly through internally generated projects over the last five years, only recently announcing their acquisition of Yates Petroleum. Given the potential of its portfolio, we still see EOG as a compelling investment.

Walgreens Boots also underperformed. While the Rite Aid acquisition, which would represent good synergy opportunities for the company, is still pending on the government's authorisation, speculations that Amazon is looking to enter the pharmacy market could represent a market disruption in the retail pharmacy business, directly affecting Walgreens Boots. The stock is under review as our conviction in the name is decreasing.

During the period, we started new positions in Criteo, Wabtec, Celgene, Iberdrola, Tencent, Howden and WPP.

Criteo provides web advertising services and offers a range of solutions such as click per cost and online banner displays. We believe Criteo is well positioned to benefit from the shift in display ads toward Real-Time Bidding (RTB) and programmatic buying in general, as we believe the company has strong technology and scale advantages.

Wabtec is the North America's largest manufacturer of air brake systems and other products for the railroad and mass transit markets. The company's brake products command a 50% market share in North America and its other products generally hold the number one or number two position in their respective markets. Wabtec is a beneficiary of railroad operators' spending to enhance productivity, growth in mass transit programmes globally and a potential pick up in infrastructure spending in the US. The company's multipronged growth strategy includes introducing new products, enhancing international sales, expanding aftermarket exposure and acquiring bolt-on businesses.

Sales included Total, BHP, Aviva, TGS, Flowserve, BT and ING Groep.

Flowserve continues to face pricing pressures due to reduced energy project activity and very competitive bidding from competitors. Industry fundamentals are likely to remain challenging and against this backdrop we have reinvested the proceeds in higher conviction stocks like Wabtec.

Benchmark

The benchmark for investing changed to 70 per cent global equities, represented by the FTSE World Ex UK Index and 30 per cent UK equities, as represented by the FTSE All-Share Index, with effect from the AGM in March this year, the benchmark having previously been a 50:50 per cent split of the same indices. The portfolio manager had (and continues to have) considerable discretion either side of the benchmark proportions and had been investing increasingly in global equities, partly to diversify the income stream further, and partly to invest in attractive overseas growth opportunities. The revision to the benchmark reflects this development of investing a higher proportion in global equities. The impact of the change in the benchmark has therefore been a gradual change to the investment strategy and stock selection. Over the reporting period, the change in benchmark has therefore had little impact on performance.

Outlook

Expectations of a continued economic upswing and the still generous monetary policy of the leading international central banks should be positive for equities. Moreover, the good momentum of analysts' corporate earnings estimates is also a good signal for the stock markets. At the same time, divergent monetary policies in the US and Europe and persistent political uncertainties might result in elevated volatility.

In this environment, active management is required to augment returns. We are comfortable taking advantage of these opportunities to buy high quality growth franchises at attractive valuations.

Lucy MacDonald

Allianz Global Investors

BRUNNER INVESTMENT TRUST PLC

LISTED EQUITY HOLDINGS AS AT 31 MAY 2017

 
                                   Market     Total 
 Security Name                      Value    Assets 
                                 GBP'000s         %   Principal Activity 
 Microsoft                         12,797      3.43   Software & Computer Services 
 Royal Dutch Shell 'B' Shares      10,449      2.80   Oil & Gas Producers 
                                                      Health Care Equipment & 
 United Health                      9,284      2.48    Services 
 AbbVie                             8,589      2.30   Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology 
 BP                                 8,160      2.18   Oil & Gas Producers 
 Roche Holdings                     7,654      2.05   Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology 
 Muenchener Rueckver                7,522      2.01   Nonlife Insurance 
 HSBC                               7,432      1.99   Banks 
 Estee Lauder 'A' shares            7,018      1.88   Personal Goods 
 GlaxosmithKline                    6,972      1.87   Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology 
 Visa                               6,747      1.81   Financial Services 
 Microchip Technology               6,525      1.75   Technology Hardware & Equipment 
 Unilever                           6,497      1.74   Food Producers 
 Priceline Group                    6,300      1.69   Travel & Leisure 
 Apple                              6,255      1.67   Technology Hardware & Equipment 
 Accenture                          6,188      1.66   Support Services 
 Iberdrola                          6,182      1.65   Electricity 
 Walgreen                           6,158      1.65   Food & Drug Retailers 
 United Internet                    6,152      1.65   Software & Computer Services 
 Taiwan Semiconductor (ADS)         5,942      1.59   Technology Hardware & Equipment 
 Nielsen                            5,874      1.57   Media 
                                                      Health Care Equipment & 
 Fresenius                          5,771      1.54    Services 
                                                      Electronic & Electrical 
 Agilent Technologies               5,692      1.52    Equipment 
                                                      Electronic & Electrical 
 Amphenol                           5,308      1.42    Equipment 
 Prudential                         5,207      1.39   Life Insurance 
 Senior                             5,187      1.39   Aerospace & Defence 
 Amadeus                            5,176      1.39   Support Services 
 Rio Tinto                          5,133      1.37   Mining 
 Tyman                              5,055      1.35   Construction & Materials 
 TP ICAP                            5,017      1.34   Financial Services 
 Lloyds Banking Group               4,941      1.32   Banks 
 Adidas                             4,926      1.32   Personal Goods 
 Covestro                           4,919      1.32   Chemicals 
 Tencent Holdings                   4,820      1.29   Software & Computer Services 
 Nestle                             4,815      1.29   Food Producers 
                                                      Electronic & Electrical 
 Ametek                             4,682      1.25    Equipment 
 AIA                                4,622      1.24   Life Insurance 
 Howden Joinery                     4,529      1.21   Support Services 
 UBM                                4,511      1.21   Media 
 Equiniti                           4,465      1.20   Support Services 
 Balfour Beatty                     4,385      1.17   Construction & Materials 
 Greene King                        4,378      1.17   Travel & Leisure 
 Citigroup                          4,360      1.17   Banks 
 WPP                                4,358      1.17   Media 
 China Mobile                       4,346      1.16   Mobile Telecommunications 
 IFG Group                          4,276      1.14   Financial Services 
 UBS                                4,148      1.11   Banks 
 Atlas Copco                        4,132      1.11   Industrial Engineering 
 Ameriprise Financial               4,118      1.10   Financial Services 
 
 
                                Market     Total 
 Security Name                   Value    Assets 
                              GBP'000s         %   Principal Activity 
 Cie Financiere Richemont        3,987      1.07   Personal Goods 
 EOG Resources                   3,928      1.05   Oil & Gas Producers 
 STHREE                          3,913      1.05   Support Services 
                                                   Electronic & Electrical 
 Schneider Electric              3,870      1.04    Equipment 
                                                   Real Estate Investment 
 Hansteen Holdings               3,861      1.03    Trusts 
 Vodafone                        3,833      1.03   Mobile Telecommunications 
 Centrica                        3,624      0.97   Gas, Water & Multiutilities 
 Monsanto                        3,566      0.95   Food Producers 
 FirstGroup                      3,555      0.95   Travel & Leisure 
 Criteo                          3,510      0.94   Media 
 Jiangsu Express                 3,452      0.92   Industrial Transportation 
 ITOCHU                          3,450      0.92   Support Services 
 Celgene                         3,354      0.90   Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology 
 NEX                             3,215      0.86   Financial Services 
 BASF                            3,201      0.86   Chemicals 
                                                   Real Estate Investment 
 MERLIN Properties               3,185      0.84    & Services 
 Brambles                        3,142      0.84   General Industrials 
 Astellas Pharma                 3,133      0.84   Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology 
 Wabtec                          3,083      0.83   Industrial Engineering 
 Ashmore                         3,062      0.82   Financial Services 
                                                   Real Estate Investment 
 Sirius Real Estate              2,800      0.75    & Services 
 Better Capital                  2,748      0.74   Equity Investment Instruments 
 CCR                             2,695      0.71   Industrial Transportation 
 Cielo                           2,570      0.69   Financial Services 
 SMC                             2,524      0.68   Industrial Engineering 
 Australia and New Zealand 
  Bank                           2,348      0.63   Banks 
                               373,583     99.99 
                             ---------  -------- 
 
 
 UNLISTED EQUITY HOLDINGS 
 at 31 May 2017 
                               Market     Total 
                                Value    Assets 
                             GBP'000s         %   Principal Activity 
 
 First Debenture Finance           24      0.01   Financial Services 
 Fintrust Debenture                 4      0.00   Financial Services 
                                   28      0.01 
                            ---------  -------- 
 
 

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS AS AT 31 MAY 2017

 
                        % 
 
 United Kingdom     35.22 
 North America      32.07 
 Europe             21.19 
 Pacific Basin       7.67 
 Japan               2.44 
 Latin America       1.41 
 
 Total             100.00 
----------------  ------- 
 

SECTORAL ANALYSIS AS AT 31 MAY 2017

 
                            % 
 
 Financials             22.00 
 Industrials            21.66 
 Health Care            11.98 
 Technology             11.37 
 Consumer Services      10.34 
 Consumer Goods          8.25 
 Oil & Gas               6.03 
 Basic Materials         3.55 
 Utilities               2.63 
 Telecommunications      2.19 
 
 Total                 100.00 
--------------------  ------- 
 

SUMMARY OF UNAUDITED RESULTS

INCOME STATEMENT

for the six months ended 31 May 2017

 
                                                 Revenue    Capital   Total Return 
                                                GBP'000s   GBP'000s       GBP'000s 
                                                                          (Note 2) 
 Net gains on investments at fair 
  value                                                -     37,381         37,381 
 Exchange losses on currency balances                  -       (14)           (14) 
 Income from investments                           5,812          -          5,812 
 Other income                                         89          -             89 
 Investment management fee                         (262)      (611)          (873) 
 Administration expenses                           (316)        (4)          (320) 
                                        ----------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Net profit before finance costs 
  and taxation                                     5,323     36,752         42,075 
 Finance costs: interest payable 
  and similar charges                              (667)    (1,531)        (2,198) 
                                        ----------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Net profit before taxation                        4,656     35,221         39,877 
 Taxation                                          (313)          -          (313) 
                                        ----------------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Net profit attributable to ordinary 
  shareholders                                     4,343     35,221         39,564 
                                        ================  =========  ============= 
 Net earnings per ordinary share 
  (Note 1) 
 (basic and diluted)                              10.17p     82.47p         92.64p 
 

BALANCE SHEET

as at 31 May 2017

 
 
                                                            GBP'000s 
 
 Investments held at fair value through profit or loss 
  (Note 3)                                                   373,611 
 Net current assets                                           10,093 
                                                         ----------- 
 Total assets less current liabilities                       383,704 
 Creditors: amount falling due after more than one 
  year                                                      (30,720) 
 Total net assets                                            352,984 
                                                         ----------- 
 
 Called up share capital                                      10,673 
 Capital redemption reserve                                    5,327 
 Capital reserves                                            322,622 
 Revenue reserve                                              14,362 
 Shareholders' funds                                         352,984 
                                                         ----------- 
 
 Net asset value per ordinary share                           826.8p 
 
 The net asset value is based on 42,692,727 ordinary 
  shares in issue at 31 May 2017 
 

SUMMARY OF UNAUDITED RESULTS

INCOME STATEMENT

for the six months ended 31 May 2016

 
                                                Revenue    Capital   Total Return 
                                               GBP'000s   GBP'000s       GBP'000s 
                                                                         (Note 2) 
 Net gains on investments at fair 
  value                                               -      5,548          5,548 
 Exchange gains on currency balances                  -         27             27 
 Income from investments                          5,225          -          5,225 
 Other income                                        89          -             89 
 Investment management fee                        (217)      (506)          (723) 
 Administration expenses                          (348)        (2)          (350) 
                                       ----------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Net profit before finance costs 
  and taxation                                    4,749      5,067          9,816 
 Finance costs: interest payable 
  and similar charges                             (670)    (1,537)        (2,207) 
                                       ----------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Net profit before taxation                       4,079      3,530          7,609 
 Taxation                                         (273)          -          (273) 
                                       ----------------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Net profit attributable to ordinary 
  shareholders                                    3,806      3,530          7,336 
                                       ================  =========  ============= 
 Net earnings per ordinary share 
  (Note 1) 
 (basic and diluted)                              8.85p      8.21p         17.06p 
 

BALANCE SHEET

as at 31 May 2016

 
 
                                                            GBP'000s 
 
 Investments held at fair value through profit or loss 
  (Note 3)                                                   291,115 
 Net current assets                                           35,101 
                                                         ----------- 
 Total assets less current liabilities                       326,216 
 Creditors: amount falling due after more than one 
  year                                                      (49,205) 
 Total net assets                                            277,011 
                                                         ----------- 
 
 Called up share capital                                      10,747 
 Capital redemption reserve                                    5,253 
 Capital reserves                                            247,478 
 Revenue reserve                                              13,533 
 Shareholders' funds                                         277,011 
                                                         ----------- 
 
 Net asset value per ordinary share                           644.4p 
 
 The net asset value is based on 42,987,418 ordinary 
  shares in issue at 31 May 2016 
 

BALANCE SHEET

as at 30 November 2016

 
 
                                                            GBP'000s 
 
 Investments held at fair value through profit or loss 
  (Note 3)                                                   339,322 
 Net current assets                                           28,080 
                                                         ----------- 
 Total assets less current liabilities                       367,402 
 Creditors: amount falling due after more than one 
  year                                                      (49,068) 
 Total net assets                                            318,334 
                                                         ----------- 
 
 Called up share capital                                      10,714 
 Capital redemption reserve                                    5,286 
 Capital reserves                                            288,393 
 Revenue reserve                                              13,941 
 Shareholders' funds                                         318,334 
                                                         ----------- 
 
 Net asset value per ordinary share                           742.8p 
 
 The net asset value is based on 42,857,658 ordinary 
  shares in issue at 30 November 2016 
 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 
                                              Called                    Capital 
                                                  up                 Redemption      Capital      Revenue 
                                               Share                    Reserve      Reserve      Reserve        Total 
                                             Capital                   GBP'000s     GBP'000s     GBP'000s     GBP'000s 
                                            GBP'000s 
 
 Six months ended 31 May 2017 
 Net assets at 1 December 2016                10,714                      5,286      288,393       13,941      318,334 
 Revenue profit                                    -                          -            -        4,343        4,343 
 Ordinary shares repurchased 
  during the period                             (41)                         41        (992)            -        (992) 
 Dividends on ordinary shares 
  (Note 4)                                         -                          -            -      (3,936)      (3,936) 
 Unclaimed dividends                               -                          -            -           14           14 
 Capital profit                                    -                          -       35,221            -       35,221 
 
 Net assets at 31 May 2017                    10,673                      5,327      322,622       14,362      352,984 
 
 
 
 Six months ended 31 May 2016 
 Net assets at 1 December 2015                10,753                      5,247      244,075       13,555      273,630 
 Revenue profit                                    -                          -            -        3,806        3,806 
 Ordinary shares repurchased 
  during the period                              (6)                          6        (127)            -        (127) 
 Dividends on ordinary shares 
  (Note 4)                                         -                          -            -      (3,828)      (3,828) 
 Capital profit                                    -                          -        3,530            -        3,530 
 
 Net assets at 31 May 2016                    10,747                      5,253      247,478       13,533      277,011 
                                 -------------------  -------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 

CASH FLOW STATEMENT

 
                                                               Six months         Six months 
                                                                    Ended              Ended 
                                                                   31 May             31 May 
                                                                     2017               2016 
                                                                 GBP000's           GBP000's 
                                                      -------------------  ----------------- 
 Operating activities 
 Net profit before finance costs and taxation                      42,075              9,816 
 Less: Net gains on investments at fair 
  value through profit or loss                                   (37,381)            (5,548) 
 Add: Special dividends credited to capital                             -                850 
 Less : Net losses (gains) on foreign currency                         14               (27) 
 Less: Overseas tax suffered                                        (313)              (273) 
 Increase in other receivables                                      (242)              (172) 
 Increase (decrease) in other payables                                 66                (9) 
 Purchase of fixed asset investments held 
  at fair value through profit or loss                           (36,253)           (28,883) 
 Sales of fixed asset investments held 
  at fair value through profit or loss                             39,233             33,213 
                                                      -------------------  ----------------- 
 Net cash inflow from operating activities                          7,199              8,967 
 
 Financing activities 
 Interest paid                                                    (2,333)            (2,333) 
 Dividends paid on cumulative preference 
  stock                                                              (11)               (11) 
 Dividends paid on ordinary shares                                (3,936)            (3,828) 
 Repurchase of ordinary shares for cancellation                     (996)              (127) 
 Unclaimed dividends received                                          14                  - 
                                                      -------------------  ----------------- 
 Net cash outflow from financing activities                       (7,262)            (6,299) 
 
 (Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents                    (63)              2,668 
                                                      -------------------  ----------------- 
 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the start 
  of the period                                                    28,158             32,346 
 Effect of foreign exchange rates                                    (14)                 27 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of 
  the period                                                       28,081             35,041 
 
 Comprising: 
 Cash at bank                                                      28,081             35,041 
                                                      -------------------  ----------------- 
 
 

NOTES

Note 1

The returns per ordinary share have been calculated using a weighted average number of shares in issue of 42,710,190 (31 May 2016: 42,994,658 shares).

Note 2

The total column of this statement is the profit and loss account of the company.

All revenue and capital items derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued in the period.

Purchases for the half year ended 31 May 2017 were GBP36,140,000 (31 May 2016: GBP28,993,000) and sales for the half year ended 31 May 2017 were GBP39,271,000 (31 May 2016: GBP33,213,000).

Included in the cost of investments are transaction costs on purchases which amounted to GBP79,000 (31 May 2016: GBP98,000) and transaction costs on sales which amounted to GBP28,000 (31 May 2016: GBP28,000).

Note 3

Investments are designated as held at fair value through profit or loss in accordance with FRS 102 sections 11 and 12. Investments are initially recognised at fair value, which is determined to be their cost. Subsequently, investments are revalued at fair value which is the bid market price for listed investments.

FRS 102 as amended for fair value hierarchy disclosures (March 2016) sets out three fair value levels.

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

As at 31 May 2017, the financial assets at fair value through profit and loss of GBP373,611,000 (30 November 2016: GBP339,322,000) are categorised as follows:

 
             Six months    Year ended 
                  ended   30 November 
            31 May 2017          2016 
               GBP'000s      GBP'000s 
 Level 1        373,583       339,294 
 Level 2              -             - 
 Level 3             28            28 
           ------------  ------------ 
                373,611       339,322 
           ------------  ------------ 
 

Note 4

In accordance with section 32 FRS102 ' Events After the end of the Reporting Period', dividends declared after the end of the reporting period shall not be recognised as a liability.

Dividends payable on ordinary shares in respect of earnings for each period are as follows:

 
                                           Six months     Six months     Year ended 
                                                ended          ended    30 November 
                                          31 May 2017    31 May 2016           2016 
                                             GBP'000s       GBP'000s       GBP'000s 
 Final dividend 5.90p paid 24 March 
  2017 (2016: 5.70p)                            2,519          2,452          2,452 
 First quarterly dividend 3.30p paid 
  30 June 2016 (2015: 3.20p)                        -              -          1,419 
 Second quarterly dividend 3.30p paid 
  19 September 2016 (2015: 3.20p)                   -              -          1,419 
 Third quarterly dividend 3.30p paid 
  14 December 2016 (2015: 3.20p)                1,417          1,376          1,376 
                                                3,936          3,828          6,666 
                                        -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Dividends declared after the period end are not recognised as a liability under section 32 FRS 102 'Events after the end of the reporting period'. Details of these dividends are set out below.

 
 
                                               Six months      Six months             Year ended 
                                                    ended           ended            30 November 
                                              31 May 2017     31 May 2016                   2016 
                                                 GBP'000s        GBP'000s               GBP'000s 
 First quarterly dividend 3.50p payable 
  30 June 2017 (2016: 3.30p)                        1,494           1,419                      - 
 Second quarterly dividend 3.50p payable 
  20 September 2017 (2016: 3.30p)                   1,494           1,419                      - 
 Third quarterly dividend 3.20p                         -               -                  1,417 
  Final dividend 5.90p                                  -               -                  2,519 
                                           --------------  --------------  --------------------- 
                                                    2,988           2,838                  3,936 
                                           --------------  --------------  --------------------- 
 

The final and quarterly dividends above are based on the number of shares in issue at the period end. However, the dividend payable will be based upon the number of shares in issue on the record date and will reflect any purchase or cancellations of shares by the company settled subsequent to the period end.

Note 5

The directors believe it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements, as the assets of the company consist mainly of securities which are readily realisable and accordingly, that the company has adequate financial resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

Note 6

The half-yearly report has neither been audited nor reviewed by the company's auditors. The financial information for the year ended 30 November 2016 has been extracted from the statutory accounts for that year which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and restated by reference to the changes in accounting policies detailed above. The auditor's report on those accounts was unqualified and did not contain a statement under either section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The half-yearly financial report will be sent to shareholders in late July 2017 and will be available to members of the public from the company's registered office at 199 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3TY.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

IR LLFEVDVITLID

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 18, 2017 09:56 ET (13:56 GMT)

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