Half-year Report

RNS Number : 0077Q
Henderson Opportunities Trust PLC
23 June 2022
 

 

JANUS HENDERSON FUND MANAGEMENT UK LIMITED

 

HENDERSON OPPORTUNITIES TRUST PLC

 

LEGAL ENTITY IDENTIFIER (LEI):  2138005D884NPGHFQS77

 

23 June 2022

 

 

HENDERSON OPPORTUNITIES TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

 

Unaudited results for the half year ended 30 April 2022

 

This announcement contains regulated information.

 

Investment Objective

The Company aims to achieve capital growth in excess of the FTSE All-Share Index from a portfolio of primarily UK investments.

 

Performance summary

 

 

(Unaudited)

30 April

2022

(Unaudited)

30 April

2021

(Audited)

 31 October

2021

Net Asset Value ('NAV') per share

1,471.5p

1,624.5p

1,626.9p

Share price

1,237.5p

1,590.0p

1,382.5p

Net assets

£116.2m

£128.3m

£128.5m

Discount1 to NAV

15.9%

2.1%

15.0%

Total return per share

-140.9p

592.1p

607.5p

Share price total return

-9.5%

81.8%

59.5%

Revenue return per share - basic and diluted

19.5p

11.6p

24.7p

Dividends per share2

14.0p

13.0p

27.5p

Net gearing3

15.2%

13.1%

13.2%

 

 

Total Return Performance to 30 April 2022

 

 

6 Months

%

 

1 Year

%

 

3 Years

%

 

5 Years

%

 

10 Years

%

NAV4

-8.7

-7.8

27.1

43.2

207.6

Benchmark5

3.2

8.7

14.1

26.6

100.8

Share price6

-9.5

-20.6

32.2

44.1

249.8

Peer group average NAV7

-13.2

-10.0

11.3

23.2

139.6

 

Sources: Morningstar Direct, Refinitiv Datastream and Janus Henderson

 

1.   Calculated based on the NAV per ordinary share and share price at period end

2.   The dividends per ordinary share for the period 1 November 2021 to 30 April 2022 include a first interim dividend payment of 7.0p per ordinary share payable on 24 June 2022 and a second interim dividend payment of 7.0p per ordinary share payable on 23 September 2022.  See the Chairman's Statement and Note 3 for further details

3.   Net gearing reflects the amount of borrowings (bank loans or overdrafts) the Company has used to invest in the market less cash and investment cash funds, as a percentage of net assets

4.   NAV per ordinary share total return (including dividends reinvested)

5.   FTSE All-Share Index

6.   Share price total return (including dividends reinvested)

7.   Association of Investment Companies ('AIC') UK All Companies Sector



INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT

 

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

 

Performance

It is disappointing to be reporting on a period of net asset value ("NAV") decline of 8.7% for the Company, particularly when the Company's FTSE All-Share Index benchmark rose modestly, by 3.2%, over the same time horizon. On a longer-term basis (3, 5 and 10 years) the Company has outperformed its benchmark (see table above).

 

The six months to the end of April were characterised by higher-than-expected inflation and economic uncertainty, particularly towards the end of the six months after the war in Ukraine began. From a UK stock market perspective this had a 'de-risking' effect as markets sought the relative certainty of either defensive sectors or those with an earnings uplift from rising commodity prices. While the Company's portfolio saw some benefit from its holdings in natural resource companies, this was more than offset by the significant de-rating of many small and medium sized companies. This size differential in how companies performed was among the key drivers of the Company's underperformance. In this respect we are, to a degree, comforted that the decline in the Company's NAV of 8.7% was less than that of the AIM All-Share Index at 16.0% where just over half of the Company's portfolio was invested at the period end.

 

Earnings and dividends

The revenue return in the period was £1,543,000, compared to £915,000 in the same period last year. We were encouraged to see dividends continue their recovery, with some companies returning to dividend payments for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. During the previous two financial years we chose to continue with the Company's existing dividend trajectory by using a small amount of the Company's revenue reserve. It is our expectation (barring unforeseen circumstances) that the dividend this financial year will be covered by current year earnings.  We are therefore pleased to declare a second interim dividend of 7.0p per ordinary share for the financial year ending 31 October 2022 in respect of the quarter to 30 April 2022. This will be payable on 23 September 2022 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 19 August 2022. The Company's shares will be quoted ex-dividend on 18 August 2022. The first interim dividend for the financial year ending 31 October 2022 was declared on 10 March 2022 and will be paid on 24 June 2022.

 

Gearing

Gearing ended the period at 15.2% of net assets, up modestly from 13.2% at the financial year end. In a period where the Company's net asset value fell, gearing detracted from returns. The upward movement in gearing was driven by the decline in the Company's net asset value, as the Fund Managers were small net sellers during the period.

 

Share Capital

The discount to net asset value stayed approximately flat; as at the end of April the Company's discount to NAV was 15.9%, compared to 15.0% at financial year end. No shares were issued or bought back and as at the end of April 2022 the financial year end position was therefore unchanged with 8,000,858 shares in issue (of which 102,483 are currently held in treasury).

 

Outlook

The current period is one of great uncertainty.  War, inflation and possible recession make for a problematic backdrop. However, stock markets are always looking to the future and it may be that these difficulties are already reflected to a degree in the valuations of many companies.

 

Investing in sound companies with good management teams can be the way to preserve and grow capital in these uncertain times.  We would expect inflation to rise further before falling back next year. Companies with real pricing power can provide their investors some protection and a return to growth in the economy will enhance corporate margins as the sales advance. This may be a story for 2023 and the portfolio is positioned to benefit.

 

Wendy Colquhoun

Chairman

 

 

 

FUND MANAGERS' REPORT

 

Overview

During the six months to the end of April the Company's net asset value fell 8.7% while the FTSE All-Share Index benchmark rose 3.2% (both on a total return basis). Over this period smaller companies materially underperformed larger ones. The FTSE AIM All-Share index (where 54% of the portfolio was invested at the end of April) fell 16.0% while the FTSE 100 rose 6.2%. As inflation rapidly surged and economic growth expectations were revised downwards, the best performing sectors were either positively exposed to rising commodity prices or defensive sectors such as utilities and pharmaceuticals. This meant the FTSE 100, with its higher share of defensive sectors and significant weighting in commodity companies, performed well, while on average the more domestic and more cyclical smaller companies underperformed.

 

As the market began to price in the possibility of stagflation, the 'stabilisers' held in the portfolio (see definition in the table below) provided diversification and performed well. This helped to partially offset weakness in 'tomorrow's leaders' as the market chose to assign a greater value to relative certainty and cash generation today rather than earnings potential in the future. This caused the greatest de-rating within the early-stage company 'bucket', where companies are at an early stage of their life cycle and the majority of companies held are pre profitability. We had been steadily adding to the 'stabilisers' while reducing some of 'tomorrow's leaders' on strength going into this financial year. While this was the correct direction of travel, as is often the case in hindsight, the scale of the move was not enough to offset the headwind from smaller company underperformance.

 

 

Total

(gross assets) %

Indicative range %

Stabilisers



Large cap (£1bn +)

These stocks are usually familiar to all investors. They are ballast for the portfolio but as individual companies we believe they remain capable of long-term earnings growth.

 

22

10-30

Natural Resources

These are companies that will benefit from rising commodity prices. The majority of this classification are smaller companies (outside of the FTSE 100) that are less well understood and where, in our view, we can add more value by paying close attention.

 

16

5-15

Tomorrow's Leaders

 


Growth small cap

These are companies that in our view can be substantially larger businesses in time. They have strong management capability and they operate in fast growing end markets or are disruptors within more established markets.

18

20-40

Recovery

Some of these companies, for example those exposed to the aerospace industry, have fallen into the recovery classification as a result of the pandemic. However, as the global economy recovers earnings should be able to grow from current suppressed levels.

10

0-30

Early-stage companies/university spin-outs

These are companies that could serve large end markets with potentially disruptive technologies, however they are at an early stage of their life cycle and whether the technology becomes fully commercialised remains, to a degree, binary. They should perform largely independently of the broader economic cycle.

11

0-20

Small & mid cap compounders

These are good quality, long-term holdings with experienced management teams. Over time we expect them to steadily grow sales and earnings.

23

20-40

 

Source: Janus Henderson Investors at 30 April 2022.

 

Portfolio Attribution

In a period of rising commodity prices, the top five absolute contributors to performance during the six months were commodity producers ( Serica Energy , Jersey Oil & Gas , Anglo American , Shell and Rio Tinto ). It has always been our view that, for portfolio balance reasons, the portfolio should maintain a minimum 5% weighting in natural resources. This is to provide a counterbalance against companies held (such as industrials) that are heavy commodity consumers at times of rising commodity prices. As at the end of the period the portfolio's weighting in the area was 16.0%. While we have been modest net sellers in recent months, we continue to hold a sizable weighting. This is because in our view there is a realistic possibility of a prolonged period of higher commodity prices following several years of low investment in the industry. 

 

In a reversal of performance in the previous financial year, several of the early-stage companies held (such as fuel cell companies AFC Energy and Ceres Power ) were among the largest absolute detractors from performance. The de-rating in the area was not on the back of material disappointments at the company level. Valuations, however, had become high towards the end of 2020 (at which point we made material reductions) and we were not, therefore, surprised to see a degree of retrenchment. We continue to think that the potential end markets for these companies is large and the calibre of their commercial partnerships suggests they are among the leaders in the area. We therefore continue to hold an 11% weight in early-stage companies, of which 3% is held in alternative energy companies.

 

Outside of early-stage companies, the most material disappointment was online value retailer Studio Retail , which was written down to zero after entering administration. This was an extremely unusual situation as the company had been materially profitable the previous financial year, however supply chain disruptions (with, for example, some stock not arriving in time for Christmas) led to a working capital outflow. This meant Studio Retail reached the limits of their lending facilities and the banks were not willing to extend further lending. Due to the short time frames involved shareholders were not given the option to inject money into the business via a rights issue.

 

Activity

The largest new position purchased in the period was Shell , which was bought in December 2021. It had previously been our view that smaller oil and gas companies presented better opportunities for us to add value as they were less well known and often traded at material valuation discounts. At the time of investment, however, Shell was trading at what we saw as an attractive valuation relative to its cash generation. It also had a breadth of assets, such as its retail distribution network and sizable gas assets, that in our view positioned it well for the energy transition. Other new positions during the six months included Halfords (purchased in March), which has significantly improved its business in recent years with a greater focus on services and a stronger balance sheet.

 

The largest sale during the period was Blue Prism following a recommended takeover offer from a US peer. We also materially reduced the position in Serica Energy on share price strength, aiming to limit the holding to approximately 4% of gross assets.

 

Outlook

The portfolio is a selection of shares in UK companies that have management teams we believe will navigate their companies through the current turbulent period.  It is a diverse list of companies and good businesses can be found in all fields of economic life. The valuations of the stocks in the portfolio appear undemanding; the growth we expect is not reflected in the share prices. It may require a more certain economic backdrop for the strengths of these companies to be recognised, in the meantime we will be monitoring them and buying when the share price falls unduly. We will finance this through selling down holdings in companies where the share price seems to more accurately reflect prospects and by modestly increasing the gearing.

 

 

James Henderson and Laura Foll

Fund Managers

 

 



Principal Risks and Uncertainties

 

The principal risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business can be divided into the following main areas:

 

•           investment activity and strategy;

•           financial instruments and the management of risk;

•           operational and cyber;

•           accounting, legal and regulatory; and

•           failure of Janus Henderson.

 

Detailed information on these risks is given in the Strategic Report and in the Notes to the Financial Statements in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 October 2021.

 

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

 

The risks associated with the war in Ukraine and the economic sanctions on Russia fall into the "financial instruments and the management of risk" risk category, relating to political and economic risks, including global military emergencies, interest rates and inflationary pressures.  Expectations for economic growth have been substantially reduced whilst at the same time inflation is running at generational highs exacerbated by supply side shortages and burgeoning energy costs.  Any of these factors will have an impact on equity market levels and the Company's investments.

 

 

Directors' Responsibility Statement

 

The Directors (as listed in note 12) confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

 

a)

the condensed financial statements for the half year ended 30 April 2022 have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 104 Interim Financial Reporting and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company;

 

b)

this Interim Management Report and condensed financial statements include a fair review of the information required by the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and

 

c)

this Interim Management Report includes a fair review of the information required by the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 4.2.8R (disclosure of related party transactions and changes therein).

 

 

On behalf of the Board

Wendy Colquhoun

Chairman



Investment portfolio at 30 April 2022

 

Company

Valuation

£'000

% of portfolio

Serica Energy¹

4,826

3.6

Springfield Properties¹

4,703

3.5

Next Fifteen Communications¹

4,309

3.2

Tracsis¹

3,900

2.9

Barclays

3,630

2.7

Anglo American

3,496

2.6

HSBC

3,161

2.4

Rio Tinto

2,853

2.2

Vertu Motors¹

2,852

2.1

Jersey Oil & Gas¹

2,835

2.1

10 largest

36,565

27.3

NatWest

2,834

2.1

Shell

2,825

2.1

IQGeo¹

2,633

2.0

SigmaRoc¹

2,405

1.8

Lloyds Banking

2,386

1.8

Boku¹

2,301

1.7

Zoo Digital¹

2,216

1.7

Standard Chartered

2,124

1.6

Surface Transforms¹

2,089

1.6

GlaxoSmithKline

2,066

1.5

20 largest

60,444

45.2

Aviva

2,058

1.5

Ilika¹

1,995

1.5

RWS Holdings¹

1,923

1.5

Van Elle¹

1,903

1.4

Cohort¹

1,836

1.4

Tesco

1,835

1.4

Direct Line Insurance

1,776

1.3

Flowtech¹

1,743

1.3

Morgan Advanced Materials

1,692

1.3

Redde Northgate

1,653

1.2

30 largest

78,858

59.0

Vodafone

1,641

1.2

Oxford Instruments

1,622

1.2

Tribal Group¹

1,547

1.2

Redcentric¹

1,544

1.1

BT Group

1,507

1.1

Ceres Power¹

1,490

1.1

Jadestone Energy¹

1,476

1.1

Deltic Energy¹

1,457

1.1

AFC Energy¹

1,423

1.1

The Gym Group

1,421

1.1

40 largest

93,986

70.3

STV

1,373

1.0

Integrafin Holdings

1,324

1.0

GB Group¹

1,313

1.0

Prudential

1,262

0.9

Jubilee Metals¹

1,214

0.9

Mirriad Advertising¹

1,212

0.9

K3 Capital¹

1,212

0.9

M&G

1,177

0.9

Workspace

1,136

0.9

Halfords

1,131

0.8

50 largest

106,340

79.5

Johnson Matthey

1,112

0.8

IP Group

1,111

0.8

Marks & Spencer

1,102

0.8

XP Power

1,063

0.8

Hollywood Bowl

1,007

0.8

Babcock

996

0.7

Reckitt Benckiser

936

0.7

Rolls-Royce

902

0.7

Kier Group

887

0.7

International Personal Finance

864

0.7

60 largest

116,320

87.0

Orcadian Energy¹

860

0.6

Dianomi¹

842

0.6

Ricardo

837

0.6

Marks Electrical¹

818

0.6

Premier Miton Group¹

811

0.6

Senior

808

0.6

CML Microsystems

800

0.6

Creo Medical¹

788

0.6

Accsys Technologies¹

770

0.6

Mondi

755

0.6

70 largest

124,409

93.0

24 remaining (excluding cash and investments written down to zero)

9,350

                7.0

 

 

 

Total

133,759

100.0

 

1 Quoted on the Alternative Investment Market ('AIM')



 

Attribution analysis to 30 April 2022

The table below sets out the top five contributors and top five detractors to NAV:

 

Top five contributors          

Total

return %

Contribution

to NAV %

Serica Energy

+71.3

+2.4

Jersey Oil & Gas

+59.8

+0.9

Anglo American

+33.4

+0.7

Shell

+30.4

+0.6

Rio Tinto

+33.1

+0.6

 

Top five detractors    

Total

return %

Contribution

to NAV %

Studio Retail

-100.0

-1.2

Boku

-37.5

-1.1

Barclays

-25.0

-1.0

AFC Energy

-43.5

-0.8

Ceres Power

-40.0

-0.6

 

Source: Janus Henderson

 

Portfolio by index at 30 April 2022

As a percentage of the portfolio excluding cash

 

Index

FTSE All-Share Index %

Portfolio

 %

FTSE 100

FTSE 250

FTSE SmallCap

FTSE AIM

Other

Total

100.0

100.0

 

Source: Factset

 

Portfolio by market capitalisation at 30 April 2022

As a percentage of the portfolio excluding cash

 

Index

FTSE All-Share Index %

Portfolio

%

 

Greater than £2b

89.6

31.6

£1b - £2b

£500m - £1b

£200m - £500m

£100m - £200m

£50m - £100m

Less than £50m

Other

Total

100.0

100.0

 

 

Source: Factset

 



CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT

 


(Unaudited)

Half Year ended

30 April 2022

(Unaudited)

Half Year ended

30 April 2021

(Audited)

Year ended

31 October 2021


Revenue return £'000

Capital return £'000

Total

return £'000

Revenue return £'000

Capital return £'000

Total return £'000

Revenue return £'000

Capital return £'000

Total return £'000

(Losses)/gains from investments held at fair value through profit or loss                        

-

(12,350)

(12,350)

-

47,311

47,311

-

47,667

47,667

Gain on foreign exchange

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

1

Investment income

held at fair value through

profit or loss        

1,773

-

1,773

1,100

-

1,100

2,317

108

2,425

Interest receivable

and other income              

109

-

109

100

-

100

268

-

268

Gross revenue and

capital (losses)/gain

1,882

(12,350)

(10,468)

1,200

47,311

48,511

2,585

47,776

50,361

 

Management fee (note 2)

(99)

(230)

(329)

(99)

(232)

(331)

(203)

(474)

(677)

Performance fee (note 2)

-

-

-

-

(1,180)

(1,180)

-

(1,168)

(1,168)

Administrative expenses

(199)

-

(199)

(165)

-

(165)

(379)

-

(379)

 

Net return/(loss) before finance costs and taxation

1,584

(12,580)

(10,996)

936

45,899

46,835

2,003

46,134

48,137

Finance costs

(40)

(93)

(133)

(19)

(45)

(64)

(45)

(105)

(150)

 

Net return/(loss) before taxation  

1,544

(12,673)

(11,129)

917

45,854

46,771

1,958

46,029

47,987

Taxation on net return

(1)

-

(1)

(2)

-

(2)

(4)

-

(4)

 

Net return/(loss) after taxation

1,543

(12,673)

(11,130)

915

45,854

46,769

1,954

46,029

47,983

 

Return/(loss) per ordinary share - basic and diluted (note 4)

19.54p

(160.45p)

(140.91p)

11.58p

580.55p

592.13p

24.74p

582.77p

607.51p

 

The total columns of this statement represent the Income Statement of the Company, prepared in accordance with FRS 104.

 

All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. The revenue and capital return columns are supplementary to this and are 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 Statement of Changes in Equity. The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 


(Unaudited)

Half Year ended 30 April 2022


Called up share capital

£'000

Share premium account £'000

Capital redemption reserve £'000

Other capital reserves

£'000

 

Revenue reserve £'000

Total shareholders' funds

£'000

At 1 November 2021

2,000

14,838

2,431

107,496

1,732

128,497

Ordinary dividends paid

-

-

-

-

(1,145)

(1,145)

Return of unclaimed dividends

-

-

-

-

4

4

Net (loss)/return after taxation

-

-

-

(12,673)

1,543

(11,130)

At 30 April 2022

2,000

14,838

2,431

94,823

2,134

116,226


 

 

 

 

 

 


(Unaudited)

Half Year ended 30 April 2021


Called up share

capital

£'000

Share premium account £'000

Capital redemption reserve £'000

Other capital reserves

£'000

 

Revenue reserve £'000

Total shareholders' funds

£'000

At 1 November 2020

2,000

14,838

2,431

61,467

1,907

82,643

Ordinary dividends paid

-

-

-

-

(1,106)

(1,106)

Return of unclaimed dividends

-

-

-

-

3

3

Net return after taxation

-

-

-

45,854

915

46,769

At 30 April 2021

2,000

14,838

2,431

107,321

1,719

128,309


 

 

 

 

 

 


(Audited)

Year ended 31 October 2021


Called up share

capital

£'000

Share premium account £'000

Capital redemption reserve £'000

Other capital reserves

£'000

 

Revenue reserve £'000

Total shareholders' funds

£'000

At 1 November 2020

2,000

14,838

2,431

61,467

1,907

82,643

Ordinary dividends paid

-

-

-

-

(2,131)

(2,131)

Return of unclaimed dividends

-

-

-

-

2

2

Net return after taxation

-

-

-

46,029

1,954

47,983

At 31 October 2021

2,000

14,838

2,431

107,496

1,732

128,497

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.



CONDENSED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 


(Unaudited)

Half year ended 30 April 2022

£'000

(Unaudited)

Half year ended

30 April 2021

£'000

(Audited)

Year ended

31 October 2021 £'000

Investments held at fair value through profit or loss

 



Listed at market value

62,981

61,123

65,075

Quoted on AIM at market value

70,286

85,758

81,536

Unlisted at market value

492

483

493


133,759

147,364

147,104

Current assets

 



Investments held at fair value through profit or loss

2

2

2

Debtors

619

406

90

Cash at bank and in hand

1,829

1,252

1,360


2,450

1,660

1,452


 



Creditors : amounts falling due within one year

 



Bank loans

(19,492)

(18,083)

(18,367)

Other creditors

(491)

(2,632)

(1,692)


 



Net current liabilities

(17,533)

(19,055)

(18,607)


 



Net assets

116,226

128,309

128,497


 



Capital and reserves

 



Called up share capital (note 6)

2,000

2,000

2,000

Share premium account

14,838

14,838

14,838

Capital redemption reserve

2,431

2,431

2,431

Other capital reserves

94,823

107,321

107,496

Revenue reserves

2,134

1,719

1,732


 



 

Total shareholders' funds

116,226

128,309

128,497


 



Net asset value per ordinary share - basic and diluted (note 7)

1,471.5p

1,624.5p

1,626.9p


 


 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.



 

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 


(Unaudited)

Half Year ended

30 April 2022

£'000

(Unaudited)

Half Year ended

30 April 2021

£'000

(Audited) 

Year ended

31 October 2021

£'000

Cash flows from operating activities

 



Net (loss)/return before taxation

(11,129)

46,771

47,987

Add back: finance costs

133

64

150

Add: losses/(gains) on investments held at fair value through profit or loss

12,350

(47,311)

(47,667)

Add: gains on foreign exchange

-

-

1

Increase in debtors

(530)

(312)

(28)

(Decrease)/Increase in creditors

(1,195)

1,130

1,295

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities

(371)

342

1,738

 

 



Cash flows from investing activities

 



Purchase of investments

(11,340)

(22,288)

(36,086)

Sale of investments

12,336

17,494

30,812

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities

996

(4,794)

(5,274)


 



Cash flows from financing activities

 



Equity dividends paid (net of refund or unclaimed distributions and reclaimed distributions)

(1,141)

(1,103)

(2,129)

Net loans drawn down

1,125

3,979

4,263

Interest paid

(140)

(54)

(120)

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities

(156)

2,822

2,014

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

469

(1,630)

(1,522)


 



Cash and cash equivalents at start of year

1,360

2,882

2,882


 



Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

1,829

1,252

1,360

 

 



Comprising:

 



Cash at bank

1,829

1,252

1,360


 



 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.



 

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1

Accounting policies - basis of preparation


The condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with FRS 104, Interim Financial Reporting, FRS 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Statement of Recommended Practice for "Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts", which was updated by the Association of Investment Companies in April 2021.

 

For the period under review, the Company's accounting policies have not varied from those described in the annual report for the year ended 31 October 2021.

 

These financial statements have been neither audited nor reviewed by the Company's auditor.

 

2

Management and performance fees


Janus Henderson Fund Management UK Limited is appointed to act as the Company's Alternative Investment Fund Manager. Janus Henderson Fund Management UK Limited delegates investment management services to Janus Henderson Investors UK Limited. References to Janus Henderson or the Manager within these results refer to the services provided by both Janus Henderson Fund Management UK Limited and Janus Henderson Investors UK Limited.

 

Management and performance fees are charged in accordance with the terms of the management agreement and provided for when due.  The base management fee is charged at 0.55% of net assets per annum payable quarterly at a rate of 0.1375% based on net assets at the end of the previous quarter. The management agreement also provides for the payment of a performance fee, calculated as 15% of any outperformance of the NAV over the benchmark, subject to a limit on the total management and performance fees payable in any one year of 1.5% of the average net assets (calculated quarterly) during the year. No performance fee will be paid if either the share price or net asset value is lower than their value at the preceding financial year end. Any underperformance relative to the benchmark, or any unrewarded outperformance (for example, as a result of the cap), will be carried forward and set against any outperformance or underperformance respectively in subsequent years. A performance fee of £nil has been accrued as at 30 April 2022 (30 April 2021: £1,180,000 and 31 October 2021: £1,168,000).

 

Since 1 November 2013, the Company has allocated 70% of its management fees and finance costs to the capital return of the Income Statement with the remaining 30% being allocated to the revenue return. Performance fees payable are allocated 100% to the capital return.

 

3

Dividends


On 10 March 2022, the Board declared a first interim dividend of 7.0p (2021: 6.5p) per ordinary share, to be paid out of revenue on 24 June 2022 to shareholders on the register of the Company at the close of business on 20 May 2022. T he cost of this dividend will be £ 553 ,000 (2021: £513,000).

 

The Board has declared a second interim dividend of 7.0p (2021: 6.5p) per ordinary share, to be paid out of revenue on 23 September 2022 to shareholders on the register of the Company at the close of business on 19 August 2022. The ex-dividend date will be 18 August 2022. Based on the number of ordinary shares in issue on 30 June 2022, the cost of this dividend will be £553,000 (2021: £513,000) .

 

No provision has been made for the interim dividends in these condensed financial statements. The third interim dividend of 6.5p per ordinary share, paid on 17 December 2021 and the final dividend of 8.0p per ordinary share, paid on 25 March 2022 in respect of the year ended 31 October 2021, have been recognised as a distribution in this period.

 

4

Return/(loss) per ordinary share - basic and diluted

The return/(loss) per ordinary share is based on the following figures:

 


(Unaudited)

Half Year ended

30 April 2022

£'000

(Unaudited)

Half Year ended

30 April 2021

£'000

(Audited)

Year ended

31 October 2021

£'000

Revenue return

1,543

915

1,954

Capital (loss)/return

(12,673)

45,854

46,029

Total (loss)/return

(11,130)

46,769

47,983


 



Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for the period

7,898,375

7,898,375

7,898,375


 



Revenue return per ordinary share

19.54p

11.58p

24.74p

Capital (loss)/return per ordinary share

(160.45p)

580.55p

582.77p

Total (loss)/return per ordinary share

(140.91p)

592.13p

607.51p

 

 

The Company has no securities in issue that could dilute the return per ordinary share. Therefore, the basic and diluted returns per share are the same.

 

5

Investments held at fair value through profit or loss

 

The table below analyses fair value measurements for investments held at fair value through profit or loss. These fair value measurements are categorised into different levels in the fair value hierarchy based on the valuation techniques used and are defined as follows under FRS 102:

       

Level 1:

valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets

Level 2:

valued by reference to valuation techniques using observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1

Level 3:

valued by reference to valuation techniques using inputs that are not based on observable market data

                                                                       

Investments held at fair value through profit or loss at 30 April 2022 (unaudited)

Level 1

£'000

Level 2

£'000

Level 3

£'000

Total

£'000

Investments

133,267

-

492

133,759

Current asset investments

2

-

-

2

Total

133,269

-

492

133,761

 

 

 

 

 

Investments held at fair value through profit or loss at 30 April 2021 (unaudited)

Level 1

£'000

Level 2

£'000

Level 3

£'000

Total

£'000

Investments

146,881

-

483

147,364

Current asset investments

2

-

-

2

Total

146,883

-

483

147,366

 

 

 

 

 

Investments held at fair value through profit or loss at 31 October 2021 (audited)

Level 1

£'000

Level 2

£'000

Level 3

£'000

Total

£'000

Investments

146,611

-

493

147,104

Current asset investments

2

-

-

2

Total

146,613

-

493

147,106

 

 

There have been no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy during the period.

 

The valuation techniques used by the Company are explained in the accounting policies note 1(d) in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 October 2021.

 

6

Called-up share capital


During the half year ended 30 April 2022, no shares were issued or repurchased (half year ended 30 April 2021 and year ended 31 October 2021: no shares issued or repurchased). At 30 April 2022 there were 8,000,858 ordinary shares of 25p each in issue (30 April 2021 and 31 October 2021: 8,000,858) of which 102,483 were held in treasury (30 April 2021 and 31 October 2021: 102,483 shares held in treasury) resulting in 7,898,375 shares being entitled to a dividend (30 April 2021 and 31 October 2021: 7,898,375).

 

7

Net asset value per ordinary share - basic and diluted


Net asset value per ordinary share is based on the net assets attributable to the ordinary shares of £116,226,000 (30 April 2021: £128,309,000; 31 October 2021: £128,497,000) and on the 7,898,375 ordinary shares of 25p each in issue at 30 April 2022 (half year ended 30 April 2021 and year ended 31 October 2021: 7,898,375).

 

8

Transaction costs


Purchase transaction costs for the half year ended 30 April 2022 were £41,000 (30 April 2021: £80,000; 31 October 2021: £114,000); these comprise mainly stamp duty and commissions. Sale transaction costs for the half year ended 30 April 2022 were £6,000 (30 April 2021: £8,000; 31 October 2021: £14,000); these comprise mainly commissions.

 

9

Related party transactions


The Company's transactions with related parties in the period under review were with the Directors and the Manager. There were no material transactions between the Company and its Directors during the half year other than amounts paid to them in respect of expenses and remuneration for which there are no outstanding amounts payable at the half year period end. Directors' shareholdings as at 31 October 2021 are disclosed in the Annual Report.

 

In relation to the provision of services by the Manager, other than fees payable by the Company in the ordinary course of business and the facilitation of marketing activities with third parties, there were no material transactions with the Manager affecting the financial position of the Company during the half-year period.

 

10

Going concern


The Company's Articles of Association require that at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held in 2008, and every third year thereafter, an ordinary resolution be put to approve the continuation of the Company. The next triennial continuation resolution will be put to the Annual General Meeting in 2023. The assets of the Company consist almost entirely of securities that are listed (or quoted on AIM) and are readily realisable. Having assessed these factors and the principal risks the directors consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.  Accordingly, the Directors believe that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements.

 

11

Net debt reconciliation

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

£'000

Bank loans and overdraft repayable within one year

£'000

Total

£'000

Net debt as at 31 October 2021

1,360

(18,367)

(17,007)

Cash flows

469

(1,125)

(656)

Net debt as at 30 April 2022

1,829

(19,492)

(17,663)

 




 

Cash and cash equivalents

£'000

Bank loans and overdraft repayable within one year

£'000

Total

£'000

Net debt as at 31 October 2020

2,882

(14,104)

(11,222)

Cash flows

(1,630)

(3,979)

(5,609)

Net debt as at 30 April 2021

1,252

(18,083)

(16,831)

 




 

Cash and cash equivalents

Bank loans and overdraft repayable within one year

Total

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

Net debt as at 31 October 2020

2,882

(14,104)

(11,222)

Cash flows

(1,522)

(4,263)

(5,785)

Net debt as at 31 October 2021

1,360

(18,367)

(17,007)

 




12

General information

 

Company Status:

Henderson Opportunities Trust plc is registered in England and Wales (No. 01940906), has its registered office at 201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AE and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

 

SEDOL/ISIN: 0853657/GB0008536574

London Stock Exchange (TIDM) Code: HOT

Global Intermediary Identification Number (GIIN): LVAHJH.99999.SL.826

Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 2138005D884NPGHFQS77

 

Directors and Corporate Secretary:

The Directors of the Company are Wendy Colquhoun (Chairman), Frances Daley (Audit and Risk Committee Chairman), Davina Curling and Harry Morgan. The Corporate Secretary is Janus Henderson Secretarial Services UK Limited, represented by Melanie Stoner (Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute).

 

Website:

Details of the Company's share price and net asset value, together with general information about the Company, monthly factsheets and data, copies of announcements, reports and details of general meetings can be found at www.hendersonopportunitiestrust.com .

 

13

Comparative information


The financial information contained in the half-year report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the half-year periods ended 30 April 2022 and 30 April 2021 has not been audited or reviewed by the Company's auditors. The figures and financial information for the year ended 31 October 2021 are an extract based on the latest published accounts and do not constitute statutory accounts for that year. Those accounts have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and included the Independent Auditor's Report which was unqualified and did not contain a statement under either section 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 

A glossary of terms and details of alternative performance measures can be found in the Annual Report for the year ended 31 October 2021.

 

14

Half-Year Report


The half-year report will shortly be available on the Company's website or from the Company's registered office. An abbreviated version, the 'Update', will be posted to shareholders in July 2022. The Update will also be posted on the Company's website, and hard copies will be available from the Company's registered office.

 

For further information, please contact:

 


James Henderson

Fund Manager

Janus Henderson Investors

Telephone: 020 7818 4370

Laura Foll

Fund Manager

Janus Henderson Investors

Telephone: 020 7818 6364

 

 

Wendy Colquhoun

Chairman

Henderson Opportunities Trust plc

Telephone: 020 7818 4082

James de Sausmarez

Director and Head of Investment Trusts

Janus Henderson Fund Management UK Limited

Tel: 020 7818 3349

 

Harriet Hall

Investment Trust PR Manager

Janus Henderson Investors

Telephone: 020 7818 2919

 

 

 

 

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) are incorporated into, or form part of, this announcement.

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