Half-year results

RNS Number : 5810B
Lowland Investment Co PLC
07 June 2019
 

Legal Entity Identifier: 2138008RHG5363FEHV19

 

LOWLAND INVESTMENT COMPANY PLC

              Unaudited results for the half-year ended 31 March 2019

 

 

This announcement contains regulated information.

 

Investment objective

The Company aims to give shareholders a higher than average return with growth of both capital and income over the medium to long-term, by investing in a broad spread of predominantly UK Companies. The Company measures its performance against the FTSE All-Share Index Total Return.

 

Key data for the six months to 31 March 2019

Net Asset Value Total Return

-10.6%

Benchmark1  Total Return

-1.8%

Growth in Dividend

13.5%

Dividend

29.5p

 

1 FTSE All-Share Index

 

 

 

Financial highlights

Half-Year Ended

31 Mar 2019

Half-Year Ended

31 Mar 2018

Year Ended

30 Sept 2018

NAV Per Ordinary Share1

1,431p

1,553p

1,625p

Share Price2

1,340p

1,485p

1,515p

Market Capitalisation

£362m

£401m

£409m

Dividend Per Share

29.5p

26.0p

54.0p

Ongoing Charge Including Performance Fee

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

Ongoing Charge Excluding Performance Fee

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

Dividend Yield3

4.3%

3.4%

3.6%

Gearing

11.9%

14.2%

12.2%

Discount

6.4%

4.4%

6.8%

 

1 NAV (Net Asset Value total return) with debt at par value

2 Using mid-market closing price

3 Based on dividends paid and declared in respect of the previous twelve months

 

Total return performance (including dividends reinvested and excluding transaction costs)

 

 

6 months

%

1 year

%

3 years

%

5 years

%

10 years

%

Net Asset Value

-10.6

-4.8

17.7

18.5

379.8

Share Price1

-9.8

-6.3

15.3

10.6

372.3

Benchmark2

-1.8

6.4

31.3

34.5

186.8

 

1 Using mid-market closing price

2 FTSE All-Share Index

 

Sources: Morningstar, Funddata, Datastream and Janus Henderson

 

 

 

Historical record - Year to 30 September

 

 

 

2009

 

 

2010

 

 

2011

 

 

2012

 

 

2013

 

 

2014

 

 

2015

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

As at

31 Mar 2019

Net Assets1 (£m)

174

204

214

266

347

362

355

387

440

439

387

Per Ordinary Share

Net Asset Value2

657p

770p

811p

1,008p

1,307p

1,346p

1,318p

1,432p

1,628p

1,625p

1,431p

Share Price

610p

700p

763p

992p

1,325p

1,355p

1,287p

1,337p

1,504p

1,515p

1,340p

Net Revenue

22.7p

22.5p

28.8p

31.1p

36.7p

39.4p

46.4p

47.7p

49.1p

58.6p

22.2p

Net

Dividends Paid

26.5p

27.0p

28.0p

30.5p

34.0p

37.0p

41.0p

45.0p

49.0p

54.0p

29.5p3

                           

 

1 Attributable to Ordinary Shares

2 NAV with debt at par value

3 First interim dividend of 14.5p per ordinary share paid on 30 April 2019 and second interim dividend of 15.0p per ordinary share that will be paid on 31 July 2019

 

 

 

 

INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT

 

 

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

 

Overview

Lowland's Net Asset Value ("NAV") fell 10.6%, compared with a decline of 1.8% in our benchmark, the FTSE All-Share Index. This disappointing performance is analysed by the Fund Managers in their report, which also covers activity in the portfolio.

 

Lowland has always been characterised by periods of outperformance and underperformance. Over the longer term, performance has been strong, with an increase in NAV (total return) of 380% over the last ten years, against 187% in our benchmark. The Company's investment style, with a distinct bias away from the largest stocks in the index, gives rise both to the periods of underperformance and the long-term outperformance.

 

Small companies have added substantial value to the portfolio over the long-term and they will again. The portfolio also has a bias to industrial companies, which over the six months were weak overall, as uncertainty over trade wars dominated investor sentiment.

 

Dividend

Underlying earnings have performed well and, helped by the change in accounting policy announced last year, earnings per share rose to 22.2p from 18.4p. The first interim dividend was 14.5p and the Board has today declared a second interim dividend of 15.0p. The total distribution at the half-year stage therefore amounts to 29.5p, compared with 26.0p at this time last year. Lowland started paying quarterly dividends in 2013 and since then each quarter's dividend has been greater than that paid in the same quarter in the previous year. It is the ambition to maintain this practice. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Board intends to pay total dividends of 59.5p this year, extending to seven years the period in which our annual dividends have grown at 10%.

 

Year ended 30 September

1st Interim

2nd Interim

3rd Interim

Final

2015

10.0p

10.0p

10.0p

11.0p

2016

11.0p

11.0p

11.0p

12.0p

2017

12.0p

12.0p

12.0p

13.0p

2018

13.0p

13.0p

14.0p

14.0p

2019

14.5p

15.0p

15.0p*

15.0p*

 

* Intention barring unforeseen circumstances

 

 

Gearing

During the half-year, gearing was fairly constant at around 12%. It has increased to 13% on 4 June 2019 (the latest practicable date prior to publication of this report) and we would expect it to increase moderately from this level.

 

Share price discount

During the period the share price discount (on a total return basis) fluctuated between 2.2% and 6.4%. At the period-end it was 6.4% and it stood at 4.6% as at 4 June 2019. The Board does not operate a formal discount control mechanism. The policy with regard to discount is set out in last year's Chairman's Statement.

 

Board

I advised at the year-end that Kevin Carter had indicated his desire to retire, and this he will do at the end of this month. The Board's thanks to Kevin for his first-class service to the Company bear repeating. I am delighted to advise that following a search and selection process, the Board has agreed that Tom Walker be appointed to the Board with effect from 1 July 2019.  Tom was formerly a Fund Manager with Martin Currie Investment Management, and brings valuable experience from his career.  He is a director of EP Global Opportunities Trust plc and will be appointed as a director of JPMorgan Japan Smaller Companies Trust plc with effect from 29 July 2019.

 

Outlook

In times of uncertainty, opportunities for profitable investment occur. The Fund Managers are becoming increasingly confident that stock prices are discounting most of the problems facing the economy. Value is evident and therefore borrowings are being increased. We are net buyers of equities, utilising current uncertainties to refresh the portfolio with good-quality companies on reasonable valuations.

 

On a final note, we value contact with our shareholders and I would be delighted to be contacted at the Company Secretary's email address (as shown at the end of this report) should you have any matters you wish to raise with me.

 

Robert Robertson

Chairman

7 June 2019

 

 

 

 

Performance as at 31 March 2019

The tables below show the top contributors to and detractors from the Company's total return performance over the six months under review.

 

 

Top 5 Contributors

Company

Sector

Contribution %

Greene King

Travel & Leisure

0.39

Marshalls

Construction & Materials

0.37

Churchill China

Household Goods & Home Construction

0.34

Shoe Zone

General Retailers

0.33

Hill & Smith

Industrial Engineering

0.23

 

 

Top 5 Detractors

 

Company

Sector

Contribution %

Senior

Aerospace & Defence

-1.01

Royal Mail

Industrial Transportation

-0.65

Carclo

Chemicals

-0.51

Stobart

Industrial Transportation

-0.49

Low & Bonar

General Industrials

-0.44

 

 

                                   

Sector Analysis

% as at 31 March 2019

% as at 30 September 2018

 

Company

Benchmark1

Company

Benchmark1

Financials

34.9

25.7

32.0

25.3

Industrials

25.0

11.0

27.6

11.3

Consumer Services

9.7

11.5

9.4

12.1

Oil & Gas

9.5

14.2

10.5

14.5

Health Care

5.2

8.3

4.8

9.3

Utilities

5.1

2.8

4.2

2.5

Basic Materials

4.6

8.1

5.2

7.5

Consumer Goods

4.2

14.6

3.7

13.8

Telecommunications

1.3

2.7

2.1

2.8

Technology

0.5

1.1

0.5

0.9

Total

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

 

1 FTSE All-Share Index

 

 

 

 

FUND MANAGERS' STATEMENT

 

Performance review

Lowland's performance in the six months to the end of March was disappointing. The NAV fell 10.6% relative to a 1.8% fall in the FTSE All-Share (both figures on a total return basis). The fall in NAV was concentrated in the fourth quarter of 2018, when the NAV fell 14.9%. The NAV has recovered by 3.5% calendar year to date.

 

There are two key elements to the underperformance. The first is size, as small and medium-sized companies underperformed during the six month period:

 

 

Index

Total return for the

6 months to 31 March 2019 (%)

FTSE All-Share

-1.8

FTSE 100

-1.0

FTSE 250

-4.9

FTSE AIM All-Share

-16.0

 

Lowland continues to invest in small and medium-sized companies, with 55% of the portfolio invested outside of the FTSE 100 as at the end of March. The best sales and earnings growth will, over time, come from this portion of the portfolio and it has been the largest source of outperformance for the Company over the long term. Small and medium-sized companies are, however, more tied into the domestic economic cycle and therefore they are more vulnerable to underperformance at times when there are concerns about the UK economy.

 

The second element of the underperformance was sector allocation, specifically the industrials weighting, which as at the end of March was 25% of the portfolio. In the fourth quarter of 2018, US economic data showed signs of weakening at a time when Europe and China were already exhibiting signs of a slowdown. This led to reduced (although still positive) expectations for 2019 global economic growth. For the industrials sector this resulted in sharp and fairly indiscriminate underperformance which, in our view, did not adequately reflect the diversity of end markets to which the industrials held in the portfolio are exposed.

 

As an example, the largest industrial company held is Senior, an engineering company that produces predominantly aerospace components. The civil aerospace market continues to grow well. Passenger miles flown per year are growing considerably above global economic growth, driven by emerging market demand. This trend is unlikely to change, leading to greater demand for new planes to which Senior is well exposed. Senior is winning considerable amounts of new civil aerospace work which is pressuring short-term margins. We see this work being won as a positive - it will lead to higher sales and earnings growth in future. The market, however, is sceptical that they will make a good return on this investment and as a result the shares fell 30% on a total return basis during the six months to the end of March, making it the largest individual detractor from performance. We continue to hold the position as in our view the shares are not reflecting the potential for future sales and earnings growth.

 

The top five active contributors to performance relative to the benchmark were:

 

1.   Greene King - a UK pub and brewery. Shares recovered well from a low valuation as sales growth proved encouraging and a peer (Fuller's) sold their brewery asset at a high valuation.

 

2.   Marshalls - a building materials company, primarily paving stones. Shares have performed well as a result of ongoing good organic growth. We have reduced the position on valuation grounds.

 

3.   Churchill China - a crockery company based in Stoke-on-Trent. Management have done well to position the company as selling primarily to the restaurant industry where repeat sales are of greater importance and they have successfully grown market share.

 

4.   Shoe Zone - a UK shoe retailer positioned at the 'value' end of the market. The management team have done an excellent job of reducing costs (such as rent) and we think the company can begin to grow sales via their website and a new, larger store format.

 

5.   Hill & Smith - an industrial company that makes products including road crash barriers and messaging signs for roads. The shares recovered well following a difficult first half of 2018 as extremely cold weather delayed road building programmes.

 

The top five active detractors from performance relative to the benchmark were:

 

1.   Senior - a predominantly aerospace components supplier. Earnings are under short-term pressure but they have good prospects to grow sales and earnings over the longer term.

 

2.   Royal Mail - the largest deliverer of letters and parcels in the UK. Letter volumes have declined more steeply than anticipated as spending by businesses on direct marketing mail has decreased in the face of economic uncertainty. It is difficult to offset this reduced volume in the short term via cost reductions, as simplistically it means that each postman is delivering less volume but still has to do the same daily route. The position continues to be held as, in our view, the shares are factoring in a permanent deterioration in margins which we think is unlikely to materialise.

 

3.   Carclo - a manufacturer of technical plastics for use in medical devices and LED lighting for high-end cars. Production problems in their LED lighting division have led to material cost increases and the balance sheet is heavily indebted. This position has been a mistake.  It is a small position in the overall portfolio (0.3% as at 31 March 2019).

 

4.   Stobart Group - a conglomerate which owns Southend airport and supplies biomass facilities in the UK. During the period the dividend was cut in order to reinvest in the business and this caused the shares to perform poorly. The position continues to be held as the company has excellent potential for earnings growth driven by more passengers travelling through Southend airport.

 

5.   Low & Bonar - a buildings material manufacturer that had a high level of indebtedness and as a result needed to raise money from shareholders in order to strengthen the balance sheet (we participated in the equity raise). Under a new management team the business is becoming more focused on its core product areas, where they continue to make good operating margins.

 

Activity

The largest purchase during the period was a new position in Royal Bank of Scotland. Its legacy issues (such as PPI) are largely resolved and it has retreated to its core competency of commercial and personal lending in the UK. The primary reason for the purchase is their potential to return capital to shareholders via dividends and share buy-backs, which we think is underappreciated by the market.

 

The largest individual sale during the period was a reduction in the holding in Royal Dutch Shell. This continues to be the largest position in the portfolio (5.7% as at the end of March 2019). The position was added to in 2015 and 2016 during a period of severe oil price weakness. At the trough in the share price, the dividend yield rose to over 8% due to question marks about the dividend's sustainability. The company has since done an excellent job of reducing capital expenditure and operating costs and as a result their ability to generate enough cash flow to cover the dividend has greatly improved. As a result the shares have re-rated and as at the time of writing are yielding below 6%. As and when we find more exciting value opportunities elsewhere we expect to reduce the position further.

 

The outlook for the global economy remains uncertain, with a much greater divergence than usual among economic growth forecasts. This is partly as a result of the US and Chinese trade war, in which there is no clarity regarding the level or duration of tariffs. Aside from economic uncertainty, there is ongoing political uncertainty, with the result of Brexit still unclear and the possibility of a general election. However, the most likely outcome is that the global economy will continue to grow (albeit at a reduced pace) and domestically focused equities are already trading at a considerable valuation discount.

 

In the context of very low bond yields, equities continue to look excellent value - the forecast yield on the portfolio over the next twelve months is currently 4.8% with scope for dividends to grow modestly while the 10-year gilt yield is under 1%. While there is considerable uncertainty, it is the cash returns available to shareholders that give us confidence in the outlook for equities and for this reason we expect to be net investors over the upcoming period.

 

 

 

James Henderson and Laura Foll

Fund Managers

7 June 2019

 

 

 

 

 

Related party transactions

The Company's current related parties are its Directors and Janus Henderson. There have been no material transactions between the Company and its Directors during the year and the only amounts paid to them were in respect of Directors' remuneration and expenses incurred on the Company's business, for which there were no outstanding amounts payable at the period end.

 

In relation to the provision of services by Janus Henderson, other than fees payable by the Company in the ordinary course of business and the provision of sales and marketing services, there have been no material transactions with Janus Henderson affecting the financial position of the Company during the year under review.

 

Principal risks and uncertainties

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

 

•  Investment Activity and Strategy;

•  Portfolio and Market Price;

•  Financial;

•  Gearing;

•  Operational; and

•  Accounting, Legal and Regulatory.

Information on these risks is given in the Annual Report for the year ended 30 September 2018. In the view of the Board, these principal risks and uncertainties are as applicable to the remaining six months of the financial year as they were to the six months under review.

 

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

 

(a)     the set of financial statements for the half-year to 31 March 2019 has been prepared in accordance with "FRS 104 Interim Financial Reporting";

 

(b)     the Interim Management Report includes a fair review of the information required by 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)     the 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).

 

 

 

For and on behalf of the Board

Robert Robertson

Chairman

7 June 2019

 

 

PORTFOLIO INFORMATION

 

As at 31 March 2019

 

Company

 

Sector

Market value

£'000

% of

portfolio

Royal Dutch Shell

Oil & Gas Producers                        

24,786

 5.7

HSBC

Banks                                      

11,874

 2.8

Phoenix

Life Insurance                             

11,330

 2.6

Senior

Aerospace & Defence                        

10,910

 2.5

Hiscox

Non-Life Insurance                          

10,629

 2.5

Prudential

Life Insurance                             

9,994

 2.3

GlaxoSmithKline

Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology            

9,980

 2.3

Severn Trent

Gas Water & Multiutilities                 

8,398

 1.9

BP

Oil & Gas Producers                        

8,098

 1.9

Irish Continental (Ireland)

Travel & Leisure                           

7,890

 1.8

10 Largest

 

113,889

 26.3

Standard Chartered

Banks                                      

7,857

 1.8

Rolls-Royce

Aerospace & Defence                        

7,451

 1.7

Relx

Media                                      

7,387

 1.7

Direct Line Insurance

Non-Life Insurance                          

7,237

 1.7

Johnson Service ¹

Support Services                           

7,011

 1.6

National Grid

Gas Water & Multiutilities                 

6,948

 1.6

Aviva

Life Insurance                             

6,392

 1.5

International Personal Finance

Financial Services                         

6,160

 1.5

Churchill China ¹

Household Goods & Home Construction        

6,089

 1.4

Greene King

Travel & Leisure                           

5,989

 1.4

20 Largest

 

182,410

 42.2

Avon Rubber

Aerospace & Defence                        

5,980

 1.4

Rio Tinto

Mining                                     

5,806

 1.3

Henderson Opportunities Trust

Equity Investment Instruments              

5,742

 1.3

Vodafone

Mobile Telecommunications                  

5,687

 1.3

Land Securities

Real Estate Investment Trusts              

5,480

 1.3

Ten Entertainment

Travel & Leisure                           

5,395

 1.2

Randall & Quilter ¹

Non-Life Insurance                          

5,146

 1.2

Croda

Chemicals                                  

5,038

 1.2

Headlam

Household Goods & Home Construction        

5,017

 1.2

Somero Enterprises ¹ (USA)

Industrial Engineering                     

4,860

 1.1

30 Largest

 

236,561

 54.7

Shoe Zone ¹

General Retailers                          

4,733

 1.1

St Modwen Properties

Real Estate Investment Services            

4,728

 1.1

FBD (Ireland)

Non-Life Insurance                          

4,591

 1.0

Royal Bank of Scotland

Banks                                      

4,446

 1.0

Hill & Smith

Industrial Engineering                     

4,369

 1.0

BAE Systems

Aerospace & Defence                        

4,342

 1.0

Mondi

Forestry & Paper                           

4,245

 1.0

Standard Life Aberdeen

Financial Services                         

4,199

 1.0

Park ¹

Financial Services                         

4,163

 1.0

Provident Financial

Financial Services                         

4,014

 0.9

40 Largest

 

280,391

 64.8

Morgan Advanced Materials

Electronic & Electrical Equipment          

4,010

 0.9

Babcock

Support Services                           

3,948

 0.9

AstraZeneca

Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology            

3,926

 0.9

DS Smith

General Industrials                        

3,909

 0.9

Consort Medical

Health Care Equipment & Services           

3,860

 0.9

Clarkson

Industrial Transportation                  

3,832

 0.9

TT Electronics

Electronic & Electrical Equipment          

3,806

 0.9

Castings

Industrial Engineering                     

3,749

 0.9

Pennon

Gas Water & Multiutilities                 

3,718

 0.9

Royal Mail

Industrial Transportation                  

3,694

 0.9

50 Largest

 

318,843

 73.8

 

 

 

 

Company

 

 

Sector

 

Market value

£'000

 

% of

portfolio

Balfour Beatty

Construction & Materials                   

3,688

 0.9

H&T ¹

Financial Services                         

3,688

 0.9

Sabre Insurance

Non-Life Insurance                          

3,642

 0.8

Chesnara

Life Insurance                             

3,618

 0.8

International Consolidated Airlines

Travel & Leisure                           

3,584

 0.8

Stobart

Industrial Transportation                  

3,572

 0.8

Anexo ¹

Support Services                           

3,510

 0.8

Redde ¹

Financial Services                         

3,391

 0.8

Gibson Energy (Canada)

Oil & Gas Producers                        

3,216

 0.7

Palace Capital

Real Estate Investment Services            

3,179

 0.7

60 Largest

 

353,931

 81.8

Elementis

Chemicals                                  

3,169

 0.7

IMI

Industrial Engineering                     

3,148

 0.7

Centrica

Gas Water & Multiutilities                 

3,140

 0.7

XP Power

Electronic & Electrical Equipment          

3,125

 0.7

HICL Infrastructure

Equity Investment Instruments              

3,118

 0.7

Daily Mail & General Trust

Media                                      

3,068

 0.7

Epwin ¹

Construction & Materials                   

3,066

 0.7

Marshalls

Construction & Materials                   

2,969

 0.7

Numis ¹

Financial Services                         

2,937

 0.7

K3 Capital ¹

Financial Services                         

2,683

 0.7

70 Largest

 

384,354

 88.8

Airea ¹

Personal Goods                             

2,681

 0.6

Renold

Industrial Engineering                     

2,661

 0.6

Low & Bonar

General Industrials                        

2,626

 0.6

A & J Mucklow

Real Estate Investment Trusts              

2,620

 0.6

Gordon Dadds ¹

Support Services                            

2,567

 0.6

Helical

Real Estate Investment Services            

2,479

 0.6

Findel

General Retailers                          

2,366

 0.6

Elecosoft ¹

Technology

2,365

 0.6

Herald Investment Trust

Equity Investment Instruments              

2,242

 0.5

Ibstock

Construction & Materials                   

2,225

 0.5

80 Largest

 

409,186

 94.6

4D Pharma ¹

Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology            

2,207

 0.5

IP Group

Financial Services                         

2,067

 0.5

Oxford Sciences Innovation ²

Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology            

1,548

 0.4

Bellway

Household Goods & Home Construction        

1,523

 0.3

Ilika ¹

Alternative Energy                         

1,406

 0.3

Carr's Group

Food Producers                             

1,365

 0.3

Indus Gas ¹

Oil & Gas Producers                        

1,257

 0.3

Taylor Wimpey

Household Goods & Home Construction        

1,228

 0.3

Hammerson

Real Estate Investment Trusts              

1,175

 0.3

Premier Oil

Oil & Gas Producers                        

1,174

 0.3

90 Largest

 

424,136

 98.1

Carclo

Chemicals                                  

1,165

 0.3

Renewi

Support Services                           

1,116

 0.2

Wadworth - ordinary shares ²

Travel & Leisure                           

723

 0.2

Horizon Discovery ¹

Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology            

721

 0.2

SIMEC Atlantis Energy ¹

Alternative Energy                         

689

 0.1

Moss Bros

General Retailers                          

573

 0.1

Flowtech Fluidpower ¹

Industrial Engineering                     

512

 0.1

Modern Water ¹

Gas Water & Multiutilities                 

424

 0.1

Providence Resources ¹ (Ireland)

Oil & Gas Producers                        

386

 0.1

Velocys ¹

Chemicals                                  

371

 0.1

100 Largest

 

430,816

 99.6

 

1 AIM Stocks

2 Unlisted Investments

 

Source: Janus Henderson
 

 

 

CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT

 

 

(Unaudited)

Half-year ended

31 March 2019

(Unaudited)

Half-year ended

31 March 2018

(Audited)

Year ended

30 September 2018

 

Revenue

return

£'000

Capital

return

£'000

 

Total

£'000

Revenue

return

£'000

Capital

return

£'000

 

Total

£'000

Revenue

return

£'000

Capital

return

£'000

 

Total

£'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses on investments held at fair value through profit or loss

-

(49,907)

(49,907)

-

(18,550)

(18,550)

-

(3,032)

(3,032)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from investments 

7,117

-

7,117

6,888

-

6,888

19,757

-

19,757

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other interest receivable and similar income

51

-

51

93

-

93

190

-

190

 

---------

--------

---------

---------

--------

---------

---------

---------

---------

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross revenue and capital losses

7,168

(49,907)

(42,739)

6,981

(18,550)

(11,569)

19,947

(3,032)

16,915

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management fee and  performance fee (note 2)

(488)

(488)

(976)

(1,009)

-

(1,009)

(2,048)

-

(2,048)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other administrative

expenses (note 2)

(271)

-

(271)

(296)

-

(296)

(520)

-

(520)

 

---------

--------

---------

---------

--------

---------

---------

---------

---------

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net return/(loss) before finance costs and taxation

6,409

(50,395)

(43,986)

5,676

(18,550)

(12,874)

17,379

(3,032)

14,347

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance costs

(324)

(324)

(648)

(606)

-

(606)

(1,347)

-

(1,347)

 

---------

--------

---------

---------

--------

---------

---------

---------

---------

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net return/(loss) before taxation

6,085

(50,719)

(44,634)

5,070

(18,550)

(13,480)

16,032

(3,032)

13,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxation on net return

(82)

-

(82)

(95)

-

(95)

(183)

-

(183)

 

---------

--------

---------

---------

--------

---------

---------

---------

---------

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net return/(loss) after taxation

6,003

(50,719)

(44,716)

4,975

(18,550)

(13,575)

15,849

(3,032)

12,817

 

======

======

======

======

======

======

=====

======

=====

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return/(loss) per ordinary

share - basic and diluted

(note 3)

22.2p

(187.7p)

(165.5p)

18.4p

(68.7p)

(50.3p)

58.6p

(11.2p)

47.4p

 

======

======

======

======

======

======

=====

======

======

 

The total columns of this statement represent the Income Statement of the Company, prepared in accordance with FRS 104. The revenue and capital columns are supplementary to this and are published under guidance from the Association of Investment Companies.

 

The Company has no recognised gains or losses other than those disclosed in the Income Statement and Statement of Changes in Equity.

 

All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued during the period.

 

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

 

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

 

(Unaudited)

Half-year ended 31 March 2019

 

Called up share capital

£'000

Share premium account

£'000

Capital redemption

reserve

£'000

Other capital reserves

£'000

 

Revenue

reserve

£'000

 

 

Total

£'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 October 2018

61,619

1,007

Net (loss)/return after taxation

-

-

-

(50,719)

6,003

(44,716)

Third interim dividend (14.0p) for

the year ended 30 September 2018

-

-

-

-

(3,783)

(3,783)

Final dividend (14.0p) for

the year ended 30 September 2018

-

-

-

-

(3,782)

(3,782)

 

------------

-----------

At 31 March 2019

61,619

1,007

 

=======

=======

 

 

(Unaudited)

Half-year ended 31 March 2018

 

 

Called up share capital

£'000

Share premium account

£'000

Capital redemption

reserve

£'000

Other capital reserves

£'000

 

Revenue

reserve

£'000

 

 

Total

£'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 October 2017

6,755

61,619

1,007

357,030

Net (loss)/return after taxation

-

-

-

(18,550)

4,975

(13,575)

Third interim dividend (12.0p) for

the year ended 30 September 2017

-

-

-

-

(3,242)

(3,242)

Final dividend (13.0p) for

the year ended 30 September 2017

-

-

-

-

(3,512)

(3,512)

 

------------

------------

-----------

-----------

At 31 March 2018

6,755

61,619

1,007

338,480

 

=======

=======

=======

=======

                                                                               

 

(Audited)

Year ended 30 September 2018

 

 

Called up share capital

£'000

Share

premium

account

£'000

Capital

redemption

reserve

£'000

Other capital reserves

£'000

Revenue reserve

£'000

Total

£'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 October 2017

6,755

61,619

1,007

357,030

13,485

439,896

Net (loss)/return after taxation

-

-

-

(3,032)

15,849

12,817

Third interim dividend (12.0p) for

the year ended 30 September 2017

-

-

-

-

(3,242)

(3,242)

Final dividend (13.0p) for

the year ended 30 September 2017

-

-

-

-

(3,512)

(3,512)

First interim dividend (13.0p) for the

year ended 30 September 2018

-

-

-

-

(3,512)

(3,512)

Second interim dividend (13.0p) for the

year ended 30 September 2018

-

-

-

-

(3,513)

(3,513)

 

-----------

-----------

-----------

-----------

------------

-----------

At 30 September 2018

6,755

61,619

1,007

353,998

15,555

438,934

 

=======

=======

=======

=======

=======

=======

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                               

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

 

 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

 

(Unaudited)

Half-year ended

31 March 2019

£'000

       (Unaudited)

Half-year ended     

31 March 2018

£'000

         (Audited)

Year ended

30 September 2018

£'000

Fixed assets

 

 

 

Investments held at fair value through profit or loss (note 4)

432,493

479,143

492,659

 

-----------

-----------

-----------

Current assets

 

 

 

Debtors

2,263

2,479

2,018

Cash at bank

1,983

1,115

1,445

 

-----------

-----------

-----------

 

4,246

3,594

3,463

 

 

 

 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

(20,312)

(33,409)

(27,421)

 

-----------

-----------

-----------

Net current liabilities

(16,066)

(29,815)

(23,958)

 

-----------

-----------

-----------

Total assets less current liabilities

416,427

449,328

468,701

 

-----------

-----------

-----------

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

(29,774)

(29,761)

(29,767)

 

-----------

-----------

-----------

Net assets

386,653

419,567

438,934

 

======

======

=======

Capital and reserves

 

 

 

Called up share capital

6,755

6,755

6,755

Share premium account

61,619

61,619

61,619

Capital redemption reserve

1,007

1,007

1,007

Other capital reserves

303,279

338,480

353,998

Revenue reserve

13,993

11,706

15,555

 

-----------

-----------

-----------

Total shareholders' funds

386,653

419,567

438,934

 

======

======

=======

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

1,431.1p

1,552.9p

1,624.6p

 

=======

=======

=======

 

 

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

 

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

(Unaudited)

Half-year ended

31 March 2019

£'000

 

(Unaudited)

Half-year ended 31 March 2018

£'000

 

(Audited)

Year ended

30 September 2018

£'000

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

Net (loss)/return before taxation

(44,634)

(13,480)

13,000

Add back: finance costs

648

606

1,347

Add: losses on investments held at fair value through profit or loss

49,907

18,550

3,032

Withholding tax on dividends deducted at source

(107)

(109)

(228)

(Increase)/decrease in debtors

(220)

(404)

89

Increase/(decrease) in creditors

523

(410)

(371)

 

-----------

-----------

-----------

Net cash inflow from operating activities

6,117

4,753

16,869

 

======

======

======

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

Purchase of investments

(28,240)

(50,043)

(76,383)

Sale of investments

38,776

24,862

48,182

 

-----------

-----------

-----------

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities

10,536

(25,181)

(28,201)

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

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

(7,565)

(6,754)

(13,779)

Net loans (repaid)/drawn down

(7,885)

17,540

16,507

Interest paid

(665)

(600)

(1,310)

 

-----------

-----------

-----------

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities

(16,115)

10,186

1,418

 

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

538

(10,242)

(9,914)

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year

1,445

11,362

11,362

Effect of foreign exchange rates

-

(5)

(3)

 

-----------

-----------

-----------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

1,983

1,115

1,445

 

======

======

======

Comprising:

 

 

 

Cash at bank

1,983

1,115

1,445

 

======

======

======

 

                                                                                                                       

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The half-year financial statements cover the period from 1 October 2018 to 31 March 2019 and have not been audited or reviewed by the Company's auditors.

 

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 February 2018 with consequential amendments.

 

For the period under review, the Company's accounting policies have not varied from those described in the annual report for the year ended 30 September 2018.

 

2.

Expenses

 

All expenses with the exception of the performance fee, management fee and finance costs are charged wholly to revenue. Performance fees are charged wholly to capital. With effect from 1 October 2018, management fees and finance costs are charged 50% to revenue and 50% to capital (previously 100% to revenue). Expenses which are incidental to the purchase or sale of an investment are included in the cost or deducted from the proceeds of sale of the investment. No provision has been made for a performance fee based on the Company's performance relative to the FTSE All-Share Index (the benchmark) over the thirty months to 31 March 2019 (31 March 2018 and 30 September 2018: £nil). Any performance fee payable will be calculated based on the actual relative performance for the thirty-six months to 30 September 2019 and will be equal to 15% of any outperformance (on a total return basis) of the FTSE All-Share Index by more than 10% (the 'hurdle rate'). The performance fee is capped at 0.25% of average net chargeable assets for the year.

 

No performance fee will be payable if the net asset value per share on the last day of the relevant calculation period is lower than the net asset value per share on the first day of the calculation period.

 

3.

Return per ordinary share - basic and diluted

 

 

(Unaudited)

Half-year ended

31 March 2019

£'000

(Unaudited)

Half-year ended

31 March 2018

£'000

(Audited)

Year ended

30 September 2018

£'000

 

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

 

 

 

 

Net revenue return

6,003

4,975

15,849

 

Net capital loss

(50,719)

(18,550)

(3,032)

 

 

----------

----------

----------

 

Net total(loss)/return

(44,716)

(13,575)

12,817

 

 

======

======

======

 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for each period

27,018,565

27,018,565

27,018,565

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue return per ordinary share

22.2p

18.4p

58.6p

 

Capital loss per ordinary share

(187.7p)

(68.7p)

(11.2p)

 

 

----------

----------

----------

 

Total (loss)/return per ordinary share

(165.5p)

(50.3p)

47.4p

 

 

======

======

======

 

The Company does not have any dilutive securities; therefore, basic and diluted returns per share are the same.

 

4.

Fair value of financial assets and liabilities

 

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:

 

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 31 March 2019 (unaudited)

Level 1

£'000

Level 2

£'000

Level 3

£'000

Total

£'000

 

Investments

430,012

-

2,481

432,493

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments held at fair value through profit or loss at

31 March 2018 (unaudited)

Level 1

£'000

Level 2

£'000

Level 3

£'000

Total

£'000

 

Investments

476,874

-

2,269

479,143

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments held at fair value through profit or loss at

30 September 2018 (audited)

Level 1

£'000

Level 2

£'000

Level 3

£'000

Total

£'000

 

Investments

 

490,403

-

2,256

492,659

 

A reconciliation of movements within Level 3 is set out below:

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

£'000

 

Opening balance

 

2,256

 

Transfers in

 

84

 

Total gain included in the Income Statement

 

 

- on investments held

 

141

 

Closing balance

 

2,481

 

 

The transfer in relates to the Company's holding in ACHP, which has been delisted from AIM.

 

The valuation techniques used by the Company are explained in the accounting policies note in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 30 September 2018.

 

The fair value of the senior unsecured loan notes at 31 March 2019 has been estimated to be £32,451,000 (31 March 2018: £31,679,000; 30 September 2018: £31,056,000). The fair value of the senior unsecured loan notes is calculated using a discount rate which reflects the yield on a UK Gilt of similar maturity plus a suitable credit spread.

 

The senior unsecured loan notes are categorised as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.         

 

5.

Share Capital

 

At 31 March 2019 there were 27,018,565 ordinary shares of 25p each in issue (31 March 2018: 27,018,565; 30 September 2018: 27,018,565).  During the half-year ended 31 March 2019 no shares were issued or bought back (31 March 2018 and 30 September 2018: no shares issued or bought back). 

 

6.

Transaction costs

 

Purchase transaction costs for the half-year ended 31 March 2019 were £121,000 (31 March 2018: £277,000; 30 September 2018: £328,000). Sale transaction costs for the half-year ended 31 March 2019 were £15,000 (31 March 2018: £12,000; 30 September 2018: £23,000). These comprise mainly stamp duty and commission.

 

7.

Net asset value per ordinary share - basic and diluted

 

 

The net asset value per ordinary share of 1,431.1p (31 March 2018: 1,552.9p; 30 September 2018: 1,624.6p) is based on the net assets attributable to the ordinary shares of £386,653,000 (31 March 2018: £419,567,000; 30 September 2018: £438,934,000) and on 27,018,565 ordinary shares (31 March 2018 and 30 September 2018: 27,018,565), being the number of ordinary shares in issue at the end of each period.

 

 

8.

Dividend

 

 

On 30 April 2019, a first interim dividend of 14.5p per ordinary share was paid in respect of the year ending 30 September 2019. A second interim dividend of 15.0p per ordinary share has been declared and will be paid on 31 July 2019 to shareholders on the register of members at the close of business on 5 July 2019. The ex-dividend date is 4 July 2019. Based on the number of shares in issue on 4 June 2019 of 27,018,565, the cost of the dividend will be £4,053,000 (second interim dividend for the year ended 30 September 2018: £3,513,000).

 

 

9.

Going concern

 

 

The assets of the Company consist of securities that are readily realisable and, 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. Having assessed these factors and the principal risks, the Board has determined that it is appropriate for the financial statements to be prepared on a going concern basis.

 

 

10.

Comparative Information

 

 

The financial information contained in this half-year report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the half-years ended 31 March 2019 and 31 March 2018 has not been audited nor reviewed by the Company's auditor.

 

The figures and financial information for the year ended 30 September 2018 are extracted from the latest published accounts and do not constitute the statutory accounts for that year. Those accounts have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and included the report of the independent auditors, which was unqualified and did not include a statement under either section 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 

 

11.

Manager

 

 

Henderson Investment Funds Limited ('HIFL') is appointed to act as the Company's Alternative Investment Fund Manager. HIFL delegates investment management services to Henderson Global Investors Limited. References to Janus Henderson within these results refer to the services provided by both entities.

 

 

12.

General information

 

Company Status

The Company is a UK-domiciled investment trust company. The registered number is 670489.

The London Stock Exchange Daily Official List SEDOL number is 0536806

The ISIN number is GB0005368062.

The London Stock Exchange (TIDM) Code is LWI.   

The Global Intermediary Identification Number (GIIN) is 2KBHLK.99999.SL.826.

The Legal Entity Identifier Number (LEI) is 2138008RHG5363FEHV19

 

Directors

The Directors of the Company are Robert Robertson (Chairman), Gaynor Coley (Audit Committee Chairman), Duncan Budge, Kevin Carter, and Karl Sternberg.

 

Corporate Secretary

Henderson Secretarial Services Limited, represented by Helena Harvey ACIS.

Email: ITSecretariat@janushenderson.com

 

Registered Office

201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AE.

 

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.lowlandinvestment.com.

 

13.

Half-year report

 

An abbreviated version of the half-year report, the 'Update', will be posted will be posted to shareholders in June 2019. The Update will also be available on the Company's website, and hard copies will be available at the Company's registered office, 201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AE.

 

 

 

For further information, please contact:

 

James Henderson / Laura Foll

Fund Managers

Lowland Investment Company plc

Tel: 020 7818 4370 / 020 7818 6364

 

James de Sausmarez

Director and Head of Investment Trusts

Janus Henderson Investors

Tel: 020 7818 3349

 

Laura Thomas

Investment Trust PR Manager

Janus Henderson Investors

Tel: 020 7818 2636

 

 

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 news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
 
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