Final Results

RNS Number : 5757Z
Edinburgh Worldwide Inv Trust PLC
12 December 2014
 



RNS Announcement: Preliminary Results

 

Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust plc

The following is the unaudited preliminary statement for the year to 31 October 2014 which was approved by the Board on 11 December 2014.

¾  Following shareholder approval in January 2014, the Company's investment policy was broadened to that of investing in smaller, less mature companies. Over the year the Company's net asset value per share declined by 2.7% and the share price by 4.9%.  The comparative index* increased by 1.1% in sterling terms during this period.  Over the nine months since reorganisation of the portfolio, the Company's net asset value per share declined by 3.7% and the share price by 4.9%.  The comparative index increased by 4.8% in sterling terms during this period.

¾  Although the reorganised portfolio initially performed well, absolute and relative performance were impacted negatively during March and April due to a seemingly indiscriminate sell-off in technology and biotech stocks, an area of the market to which the portfolio is exposed.

¾  Successful smaller companies create their own long term opportunities and these are only very marginally influenced by the prevailing economic conditions over the investment cycle.  Fundamentals will ultimately prevail.  Nonetheless short term macro developments do influence investor sentiment and impact trading conditions for businesses.

¾  Being able to identify the companies that value innovation, which have both a cultural acceptance of it and a means to develop commercial opportunities around it, is key to unearthing the market leaders of the future, and is a key focus for the Managers.

¾  The net revenue return for the year was 0.14p per share, notably lower than the 1.68p in 2013.  Despite this, an unchanged final dividend of 1.50p is being recommended, funded from the revenue reserve, to give a total for the year of 2.00p (2013: 2.00p). As the Company's objective is capital growth, it is not intended to draw on the revenue reserve in future years and any dividend will be paid as a final dividend.

 

* MSCI All Countries World Index (in sterling terms) until 31 January 2014, thereafter, the S&P Citigroup Global Small Cap Index (in sterling terms).  The index data has been chain linked to form one comparative index figure.

 

Summary

 

Edinburgh Worldwide aims to achieve long term capital growth by investing in listed companies throughout the world. The Trust has total assets of £237million (before deduction of loans of £31million) as at 31 October 2014.

Edinburgh Worldwide is managed by Baillie Gifford & Co, the Edinburgh based fund management group with over £110 billion under management and advice as at 11 December 2014.

 

Past performance is not a guide to future performance.

The value of an investment and any income from it is not guaranteed and may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amount invested. This is because the share price is determined by the changing conditions in the relevant stockmarkets in which the Company invests and by the supply and demand for the Company's shares. Investment in investment trusts should be regarded as medium to long-term. You can find up to date performance information about Edinburgh Worldwide on the Edinburgh Worldwide page of the Managers' website at http://www.edinburghworldwide.co.uk

 

12 December 2014



 

For further information please contact:

Anzelm Cydzik, Baillie Gifford & Co

Tel: 0131 275 3276

Roland Cross, Director, Broadgate Mainland

Tel: 020 7726 6111



 

Chairman's Statement


Investment Policy

Following shareholder approval at the Company's Annual General Meeting in January 2014, the Company's investment policy was broadened to that of investing principally in smaller, less mature companies at the time of initial investment (96.7% of shareholders voted in favour of this).  As of 1 February 2014 the portfolio had been largely reorganised to reflect this.  This has resulted in a broader portfolio with 92 stocks held at the year end compared to 38 last year and the portfolio management responsibility being passed onto Douglas Brodie.

Investment Performance

In the year to 31 October 2014, the Company's net asset value per share decreased by 2.7% and the share price by 4.9%.  The comparative index* increased by 1.1% in sterling terms during this period.  At 31 October 2014 the discount was 8.5% compared to 6.3% at the previous year end, however over the year to 31 October 2014 the discount averaged 5.5% compared to 11.4% over the previous year.

Although the reorganised portfolio initially performed well, absolute and relative performance were impacted negatively during March and April due to a seemingly indiscriminate sell-off in technology and biotech stocks, an area of the market to which the portfolio is exposed.  This resulted in the Company underperforming its comparative index in the first half of the financial year.  Performance over the second half has been better, with the Company's net asset value increasing 11.6% and the comparative index 4.3%, although this has not been sufficient to result in positive relative and absolute returns for the year.

This is naturally a frustrating outcome, nonetheless, the Board and Managers are convinced of the long term merits of the investment approach employed.  Research continues to be focussed on selecting growth companies and portfolio construction is based on the merits of individual companies, rather than any sector or geographic asset allocation, in order to pursue long term capital appreciation.  The strategy employed is an extension of that used previously and, although focusing on taking a stake in companies at an earlier stage in their growth cycle, the companies are expected to be held for the long term, and as their businesses develop and mature they should become much larger.

Over the nine months since reorganisation of the portfolio, the Company's net asset value per share decreased by 3.7% and the share price by 4.9%.  The comparative index increased by 4.8% in sterling terms during this period.  Over the eleven years that Baillie Gifford has been managing the Company's assets, in total return terms, net asset value per share has increased by 185%, the share price by 230% and the comparative index by 140%.

Gearing

The Managers invest in companies that are believed to have long term attractions and the Company will therefore typically be geared to maximise potential returns.  Gearing was maintained throughout the year and was 10% of shareholders' funds at the year end (2013: 8%).

The Company's three year fixed rate multi-currency loan from National Australia Bank Limited of £10.0 million, €11.4 million and US$16.35 million matured in September 2014.  It was replaced with a five year fixed rate multi-currency loan from National Australia Bank Limited of £7.5 million, €9.4 million and US$25.6 million.

Earnings and Dividend

The Company's objective is that of generating capital growth.  Any income received from the underlying holdings is a by-product of this.  It was highlighted in the half-year report that, due to a lower yield on the underlying portfolio, earnings for the year were expected to be lower than in previous years.

The net revenue return per share for the year was 0.14p, notably lower than the 1.68p in 2013.  An unchanged final dividend of 1.50p per share is being recommended, making a total of 2.00p for the year.  The shortfall against the revenue return will be met from the revenue reserve which has been accumulated over the years.  As the Company's objective is capital growth, it is not intended to draw on the revenue reserve in future years and any dividend will be paid as a final dividend.

 

 

 

Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive ('AIFMD')

In order to comply with the AIFMD, the Company has appointed Baillie Gifford & Co Limited as its Alternative Investment Fund Manager ('AIFM') with effect from 1 July 2014.  Baillie Gifford & Co Limited was also appointed Company Secretaries with effect from 1 July. The AIFM has delegated portfolio management to Baillie Gifford & Co; therefore the Company's portfolio continues to be managed by Baillie Gifford & Co.  The management fee and notice periods are unchanged under these new arrangements.

The Company appointed BNY Mellon Trust & Depositary (UK) Limited as its Depositary as of 1 July 2014.  The Depositary has delegated the provision of custody services to The Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at Baillie Gifford's offices in Edinburgh at 12 noon on Thursday 29 January 2015.  The Company will again seek to renew its share buyback, issuance and treasury share powers.  Further information on these resolutions can be found on page 19 of the Annual Report and Financial Statements.

Douglas Brodie and John MacDougall, the portfolio's manager and deputy manager, will give a presentation and answer any questions.  The Board will also be available to respond to any questions that you may have.  I hope that you will be able to attend.

Outlook

Successful smaller companies create their own long term opportunities and these are only very marginally influenced by the prevailing economic conditions over the investment cycle.  Fundamentals will ultimately prevail.  Nonetheless short term macro developments do influence investor sentiment and impact trading conditions for businesses.  This in turn results in periods of notable market volatility.  Your Company is not immune from this and will at times have volatile performance and perform differently to the comparative index.

Although the US Federal Reserve has concluded its bond purchasing programme, the Bank of Japan has announced an additional ¥10tr in monetary easing and the Japanese Government Pension Investment Fund has announced its intention to increase its holding in domestic equities from 12% to 25%.  Elsewhere, Europe continues to be stubbornly unresponsive to stimulus measures, the UK is performing better than many predicted while China's economic growth remains somewhat subdued in comparison to recent years as it moves from an export to consumption led economy.  All these factors have and will continue to fuel market volatility.

The current global business environment is unprecedented with regard to innovation and the ever increasing role played by technology in both building new businesses and disrupting incumbents.  In this more dynamic world, it is the nimble, more innovative smaller businesses that are best positioned to prosper as they lack the bureaucracy of larger incumbents while the technology at their disposal has radically changed both the trajectory and magnitude of growth that a small business can achieve.  Assessing what is proven and tangible alongside what has promise and long term potential is vital.  Being able to identify the companies that value innovation, which have both a cultural acceptance of it and a means to develop commercial opportunities around it, is key to unearthing the market leaders of the future, and is a key focus for the Managers.

An overview is provided by the Managers on pages 9 and 10 of the Annual Report and Financial Statements.

 

 

David HL Reid

Chairman

11 December 2014

 

* MSCI All Countries World Index (in sterling terms) until 31 January 2014, thereafter the S&P Citigroup Global Small Cap Index (in sterling terms).  The index data has been chain linked to form one comparative index figure.

 

Past performance is not a guide to future performance.

Managers' Overview

 

In bringing Edinburgh Worldwide towards the opportunity in smaller, less mature companies, we believe that we are focusing on the part of the market where analytical focus and the pursuit of genuinely transformational growth can be better exploited. While the initial focus is now more explicitly on younger, more immature companies, we are looking to retain the strong growth philosophy that served Edinburgh Worldwide well over the past decade. By identifying attractive opportunities earlier we seek to benefit from growth at an earlier stage in a company's lifecycle and retain ownership of successful businesses as they grow and thrive, as such we ultimately see our role as investing in what are potentially the larger companies of the future.

We seek to understand the factors that differentiate a company and how it might evolve into the opportunity ahead of it; it is a fundamental approach that requires patience and an acceptance that success (or indeed failure) of a company is more often determined by the individual company's actions rather than what is happening with the economy at large. At times, such an approach is likely to be out of kilter with the myopic gyrations and sentiment-led exaggerations of stock markets. The near-term uncertainty arising from the ending of quantitative easing in the US and a tepid near term global economic outlook has painted an unhelpful backdrop for share prices of many smaller companies, especially those that are (in our opinion) sensibly investing at the expense of near-term profitability. Whilst frustrating, we believe such oscillations are part of modern investing and believe they should be viewed as creating opportunities for those with longer time horizons.

With the Company moving to its broadened remit on 1 February 2014, the year to end of October captures an initial 3 months of the historic portfolio. On account of the intra-period change in remit and move to a more diversified list of holdings we find it difficult to generalise with regard to the operating performance of the companies held, hence have limited commentary on specific stocks to where we think progress has been particularly noteworthy.

Tesla was amongst ten stocks that were retained in the portfolio over the full financial year. The company continues to make significant progress at scaling its production capabilities which, in combination with an expansion of the product range and a sizable investment in battery technology, gives us mounting confidence that it can further reinforce its position as an innovative disruptor in the global automotive industry.

During the past year the Company benefitted from encouraging developments at several of its healthcare companies. Newly listed 4D Pharma, a UK based biotechnology company developing natural bacteria-derived therapeutics, made good progress in bringing its products towards the clinic and we are excited about the numerous potential applications and comparative simplicity of the approach. Alnylam, a Boston-based biotechnology company developing therapeutic gene silencing technology, published encouraging trial data highlighting the clinical benefit of its innovative approach. With Alnylam's modular drug development platform now being used to address multiple areas of high or unmet medical need we believe the company can pioneer a new wave of highly efficient and targeted therapies. Illumina, the San Diego based manufacturer of DNA sequencing machines benefitted from ongoing robust adoption of sequencing in both the healthcare and research setting. This was stimulated in part by new products that further lower the cost of sequencing a human genome. We expect DNA sequencing to play an important role in healthcare over the coming decades but with the emergence of competing technologies, and arguably the bigger challenge being how best to make use of all the genetic information rather than sequencing per se, we elected to sell the holding in Illumina.

We have frequently observed that online aggregators can make for very attractive investment prospects given their scalability and network effects that they can build. In this regard we would highlight Bitauto and Zillow. Bitauto is a leading provider of internet content and marketing services for China's fast-growing automotive industry. The company is benefitting as more automotive advertising moves online and has significant potential in catering to the early stage second hand car market. Zillow, the leading online real estate portal in the US, announced the acquisition of its smaller peer Trulia. The combined entity will have a dominant position as the portal favoured by both house buyers and real estate agents and is well positioned to capture a significantly higher share of agent advertising spend in future years. Two holdings were taken over in the period; Opentable, an online restaurant booking network was acquired by Priceline and AutoNavi, a Chinese mapping company was acquired by Alibaba.

Disappointingly several of the Company's holdings suffered share price falls during the sell-off in growth and technology shares that occurred in March and April; this included online grocer Ocado and cloud-based accounting software company, Xero. In the case of two UK holdings, Xaar and ASOS, these falls were exacerbated by disappointing near-term trading, a clear reminder that young innovative businesses rarely grow in a smooth linear fashion. With regard to all four of these underperforming companies we have reassessed the investment case and have decided to retain the holding.

Trading in the period was dominated by the reorganisation following the Annual General Meeting. Subsequent to this the Company acquired positions in a number of new holdings including Financial Engines, an investment advisor focused on providing highly scalable advice on US 401k retirement plans, and Foundation Medicine, a diagnostics company that is commercialising a comprehensive genetic test that maps the molecular changes that occur in cancer and uses this to guide patient specific treatments. The Company's holding in the US home services review network, Angie's List, was sold following disappointing results that raised questions as to how much value tradesmen derive from the network.

While cognisant of economic uncertainties, we continue to believe that there is a broader structural theme at work that is ultimately more relevant to long term bottom-up investors; that theme relates to innovation and the ever increasing role played by technology in building and growing businesses.

 

 

 



 

 

Income statement

 

 

For the year ended

31 October 2014 (unaudited)

For the year ended

31 October 2013 (audited)

 

Revenue

£'000

Capital

£'000

Total

£'000

Revenue

£'000

Capital

£'000

Total

£'000

 (Losses)/gains on investments

(3,952)

(3,952)

57,734 

57,734 

Currency gains/(losses)

749 

749

(699)

(699)

Income (note 2)

1,186 

1,186 

1,987 

1,987 

Investment management fee

(362)

(1,085)

(1,447)

(341)

(1,024)

(1,365)

Other administrative expenses

(428)

(428)

(435)

(435)

Net return before finance costs and taxation

396 

(4,288)

(3,892)

1,211 

56,011 

57,222 

Finance costs of borrowings

(195)

(584)

(779)

(200)

(599)

(799)

Net return on ordinary activities before taxation

201 

(4,872)

(4,671)

1,011 

55,412 

56,423 

Tax on ordinary activities

(133)

-

(133)

(188)

(188)

Net return on ordinary activities after taxation

68 

(4,872)

(4,804)

823 

55,412 

56,235 

Net return per ordinary share (note 4)

0.14p

(9.94p)

(9.80p)

1.68p

113.07p

114.75p

 

The total column of this statement is the profit and loss account of the Company.

All revenue and capital items in this statement derive from continuing operations.

A Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses is not required as all gains and losses of the Company have been reflected in the above statement.



 

Balance sheet

 

 

 

At 31 October 2014 (unaudited)

£'000

At 31 October 2013

(audited)

£'000

Fixed assets



Investments held at fair value through profit or loss

227,012 

229,025 




Current assets



Debtors

130 

715 

Cash and short term deposits

10,595 

13,081 


10,725 

13,796 

Creditors



Amounts falling due within one year (note 6)

(513)

(30,675)

Net current assets/(liabilities)

10,212 

(16,879)

Total assets less current liabilities

237,224 

212,146 




Creditors



Amounts falling due after more than one year (note 6)

(30,862)

Net assets

206,362 

212,146 




Capital and reserves



Called up share capital

2,450 

2,450 

Share premium

82,180 

82,180 

Special reserve

35,220 

35,220 

Capital reserve

84,806 

89,678 

Revenue reserve

1,706 

2,618 

Shareholders' funds

206,362 

212,146 

Net asset value per ordinary share

(after deducting borrowings at fair value)

420.58p

432.31p

Net asset value per ordinary share

(after deducting borrowings at par)

421.11p

432.91p

Ordinary shares in issue

49,004,319

49,004,319 

 



 

Reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds

 

For the year ended 31 October 2014 (unaudited)


Called up share capital

£'000

Share premium

£'000

Special Reserve

£'000

Capital* reserve

£'000

Revenue reserve

£'000

Shareholders'
funds

£'000

Shareholders' funds at 1 November 2013

2,450

82,180

35,220

89,678 

2,618 

212,146 

Net return on ordinary activities after taxation

-

-

-

(4,872)

68 

(4,804)

Dividends paid during the year (note 5)

-

-

-

(980)

(980)

Shareholders' funds at 31 October 2014

2,450

82,180

35,220

84,806 

1,706 

206,362 

 

 

For the year ended 31 October 2013 (audited)


Called up share capital

£'000

Share premium

£'000

Special Reserve

£'000

Capital* reserve

£'000

Revenue reserve

£'000

Shareholders'
funds

£'000

Shareholders' funds at 1 November 2012

2,450

82,180

35,220

34,266

2,775 

156,891 

Net return on ordinary activities after taxation

-

-

-

55,412

823 

56,235 

Dividends paid during the year (note 5)

-

-

-

-

(980)

(980)

Shareholders' funds at 31 October 2013

2,450

82,180

35,220

89,678

2,618 

212,146 

*  The capital reserve as at 31 October 2014 includes investment holdings gains of £4,008,000 (2013 - gains of £112,998,000).

 



 

Condensed cash flow statement

 

For the year ended 31 October 2014 (unaudited)

For the year ended 31 October 2013 (audited)


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities (note 9)


(700)


365 

Servicing of finance





Interest paid

(773)


(801)


Net cash outflow from servicing of finance


(773)


(801)

Taxation





Overseas tax incurred

(133)


(199)


Total tax paid


(133)


(199)

Financial investment





Acquisitions of investments

(220,402)


(30,133)


Disposals of investments

218,714 


41,666 


Realised currency (loss)/gain

156 


(194)


Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financial investment


(1,532)


11,339 

Equity dividends paid (note 5)


(980)


(980)

Net cash inflow before use of financing





Financing





Bank loan repaid

(28,971)



Bank loan drawn down

30,603 



Net cash inflow from financing


1,632 


(Decrease)/increase in cash


(2,486)


9,724 

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt





(Decrease)/increase in cash in the period


(2,486)


9,724 

Increase in bank loan


(1,632)


-

Exchange movement on bank loans


593 


(505)

Movement in net debt in the year


(3,525)


9,219 

Net debt at 1 November


(16,742)


(25,961)

Net debt at 31 October


(20,267)


(16,742)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Portfolio performance at 31 October 2014 (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Name

 

 

 

Business

Fair value

2014

£'000

 

% of total assets

Performance†

Fair value 2013

£'000

Absolute

%

Relative

%

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

Therapeutic gene silencing

10,121

4.3

13.2   

5.8  

-

IP Group

Intellectual property commercialisation

8,631

3.6

53.4* 

45.2

2,933

Stratasys

3D printer manufacturer

7,641

3.2

7.1* 

1.4

3,735

Tesla Motors

Electric cars

6,784

2.9

52.4* 

44.3

1,350

MarketAxess

Electronic bond trading platform

6,673

2.8

9.0  

1.9  

-

Zillow

US online real estate portal

6,172

2.6

37.0  

28.1  

-

TripAdvisor

Online travel review platform

6,123

2.6

7.6* 

1.9

5,689

LinkedIn

Professional networking site

5,190

2.2

2.8* 

(2.7)*

5,044

Dexcom

Real time blood glucose monitoring

4,887

2.1

26.9  

18.6  

-

IPG Photonics

Produces high-power fibre lasers and

  amplifiers

4,485

1.9

2.8  

(3.9) 

-

IMAX

Film and cinema equipment

4,392

1.8

12.2  

4.9  

-

Genomic Health

Genomic-based clinical diagnostic tests  

  for cancer

4,207

1.8

20.9  

13.0  

-

Novadaq Technologies

Medical systems for intra-surgical

  imagining

3,978

1.7

(23.0) 

(28.1) 

-

Ocado

Online food retailer

3,965

1.7

(51.2) 

(54.4) 

-

4D Pharma

Bacteria derived novel therapeutics

3,900

1.6

285.8  

261.4  

-

iRobot

Domestic and military robots

3,810

1.6

5.9* 

0.3

2,955

Morphosys

Therapeutic antibodies

3,796

1.6

8.7  

1.6  

-

Dialog Semiconductor

Analogue chips for mobile phones

3,791

1.6

71.8  

60.6  

-

Seek

Online recruitment portal

3,642

1.5

39.2  

29.9  

-

Financial Engines

Investment advisory firm

3,612

1.5

(27.3) 

(29.5) 

-

Bitauto

Chinese automotive website

3,474

1.5

176.4  

158.4  

-

EPAM Systems

Outsourced software and services

3,420

1.4

19.2  

11.4  

-

Aerovironment

Small unmanned aircraft systems

3,292

1.4

10.0  

2.9  

-

Faro Technologies

Designs and develops measurement

  devices

3,252

1.4

10.6  

3.4   

-

Splunk

Data diagnostics

3,199

1.3

5.7* 

0.1

330

Seattle Genetics

Antibody conjugates based biotechnology

3,106

1.3

(4.7)*

(9.8)*

3,256

Nanoco

Quantum dot manufacturer

2,999

1.3

(1.9) 

(7.7) 

-

Imagination Technologies

Graphics semiconductor designer

2,888

1.2

1.6  

(5.0) 

-

M3

Online medical database

2,876

1.2

12.6  

5.1 

-

Temenos

Banking software

2,860

1.2

5.6  

(1.3) 

-

Genus

Animal breeding services

2,721

1.1

(16.3) 

(21.8) 

-

Wirecard

Internet payment and processing services

2,684

1.1

(14.5) 

(20.1) 

-

Renishaw

Measurement and calibration equipment

2,500

1.1

(2.1) 

(8.5) 

-

Cosmo Pharmaceuticals

Therapies for gastrointestinal diseases

2,498

1.1

57.1  

50.4  

-

Acacia Research

Patent licenser

2,498

1.1

38.0  

29.0  

-

Stamps.com

Website for postage services

2,474

1.0

(1.4) 

(7.8) 

-

Oxford Instruments

Produces advanced instrumentation

  equipment

2,408

1.0

(35.8) 

(40.0) 

-

MonatoRO

Online business supplies

2,370

1.0

23.9  

15.7  

-

MakeMyTrip

Online travel services

2,336

1.0

45.3  

35.8  

-

FEI

Electron microscopes

2,302

1.0

(4.0)*

(9.1)*

4,696

ASOS

Online fashion retailer

2,258

0.9

(55.8) 

(58.7) 

-

AKR Corporindo

Distributes chemical products

2,221

0.9

15.5  

9.6 

-

Digital Garage

Internet business incubator

2,177

0.9

(51.5) 

(54.7) 

-

Victrex

High-performance thermo-plastics

2,153

0.9

(3.0) 

(9.4) 

-

AAC Technologies

Miniature acoustic components

2,085

0.9

44.5  

35.0  

-

Xeros

Commercial laundry manufacturer

1,947

0.8

5.3  

3.0  

-

Rightmove

UK online property portal

1,899

0.8

(14.8) 

(20.4) 

-

SDL

Language translation services

1,882

0.8

12.0  

4.7  

-

Start Today

Internet fashion retailer

1,849

0.8

(2.3) 

(8.8) 

-

Xing

Professional networking

1,844

0.8

2.0  

(4.6) 

-

Xero

Cloud-based accounting software

1,843

0.8

(63.1) 

(65.6) 

-

Teradyne

Semiconductor testing equipment

  manufacturer

1,725

0.7

(0.3) 

(6.8) 

-

Retroscreen Virology

Outsourced pre-clinical analytical services

1,710

0.7

2.2  

(5.3) 

-

Senomyx

Developer of additives to amplify certain

  flavours in foods

1,708

0.7

(0.5) 

(3.0) 

-

Perform

Commercialises online sports rights

1,666

0.7

11.1  

3.9  

-

CTS Eventim

Event ticketing and promotion

1,657

0.7

2.7  

(4.0) 

-

Foundation Medicine

Develops cancer diagnostic technology

1,618

0.7

21.8  

17.0  

-

Xaar

Ink jet printing technology

1,594

0.7

(74.2) 

(75.9) 

-

Basware

Software solutions for financial

  transactions

1,558

0.7

31.1  

22.6  

-

Abcam

Scientific reagent supplier

1,551

0.7

(23.2) 

(28.2) 

-

Barco

Designs and develops visualisation

  solutions

1,543

0.6

3.9  

(3.0) 

-

Next

Provides online property information

1,540

0.6

(42.8) 

(46.6) 

-

Galapagos

Developer of novel model of action

  therapeutics

1,459

0.6

(39.8) 

(43.7) 

-

Exa

Simulation software and services

1,333

0.6

(21.0) 

(26.1) 

-

Power Integrations

Analogue integrated circuits

1,318

0.5

(12.3) 

(18.0) 

-

Sarine Technologies

Systems for diamond grading and cutting

1,239

0.5

61.2  

50.6  

-

Intelligent Energy Holding

Developer of modular fuel cells

1,234

0.5

(38.2) 

(38.7) 

-

Genomma Lab

Distributes over-the-counter drugs and

  personal care products

1,228

0.5

(0.0) 

(5.3) 

-

Zumtobel

Commercial lighting

1,144

0.5

(8.5) 

(14.6) 

-

Horizon Discovery

Customised cell lines to aid drug discovery

1,140

0.5

(14.2) 

(16.7) 

-

Yoox

Online luxury fashion retailer

1,073

0.5

(51.4) 

(54.6) 

-

Intralinks

Secure collaboration tools

1,051

0.4

(20.7) 

(25.8) 

-

Cellectis

Biotech focused on genetic engineering

1,045

0.4

180.2  

161.6  

-

Noah

Distributes wealth management products

  in China

922

0.4

18.7  

10.9  

-

Ricardo

Automotive engineer

902

0.4

2.7  

(4.0) 

-

Thin Film Electronics

Develops printed, rewritable memory

  media

895

0.4

(32.8) 

(37.3) 

-

Just Dial

Offers a search engine to users throughout

  India

849

0.4

13.8  

7.0  

-

Ceres Power Holding

Developer of fuel cell

821

0.3

(7.9) 

(10.1) 

-

Velocys

Gas to liquid technology

752

0.3

26.9  

18.6  

-

Suss Microtec

Fabrication and inspection equipment

724

0.3

(35.4) 

(39.6) 

-

Oisix

Organic food website

724

0.3

(53.0) 

(56.1) 

-

China Financial Services

SME lending in China

716

0.3

(28.7)*

(32.5)*

1,030

Avacta Group

Analytical reagents and instrumentation

682

0.3

(30.5) 

(34.5) 

-

Medgenics

Therapeutic protein delivery technology

674

0.3

(25.2) 

(30.1) 

-

Tissue Regenix

Regenerative medical devices

657

0.3

2.3  

(4.5) 

-

C4X Discovery Holdings

Rational drug design and optimisation

651

0.3

(0.0) 

(6.0) 

-

Summit Corporation

Drug discovery and development

533

0.2

(24.2) 

(27.8) 

-

Westport Innovations

Natural gas engine technology

418

0.2

(62.0) 

(63.2) 

-

Kingdee

Enterprise management software

408

0.2

(9.4) 

(15.4) 

-

Applied Graphene Materials

Manufactures grapheme nanoplatelets

228

0.1

(27.4) 

(31.7) 

-

GI Dynamics

Develops and markets medical devices

207

0.1

(64.1) 

(66.5) 

-

China Lumena New Materials

Mines, processes and manufactures

  natural thenardite products

-

-

(100.0)

(100.0)

-

Total equities


227,012

95.7




Net liquid assets


10,212

4.3




Total assets at fair value#

237,224

100.0




†      Absolute and relative performance has been calculated on a total return basis over the period 1 November 2013 to 31 October 2014 (performance figures for investments bought during the period are part-period returns - see note below). Absolute performance is in sterling terms; relative performance is against S&P Citigroup Global Small Cap Index (in sterling terms).

*     Investments marked with an asterisk were held at 31 October 2013; the performance for these investments is for the year to 31 October 2014. All other investments were purchased following the portfolio re-organisation and their performance figures are part-period returns.

#    Before deductions of loan

Source: Baillie Gifford/StatPro.

Distribution of total assets* by Industry (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industry Analysis

 

 

 

31 October 2014

%


Portfolio Weightings

(relative to comparative index†)

at 31 October 2014

%

Equities:

Biotechnology

11.5

 

9.0

 

Internet Software and Services

8.9

 

7.3

 

Electronic Equipment, Instrument and Components

7.9

 

5.3

 

Internet and Catalogue Retail

7.8

 

7.2

 

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment

5.6

 

3.5

 

Software

5.6

 

2.9

 

Capital Markets

5.5

 

2.7

 

Media

4.6

 

1.9

 

Computers and Peripherals

4.3

 

3.7

 

Health Care Equipment and Supplies

4.2

 

2.2

 

IT Services

3.4

 

1.5

 

Pharmaceuticals

3.2

 

1.7

 

Life Sciences Tools and Services

3.0

 

2.2

 

Professional Services

3.0

 

1.8

 

Automobiles

2.9

 

2.7

 

Diversified Financial Services

2.8

 

1.7

 

Trading Companies and Distributors

1.9

 

0.5

 

Chemicals

1.7

 

(1.6)

 

Household Durables

1.6

 

(0.6)

 

Machinery

1.5

 

(3.0)

 

Health Care Technology

1.5

 

1.2

 

Aerospace and Defence

1.4

 

0.1

 

Electrical Equipment

1.3

 

0.2

 

Energy Equipment and Services

0.3

 

(1.2)

 

Consumer Finance

0.3

 

(0.3)

 

Net Liquid Assets

4.3

 

 

Total assets

100.0



* Total net assets before deduction of bank loan

 

 

 

S&P Citigroup Global Small Cap Index. Weightings exclude industries where the Company has no exposure.

 

 

 

 

Distribution of total assets (unaudited)

 

 

 

At 31 October 2014 %

At 31 October 2013

%

 

North America

 

47.0

51.8

 

 

USA

45.2

51.8

 

 

Canada

1.8

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

South America


0.5

-

 

 

Mexico

0.5

-

Europe

 

34.9

24.3

 

United Kingdom

22.8

5.4

 

Eurozone

9.4

13.5

 

Developed Europe (non euro)

2.7

5.4

Asia

 

10.9

18.5

 

Japan

4.8

1.4

 

China

2.4

14.7

 

Hong Kong

0.9

-

 

India

1.4

2.4

 

Indonesia

0.9

-

 

Singapore

0.5

-

Australasia

 

2.4

-

 

Australia

1.6

-

 

New Zealand

0.8

-

Total equities

95.7

94.6

 

Net liquid assets

4.3

5.4

 

Total assets (before deduction of loan)

100.0

100.0

 

 

 



 

Notes (unaudited)

 

1.    

The financial statements for the year to 31 October 2014 have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the Company's Annual Financial Statements at 31 October 2013, which are unchanged from the prior year and have been applied consistently.

In accordance with the Financial Reporting Council's guidance on going concern and liquidity risk, the Directors have undertaken a rigorous review of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Company's principal risks are market related and include market risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. An explanation of these risks and how they are managed is contained in note 19 of the Annual Report and Financial Statements.

The Company's assets, the majority of which are investments in quoted securities which are readily realisable, exceed its liabilities significantly. All borrowings require the prior approval of the Board. Gearing levels and compliance with borrowing covenants are reviewed by the Board on a regular basis. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis as it is the Directors' opinion that the Company will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

The Directors consider the Company's functional currency to be sterling as the Company's shareholders are predominantly based in the UK and the Company and its investment manager, who are subject to the UK's regulatory environment, are also UK based.

2.    

Income

2014

£'000

2013

£'000

Income from investments

1,176

1,973

Deposit interest

10

14


1,186

1,987

3.

Baillie Gifford & Co Limited are appointed as Managers and Secretaries. The annual management fee is 0.95% on the first £50m of net assets and 0.65% on the remaining net assets, calculated quarterly. Prior to 1 April 2013 the fee was 0.8% per annum of the market value of the Company's shares, calculated quarterly, plus a performance fee. No performance fee was payable for the period to 31 March 2013 and none is payable under the new arrangements.

 

Until 31 March 2013, the Company paid a secretarial fee to Baillie Gifford which was adjusted annually in line with the Retail Price Index. The secretarial fee for the five months to 31 March 2013 was £34,000 and there is no secretarial fee under the new arrangements .

 

 

4.

Net return per ordinary share

 

Revenue

2014 Capital

 

Total

 

Revenue

2013

Capital

 

Total

Net return on ordinary activities after     taxation

0.14p

(9.94p)

(9.80p)

1.68p

113.07p

114.75p

 

Revenue return per ordinary share is based on the net return on ordinary activities after taxation of £68,000 (2013: £823,000) and on 49,004,319 ordinary shares, being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during each year.

Capital return per ordinary share is based on the net capital loss for the financial year of £4,872,000 (2013 - net capital gain of £55,412,000) and on 49,004,319 ordinary shares, being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during each year.

There are no dilutive or potentially dilutive shares in issue.

 

 

 

    

5.

Ordinary dividends

2014

2013

2014

£'000

2013

£'000

Amounts recognised as distributions in the period:

 

 

 

 

Previous year's final (paid 6 February 2014)

1.50p

1.50p

735

735

Interim (paid 17 July 2014)

0.50p

0.50p

245

245

 

2.00p

2.00p

980

980

 

Also set out below are the total dividends paid and proposed in respect of the financial year, which is the basis on which the requirements of section 1158 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 are considered. The revenue available for distribution by way of dividend for the year is £68,000 (2013 - £823,000)

 

Dividends paid and payable in respect of the year:

 

 

 

 

Interim dividend per ordinary share (paid 17July 2014)

0.50p

0.50p

245

245

Proposed final dividend per ordinary share (payable 5 February 2015)

1.50p

1.50p

735

735

 

2.00p

2.00p

980

980

 

If approved, the recommended final dividend will be paid on 5 February 2015 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 9 January 2015.  The ex-dividend date is 8 January 2015. The registrars, Computershare Investor Services plc, offer a dividend reinvestment plan. The final date for the receipt of elections for the dividend reinvestment plan is 15 January 2015.

 

6.

At 31 October 2013 creditors included borrowings of £29,823,000 drawn down under a three year fixed rate loan facility with National Australia Bank Limited which expired on 30 September 2014. The loan was drawn down consisted of €11.4m, US$16.35m and £10.0m at that date.

 

The facility was replaced with a five year fixed rate facility with National Australia Bank Limited which has drawings of drawn down €9.4m, US$25.6m and £7.5m which expires on 30 September 2019.

 

The fair value of borrowings at 31 October 2014 was £31,120,000 (2013 - £30,117,000). Net asset value per share (after deducting borrowings at fair value) was 420.58p (2013 - 432.31p).

7.

The Company incurred transaction costs on purchases of £358,000 (2013 - £55,000) and on sales of £122,000 (2013 - £34,000).

8.

At the Annual General Meeting on 27 January 2014 the Company renewed its authority to purchase shares in the market, in respect of 7,345,747 ordinary shares (equivalent to 14.99% of its issued share capital at that date). No shares were bought back during the year to 31 October 2014 or 2013. At 31 October 2014 the Company had authority to buy back 7,345,747 ordinary shares.

9.

Reconciliation of net return before finance costs and taxation to net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities

2014

£'000

2013

£'000

 

Net return before finance costs and taxation

(3,892)

57,222 

 

Losses/(gains) on investments

3,952 

(57,734)

 

Currency(gains)/losses

(749)

699 

 

(Increase)/decrease in accrued income

(16)

152 

 

Decrease/(increase) in debtors

23 

(43)

 

(Decrease)/increase in creditors

(18)

69 

 

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities

(700)

365 

10.

The financial information set out above does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 October 2014. The financial information for 2012 is derived from the statutory accounts for 2013 which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The Auditors have reported on the 2013 accounts, their report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under section 495 to 497 of the Companies Act 2006. The statutory accounts for 2014 are unaudited and will be finalised on the basis of the financial information presented in this preliminary announcement and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's Annual General Meeting.

11.

The Report and Accounts will be available on the Edinburgh Worldwide page of the Managers' website http://www.edinburghworldwide.co.uk on or around 22 December 2014.

12.

None of the views expressed in this document should be construed as advice to buy or sell a particular investment.

Neither the contents of the Company's website nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the

Company's website (or any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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