Final Results
Merrill Lynch Latin Amer Inv. Trust
15 February 2007
15 February 2007
MERRILL LYNCH LATIN AMERICAN INVESTMENT TRUST PLC
Preliminary announcement of results in respect of the year
ended 31 December 2006
• The net asset value per share at 31 December 2006 was 783.03 cents
(2005: 543.95 cents).
• Net asset value total return of 46% (in US dollar terms).
• Share price total return of 59% (in US dollar terms).
• Second interim dividend of 6.50 cents per share payable on 27 March 2007
to shareholders on the register as at 2 March 2007.
For further information please contact:
Peter Burnell - Chairman - 01434 632292
Jonathan Ruck Keene, Managing Director Investment Trusts - 020 7743 2178
Nigel Webb, Director Media & Communications - 020 7743 5938
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
or
William Clutterbuck
The Maitland Consultancy - 020 7379 5151
The Chairman, Peter Burnell, comments:
'This is the fourth consecutive year of outstanding absolute returns in Latin
American equity markets with the Company's NAV having returned 411% in that
period. In general, individual countries have tended to look beyond electoral
concerns and instead focus on the improving financial position, including
falling government debt and declining inflation. This background gave support to
equities, which had been trading at attractive valuations whilst offering strong
earnings growth. In consequence markets were able to overcome the setback to
global equities in the middle of the year.
'In 2006, the net asset value ('NAV') of your shares rose by 46.0% in dollar
terms on a total return basis (+ 27.6% in sterling terms) compared to the
benchmark return of 43.5% (+25.9% in sterling terms). The share price, which is
quoted in sterling, was even stronger, returning 39.2% in sterling terms and
59.0% in dollar terms.
'During the year, the NAV benefited from strong stock selection throughout the
region, especially in our three largest markets - Brazil, Mexico and Chile. A
majority of our best performing stocks, such as Porto Seguro and Localiza in
Brazil, Moctezuma in Mexico, and Copa in Panama, were in the small and
mid-capitalization area of the market.
'During the month of January 2007 the NAV has risen by 2.2% in dollar terms,
against our benchmark index's 1.7% appreciation in the month, whilst the share
price has risen by 0.7%.
Investment Manager
'Following the merger with BlackRock Inc, the name of your Investment Manager
was changed on 29 September 2006 from Merrill Lynch Investment Managers to
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited.
'BlackRock has been the Investment Manager of the Company since 31 March 2006
and was appointed following a detailed review by the Board. BlackRock has
considerable expertise in, and commitment to, the investment trust sector, a
strong track record in Latin America and proven distribution capability. These
factors have combined to produce a NAV return (+25.4%) and a share price return
(+26.7%) which are both ahead of the benchmark index (+24.0%). The performance
in this period is a credit to our Portfolio Manager, Will Landers and his team
of three people who are based in Princeton and London, particularly in view of
the initial costs of the portfolio rebalancing, the two tender offers and the,
with hindsight, less than optimal timing in relation to the introduction of the
gearing in May 2006.
Gearing
'As at 15 February 2007 the Company had committed facilities totalling US$44.5
million. The Company does not currently have any drawings under these
facilities. In the year under review, the Company put on US$20 million of
gearing in mid May, shortly before the period of extreme market volatility,
which initially detracted from performance. However, the decision to keep the
gearing in place until December, when it was repaid, resulted in a net positive
contribution to performance. The Board's policy is to make tactical use of
gearing when markets are significantly over or under valued.
Dividends
'The Company generated a total return per share of 254.41 cents during the year
(2005: 168.06 cents per share) of which 8.81 cents is the revenue return (2005:
10.98 cents per share). The Board declared an initial interim dividend of 2.50
cents per share which was paid on 12 September 2006 (2005: 2.50 cents per share)
and is pleased to declare an additional interim dividend of 6.5 cents per share
which will be payable on 27 March 2007 to shareholders on the register as at 2
March 2007. This makes a total dividend of 9.00 cents per share for the year
(2005: 9.00 cents). No final dividend is proposed.
Discount control policy
'The Directors believe it is important for shareholders that the shares have
real liquidity and trade in a narrow range around their prevailing NAV. As
stated in my report last year, the Board believes this is best achieved by a
commitment to aggressive marketing as well as regular tender offers and the
active use of share buy back powers. The Board anticipates that the combination
of effective marketing, a discount protection mechanism provided by regular
tender offers and the facility to buy back shares will result in the shares
consistently trading at or around NAV. This will enable the Company to attract
further interest from long term investors.
'The Directors hope that the scope of the policies to maintain the share price
very close to, or above, NAV in the future, coupled with the opportunity of
regular tender offers at a 2% discount, will persuade shareholders that it is
not necessary to tender to protect themselves from realising their investment at
a discount in the future.
Regular tender offers and share buy backs
'Following the initial tender offer in May 2006 for 25% of the shares in issue
which was fully taken up, the Company held its first semi annual tender offer on
2 October 2006 which was for up to 20% of the shares in issue, at the prevailing
NAV less 2%. 14.05% of the Company's shares in issue were tendered at a price of
617.08 cents per share. Based on the exchange rate as at 4 October 2006 payment
was made in pounds sterling at a rate of 327.32 pence per share.
'It was announced on 23 January 2007 that the Board had consulted its broker
Cenkos Securities, regarding the possible forthcoming tender offer which could
have taken place in March 2007. In the period since the last tender offer, the
shares have continued to trade within a tight discount range and on occasions
have traded at a small premium. The Board has concluded that it would not on
this occasion exercise its discretion to implement the next tender offer since
both investment performance and share price performance had been strong over the
period since the last tender offer.
'In line with its discount control policy, the Board will implement share
repurchases in the market if the discount to net asset value widens to a level
above a discount of 2% to NAV on a consistent basis, being the level at which
the tender offer price has been implemented in the past. Any purchase of shares
by the Company will be in accordance with the Articles and the Listing Rules of
the UKLA in force at the time.
'Renewal of the Company's regular tender offer authorities and share buy back
authority will be sought at the Annual General Meeting. These authorities will
include granting the Company the power to hold up to 10% of the Company's issued
shares in treasury for subsequent reissue at a premium to NAV or cancellation.
Outlook
'When compared with other regions, local valuations do not look stretched. On a
forward P/E basis, Latin American markets in general continue to trade at the
bottom of global averages, and close to historical averages for the region. In
terms of positioning, Brazil is currently our only country overweight,
accounting for close to 60% of assets. All other markets are at various degrees
of underweight due to a combination of country-specific fundamentals and
valuation levels. In general, we are encouraged by the commitment to policy
discipline from the new administrations in Brazil and Mexico, whilst the region
as a whole should benefit in the event that expectations that the global economy
will successfully weather the housing slow down in the US prove correct.
However, we remain mindful of adverse surprises in US interest rates and the
impact of any further dollar collapse. Nevertheless, we anticipate considerable
impetus from the domestic economies and expect investment institutions within
Latin America to raise their equity weightings from historically low levels.'
Commenting upon the outlook for the Company, Will Landers of BlackRock, the
Investment Manager, notes:
'The Company is positioned to continue to benefit from the regionwide
macroeconomic stability. This should allow Latin American companies to post
another strong year of earnings growth in 2007 while still beginning the year at
the bottom of the range in most global valuation parameters. We expect that the
domestic economies in the region will be the drivers for growth in 2007, and
have positioned the Company to benefit from this growth in consumer demand and
credit.
'In Brazil, we expect the Central Bank to continue the interest rate easing
cycle started in 2005 which saw the Selic rate fall by 400 basis points in 2006.
We are in the early stages of seeing the benefits of these rate cuts in economic
activity - furthermore, with real rates now in single digits, we expect that
domestic institutional and retail investors will be motivated to return to the
equity market in 2007, bringing back buyers that have been mostly absent from
the market over several years. Overall, Brazil continues to offer the unique
combination of top down drivers with attractive bottom up valuation parameters
that we do not find in many markets in the world. We expect liquidity to
continue to improve with another busy calendar for IPOs and secondary offerings.
The Novo Mercado continues to be a focus for such activity, increasing investor
confidence and improving overall corporate governance.
'Mexico is the Latin American economy most closely tied to the performance of
the US economy. Given an expected slow down in the US during 2007, along with
above average valuation parameters and falling oil prices, we are underweight in
the Mexican market. Nevertheless, Mexico represents more than 25% of the
portfolio overall, with a few major themes still being played out. Firstly, we
expect growth in home ownership to remain strong throughout President Calderon's
term - Mexican homebuilders remain a core position, with annual growth forecast
to exceed 15% during the next few years. Secondly, America Movil is considered
part of our Mexican portfolio, even though it represents a panregional exposure
to wireless growth. We expect America Movil's margins to expand significantly
over the next few years as subscriber growth slows down and the company is able
to monetize its large subscriber base as this base matures. Thirdly, consumer
credit continues to grow, and we maintain exposure to this sector via our
investments in the retail sector.
'Chile should once again produce GDP growth in the 5% to 6% range during 2007,
leading the major economies of Latin America. Our Chilean portfolio continues to
be exposed to growth in the Chilean consumer sector via retailers, banks and the
country's main airline. In other countries, investments represent stock specific
ideas rather than country themes, including Tenaris in Argentina.'
Top 10 Holdings
Petroleos Brasileiros - 12.5% (2005: 11.4%) Petrobras represents one of the most
attractive energy stocks in all Emerging Markets. The company continues to
invest heavily on increasing its production, utilising free cash flow generated
from elevated oil prices to guarantee future production growth. The company's
shares continue to trade at lower multiples than other emerging markets oil
companies despite its investment track record, production growth and superior
corporate governance.
America Movil - 9.8% (2005: 1.0%) America Movil is Latin America's leading
provider of wireless communications. We expect the company to continue posting
strong double digit subscriber growth in 2007 while improving overall operating
margins given economies of scale from its large existing subscriber base.
Cia Vale Rio Doce - 9.6% (2005: 9.8%) following the acquisition of Canada's
Inco, CVRD is now one of the world's leading producers of nickel, also
controlling a majority of nickel projects expected to come on-stream over the
next five years. As a result, CVRD is now one of the world's leading producers
in two attractive minerals - iron ore and nickel. The announcement of a 9.5%
price increase for iron ore in 2007 reiterates the strong position enjoyed by
iron ore producers given continued strong demand.
Banco Bradesco - 6.8% (2005: nil) Brazil's leading private sector bank is in an
advantageous position to benefit from the strong demand for credit in Brazil.
Bradesco has been undergoing a process of improving profitability levels over
the past two years and its shares are expected to continue rerating during 2007.
Grupo Televisa - 3.5% (2005: 3.6%) Mexico's leading broadcaster has several
catalysts that should result in strong stock performance in 2007. These include
the company's launching of a national lottery, growth in its parlor gambling
business, consolidation of Mexico's cable industry, and definition regarding the
use of proceeds from its stake in recently acquired Univision in the US.
Walmart de Mexico - 3.2% (2005: 3.6%) Mexico's leading retailer continues to
grow selling area at close to 15% a year, gaining market share from both the
formal as well as the informal retail market. The company recently obtained a
license to operate a bank, which should allow WalMex to improve profit margins
by offering banking services to its customers.
Ambev Cia de Bebidas - 3.0% (2005: 0.3%)Brazil's leading beverages company with
operations throughout the Americas. The company is well positioned to benefit
from the expected growth in Brazil's domestic economy while also growing and
improving profitability levels at operations outside of Brazil.
Tenaris - 2.8% (2005: nil) Argentine headquartered Tenaris is one of the world's
leading producers of seamless pipes - as such, the company is a leading provider
of raw materials to the oil services industry and should continue to benefit
from increased investing in oil exploration and development projects.
Fomento Economico Mexicano - 2.8% (2005: nil) Fomento Economico is Mexico's
leading beverage conglomerate, with 100% of Femsa Cerveza and 100% of Oxxo,
Mexico's leading convenience store chain, as well as a majority stake in Coke
Femsa, Coca-Cola's leading bottler in Latin America. The company is benefiting
from growth in consumer demand throughout the region, especially in Mexico.
Unibanco - 2.7% (2005: 4.8%) Brazil's third largest private bank is a leader in
consumer financing and continues to enjoy higher margins from an ongoing cost
rationalization program.
INCOME STATEMENT
for the year ended 31 December 2006
Revenue Revenue Capital Capital Total Total
return return return return
2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005
Notes US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
Gains on investments held at fair
value through profit or loss - - 152,026 118,684 152,026 118,684
Exchange losses - (2) (282) (176) (282) (178)
Income from investments held at fair
value 3 10,224 11,761 - - 10,224 11,761
through profit or loss
Other income 3 96 457 - - 96 457
Management fees 4 (1,072) (1,132) (3,216) (3,395) (4,288) (4,527)
Other expenses 5 (1,306) (1,133) (36) (38) (1,342) (1,171)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net return before finance costs and taxation 7,942 9,951 148,492 115,075 156,434 125,026
Finance costs (204) (37) (611) (109) (815) (146)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net return on ordinary activities before 7,738 9,914 147,881 114,966 155,619 124,880
taxation
Taxation on ordinary activities (2,406) (1,848) 769 379 (1,637) (1,469)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net return on ordinary activities after 5,332 8,066 148,650 115,345 153,982 123,411
taxation
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Return per ordinary share (undiluted)
- cents 6 8.81 10.98 245.60 157.08 254.41 168.06
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Return per ordinary share (diluted)
- cents 6 - 10.36 - 148.18 - 158.54
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
The total column of this statement represents the Income Statement of the
Company. The supplementary revenue and capital return columns are both
prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies.
The Company had no recognised gains or losses other than those disclosed in the
Income Statement and the Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders' Funds. All
items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.
RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS FUNDS
for the year ended 31 December 2006
Share Share Capital Special Warrant Non Capital Revenue Total
capital premium redemption reserve reserve distributable reserves reserve
account reserve reserve
US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
For the year ended
31 December 2006
At 31 December 2005 7,413 11,655 1,573 32,837 - 4,356 338,691 6,727 403,252
Return for the year - - - - - - 148,650 5,332 153,982
Shares repurchased
and (2,634) - 2,634 (32,837) - - (143,983) - (176,820)
cancelled
Dividends paid (a) - - - - - - - (6,208) (6,208)
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ----------
At 31 December
2006 4,779 11,655 4,207 - - 4,356 343,358 5,851 374,206
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ----------
For the year ended
31 December 2005
At 31 December
2004 6,977 63,880 972 - 3,484 872 223,346 2,757 302,288
Return for the year - - - - - - 115,345 8,066 123,411
Shares repurchased and (601) - 601 (28,725) - - - - (28,725)
cancelled
Shares issued on 1,037 9,337 - - (3,484) 3,484 - - 10,374
conversion of warrants
Transfer of share - (61,562) - 61,562 - - - - -
premium to special
reserve
Dividends paid (b) - - - - - - - (4,096) (4,096)
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ----------
At 31 December
2005 7,413 11,655 1,573 32,837 - 4,356 338,691 6,727 403,252
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ----------
(a) The second interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2005 of 6.5 cents
per share, declared on 10 April 2006 and paid on 19 May 2006, and the first
interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2006 of 2.5 cents per share
declared on 8 August 2006 and paid on 12 September 2006.
(b) The second interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2004 of 3.0 cents
per share, declared on 1 March 2005 and paid on 29 April 2005, and the first
interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2005 of 2.5 cents per share
declared on 22 September 2005 and paid on 4 November 2005.
BALANCE SHEET
as at 31 December 2006
Notes 2006 2005
US$'000 US$'000
Fixed assets
Investments held at fair value through profit or loss 376,782 397,649
---------- ----------
Current assets
Debtors 3,286 2,489
Cash at bank - 4,582
---------- ----------
3,286 7,071
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Bank overdraft (2,321) -
Other creditors (3,517) (1,444)
---------- ----------
(5,838) (1,444)
---------- ----------
Net current (liabilities)/assets (2,552) 5,627
---------- ----------
Total assets less current liabilities 374,230 403,276
---------- ----------
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Non equity redeemable shares (24) (24)
---------- ----------
Net assets 374,206 403,252
---------- ----------
Capital and reserves
Share capital 8 4,779 7,413
Share premium account 11,655 11,655
Capital redemption reserve 4,207 1,573
Special reserve - 32,837
Non distributable reserve 4,356 4,356
Capital reserves 343,358 338,691
Revenue reserve 5,851 6,727
---------- ----------
Total equity shareholders' funds 374,206 403,252
---------- ----------
Net asset value per ordinary share (cents) 9 783.03 543.95
---------- ----------
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
as at 31 December 2006
2006 2005
US$'000 US$'000
Net cash inflow from operating activities 6,018 6,824
Return on investment and servicing of finance (819) (129)
Taxation paid (1,049) (2,084)
Capital expenditure and financial investment
Purchase of investments (311,035) (271,301)
Proceeds from sale of investments 483,082 296,470
Capital expenses (34) (34)
---------- ----------
Net cash inflow from capital expenditure and 172,013 25,135
financial investment
---------- ----------
Equity dividends paid (6,208) (4,096)
---------- ----------
Net cash inflow before financing 169,955 25,650
---------- ----------
Financing:
Net loans repaid - (11,250)
Repurchase of ordinary shares (176,576) (28,725)
Proceeds on exercise of warrants - 10,390
---------- ----------
Net cash outflow from financing (176,576) (29,585)
---------- ----------
Decrease in cash in the year (6,621) (3,935)
---------- ----------
NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS
1. Principal activity
The Company conducts its business so as to qualify as an investment trust
company within the meaning of section 842 of the Income and Corporation Taxes
Act 1988.
2. Accounting policies
(a) Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost
convention, modified to include the revaluation of investments and in accordance
with United Kingdom Accounting Standards and with the Statement of Recommended
Practice 'Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies' ('SORP') issued by
the Association of Investment Trust Companies (now known as the Association of
Investment Companies, 'AIC') , in December 2005. All of the Company's operations
are of a continuing nature.
Diluted net asset value per ordinary share has been calculated in accordance
with the Articles basis as set out in the SORP.
(b) Presentation of the Income Statement
In order to reflect better the activities of an investment trust company and in
accordance with guidance issued by the AIC, supplementary information which
analyses the Income Statement between items of revenue and capital nature has
been presented alongside the Income Statement. In accordance with the Company's
status as a UK investment company under section 266 of the Companies Act 1985,
net capital returns may not be distributed by way of dividend.
3. Income
2006 2005
US$'000 US$'000
Investment income:
Overseas listed dividends 9,985 11,559
Scrip dividend 239 202
-------- --------
10,224 11,761
-------- --------
Other operating income:
Interest on cash and short term deposits 96 457
-------- --------
Total income 10,320 12,218
-------- --------
Total income comprises:
Dividends 10,224 11,761
Interest 96 457
-------- --------
10,320 12,218
-------- --------
4. Management fees
2006 2005
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
return return return return
US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
Management fees 1,072 3,216 4,288 1,132 3,395 4,527
5. Other expenses
2006 2005
US$'000 US$'000
Administration charges - F&C Emerging Markets Limited 48 136
AIC subscriptions 26 29
Auditors' remuneration:
- for audit services 54 46
- for other services* 15 14
Custody fees 318 282
Directors' and Officers' liability insurance 32 30
Directors' emoluments:
- fees for services to the Company 353 236
Directors' expenses 37 28
Printing and postage 52 49
Private Investor Plan 48 52
Professional fees 194 55
Registrar's fee 29 17
Other operating expenses 100 159
-------- --------
1,306 1,133
-------- --------
*Total Auditor's remuneration, exclusive of VAT, for other services amounts to
US$60,000 (2005: US$33,000). Of this, US$45,000 (2005: US$19,000) relates to
services provided in connection with the tender offer and has been charged to
the special reserve.
The Company's total expense ratio, calculated as a percentage of average net
assets using expenses, excluding finance costs, after relief for taxation, was
1.0% (2005: 1.3%).
Expenses of US$36,000 charged to the capital return column of the Income
Statement relate to transaction costs charged by the custodian on the purchases
and sales of investments (2005: US$38,000).
6. Return and net asset value per ordinary share
Basic revenue and capital returns per share are shown below and have been
calculated using the following:
2006 2005
Net revenue attributable to ordinary shareholders (US$'000) 5,332 8,066
Net capital gains attributable to ordinary shareholders (US$'000) 148,650 115,345
---------- ----------
Total return (US$'000) 153,982 123,411
---------- ----------
Equity shareholders' funds (US$'000) 374,206 403,252
---------- ----------
The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year, on 60,524,468 73,431,788
which the return per ordinary share was calculated, was
Dilutive potential - 4,411,650
---------- ----------
Weighted average number of shares for diluted return calculations 60,524,468 77,843,438
---------- ----------
The actual number of ordinary shares in issue at the end of each year, on 47,789,753 74,134,179
which the net asset value was calculated, was
---------- ----------
2006 2005
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
return return cents return return cents
cents cents cents cents
Returns per share:
Calculated on weighted 8.81 245.60 254.41 10.98 157.08 168.06
average shares -
undiluted
Calculated on weighted - - - 10.36 148.18 158.54
average shares -
diluted*
Net asset value per share 783.03 543.95
*The Company did not have any dilutive securities during the current year. All
warrants were exercised on 31 July 2005.
7. Dividends
Dividends on ordinary shares Register date Payment date 2006 2005
US$'000 US$'000
2004 second interim of 3.00 cents 29 March 2005 29 April 2005 - 2,093
2005 interim of 2.50 cents 7 October 2005 4 November 2005 - 2,003
2005 second interim of 6.50 cents 18 April 2006 19 May 2006 4,818 -
2006 interim of 2.50 cents 18 August 2006 12 September 2006 1,390 -
------- -------
6,208 4,096
------- -------
The Directors propose to pay a second interim dividend in respect of the year
ended 31 December 2006 of 6.50 cents on 27 March 2007, to all shareholders on
the register as at 2 March 2007. The proposed second interim dividend has not
been included as a liability in these financial statements as interim dividends
are only recognised in the financial statements in the period in which they are
paid.
Total dividends payable in respect of the year which forms the basis of section
842 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 are set out below:
2006 2005
US$'000 US$'000
Dividends paid or proposed on equity shares:
First interim paid 2.50 cents (2005: 2.50 cents) 1,390 2,003
Second interim payable of 6.50 cents (2005: 6.50 cents) 3,106 4,818
-------- --------
4,496 6,821
-------- --------
For the year ended 31 December 2006, a second interim dividend of 6.50 cents per
ordinary share has been declared and will be paid on 27 March 2007, to
shareholders on the Company's register on 2 March 2007.
8. Share Capital
2006 2005
Number US$'000 Number US$'000
Authorised share capital compromised:
Ordinary shares of 10 cents each 110,000,000 11,000 110,000,000 11,000
Allotted, issued and fully paid:
Ordinary shares of 10 cents each 74,134,179 7,413 69,770,192 6,977
Shares issued on conversion of warrants - - 10,374,850 1,037
Purchase of ordinary shares for cancellation (26,344,426) (2,634) (6,010,863) (601)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
47,789,753 4,779 74,134,179 7,413
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
During the year 26,344,426 ordinary shares were purchased and cancelled (2005:
6,010,863). The total cost of purchasing these shares was US$176,820,000 (2005:
US$28,725,000). The number of ordinary shares in issue at the year end was
47,789,753 (2005: 74,134,179).
9. Net asset value per ordinary share
2006 2005
Net asset value per ordinary share (cents) 783.03 543.95
Net asset attributable at the year end (US$'000) 374,206 403,252
Ordinary shares of 10 cents each in issue at the year end 47,789,753 74,134,179
The figures for the year to 31 December 2005 have been extracted from the
accounts for the year ended 31 December 2005 which have been delivered to the
Registrar of Companies and on which the Auditors gave an unqualified report.
The annual report and accounts will be posted to shareholders in late February
or early March 2007. Copies will also be available from the Company's
registered office at 33 King William Street, London, EC4R 9AS.
15 February 2007
33 King William Street
London EC4R 9AS
This information is provided by RNS
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