Final Results

Keystone Investment Trust plc Unaudited Preliminary Announcement of Final Results for the Year ended 30 September 2006 Chairman's Statement In the year to 30 September 2006, the Company's share price provided a total return of 18.5%. The total return of the net asset value per share was 19.7%. In the same period, the total return of the Company's benchmark for the purpose of performance measurement, the FTSE All-Share Total Return Index, was 14.7%. All these figures are with income reinvested. The discount of the share price relative to net asset value per share widened from 10.2% at the end of September 2005 to 11.6% at 30 September 2006. Performance 6 months One year Since appointment of current Manager on 1 January 2003 Share Price Total Return 6.4% 18.5% 144.6% NAV Total Return per share 3.8% 19.7% 121.8% FTSE All-Share Total Return 1.7% 14.7% 83.0% Index Source: Fundamental Data Invesco Asset Management started managing the Company's portfolio in January 2003 and so now have nearly 3 years under their belt. The investment manager has done an excellent job. He has had the advantage of a rising market, but has far outpaced it. The performance of the Company's shares since January 2003 is the result mainly of strong stock selection; and also of the fact that the shares now trade at a much smaller discount to net asset value than they did, this being a reflection of the market's positive view about the Manager. Gearing and investment guidelines The Company's borrowings, in the form of long-term debentures, amount to £40 million. At the year end £12 million was held in cash and certificates of deposit in order to keep the effective gearing to a level which the Board regards as sufficiently cautious. Equity exposure increased during the year from 113% of net assets to 117%. The Board sets limits for this exposure and regularly reviews them. The present position is that the Manager must make no net purchases if equity exposure is more than 120% of net assets, and has to make sales if, as a result of market movements, equity exposure goes higher than 122.5% of net assets. It is up to the investment manager to decide on exposure subject to those limits. Up to £4 million may also be held in corporate bonds. During the year under review, no such bonds were held. Dividends The Company's objective is long-term growth of capital. We know, however, that the level of the Company's dividends is important to many of its shareholders. The Board has declared a final dividend of 21.0p per share (last year 18.5p), giving a total dividend for the year of 35.0p per share, compared with 31.5p last year. Earnings per share in this year were 37.3p (2005: 32.2p). The dividend will be paid on 22 December 2006 to shareholders on the Register on 24 November 2006. Expenses The Company's total expenses, excluding performance fees, were 1.0% of average net assets in the year ended 30 September 2006. Including performance fees - which, of course, are only payable because the Manager's performance has been good - the total expense ratio was 1.8%. Reporting We try to report intelligibly and thoroughly to shareholders. This annual report is much longer than previous years' because of increased regulatory and statutory reporting requirements. This represents also a higher cost to shareholders. In order to mitigate this increase in costs we have decided in future to provide a shortened version of the interim report. However, shareholders should feel assured that we will still provide all the information that investors need. The Manager During the year the Board reviewed all aspects of the service provided by the Manager and the terms of the Manager's appointment. We are satisfied with the service and the current terms of appointment. Special Business at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) As special business of the AGM, the Board will ask shareholders to renew the Board's authority to allot up to an aggregate nominal amount of £334,200 new ordinary shares, this being 5% of the Company's issued ordinary share capital, whilst disapplying pre-emption rights. This authority, set out in Resolution 10, will expire at the AGM in 2007. Resolution 11 seeks the renewal of the Board's authority to purchase up to 2,000,000 of the Company's own shares, this being 14.99% of the issued ordinary share capital. Again, this authority will expire at the AGM in 2007. The Directors have carefully considered all the resolutions proposed in the Notice to the AGM and consider them all to be in the best interest of shareholders. The Directors recommend that shareholders vote in favour of each resolution. Outlook We believe the Company is well suited to providing, for the investor with the appropriate long-term outlook, strong returns from its portfolio of equities. No manager, however excellent, does well all the time, but we are as confident as we were when we appointed Invesco Asset Management that we have an investment manager who, in the long term, will fulfil the Company's objectives. My fellow Directors and I look forward to seeing investors at the AGM of the Company on 21 December 2006, where there will be an opportunity to meet and question the investment manager. Richard Oldfield Chairman 16 November 2006 Income Statement (Unaudited) for the year ended 30 September 2006 2005 Restated* Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Gains on investments - 26,355 26,355 - 35,123 35,123 Loss on certificates of - (27) (27) - - - deposit Foreign exchange gains/ - 753 753 - (78) (78) (losses) Special dividends - - - - 21 21 Income 6,477 - 6,477 5,737 - 5,737 Investment management fees (329) (2,118) (2,447) (275) (2,968) (3,243) Other expenses (295) - (295) (285) - (285) Net return before finance 5,853 24,963 30,816 5,177 32,098 37,275 costs and taxation Finance costs (771) (2,278) (3,049) (771) (2,278) (3,049) Return on ordinary activities 5,082 22,685 27,767 4,406 29,820 34,226 before tax Tax on ordinary activities (98) - (98) (91) - (91) Return on ordinary activities 4,984 22,685 27,669 4,315 29,820 34,135 after tax for the financial year Return per ordinary share 37.3p 169.7p 207.0p 32.2p 223.1p 255.3p Basic *Restated for new UK Accounting Standards. The total column of this statement represents the Company's profit and loss account, prepared in accordance with UK Accounting Standards. The supplementary revenue and capital columns are both prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies (formerly known as Association of Investment Trust Companies). All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations and the Company has no other gains or losses. Therefore no statement of recognised gains or losses is presented. No operations were acquired or discontinued in the year. Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders' Fund (Unaudited) for the year ended 30 September Called Share Capital Capital Capital up Share Premium Redemption Reserve- Reserve- Revenue Capital Account Reserve Realised Unrealised Reserve Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Balance as at 1 October 2004 (as previously 6,685 1,258 466 85,664 13,697 3,454 111,224 stated) Adjustments for investments at - - - - (284) - (284) fair value (1) Adjustments to debenture cost amortised on - - 58 - 20 78 effective basis(2) Add final dividend - - - - - 2,307 2,307 for 2004(3) Restated balance as 6,685 1,258 466 85,722 13,413 5,781 113,325 at 1 October 2004 Final dividend for - - - - - (2,307) (2,307) 2004(3) Net return on ordinary activities - - - 10,442 19,378 4,315 34,135 Interim dividend - - - - - (1,738) (1,738) paid in 2005 Restated balance as 6,685 1,258 466 96,164 32,791 6,051 143,415 at 30 September 2005 Final dividend for - - - - - (2,473) (2,473) 2005(4) Interim dividend - - - - - (1,872) (1,872) paid in 2006 Net return on ordinary activities per the Income - - - 14,762 7,923 4,984 27,669 Statement Balance as at 30 6,685 1,258 466 110,926 40,714 6,690 166,739 September 2006 *Restated for new UK Accounting Standards. (1) Investments have been valued at bid price. Previously these were valued at mid-market price. (2) Debentures are recognised at amortised cost on an effective interest basis (previously at amortised cost on a straight line basis). (3) The final proposed dividend for the year ended 30 September 2004 was declared and paid in the year ended 30 September 2005. (4) The final proposed dividend for the year ended 30 September 2005 was declared and paid in the year ended 30 September 2006. Balance Sheet (Unaudited) as at 30 September 2006 2005 Restated* £'000 £'000 Fixed assets Investments held at fair value 195,162 162,050 through profit or loss Current assets Certificates of deposit 9,970 - Debtors 3,382 595 Cash and cash funds 1,950 23,667 15,302 24,262 Creditors: amounts falling due (3,126) (2,230) within one year Net current assets 12,176 22,032 Total assets less current 207,338 184,082 liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year (39,784) (39,770) Provisions (815) (897) Net assets 166,739 143,415 Capital and reserves Called up share capital 6,685 6,685 Share premium account 1,258 1,258 Capital redemption reserve 466 466 Other reserves: Capital reserves - realised 110,926 96,164 Capital reserves - unrealised 40,714 32,791 Revenue reserve 6,690 6,051 Shareholders' funds 166,739 143,415 Net asset value per ordinary share Basic 1,247.2p 1,072.8p *Restated for new UK Accounting Standards. Cash Flow Statement (Unaudited) for the year ended 30 September 2006 2005 Restated * £'000 £'000 Cash inflow from operating activities 2,694 3,359 Servicing of finance (3,033) (3,033) Capital expenditure and financial (17,741) 3,303 investment Equity dividends paid (4,345) (4,045) Net cash outflow before management of liquid resources and financing (22,425) (416) Management of liquid resources 21,717 287 Decrease in cash (708) (129) Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt Decrease in cash (708) (129) Cashflow from movement in liquid resources (21,717) (287) Exchange movements 757 (51) Debenture stock non-cash movement (14) (14) Movement in net debt in the year (21,682) (481) Net debt at beginning of year (16,152) (15,671) Net debt at end of year (37,834) (16,152) *Restated for new UK Accounting Standards Notes to the Preliminary Announcement 1. Accounting policies A summary of the principal accounting policies, all of which have been applied consistently throughout the year, is set out below. (a) Basis of Preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice ("UK GAAP") and with the Statement of Recommended Practice ("SORP") "Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies", issued by the Association of Investment Companies in December 2005. Effects of changes in new UK Accounting Standards have been disclosed below and restatements to prior year balance are shown in note 8. (b) Investments Investments, including certificates of deposit, are recognised on the date they are traded and are classified as fair value through profit or loss. As the Company's business is investing in financial assets with a view to profiting from their total return in the form of interest, dividends or increases in fair value, listed equities and fixed income securities are designated as fair value through profit or loss on initial recognition. Certificates of deposits are shown as current asset investments as they have a maturity date of less than one year. Financial assets designated as at fair value through profit or loss, are measured at subsequent reporting dates at fair value, which is the bid price. Previously these were valued at mid prices. Comparatives have been restated to reflect this change as disclosed in note 8. (c) Finance costs Finance costs are accounted for on an accruals basis. The finance costs of debt are allocated 75% to capital reserve - realised and 25% to the revenue account. Debentures are recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Previously debentures were recognised at amortised cost using the straight line method. Comparatives have been restated to reflect these changes as disclosed in note 8. The 5% cumulative preference shares are now classified as a liability and therefore the dividends payable on these shares are classified as finance costs. Comparatives have been restated to reflect these changes as disclosed in note 8. (d) Dividends Following the introduction of FRS21 "Events after the Balance Sheet Date", dividends are not recognised in the accounts unless there is an obligation to pay at the balance sheet date. As a result the final dividend proposed for the year ended 30 September 2006 is disclosed in note 4. 2. Income 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 Income from investments UK dividends 5,049 3,979 Overseas dividends 672 593 STIC interest 274 692 UK unfranked investment income - interest 121 34 6,116 5,298 Other income Deposit interest 361 423 Underwriting commission - 16 361 439 Total income 6,477 5,737 Special dividends of nil (2005: £21,000) were in relation to dividends received in lieu of capital distributions. 3. Investment management fees 2006 2005 Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Investment management 280 839 1,119 234 701 935 fee Performance-related fee relating to: 31 December 2004 - - - - 1,062 1,062 31 December 2005 - 270 270 - - - Provision for performance- related fee relating to: 31 December 2005 - - - - 763 763 31 December 2006 - 693 693 - - - Irrecoverable VAT 49 316 365 41 442 483 thereon 329 2,118 2,447 275 2,968 3,243 Details of the management agreement are disclosed in the Report of the Directors in the Annual Report and Accounts. Performance-related fees are based on a calendar year. 4. Dividends 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 Dividends on equity shares paid in the year: Final dividend for 2005 of 18.50p (2004: 2,473 2,307 17.25p) Interim dividend for 2006 of 14.00p (2005: 1,872 1,738 13.00p) 4,345 4,045 We set out below the total dividend payable in respect of the financial year, which is the basis on which the requirements of Section 842 Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 are considered. 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 Dividends on equity shares in respect of the year: Interim paid 14.00p per ordinary 1,872 1,738 share (2005: 13.00p) Final dividend of 21.00p per ordinary 2,807 2,473 share (2005: 18.50p) 4,679 4,211 5. Return per ordinary share Basic revenue, capital and total return per ordinary share is based on each of the returns on ordinary activities after taxation and on 13,368,799 (2005: 13,368,799) shares being the number of shares in issue throughout the year. 6. Net asset value per ordinary share The net asset value per ordinary share and the net assets attributable at the year end were as follows: Net Asset Value Net Assets per share Attributable 2006 2005 2006 2005 Restated Restated * * pence pence £'000 £'000 Ordinary shares - Basic 1,247.2p 1,072.8p 166,739 143,415 *Restated for new UK Accounting Standards 7. Notes to the cash flow statement (a) Reconciliation of operating profit to operating cash flows 2006 2005 Restated * £'000 £'000 Total return before finance costs and 30,816 37,275 taxation Adjustment for gains on investments and (26,328) (35,123) certificates of deposit Adjustment for exchange gains/losses (753) 78 (Increase)/decrease in debtors (261) 320 (Increase)/decrease in creditors and (682) 900 provisions Tax on unfranked investment income (98) (91) Net cash inflow from operating activities 2,694 3,359 *Restated for new UK Accounting Standards 8. Restatement of balances for effects of new UK Accounting Standards (a) Balance Sheet as at 30 September 2005 Previously Reported Restated As at As at 30 30 September September 2005 Adjustments 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 Investments i 162,519 (469) 162,050 Current Assets 24,262 - 24,262 Creditors: less than one year Bank overdraft (49) - (49) Amounts due to (424) - (424) brokers Unrealised loss on (31) - (31) forward currency contracts Proposed dividend ii (2,473) 2,473 - Accruals (1,075) - (1,075) Performance related (651) - (651) fee deferred (4,703) 2,473 (2,230) Total assets less 182,078 2,004 184,082 current liabilities Creditors: more than one year Debentures iii (39,606) 86 (39,520) Cumulative preference iv - (250) (250) shares (39,606) (164) (39,770) Provisions (897) - (897) Net assets 141,575 1,840 143,415 Capital and reserves Share capital 6,685 - 6,685 Share premium 1,258 - 1,258 Capital redemption 466 - 466 reserve Capital - realised iii 96,100 64 96,164 Capital - unrealised i 33,260 (469) 32,791 Revenue reserve ii, 3,556 2,495 6,051 iii Equity Shareholders' 141,325 2,090 143,415 funds Cumulative preference iv 250 (250) - shares Total Shareholders' 141,575 1,840 143,415 funds Net asset value per 1057.1p 15.7p 1072.8p ordinary share Restatement of balances for effects of new UK Accounting Standards (continued) (b) Balance Sheet as at 30 September 2004 Previously reported Restated as at as at 30 30 September September 2004 Adjustments 2004 £'000 £'000 £'000 Investments i 130,559 (284) 130,275 Current Assets 25,248 - 25,248 Creditors: less than one year Amounts due to brokers (716) - (716) Unrealised forward (3) - (3) currency losses Amounts due to (1) - (1) subsidiary Proposed dividend ii (2,307) 2,307 - Accruals and deferred (1,031) - (1,031) income (4,058) 2,307 (1,751) Total assets less current 151,749 2,023 153,772 liabilities Creditors: more than one year Debentures iii (39,584) 78 (39,506) Cumulative preference iv - (250) (250) shares Performance related fee (408) - (408) deferred (39,992) (172) (40,164) Provisions (283) - (283) Net assets 111,474 1,851 113,325 Capital and reserves Share capital 6,685 - 6,685 Share premium 1,258 - 1,258 Capital redemption 466 - 466 reserve Capital - realised iii 85,664 59 85,723 Capital - unrealised i 13,697 (284) 13,413 Revenue reserve ii, 3,454 2,326 5,780 iii Equity Shareholders' 111,224 2,101 113,325 funds Cumulative preference iv 250 (250) - shares Total Shareholders' funds 111,474 1,851 113,325 Net asset value per 832.0p 15.7p 847.7p ordinary share (c) Income Statement for the year ended 30 September 2005 2005 Note £'000 Revenue return (as previously reported) 4,313 Capital return (as previously reported) 29,999 Total return 34,312 Adjustment for revaluation of investments to fair value: - for 30 September 2004 i 284 - for 30 September 2005 i (469) Adjustment to debenture interest on iii 8 effective interest basis Total return (restated) 34,135 Notes i Listed investments are classified as held at fair value through profit or loss, being the bid price. Previously these were carried at mid-market price. ii Dividends are not recognised until they are approved by or paid to shareholders, thus no provision is made for proposed dividends and these are added back to revenue reserves. iii Debentures, being interest bearing liabilities, are carried at amortised cost under the effective interest method. Previously these were recognised at amortised cost but using the straight line method. iv Cumulative preference shares are recognised as a liability. Previously these were recognised as non-equity share capital. The financial information set out above does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the year ended 30 September 2006 or 2005. Except as detailed in note 1 and 8, the financial information for 2005 is derived from the statutory accounts for 2005 which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors have reported on the 2005 statutory accounts and their report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under s237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. The statutory accounts for 2006 will be finalised on the basis of the information presented by the Directors in this preliminary announcement and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's Annual General Meeting. The preliminary announcement is prepared on the same basis as set out in the previous year's accounts. The audit report on the full financial statements is yet to be signed. The audited Annual Report and Accounts will be posted to shareholders shortly. Copies may be obtained during normal business hours from the Company's Registered Office, 30 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AG. A final dividend of 21.0p per share is recommended for payment on 22 December 2006 to shareholders on the register of members on 24 November 2006. The Annual General Meeting will be held at the Company's Registered Office on Thursday, 21 December 2006 at 11.00am. By order of the Board INVESCO Asset Management Limited 16 November 2006
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