Half-year Report
BlackRock Frontiers Investment Trust plc
(LEI: 5493003K5E043LHLO706)
HALF YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Performance record
The Company’s financial statements are presented in US Dollars. The Company’s shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and quoted in British Pound Sterling. The British Pound Sterling amounts for performance returns shown below are presented for convenience. The difference in performance returns measured in US Dollars and in British Pound Sterling reflects the change in the value of British Pound Sterling versus the US Dollar over the period.
|
| As at | As at |
|
| US Dollar |
|
|
|
| Net assets (US$’000)1 | 397,362 | 363,598 |
|
| Net asset value per ordinary share (cents) | 209.88 | 192.05 |
|
| Ordinary share price (mid-market)2 (cents) | 192.96 | 175.76 |
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
| British Pound Sterling |
|
|
|
| Net assets (£’000)1,2 | 314,555 | 297,897 |
|
| Net asset value per ordinary share2 (pence) | 166.14 | 157.35 |
|
| Ordinary share price (mid-market) (pence) | 152.75 | 144.00 |
|
| Discount3 | 8.1% | 8.5% |
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
|
|
| For the six | For the |
|
| US Dollar |
|
|
|
| Net asset value per share (with dividends reinvested)3 | +12.0 | +25.1 | +123.9 |
| Benchmark Index5,6 | +8.6 | +5.0 | +54.3 |
| MSCI Frontier Markets Index6 | +9.4 | +6.5 | +45.3 |
| MSCI Emerging Markets Index6 | +10.4 | +11.7 | +29.6 |
| Ordinary share price (with dividends reinvested)3 | +12.7 | +28.8 | +104.2 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| British Pound Sterling |
|
|
|
| Net asset value per share (with dividends reinvested)3 | +8.2 | +14.3 | +175.4 |
| Benchmark Index5,6 | +4.9 | -3.9 | +89.0 |
| MSCI Frontier Markets Index6 | +5.7 | -2.6 | +79.3 |
| MSCI Emerging Markets Index6 | +6.7 | +2.2 | +59.9 |
| Ordinary share price (with dividends reinvested)3 | +8.9 | +17.7 | +150.8 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
1 The change in net assets reflects dividends paid and portfolio movements during the period.
² Based on an exchange rate of US$1.2633 to £1 at 31 March 2024 and US$1.2206 to £1 at 30 September 2023.
³ Alternative Performance Measures, see Glossary in the half yearly report and financial statements.
⁴ The Company was incorporated on 15 October 2010 and its shares were admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange on 17 December 2010.
⁵ With effect from 1 April 2018, the Benchmark Index changed to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index ex Selected Countries + MSCI Frontier Markets Index + MSCI Saudi Arabia Index. Prior to 1 April 2018, the Benchmark Index was the MSCI Frontier Markets Index. The performance returns of the Benchmark Index since inception have been blended to reflect this change.
⁶ Total return indices calculate the reinvestment of dividends net of withholding taxes.
Sources: BlackRock and Datastream.
Chair’s Statement
Dear Shareholder,
I am pleased to present the Company’s Half Yearly Financial Report for the six months to 31 March 2024.
Period highlights
- NAV total return of +12.0%, well ahead of the Benchmark Index of +8.6% (in US Dollar terms with dividends reinvested);
- Share price total return of +12.7% (in US Dollar terms with dividends reinvested);
- Share price total return of +8.9% (in British Pound Sterling terms with dividends reinvested);
- Declared interim dividend of 3.50 cents per share; and
- Yield of 4.4% (based on the share price at 31 March 2024, interim dividend for 2024 and final dividend for 2023).
Performance and overview
The portfolio managers’ unique strategy and investment process have again enabled the Company to perform strongly during the period, comfortably beating our Benchmark Index. In fact, the Company has outperformed its Benchmark in five of the past six 6-month periods. The portfolio managers’ ability to identify and expose the portfolio to exciting and uncorrelated themes is, we believe, a key competitive advantage.
During the six months to 31 March 2024, the Company achieved a NAV total return in US Dollars of +12.0%, outperforming its Benchmark Index which returned +8.6%. More importantly, outperformance of the benchmark has totaled +47.6% over five years, which we consider to be a more appropriate time frame on which to assess performance. Over the six month period to 31 March 2024, the Company’s share price total return in US Dollar terms with dividends reinvested was +12.7%.
As you will read in the Investment Manager’s Report which follows, our portfolio managers describe an improving macroeconomic backdrop for many countries across the Frontier Markets, often arising from the implementation of more orthodox fiscal policy, relatively low interest rates and greater political stability, together providing a fertile environment for growth. The portfolio is exposed to a broad range of fast-growing companies across Latin America, Central Eastern Europe, the Middle East and the ASEAN region and our portfolio managers continue to selectively add exposure where they see the greatest opportunity, evolving the portfolio through economic and market cycles.
Our portfolio managers provide a detailed description of the key contributors to and detractors from performance during the period, portfolio activity and their views on the outlook for the second half of the financial year in their report which follows.
Revenue return and dividends
The Company’s revenue return per share for the six months ended 31 March 2024 amounted to 3.30 cents (six months ended 31 March 2023: 2.74 cents). Accordingly, the Board is pleased to declare an interim dividend of 3.50 cents per share (2023: 3.10 cents per share). This interim dividend is payable on 2 July 2024 to shareholders on the Company’s register on 14 June 2024. The shares will go ex-dividend on 13 June 2024. During the period the final dividend of 4.90 cents per share for the year ended 30 September 2023, which was declared on 29 November 2023, was paid to shareholders on 14 February 2024.
This higher interim dividend is reflective of an increase in the amount of revenue generated, which the portfolio managers believe is sustainable given that it is broadly representative of the underlying earnings growth in the companies held within the portfolio. There can, of course, be no guarantee of the level of future revenue derived from the portfolio and nor, therefore, the amount of dividends that may be paid.
Gearing
One of the advantages of the investment trust structure is that the Company can use gearing with the objective of increasing portfolio returns over the longer term. The Company generated leverage in the portfolio through its contracts for difference (CFD) exposure during the period. As at 31 March 2024, net gearing stood at 17.7%, compared to 12.0% at 30 September 2023, reflecting our portfolio managers’ positive views on the outlook and opportunities in the frontier markets.
Fees and charges
As a result of the outperformance of the Benchmark Index during the period, a performance fee of US$3.9m has been accrued, but not paid. Should this outperformance continue to the end of the financial year, the Investment Manager will earn a performance fee.
As a Board, we regularly review our fees and charges. We conducted a detailed, formal, fee review towards the end of last year, which was supplemented by an analysis of our fee structure by a third party. The Board concluded that the fees charged represented good value and that the Company’s fee structure and quantum remained appropriate. Further details of the Company’s costs and charges can be found in note 4 below and in the Glossary in the half yearly report and financial statements.
Board composition
On 1 February 2023 the Board announced that, as part of its ongoing succession plans, it had undertaken a search process to identify a replacement for Mr Zok whose in-depth knowledge and on the ground insights into the culture, customs and business practices in the Middle East had been invaluable.
As announced on 18 January 2024, Mr Hatem Dowidar was appointed a non-executive Director of the Company with effect from 7 February 2024. Hatem brings a wealth of relevant experience in frontier markets, both strengthening and complementing the skills of the existing Board. Hatem is based in the Middle East and through his role as a CEO of a major telecommunications company operating in the region, he possesses in-depth knowledge of these markets. We welcome him and believe his expertise and on-the-ground market insight will be of great value to the Board.
Share capital
For the period under review, the Company’s ordinary shares traded at an average discount to NAV of 8.5%, and this had narrowed to 8.1% on a cum-income basis at 31 March 2024. By comparison, the weighted average discount of the AIC Global Emerging Markets peer group during the period under review was 10.8%.
As at 28 May 2024, the discount stood at 6.3% (compared to a weighted average discount for the peer group of 12.1%). The Directors believe that it is in shareholders’ interests that the Company’s share price does not trade at a significant discount or premium to its underlying NAV. Accordingly, the Directors, in conjunction with the Company’s broker, monitor the level of discount or premium closely and will consider the issue of ordinary shares at a premium or repurchase at a discount to help balance demand and supply in the market if they believe it is in shareholders’ interests to do so. In determining whether to proceed, Directors review a range of factors, including the ongoing attractiveness of the investment offering, the prevailing market conditions and the discount level in absolute terms and relative to that of the peer group. Based on the Directors' assessment of the reasons behind the Company's discount, no shares were bought back, issued, or reissued from treasury during the period or up to the date of this report.
The Directors currently have the authority to buy back shares in the market equivalent to 14.99% of the Company’s issued share capital and also to issue new shares equivalent to 10% of the Company’s issued share capital (excluding any shares held in treasury). The Board will seek a renewal of these authorities from shareholders at the AGM.
Shareholder communication
I was delighted to offer my first meetings as Chair to several of our shareholders during the period. As always, it is invaluable to share views on the Company as well as the wider sector and I look forward to staying in regular dialogue going forward.
We appreciate how important access to regular and high quality information is to our shareholders. To supplement the Company’s website, we offer shareholders the ability to sign up to the BlackRock Trust Matters newsletter which includes information on the Company as well as news, views and insights. Further information on how to sign up is included on the inside cover of this report.
Outlook
Since the period end and up to 28 May 2024, the net asset value per share of the Company has decreased by 2.4% versus a decrease in the Benchmark Index of 1.8% over the same period. Notwithstanding this short period of light underperformance, the Board shares our portfolio managers’ excitement around the breadth of opportunities in what remains a dynamic investment universe. They continue to travel the globe, seeking out under researched companies that offer superior growth potential.
As investors, they are emboldened by the opportunity set, noting the improving fundamentals of several countries to which we have previously had a material exposure, such as Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. As always, they remain flexible and nimble, leveraging their experience and BlackRock’s extensive resources to unearth the ‘hidden gems’ on offer in the Frontier Markets.
KATRINA HART
Chair
30 May 2024
Investment Manager’s Report
Market review
A common theme in our communication with clients over the past one and a half years has been the world splitting along geopolitical alliances; Eastern aligned, US/Western aligned, and the rest – with the latter group standing to benefit greatly over the medium-term as trade channels strengthen and they increase their share of global foreign direct investment (FDI). The emergence of this new world order has become ever more prevalent over the past six months, as our insights from on-the-ground research have reinforced.
In 2024, approximately 75 countries, representing over half of the world’s population, are heading to the polls. The outcomes of these elections could potentially alter both domestic and foreign policies. The sheer number of elections globally signifies a period of potential political volatility, but also presents unique opportunities. This could lead to shifts in power dynamics, policy changes, and economic adjustments, creating both risks and opportunities. A few of these elections, including those in Bangladesh, Indonesia, El Salvador, and Slovakia, have already taken place. Prabowo Subianto, the incoming president of Indonesia, is expected to maintain the largely positive policy direction set by his predecessor, Joko Widodo. We therefore maintain our positive view on the country and have made few changes to our positioning. Bangladesh kicked off this political cycle with elections taking place on 7 January 2024, which the incumbent Awami League government won, largely uncontested.
Over this period, we have also seen market reforms unfold and liquidity improve in some of the smaller emerging markets. In Bangladesh, regulators removed price floor restrictions for most stocks in January, which augurs well for broader participation in the market. Nigeria’s new president, Bola Tinubu, has overseen significant reforms since taking up his post in May 2023. Whilst the country continues to face significant real challenges, with the reduction in oil production volumes over the past few years weighing on revenues, we have seen significant liberalisation in central bank policy. Since the election in May 2023, the Nigerian Naira has devalued from 500 NGN/USD to approximately 1400 NGN/USD.
In terms of performance, a variety of different markets within our universe have done well. In Latin America, Argentina was the stand-out performer, climbing +55.3%. Since taking office on 10 December last year, in yet another notable election, president Javier Milei has set out an agenda to enact the most radical reforms ever seen in Argentina, including harmonising the various currency rates and significant spending cuts in the public sector.
In Europe and the Middle East, performance was characterised by greater dispersion. Poland (+43.1%) was the best performing market, buoyed by the opposition win following the elections that took place in mid-October. The new government is seen as pro-European Union and the results were well-received by the market. Greece (+20.2%) was another strong performer, helped by positive earnings revisions. By contrast, Egypt (-13.8%) lagged the rest of the region. However, the outlook for the country has significantly improved post a very significant land transaction deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which raised US Dollar 35 billion. The country also secured an expanded US Dollar 8 billion deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after devaluing its currency and raising interest rates by 6.0%.
ASEAN markets did well with the exception of Thailand (-3.7%). Performance there has lagged primarily due to political instability and a depreciating currency, on the heels of substantial capital outflows from foreign investors. The Philippines (+13.3%) and Malaysia (+7.9%) were the best performing markets within the region. Our relative country allocation left us well placed to benefit from this dispersion in performance.
From the road
Over the last six months, our trips have taken us across five different continents, and we have spent a considerable amount of time in many of the smaller markets within our universe, hunting for alpha. Some of the markets we have visited have been absent from the portfolio for an extended period of time, but a select few of these markets have now started to flag positively through our macro process and we expect their economies to see an upswing in activity post extended downturns, external rebalancing, under-valued currency, and relatively stable politics. Examples include Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan.
We had a packed agenda for our trip to Kenya which emphasised the high calibre of policy makers and management teams that we see in the region. We have seen that a number of companies listed here are expanding cross continent, opening significant avenues for future growth – something we think is probably not captured in valuations, with the market trading at ~5x price to earnings. We learnt a huge amount visiting Nigeria for the first time in three years, meeting a number of key officials appointed post election. Given the huge population in Nigeria, the opportunity for businesses to grow and scale in this country remains significant.
Some of the other countries we have travelled to include Kuwait and the UAE in the Middle East. Dubai has grown in stature as a regional centre having remained open through the COVID-19 pandemic and escalation of global geopolitical tensions. It has enjoyed a significant amount of capital flows in terms of FDI. A similar story can be told about Saudi Arabia, a country we visited in November 2023. However, we continue to see fast rates of social change with multiple entertainment venues expanding in Riyadh. The government has taken significant steps to enhance the tourism potential for both locals and foreigners. Some of the larger banks, such as Saudi National Bank, are participating in this evolution.
In South America, countries we have visited include Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Panama, among others. Our trip to Ecuador gave us confidence that the political leadership under President Noboa will remain supportive of responsible mining in the country. For Argentina, we think the country needs to go through a painful adjustment process and we worry about the hardship that this inflicts on society. We are hopeful that the country will come out stronger after the adjustment process.
Portfolio review
In the six months to 31 March 2024, the Company’s NAV returned 12.0% (on a US Dollar basis with dividends reinvested), outperforming its Benchmark Index (the MSCI Emerging Markets Index ex Selected Countries + MSCI Frontier Markets + MSCI Saudi Arabia Index) which returned 8.6%. Over the same period the MSCI Emerging Markets Index rose by 10.4% and MSCI Frontier Markets Index rose by 9.4%. Since inception, the Company’s NAV has returned 123.9%, compared with 54.3% for its Benchmark Index. For reference, the MSCI Frontier Markets Index and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned 45.3% and 29.6%, respectively (all percentages in US Dollar terms with dividends reinvested).
Several stock picks across a variety of different markets did well. PKO Bank Polski (+69.9%) was the strongest performer over the period. The Polish market rallied following the elections that took place in mid-October. Turkish gold operator Eldorado Gold (+57.2%) was another strong contributor. The stock price has been supported by the latest surge in gold prices. Kazakhstan exposure was additive through our holdings in e-commerce company JSC Kaspi (+35.4%) and Halyk Savings Bank (+32.1%). The former rallied after releasing 2023 full year numbers, showing net profit up 60% year-over-year, strong growth across all business verticals, and an improvement in e-commerce take rate. Elsewhere, Indonesian exposure, through our holding in Bank Syariah Indonesia (+61.1%), also did well after the company delivered strong profit growth in the last quarter of 2023. Another notable contributor to performance over the period was Bank of Georgia (+46.8%). The passing of the Georgian Foreign Agents bill has had an impact on the stock price since and we are monitoring the situation closely . The share price rose following news of the company’s acquisition of Armenian bank Ameriabank, which will allow Bank of Georgia to access the rapidly growing Armenian market. In Latin America, Argentinean exposure through energy company Vista Oil & Gas (+32.9%) and Colombian exposure through bank Bancolombia (+36.2%) were amongst the largest contributors.
On the other hand, Astra International (-16.9%), the Indonesian conglomerate, weighed on returns. Performance lagged due to concerns the company has been slow to ramp into electric vehicles in the Indonesian market and risks losing out to Chinese competition. LPP (-6.9%), a Polish clothing manufacturer was another detractor over the period following a short seller report released by Hindenburg Research claiming the company has operations in Russia. Ukrainian iron ore pellet producer Ferrexpo (-44.3%) continued to weigh on performance in March. In addition to the cancellation of the dividend announced in January, the company communicated that it needed more time to finalise full year results, following potential proceedings related to one of its mining units in Ukraine. We had a very small position in this stock and have since exited the position.
We added to Greece through initiating a position in Athens International Airport. We believe Athens should see strong traffic growth. We added to our holding in property developer Ayala Land and therefore increased our exposure to the Philippines. We also added to our holding in the Philippines based resort and casino operator Bloomberry. This remains a high conviction stock as we are positive on the new property outlook. Elsewhere, we increased our exposure to the financials space in Saudi Arabia by initiating a position in Al Rajhi Bank as we believe its net interest margins are sustainable and that the bank will outperform peers in the case of rate cuts. We exited our holding in Polish bank PKO Bank Polski to lock in profits.
Outlook
As higher global interest rates continue to feed through into the real economy, we expect some moderation of demand in developed markets. We note slowing credit growth in particular in the US. In contrast, we continue to see improving activity levels in frontier and smaller emerging markets. With inflation falling across many countries, rate cuts have started to materialize in some areas of our universe. This is a good set up for domestically oriented economies to see a cyclical pick up.
Over the period, we have increased our exposure to the Philippines. The macroeconomic backdrop has improved and with low/declining foreign ownership and likely peaking rates, we see relative risk reward with domestic consumption recovering. Another ASEAN market we continue to like is Indonesia. The size of the increase that we are seeing in nickel exports is such that the structural current account deficit of around 3% of GDP that Indonesia saw pre COVID-19, has shrunk to circa 1.5% of GDP. This should have the benefit of making Indonesia less reliant on borrowing from abroad and attracting foreign capital, potentially resulting in increased domestic liquidity and higher economic growth.
We have initiated small positions in a number of countries where we have not been invested for some time, including Bangladesh, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan. The combination of COVID-19, inflation and high global rates has been difficult in the past few years for smaller countries that are reliant on borrowing externally to fund their growth. However, we believe that these countries, having been through a recession already unlike the West, are now likely at the point where they start to see economic growth reaccelerate and as per our macro process, we think that capturing these turning points can be very lucrative for investors.
Given this backdrop, we remain positive on the outlook for small emerging and frontier markets versus developed markets. We find significant value in currencies and equity markets across our investment opportunity set, and we are particularly excited about the opportunities we see in many of the smaller markets. Our investment universe, in absolute and relative terms, also remains under-researched. We believe this to be the perfect hunting ground and should continue to enable compelling investment opportunities.
SAM VECHT, EMILY FLETCHER AND SUDAIF NIAZ
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
30 May 2024
Ten largest investments1 as at 31 March 2024
The Company’s ten largest investments represented 33.7% of the Company’s portfolio as at 31 March 2024 (30 September 2023: 32.2%).
1 ▲ Saudi National Bank Corporation2 (2023: 2nd)
Financials (Saudi Arabia)
Portfolio value: US$19,071,000
Percentage of net assets: 4.8% (2023: 4.2%)
Saudi National Bank Corporation is a commercial bank based in Saudi Arabia. The bank offers current, savings, time, and other deposit accounts, auto leases, home financing, corporate loans, currency exchange, money transfer, asset management, share brokerage, initial public offering subscription, and private banking services.
2 ▼ Bank Central Asia (2023: 1st)
Financials (Indonesia)
Portfolio value: US$18,794,000
Percentage of net assets: 4.7% (2023: 4.6%)
Bank Central Asia is an Indonesian commercial bank headquartered in Jakarta. It is the largest private bank in the country, offering commercial banking and other financial services.
3 ► JSC Kaspi (2023: 3rd)
Financials (Kazakhstan)
Portfolio value: US$15,103,000
Percentage of net assets: 3.8% (2023: 3.2%)
JSC Kaspi is the largest payments, marketplace and fintech ecosystem in Kazakhstan. The company has seen strong growth particularly in its marketplace and payments verticals. The company began as a bank but expanded into peer-to-peer payments and online marketplaces, particularly proving vital for businesses during the lockdowns of 2020. The company is working on expanding into other markets in Central Asia.
4 ▲ Emaar Properties (2023: 6th)
Real Estate (United Arab Emirates)
Portfolio value: US$13,418,000
Percentage of net assets: 3.4% (2023: 2.9%)
Emaar Properties is an Emirati real estate developer. The company is involved in property investment, development, shopping malls, retail centres, hospitality and property management services, and serves customers in the UAE.
5 ▲ FPT2 (2023: 7th)
Information Technology (Vietnam)
Portfolio value: US$12,716,000
Percentage of net assets: 3.2% (2023: 2.8%)
FPT is Vietnam’s largest information technology services company. The core business focuses on consulting, providing and deploying technology and telecommunications services and solutions.
6 ▲ Abdullah Al Othaim Markets2 (2023: 16th)
Consumer Staples (Saudi Arabia)
Portfolio value: US$11,792,000
Percentage of net assets: 3.0% (2023: 2.4%)
Abdullah Al Othaim Markets is a large retailer in Saudi Arabia, operating supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores and wholesale outlets. They also have a small presence in Egypt. The company is looking to disrupt the current landscape which is largely dominated by mom-and-pop stores.
7 ▲ Ayala Land (2023: 34th)
Real Estate (Philippines)
Portfolio value: US$11,533,000
Percentage of net assets: 2.9% (2023: 1.8%)
Ayala Land is a Philippines-based property developer. The company is focused on developing integrated and mixed-use real estate. It operates through eight segments: property development, international business, shopping centres, offices, hotels and resorts, construction, property management and other.
8 ▲ Etihad Etisalat2 (2023: n/a)
Communication Services (Saudi Arabia)
Portfolio value: US$10,868,000
Percentage of net assets: 2.7% (2023: nil%)
Also known as Mobily, this is a Saudi Arabia-based telecommunications operator. The company manages, installs, and operates telephone networks, terminals, and telecommunication unit systems, as well as sells and maintains mobile phones and telecommunication units in Saudi Arabia.
9 ▲ Wizz Air Holdings (2023: 15th)
Industrials (Hungary)
Portfolio value: US$10,455,000
Percentage of net assets: 2.6% (2023: 2.5%)
Wizz Air Holdings, legally incorporated as Wizz Air Hungary Ltd, is a Hungarian ultra-low-cost carrier listed on the London Stock Exchange but with a head office in Budapest, Hungary. The airline serves many cities across Europe, as well as some destinations in North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia.
10 ▲ Bank of Georgia (2023: 24th)
Financials (Georgia)
Portfolio value: US$10,220,000
Percentage of net assets: 2.6% (2023: 2.5%)
Bank of Georgia is a UK incorporated financial services holding company with its registered office in London, and its corporate headquarters in Tbilisi, Georgia.
1 Gross market exposure as a % of net assets.
2 Exposure gained via contracts for difference (CFDs) only.
Percentages shown are the share of net assets.
The market value shown is the gross exposure to the shares through equity investments and long derivative positions. For equity investments, the market value is the fair value of the shares. For long derivative positions, it is the market value of the underlying shares to which the portfolio is exposed via the contract.
Percentages in brackets represent the portfolio holding as at 30 September 2023.
Arrows indicate the change in the relative ranking of the position in the portfolio compared to its ranking as at 30 September 2023.
Portfolio analysis as at 31 March 2024
Country allocation: Absolute weights (Gross market exposure as a % of net assets)1
|
| % |
| Saudi Arabia | 18.8 |
| Indonesia | 14.2 |
| Philippines | 10.1 |
| Kazakhstan | 8.0 |
| United Arab Emirates | 7.0 |
| Hungary | 6.7 |
| Greece | 6.1 |
| Vietnam | 5.2 |
| Czech Republic | 4.9 |
| Poland | 4.8 |
| Chile | 4.7 |
| Thailand | 4.6 |
| Qatar | 4.0 |
| Argentina | 3.1 |
| Georgia | 2.6 |
| Multi-International | 2.5 |
| Kenya | 2.5 |
| Colombia | 2.3 |
| Malaysia | 2.1 |
| Turkey | 2.1 |
| Pakistan | 1.8 |
| Romania | 1.6 |
| Nigeria | 1.3 |
| Cambodia | 0.9 |
| Bangladesh | 0.8 |
| Egypt | 0.4 |
Country allocation relative to the Benchmark Index (%)1
|
| % |
| Kazakhstan | 7.1 |
| Philippines | 6.5 |
| Hungary | 5.3 |
| Czech Republic | 4.2 |
| Indonesia | 3.7 |
| Greece | 3.2 |
| Argentina | 3.1 |
| Georgia | 2.6 |
| Vietnam | 2.5 |
| Multi-International | 2.5 |
| Kenya | 2.3 |
| Chile | 2.0 |
| Colombia | 1.6 |
| Pakistan | 1.5 |
| Nigeria | 1.3 |
| Cambodia | 0.9 |
| Bangladesh | 0.6 |
| Romania | 0.5 |
| United Arab Emirates | 0.2 |
| Egypt | 0.0 |
| Lithuania | -0.1 |
| Luxembourg | -0.1 |
| Sri Lanka | -0.1 |
| Estonia | -0.1 |
| Tunisia | -0.1 |
| Mauritius | -0.2 |
| Jordan | -0.2 |
| Bahrain | -0.3 |
| Croatia | -0.3 |
| Oman | -0.3 |
| Slovenia | -0.5 |
| Qatar | -0.7 |
| Poland | -0.7 |
| Other | -0.8 |
| Morocco | -0.9 |
| Turkey | -1.8 |
| Peru | -1.9 |
| Thailand | -4.0 |
| Kuwait | -4.6 |
| Saudi Arabia | -5.2 |
| Malaysia | -5.6 |
Sector allocation: Absolute weights (Gross market exposure as a % of net assets)1
|
| % |
| Financials | 45.2 |
| Industrials | 14.9 |
| Energy | 12.0 |
| Materials | 10.0 |
| Consumer Staples | 9.3 |
| Consumer Discretionary | 8.3 |
| Real Estate | 8.2 |
| Communication Services | 6.5 |
| Information Technology | 5.7 |
| Utilities | 2.2 |
| Health Care | 0.8 |
Sector allocation relative to the Benchmark Index (%)1
|
| % |
| Industrials | 7.6 |
| Energy | 5.3 |
| Information Technology | 4.3 |
| Consumer Discretionary | 4.3 |
| Real Estate | 4.1 |
| Consumer Staples | 3.8 |
| Materials | 0.5 |
| Financials | -0.6 |
| Communication Services | -1.4 |
| Health Care | -2.3 |
| Utilities | -2.5 |
1 Includes exposure gained through equity positions and long and short CFD positions.
Sources: BlackRock and Datastream.
Investments as at 31 March 2024
Equity portfolio by country of exposure
|
| Principal |
|
| Gross market |
| Bank Central Asia | Indonesia | Financials | 18,794 | 4.7 |
| Astra International | Indonesia | Industrials | 8,716 | 2.2 |
| Ciputra Development | Indonesia | Real Estate | 7,609 | 1.9 |
| Bank Rakyat | Indonesia | Financials | 7,528 | 1.9 |
| Mitra Adiperkasa | Indonesia | Consumer Discretionary | 7,382 | 1.9 |
| Bank Syariah Indonesia | Indonesia | Financials | 6,775 | 1.6 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 56,804 | 14.2 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Ayala Land | Philippines | Real Estate | 11,533 | 2.9 |
| International Container Terminal Services | Philippines | Industrials | 8,262 | 2.1 |
| Bloomberry | Philippines | Consumer Discretionary | 8,185 | 2.1 |
| Metrobank | Philippines | Financials | 7,516 | 1.9 |
| Jollibee Foods | Philippines | Consumer Discretionary | 4,639 | 1.1 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 40,135 | 10.1 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| JSC Kaspi | Kazakhstan | Financials | 15,103 | 3.8 |
| Halyk Savings Bank | Kazakhstan | Financials | 9,130 | 2.3 |
| Kazatomprom | Kazakhstan | Energy | 7,700 | 1.9 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 31,933 | 8.0 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| OTP Bank | Hungary | Financials | 9,040 | 2.3 |
| Wizz Air Holdings | Hungary | Industrials | 7,636 | 1.9 |
| MOL Group | Hungary | Energy | 7,489 | 1.8 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 24,165 | 6.0 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Athens International Airport | Greece | Industrials | 10,146 | 2.6 |
| National Bank of Greece | Greece | Financials | 8,181 | 2.1 |
| OPAP | Greece | Consumer Discretionary | 4,981 | 1.4 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 23,308 | 6.1 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Emaar Properties | United Arab Emirates | Real Estate | 13,418 | 3.4 |
| Air Arabia | United Arab Emirates | Industrials | 7,403 | 1.9 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 20,821 | 5.3 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Cervecerias Unidas | Chile | Consumer Staples | 6,753 | 1.7 |
| Empresas CMPC | Chile | Materials | 6,266 | 1.6 |
| Sociedad Quimica y Minera – ADR | Chile | Industrials | 6,054 | 1.4 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 19,073 | 4.7 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| CP All | Thailand | Consumer Staples | 9,299 | 2.3 |
| Advanced Info Service | Thailand | Communication Services | 9,068 | 2.3 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 18,367 | 4.6 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Komercni Banka | Czech Republic | Financials | 8,804 | 2.2 |
| Moneta Money Bank | Czech Republic | Financials | 6,855 | 1.7 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 15,659 | 3.9 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| PZU | Poland | Financials | 7,590 | 1.9 |
| LPP | Poland | Consumer Discretionary | 3,614 | 0.9 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 11,204 | 2.8 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Bank of Georgia | Georgia | Financials | 10,220 | 2.6 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 10,220 | 2.6 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Vista Oil & Gas | Argentina | Energy | 10,203 | 2.6 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 10,203 | 2.6 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| EPAM Systems | Multi-International | Information Technology | 10,120 | 2.5 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 10,120 | 2.5 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Equity Group | Kenya | Financials | 5,116 | 1.3 |
| Safaricom | Kenya | Communication Services | 3,599 | 0.9 |
| Kenya Commercial Bank | Kenya | Financials | 1,033 | 0.3 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 9,748 | 2.5 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Bancolombia | Colombia | Financials | 9,016 | 2.3 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 9,016 | 2.3 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Frontken Corp | Malaysia | Industrials | 8,361 | 2.1 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 8,361 | 2.1 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Eldorado Gold | Turkey | Materials | 8,288 | 2.1 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 8,288 | 2.1 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| MCB Bank | Pakistan | Financials | 6,506 | 1.6 |
| Lucky Cement | Pakistan | Materials | 886 | 0.2 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 7,392 | 1.8 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| BRD–Groupe Société Générale | Romania | Financials | 6,226 | 1.6 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 6,226 | 1.6 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Qatar Gas Transport Company | Qatar | Energy | 5,863 | 1.5 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 5,863 | 1.5 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Guaranty Trust Holding | Nigeria | Financials | 2,749 | 0.7 |
| United Bank for Africa | Nigeria | Financials | 2,255 | 0.6 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 5,004 | 1.3 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| NagaCorp | Cambodia | Consumer Discretionary | 3,449 | 0.9 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 3,449 | 0.9 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Square Pharmaceuticals | Bangladesh | Health Care | 2,983 | 0.8 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 2,983 | 0.8 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Commercial International Bank | Egypt | Financials | 2,066 | 0.4 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
| 2,066 | 0.4 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Equity investments |
|
| 360,408 | 90.7 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| BlackRock’s Institutional Cash Series plc – US Dollar Liquid Environmentally Aware Fund (Cash Fund) |
|
| 49,538 | 12.5 |
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
| Total equity investments (including Cash Fund) |
|
| 409,946 | 103.2 |
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
CFD portfolio
|
| Principal |
|
| Gross market | Gross market |
| Long positions |
|
|
|
|
|
| Saudi National Bank | Saudi Arabia | Financials |
| 19,071 | 4.8 |
| Abdullah Al Othaim Markets | Saudi Arabia | Consumer Staples |
| 11,792 | 3.0 |
| Etihad Etisalat | Saudi Arabia | Communication Services |
| 10,868 | 2.7 |
| Saudi Basic Industries Corporation | Saudi Arabia | Materials |
| 9,569 | 2.4 |
| Al Rajhi Bank | Saudi Arabia | Financials |
| 8,311 | 2.1 |
| Yanbu National Petrochemical | Saudi Arabia | Materials |
| 8,134 | 2.0 |
| MBC Group | Saudi Arabia | Communication Services |
| 2,415 | 0.6 |
|
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
|
| 70,160 | 17.6 |
|
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| FPT | Vietnam | Information Technology |
| 12,716 | 3.2 |
| Petrovietnam Drilling & Well Services | Vietnam | Energy |
| 6,860 | 1.7 |
| Vietnam Dairy Products | Vietnam | Consumer Staples |
| 1,237 | 0.3 |
|
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
|
| 20,813 | 5.2 |
|
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Gulf International Services | Qatar | Energy |
| 7,712 | 1.9 |
| Qatar Gas Transport Company | Qatar | Energy |
| 2,189 | 0.6 |
|
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
|
| 9,901 | 2.5 |
|
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Jeronimo Martins | Poland | Consumer Staples |
| 7,910 | 2.0 |
|
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
|
| 7,910 | 2.0 |
|
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Borouge | United Arab Emirates | Materials |
| 6,673 | 1.7 |
|
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
|
| 6,673 | 1.7 |
|
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Wizz Air Holdings | Hungary | Industrials |
| 2,819 | 0.7 |
|
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
|
|
|
|
| 2,819 | 0.7 |
|
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Total long CFD positions |
|
| (2,271) | 118,276 | 29.7 |
|
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
| Total short CFD positions |
|
| (149) | (10,804) | (2.7) |
|
|
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- |
| Total CFD portfolio |
|
| (2,420) | 107,472 | 27.0 |
|
|
|
|
| ========= | ========= |
Fair value and gross market exposure of investments as at 31 March 2024
|
|
| Gross market | Gross market exposure as | ||
| Portfolio | US$’000 | US$’000 | 31 March 2024 | 31 March 2023 | 30 September 2023 |
| Long equity investment positions (excluding BlackRock’s Institutional Cash Series plc – US Dollar Liquid Environmentally Aware Fund) | 360,408 | 360,408 | 90.7 | 76.9 | 85.2 |
| Long CFD positions | (2,271) | 118,276 | 29.7 | 29.4 | 29.8 |
| Short CFD positions | (149) | (10,804) | (2.7) | (3.9) | (3.0) |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Subtotal of long and short investment positions | 357,988 | 467,880 | 117.7 | 102.4 | 112.0 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Cash Fund | 49,538 | 49,538 | 12.5 | 22.4 | 17.8 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Total investment and derivatives | 407,526 | 517,418 | 130.2 | 124.8 | 129.8 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,035 | (108,857) | (27.4) | (22.9) | (25.9) |
| Other net current liabilities | (11,180) | (11,180) | (2.8) | (1.9) | (3.9) |
| Non-current liabilities | (19) | (19) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Net assets | 397,362 | 397,362 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
The nature of the Company’s portfolio and the fact the Company gains significant exposure to a number of markets through long and short CFDs means that the Company will aim to hold a level of cash (or an equivalent holding in a Cash Fund) on its balance sheet representing of the difference between the notional cost of purchasing or selling the investments directly and the lower initial cost of making a collateral payment on the long or short CFD contract.
The Company was geared through the use of long and short CFD positions and gross and net gearing as at 31 March 2024 was 23.1% and 17.7% respectively (31 March 2023: 10.2% and 2.4%; 30 September 2023: 17.9% and 12.0%). Gross and net gearing are Alternative Performance Measures, see Glossary in the half yearly report and financial statements.
1 Fair value is determined as follows:
– Long equity investment positions are valued at bid prices where available, otherwise at latest market traded quoted prices.
– The exposure to securities held through long CFD positions directly in the market would have amounted to US$120,547,000 at the time of purchase, and subsequent movement in market prices have resulted in unrealised losses on the long CFD positions of US$2,271,000 resulting in the value of the total long CFD market exposure to the underlying securities decreasing to US$118,276,000 as at 31 March 2024. If the long positions had been closed on 31 March 2024, this would have resulted in a loss of US$2,271,000 for the Company.
– The notional exposure of selling the securities gained via the short CFD positions would have been US$10,655,000 at the time of entering into the contract, and subsequent movement in market prices have resulted in unrealised losses on the short CFD positions of US$149,000 resulting in the value of the total short CFD market exposure of these investments increasing to US$10,804,000 at 31 March 2024. If the short positions had been closed on 31 March 2024, this would have resulted in a loss of US$149,000 for the Company.
2 The gross market exposure column for cash and cash equivalents has been adjusted to assume the Company traded direct holdings rather than exposure being gained through long and short CFDs.
3 Gross market exposure for equity investments is the same as fair value; bid prices are used where available and, if unavailable, latest market traded quoted prices are used. For both long and short CFD positions, the gross market exposure is the market value of the underlying shares to which the portfolio is exposed via the contract.
Interim Management Report and Responsibility Statement
The Chair’s Statement and the Investment Manager’s Report above give details of the important events which have occurred during the period and their impact on the financial statements.
Principal risks and uncertainties
A detailed explanation of the risks relating to the Company can be divided into various areas as follows:
- Investment Performance Risk;
- Income/Dividend Risk;
- Legal and Regulatory Risk;
- Counterparty Risk;
- Operational Risk;
- Political Risk;
- Financial Risk; and
- Market Risk.
The Board reported on the principal risks and uncertainties faced by the Company in the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2023. A detailed explanation can be found in the Strategic Report on pages 36 to 41 and in note 17 on pages 101 to 114 of the Annual Report and Financial Statements which are available on the website maintained by BlackRock at: www.blackrock.com/uk/brfi.
Certain financial markets have been volatile during the financial period due primarily to continuing geo-political tensions arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and, more recently, the hostilities in the Middle East. The Company has no exposure to Russia and Ukraine. The Board and the Investment Manager continue to monitor investment performance in line with the Company’s investment objectives.
In the view of the Board, other than those noted above, there have not been any material changes to the fundamental nature of these risks since the previous report and these principal risks and uncertainties, as summarised, are equally applicable to the remaining six months of the financial year as they were to the six months under review.
Going concern
The Board remains mindful of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the potential duration of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the hostilities in the Middle East and their longer-term effects on the global economy and the current heightened geo-political risk. Nevertheless, the Directors, having considered the nature and liquidity of the portfolio, the Company’s investment objective and the Company’s projected income and expenditure, are satisfied that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and is financially sound.
Based on the above, the Board is satisfied that it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. The Company has a portfolio of investments which are considered to be readily realisable and is able to meet all of its liabilities from its assets and income generated from them. Ongoing charges (excluding performance fees, finance costs, direct transaction costs, custody transaction charges, VAT recovered, taxation, prior year expenses written back and certain non-recurring items) were approximately 1.38% of average daily net assets for the year ended 30 September 2023.
Related party disclosures and transactions with the AIFM and Investment Manager
BlackRock Fund Managers Limited (BFM) is the Company’s Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM) with effect from 2 July 2014. BFM has (with the Company’s consent) delegated certain portfolio and risk management services, and other ancillary services to BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited (BIM (UK)). Both BFM and BIM (UK) are regarded as related parties under the Listing Rules. Details of the management and performance fees payable are set out in note 4 and note 14 below. The related party transactions with the Directors are set out in note 13 below.
Directors’ Responsibility Statement
The Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTR) of the UK Listing Authority require the Directors to confirm their responsibilities in relation to the preparation and publication of the Interim Management Report and Financial Statements.
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 the UK-adopted International Accounting Standard 34 – Interim Financial Reporting; and
- the Interim Management Report, together with the Chair’s Statement and Investment Manager’s Report, includes a fair review of the information required by 4.2.7R and 4.2.8R of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.
The Half Yearly Financial Report has been reviewed by the Company’s Auditors.
The Half Yearly Financial Report was approved by the Board on 30 May 2024 and the above Responsibility Statement was signed on its behalf by the Chair.
KATRINA HART
For and on behalf of the Board
30 May 2024
Independent Review Report to the members of BlackRock Frontiers Investment Trust plc
Conclusion
We have been engaged by BlackRock Frontiers Investment Trust plc (the ‘Company’) to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 March 2024 which comprises the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Statement of Changes in Equity, the Statement of Financial Position, the Cash Flow Statement and the related notes 1 to 17. 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.
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 March 2024 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34 and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority.
Basis for Conclusion
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" (ISRE) issued by the Financial Reporting Council. 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 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.
As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34, “Interim Financial Reporting”.
Conclusions Relating to Going Concern
Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for Conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention to suggest that management have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that management have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not appropriately disclosed.
This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with this ISRE, however future events or conditions may cause the entity to cease to continue as a going concern.
Responsibilities of the Directors
The Directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
In preparing the half-yearly financial report, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the review of the financial information
In reviewing the half-yearly report, we are responsible for expressing to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report. Our conclusion, including our Conclusions Relating to Going Concern, are based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for Conclusion paragraph of this report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with guidance contained in International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Financial Reporting Council. 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.
Ernst & Young LLP
London
30 May 2024
Statement of Comprehensive Income for the six months ended 31 March 2024
|
|
| Six months ended | Six months ended | Year ended | ||||||
|
|
| Revenue | Capital | Total | Revenue | Capital | Total | Revenue | Capital | Total |
| Income from investments held at fair value through profit or loss | 3 | 7,334 | – | 7,334 | 5,692 | – | 5,692 | 17,402 | – | 17,402 |
| Net income from contracts for difference | 3 | 785 | – | 785 | 927 | 565 | 1,492 | 1,985 | 565 | 2,550 |
| Other income | 3 | 75 | – | 75 | 171 | – | 171 | 251 | – | 251 |
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Total income |
| 8,194 | – | 8,194 | 6,790 | 565 | 7,355 | 19,638 | 565 | 20,203 |
|
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Net profit on investments held at fair value through profit or loss |
| – | 46,084 | 46,084 | – | 41,339 | 41,339 | – | 58,566 | 58,566 |
| Net loss on foreign exchange |
| – | (229) | (229) | – | (47) | (47) | – | (1,980) | (1,980) |
| Net (loss)/profit from derivatives |
| – | (3,694) | (3,694) | – | 424 | 424 | – | 12,523 | 12,523 |
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Total |
| 8,194 | 42,161 | 50,355 | 6,790 | 42,281 | 49,071 | 19,638 | 69,674 | 89,312 |
|
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Investment management and performance fees | 4 | (412) | (5,609) | (6,021) | (357) | (4,192) | (4,549) | (757) | (11,298) | (12,055) |
| Other operating expenses | 5 | (500) | (38) | (538) | (488) | (22) | (510) | (942) | (68) | (1,010) |
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Total operating expenses |
| (912) | (5,647) | (6,559) | (845) | (4,214) | (5,059) | (1,699) | (11,366) | (13,065) |
|
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Net profit on ordinary activities before finance costs and taxation |
| 7,282 | 36,514 | 43,796 | 5,945 | 38,067 | 44,012 | 17,939 | 58,308 | 76,247 |
| Finance costs | 6 | (14) | (55) | (69) | (12) | (49) | (61) | (23) | (94) | (117) |
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Net profit on ordinary activities before taxation |
| 7,268 | 36,459 | 43,727 | 5,933 | 38,018 | 43,951 | 17,916 | 58,214 | 76,130 |
|
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Taxation (charge)/credit | 7 | (1,029) | 343 | (686) | (750) | 350 | (400) | (2,044) | 770 | (1,274) |
| Profit for the period |
| 6,239 | 36,802 | 43,041 | 5,183 | 38,368 | 43,551 | 15,872 | 58,984 | 74,856 |
| Earnings per ordinary share (cents) | 9 | 3.30 | 19.43 | 22.73 | 2.74 | 20.26 | 23.00 | 8.38 | 31.16 | 39.54 |
|
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
The total columns of this statement represent the Company’s Statement of Comprehensive Income, prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards (IAS). The supplementary revenue and capital accounts are both prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies (AIC). All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued during the period. All income is attributable to the equity holders of the Company.
The Company does not have any other comprehensive income. The net profit for the period disclosed above represents the Company’s total comprehensive income.
Statement of Changes in Equity for the six months ended 31 March 2024
|
|
| Called | Capital |
|
|
|
|
| For the six months ended 31 March 2024 (unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At 30 September 2023 |
| 2,418 | 5,798 | 308,804 | 36,153 | 10,425 | 363,598 |
| Total comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Net profit for the period |
| – | – | – | 36,802 | 6,239 | 43,041 |
| Transactions with owners, recorded directly to equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Dividends paid1 | 8 | – | – | – | – | (9,277) | (9,277) |
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| At 31 March 2024 |
| 2,418 | 5,798 | 308,804 | 72,955 | 7,387 | 397,362 |
|
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
| For the six months ended 31 March 2023 (unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At 30 September 2022 |
| 2,418 | 5,798 | 308,804 | (22,831) | 8,467 | 302,656 |
| Total comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Net profit for the period |
| – | – | – | 38,368 | 5,183 | 43,551 |
| Transactions with owners, recorded directly to equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Dividends paid2 |
| – | – | – | – | (8,046) | (8,046) |
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| At 31 March 2023 |
| 2,418 | 5,798 | 308,804 | 15,537 | 5,604 | 338,161 |
|
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
| For the year ended 30 September 2023 (audited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At 30 September 2022 |
| 2,418 | 5,798 | 308,804 | (22,831) | 8,467 | 302,656 |
| Total comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Net profit for the year |
| – | – | – | 58,984 | 15,872 | 74,856 |
| Transactions with owners, recorded directly to equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Dividends paid3 |
| – | – | – | – | (13,914) | (13,914) |
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| At 30 September 2023 |
| 2,418 | 5,798 | 308,804 | 36,153 | 10,425 | 363,598 |
|
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
1 Final dividend of 4.90 cents per share for the year ended 30 September 2023, declared on 30 November 2023 and paid on 14 February 2024.
2 Final dividend of 4.25 cents per share for the year ended 30 September 2022, declared on 7 December 2022 and paid on 14 February 2023.
3 Final dividend of 4.25 cents per share for the year ended 30 September 2022, declared on 7 December 2022 and paid on 14 February 2023 and an interim dividend of 3.10 cents per share for the year ended 30 September 2023, declared on 6 June 2023 and paid on 7 July 2023.
For information on the Company’s distributable reserves, please refer to note 11.
Statement of Financial Position as at 31 March 2024
|
|
| 31 March | 31 March | 30 September |
| Non current assets |
|
|
|
|
| Investments held at fair value through profit or loss | 12 | 409,946 | 335,699 | 374,517 |
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Current assets |
|
|
|
|
| Current tax asset |
| 404 | 430 | 444 |
| Other receivables |
| 7,521 | 2,856 | 5,085 |
| Derivative financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss – contracts for difference | 12 | 1,347 | 3,997 | 1,402 |
| Cash and cash equivalents |
| 1,035 | 6,098 | 5,308 |
| Cash collateral pledged with brokers |
| 7,729 | 553 | 2,435 |
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Total current assets |
| 18,036 | 13,934 | 14,674 |
|
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Total assets |
| 427,982 | 349,633 | 389,191 |
|
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
| Bank overdraft |
| – | – | (25) |
| Other payables |
| (25,064) | (8,895) | (20,015) |
| Derivative financial liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss – contract for differences | 12 | (3,767) | (1,148) | (3,234) |
| Liability for cash collateral received |
| (1,770) | (1,410) | (2,300) |
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Total current liabilities |
| (30,601) | (11,453) | (25,574) |
|
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Total assets less current liabilities |
| 397,381 | 338,180 | 363,617 |
|
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Non current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
| Management shares of £1.00 each (one quarter paid up) |
| (19) | (19) | (19) |
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Net assets |
| 397,362 | 338,161 | 363,598 |
|
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Equity attributable to equity holders |
|
|
|
|
| Called up share capital | 10 | 2,418 | 2,418 | 2,418 |
| Capital redemption reserve |
| 5,798 | 5,798 | 5,798 |
| Special reserve |
| 308,804 | 308,804 | 308,804 |
| Capital reserves |
| 72,955 | 15,537 | 36,153 |
| Revenue reserve |
| 7,387 | 5,604 | 10,425 |
|
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Total equity |
| 397,362 | 338,161 | 363,598 |
|
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Net asset value per ordinary share (cents) | 9 | 209.88 | 178.61 | 192.05 |
|
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
Cash Flow Statement for the six months ended 31 March 2024
|
| 31 March | 31 March | 30 September |
| Operating activities |
|
|
|
| Net profit on ordinary activities before taxation | 43,727 | 43,951 | 76,130 |
| Add back finance costs | 69 | 61 | 117 |
| Net profit on investments held at fair value through profit or loss (including transaction costs) | (46,084) | (41,339) | (58,566) |
| Net loss/(profit) from derivatives (including transaction costs) | 3,694 | (424) | (12,523) |
| Financing costs on derivatives | (2,507) | (1,804) | (4,107) |
| Net loss on foreign exchange | 229 | 47 | 1,980 |
| Sales of investments held at fair value through profit or loss | 107,625 | 84,218 | 183,095 |
| Purchases of investments held at fair value through profit or loss | (112,303) | (76,240) | (207,654) |
| Sales of Cash Fund1 | 88,244 | 78,977 | 163,097 |
| Purchases of Cash Fund1 | (72,909) | (83,371) | (156,544) |
| Amounts paid for losses on closure of derivatives | (22,016) | (27,288) | (42,659) |
| Amounts received on profit on closure of derivatives | 21,415 | 22,810 | 57,263 |
| Increase in other receivables | (807) | (2,105) | (855) |
| Increase in other payables | 3,325 | 4,859 | 10,651 |
| (Increase)/decrease in amounts due from brokers | (1,629) | 594 | (2,885) |
| Increase/(decrease) in amounts due to brokers | 1,724 | (822) | 4,506 |
| Cash collateral pledged with brokers | (5,294) | 6,851 | 4,969 |
| Cash collateral received from brokers | (530) | 760 | 1,650 |
| Taxation paid | (646) | (384) | (1,272) |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Net cash inflow from operating activities | 5,327 | 9,351 | 16,393 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Financing activities |
|
|
|
| Interest paid | (69) | (61) | (117) |
| Dividends paid | (9,277) | (8,046) | (13,914) |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Net cash outflow from financing activities | (9,346) | (8,107) | (14,031) |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
| (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | (4,019) | 1,244 | 2,362 |
| Effect of foreign exchange rate changes | (229) | (47) | (1,980) |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Change in cash and cash equivalents | (4,248) | 1,197 | 382 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the period/year | 5,283 | 4,901 | 4,901 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period/year | 1,035 | 6,098 | 5,283 |
| Comprised of: |
|
|
|
| Cash at bank | 1,035 | 6,098 | 5,308 |
| Bank overdraft | – | – | (25) |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
|
| 1,035 | 6,098 | 5,283 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
1 Cash Fund represents investment in the BlackRock Institutional Cash Series plc – US Dollar Liquid Environmentally Aware Fund.
The notes below form part of these financial statements.
Notes to the Financial Statements for the six months ended 31 March 2024
1. Principal activity
The principal activity of the Company is that of an investment trust company within the meaning of Section 1158 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010.
2. Basis of preparation
The half yearly financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2024 have been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the Financial Conduct Authority and with the UK–adopted International Accounting Standard 34 (IAS 34), Interim Financial Reporting. The half yearly financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2023, which have been prepared in accordance with UK–adopted International Accounting Standards (IAS).
Insofar as the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for investment trust companies and venture capital trusts, issued by the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) in October 2019 and updated in July 2022, is compatible with UK–adopted IAS, the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the guidance set out in the SORP.
Adoption of new and amended International Accounting Standards and interpretations:
IFRS 17 – Insurance contracts (effective 1 January 2023). This standard replaced IFRS 4 and applies to all types of insurance contracts. IFRS 17 provides a consistent and comprehensive model for insurance contracts covering all relevant accounting aspects.
This standard is unlikely to have any impact on the Company as it has no insurance contracts.
IAS 12 - Deferred tax related to assets and liabilities arising from a single transaction (effective 1 January 2023). The IASB has amended IAS 12 Income Taxes to require companies to recognise deferred tax on particular transactions that, on initial recognition, give rise to equal amounts of taxable and deductible temporary differences. According to the amended guidance, a temporary difference that arises on initial recognition of an asset or liability is not subject to the initial recognition exemption if that transaction gave rise to equal amounts of taxable and deductible temporary differences. These amendments might have a significant impact on the preparation of financial statements by companies that have substantial balances of right-of-use assets, lease liabilities, decommissioning, restoration and similar liabilities. The impact for those affected would be the recognition of additional deferred tax assets and liabilities.
The amendment of this standard is unlikely to have any significant impact on the Company.
IAS 8 - Definition of accounting estimates (effective 1 January 2023). The IASB has amended IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors to help distinguish between accounting policies and accounting estimates, replacing the definition of accounting estimates.
IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2 – Disclosure of accounting policies (effective 1 January 2023). The IASB has amended IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to help preparers in deciding which accounting policies to disclose in their financial statements by stating that an entity is now required to disclose material accounting policies instead of significant accounting policies.
IAS 12 – International Tax Reform Pillar Two Model Rules (effective 1 January 2023). The IASB has published amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes to respond to stakeholders’ concerns about the potential implications of the imminent implementation of the OECD pillar two rules on the accounting for income taxes. The amendment is an exception to the requirements in IAS 12 that an entity does not recognise and does not disclose information about deferred tax assets as liabilities related to the OECD pillar two income taxes and a requirement that current tax expenses must be disclosed separately to pillar two income taxes.
IAS 1 – Classification of liabilities as current or non-current (effective 1 January 2024). The IASB has amended IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to clarify its requirement for the presentation of liabilities depending on the rights that exist at the end of the reporting period. The amendment requires liabilities to be classified as non-current if the entity has a substantive right to defer settlement for at least 12 months at the end of the reporting period. The amendment no longer refers to unconditional rights.
Relevant International Accounting Standards that have yet to be adopted:
IAS 1 – Classification of liabilities as current or non current (effective 1 January 2024). The IASB has amended IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to clarify its requirement for the presentation of liabilities depending on the rights that exist at the end of the reporting period. The amendment requires liabilities to be classified as non current if the entity has a substantive right to defer settlement for at least 12 months at the end of the reporting period. The amendment no longer refers to unconditional rights.
IAS 1 - Non current liabilities with covenants (effective 1 January 2024). The IASB has amended IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to introduce additional disclosures for liabilities with covenants within 12 months of the reporting period. The additional disclosures include the nature of covenants, when the entity is required to comply with covenants, the carrying amount of related liabilities and circumstances that may indicate that the entity will have difficulty complying with the covenants.
None of the standards that have been issued, but are not yet effective, are expected to have a material impact on the Company.
3. Income
|
| Six months | Six months | Year |
| Investment income: |
|
|
|
| UK dividends | 182 | – | 362 |
| Stock dividend | – | – | 14 |
| Overseas dividends | 5,279 | 4,095 | 12,997 |
| Overseas special dividends | 431 | 245 | 1,006 |
| Interest from Cash Fund | 1,442 | 1,352 | 3,023 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Total investment income | 7,334 | 5,692 | 17,402 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Net income from contracts for difference | 785 | 927 | 1,985 |
| Interest received on cash collateral | 39 | 83 | 68 |
| Deposit interest | 36 | 88 | 183 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Total income | 8,194 | 6,790 | 19,638 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
Dividends and interest received in cash in the six months ended 31 March 2024 amounted to US$4,480,000 and US$1,589,000, respectively (six months ended 31 March 2023: US$3,047,000 and US$1,399,000; year ended 30 September 2023: US$14,859,000 and US$3,182,000).
No special dividends from equity investments have been recognised in capital for the six months ended 31 March 2024 (six months ended 31 March 2023: US$nil; year ended 30 September 2023: US$nil). No special dividends from long contracts for difference have been recognised in capital for the six months ended 31 March 2024 and included within net income from contracts for difference in the capital account in the Statement of Comprehensive Income (six months ended 31 March 2023: US$565,000; year ended 30 September 2023: US$565,000).
4. Investment management fee and performance fees
|
| Six months ended | Six months ended | Year ended | ||||||
|
| Revenue | Capital | Total | Revenue | Capital | Total | Revenue | Capital | Total |
| Investment management fee | 412 | 1,647 | 2,059 | 357 | 1,429 | 1,786 | 757 | 3,026 | 3,783 |
| Performance fee | – | 3,962 | 3,962 | – | 2,763 | 2,763 | – | 8,272 | 8,272 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Total | 412 | 5,609 | 6,021 | 357 | 4,192 | 4,549 | 757 | 11,298 | 12,055 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
An investment management fee equivalent to 1.10% per annum of the Company’s gross assets (defined as the aggregate net assets of the long equity and CFD portfolios of the Company) is payable to the Manager. In addition, the Manager is entitled to receive a performance fee at a rate of 10% of any increase in the net asset value (NAV) at the end of a performance period over and above what would have been achieved had the NAV since launch increased in line with the Benchmark Index, which, since 1 April 2018, is a composite of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index ex Selected Countries + MSCI Frontier Markets Index + MSCI Saudi Arabia Index.
For the purposes of the calculation of the performance fee, the performance of the NAV total return since launch has been measured against the performance of the Benchmark Index on a blended basis.
For the six months ended 31 March 2024, the Company’s NAV outperformed the Benchmark Index on a US Dollar basis by 3.4% resulting in a cumulative outperformance since launch of 69.6% (six months ended 31 March 2023: outperformed by 10.0%; year ended 30 September 2023: outperformed by 20.1%); therefore, a performance fee of US$3,962,000 has been accrued (six months ended 31 March 2023: US$2,763,000; year ended 30 September 2023: US$8,272,000). Any accrued performance fee is included within other payables in the Statement of Financial Position. Any final performance fee for the full year ending 30 September 2024 will not crystallise and fall due until the calculation date of 30 September 2024.
The performance fee payable in any year is capped at an amount equal to 2.5% of the gross assets of the Company if there is an increase in the NAV per share, or 1% of the gross assets of the Company if there is a decrease of the NAV per share, at the end of the relevant performance period. Any outperformance in excess of the cap for a period may be carried forward to the next two performance periods, subject to the then applicable annual cap. The performance fee is also subject to a high watermark such that any performance fee is only payable to the extent that the cumulative outperformance of the NAV relative to the Benchmark Index is greater than what would have been achieved had the NAV increased in line with the Benchmark Index since the last date in relation to which a performance fee had been paid. This mechanism requires the Manager to catch up any previous cumulative underperformance against the benchmark before a performance fee can be generated.
The investment management fee is allocated 20% to the revenue account and 80% to the capital account and the performance fee is wholly allocated to the capital account of the Statement of Comprehensive Income. There is no additional fee for company secretarial and administration services.
5. Other operating expenses
|
| Six months | Six months | Year |
| Allocated to revenue: |
|
|
|
| Custody fee | 113 | 116 | 229 |
| Auditor’s remuneration: |
|
|
|
| – audit services | 31 | 33 | 62 |
| – other assurance services1 | 4 | 4 | 9 |
| Registrar’s fee | 20 | 17 | 32 |
| Directors’ emoluments2 | 133 | 128 | 243 |
| Broker fees | 19 | 19 | 38 |
| Depositary fees3 | 19 | 17 | 33 |
| Marketing fees | 64 | 50 | 90 |
| AIC fees | 12 | 12 | 24 |
| FCA fees | 10 | 8 | 18 |
| Printing and postage fees | 21 | 32 | 58 |
| Employer NI contributions | 10 | 18 | 31 |
| Stock exchange listings | 8 | 5 | 13 |
| Legal and professional fees | 10 | 11 | 21 |
| Write back of prior year expenses4 | (17) | – | (27) |
| Other administrative costs | 43 | 18 | 68 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
|
| 500 | 488 | 942 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Allocated to capital: |
|
|
|
| Custody transaction charges5 | 38 | 22 | 68 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
|
| 538 | 510 | 1,010 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
1 Fees for other assurance services of £3,550 (US$4,000) (six months ended 31 March 2023: £3,550 (US$4,000); year ended 30 September 2023: £7,100 (US$9,000)) relate to the review of the interim financial statements.
2 For the six months ended 31 March 2024, Directors’ emoluments amounted to £105,000 (US$133,000) (six months ended 31 March 2023: £104,000 (US$128,000); year ended 30 September 2023: £199,000 (US$243,000)). Further information on Directors’ emoluments can be found in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 63 of the Company’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2023. The Company has no employees.
3 All expenses other than depositary fees are paid in British Pound Sterling and are therefore subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
4 Relates to legal fees, miscellaneous fees and Directors’ evaluation fees written back during the six months ended 31 March 2024 (six months ended 31 March 2023: Directors’ expenses and miscellaneous fees; year ended 30 September 2023: Directors’ expenses, miscellaneous fees and legal fees).
5 For the six months ended 31 March 2024, expenses of £30,000 (US$38,000) (six months ended 31 March 2023: £18,000 (US$22,000); year ended 30 September 2023: £56,000 (US$68,000)) were charged to the capital account of the Statement of Comprehensive Income. These relate to transaction costs charged by the custodian on sale and purchase trades.
The transaction costs incurred on the acquisition of investments amounted to US$220,000 for the six months ended 31 March 2024 (six months ended 31 March 2023: US$102,000; year ended 30 September 2023: US$267,000). Costs relating to the disposal of investments amounted to US$152,000 for the six months ended 31 March 2024 (six months ended 31 March 2023: US$138,000; year ended 30 September 2023: US$281,000). All transaction costs have been included within the capital reserve.
6. Finance costs
|
| Six months ended | Six months ended | Year ended | ||||||
|
| Revenue | Capital | Total | Revenue | Capital | Total | Revenue | Capital | Total |
| Interest paid on bank overdraft | 1 | 2 | 3 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Interest paid on cash collateral | 13 | 53 | 66 | 12 | 49 | 61 | 23 | 94 | 117 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Total | 14 | 55 | 69 | 12 | 49 | 61 | 23 | 94 | 117 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
7. Taxation
Analysis of charge/(credit) for the period:
|
| Six months ended | Six months ended | Year ended | ||||||
|
| Revenue | Capital | Total | Revenue | Capital | Total | Revenue | Capital | Total |
| Current taxation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Corporation tax | 343 | (343) | – | 350 | (350) | – | 770 | (770) | – |
| Overseas tax | 686 | – | 686 | 400 | – | 400 | 1,274 | – | 1,274 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Total taxation charge/(credit) | 1,029 | (343) | 686 | 750 | (350) | 400 | 2,044 | (770) | 1,274 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
8. Dividends
The Board has declared an interim dividend of 3.50 cents per share for the period ended 31 March 2024 which will be paid on 2 July 2024 to shareholders on the register at 14 June 2024 (interim dividend for the six months ended 31 March 2023: 3.10 cents per share). This dividend has not been accrued in the financial statements for the six months ended 31 March 2024 as, under IAS, interim dividends are not recognised until paid. Dividends are debited directly to reserves.
9. Earnings and net asset value per ordinary share
Revenue, capital earnings and net asset value per ordinary share are shown below and have been calculated using the following:
|
| Six months | Six months | Year |
| Net revenue profit attributable to ordinary shareholders (US$’000) | 6,239 | 5,183 | 15,872 |
| Net capital profit attributable to ordinary shareholders (US$’000) | 36,802 | 38,368 | 58,984 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Total profit attributable to ordinary shareholders (US$’000) | 43,041 | 43,551 | 74,856 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
| Equity shareholders’ funds (US$’000) | 397,362 | 338,161 | 363,598 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period on which the earnings per ordinary share was calculated was: | 189,325,748 | 189,325,748 | 189,325,748 |
| The actual number of ordinary shares in issue at the period end on which the net asset value per ordinary share was calculated was: | 189,325,748 | 189,325,748 | 189,325,748 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Earnings per share |
|
|
|
| Revenue earnings per share (cents) – basic and diluted | 3.30 | 2.74 | 8.38 |
| Capital earnings per share (cents) – basic and diluted | 19.43 | 20.26 | 31.16 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Total earnings per share (cents) – basic and diluted | 22.73 | 23.00 | 39.54 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
|
| As at | As at | As at |
| Net asset value per ordinary share (cents) | 209.88 | 178.61 | 192.05 |
| Ordinary share price (cents)1 | 192.96 | 166.30 | 175.76 |
| Net asset value per ordinary share (pence) | 166.14 | 144.45 | 157.35 |
| Ordinary share price (pence) | 152.75 | 134.50 | 144.00 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= |
1 The Company’s share price is quoted in British Pound Sterling and the above represents the US Dollar equivalent, based on an exchange rate of US$1.2633 to £1 at 31 March 2024 (31 March 2023: US$1.2365 to £1; 30 September 2023: US$1.2206 to £1).
10. Called up share capital
|
| Ordinary |
|
|
|
| Allotted, called up and fully paid share capital comprised: |
|
|
|
|
| Ordinary shares of 1 cent each: |
|
|
|
|
| At 30 September 2023 | 189,325,748 | 52,497,053 | 241,822,801 | 2,418 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| At 31 March 2024 | 189,325,748 | 52,497,053 | 241,822,801 | 2,418 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
The Company also has in issue 50,000 management shares which carry the right to a fixed cumulative preferred dividend. Additional information is given in note 14 to the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2023.
During the six months ended 31 March 2024, the Company did not issue or buy back any ordinary shares (six months ended 31 March 2023 and year ended 30 September 2023: none).
Since 31 March 2024 and up to the date of this report, no ordinary shares have been issued or bought back.
11. Reserves
The share premium account and capital redemption reserve are not distributable reserves under the Companies Act 2006. In accordance with ICAEW Technical Release 02/17BL on Guidance on Realised and Distributable Profits under the Companies Act 2006, the special reserve and capital reserve may be used as distributable reserves for all purposes and, in particular, the repurchase by the Company of its ordinary shares and for payments such as dividends. In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, the special reserve, capital reserve and revenue reserve may be distributed by way of dividend. The gain on the capital reserve arising on the revaluation of investments of US$42,703,000 (six months ended 31 March 2023: gain of US$2,665,000; year ended 30 September 2023: gain of US$4,388,000) is subject to fair value movements and may not be readily realisable at short notice, as such it may not be entirely distributable. The investments are subject to financial risks, as such capital reserves (arising on investments sold) and the revenue reserve may not be entirely distributable if a loss occurred during the realisation of these investments.
In June 2011, the Company cancelled its share premium account pursuant to shareholders’ approval of a special resolution and Court approval on 17 June 2011. The share premium account, which totalled US$142,704,000 was transferred to a special reserve.
In November 2013, the Company cancelled its share premium account pursuant to shareholders’ approval of a special resolution and Court approval on 6 November 2013. The share premium account, which totalled US$88,326,000 was transferred to a special reserve.
In March 2021, the Company cancelled its share premium account pursuant to shareholders’ approval of a special resolution and Court approval on 11 March 2021. The share premium account, which totalled US$165,984,000 was transferred to a special reserve.
12. Financial risks and valuation of financial instruments
The Company’s investment activities expose it to the various types of risk which are associated with the financial instruments and markets in which it invests. The risks are substantially consistent with those disclosed in the previous annual financial statements with the exception of those outlined below.
Market risk arising from price risk
Price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or currency risk), whether those changes are caused by factors specific to the individual financial instrument or its issuer, or factors affecting similar financial instruments traded in the market. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, climate change or other events could have a significant impact on the Company and the market price of its investments and could result in increased premiums or discounts to the Company’s net asset value.
Valuation of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are either carried in the Statement of Financial Position at their fair value (investments and derivatives) or at an amount which is a reasonable approximation of fair value (due from brokers, dividends and interest receivable, due to brokers, accruals, cash at bank and bank overdrafts). IFRS 13 requires the Company to classify fair value measurements using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of inputs used in making the measurements. The valuation techniques used by the Company are explained in the accounting policies note 2(g) as set out on page 91 of the Company’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2023.
Categorisation within the hierarchy has been determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the relevant asset.
The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:
Level 1 – Quoted market price for identical instruments in active markets
A financial instrument is regarded as quoted in an active market if quoted prices are readily available from an exchange, dealer, broker, industry group, pricing service or regulatory agency and those prices represent actual and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis. The Company does not adjust the quoted price for these instruments.
Level 2 – Valuation techniques using observable inputs
This category includes instruments valued using quoted prices for similar instruments in markets that are considered less than active, or other valuation techniques where all significant inputs are directly or indirectly observable from market data.
Valuation techniques used for non–standardised financial instruments such as options, currency swaps and other over–the– counter derivatives include the use of comparable recent arm’s length transactions, reference to other instruments that are substantially the same, discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models and other valuation techniques commonly used by market participants making the maximum use of market inputs and relying as little as possible on entity specific inputs.
As at the period end the CFDs were valued using the underlying equity bid price and the inputs to the valuation were the exchange rates used to convert the CFD valuation from the relevant local currency in which the underlying equity was priced to US Dollars at the period end date. There have been no changes to the valuation technique since the previous year or as at the date of this report.
Contracts for difference and forward currency contracts have been classified as Level 2 investments as their valuation has been based on market observable inputs represented by the market prices of the underlying quoted securities to which these contracts expose the Company.
Level 3 – Valuation techniques using significant unobservable inputs
This category includes all instruments where the valuation technique includes inputs not based on market data and these inputs could have a significant impact on the instrument’s valuation.
This category also includes instruments that are valued based on quoted prices for similar instruments where significant entity determined adjustments or assumptions are required to reflect differences between the instruments and instruments for which there is no active market. The Investment Manager considers observable data to be that market data that is readily available, regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable, not proprietary and provided by independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant market.
The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorised in its entirety is determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. If a fair value measurement uses observable inputs that require significant adjustment based on unobservable inputs, that measurement is a Level 3 measurement.
Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgement, considering factors specific to the asset or liability including an assessment of the relevant risks including but not limited to credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, business risk and sustainability risk. The determination of what constitutes ‘observable’ inputs requires significant judgement by the Investment Manager and these risks are adequately captured in the assumptions and inputs used in measurement of Level 3 assets or liabilities.
Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities
For exchange listed equity investments, the quoted price is the bid price. Substantially, all investments are valued based on unadjusted quoted market prices. Where such quoted prices are readily available in an active market, such prices are not required to be assessed or adjusted for any business risks, including climate risk, in accordance with the fair value related requirements of the Company’s financial reporting framework.
The table below sets out fair value measurements using the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy.
|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
| Assets: |
|
|
|
|
| Equity investments | 360,408 | – | – | 360,408 |
| Cash Fund | 49,538 | – | – | 49,538 |
| Contracts for difference (fair value) | – | 1,347 | – | 1,347 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
| Contracts for difference (fair value) | – | (3,767) | – | (3,767) |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
|
| 409,946 | (2,420) | – | 407,526 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
| Assets: |
|
|
|
|
| Equity investments | 259,875 | – | – | 259,875 |
| Cash Fund | 75,824 | – | – | 75,824 |
| Contracts for difference (fair value) | – | 3,997 | – | 3,997 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
| Contracts for difference (fair value) | – | (1,148) | – | (1,148) |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
|
| 335,699 | 2,849 | – | 338,548 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
| Assets: |
|
|
|
|
| Equity investments | 309,642 | – | – | 309,642 |
| Cash Fund | 64,875 | – | – | 64,875 |
| Contracts for difference (fair value) | – | 1,402 | – | 1,402 |
|
| --------------- | --------------- | --------------- | --------------- |
| Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
| Contracts for difference (fair value) | – | (3,234) | – | (3,234) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 374,517 | (1,832) | – | 372,685 |
|
| ========= | ========= | ========= | ========= |
There were no transfers between levels of financial assets and financial liabilities during the six months ended 31 March 2024 (six months ended 31 March 2023: none; year ended 30 September 2023: none).
The Company held no Level 3 assets or liabilities during the six months ended 31 March 2024 (six months ended 31 March 2023: none; year ended 30 September 2023: none).
13. Related party disclosure
Directors’ emoluments
The Board consists of five non–executive Directors, all of whom are considered to be independent of the Manager by the Board. None of the Directors has a service contract with the Company. With effect from 1 October 2023, the Chair receives an annual fee of £44,000, the Chair of the Audit and Management Engagement Committee receives an annual fee of £36,750 and each of the other Directors receives an annual fee of £32,000.
As at 31 March 2024, an amount of US$19,000 (£15,000) was outstanding in respect of Directors’ fees (31 March 2023: US$21,000 (£17,000); 30 September 2023: US$20,000 (£17,000)).
At the period end, members of the Board, including any connected persons, held ordinary shares in the Company as set out below:
|
| Ordinary shares |
| Katrina Hart (Chair)1 | 48,350 |
| Elisabeth Airey | 75,000 |
| Hatem Dowidar | Nil |
| Lucy Taylor–Smith | 10,122 |
| Stephen White | 30,000 |
|
| ========= |
1 11,336 ordinary shares are held on behalf of Mrs Hart’s dependents.
Since the period end and up to the date of this report there have been no changes in Directors’ holdings.
The transactions with the Investment Manager and AIFM are stated in note 14.
Significant holdings
The following investors are:
a. funds managed by the BlackRock Group or are affiliates of BlackRock Inc. (Related BlackRock Funds); or
b. investors (other than those listed in (a) above) who held more than 20% of the voting shares in issue in the Company and are as a result, considered to be related parties to the Company (Significant Investors).
As at 31 March 2024
|
| Total % of shares held by Significant | Number of Significant Investors who |
| 4.9 | n/a | n/a |
|
| ========= | ========= |
As at 30 September 2023
|
| Total % of shares held by Significant | Number of Significant Investors who |
| 4.1 | n/a | n/a |
|
| ========= | ========= |
As at 31 March 2023
|
| Total % of shares held by Significant | Number of Significant Investors who |
| 8.1 | n/a | n/a |
|
| ========= | ========= |
14. Transactions with the Investment Manager and AIFM
BlackRock Fund Managers Limited (BFM) provides management and administration services to the Company under a contract which is terminable on six months’ notice. BFM has (with the Company’s consent) delegated certain portfolio and risk management services, and other ancillary services, to BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited (BIM (UK)). Further details of this investment management contract are disclosed on page 50 of the Directors’ Report in the Company’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2023.
The investment management fee due for the six months ended 31 March 2024 amounted to US$2,059,000 (six months ended 31 March 2023: US$1,786,000; year ended 30 September 2023: US$3,783,000). The performance fee accrued for the six months ended 31 March 2024 is US$3,962,000 (six months ended 31 March 2023: US$2,763,000; year ended 30 September 2023: US$8,272,000).
At the period end, US$2,059,000 was outstanding in respect of management fees (31 March 2023: US$2,669,000; 30 September 2023: US$2,902,000) and US$12,234,000 was accrued in respect of performance fees of which £8,272,000 had crystallised and fallen due for the year ended 30 September 2023 (31 March 2023: US$2,763,000; 30 September 2023: US$8,272,000). Any final performance fee for the full year ending 30 September 2024 will not crystallise and fall due until the calculation date of 30 September 2024.
In addition to the above services, BIM (UK) has provided the Company with marketing services. The total fees paid or payable for these services to 31 March 2024 amounted to US$64,000 excluding VAT (six months ended 31 March 2023: US$50,000; year ended 30 September 2023: US$90,000). Marketing fees of US$207,000 excluding VAT (31 March 2023: US$103,000; 30 September 2023: US$143,000) were outstanding as at 31 March 2024.
The Company has an investment in the BlackRock Institutional Cash Series plc – US Dollar Liquid Environmentally Aware Fund (Cash Fund) of US$49,538,000 as at 31 March 2024, which is a fund managed by a company within the BlackRock Group (31 March 2023: US$75,824,000; 30 September 2023: US$64,875,000). The Company’s investment in the Cash Fund is held in a share class on which no management fees are paid to BlackRock to avoid double dipping.
The ultimate holding company of the Manager and the Investment Manager is BlackRock, Inc., a company incorporated in Delaware, USA.
15. Contingent liabilities
There were no contingent liabilities at 31 March 2024 (six months ended 31 March 2023: none; year ended 30 September 2023: none).
16. Publication of non statutory accounts
The financial information contained in this half yearly report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the six months ended 31 March 2024 and 31 March 2023 has not been audited.
The information for the year ended 30 September 2023 has been extracted from the latest published audited financial statements which have been filed with the Registrar of Companies, unless otherwise stated. The report of the auditors on those accounts contained no qualifications or statement under Sections 498(2) or 498 (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
17. Annual results
The Board expects to announce the annual results for the year ending 30 September 2024 in early December 2024.
Copies of the annual results announcement can be obtained from the Secretary on 020 7743 3000 or at cosec@blackrock.com. The Annual Report should be available by late December 2024 with the Annual General Meeting being held in February 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Sarah Beynsberger, Director, Investment Trusts, BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
Tel: 020 7743 3000
Press enquiries:
Lansons Communications
Email: BlackRockInvestmentTrusts@lansons.com
Tel: 020 7490 8828
30 May 2024
12 Throgmorton Avenue
London EC2N 2DL
END
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