Quarterly Report • Oct 31, 2010
Quarterly Report
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Half-Yearly Financial Report Six months ended 31 October 2010

| Financial Highlights | 31 October 2010 | 30 April 2010 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total assets (£'000)A | 56,440 | 54,484 | 3.6 |
| Total equity shareholders' funds (£'000) | 49,440 | 47,848 | 3.3 |
| Share price (mid-market) | 117.25p | 117.75p | (0.4) |
| Basic net asset value per share | 123.46p | 124.59p | (0.9) |
| Diluted net asset value per shareB | n/a | 123.40p | – |
| Discount to basic net asset value | 5.0% | 4.6% |
A Total assets less current liabilities (excluding bank debt).
| Performance (total return) | Six months ended 31 October 2010 |
Year ended 30 April 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| Share Price | 2.6% | 42.4% |
| Net Asset Value (Par) | 1.9% | 31.9% |
| Diluted Net Asset Value (Par)B | n/a | 30.7% |
B All Warrants were exercised on 31 August 2010 resulting in no further dilution.
| 15 December 2010 | Payment of second interim dividend for year ending 30 April 2011 |
|---|---|
| 21 December 2010 | Announcement of Half Yearly Financial Report |
| January 2011 | Posting of Half Yearly Financial Report |
| March 2011 | Payment of third interim dividend for year ending 30 April 2011 |
| June 2011 | Payment of fourth interim dividend for year ending 30 April 2011 |
| July 2011 | Announcement of Annual Results |
| August 2011 | Annual Report posted to Shareholders |
| September 2011 | Annual General Meeting |
The period was very much a 'game of two halves', with the strong recovery in financial markets seen since March 2009 moving sharply into reverse in May and June 2010 primarily due to investor concerns regarding the sovereign debt crisis within Europe. However, July saw a resumption of the 'risk on' environment and most major markets rallied to challenge new post crisis highs later in the period.
There remains a very wide range of potential economic outcomes following an unprecedented period of financial instability. The headwinds afflicting developed markets including austerity packages, obstinately high unemployment, further deleveraging by banks and sovereign debt problems, continue to act as an anchor to over positive sentiment. However, the corporate sector appears to be in relatively good shape, both in terms of current trading (particularly those companies with emerging economy exposure) and balance sheets which do not, in general, look over stretched.
Against this volatile background the Company's net asset value total return for the period (including dividends) was 1.9%. The Company's share price fell by 0.4%, which with dividends reinvested, gave a positive return of 2.6%. This compares with the benchmark return for the period of 4% (8% per annum).
The discount at which the Company's shares traded to net asset value remained fairly constant over the period, averaging 5.1% and ending October at 5.0%. Whilst no shares were bought back over this period, your Board and Manager remain committed to maintaining the rating at which the shares trade. To this end the renewal of the Company's buyback facility was approved by shareholders at the AGM in September.
The Company's short term rolling debt facility of £7 million was fully drawn over the period. Gearing (pre cash) at the end of October was 14.1%, down from 15% at 30 April 2010 and has remained comfortably within the Board's stated maximum of 25% of net assets throughout the period.
The Company's Warrants expired on 31 August 2010 with all Warrants being exercised. Any Warrantholders not taking up their right to exercise should by now have received a payment of 10.4p per Warrant held, being the price (less costs) received on the sale through the market of the shares resulting from their Warrants. The full exercise of Warrants led to an increase in net assets of £1,934,000.
A first interim dividend of 1.63p per share was declared on 17 August 2010. This matched the quarterly dividend rate paid in the previous financial year. On 24 November 2010 a second interim dividend of 1.63p per share was declared.
The revenue position of the Company has been improving over the course of the period, despite the cut in dividends by BP which did not help. However, it is probable that there will be a shortfall in the revenue generated from the portfolio to cover dividends for the current year. It is therefore likely that some use of revenue reserves may again be required to maintain the current level of distributions.
Your Board is continuing to monitor this revenue position, which looks set to show further improvement over the second half of the financial year and into next. The Directors are fully aware of the importance of a high level of regular dividend payments to many of the Company's shareholders.
On 19 November 2010 the Company received a payment from Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited (the former manager) of £49,016 representing the full and final settlement of the VAT paid on management fees in respect of (i) 1990 to 1996 and (ii) 2001 to 2007. The cumulative amount repaid by Aberdeen is £222,837 and in due course the Company will also receive simple interest on this sum and a claim has been lodged with HMRC for compound interest. In respect of VAT paid between 1996 and 2001 (the 'Scottish Equitable' period) HMRC continues to resist claims and a conclusion to this case is awaited.
The Company's Annual General Meeting will be held at 12.30 p.m. on Tuesday 6 September 2011 at the offices of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC, Bow Bells House, 1 Bread Street, London EC4M 9HH.
The outlook remains opaque with a wide range of economic outcomes still possible. Opinions are split between those that expect inflation to pick up, as the Quantitative Easing and other financial supports work through into the global economy; whilst others still voice warnings of a 'double dip recession' and a Japanese style deflationary environment. Against this background it seems that markets could experience further bouts of volatility, with the stresses within the Eurozone area also likely to continue to give cause for concern.
However, not all is gloomy. Interest rates are anticipated to remain low for some time in the western economies and the new found confidence within the corporate sector has already led to a raft of M&A activity. This seems set to continue, as strong businesses use the current uncertainties to build market share through acquisitions. Elsewhere in the world, economic prospects appear much brighter and should provide good opportunities for domestic and international companies alike.
Although the future remains uncertain, the Company's high level of dividend yield and potential for further capital growth should continue to prove attractive to investors.
Investment and Market Risks: Managing a portfolio of shares and debt security investments necessarily involves certain risks, the more important of which are set out in Note 18 to the Annual Report and financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2010. A significant proportion of the assets of the Company may be invested in debt security investments and overseas equities. Whilst this broader spread of investments is intended to reduce the volatility and risk profile of the Company's portfolio this cannot be assured.
Shares: The market value of the Ordinary shares, as well as being affected by the net asset value, also takes into account their supply and demand. The market value of an Ordinary share can fluctuate and may not always reflect its underlying net asset value. Investment in the Company should be regarded as long term in nature. There can be no guarantee that appreciation in the value of the Company's investments will occur and investors may not get back the full value of their original investment.
Investment Objective: There is no guarantee that the investment policy adopted by the Company will provide the returns sought by the Company.
Borrowings: The Company currently utilises gearing in the form of bank borrowings (see note 11 to the Annual Report and financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2010). Gearing has the effect of exacerbating market falls and market gains.
Currency: A proportion of the Company's portfolio may be invested in assets denominated in currencies other than sterling. This will increase the currency risk that the Company is exposed to as a result in fluctuations in the exchange rate between the denomination of the investments and the sterling denomination of the Company's base currency.
Dividends: The ability of the Company to pay dividends in respect of the Ordinary shares and any future dividend growth will depend on the level of income received from its investments. Accordingly, the amount of dividends paid to Shareholders may fluctuate.
Discount: While the Board intends to implement an active discount management policy, the ability to implement such a policy is dependent on a number of factors including the ability to buy back shares in the market, the ability to fund share buybacks, the authority to buy back shares being renewed annually and the Board's discretion over the making and timing of any buybacks.
Key Individuals: The Company is substantially dependent on the services of key individuals working for its Manager, namely Simon Edwards and Alan Borrows. The loss of either or both of these individuals could have an adverse effect on the Company's performance.
Taxation: Any change in the Company's tax status or in taxation legislation (including the tax treatment of dividends or other investment income received by the Company) or failure to satisfy the conditions of Sections 1158 - 1159 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 (including the requirement for a listing) could affect the value of the investments held by the Company, affect the Company's ability to provide returns to Shareholders or alter the post tax returns to Shareholders.
The Directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with applicable law and regulations. The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:
Hubert Reid
21 December 2010 Chairman
Opacity ruled the period. Split views on inflation/deflation and the fears of a double dip recession perplexed markets and investors alike. The outlook was further confused by mixed US economic data and worries over China's economic tightening measures. Asset volatility remained high across the spectrum, equity indices gyrating sharply and a clear reflection of wildly changing investor sentiment. Investor doubts fed through to sovereign bond yields in the UK, US and Germany, all of which traded at multi year lows into late summer before rising again through most of October as investors shunned yields which seemed to augur a return to recessionary conditions in the developed economies.
As the period progressed equity markets rallied and this was in part due to positive economic activity data emerging from the US and China. Accelerating merger and acquisition activity, as cash rich companies sought to deploy their capital, also contributed to the rally. Further momentum was provided by a benign outcome from the Basel III discussions regarding future banking regulation. Recent economic releases appear consistent with the view of a slow but steady recovery in the United States and Europe and a soft landing in China.
The peripheral bond markets of countries within the Eurozone came under considerable scrutiny as first Greece and then Ireland sought support from the European Central Bank. Sentiment towards the emerging economies, particularly within Asia, has remained positive throughout most of the period as the higher growth rates and, in many cases, more soundly based public finances, have attracted positive fund flows.
The period also has been remarkable as the high level of correlation between the various asset classes which was very much a feature on both the downside in May and June, and again in the rally which took place through the rest of the period. This is perhaps a reflection of liquidity seeping back into the financial markets and the paucity of returns from cash in the current low interest rate environment.
The returns from the portfolio over this period have been below the very strong performance achieved over the previous 12 months. Nonetheless, overall returns have been positive. There have been few major asset allocation changes although some UK equity positions were trimmed as the strong market rally left some valuations, to our minds, looking a little extended. The alternative asset position was increased with the introduction of a new structured product.
UK equity holdings have in the main been defensive, with an emphasis on large, cash generative companies with strong balance sheets. The high level of international exposure offered by these companies is attractive in the current environment, enabling the portfolio to benefit from the better economic trends outside the United Kingdom. The best performers within the portfolio were financial companies with the Life Assurance positions improving and Ashmore Group, the emerging market investment manager, performing particularly well. The biggest disappointment over the period came from BP following the tragic and well publicised problems in the Gulf of Mexico. We have retained the holding as we believe the company will recover and we expect dividend payments to resume in 2011.
Exposure to emerging economies was increased early in the period, whilst the Company's exposure to Asian equities was also expanded through the purchase of a fairly defensive, high yielding open ended fund. This investment was partly funded by a reduction in Asian investment trust holdings which had moved to trade on premia to net asset value. Measures to protect the European equity holdings from Euro weakness, which we fear may accelerate as stresses rise within the Eurozone, included reducing overall exposure and also switching some existing positions into a currency hedged vehicle. Japanese equity exposure was reduced slightly to protect currency gains following a period of Yen appreciation.
Corporate bond markets have continued to recover over the period and some profits were taken as yields moved to less attractive levels. However, we also took the opportunity to add a new holding in the shape of a US short duration high yield bond fund, which offers a high running yield and some protection should interest rates begin to rise in 2011. No Gilts have been held during the period, as we still feel that the yields offered are too low given the high level of issuance and 'sticky' inflation within the UK economy.
Alternative asset positions have, on balance, performed fairly well over the period and were increased as a new structured product was introduced to the portfolio. This product offered a gross redemption yield of over 9% on acquisition and carries a high level of capital protection.
Elsewhere private equity positions have continued to benefit from the improving economic and market environment. The Company's largest investment, the unquoted A J Bell Holdings, has, we understand, continued to trade well over the past six months and quoted comparator companies have seen their valuations rise over the period. However, we feel that the current carried value should be retained at 400p per share, which reflects the price achieved in the most recent sale of shares, which was made earlier this year.
Hedge fund holdings are predominantly in the specialist fixed interest area and have seen some modest (although reassuring) net asset value increases over the period. These companies will benefit, we believe, from their exposure to specialist managers operating in the distressed credits market, together with a further narrowing of the discounts on which they trade.
Commodity holdings have also accrued some further value, with the forestry asset holding, Phaunos Timber, performing well late in the period. We are hopeful the company will be in a position to commence dividend payments in 2011, which should help towards a further improvement in its rating.
Property investments have seen some mixed performance with the companies exposed to Asia performing better than those invested in Europe.
The revenue generated from the portfolio has continued to improve over the period, with the notable exception of the BP dividend suspension. Dividend growth from equity holdings looks set to improve further as we move into 2011 and other portfolio holdings have the potential to either resume or indeed make maiden distributions. Nonetheless it is likely that this year's dividend will be uncovered and require some contribution from the Company's revenue reserves.
The asset allocation across the portfolio at 31 October 2010 is shown in the table below.
| Asset Class | Portfolio Weight % |
Core Allocation % |
Allocation Range % |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK Equities | 28.0 | 35 | 20-55 |
| Overseas Equities | 19.2 | 15 | 10-25 |
| Total equities | 47.2 | 50 | 30-80 |
| Fixed Interest (inc Cash) | 21.7 | 25 | 15-45 |
| Alternative Assets | 22.5 | 15 | 10-25 |
| Property | 8.6 | 10 | 0-25 |
All figures are expressed as a percentage of Gross assets.
The Company's portfolio has been moved slightly more defensive over the period, which reflects the uncertainties which exist in the economic outlook. However, we still believe that a slow growth environment in the developed economies is the most likely outcome. Meanwhile, better growth in other parts of the world should still prove supportive to further, albeit muted, investment returns from risk assets. Although markets are likely to remain volatile we feel that the Company is well positioned to provide both a high level of income, coupled with further capital appreciation from a highly diversified portfolio of assets.
Alan Borrows 21 December 2010 Midas Capital Partners Ltd
| Six months ended 31 October 2010 (unaudited) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total £'000 |
| Gains on investments | - | 518 | 518 |
| Income 2 |
1,227 | 13 | 1,240 |
| Investment management fee | (115) | (115) | (230) |
| Performance fee | - | - | - |
| VAT recoverable on investment management fees | 25 | 25 | 50 |
| Administration expenses | (175) | - | (175) |
| Exchange losses | - | (11) | (11) |
| Net return before finance costs and taxation | 962 | 430 | 1,392 |
| Finance costs | (60) | (60) | (120) |
| Net return on ordinary activities before taxation |
902 | 370 | 1,272 |
| Taxation on ordinary activities | (3) | - | (3) |
| Return on ordinary activities after taxation | 899 | 370 | 1,269 |
| Return per share (pence): | |||
| Basic | 2.32 | 0.95 | 3.27 |
| Fully-diluted | n/a | n/a | n/a |
The total column of this statement represents the profit and loss account of the Company.
A Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses has not been prepared as all gains and losses are recognised in the Income Statement.
All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.
| Six months ended 31 October 2009 (unaudited) |
Year ended 30 April 2010 (audited) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total £'000 |
Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total £'000 |
||
| 6,296 | - | 9,981 | 9,981 | ||
| 1,164 | 2,779 | - | 2,779 | ||
| (206) | (213) | (213) | (426) | ||
| - | - | - | |||
| - | 40 | 40 | |||
| (170) | (319) | - | (319) | ||
| (9) | - | (20) | (20) | ||
| 7,075 | 2,287 | 9,788 | 12,075 | ||
| (170) | (144) | (144) | (288) | ||
| 6,905 | 2,143 | 9,644 | 11,787 | ||
| (3) | 2 | - | |||
| 6,902 | 2,145 | 9,644 | 11,789 |
| Notes | As at 31 October 2010 (unaudited) £'000 |
As at 31 October 2009 (unaudited) £'000 |
As at 30 April 2010 (audited) £'000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-current assets | |||
| Investments at fair value through profit or loss | 54,906 | 48,679 | 53,468 |
| Current assets | |||
| Debtors and prepayments | 527 | 847 | 386 |
| Cash and short term deposits | 1,114 | 2,552 | 1,077 |
| 1,641 | 3,399 | 1,463 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
|||
| Bank loan | (7,000) | (7,000) | (7,000) |
| Other creditors | (107) | (1,239) | (447) |
| (7,107) | (8,239) | (7,447) | |
| Net current liabilities | (5,466) | (4,840) | (5,984) |
| Net assets | 49,440 | 43,839 | 47,484 |
| Capital and reserves | |||
| Called-up share capital | 10,012 | 9,528 | 9,528 |
| Share premium | 1,445 | - | - |
| Special reserve | 41,954 | 41,954 | 41,954 |
| Warrant reserve | - | 616 | 616 |
| Capital redemption reserve | 2,061 | 2,061 | 2,061 |
| Capital reserve 6 |
(6,912) | (11,443) | (7,898) |
| Revenue reserve | 880 | 1,123 | 1,223 |
| Equity Shareholders' funds | 49,440 | 43,839 | 47,484 |
| Net asset value per Ordinary share (pence): 8 |
|||
| Basic | 123.46 | 115.03 | 124.59 |
| Diluted | n/a | 114.30 | 123.40 |
Six months ended 31 October 2010 (unaudited)
| Notes | Share capital £'000 |
Share premium £'000 |
Special reserve £'000 |
Warrant reserve £'000 |
Capital redemption reserve £'000 |
Capital reserve £'000 |
Revenue reserve £'000 |
Total £'000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 30 April 2010 |
9,528 | - | 41,954 | 616 | 2,061 | (7,898) | 1,223 | 47,484 |
| Exercise of warrants |
484 | 1,445 | - | (616) | - | 616 | - | 1,929 |
| Return on ordinary activities after taxation |
- | - | - | - | - | 370 | 899 | 1,269 |
| Dividends paid 5 |
- | - | - | - | - | - | (1,242) (1,242) | |
| Balance at 31 October 2010 |
10,012 | 1,445 41,954 | - | 2,061 | (6,912) | 880 49,440 |
Six months ended 31 October 2009 (unaudited)
| Notes | Share capital £'000 |
Share premium £'000 |
Special reserve £'000 |
Warrant reserve £'000 |
Capital redemption reserve £'000 |
Capital reserve £'000 |
Revenue reserve £'000 |
Total £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 30 April 2009 |
9,582 | - | 42,149 | 616 | 2,007 | (17,542) | 1,562 | 38,374 | |
| Purchase of Ordinary shares for cancellation |
(54) | - | (195) | - | 54 | - | - | (195) | |
| Return on ordinary activities after taxation |
- | - | - | - | - | 6,099 | 803 | 6,902 | |
| Dividends paid | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | (1,242) | (1,242) |
| Balance at 31 October 2009 |
9,528 | - 41,954 | 616 | 2,061 (11,443) | 1,123 | 43,839 |
Year ended 30 April 2010 (audited)
| Notes | Share capital £'000 |
Share premium £'000 |
Special reserve £'000 |
Warrant reserve £'000 |
Capital redemption reserve £'000 |
Capital reserve £'000 |
Revenue reserve £'000 |
Total £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 30 April 2009 |
9,582 | - | 42,149 | 616 | 2,007 (17,542) | 1,562 | 38,374 | ||
| Purchase of Ordinary shares for cancellation |
(54) | - | (195) | - | 54 | - | - | (195) | |
| Return on ordinary activities after taxation |
- | - | - | - | - | 9,644 | 2,145 | 11,789 | |
| Dividends paid | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | (2,484) | (2,484) |
| Balance at 30 April 2010 |
9,528 | - 41,954 | 616 | 2,061 (7,898) | 1,223 | 47,484 |
| Six months ended 31 October |
Six months ended 31 October |
Year ended | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2009 | 30 April 2010 | |
| Notes | (unaudited) £'000 |
(unaudited) £'000 |
(audited) £'000 |
| Net return on ordinary activities before | 1,392 | 7,075 | 12,075 |
| finance costs and taxation | |||
| Adjustments for: | |||
| Gains on investments | (518) | (6,296) | (9,981) |
| Exchange losses | 11 | 9 | 20 |
| Decrease in accrued income | 83 | 171 | 17 |
| (Increase)/decrease in other debtors | (58) | 270 | 371 |
| Increase/(decrease) in creditors | 15 | 94 | (3) |
| Net cash inflow from operating activities | 925 | 1,323 | 2,499 |
| Net cash outflow from servicing of finance | (123) | (173) | (288) |
| Tax refund on non UK income | - | - | 2 |
| Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financial investment |
(1,441) | 2,143 | 858 |
| Equity dividends paid 5 |
(1,242) | (1,242) | (2,484) |
| Net cash (outflow)/inflow before financing | (1,881) | 2,051 | 587 |
| Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing | 1,929 | (195) | (195) |
| Increase in cash | 48 | 1,856 | 392 |
| Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt |
|||
| Increase in cash as above | 48 | 1,856 | 392 |
| Foreign exchange movements | (11) | (9) | (20) |
| Movement in net debt in the period | 37 | 1,847 | 372 |
| Opening net debt | (5,923) | (6,295) | (6,295) |
| Closing net debt | (5,886) | (4,448) | (5,923) |
| Represented by: | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 1,114 | 2,552 | 1,077 |
| Debt falling due within one year | (7,000) | (7,000) | (7,000) |
| (5,886) | (4,448) | (5,923) |
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable UK Accounting Standards, with pronouncements on half-yearly reporting issued by the Accounting Standards Board and with the AIC's Statement of Recommended Practice 'Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts' issued in January 2009. They have also been prepared on the assumption that approval as an investment trust will continue to be granted. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
The financial statements and the net asset value per share figures have been prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP).
The half yearly financial statements have been prepared using the same accounting policies as the preceding annual accounts.
Dividends are recognised in the period in which they are paid by the Company.
| Six months ended | Six months ended | Year ended | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 October 2010 | 31 October 2009 | 30 April 2010 | |
| 2 Income |
£'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
| Income from investments | |||
| UK franked income | 677 | 660 | 1,537 |
| UK unfranked dividend income | 181 | 143 | 232 |
| UK unfranked interest income | 41 | - | 255 |
| Overseas dividends | 335 | 335 | 728 |
| 1,234 | 1,138 | 2,752 | |
| Other income | |||
| Deposit interest | 2 | 24 | 25 |
| Other commission | - | 2 | 2 |
| Other income | 4 | - | - |
| 6 | 26 | 27 | |
| Total income | 1,240 | 1,164 | 2,779 |
The taxation expense reflected in the Income Statement represents withholding tax suffered on overseas dividend income and estimated mainstream UK corporation tax charge for the year to 30 April 2011, based on a rate of 28%.
The basic revenue return of 2.32 pence (31 October 2009 - 2.11 pence; 30 April 2010 - 5.63 pence) per Ordinary share is calculated on net revenue on ordinary activities after taxation for the year of £899,000 (31 October 2009 - £803,000; 30 April 2010 - £2,145,000) and on 38,753,249 (31 October 2009 - 38,128,309; 30 April 2010 - 38,120,197) Ordinary shares being the weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue during the period.
The basic capital return of 0.95 pence (31 October 2009 - 15.99 pence; 30 April 2010 - 25.30 pence) per Ordinary share is calculated on net capital gains for the period of £370,000 (31 October 2009 - £6,099,000; 30 April 2010 - £9,644,000) and on 38,753,249 (31 October 2009 - 38,128,309; 30 April 2010 - 38,120,197) Ordinary shares being the weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue during the period.
The basic total return of 3.27 pence (31 October 2009 - 18.10 pence; 30 April 2010 - 30.93 pence) per Ordinary share is calculated on the total gains for the period of £1,269,000 (31 October 2009 - £6,902,000; 30 April 2010 - £11,789,000) and on 38,753,249 (31 October 2009 - 38,128,309; 30 April 2010 - 38,120,197) Ordinary shares being the weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue during the period.
During the period an additional 1,934,411 Ordinary shares of 25p were issued after the remaining 1,934,411 Warrants were exercised at 100p each. The total consideration received was £1,934,411 before deduction of conversion costs of £6,000. As there are no warrants outstanding, there is no dilutive effect for the period to 31 October 2010 and no diluted returns have been calculated on the basis set out in Financial Reporting Standard 22 'Earnings per share' ('FRS22'). The adjusted weighted average number of Ordinary shares used in the period to 31 October 2009 was 40,062,720 shares and 38,163,688 shares in the year to 30 April 2010.
Ordinary dividends on equity shares deducted from reserves are analysed below:
| Six months ended 31 October 2010 £'000 |
Six months ended 31 October 2009 £'000 |
Year ended 30 April 2010 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 fourth interim dividend - 1.63p | - | 621 | 621 |
| 2010 first interim dividend - 1.63p | - | 621 | 621 |
| 2010 second interim dividend - 1.63p | - | - | 621 |
| 2010 third interim dividend - 1.63p | - | - | 621 |
| 2010 fourth interim dividend - 1.63p | 621 | - | - |
| 2011 first interim dividend - 1.63p | 621 | - | - |
| 1,242 | 1,242 | 2,484 |
The Company has declared a second interim dividend in respect of the year ending 30 April 2011 of 1.63p net (2010 - 1.63p) per Ordinary 25p share which was paid on 15 December 2010 to Ordinary Shareholders on the register on 26 November 2010.
The capital reserve reflected in the Balance Sheet at 31 October 2010 includes losses of £2,798,000 (31 October 2009 - losses of £10,893,000; 30 April 2010 - losses of £6,225,000) which relate to the revaluation of investments held at the reporting date.
During the six months ended 31 October 2010 expenses were incurred in acquiring or disposing of investments classified as fair value through profit or loss. These have been expensed through capital and are included within gains on investments in the Income Statement. The total costs were as follows:
| Six months ended | Six months ended | Year ended | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 October 2010 | 31 October 2009 | 30 April 2010 | |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| Purchases | 4 | 32 | 58 |
| Sales | 6 | 9 | 23 |
| 10 | 41 | 81 |
| 8 | Net asset value per share | As at 31 October 2010 |
As at 31 October 2009 |
As at 30 April 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | ||||
| Attributable net assets (£'000) | 49,440 | 43,839 | 47,484 | |
| Number of Ordinary shares in issue | 40,046,361 | 38,111,950 | 38,111,950 | |
| Net asset value per Ordinary share (p) | 123.46 | 115.03 | 124.59 | |
| Diluted | ||||
| Attributable net assets (£'000) | n/a | 45,773 | 49,418 | |
| Diluted number of Ordinary shares in issue | n/a | 40,046,361 | 40,046,361 | |
| Net asset value per Ordinary share (p) | n/a | 114.30 | 123.40 |
As a result of the exercise of 1,934,411 Warrants to subscribe for Ordinary shares at 100p per share, on 7 September 2010, the Company allotted 1,934,411 new Ordinary shares. Following the exercise there were no Warrants remaining in issue.
We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 October 2010 which comprises the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders' Funds, Cash Flow Statement and the related notes 1 to 11. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with guidance contained in ISRE 2410 (UK and Ireland) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.
The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.
As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with the Accounting Standards Board Statement "Half-Yearly Financial Reports".
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 October 2010 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the Accounting Standards Board Statement "Half-Yearly Financial Reports" and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.
Ernst & Young LLP
As at 31 October 2010
| Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Sector | Asset class | Valuation £'000 |
assets % |
| Bell (AJ)B | Special & Other | Alternative Assets | 2,600 | 4.61 |
| Celsius Fund Asian Real | Finance Unit Trusts & OEICS |
Property | 1,773 | 3.14 |
| Estate Income | ||||
| Blackrock Commodities Income Fund |
Investment Companies |
Overseas Equities | 1,750 | 3.10 |
| Partners Group Global | Unit Trusts & OEICS | Alternative Assets | 1,738 | 3.08 |
| Opportunities Royal London Sterling Extra Yld Bond A Acc |
Unit Trusts & OEICS | Fixed Interest | 1,495 | 2.65 |
| Threadneedle Property | Unit Trusts & OEICS | Property | 1,466 | 2.60 |
| City Merchants High Yield Trust |
Investment Companies |
Fixed Interest | 1,436 | 2.55 |
| GlaxoSmithKline | Pharmaceuticals | UK Equities | 1,282 | 2.27 |
| Harewood Structured Inv US Enhanced Hedge Pref |
Investment Companies |
Overseas Equities | 1,281 | 2.27 |
| Cls 'A' Merrill Lynch 2.2% 16/05/13 |
Special & Other Finance |
Overseas Equities | 1,250 | 2.21 |
| Top ten investments | 16,071 | 28.48 | ||
| Ashmore Group | General Financial | UK Equities | 1,244 | 2.20 |
| Acencia Debt Strategies 'C' | Special & Other Finance |
Alternative Assets | 1,209 | 2.14 |
| Standard Life | Life Insurance | UK Equities | 1,192 | 2.11 |
| Ecclesiastical Insurance Office 8 5/8% Net Cum Irred Pref |
Fixed Interest | UK Preference Share |
1,120 | 1.98 |
| Royal Dutch Shell EUR0.07 'B' |
Oil & Gas Producers | UK Equities | 1,099 | 1.95 |
| Scottish & Southern Energy |
Gas Water & Multiutilities |
UK Equities | 1,095 | 1.94 |
| AXA IM US Short Duration High Yield |
Unit Trusts & OEICS | Fixed Interest | 1,034 | 1.83 |
| National Grid | Gas Water & Multiutilities |
UK Equities | 1,033 | 1.83 |
| Royal Sun Alliance 7.375% Cum Pref |
Fixed Interest | UK Preference Share |
1,020 | 1.81 |
| Vodafone Group | Mobile Telecommunications |
UK Equities | 1,019 | 1.81 |
| Top twenty investments | 27,136 | 48.08 |
| Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | assets | |||
| Company | Sector | Asset class | £'000 | % |
| Symphony Structured | Fixed Interest | Alternative Assets | 1,004 | 1.78 |
| Products Jersey 0% | ||||
| 20/12/13 GBP | ||||
| Policy Selection Assured | Unit Trusts & OEICS | Alternative Assets | 1,002 | 1.78 |
| GBP C | ||||
| AstraZeneca | Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology |
UK Equities | 1,001 | 1.78 |
| Unilever | Food Producers | UK Equities | 989 | 1.75 |
| Schroder Oriental Income | Investment | Overseas Equities | 964 | 1.71 |
| Fund | Companies | |||
| Invesco Leveraged High | Equity Investment | UK Equities | 963 | 1.71 |
| Yield Fund | Instruments | |||
| BP | Oil & Gas Producers | UK Equities | 958 | 1.70 |
| Schroder Unit Trusts Asian | Unit Trusts & OEICS | Overseas Equities | 946 | 1.68 |
| Income Maximiser | ||||
| Elders Investment 17A | Structured Product | Overseas Equities | 934 | 1.65 |
| Merrill Lynch Japan High | ||||
| Income | ||||
| Macau Property | Investment | Property | 922 | 1.63 |
| Opportunities | Companies | |||
| Top thirty investments | 36,819 | 65.25 | ||
| BHP Billiton | Mining | UK Equities | 885 | 1.57 |
| Hill (William) | Travel & Leisure | UK Equities | 884 | 1.57 |
| Phaunos Timber Fund | Investment Companies |
Alternative Assets | 865 | 1.53 |
| Ignis AM Argonaut European Income Fund |
Unit Trusts & OEICS | Overseas Equities | 858 | 1.52 |
| General Accident 8.875% Cum Pref |
Fixed Interest | UK Preference Share |
851 | 1.51 |
| Thames River Traditional High Income Fund |
Unit Trusts & OEICS | Fixed Interest | 848 | 1.50 |
| Specialist Investment | Unit Trusts & OEICS | Fixed Interest | 827 | 1.47 |
| Funds M&G European Loan | ||||
| Signet Global Hedge Fund | Fixed Interest | Alternative Assets | 825 | 1.46 |
| Bond | ||||
| Standard Life European | Equity Investment | UK Equities | 809 | 1.43 |
| Private Equity Trust | Instruments | |||
| Ignis AM Argonaut | Unit Trusts & OEICS | Overseas Equities | 790 | 1.40 |
| European Income Fund | ||||
| Top forty investments | 45,261 | 80.21 | ||
| Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | assets | |||
| Company | Sector | Asset class | £'000 | % |
| Lindsell Train Japanese | Unit Trusts & OEICS | Overseas Equities | 784 | 1.39 |
| Equity B Institutional | ||||
| Legal & General Group | Life Insurance | UK Equities | 753 | 1.33 |
| Tesco | Food & Drug | UK Equities | 747 | 1.32 |
| Aberdeen Asian Income Fund | Retailer Investment |
Overseas Equities | 736 | 1.30 |
| Companies | ||||
| Somerset Capital Emerging | Unit Trusts & OEICS | Overseas Equities | 690 | 1.22 |
| Markets Dividend Growth | ||||
| Ecofin Water & Power | Investment | Overseas Equities | 637 | 1.13 |
| Opportunities | Companies | |||
| Liontrust European | Unit Trusts & OEICS | Alternative Assets | 632 | 1.12 |
| Absolute Return Acc | ||||
| HSBC Holdings | Banks | UK Equities | 598 | 1.06 |
| Lloyds Banking Group | Fixed Interest | UK Preference | 558 | 0.99 |
| 6.475% Non-Cum Irr Prf | Share | |||
| Man Group | Financial Services | UK Equities | 522 | 0.92 |
| Top fifty investments | 51,918 | 91.99 | ||
| Canyon Resources 10% | Fixed Interest | Fixed Interest | 508 | 0.90 |
| 31/12/13 | ||||
| Psource Structured Debt | Investment | Fixed Interest | 481 | 0.85 |
| Companies | ||||
| Hotel Corp | Travel & Leisure | UK Equities | 476 | 0.84 |
| Dolphin Capital Investors | Real Estate | Property | 470 | 0.83 |
| Harewood Structured Inv | Investment | Overseas Equities | 457 | 0.81 |
| US High Sterling Hedge | Companies | |||
| Fund 'A' | ||||
| Bellway 9.50% Cum Red | Fixed Interest | UK Preference | 163 | 0.29 |
| Prf 06/04/14 | Share | |||
| Speymill Deutsche | Real Estate | Property | 148 | 0.26 |
| Immobilien | ||||
| ZKB Gold ETF - 'A' | Commodities | Alternative Assets | 126 | 0.22 |
| Barclays Bank Floating | Fixed Interest | Alternative Assets | 56 | 0.10 |
| Rate Note 30/04/12 | ||||
| Altus Capital Japan | Investment | Property | 51 | 0.09 |
| Opportunities II BB | Companies | |||
| Aberdeen Development | Investment | Alternative Assets | 26 | 0.05 |
| Capital | Companies | |||
| Real Estate Opportunities | Fixed Interest | Convertible | 26 | 0.05 |
| 7.5% Cnv 31/05/11 | Bonds | |||
| Total fixed asset investments Net current assets |
54,906 1,534 |
97.28 2.72 |
||
| Total assetsA | 56,440 | 100.00 | ||
Unless otherwise stated all investments are in the ordinary shares of the investee company.
A Excluding total bank loans of £7,000,000
B Unquoted
Hubert V Reid, Chairman Adam D Cooke Ian R Davis
Midas Capital Partners Limited 2nd Floor Martins Building Water Street Liverpool L2 3SP www.midascapital.co.uk
Aberdeen Asset Management PLC Bow Bells House, 1 Bread Street London EC4M 9HH
Registered number: 3173591
Equiniti Aspect House Spencer Road Lancing West Sussex BN99 6DA
Shareholder Helpline 0871 384 2411 Equiniti Fax number 0871 384 2100 Shareview dealing helpline 0871 384 2020 Textel/Hard of hearing line 0871 384 2255
Calls to this/these numbers are charged at 8p per minute from a BT landline. Lines open 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Other telephony providers' costs may vary.
Canaccord Genuity Limited Cardinal Place 7th Floor, 80 Victoria Street London SW1E 5JL
The Royal Bank of Scotland 24/25 St Andrew Square Edinburgh EH2 1AF
Ernst & Young LLP 1 More London Place London SE1 2AF
State Street Bank & Trust Company 1 Canada Square London E14 5AF
Martins Building Water Street Liverpool L2 3SP
Tel 0151 906 2450 Fax 0151 906 2455
www.midascapital.co.uk
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
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