Half-yearly Report

City Merchants High Yield Trust Limited

Half-Yearly Financial Report for the Six Months to 30 June 2015

Key Facts

City Merchants High Yield Trust Limited is a Jersey incorporated investment company listed on the London Stock Exchange. The Company commenced trading on 2 April 2012 as a successor company to City Merchants High Yield Trust plc.

Investment Objective

The Company’s investment objective is to seek to obtain both high income and capital growth from investment, predominantly in high-yielding fixed-interest securities.

Investment Policy

The Company seeks to provide a high level of dividend income relative to prevailing interest rates mainly through investment in bonds and other fixed-interest securities. The Company also invests in equities and other equity-like investments consistent with the overall objective.

Performance Statistics

FOR SIX MONTHS TO
30 JUN 2015
YEAR ENDED
31 DEC 2014
Total Return
 Net asset value +2.9% +5.0%
 Share price* +1.5% +8.5%
Dividend for the period/year 5p 10p

Period End Information

AT 30 JUN 2015 At 31 DEC 2014
Net asset value per share 183.71p 183.40p
Share price* 187.00p 189.25p
Premium per share 1.8% 3.2%
Gearing
 Gross gearing nil  nil
 Net cash 6.3% 6.5%

* Source: Thomson Reuters Datastream.

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INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT INCORPORATING THE CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Chairman’s Statement

I am pleased to report that the Company has continued to perform satisfactorily through the first half of 2015.

In the six months to 30 June 2015, the net asset value (‘NAV’) total return was +2.9% which compares favourably with the average return of +2.15% from the funds in the Investment Association Sterling Strategic Bond sector.

In addition, the Company continues to produce an attractive level of income for shareholders, the first and second interim dividends for this year, each of 2.5p, remain in line with our target of matching last year’s total dividends.

The Manager’s Investment Report provides some background on how this was achieved and how the portfolio is positioned.

In the last annual report I remarked that demand for the Company’s shares in 2014 had been strong and as a result the Company’s shares had traded at a premium to NAV. This has continued in the six months to 30 June 2015 and allowed the Company to issue another 3,250,000 shares to satisfy demand. The average price of these issues was 188.99p per share. Altogether, this represents £6.1 million of capital raised in the first half of this year and has enhanced net assets by approximately £22,000, after costs. A further 700,000 shares have been issued to the date of this report.

The Board believes the portfolio remains well-positioned to continue to provide an attractive level of income for shareholders with some limited potential for capital appreciation.

Clive Nicholson

Chairman

19 August 2015


 

Manager’s Investment Report

Market Background

The European high yield bond market delivered positive returns in the first half of the year as the sector’s relatively high level of income offset a negative capital return.

At the start of the year the ECB’s decision to implement QE dominated market sentiment. Although it was widely expected, the scale of the programme announced exceeded the market’s expectations and bonds rallied strongly as a result. Returns in the high yield sector, which tend to be positively correlated to economic growth, were further boosted by signs of improvement in the Eurozone economy.

After rallying in anticipation of QE, the actual start of the programme in March saw high yield bond prices come under pressure from profit taking, with yields across the sector rising. The biggest impact on performance however came from the sharp rise in German Bund yields. From 20 April through to 30 June 2015 the yield on the ten year Bund rose by over 75bps. Although interest rate sensitivity is typically more associated with investment grade bonds the extent of the move, coupled with very low yields and longer maturities in the high yield sector, heightened its impact.

Rumbling on in the background over the six month period were the Greek government’s attempts to renegotiate the terms of its bailout. At times these negotiations were extremely acrimonious with widespread talk of Greece leaving the Eurozone. Despite the huge political significance the impact on financial markets outside of Greece has been, so far at least, muted, with very little sign of the contagion that affected markets in 2011/12. That said, the uncertainty did have a negative impact on overall sentiment, adding to selling pressure on high yield bonds, particularly through June.

According to data from Merrill Lynch, the total return for European high yield bonds in the first half of 2015 was 2.4% (in sterling hedged terms). The aggregate yield for the sector rose 27bps to 5.15%. By comparison, sterling investment grade bonds returned –1.0% and Gilts returned –1.4%.

High yield issuance has reflected the changing dynamic of the market. Through to the end of March, issuance was very strong with Barclays estimating €38 billion of issuance, a 54% year–on–year increase. However, for the next three months, as yields rose issuance dropped off, with year to date total supply across all currencies by 30 June of €61.6 billion, a 15% year–on–year fall.

Portfolio Strategy

The NAV of the Company ended June 2015 at 183.71p, up from 183.4p at the close of 2014. The Company paid a total dividend of 5p over the period. The NAV total return for the period was 2.9%.

Overall we are defensive with a relatively high allocation to cash. This defensive position helps to offset the credit risk in the portfolio while also enabling us to quickly exploit any investment opportunities which arise in periods of market stress. The portfolio holds a core of high yield corporate bonds, focused on seasoned issuers that we consider to be default-remote. In addition, we have significant exposure to areas of the market which we believe still offer relatively attractive yield. Approximately one fifth of the portfolio is invested in bank capital, predominantly in the subordinated debt of large European banks. Banks have come a long way since the financial crisis in repairing their balance sheets. This has been highlighted both by the successful stress tests late last year and the way the banking sector as a whole held up during the recent Greek crisis. In our view this sector continues to pay a relatively attractive level of income for the risk. Elsewhere we also have holdings in hybrid capital instruments, across sectors including telecoms and utilities. We believe the subordination risk of these more junior debt instruments is attractive in the context of the companies’ relatively strong balance sheets.

Outlook

We remain cautious in our outlook and retain an overall defensive stance in the portfolio. While default rates are low and likely to remain low for the next couple of years, the enhanced returns potentially available for taking a high level of credit risk is poor. That said there are pockets of value, particularly within the financial sector and corporate hybrids. The periodic bouts of volatility we are seeing are presenting some opportunities but these are limited and, in our view, it remains very important to be selective. In this low yield environment we remain focused on seeking to deliver an attractive level of income.

Paul Read  Paul Causer      Rhys Davies

Portfolio Managers              Deputy Portfolio Manager

19 August 2015


 

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The principal risk factors relating to the Company can be summarised as follows:

–   Investment Objective – there is no guarantee that the Company’s investment objective will be achieved or will provide the returns sought by the Company.

–   Investment Risk – material changes affecting global capital markets may have a negative effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The poor performance of any individual portfolio investment has a negative effect on the value of the portfolio and consequently the Net Asset Value (NAV) per share. A majority of the portfolio comprises high–yield fixed-interest securities – these are subject to credit, interest rate, liquidity and duration risks, and a significant proportion of these are non–investment grade securities.

–   Foreign Exchange Risk – the movement of exchange rates may have unfavourable or favourable impact on returns as the majority of the assets are non-sterling.

–   Derivatives – the Company may enter into derivative transactions for efficient portfolio management. Derivative instruments can be highly volatile and expose investors to a high risk of loss.

–   Dividends – the ability of the Company to pay dividends is dependent on the level of income generated from the portfolio.

–   Ordinary Shares and Discount – the shares may trade at a discount to NAV and shareholders may be unable to realise their investment through the secondary market at NAV. The existence of a liquid market in the shares cannot be guaranteed.

–   Gearing of Returns through Borrowings – performance may be geared by means of the Company’s credit facility. Whilst gearing will be used with the aim of enhancing returns on the portfolio when the value of the Company’s assets is rising, it will have the opposite effect when the value is falling. There is no guarantee that any credit facility would be renewable at maturity on terms acceptable to the Company.

–   Operational Risk, including Reliance on Third Party Providers – failure by any service provider to carry out its obligations in accordance with the terms of its appointment could have a materially detrimental impact on the effective operation of the Company and on the ability of the Company to pursue its investment policy successfully.

–   Regulatory and Tax Related – whilst compliance with rules and regulations is closely monitored, breaches could affect returns to shareholders. Changes to regulation or to the Company’s tax status or tax treatment might adversely affect the Company.

In the view of the Board, these principal risks and uncertainties are as applicable to the remaining six months of the financial year as they were to the period under review.

RELATED PARTIES AND TRANSACTIONS WITH THE MANAGER

Note 22 of the 2014 annual financial report gives details of related party transactions and transactions with the Manager. The basis of these has not changed for the six months being reported. The 2014 annual financial report is available on the Company’s section of the Manager’s website at www.invescoperpetual.co.uk/citymerchants.

GOING CONCERN

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis. The Directors consider that going concern is the appropriate basis as they have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. In reaching this conclusion, the Directors have taken into account the Company’s investment objective, its risk management policies, the diversified nature of its investment portfolio, the borrowing facility which can be used to meet short–term funding requirements, the liquidity of most of its investments which could be used to repay any borrowings in the event that the facility could not be renewed or replaced and the ability of the Company to meet all of its liabilities and ongoing expenses.

BOND RATING ANALYSIS (STANDARD AND POOR'S RATINGS)

The definitions of these ratings are set out on page 60 of the 2014 annual financial report.

30 JUN 2015 31 DEC 2014
% OF CUMULATIVE % OF CUMULATIVE
Rating PORTFOLIO TOTAL % PORTFOLIO TOTAL %
Investment Grade:
A– 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
BBB+ 3.6 4.4 6.5 7.3
BBB 7.9 12.3 6.3 13.6
BBB– 2.6 14.9 3.4 17.0
Non-investment Grade:
BB+ 11.9 26.8 14.9 31.9
BB 6.1 32.9 6.6 38.5
BB– 12.3 45.2 5.4 43.9
B+ 14.1 59.3 16.8 60.7
B 12.1 71.4 10.2 70.9
B– 2.9 74.3 3.6 74.5
CCC+ 6.3 80.6 5.1 79.6
CCC 0.2 80.8 0.2 79.8
NR (including equity) 19.2 100.0 20.2 100.0
100.0 100.0

DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

in respect of the preparation of the half-yearly financial report.­

The Directors are responsible for preparing the financial report, using accounting policies consistent with applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards.

The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

–   the condensed set of financial statements contained within the half–yearly financial report have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards 34 ‘Interim Financial Reporting’;

–   the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R and DTR 4.2.8R of the FCA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules; and

–   the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required on related party transactions.

The half-yearly financial report has not been audited or reviewed by the Company’s auditor.

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors.


Clive Nicholson

Chairman

19 August 2015

THIRTY LARGEST INVESTMENTS AT 30 JUNE 2015

ISSUER/ISSUE MOODY/S&P
RATING
INDUSTRY COUNTRY OF
INCORPORATION
MARKET
VALUE
£’000
% OF
PORTFOLIO
Lloyds Banking Group
  â€“ Lloyds Bank &
  â€“ LBG Capital Financials UK
7.875% Var Perpetual NR/BB–  4,113
7% Var Perpetual NR/BB–  3,078
7,191 5.09
Aviva Financials UK
6.125% Perpetual Baa1/BBB  3,824
8.875% Preference NR/NR  1,575
5,399 3.82
Société Genérale Financials France
8.875% FRN Perpetual Ba2/BB+  4,554  3.22
Premier Farnell Industrials UK
89.2p Convertible Preference NR/NR  4,129 2.92
General Motors Consumer Goods USA
Wts 10 Jul 2019 Equity 4,056  2.87
Credit Agricole Financials France
7.589% FRN Perpetual Ba2/BB+  2,365
7.5% Var Perpetual NR/NR  904
8.125% FRN Perpetual Ba2/BB+  562
 3,831 2.71
Telefonica Europe Telecommunications Netherlands
6.75% Perpetual Ba1/BB+  2,203
5.875% Perpetual Ba1/BB+  1,052
 3,255 2.30
Iron Mountain Financials USA
6.125% 15 Sep 2022 Ba2/B+  2,000
6.75% 15 Oct 2018 B2/B–  1,235
 3,235 2.29
Twinkle Pizza Consumer Services UK
6.625% 01 Aug 2021 B2/B  1,960
8.625% 01 Aug 2022 Caa1/CCC+  1,244
 3,204 2.27
Standard Chartered Financials UK
5.125% 06 Jun 2034 A2/BBB  1,835
5.7% 26 Mar 2044 A2/BBB  1,296
 3,131 2.22
Balfour Beatty Industrials UK
10.75p Convertible Preference NR/NR 2,844 2.01
Intesa Sanpaolo Financials Italy
8.375% FRN Perpetual Ba3/B+  2,709 1.92
Enterprise Inns Consumer Goods UK
6.5% 06 Dec 2018 (SNR) NR/BB–  2,642 1.87
Abengoa Oil and Gas Spain
8.5% 31 Mar 2016 B2/B+  1,464
8.875% 05 Feb 2018 (SNR) B2/B+  745
7.75% 01 Feb 2020 (SNR) B2/B+  316
 2,525 1.79
Enel Utilities Italy
7.75% 10 Sep 2075 Ba1/BB+  1,554
6.625% 15 Sep 2076 Ba1/BB+  786
 2,340 1.66
Barclays Financials UK
9.25% Perpetual Ba1/BB+  1,200
7% Perpetual NR/B+ 975
2,175 1.54
Citigroup Capital Financials USA
6.829% FRN Ba1/BB 2,140 1.51
28 Jun 2067
Premier Foods Finance Consumer Goods UK
6.5% 15 Mar 2021 (SNR) B2/B  2,118 1.50
Constellium Basic Materials Netherlands
7% 15 Jan 2012 (SNR) B1/B  710
8% 15 Jan 2023 B1/B 668
4.625% 15 May 2021 B1/B 452
5.75% 15 May 2024 B1/B  283
 2,113 1.50
REA Finance Consumer Goods Netherlands
9.5% 31 Dec 2017 NR/NR  2,090 1.48
Koninklijke KPN Telecommunications Netherlands
6.875% FRN Ba2/BB  2,072 1.47
14 Mar 2073
Electricite De France Utilities France
6% Perpetual Baa1/BBB  1,316
5.875% Perpetual Baa1/BBB  596
 1,912 1.35
Gala Finance Industrials UK
8.875% 01 Sep 2018 B1/B+ 1,884 1.33
Marfrig Consumer Goods Netherlands
8.375% 09 May 2018 B2/B+  1,327
9.5% 04 May 2020 (SNR) B2/B+  312
6.875% 24 June 2019 (SNR) B2/B+ 242
 1,881 1.33
Catlin Insurance Financials USA
7.249% FRN Perpetual NR/BBB+  1,873 1.33
Chemours Basic Materials USA
6.625% 15 May 2023 B1/BB–  1,227
  (SNR)
6.125% 15 May 2023 B1/NR  557
 1,784 1.26
Obrascon Huarte Lain Industrials Spain
5.5% 15 Mar 2023 (SNR) B1/NR  1,583 1.12
Santos Finance Oil and Gas Australia
8.25% FRN 22 Sep 2070 NR/BBB–  1,530 1.08
TMF Financials Netherlands
9.875% 01 Dec 2019 Caa1/CCC+  1,520 1.08
Origin Energy Utilities Australia
7.875% 16 Jun 2071 Ba1/BB  1,518 1.07
83,238 58.91
Other investments 58,093 41.09
Total investments 141,331 100.00

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CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

STATED
CAPITAL
£’000
CAPITAL
RESERVE
£’000
REVENUE
RESERVE
£’000
TOTAL
£’000
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2015
At 31 December 2014 128,209 17,610 2,392 148,211
Net proceeds from issue of new shares 6,070 — — 6,070
Total comprehensive income for the period — 13 4,217 4,230
Dividends paid – note 4 (25) — (4,059) (4,084)
At 30 June 2015  134,254 17,623 2,550 154,427
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2014
At 31 December 2013 113,410 18,368 2,239 134,017
Net proceeds from issue of new shares  9,479 — —  9,479
Total comprehensive income for the period — 2,541 3,512 6,053
Dividends paid – note 4 (98) — (3,634) (3,732)
At 30 June 2014 122,791 20,909 2,117 145,817

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CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO
30 JUN 2015
FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO
30 JUN 2014
REVENUE
£’000
CAPITAL
£’000
TOTAL
£’000
REVENUE
£’000
CAPITAL
£’000
TOTAL
£’000
(Loss)/profit on investments held at fair value — (2,989) (2,989) — 1,153 1,153
Exchange differences — (343) (343) — (241) (241)
Profit on derivative financial instruments – currency hedges — 3,554 3,554 — 1,822 1,822
Income – note 5 4,875 — 4,875 4,126 — 4,126
4,875 222 5,097 4,126 2,734 6,860
Investment management fee – note 2 (376) (202) (578) (346) (186) (532)
Other expenses (199) — (199) (188) — (188)
Profit before finance costs and taxation 4,300 20 4,320 3,592 2,548 6,140
Finance costs (14) (7) (21) (12) (7) (19)
Profit before tax 4,286 13 4,299 3,580 2,541 6,121
Taxation (69) — (69) (68) — (68)
Profit after tax 4,217 13 4,230 3,512 2,541 6,053
Return per ordinary share 5.1p 0.0p 5.1p 4.7p 3.4p 8.1p
Weighted average number of shares in issue 82,263,980 75,185,220

The total column of this statement represents the Company’s statement of comprehensive income, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. The profit after tax is the total comprehensive income. The supplementary revenue and capital columns are presented for information in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice issued by the Association of Investment Companies. All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations and the Company has no other gains or losses. No operations were acquired or discontinued in the period.


 

.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

Registered in Jersey No. 109714

AT
30 JUN 2015
£’000
AT
31 DEC 2014
£’000
Non-current assets
  Investments held at fair value through profit or loss 141,331 135,749
Current assets
  Other receivables – accrued income 2,598 2,833
  Derivative financial instruments
    â€“ unrealised profit on forward currency contracts 1,165 466
  Cash and cash equivalents 9,706 9,577
13,469 12,876
Total assets 154,800 148,625
Current liabilities
  Other payables (373) (414)
Net assets 154,427 148,211
Capital and reserves
  Stated capital – note 6 134,254 128,209
  Capital reserve 17,623 17,610
  Revenue reserve 2,550 2,392
Shareholders’ funds 154,427 148,211
Net asset value per ordinary share 183.71p 183.40p
Number of shares in issue at the period end – note 6 84,062,459 80,812,459

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CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW

SIX MONTHS TO
30 JUN 2015
£’000
SIX MONTHS  TO
30 JUN 2014
£’000
Cash flow from operating activities
Profit before tax 4,299 6,121
Taxation (69) (68)
Adjustment for:
  Purchases of investments (26,520) (42,388)
  Sales of investments 17,950 33,918
(8,570) (8,470)
Loss/(profit) on investments 2,989 (1,153)
Exchange differences (51) 241
Cash outflow on derivative financial instruments (699) (683)
Finance costs 21 19
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital (2,080) (3,993)
Decrease/(increase) in receivables 235 (78)
(Decrease)/increase in payables (41) 10
Net cash flows from operating activities before and after tax (1,886) (4,061)
Cash flow from financing activities
Finance costs paid (22) (20)
Net proceeds from issue of shares 6,070 9,479
Equity dividends paid – note 4 (4,084) (3,732)
Net cash flows from financing activities 1,964 5,727
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 78 1,666
Exchange differences 51 (241)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 9,577 7,365
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 9,706 8,790

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NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL RESULTS

1. Basis of Preparation

The condensed financial statements have been prepared using the same accounting policies as those adopted in the 2014 annual financial report. They have been prepared on an historical cost basis, except for the measurements at fair value of investments and derivatives, and in accordance with the applicable International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee as adopted by the European Union.

Where presentational guidance set out in the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP): Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts’ is consistent with the requirements of IFRS, the Directors have sought to prepare the financial statements on a basis compliant with the recommendations of the SORP.

2.  Management Fee

Investment management fees and finance costs are allocated 35% to capital and 65% to revenue. The management fee is payable quarterly in arrear and is equal to 0.1875% of the value of the Company’s total assets under management less current liabilities at the end of each relevant quarter. In addition, the Manager is paid a fixed administration fee of £24,400, based on £22,500 plus RPI per annum.

3.  Taxation

The Company is subject to Jersey income tax at the rate of 0% (2014: 0%). The overseas tax charge consists of irrecoverable withholding tax.

4.  Dividends Paid


SIX MONTHS TO

30 JUN 2015

30 JUN 2014
PENCE £’000 PENCE £’000
Interim in respect of previous period 2.5 2,020 2.5 1,828
First interim 2.5 2,064 2.5 1,904
Second interim — —— —
Third interim — — — —
5.0 4,084 5.0 3,732

Dividends paid in the period have been charged to revenue except for £25,000 (six months to 30 June 2014: £98,000) which was charged to stated capital. This amount is equivalent to the income accrued on the new shares issued in the period (see note 6).

A second interim dividend of 2.5p (2014: 2.5p) has been declared and will be paid on 21 August 2015 to ordinary shareholders on the register on 24 July 2015.

5.  Income

SIX MONTHS TO
30 JUN 2015
£’000
SIX MONTHS TO
30 JUN 2014
£’000
Investment income – interest:
  â€“ UK 1,701 1,421
  â€“ Overseas* 2,948 2,512
Dividends:
  â€“ UK 211 184
  â€“ Overseas 14 8
Deposit interest 1 1
4,875 4,126

* Income previously written off of £373,000 was received in the six months ended 30 June 2015 which equates to 0.45p per ordinary share.

6.  Stated Capital, including Movements

     Alloted ordinary shares of no par value.

SIX MONTHS TO
30 JUN 2015
YEAR TO
31 DEC 2014
Stated capital:
  Brought forward £128,209,000 £113,410,000
  Net issue proceeds £6,070,000 £14,939,000
  Dividend paid from stated capital £(25,000) £(140,000)
  Carried forward £134,254,000 £128,209,000
Number of ordinary shares:
  Brought forward 80,812,459 72,786,327
  Issued in period 3,250,000 8,026,132
  Carried forward 84,062,459 80,812,459
Per share:
– average issue price 188.99p 187.48p

Of the net issue proceeds of £6,070,000, an aggregate amount of £25,000 arose from the accrued income component of the net asset value at the date of issue of the new shares.

Subsequent to the period end 700,000 shares have been issued at an average price of 184.73p.

7.  Classification Under Fair Value Hierarchy

Note 19 of the 2014 annual financial report sets out the basis of classification.

There were no Level 3 holdings at any period end, and the total (not shown) is therefore the aggregate of Level 1 and Level 2.

AT 30 JUN 2015 AT 31 DEC 2014
LEVEL 1
£’000
LEVEL 2
£’000
LEVEL 1
£’000
LEVEL 2
£’000
Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss:
Fixed interest securities(1) — 125,786 — 117,715
Convertibles — 1,660 — 3,430
Preference 2,856 — 2,809 —
Convertible Preference 6,973 — 6,824 —
Warrants 4,056 — 4,971 —
13,885 127,446 14,604 121,145
Derivative financial instruments:
  Currency hedges — 1,165 — 466
Total for financial assets 13,885 128,611 14,604 121,611

(1)   Fixed interest securities include both fixed and floating rate securities.

8.  Status of Half-yearly Financial Report

The financial information contained in this half-yearly financial report has not been audited by the Company’s auditor and does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Article 104 of Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. The financial information for the half year ended 30 June 2014 has not been audited. The figures and financial information for the year ended 31 December 2014 are extracted and abridged from the latest published accounts and do not constitute the statutory accounts for that year.

By order of the Board

R&H Fund Services (Jersey) Limited
Company Secretary

19 August 2015

UK 100

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