Monthly Briefing 30-4-2002

Lindsell Train Investment Trust PLC 14 May 2002 The Lindsell Train Investment Trust PLC As at 30th April 2002 Fund Objective To maximise long-term total returns subject to the avoidance of loss of absolute value and with a minimum objective to maintain the real purchasing power of Sterling capital, as measured by the annual average yield on the 2.5% Consolidated Loan Stock. Share Price GBP 115.50 Net Asset Value GBP 103.72 Discount (Premium) (11.7%) Market Capitalisation GBP 23.1mn Source: Bloomberg NAV - LT & Bloomberg Performance (based in GBP) Apr Mar Feb 1 Year Since Launch NAV -0.8 -0.3 -0.2 +1.3 +3.4 Share Price -4.9 +1.7 +1.7 -1.3 +'15.5 2.5% Consol Loan Stock +5.1 Annual Average Yield Source: Bloomberg. Based in GBP. Top 10 Holdings % NAV US Gov Treasury 6.25% 13.2 Lindsell Train Japan (Dist) 12.6 Lindsell Train Global Media (Dist) 11.9 US Gov Treasury IL 3.875% 7.4 HBOS 6.125% Non Cum 6.8 Cadbury Schweppes 6.2 21/2% Consolidated Loan Stock 5.2 Dow Jones & Co 5.1 Barr (AG) 4.9 UK Treasury 2.5% 4.5 Industry Breakdown % NAV Bonds 33.3 Preference Shares 10.9 Media 10.9 Banks & Investment Co. 7.2 Leisure & Tourism 8.3 Food & Beverage 16.0 Investment Fund 24.5 Cash & Equivalent (11.1) Total 100.0 Geographical Breakdown % NAV Bonds 33.3 UK 12.7 US 20.6 Preference Shares 10.9 Equities 42.4 UK 30.1 US 5.7 Japan 4.1 Europe 2.5 Funds 24.5 LT Japan 12.6 LT Global Media 11.9 Cash & Equivalent (11.1) Total 100.0 Currency Exposure % NAV USD 51.2 JPY 0.0 EUR 2.5 GBP 46.3 Total 100.0 Fund Manager's Comments The NAV fell 0.8% during what proved to be a bad month for equities worldwide. As a result we ended the month flat on the year, behind our benchmark but ahead of equity markets that have fallen by 3.8% as measured by MSCI world index in sterling. We were disappointed not to make more money from our positions in long term fixed interest. Although bonds rallied they did so in a half hearted way as compared to the weakness in equity prices. As we write in early May following a strong rally in the US market all the gains of last month in US bonds were given up in a day. We think bond markets in the US fear the threat of renewed inflation traditionally implied by the positively sloped yield curve (the difference between long and short rates). In the UK and the US, markets also fear inflation associated with the persistent strength of housing and consumption, both of which proved surprisingly resilient in the face of the economic and psychological headwinds late last year. It seems that individuals will borrow to spend so long as their interest payments are covered by their income. Little regard is paid to the absolute amount of debt they amass. With long-term interest falling as they did until late last year they were able to comfortably increase their spending on housing and goods and services though traumatic times. However now interest rates have risen (approximately 1% for the longest bonds slightly less for mortgage rates) and the growth in average earnings and employment has moderated consumers have less excess cash with which to maintain or increase spending. It is likely that at some point they will be become less confident and moderate their spending accordingly. Maybe it requires even higher long-term rates, however when this occurs a huge (approximately 70%) part of each economy no longer contributes to demand or growth in GNP. It is not clear how policymakers will respond as they have little direct control on long-term interest rates although markets might well help them out as at this point forecasts for inflation should ratchet down. It would be surprising in long-term bond yields did not reflect it. We think that it could require a far larger reduction in long-term interest rates to bolster spending once again especially if, for whatever reason (one might be falling asset prices- i.e. house prices), individuals were forced to recognise the scale of the debt burden they have taken on. With no inflation to reduce its real value, repaying it will seem even more daunting. Despite the discouraging performance we maintain our bullishness on this important part of our portfolio (44%) though recognise that entrenched economic trends, like consumption, borrowing and demand for housing can persist for many months longer than may seem rational. Fund Manager Launch Date Denominated Currency Nick Train 22 January 2001 GBP Year End Dividend Benchmark 31st March Ex-date: June The annual average yield on Payment: August the 21/2% Consolidated Loan Stock. Sedol No Bloomberg 3001710 LTI LN The Board Management Fees Registered Address Rhoddy Swire Standard Fee: 0.65% p.a. Lindsell Train Investment Trust Michael Mackenzie Performance Fee: 77A High Street Donald Adamson 10% of annual increase in Brentwood Michael Lindsell the share price, plus ESSEX DM14 4RR dividend, above the gross annual yield of the 21/2% Consolidated Loan Stock. Disclaimer The contents in this document is solely for information purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or invitation to buy or subscribe any securities or funds in any jurisdiction in which such distribution is not authorised. Nothing in this document constitutes investment, legal, tax or other advice and cannot be relied upon in making any investment decision. Applications to invest in some of the funds must only be made on the basis of offer documents which may only be available for private circulation. The information contained in this document is published in good faith and neither Lindsell Train Limited nor any other person so connected assumes any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information as provided. No representation is made or assurance given that any statements made, views, projections or forecasts are correct or that objectives will be achieved. Lindsell Train and/or persons connected with it may have an interest in the Fund. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and are not guaranteed. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. You may not get back the amount you invested. Foreign exchange rates may cause the value of investments to go up or down. Investments may be subject to higher volatility in certain funds and the investment value may fall suddenly and substantially. Lindsell Train Limited 35 Thurloe Street, London SW7 2LQ Tel. +44 20 7225 6400 Fax. +44 20 7225 6499 info@lindselltrain.com www.lindselltrain.com Lindsell Train Limited is regulated by the FSA. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange F
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