Interim Results to 30 June 2005
21st October 2005
LONDON & ASSOCIATED PROPERTIES PLC:
INTERIM RESULTS FOR SIX MONTHS TO 30TH JUNE 2005
London & Associated Properties PLC is a property group focussed on the long
term ownership and management of shopping centres and retail investments. LAP
owns and manages retail property with a total value of £250m.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Diluted net assets per share of 112.52p up from 111.02p at the
year end and 25% up on June 2004
- Net revenue maintained at £3.9m despite further property sales
- Pre-tax profits of £1.37m
- Earnings per share up to 1.41p against 1.36p in June 2004
- Interim dividend reintroduced - 0.55p to be paid
- LAP now owns and manages retail property with a combined value of
£250m
* All the above figures are based on UK GAAP reporting standards
'Our low level of gearing, high cash reserves and prudent debt management
leave us well placed to manage current trading conditions. We continue to seek
to expand our shopping centre portfolio as well as improve and grow our
existing properties. I therefore look forward to the full year with
confidence,' Michael Heller, Chairman.
-more-
Contact:
John Heller, Chief Executive, LAP. Tel: 020 7415 5000
Robert Cory, Finance Director, LAP. Tel: 020 7415 5000
Baron Phillips, Baron Phillips Associates. Tel: 020 7920 3161
CHAIRMAN'S INTERIM STATEMENT 2005
This is the first time that we have reported our results using the
IFRS accounting basis, and the financial effects of this transition are in
included in a separate IFRS Transition document dated 20 October 2005. This
has resulted in profits before tax of £1.48m for the six months to 30th June
2005 against £1.51m for the same period last year on a restated basis. Using
the UK GAAP accounting convention, our pre-tax profits for the period are
£1.37m against £1.60m for the same period in 2004. These profits include a
one-off charge of £173,000 relating to termination of our head office lease.
We have maintained our net revenue for the first six months at
£3.9m. This is in spite of selling our property at Brierely Hill which had an
annualised income of some £290,000 which we have not yet replaced and reflects
a number of new lettings and rent reviews carried out in our directly held
portfolio. These have brought in a further £260,000 of rent on an annualised
basis.
We have also made two strategic acquisitions. In March we acquired
a building adjacent to our shopping centre in Dagenham let to the Post Office
at £40,000 per annum for £565,000 including costs, and we have bought The
Stonehouse, a large public house which adjoins our shopping centre in
Sheffield, for £2.7m including costs.
As reported in our 2004 year end statement, Brierley Hill shopping
centre was sold earlier this year for £4.8m. This has led to a profit over the
December 2004 valuation of £436,000 after disposal costs.
LAP now owns or manages retail property with a combined value of
£250 million, on behalf of:
- Our directly held portfolio;
- Analytical Properties, our joint venture with Bank of Scotland;
- Bisichi Mining Plc, an associate company; and
- Dragon Retail Properties Limited (a joint venture with Bisichi).
Net assets are now £75.0 million against £80.6 million at 31st
December 2004 using IFRS. Under UK GAAP our net assets, including our listed
share portfolio at market value, would be £85.9m against £91.2 at 31 December
2004. The principal reason for the reduction in net assets using IFRS as
against UKGAAP is the provision for deferred tax, amounting to some £11.4
million. There were no write-downs of any of our assets and, as in previous
years, we have not undertaken a half year revaluation.
Our net assets reflect the effects of the tender offer that we
launched in June to acquire up to £10m of our own shares. The tender offer
enabled us to acquire 5,928,273 shares at 104p (a total of £6.17m) and we now
hold 6,087,473 shares in treasury. For reporting purposes, at 30 June 2005, we
had 76,229,499 shares in issue and this has increased our fully diluted net
assets per share to 112.5p from 111.0p over the first half under UK GAAP.
Earnings per share (fully diluted) under UK GAAP have risen to 1.41p from
1.36p as at June 2004.
This year, we are reintroducing an interim dividend. This was
highlighted in our 2004 year end statement and we will pay 0.55p on 25th
January 2006 to shareholders on the register on 30 December 2005. The proposed
final dividend will be announced in the usual way at the year end.
Analytical Properties
King Edward Court, Windsor
Our major redevelopment of part of this shopping centre is now well
under way. We are creating over 100,000 sq ft of new prime retail units for
tenants including Waitrose, Zara, Hennes and New Look, as well as a 113-bed
Travelodge Hotel. Demolition of the existing buildings has been completed and
we have now appointed a contractor for the main scheme. We have commenced
piling, and completion is on schedule for December 2006. We are also on site
refurbishing the 960 space car park that forms part of the shopping centre.
Because we are using a two stage tender process, which involves us
working closely with the contractor to place the sub-contracts, the total
contract sum for this project is still in the process of being finalised.
However, we remain confident that our estimate of approximately £16.5 million
for all the elements of the works will prove to be broadly correct.
Elsewhere in the centre, the positive impact of this development is
starting to produce results. We currently have two units under offer to highly
regarded tenants at rents of £105 per square foot, a record for King Edward
Court. We have also pre-let a unit to Toni & Guy, the hairdressing chain, at a
record rent for that part of the centre. We are currently on site extending
the unit, and expect to complete this lease during the second half of this
year.
Church Square, St Helens
Demand for units at St Helens continues at a very high level. In
light of this demand, we remain convinced that rental levels in St Helens, and
Church Square in particular, are below levels achieved in comparable towns. We
are constantly looking at opportunities to secure vacant possession of one of
our prime units to satisfy this demand and prove higher rental levels on an
open market basis.
We also continue to explore ways to extend the shopping centre as
another means of satisfying the known demand from retailers for larger units.
This is subject to negotiations with third parties, and consequently it is not
possible to say with certainty over what period this will happen.
Directly held portfolio
Orchard Square, Sheffield
The first half of 2005 has again been a period of good progress at
Orchard Square. Shareholders will recall that in 2004 we acquired the freehold
of the large, adjacent Dixons unit. The medium term intention was to extend it
backwards into a unit within our shopping centre to create a flagship store of
approximately 20,000 sq ft. We originally anticipated that this would be a
medium term project as the existing unit within the shopping centre was let to
Index. I am pleased to report that we have now negotiated a surrender with
Index, as well as agreeing a surrender with Dixons, and plans for the new
extended unit are being finalised. Demand from fashion retailers for this
flagship store has been high and we are at an advanced stage of negotiations
for a new lease. I expect to be able to confirm the new letting within the
next few months.
In August 2005 we acquired the freehold of The Stonehouse, a
substantial former pub which sits immediately adjacent to the rear of Orchard
Square. We paid £2.7 million including costs. The building was acquired with
vacant possession and we are exploring ways to amalgamate it into the shopping
centre to create a new anchor store at the rear.
Saxon Square, Christchurch
We have completed a number of lettings at this shopping centre
during the first half of 2005. These include lettings to a franchisee of Costa
Coffee, the national coffee bar operator, and Toni & Guy. In aggregate, we
have increased rents at this centre by over £120,000 per annum so far this
year.
Our proposed redevelopment of a number of small kiosks to the rear
of the centre continues, albeit slowly. However, we have enthusiastic demand
from a number of major retailers and we are continuing negotiations with the
local authority.
Kings Square, West Bromwich
We have had a particularly successful six months at Kings Square,
where we have added over £50,000 to the annual rent roll through rent reviews
alone. We are also dividing up one of the shops at the centre and have the new
units that we are creating under offer to two national tenants. At completion
these lettings will set a new rental level for this centre.
The Mall, Dagenham
The first six months have been rewarding at Dagenham as we have let
a large unit to 99p Stores, the national variety retailer, at a record rent
for the centre. We are currently negotiating a further letting which will
support this record rent, and we expect to complete this lease shortly.
We are also exploring with the local authority opportunities that
will see our recently acquired Post Office incorporated into a major
regeneration project that will adjoin our shopping centre.
Other properties
Elsewhere in our directly held portfolio our properties continue to
perform well and we constantly seek ways to improve and grow them. We have no
immediate plans to dispose of further properties although, as always, we will
not retain properties where we believe we have maximised growth or where they
no longer fit in with our core portfolio.
Bisichi Mining Plc
Bisichi Mining, our associate company, has performed well in the
first half of 2005, with profits before tax of £1,078,000 (2004: £768,000)
under IFRS. They also acquired in the period the Pegasus Coal Reserve,
approximately 12 million in-situ tonnes of export grade and low phosphorous
coal. Production is scheduled to start in 2007.
Current trading and prospects
Against a background of widely reported difficult conditions from
the majority of retailers, our properties continue to perform satisfactorily.
A large number of our tenants are focused on the value-orientated end of the
retail market which will be less susceptible to the downturn which appears to
be affecting those retailers aiming at customers' discretionary spend. Some
90% of our retailers by rental income are national or regional multiples which
offers us a high level of comfort and we have consistently pursued a policy
where no retailer accounts for more than 5% of our Group income, and no more
than 15% of rental income in any one shopping centre.
Our low level of gearing, high cash reserves and prudent debt
management also leave us well placed to manage these current trading
conditions. We continue to seek to expand our shopping centre portfolio as
well as improve and grow our existing properties. I therefore look forward to
the full year with confidence.
MICHAEL HELLER
Chairman
20 October 2005
London & Associated Properties PLC
INCOME STATEMENT
For the six months ended 30 June 2005
Notes 6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended 31
30 June 30 June December
2005 2004 2004
unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
£'000 £'000 £'000
Gross rental income
Group & share of joint ventures 6,229 6,539 12,964
less: joint ventures - share of rental income (2,354) (2,652) (5,205)
3,875 3,887 7,759
less: property overheads -
ground rents (796) (835) (1,677)
direct property expenses (485) (670) (1,135)
attributable overheads (1,115) (1,074) (2,162)
(2,396) (2,579) (4,974)
less: joint ventures - share of overheads 765 990 1,930
Property overheads (1,631) (1,589) (3,044)
Net rental income 2,244 2,298 4,715
Listed investments - net gain 50 180 345
Operating profit before adjustments 2,294 2,478 5,060
Lease surrender (173) - -
Profit on sale on investment properties 436 62 142
Associate and joint venture profit on sale on investment properties 55 - -
Operating profit after adjustments 2,612 2,540 5,202
Share of (loss) / profit of joint ventures (181) 124 73
Share of profit of associate 267 220 392
2,698 2,884 5,667
Interest receivable 1 499 357 780
Interest payable 1 (1,980) (1,730) (3,664)
Profit before valuation gains 1,217 1,511 2,783
Valuation gains :
Increase in value of investment properties - Company - - 9,088
- Associates
and joint ventures - - 8,629
Increase in value of held for trading investments 260 - -
Profit before tax 1,477 1,511 20,500
Income tax 2 108 (111) (3,884)
Profit for the period attributable
to equity holders of the parent 1,585 1,400 16,616
Earnings per share 3 1.96p 1.72p 20.34p
Diluted earnings per share 3 1.95p 1.72p 20.23p
London & Associated Properties PLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
30 June 2005
30 June 30 June 31 December
2005 2004 2004
(unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
Notes £'000 £'000 £'000
Assets
Non-current assets
Value of properties attributable to group 104,743 98,253 108,331
Present value of head leases 9,103 8,689 9,103
Property 113,846 106,942 117,434
Plant and equipment 529 448 520
Investments in Joint Ventures 14,638 9,072 14,560
Investments in associated company 5,430 4,256 5,294
Held to maturity investments 3,784 3,784 3,784
Total non-current assets 138,227 124,502 141,592
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 2,651 3,051 1,923
Financial assets - held for trading investments 4,411 3,039 2,681
Cash and cash equivalents 8,011 12,384 12,253
15,073 18,474 16,857
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Financial liabilities - borrowings (2,197) (1,043) (907)
Trade and other payables (7,999) (9,934) (8,938)
Current tax liabilities (337) (932) (422)
(10,533) (11,909) (10,267)
Non-current liabilities
Financial liabilities - borrowings (49,838) (49,247) (49,830)
Present value of head leases on properties (9,103) (8,689) (9,103)
Deferred tax (8,832) (7,599) (8,649)
Net assets 74,994 65,532 80,600
Equity
Share capital 8,232 8,171 8,232
Share premium account 4,919 4,921 5,226
Capital redemption reserve 47 47 47
Other reserves 429 429 429
Currency translation reserve (49) 49 116
Retained earnings 67,911 51,915 67,131
Treasury shares (6,495) - (581)
74,994 65,532 80,600
Net assets per share 4 98.38p 80.20p 98.82p
Diluted net assets per share 4 98.26p 79.71p 98.14p
London & Associated Properties PLC
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
For the six months ended 30 June 2005
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2005 2004 2004
£'000 £'000 £'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Operating profit after
adjustments 2,612 2,540 5,202
Depreciation 52 52 108
Loss / (gain) on disposal of (9) 2 (10)
fixed assets
Profit on sale of investment (436) (62) (142)
properties
Increase in net current assets (812) (4,518) (2,976)
Net interest paid (1,583) (1,606) (2,942)
Income taxes paid (75) - (1,011)
Net cash from operating (251) (3,592) (1,771)
activities
Cash flows from investing 932 (4,241) (5,177)
activities
Cash flows from financing (6,213) 8,707 7,827
activities
Net (decrease) /increase in cash
and cash equivalents (5,532) 874 879
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period
11,346 10,467 10,467
_______ _______ _______
Cash and cash equivalents at end 5,814 11,341 11,346
of period
Cash and cash equivalents
For the purpose of the cash flow statement, cash and cash
equivalents comprise the following balance sheet amounts:
30 June 30 June 31 December
2005 2004 2004
£'000 £'000 £'000
Cash and cash equivalents 8,011 12,384 12,253
Bank overdraft (2,197) (1,043) (907)
_______ _______ _______
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of period 5,814 11,341 11,346
London & Associated Properties PLC
Consolidated STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the six months ended 30 June 2005
Share Share Other Treasury Retained Total
Translation
capital premium reserve reserves shares earnings equity
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Balance at 1
January 2004 8,140 4,837 - 476 - 51,756 65,209
Issue of shares 31 84 - - - - 115
Currency
translation - - 49 - - - 49
Dividend - - - - - (1,241) (1,241)
Profit for the
period - - - - - 1,400 1,400
_____ _____ _____ _____ ______ ______ ______
Balance at 30
June 2004 8,171 4,921 49 476 - 51,915 65,532
_____ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
Balance at 1
January 2004 8,140 4,837 - 476 - 51,756 65,209
Issue of shares 92 389 - - - - 481
Acquisition of
own shares - - - - (581) - (581)
Currency
translation - - 116 - - - 116
Dividend - - - - - (1,241) (1,241)
Profit for the
period - - - - - 16,616 16,616
______ ______ ______ _____ ______ ______ ______
Balance at 31
December 2004 8,232 5,226 116 476 (581) 67,131 80,600
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
Cost of
purchase of
treasury shares - (307) - - - - (307)
Acquisition of
own shares - - - - (5,914) - (5,914)
Currency
translation - - (165) - - - (165)
Dividend - - - - - (1,346) (1,346)
Value financial
assets at 1
January 2005 - - - - - 727 727
JV share of
financial
liabilities at
1 January 2005 - - - - - (186) (186)
Profit for
period - - - - - 1,585 1,585
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
Balance at 30
June 2005 8,232 4,919 (49) 476 (6,495) 67,911 74,994
London & Associated Properties PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the six months ended 30 June 2005
Basis of accounting
The results for the six months ended 30th June 2005 have been
prepared in accordance with those International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS) which are expected to be endorsed by the European Union and to apply to
the 2005 full year results. The reported comparative period results have been
restated on this basis. The financial statements have been prepared under the
historical cost convention, except for the revaluation of certain properties
and financial instruments. The principal accounting policies are described
below.
Basis of consolidation
The group accounts incorporate the accounts of London & Associated
Properties plc and all of its subsidiary undertakings, together with the
group's share of the results of its joint ventures and associates.
REVENUE
(i) Rental income
Rental income arises from operating leases granted to tenants. An
operating lease is a lease other than a finance lease. A finance lease is one
whereby substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are passed to the
lessee.
Rental income is recognised in the group income statement on a
straight-line basis over the term of the lease. This includes the effect of
lease incentives to tenants, which are normally in the form of rent free
periods or capital contributions in lieu of rent free periods.
For income from property leased out under a finance lease, a lease
receivable asset is recognised in the balance sheet at an amount equal to the
net investment in the lease, as defined in IAS17. Minimum lease payments
receivable, again defined in IAS17, are apportioned between finance income and
the reduction of the outstanding lease receivable so as to produce a constant
periodic rate of return on the remaining net investment in the lease.
Contingent rents, being the difference between the rent currently receivable
and the minimum lease payments when the net investment in the lease was
originally calculated, are recognised in property income in the periods in
which they are receivable.
(ii) Reverse surrender premiums
Payments received from tenants to surrender their lease obligations
are recognised immediately in the income statement.
(iii) Dilapidations
Dilapidations monies received from tenants in respect of their
lease obligations are recognised immediately in the income statement.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
(i) Share based remuneration
The company operates a long-term incentive plan and share option
scheme. The fair value of the conditional awards of shares granted under the
long-term incentive plan and the options granted under the share option scheme
are determined at the date of grant. This fair value is then expensed on a
straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on an estimate of the
number of shares that will eventually vest. At each reporting date, the fair
value of the non-market based performance criteria of the long-term incentive
plan is recalculated and the expense is revised. In respect of the share
option scheme, the fair value of options granted is calculated using a
binomial model.
(ii) Pensions
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The
contributions payable to the scheme are expensed in the period to which they
relate.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
(i) Bank loans and overdrafts
Bank loans and overdrafts are included as financial liabilities on
the group balance sheet at the amounts drawn on the particular facilities.
Interest payable on those facilities is expensed as a finance cost in the
period to which it relates.
(ii) Debenture loan
The debenture loan is included as a financial liability on the
balance sheet net of the unamortised discount and costs on issue. The
difference between this carrying value and the redemption value is recognised
in the group income statement over the life of the debenture on an effective
interest basis. Interest payable to debenture holders is expensed in the
period to which it relates.
(iii) Finance lease liabilities
Finance lease liabilities arise for those investment properties
held under a leasehold interest and accounted for as investment property. The
liability is initially calculated as the present value of the minimum lease
payments, reducing in subsequent reporting periods by the apportionment of
payments to the lessor.
(iv) Interest rate derivatives
The group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge the
interest rate risk associated with the financing of the group's business. No
trading in such financial instruments is undertaken.
At each reporting date, these interest rate derivatives are
recognised at fair value, being the estimated amount that the group would
receive or pay to terminate the agreement at the balance sheet date, taking
into account current interest rates and the current credit rating of the
counterparties. The attaching hedged instrument is also recognised at fair
value. The gain or loss at each fair value remeasurement is recognised
immediately in the group income statement.
The group has applied IAS32 `Financial instruments: Disclosure and
presentation' and IAS 39 `Financial instruments: Recognition and measurement'
with effect from 1 January 2005.
INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
(i) Valuation
Investment properties are those that are held either to earn rental
income or for capital appreciation or both, including those that are
undergoing redevelopment. They are reported on the group balance sheet at fair
value, being the amount for which an investment property could be exchanged
between knowledgeable and willing parties in an arm's length transaction, and
adjusted to include the carrying value of leasehold interests and lease
incentive debtors. The valuation is undertaken by independent valuers who hold
recognised and relevant professional qualifications and have recent experience
in the locations and categories of properties being valued.
Surpluses or deficits resulting from changes in the fair value of
investment property are reported in the group income statement in the period
in which they arise.
(ii) Capital expenditure
Capital expenditure, being costs directly attributable to the
redevelopment or refurbishment of an investment property, up to the point of
it being completed for its intended use, are capitalised in the carrying value
of that property. Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to such
expenditure are expensed in the period in which they arise.
(iii) Disposal
The disposal of investment properties is accounted for on
completion of contract. On disposal, any gain or loss is calculated as the
difference between the net disposal proceeds and the valuation at the last
year end plus subsequent capitalised expenditure in the period.
(iv) Depreciation and amortisation
In applying the fair value model to the measurement of investment
properties, depreciation and amortisation are not provided in respect of
investment properties.
PROPERTY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Other non-current assets, comprising property, plant and equipment,
are depreciated at a rate of between 10% and 25% per annum which is calculated
to write off the cost, less estimated residual value of the assets, over their
expected useful lives.
JOINT VENTURES
Investments in joint ventures, being those entities over whose
activities the group has joint control, as established by contractual
agreement, include the appropriate share of the results and reserves of those
undertakings.
ASSOCIATES
Undertakings in which the group has a participating interest of not
less than 20% in the voting capital and over which it has the power to exert
significant influence are defined as associated undertakings. The financial
statements include the appropriate share of the results and reserves of those
undertakings.
DEFERRED TAX
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the
financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the tax
computations, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method.
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary
differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is
probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible
temporary differences can be utilised. In respect of the deferred tax on the
revaluation surplus, this is calculated on the basis of the chargeable gains
that would crystallise on the sale of the investment portfolio as at the
reporting date. The calculation takes account of indexation on the historic
cost of the properties and any available capital losses.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to
apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised.
Deferred tax is charged or credited in the group income statement, except when
it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case it
is also dealt with in equity.
DIVIDENDS
Dividends payable on the ordinary share capital are recognised as a
liability in the period in which they are approved.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash comprises cash in hand and on-demand deposits. Cash
equivalents comprises short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily
convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant
risk of changes in value.
1 INTEREST 6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2005 2004 2004
£'000 £'000 £'000
Interest receivable 499 357 780
Interest payable - bank loans and
overdrafts (928) (674) (1,557)
- other loans (1,052) (1,056) (2,107)
(1,980) (1,730) (3,664)
2 INCOME TAX 6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2005 2004 2004
£'000 £'000 £'000
Company
Current tax (52) (348) (549)
Deferred tax (216) - (1,454)
(268) (348) (2,003)
Associate and joint ventures
Current tax (37) (138) (151)
Deferred tax 413 375 (1,730)
108 (111) (3,884)
3 EARNING PER SHARE 6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2005 2004 2004
£'000 £'000 £'000
Group profit after tax 1,585 1,400 16,616
Weighted average number of shares
in issue for the period (`000) 80,804 81,530 81,705
BASIC EARNING PER SHARE 1.96p 1.72p 20.34p
Diluted number of shares in issue
(`000) 81,261 81,588 82,154
FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE 1.95p 1.72p 20.23p
EARNING PER SHARE - UK GAAP
Group profit before tax 1,142 1,112 2,301
Basic earning per share 1.41p 1.36p 2.82p
Fully diluted earnings per share 1.41p 1.36p 2.80p
4 NET ASSETS PER SHARE 30 June 30 June 31 December
2005 2004 2004
£'000 £'000 £'000
Shares in issue (`000) 76,229 81,707 81,567
Net assets per balance sheet 74,994 65,532 80,600
BASIC NET ASSETS PER SHARE 98.38p 80.20p 98.82p
Shares in issue diluted by
outstanding share options (`000) 76,379 82,498 82,358
Net asset after issue of share
options 75,046 65,755 80,823
FULLY DILUTED NET ASSETS PER 79.71p 98.14p
SHARE 98.26p
NET ASSETS PER SHARE - UK GAAP
Net assets* 85,893 74,236 91,214
BASIC NET ASSETS PER SHARE 112.68p 90.86p 111.83p
FULLY DILUTED NET ASSETS PER
SHARE 112.52p 90.26p 111.02p
* including current asset
investments at market value
5 The above financial information does not constitute statutory
accounts within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985.
Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2004 which were prepared
under UK generally accepted accounting principles (UK GAAP), have been
delivered to the Registrar of Companies; the report of the auditors on those
accounts was unqualified and did not contain a statement under Section 237(2)
or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. The six months figures have not been audited
or subject to review by the company's auditors.
6 POSTING TO SHAREHOLDERS
The interim statement will be sent to
shareholders by mail. Copies are now available at the company's registered
office: Carlton House, 21a St James Square, London, SW1Y 4JH and may also be
downloaded from the company's website: www.lap.co.uk.