NB GLOBAL FLOATING RATE INCOME FUND LIMITED
2018 Annual Report
Audited CONSOLIDATED Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 December 2018
Features
NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund Limited (the "Company")
The Company is a closed-ended investment company incorporated and registered in Guernsey on 10 March 2011 with registered number 53155. The Company is governed under the provisions of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 as amended (the "Law"), and the Registered Collective Investment Scheme Rules 2018 issued by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. It is a non-cellular company limited by shares and has been declared by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission to be a registered closed-ended collective investment scheme. On 20 April 2011, the Company was admitted to the Official List of the U.K. Listing Authority with a premium listing trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange ("LSE"). The Company was admitted to the FTSE 250 in March 2012.
Alternative Investment Fund Manager ("AIFM") and Manager
Investment management services are provided to the Company by Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (the "AIFM") and Neuberger Berman Europe Limited (the "Manager"), collectively the "Investment Manager". The AIFM is responsible for risk management and discretionary management of the Company's portfolio and the Manager provides certain administrative services to the Company.
Capital Structure
As at 31 December 2018, the Company's share capital comprised 805,289,944 Sterling Ordinary Shares ("NBLS") of no par value (of which 75,000,000 were held in treasury) and 59,271,977 U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares ("NBLU") of no par value (of which 1,342,627 were held in treasury).
For the purposes of efficient portfolio management, the Company has established a wholly-owned Luxembourg incorporated subsidiary, NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund (Lux) 1 S.à.r.l., which in turn holds a wholly-owned subsidiary, NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund (Lux) 2 S.à.r.l. Part of the portfolio of the Company is held through NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund (Lux) 2 S.à.r.l.
Non-Mainstream Pooled Investments
The Company currently conducts its affairs so that the shares issued by the Company can be recommended by Independent Financial Advisers to ordinary retail investors in accordance with the Financial Conduct Authority's ("FCA") rules in relation to non-mainstream investment products and intends to continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
The Company's shares are excluded from the FCA's restrictions, which apply to non-mainstream pooled investment products.
Dividends
Paid quarterly in respect of each calendar quarter. The Company's dividend policy is detailed below.
Rolling 12 month dividend yield (based on the previous four quarterly dividends paid and share price as at 31 December 2018):
· Sterling Ordinary Shares: 4.53%
· U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares: 4.43%
Principal Activities and Structure
The principal activity of the Company is to carry out business as an investment company. The Directors do not envisage any changes in this activity for the foreseeable future.
The chart below sets out the ownership, organisational and investment structure of the Company.
INVESTMENT STRUCTURE OF THE COMPANY
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* Further information on the Company's investment management arrangements can be found below.
Investment Objective
The Company's investment objective is to provide its shareholders with regular dividends, at levels that are sustainable, whilst preserving the capital value of its investment portfolio, utilising the investment skills of the Investment Manager.
Investment Policy
To pursue its investment objective, the Company invests mainly in senior secured floating rate loans issued in U.S. Dollars, Pound Sterling or Euros by primarily North American and European Union corporations, partnerships and other business issuers. These loans are at the time of investment often non-investment grade. The Company considers debt instruments to be non-investment grade if, at the time of investment, they are rated below the four highest categories (Aaa, Aa, A and Baa) by at least two independent credit ratings agencies or, if unrated, are deemed by the Investment Manager to be of comparable quality.
The coupon received when investing in floating rate loans varies with, and is periodically adjusted to reflect changes in, a generally recognised base interest rate such as LIBOR. The Company generally seeks to focus on loans of issuers that the Investment Manager believes have the ability to generate cash flow through a full business cycle, maintain adequate liquidity, possess an enterprise value in excess of senior debt and have access to both debt and equity capital.
The Company may also make investments in senior bonds on an opportunistic basis if the Investment Manager believes that such investments are attractively valued, up to a maximum in aggregate of 20% of the Net Asset Value ("NAV") at the time of investment, provided that no more than 10% of NAV may be invested in unsecured bonds at the time of investment.
Diversification
The Investment Manager seeks to manage risk through in-depth credit research utilising proprietary analytic processes, diversifying across industries, companies and investment size and adjusting sector weightings based on economic and market analysis.
The Company's portfolio is intended to contain at least 100 investments across a minimum of 20 industries, with a focus on those industries regarded as defensive. Defensive industries are those the Investment Manager believes are less affected by changes in economic conditions and likely to demonstrate the strongest capital preservation.
Typically, at the time such investment is made, no industry will represent more than 15% of NAV and no single investment will represent more than 5% of NAV. The Board considers that it is not appropriate to make available a full portfolio listing to shareholders as the information is considered commercially sensitive, however the company makes available, on a monthly basis, a list of the issuers in the portfolio. As at 31 December 2018, the portfolio contained 260 issuers.
What Are Senior Secured Floating Rate Loans?
Senior secured floating rate loans, also known as floating rate secured loans or leveraged loans, are debt obligations originated and arranged by banks or other financial entities (also known as an arranger) on behalf of corporations, partnerships and other business issuers to finance activities such as mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, recapitalisations, refinancings, capital expenditure or for other general corporate purposes.
These will typically be syndicated to a pool of lenders that collaborate to provide financing for the borrower. Once the bank loan is issued, lenders have the option to hold their portion for the life of the loan or to sell it to other investors in the secondary market.
The senior secured floating rate loans that the Company invests in are generally non-investment grade, that is rated at or below Ba1 by Moody's Investors Service or at or below BB+ by Standard & Poor's or an equivalent rating by a third party rating agency.
The senior secured floating rate loans that comprise the portfolio typically hold the most senior position in the capital structure of the borrower and are secured with specific collateral, giving lenders a claim on the assets that are senior to the claims of unsecured creditors, subordinated debt holders and stockholders of the borrower. The security package typically incorporates a first priority over all of the borrower's assets including receivables, inventory, bank accounts, property, plant and equipment. In the event of a default or bankruptcy, the holders of the loans should be in a better position to maximise recovery of their debt than other creditors due to their position in the capital structure.
The below chart shows the typical capital structure of a borrower:
SAMPLE CAPITAL STRUCTURE
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Senior secured floating rate loans earn a variable rate of interest that includes a stated 'spread' (also known as the margin or coupon), which reflects issuer risk, over a widely accepted base rate such as LIBOR. The floating rate on senior secured floating rate loans typically resets every 30 to 90 days in line with the prevailing rate of LIBOR and, because such loans reset on a regular basis, the yield is described as ''floating''.
The Investment Manager's experience is that LIBOR floors are a common feature of almost all new loan issues in the U.S. LIBOR floors guarantee a minimum level of LIBOR to investors irrespective of the prevailing interest rate.
If LIBOR exceeds the floor then such loans pay the prevailing LIBOR as well as the credit spread. The return is generated by LIBOR or the LIBOR floor, the spread over LIBOR paid by the borrower due to the terms of the underlying loan and the discount. The discount occurs because new issues are commonly priced, in the Investment Managers' experience, at a discount to the par value of the loan.
INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF SENIOR SECURED LOAN RETURNS
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1 New issues are typically sold at a discount to par.
Investment Process
The Investment Manager focuses on experience-based, in-depth credit and industry analyses, disciplined portfolio construction and ongoing portfolio monitoring. The below diagram provides a high level overview of the Investment Manager's investment process.
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The credit ratings noted above are those of Standard & Poor's. Ratings of BB+ and below are considered non-investment grade (junk bonds). Credit ratings are subject to change at any time. This material is intended as a broad overview of the portfolio managers' style; philosophy and investment process and is subject to change without notice. The portfolio managers' views may differ from those of other portfolio managers as well as the views of Neuberger Berman.
Investment Discipline
The Investment Manager's investment discipline seeks to ensure, through its "credit best practices" checklist that it thoroughly understands the investment thesis for each investment and any underlying assumptions:
Top-Down Analysis
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Bottom-Up Analysis
Issuer: Key Considerations
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Investment Philosophy and Selection Process
Investment Philosophy
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Selection Process
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Further information on the Company's investment strategy and process can be found in the Company's most recent prospectuses, which are available on the Company's website at www.nbgfrif.com under the "Investor Information" tab.
Hedging
As the Company's shares are denominated in Pound Sterling (Sterling Ordinary Shares) and U.S. Dollars (U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares) and investments are denominated in U.S. Dollars, Euro or Pound Sterling, holders of any class of shares are subject to foreign currency fluctuations between the currency in which such shares are denominated and the currency of the investments made by the Company. Consequently, the Investment Manager seeks to engage in currency hedging between the U.S. Dollar and any other currency in which the assets of the Company or a class of shares is denominated, subject to suitable hedging contracts such as forward currency exchange contracts being available in a timely manner and on terms acceptable to the Investment Manager, at their sole and absolute discretion.
A consequence of currency hedging is that the interest rate differential between the hedged share class currency (GBP) and the base currency (USD) (the "carry") is included in the return of the hedged share class. The objective of the foreign exchange hedge on Ordinary Sterling share class investors is to give a long exposure to GBP LIBOR and a short exposure to USD LIBOR. As a result, the interest rate differential has a marginal impact on dividend distributions for the holders of the Ordinary Sterling share class shares. The costs of the interest rate differential will be borne by the NBLS NAV, and any narrowing of the USD / GBP LIBOR differential will reduce the size of this cost. The interest rate differential is a cost/benefit for all currency hedging arrangements and is not unique to the Company.
Gearing and Derivatives
The Company does not normally employ gearing or derivatives for investment purposes. The Company may, from time to time, use borrowings for share buybacks and short-term liquidity purposes. The Directors will restrict borrowing to an amount not exceeding 20% of the NAV at the time of drawdown. Derivatives are used for foreign exchange hedging purposes and the U.S. Dollar exposure for Sterling shareholders is explained in Note 2 of the financial statements.
Redemption Offer
As set out in the Company's Articles of Incorporation (the "Articles"), under redemption offer, if, as at 31 December in any calendar year, the shares of a particular class have, on average over the last three calendar months of the relevant calendar year, traded on the LSE at a discount in excess of 5% to the NAV per share of that class, the Directors will, subject to any legal or regulatory requirements, implement a redemption offer pursuant to which each holder of shares of the relevant class shall be offered the opportunity to redeem up to 50% of their shares of such class. This provision was not triggered at 31 December 2018.
STRATEGIC REVIEW | Financial Highlights
Financial Highlights
Key Figures
|
|
|
(U.S. Dollars in millions, except per share data) |
As at 31 December 2018 |
As at 31 December 2017 |
Net Asset Value 1 |
|
|
- Sterling Ordinary Shares |
$857.0 |
$1,265.3 |
- U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares |
$54.9 |
$42.8 |
Net Asset Value per share |
|
|
- Sterling Ordinary Shares |
£0.9215 |
£0.9702 |
- U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares |
$0.9468 |
$0.9896 |
Investments |
$906.2 |
$1,260.7 |
Dividend per share |
|
|
- Sterling Ordinary Shares |
4.02 pence |
3.35 pence |
- U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares |
4.13 cents |
3.41 cents |
Gross Portfolio Yield |
5.76% |
4.66% |
12 month rolling dividend yield |
|
|
- Sterling Ordinary Shares |
4.53% |
3.54% |
- U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares |
4.43% |
3.55% |
Share price |
|
|
- Sterling Ordinary Shares |
£0.8870 |
£0.9470 |
- U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares |
$0.9325 |
$0.9600 |
Discount to Net Asset Value |
|
|
- Sterling Ordinary Shares |
(3.74%) |
(2.39%) |
- U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares |
(1.51%) |
(2.99%) |
Total Return 3 |
|
|
- Sterling Ordinary Shares |
(0.88%) |
2.55% |
- U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares |
(0.15%) |
3.60% |
|
|
|
Share Price Return |
|
|
- Sterling Ordinary Shares |
(6.34%) |
(2.27%) |
- U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares |
(2.86%) |
(2.78%) |
Total Expense Ratio 4 |
|
|
- Sterling Ordinary Shares |
1.01% |
0.92% |
- U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares |
0.98% |
0.95% |
1 In the year ended 31 December 2018, the Company re-purchased 220.56m Sterling Ordinary Shares at a total U.S. Dollar equivalent cost of $269.13m and 2.06m U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares at a total cost of $1.94m.
2 Rolling 12 month dividend yield based on the four quarterly dividends declared in respect of the year and share price as at 31 December 2018.
3 The total return is the NAV return per share plus dividends declared in respect of the year.
4 Management fees and all other operating expenses expressed as a percent of average net assets during the year.
Financial Review
At 31 December 2018, the Net Assets of the Company amounted to $911,886,137 (2017: $1,308,070,928). The NAV attributable to the U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares amounted to $54,847,645 (2017: $42,776,584) and the NAV per U.S. Dollar Ordinary Share was $0.9468 (2017: $0.9896). The NAV attributable to the Sterling Ordinary Shares amounted to £672,925,952 ($857,038,492) (2017: £935,349,728 ($1,265,294,344)) and the NAV per Sterling Ordinary Share was £0.9215 (2017: Ordinary Shares: £0.9702).
STRATEGIC REVIEW | Chairman's Statement
Chairman's Statement
Dear Shareholder,
It is with pleasure that I present to you the Annual Report of NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund Limited for the year ended 31 December 2018, my first as Chairman.
Performance
The Board is satisfied with the recent performance of the Company's portfolio which has benefitted from the more defensive positioning taken by the Investment Manager. During the year the Company's NAV total return (NAV return plus dividends paid) was (0.88%) and (0.15%) for the Sterling Ordinary Shares and U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares, respectively. During the same period the Company's share price total return was (6.34%) per Sterling Ordinary Share and (2.86%) per U.S. Dollar Ordinary Share. The Company's Net Asset Value ("NAV") per share remained relatively stable over the first nine months of 2018. The fourth quarter 2018 experienced risk-off sentiment across capital markets. The reduction in NAV during the fourth quarter was driven more by technical factors rather than any diminution in underlying credit quality. The dividend per share continued to increase throughout 2018 and the Company's dividend yield was 4.53% and 4.43% per Sterling Share and U.S. Dollar Share respectively (calculated as the last four quarterly dividends expressed as a percentage of the share price as at 31 December 2018). The Company continues to meet its broad objective of providing regular and sustained dividends which were consistent with increases in U.S. Libor during 2018.
As at 31 December 2018, the Portfolio's current yield was 5.76%, and the yield to maturity was 6.64%, figures which are both broadly in line with the relevant benchmark, the S&P / LSTA Leveraged Loan Index (the "Index").
Despite concerns from some quarters about conditions in credit markets, the market saw $435.9bn of leveraged loans issued during the year. However, towards the end of the year, loan prices eased, new issuance all but ceased due to overall market volatility and credit spreads widened somewhat as late cycle credit concerns started to assert themselves. The pace of interest rate increases, particularly outside the U.S., was slower than expected, which meant that the cost of hedging returns into Sterling has not fallen as much as we had expected.
Given these headwinds, the Board remains satisfied with the performance of the Company as well as the more conservative, risk averse approach to portfolio management taken by the Investment Manager.
Dividends
As at 31 December 2018, the annualised dividend based on the previous four quarterly dividends paid was 4.02 pence per share for the Sterling Ordinary Shares and 4.13 cents per share for the U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares up from 3.35 pence and 3.41 cents per share, respectively as at 31 December 2017. Your Board believes that the dividend yield, 4.61% (USD Class) and 4.60% (GBP Class) as at 25 March 2019, on the stock at the current share price is attractive on a risk-adjusted basis given the current low interest rate environment and taking account of the prudent investment approach taken by the Investment Manager.
Portfolio Construction
The portfolio remains fully invested, with a strong U.S. bias. As at 31 December 2018, 82.5% of the portfolio was invested in U.S. Dollar denominated assets, with 15.4% invested in Euro denominated assets and 2.1% in Sterling denominated assets (all excluding cash). The shift towards a higher portion of Euro denominated loans reflects the Investment Manager's view that the Eurozone remains at an earlier stage of the credit cycle, and that assets in this market are attractive on a relative value basis.
These allocations reflect the investment opportunities available in the respective markets with the United States, as measured by the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index, being $1.1 trillion as at the end of 2018 versus €180 billion for the European market (S&P European Leveraged Loan Index). These geographical allocation levels have been relatively constant over the last 12 months, reflecting both the market sizes and relative value available in the different geographies.
During 2018, the Investment Manager kept the portfolio's bond allocation well below the 20% of NAV permitted, closing December 2018 at 8.8%. The majority of the allocations were floating rate securities and only 4.9% of the portfolio was fixed rate as the Investment Manager remained focused on keeping duration low and limiting potential areas of volatility. Additionally, allocations to higher rated assets continued with BB loans accounting for 35.93% of the NAV at the end of December 2018, down from 49.84% at the end of 2017.
The Company's Sterling Ordinary Share class hedges all U.S. Dollar and Euro exposure back to Sterling.
Discount Management
During the year, the Company's discount ranged between 6.62% and 1.25% per Sterling Ordinary Share and 6.02% and 0.8% per U.S. Dollar Ordinary Share. At times during the year, the Board sought to address imbalances between supply and demand in the Company's shares by proactively repurchasing shares. In the 12 months to 31 December 2018, the Company repurchased 220,555,413 Sterling Ordinary Shares at a total cost of £203.2m and 2,061,305 U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares at a total cost of $1.94m representing 27.39% and 3.48% of the issued share capital at 31 December 2018, respectively. The weighted average discount of the buyback was 3.74% for the Sterling Ordinary Shares and 3.53% for the U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares with a respective accretion to NAV of 0.88% and 0.17%.
On 20 December 2018, we sought shareholder approval to renew the authority for the Company to make market purchases of its own Shares, which was duly granted. The Board will seek to renew this authority at the 2019 AGM to give us the flexibility to continue to buy back shares to help satisfy demand for market liquidity whilst increasing NAV per share, as part of our discount control mechanism and we will continue to remain vigilant in our approach to discount and premium management on behalf of shareholders.
Continuation Vote
In accordance with the Company's Articles of Incorporation (the "Articles"), at the Annual General Meeting held on 13 June 2018 the Company proposed a resolution to consider the Company's continuation as a closed-ended investment company. I am pleased to report that shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Company's continuation at this meeting. The next continuation vote will be proposed at the 2019 AGM, and annually thereafter.
Board Composition and Succession Planning
During the year, the Board continued to develop its succession plan which was discussed in the 2017 Annual Report. In September, I was appointed Chairman following the retirement of William Frewen. On 1 January 2019, David Staples, who was appointed to the Board in June 2018, took over from Richard Battey as Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee. We consider that the recent board changes will maintain diversity of tenure and responsibilities. We will continue to assess independence and replenish the Board over the coming years. Further detail on the Board's succession plan and diversity policy can be found in the Corporate Governance Report below and the Report of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee below.
Outlook
Your Board is pleased that dividends per share have increased during 2018. We believe the Company continues to offer a risk-adjusted return which compares favourably to other corporate credit vehicles and is pleased with the Investment Manager's performance to date in executing its strategy.
We believe that the outlook for 2019 remains relatively attractive for short duration asset classes such as senior secured floating rate loans. The Investment Manager believes that default rates will stay below historical levels and credit quality is expected to remain favourable with the exception of some identifiable areas, such as within the retail sector.
The Investment Manager will continue to keep you updated on the Company's progress by way of the monthly fact sheets and quarterly updates. The Investment Manager's defensive positioning, the attractive yield combined with good liquidity in the shares and your Board's ongoing support to maintain a tight discount or premium to NAV continue to make the Company a sound investment proposition.
Finally, it is our belief that a disorderly Brexit situation would not impact our operations in any material manner. Further, we do not believe there is an impact of disorderly Brexit on our portfolio given that only 2.05% of the portfolio has a GBP Sterling exposure with 96.26% of the portfolio having no UK exposure.
Thank you for your continued support.
Rupert Dorey
Chairman
28 March 2019
STRATEGIC REVIEW | Investment Manager's Report
Investment Manager's Report
Market Environment
Market conditions have been impacted by ongoing trade tensions, corporate margin pressures, weak investor demand and more latterly sharply falling oil prices. Third quarter U.S. GDP growth of 3.4% was below the 4.2% expansion in the second quarter. Market fundamentals have remained stable, as leverage continues to decline and interest coverage remains strong. The vast majority of issuers are growing EBITDA, generating free cash flow, and paying down debt. These positive trends more than offset the more aggressive metrics coming out of the new issue market during the first nine months of the year. During the fourth quarter risk-off sentiment prevailed across capital markets as year-end approached, leading to withdrawals of $14 billion from retail loan funds across the market. This was a reversal from the previous nine months and resulted in an outflow of $3.1 billion in the U.S. for full year 2018. The pressure on the secondary market dropped the share of performing loans priced at par or higher to less than 1%, from 36% in October and 75% in early 2018. Despite the significant levels of retail fund withdrawals, market liquidity was deeper than in historic risk-off periods, with experienced market participants taking advantage of the ensuing price dislocation. We see this as encouraging evidence that the leveraged loan market has become more sophisticated in recent years, as it has grown in scale. Larger, more liquid loans, which tend to be higher quality, were negatively affected by retail outflow activity. The largest loans, measured by the LSTA100 Index, returned (4.41%) in the quarter versus the broader LSTA Index which returned (3.45%).
In the U.S., demand for loans was robust, with over $128 billion of new collateralized loan obligation ("CLO") creation more than offsetting the modest $3.1 billion of outflows from retail funds. These figures do not take into account demand from pensions, endowments and other institutional investors in separate account format. For comparison, 2017 saw $118 billion of CLO creation and $14.1 billion of inflows from retail funds. Although down 13% from 2017, institutional loan issuance was strong at $436 billion. The mix of issuance was materially different in the most recent period as Mergers & Acquisitions ("M&A")/Leveraged Buyout ("LBO") activity increased while refinancing activity decreased. The increase in M&A/LBO activity led to growth in the loan market, which ended the year at $1.12 trillion versus $959 billion one year ago. The average bid ended the year at a healthy 93.84 while the trailing 12-month U.S. default rate was 1.63%, well below its long-term average of approximately 3%.
In Europe, the S&P European Leveraged Loan Index ("ELLI") returned 1.41% for 2018 (all figures exclude currency impact) and the average bid closed the year at 97.3, down from 99.4 at the end of 2017. Demand for loans continued to be strong and CLO issuance totalled €27.3 billion for the year, a new post crisis high for the European market. The par amount outstanding of the ELLI ended the year at €181 billion, an increase from €139bn one year ago. By principal amount, the trailing 12 month default was 0.11% at the end of December, down from 1.11% at the end of 2017.
We have identified three main areas of market weakness that became more prominent in 2018: (i) a pick-up in lower rated issuance, (ii) an increase in deals with smaller junior cushions and (iii) weaker loan documentation. We view this weakness to be primarily concentrated in new deals issued in 2018, and therefore representing a relatively small portion of the overall loan market, which is now $1.12 trillion in size. Seasoned loan issuers have demonstrated solid financial performance and improved credit metrics and these issuers have relatively conservative credit agreements. We have been focused on investing in these existing issuers and have largely avoided the new issue market in 2018, approving only 10% of Single B rated issuance.
We believe that loans continue to offer an attractive yield with limited duration risk:
Asset Class Yield Comparison
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1 Data is as at December 31, 2018. Source: Bloomberg Barclays POINT, ICE Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Benchmarks used were the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index, S&P European Leveraged Loan Index, ICE BofAML US High Yield Index (H0A0), ICE BofAML European Currency High Yield Index (HP00) EUR Hedged, Bloomberg Barclays US Treasury Bellwethers Composite Index, Bloomberg Barclays US Credit Index, Bloomberg Barclays European Credit Index, and ICE BofAML 0-5 Year BB-B US High Yield Constrained Index (H4CD), Bloomberg Barclays German Treasury Index, Bloomberg Barclays UK Gilts Index. Volatility based off weekly observations.
2 Excluding currency fluctuations.
Portfolio Management
During 2018, the portfolio remained significantly weighted towards U.S. Dollar issuance, which accounted for 82.5% of the portfolio at the end of the year. The bond allocation was well within the 20% of NAV permitted, at 8.8%, as we remained focused on keeping duration low and limiting potential areas of volatility. We continued to allocate to better rated assets and our share of BBB/BB credits ended the year at 39.5%.
Since June 2018, the portfolio showed a lower volatility profile than its benchmark. Despite this, it outperformed the index in June/July 2018 and performed in line from August 2018 to the end of the year. We continue to evidence that in times of increased volatility (e.g. August 2015 to October 2016), our portfolio is significantly less volatile than the index, but delivers a very similar return to the index over a long period.
Volatility versus Return
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Outlook
We believe fundaments and valuations, coupled with attractive income characteristics, provide investors with an attractive return potential under a slowing economic landscape. While economic growth is expected to slow, we believe the probability of a near term recession is low. Volatility is likely to persist, however we believe valuations for non-investment grade credit compensate investors for modest default risk. Operating performance of underlying issuers has been stable; revenue and EBITDA growth have improved as leverage has plateaued, and refinancing activity has significantly reduced the amount of loans maturing in the near term. The market's performance continues to be susceptible to a variety of factors, however, including uncertainty around government disruptions, including aggressive rhetoric, trade policy, and the overall regulatory environment. Though retail flows were a headwind in the fourth quarter, recent spread widening and higher loan yields may entice investors back into the market. Despite market expectations for more measured Fed rate policy, the current income profile of the loan asset class is attractive relative to other fixed income asset classes. We maintain our overall focus on quality positioning while allocating to select B and CCC securities where we see attractive relative value. We believe the portfolio is positioned to provide downside protection as market volatility continues, while taking advantage of future opportunities within lower quality securities.
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC Neuberger Berman Europe Limited
28 March 2019 28 March 2019
STRATEGIC REVIEW | Portfolio Information
Portfolio Information
Top 10 Issuers as at 31 December 2018 (excluding cash)
ISSUER |
SECTOR |
FAIR VALUE ($) |
PORTFOLIO WEIGHT |
Bausch Health Companies |
Drugs |
14,274,056 |
1.58% |
Techem |
Industrial Equipment |
11,284,750 |
1.25% |
Altice France |
Cable & Satellite Television |
10,603,685 |
1.17% |
Univision Communications |
Broadcast Radio & Television |
10,374,460 |
1.14% |
Scientific Games International |
Hotels & Casinos |
10,105,799 |
1.12% |
Bass Pro Group |
Retailers (except food and drug) |
9,696,557 |
1.07% |
Endo Luxembourg Finance |
Drugs |
9,051,605 |
1.00% |
Advantage Sales & Marketing |
Business Equipment & Services |
8,993,777 |
0.99% |
Century Link |
Telecommunications/Cellular Communications |
8,888,774 |
0.98% |
Filtration Group |
Industrial Equipment |
8,154,116 |
0.90% |
Top 10 S&P Sector Breakdown
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Key Statistics as at 31 December 2018
Current Gross Portfolio Yield 1 |
5.76% |
Number of Investments |
349 |
Number of Issuers |
260 |
1 The Company's Current Gross Portfolio Yield is a market-value weighted average of the current yields of the holdings in the portfolio, calculated as the coupon (base rate plus spread) divided by current price. The calculation does not take into account any fees, fund expenses or sales charges paid, which would reduce the results. The Current Gross Portfolio Yield for the Company will fluctuate from month to month. The Current Gross Portfolio Yield should be regarded as an estimate of the Company's rate of investment income and it will not equal the realised distribution rate for each share class.
STRATEGIC REVIEW HTMLPIPESYMBOL Strategic Report
Strategic Report
Principal Risks and Risk Management
The Board is responsible for the Company's system of internal financial and operating controls and for reviewing its effectiveness. The Board has satisfied that by using the Company's risk matrix as its core element in establishing the Company's system, internal financial and reporting controls while monitoring the investment limits and restrictions set out in the Company's investment objective and policy. The Board has carried out a robust assessment of the Company's emerging and principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. The principal risks, which have been identified, and the steps taken by the Board to mitigate these areas are as follows:
RISK |
MITIGATION
|
Macroeconomic Conditions
Macroeconomic conditions change significantly and to the detriment of the portfolio or the Company causing a credit or liquidity risk to crystallise. |
The Board receives regular reports from the Investment Manager on the health of the portfolio and the approach to managing credit risk and liquidity risk is set out further below. |
Credit Risk
This is the risk that the Investment Manager buys a loan or bond of a particular Issuer and it does not perform as expected and either defaults on a payment or experiences a significant drop in the secondary market value.
|
The Investment Manager carries out extensive, independent due diligence on each borrower, and has a particular focus on stable, performing credits that evidence strong track records through previous economic cycles. Issuer size is also considered and the Investment Manager continues to favour the larger issuers in the market, defined by having debt issuance greater than $500m or equivalent in sterling or euros. These issuers tend to have broader syndicates, which can aid liquidity in the secondary market. As well as screening out the smaller issuers, the Investment Manager also excludes highly cyclical industries and companies with limited earning visibility from its investment process.
Once a particular investment has been made, the Investment Manager is focused on monitoring it. A range of relevant data is reviewed on an ongoing basis for each investment, including, but not limited to, key financial drivers, commodity prices, stock prices, regulatory developments, financial results, press releases and management commentary to identify any indicators of credit deterioration.
To manage this risk further, the Board ensures a diversification of investments with the Investment Manager operating in accordance with the investment limits and restrictions policy determined by the Board. The Directors monitor the implementation and results of the investment process with the Investment Manager at each quarterly Board meeting and monitor risk factors in respect of the portfolio.
|
Liquidity Risk
The risk that the Company will not be able to meet its obligations as and when these fall due. |
Liquidity risk is managed by the Investment Manager to ensure that the Company maintains sufficient working capital in cash or near cash form so as to be able to meet the Company's cash requirements. In addition, the Investment Manager maintains a diversified portfolio of investments and assesses potential investments to screen out smaller, potentially less liquid, issuers. |
Fund Performance
The Company's investment performance could fall below its stated objective or peer group for a variety of reasons including market conditions. |
The Investment Manager has robust processes in place and monitors the underlying investments on a daily basis. The Board receives regular, detailed updates from the Investment Manager. |
Level of Discount or Premium
A discount or premium to NAV can occur for a variety of reasons, including market conditions or to the extent investors undervalue the management activities of the Investment Manager or discount their valuation methodology and judgment.
|
While the Directors may seek to mitigate any discount or premium to NAV per Share through the discount management mechanisms set out in the Prospectus, there can be no guarantee that they will do so or that such mechanisms will be successful.
|
Operational Risk
Disruption to, or the failure of either the Investment Manager's, Administrator's or Sub- Administrator's accounting, dealings or payment systems, or the Custodian's records could prevent the accurate reporting or monitoring of the Company's financial position and the receipt or transmission of payments. |
Details of how the Board monitors the services provided by the Investment Manager, the Administrator and Sub-Administrator, and the key elements designed to provide effective internal control are explained further in the internal controls section of the Corporate Governance Report which is set out below. The Investment Manager, the Company Secretary, the Administrator and Sub-Administrator are contracted to provide their services through qualified professionals and the Board receives regular internal control reports from the Administrator and Sub-Administrator that confirm compliance with service standards. Furthermore, the Company must comply with the provisions of the Law and, since its shares are listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and trade on the Main Market of the LSE, the Company is subject to the Financial Conduct Authority's ("FCA") Listing Rules and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules ("DTRs"). A breach of the legislation could result in the Company and/or the Directors being fined or subject to criminal proceedings. A breach of the Listing Rules could result in the suspension of the Company's shares. The Board relies on its Company Secretary and advisers to ensure adherence to the Guernsey legislation and the FCA's rules.
|
Heat Map of Principal Risks
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Principal Risks' Expected Direction of Change
RISK CATEGORY |
EXPECTED DIRECTION OF CHANGE |
MACRO ECONOMIC CONDITIONS |
No expected change. The Board expects continued volatility as the market reacts amongst other things, to the implementation of President Trump's policy measures as well as Brexit related issues |
CREDIT RISK |
No expected change. Default rates are expected to remain low in 2019 and focused primarily on specific sectors |
LIQUIDITY RISK |
No expected change. Liquidity Risk is managed by the Investment Manager to ensure that the Company maintains sufficient working capital in cash or near cash forms as to be able to meet the Company's cash requirements. |
FUND PERFORMANCE |
No expected change. The Board believes a rising interest rate and low default environment is favourable to a loans portfolio and should result in additional income. |
LEVEL OF DISCOUNT / PREMIUM |
No expected change. At the current levels of share price discount to NAV, the Board believes the Company continues to be an attractive risk adjusted investment proposition and the Board will continue to apply discount management mechanisms. The Company's Redemption Offer (if the Company's shares trade wider than a 5% discount in the 3 months to 31 December each year) and an annual continuation vote also contribute to effective management of the discount or premium at which the Company's shares trade. |
OPERATIONAL RISK |
No expected change. |
Going Concern
The Directors also considered it appropriate to prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis, as explained in the basis of preparation paragraph in Note 2 to the Financial Statements. In making this statement, the Directors have considered the levels of working capital available to the Company, the closed-ended nature of the Company and the tradable and liquid nature of the investment portfolio held. The Directors have made the assumption that the annual continuation vote to be held in May 2019 will be passed and that the Redemption Offer for the year ended 31 December 2019 will not be triggered.
Viability Statement
The Directors have assessed the prospects of the Company over the three year period to 31 December 2021 in accordance with provision C.2.2 of the UK Corporate Governance Code, published by the Financial Reporting Council in April 2016 (the "Code"). The Board conducted this review for a period of 3 years, a period that was selected for the following reasons:
· The nature of the loan investments held by the Company have an average maturity of approximately three years which allows the investment cash flows, recycling of investments, and expenditure commitments of the Company to be reasonably forecast over this timeframe.
· The impacts on the Company of other factors can be reasonably assessed within this timeframe. Beyond a three year timeframe, the impact of external forces, such as changes to legislation, market forces or other unknown factors, becomes less able to be predicted or assessed in analysing the viability of the company.
The three year review considers the Company's cash flow, cash distributions and other key financial ratios over the period. The three year review also makes certain assumptions about the normal level of expenditure likely to occur and considers whether financing facilities will be required. Furthermore, the three year review period to 31 December 2021 makes assumptions that the Company's annual continuation vote will be passed, and that the annual Redemption Offer will not be triggered. The Directors note that the annual Redemption Offer will be triggered if, in the last three months of any calendar year, the Company's Ordinary Shares trade at an average discount to NAV in excess of 5%.
In their assessment of the viability of the Company, the Directors have carried out a robust assessment of the Company's emerging and principal risks detailed above and in particular the impact of a significant fall in the value of the Company's investment portfolio. The Directors have performed a quantitative and qualitative analysis that included the Company's income and expenditure projections and the fact that the Company's investments include readily realisable securities which can be expected to be sold to meet funding requirements if necessary. As part of this review, the Directors reviewed a series of stress test scenarios carried out by the Investment Manager which assumed a significant fall in income and asset levels and a corresponding increase in expenses, and were satisfied with the results of this analysis.
Based on the Company's processes for monitoring operating costs, the Investment Manager's compliance with the investment objective, asset allocation, the portfolio risk profile, liquidity risk and financial controls, and assuming stressed market conditions the Directors have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the Company will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the three year period to 31 December 2021.
Performance Measurement and Key Performance Indicators
In order to measure the success of the Company in meeting its objectives and to evaluate the performance of the Investment Manager, the Directors take into account the following performance indicators:
· Returns and NAV - The Board reviews at each board meeting the performance of the portfolio as well as the NAV, income and share price of the Company;
· Discount/premium to NAV - At each quarterly Board meeting, the Board monitors the level of the Company's discount or premium to NAV and reviews the average discount/premium for the Company's peer group. The Company publishes a NAV per share for both share classes on a daily basis through the official newswire of the LSE. This figure is calculated in accordance with the AIC's guide which includes current financial year revenue, the same basis as that calculated for the Financial Statements;
· The Directors examine the revenue forecast quarterly and consider the yield of the portfolio and the amount available for distribution; and
· The Board considers the peer group performance of other comparable income funds at each quarterly Board meeting.
Management Arrangements
Investment Management Arrangements
On 17 July 2014, the Company and the Investment Manager made certain classificatory amendments to their contractual arrangements for the purposes of the European Commission's Directive on Alternative Investment Fund Managers (the "AIFM Directive"). The Sub Investment Management Agreement was terminated on 17 July 2014 and Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC, which was the Sub Investment Manager, was appointed as the AIFM per the amended and restated Investment Management Agreement ("IMA") dated 17 July 2014. Under this agreement, the AIFM is responsible for risk management and day-to-day discretionary management of the Company's portfolios (including un-invested cash). The risk management and discretionary portfolio management functions are performed independently of each other within the AIFM structure. The AIFM is not required to, and generally will not, submit individual investment decisions for approval by the Board. The Manager, Neuberger Berman Europe Limited, was appointed under the same IMA to provide, amongst other things, certain administrative services to the Company. Please refer to Note 3 below for details of fee entitlement.
On 31 December 2017, an amendment to the IMA was approved. Under the amendment, the responsibility for the manufacture of the Company's Key Information Document was delegated to the AIFM and other changes were made relating to MiFID II, anti-money laundering, bribery, cyber security and data protection.
The IMA can be terminated either by the Company or the Investment Manager, but in certain circumstances, the Company would be required to pay compensation to the Investment Manager of six months' management charges. No compensation is payable if notice of termination of more than six months is given.
Administration and Custody Agreement
Effective 1 March 2015, the Company entered into an Administration and Sub-Administration Agreement with U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited (formerly known as U.S. Bancorp Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited and U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Ireland) Limited (formerly known as Quintillion Limited), a wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited. Under the terms of the agreement, Sub-Administration services are delegated to U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Ireland) Limited (the "Sub-Administrator"). U.S. Bank National Association (the "Custodian") was appointed custodian to the Company effective 1 March 2015. On 4 June 2018, the Company entered into an Amendment to the Administration and Sub-Administration Agreement in respect of the requirements of relevant data protection regulations.
See Note 3 below for details of fee entitlement.
Company Secretarial and Registrar Arrangements
Company secretarial services are provided by Carey Commercial Limited. Effective 22 April 2019, company secretarial services will be provided by Praxis Fund Services Limited. Registrar services are provided by Link Market Services (Guernsey) Limited.
See Note 3 below for details of fee entitlement.
GOVERNANCE | Directors
Directors
Rupert Dorey (Chairman)
Rupert Dorey is a resident of Guernsey and has 35 years of experience in financial markets. Mr Dorey was at Credit Suisse First Boston Limited for 17 years from 1988 to 2005 where he specialised in credit related products, including derivative instruments where his expertise was principally in the areas of debt distribution, origination and trading, covering all types of debt from investment grade to high yield and distressed debt. He held a number of senior positions at Credit Suisse First Boston Limited, including establishing Credit Suisse First Boston Limited's high yield debt distribution business in Europe, fixed income credit product coordinator for European offices and head of UK Credit and Rates Sales. Since 2005 he has been acting in a Non-Executive Directorship capacity for a number of Hedge Funds, Private Equity & Infrastructure Funds, for both listed and unlisted vehicles. Rupert is a former President of the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Institute of Directors.
Richard Battey (Senior Independent Director)
Richard Battey is a resident of Guernsey and is a non-executive Director of Better Capital PCC Limited, Pershing Square Holdings Limited and Princess Private Equity Holding Limited. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales having qualified with Baker Sutton & Co. in London in 1977. Richard has been a non-executive Director of a number of investment companies and funds since leaving CanArgo Energy Corporation in 2006 where he was Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that role, he spent 27 years with the Schroder Group. Richard was a Director of Schroders (C.I.) Limited in Guernsey from April 1994 to December 2004 where he served as Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer. He was a Director of a number of the Schroder Group's Guernsey companies covering banking, investment management, trusts, insurance and private equity administration, retiring from his last Schroder Directorship in December 2008.
Sandra Platts (Chairman of the Management Engagement Committee and the Remuneration and Nomination Committee)
Sandra Platts is a resident of Guernsey and is a non-executive Director of Investec Bank (C.I.) Limited, UK Commercial Property REIT Ltd and Starwood European Finance Partners Limited. Sandra was Managing Director of Kleinwort Benson in Guernsey and Chief Operating Officer for Kleinwort Benson Private Banking Group (UK and Channel Islands). She also held Directorships of the Kleinwort Benson Trust Company and Operating Boards, retiring from Kleinwort Benson boards in 2010. Sandra holds a Master's in Business Administration and The Certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors.
David Staples (Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee)
Mr Staples, a resident of Guernsey, is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and an associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. He also holds the Institute of Directors' Diploma in Company Direction.
Mr Staples was a partner for thirteen years with PricewaterhouseCoopers ("PwC") and led the tax practice in the South East of England, advising several large family and owner-managed businesses. He was also a member of the management board of the firm's London and South East Middle Markets Tax Practice. Since leaving PwC in 2003, Mr Staples has served on the boards of several listed companies as a non-executive director. He is currently a director of one other listed company, Ruffer Investment Company Limited. His other appointments include directorships of the general partners of five global private equity funds advised by Apax Partners.
GOVERNANCE | Directors' Report
Directors' Report
Share Capital
The share capital of the Company consists of: (a) an unlimited number of shares which upon issue the Directors may classify as U.S. Dollar Shares, Sterling Shares or Euro Shares or as shares of such other classes as the Directors may determine; (b) an unlimited number of B Shares which upon issue the Directors may classify as B Shares of such classes denominated in such currencies as the Directors may determine; (c) an unlimited number of C Shares which upon issue the Directors may classify as C Shares of such classes denominated in such currencies as the Directors may determine.
The number of shares in issue at 31 December 2018 was as follows:
Sterling Ordinary Shares 805,289,9441
U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares 59,271,9772
1 of which 75,000,000 were held in treasury
2 of which 1,342,627 were held in treasury
The number of shares in issue at 31 December 2017 was as follows:
Sterling Ordinary Shares 1,039,088,6273
U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares 44,570,4194
3 of which 75,000,000 were held in treasury
4 of which 1,342,627 were held in treasury
The number of shares in issue as at 25 March 2019, being the latest practicable date prior to publication of this report, was as follows:
Sterling Ordinary Shares 732,628,5895
U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares 59,110,0006
5 of which 75,000,000 are held in treasury
6 of which 1,342,627 are held in treasury
Share Repurchases
The Directors operate an active discount control mechanism using share buy backs. At the Annual General Meeting ("AGM") of the Company held on 13 June 2018, the Directors were granted the general authority to purchase in the market up to 6,687,027 U.S. Dollar Shares and 138,863,699 Sterling Shares. This authority was renewed at the Extraordinary General Meeting ("EGM") held on 20 December 2018 in order to provide further flexibility to continue to buy back shares to help satisfy demand for liquidity whilst increasing NAV per share and as part of the Company's discount control mechanisms. At the EGM the Directors were granted general authority to purchase in the market up to 9,060,021 U.S. Dollar Shares and 115,266,503 Sterling Shares.
This authority will expire at the AGM to be held on 7 May 2019. Pursuant to this authority, and subject to the Law and the discretion of the Directors, the Company may purchase Ordinary Shares of a particular class in the market on an ongoing basis with a view to addressing any imbalance between the supply of and demand for Ordinary Shares of such class, thereby increasing the NAV per Ordinary Share of that class and assisting in managing the discount to NAV per Ordinary Share of that class in relation to the price at which the Ordinary Shares of such class may be trading. The Directors intend to seek annual renewal of this authority from shareholders.
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Source: U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited and Bloomberg. Data is as at 31 December 2018
To support the share price, the Board has proactively repurchased over 500 million Sterling Ordinary shares and over 7 million U.S. Dollar Ordinary shares to date.
During the year to 31 December 2018, the Company repurchased and cancelled 220,555,413 Sterling Ordinary Shares and 2,061,305 U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares representing 27.39% of the Sterling Ordinary Shares in issue and 3.48% of the U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares in issue, at 31 December 2018 with a respective accretion to NAV of 0.88% and 0.17%.
Since the year end and up to the 25 March 2019, being the latest practicable date prior to publication of this report, the Company has repurchased 71,100,000 Sterling Ordinary Shares and 2,190,000 U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares for cancellation.
Share Conversions
The Company offers a monthly conversion facility pursuant to which shareholders may elect to convert some or all of their shares of a class into shares of any other class. During the year to 31 December 2018, shareholders elected to convert 13,243,270 Sterling Ordinary Shares into U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares and 16,762,863 U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares into Sterling Ordinary Shares. Since the year end and up to 25 March 2019, being the latest practicable date prior to publication of this report, shareholders have elected to convert 1,883,831 Sterling Ordinary Shares into U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares and 406,444 U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares into Sterling Ordinary Shares.
Dividends
The Company seeks to pay dividends to shareholders equal to the cash income it receives less its running costs paid in that year, subject to the solvency test prescribed by the Law. Dividends are declared with respect to each calendar quarter and are paid in the currency of the class of shares in respect of which the dividend was declared.
The Articles also permit the Directors, in their absolute discretion, to offer a scrip dividend alternative to shareholders when a cash dividend is declared from time to time. In the event a scrip dividend is offered, an electing Shareholder is issued new, fully paid up shares (or shares sold from treasury) pursuant to the scrip dividend alternative, calculated by reference to the higher of (i) the prevailing average mid-market quotation of the shares on the Daily Official List of the LSE over the last five trading days; or (ii) the NAV per share, at the relevant time. The scrip dividend alternative is available only to those shareholders to whom shares might lawfully be marketed by the Company. The Directors' intention is not to offer a scrip dividend at any time that the shares trade at a material discount to the NAV per Share. On 21 December 2015, due to the prevailing discount at that time, the Board decided to replace the scrip dividend alternative with a Dividend Re-Investment Plan ("DRIP"), whereby shareholders have the option to re-invest their cash dividend in the Company's shares on an efficient basis.
The below table sets out the quarterly dividends paid by the Company that were declared in respect of 2018:
PERIOD |
DATE DECLARED |
PAYMENT DATE |
DIVIDEND PER STERLING SHARE |
DVIDEND PER U.S. DOLLAR SHARE |
Quarter ended 31 March 2018 - Ordinary Shares |
9 April 2018 |
25 May 2018 |
£0.00800 |
$0.00820 |
Quarter ended 30 June 2018 - Ordinary Shares |
4 July 2018 |
24 August 2018 |
£0.01070 |
$0.01100 |
Quarter ended 30 September 2018 - Ordinary Shares |
3 October 2018 |
23 November 2018 |
£0.01070 |
$0.01100 |
Quarter ended 31 December 2018 - Ordinary Shares |
7 January 2019 |
28 February 2019 |
£0.01080 |
$0.01110 |
The below chart sets out the quarterly dividends per share paid by the Company since inception:
Dividends Per Share (weighted average of NBLS and NBLU)
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Source prior to March 2015: BNP Paribas Securities Services S.C.A., Guernsey Branch. The first dividend covered a five-month period.
Source post March 2015: U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited.
Substantial Share Interests
Based upon information deemed reliable as provided by the Company's registrar, as at 25 March 2019, the following shareholders owned 5% or more of the issued shares of the Company.
SHAREHOLDER |
Number of Sterling Ordinary Shares |
Number of U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares1 |
Percentage of Share Class (%) |
|
BBHISL Nominees Limited 129481 ACCT |
70,015,596 |
|
8.71 |
|
The Bank of New York (Nominees) Limited 815514 ACCT |
65,100,000 |
|
8.10 |
|
BBHISL Nominees Limited 130354 ACCT |
53,524,297 |
|
6.66 |
|
State Street Nominees Limited OM04 ACCT |
39,101,960 |
|
4.87 |
|
Vidacos Nominees Limited UKCP100 ACCT |
|
16,817,473 |
27.40 |
|
K.B. (C.I.) Nominees Limited |
|
10,362,000 |
16.88 |
|
Euroclear Nominees Limited EOC01 ACCT |
|
3,523,378 |
5.74 |
|
Rathbone Nominees Limited |
|
3,322,925 |
5.41 |
1 Certain shareholdings within the U.S. Dollar Ordinary Share Class are greater than 5% of the U.S. Dollar Ordinary share in issue but do not have 5% in aggregate of the Company's issued share capital
Notifications of Shareholdings
In the year to 31 December 2018 the Company was notified in accordance with Chapter 5 of the DTR (which covers the acquisition and disposal of major shareholdings and voting rights), of the following voting rights as a shareholder of the Company. When more than one notification has been received from any shareholder, only the latest notification is shown. For non-UK issuers, the thresholds prescribed under DTR 5.1.2 for notification of holdings commence at 5%. Notifications received by the Company below 5% are included here for completeness only.
SHAREHOLDER |
VOTING RIGHTS of Sterling Ordinary Shares |
VOTING RIGHTS of U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares |
Percentage of total voting rights (%) |
FIL LIMITED |
|
1,552,936,817 |
7.01 |
HSBC HOLDINGS PLC |
1,416,477,998 |
|
6.00 |
BALLIE GIFFORD & CO |
68,277,584 |
|
Below 5% |
Since the year end, one TR-1 notification was received by the Company.
SHAREHOLDER |
VOTING RIGHTS of Sterling Ordinary Shares |
VOTING RIGHTS of U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares |
Percentage of total voting rights (%) |
|
HSBC GLOBAL ASSET MANAGEMENT (UK) LIMITED |
|
|
Below 5% |
|
Directorship Disclosures in Public Companies Listed on a Stock Exchange
Company Names |
Exchange(s) |
|
|
Mrs Sandra Platts |
|
Sequoia Economic Infrastructure Income Fund Limited |
London |
UK Commercial Property REIT Limited |
London |
Marble Point Loan Financing Limited |
London |
|
|
Mr Richard Battey |
|
Princess Private Equity Holding Limited |
London |
Better Capital PCC Limited |
London |
Pershing Square Holdings Limited |
Euronext, Amsterdam and London |
|
|
Mr Rupert Dorey |
|
AP Alternative Assets LP, AAA Guernsey Limited |
Euronext, Amsterdam |
Third Point Offshore Limited |
London |
Mr David Staples |
|
Ruffer Investment Company Limited |
London |
Life of the Company
The Company does not have a fixed life. However, as required under Article 51 of the Articles, the Directors are required to propose an Ordinary Resolution that the Company continues its business as a closed-ended investment company (a "continuation resolution"). The first continuation resolution, which fell due on or before the third anniversary of admission, was passed on 19 March 2014. The second continuation resolution fell on 5 April 2017, being before the sixth anniversary of admission and was also duly passed. From 2018, the continuation resolution, as required by the Articles, will be proposed annually at the annual general meeting, and was duly passed in June 2018, and will next be proposed at the AGM on 7 May 2019.
If a continuation resolution is not passed, the Directors are required to put proposals to shareholders for the restructuring or reorganisation of the Company. There is a material uncertainty as to the outcome of this continuation resolution that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Directors have made the assumption that the continuation resolution proposed at the AGM in May 2019 will be passed. The Directors are satisfied that at the time of approving the Financial Statements no other material uncertainties exist that may cast a significant doubt concerning the Company's ability to continue for the 12 months after approval of the Financial Statements.
Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy
The Board of the Company has a zero tolerance approach to instances of bribery and corruption. Accordingly, it expressly prohibits any Director or associated persons, when acting on behalf of the Company, from accepting, soliciting, paying, offering or promising to pay or authorise any payment, public or private, in the United Kingdom or abroad to secure any improper benefit for themselves or for the Company. The Investment Manager has also adopted a zero tolerance approach to instances of bribery and corruption. The Board insists on strict observance with these same standards by its service providers in their activities for the Company and continues to refine its process in this regard.
Criminal Facilitation of Tax Evasion Policy
The Board of the Company has a zero tolerance commitment to preventing persons associated with it from engaging in criminal facilitation of tax evasion. The Board has satisfied itself in relation to its key service providers that they have reasonable provisions
in place to prevent the criminal facilitation of tax evasion by their own associated persons and will not work with service providers who do not demonstrate the same zero tolerance commitment to preventing persons associated with it from engaging in criminal facilitation of tax evasion.
General Data Protection Regulation
The Company takes privacy and security of your information seriously and will only use such personal information as set out in the Company's privacy notice which can be found on the Company's website at:
https://www.nbgfrif.com/pdf/privacy_policy.pdf
Employees and Socially Responsible Investment
The Company has a management contract with the Investment Manager. The Company has no employees and all of its Directors are non-executive, with day-to-day activities being carried out by third parties. There are therefore no disclosures to be made in respect of employees and its own direct environmental impact is minimal. The Company's main activities are carried out by Neuberger Berman, which is a signatory to the Principles of Responsible Investment and has an ongoing commitment to strengthening and refining its environmental, social and governance (ESG) approach.
The Investment Manager incorporates an ESG assessment into its internal credit ratings for non-investment grade credit. Its approach is to consider the valuation implications of ESG risks and opportunities alongside traditional factors in the investment process and to focus on companies or themes which are judged to be 'better' according to environmental, social and governance characteristics. Further details of Neuberger Berman's Principles for Responsible Investment is given on its website at www.nb.com/pages/public/en-gb/principles-for-responsible-investment.aspx.
Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Company has no significant greenhouse gas emissions to report from its operations for the year to 31 December 2018 (2017 - none), nor does it have responsibility for any other emissions producing sources. During 2018, the Board's travel which included a visit to the AIFM in Chicago, incurred approximately 6.46 tonnes of CO2 (2017: 0.36 tonnes of CO2).
Gender Metrics
The Board consists of three men and one woman. More information on the Board's consideration of diversity is given in the Corporate Governance Report below.
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 ("MSA")
The MSA requires companies to prepare a slavery and human trafficking statement for each financial year of the organisation. As the Company has no employees and does not supply goods or services, the MSA does not directly apply to it. The MSA requirements more appropriately relate to the Investment Manager which is a signatory of the Principles of Responsible Investment (please see "Employees and Socially Responsible Investment" above) which include social factors such as working conditions, including slavery and child labour.
Disclosure of Information to the Auditor
The Directors who were members of the Board at the time of approving this report are listed above. Each of those Directors confirms that:
· to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, there is no information relevant to the preparation of their report of which the auditor is unaware; and
· he or she has taken all steps a director might reasonably be expected to have taken to be aware of relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditor is aware of that information.
For and on behalf of the Board
Rupert Dorey
Chairman
28 March 2019
GOVERNANCE | Corporate Governance Report
Corporate Governance Report
Applicable Corporate Governance Codes
The Board of the Company has considered the principles and recommendations of the AIC Code of Corporate Governance (the "AIC Code"), by reference to the AIC Corporate Governance Guide for Investment Companies (the "AIC Guide"), both published in February 2013 and last amended in July 2016. The AIC Code, as explained by the AIC Guide, addresses all the principles set out in the UK Code as well as setting out additional principles and recommendations on issues that are of specific relevance to the Company. The Company notes that the AIC published an updated code in February 2019, which came into effect for financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019 and notes that the AIC Guide has been withdrawn.
The Board considers that reporting against the principles and recommendations of the AIC Code, and by reference to the AIC Guide (which incorporates the UK Code), will provide more relevant information to shareholders. Copies of the AIC Code and the AIC Guide can be found at www.theaic.co.uk.
On 1 January 2012, the Guernsey Financial Services Commission's ("GFSC") "Finance Sector Code of Corporate Governance" came into effect and was amended in February 2016 (the "GFSC Code"). The GFSC Code states that companies, which report against the UK Code or the AIC Code, are deemed to meet the GFSC Code and need take no further action.
Corporate Governance Statement
Throughout the year ended 31 December 2018, the Company has complied with the recommendations of the AIC Code and the relevant provisions of the UK Code, except where explanations have been provided.
For the reasons set out in the AIC Guide, and as explained in the UK Code, the Board considers the following provisions are not relevant to the position of the Company, being an externally managed investment company. In particular, all of the Company's day-to-day management and administrative functions are outsourced to third parties. As a result, the Company has no executive directors, employees or internal operations. The Company has therefore not reported further in respect of the following provisions:
· the role of the chief executive
· executive directors' remuneration
· internal audit function
The Directors believe that this Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements ("Annual Report") presents a fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the Company's position and prospects, and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy.
The Company complies with the corporate governance statement requirements pursuant to the FCA's DTR by virtue of the information included in the Corporate Governance section of the Annual Report together with information contained in the Strategic Review and the Directors' Report.
Our Governance Framework
Chairman - William Frewen (to 30 September 2018), Rupert Dorey (from 30 September 2018)
Responsibilities:
The leadership, operation and governance of the Board, ensuring effectiveness, and setting the agenda for the Board.
More details are provided below.
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The Board Members of NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund Limited:
William Frewen (Chairman and director to 30 September 2018), Rupert Dorey (Chairman from 30 September 2018), Richard Battey, David Staples (director from 14 June 2018) and Sandra Platts - all independent non-executive directors.
Responsibilities:
Overall conduct of the Company's business and setting the Company's strategy.
The Company Secretary, Carey Commercial Limited, through its representative acts as Secretary to the Board and Committees and in doing so it:
• assists the Chairman in ensuring that all Directors have full and timely access to all relevant documentation; • will organise induction of new Directors; and • is responsible for ensuring that the correct Board procedures are followed and advises the Board on corporate governance matters.
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AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE
Members: David Staples (Chairman) (appointed as a member on 14 June 2018 and as Chairman on 1 January 2019) Richard Battey (Chairman until 31 December 2018) Rupert Dorey William Frewen (resigned as a member on 30 September 2018) Sandra Platts
Responsibilities: The provision of effective governance over the appropriateness of the Company's financial reporting including the adequacy of related disclosures, the performance of the external auditor, and the management of the Company's systems of internal financial and operating controls and business risks.
More details below. |
Management Engagement Committee
Members: Sandra Platts (Chairman) Richard Battey Rupert Dorey David Staples (appointed as a member on 14 June 2018) William Frewen (resigned as a member on 30 September 2018)
Responsibilities: To review performance of all service providers (including the Investment Manager).
More details below. |
Remuneration and Nomination Committee
Members: Sandra Platts (Chairman) Richard Battey Rupert Dorey David Staples (appointed as a member on 14 June 2018) William Frewen (resigned as a member on 30 September 2018)
Responsibilities: To ensure the Board comprises individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to ensure that the Board is effective in discharging its responsibilities and oversight of all matters relating to corporate governance, and to review the on-going appropriateness and relevance of the remuneration policy.
More details below.
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The Board, chaired by Rupert Dorey who is responsible for its leadership and for ensuring its effectiveness in all aspects of its role, currently consists of four non-executive Directors. The biographical details of the Directors holding office at the date of this report are listed above, and demonstrate a breadth of investment, accounting and professional experience. Richard Battey is the appointed Senior Independent Director. However, the Board considers that all the Directors have different qualities and areas of expertise on which they may lead where issues arise and to whom concerns can be conveyed. The balance and independence of the Board is kept under review by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee, details of which can be found below.
Board Independence and Composition
The Chairman and all Directors are considered independent of the Company's Investment Manager, the Company Secretary, the Administrator and Sub-Administrator. The Directors consider that there are no factors, as set out in the AIC Code, which compromise the Directors' independence and that they all contribute to the affairs of the Company in an adequate manner. The Board reviews the independence of all Directors annually. Rupert Dorey was deemed to be independent by the Board prior to his appointment as Chairman of the Company.
Directors' Appointment
No Director has a service contract with the Company. Directors have agreed letters of appointment with the Company, copies of which are available for review by shareholders at the Registered Office and will be available at the 2019 AGM. Richard Battey and Sandra Platts have served since incorporation of the Company. Rupert Dorey has served since 1 March 2015 and David Staples has served since 14 June 2018. Directors may resign at any time by giving one month's written notice to the Board.
In accordance with the AIC Code, as a FTSE 250 company, all Directors are subject to re-election annually by shareholders. The Remuneration and Nomination Committee reviewed the independence, contributions and performance of each Director together with results of the 2018 internal Board Evaluation, and have determined that it is in the best interests of the Company that each Director should stand for re-election.
Tenure of Non-Executive Directors
The Board has adopted a policy on tenure that it considers appropriate for an investment company. The Board does not believe that length of service, by itself, leads to a closer relationship with the Investment Manager or necessarily affects a Director's independence. The Board's tenure and succession policy seeks to ensure that the Board is well balanced and will be refreshed by the appointment of new Directors with the skills and experience necessary to replace those lost by Directors' retirements or as identified to assist in the formulation and delivery of the strategy of the Company. The Board seeks to encompass past and current experience of various areas relevant to the Company's business.
Directors are expected to devote such time as is necessary to enable them to discharge their duties. Other business relationships, including those that conflict or may potentially conflict with the interests of the Company, are taken into account when appointing Board members and are monitored on a regular basis.
The dates of appointment of all Directors are provided in the Directors' Remuneration Report and a summary of shareholder elections is provided below.
|
Date first elected by shareholders |
Years from first election to 2019 AGM |
Considered to be independent by the Board |
Richard Battey |
June 2012 |
7 |
Yes |
Rupert Dorey |
June 2015 |
4 |
Yes |
Sandra Platts |
June 2012 |
7 |
Yes |
David Staples |
N/A |
N/A |
Yes |
Note: David Staples was appointed to the Board by the Directors directly after the June 2018 AGM.
Succession
The Board acknowledges that some market participants believe that the Directors should not be considered independent after 9 years of service. The Board have looked to balance the tenure of the Directors on the Board and during 2018 continued to realise its succession plan to replenish the key positions on the Board, being the Chairman of the Company and Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee. This process has ensured a smooth transfer of knowledge and ensured diversity in length of tenure on the Board. Given the nature of the Company, being an externally managed investment company with no employees and no executives, the Board believes it is not in the best interests of the Company to increase the board size but will continue to refresh the Board over the coming years, ensure an orderly succession and maintain diversity in tenure.
Re-election of Directors
Each of the Directors will submit themselves for election/re-election at the AGM to be held on 7 May 2019. The Remuneration and Nomination Committee confirmed to the Board that the contributions made by the Directors offering themselves for re-election at the 2019 AGM continue to be effective and that the shareholders should support their re-election.
Board Diversity
The Board considers that its members have a balance of skills and experience which are relevant to the Company. The Board supports the recommendations of the Davies Report and notes the recommendations of the Parker Review into ethnic diversity and the Hampton-Alexander Review on gender balance in FTSE leadership. The Board believes in the value and importance of diversity in the boardroom and during 2020 the Board has agreed to meet a target of at least 33% female representation on the Board. At the date of this Report, the Board, comprising four directors, has 25% female representation. The Board continues to encourage diversity and recognises that directors with diverse skills sets, capabilities and experience gained from different backgrounds appropriate to the company enhance the Board.
Board Responsibilities
The Board meets at least four times each year and deals with the important aspects of the Company's affairs including the setting and monitoring of investment strategy, and the review of investment performance. The Investment Manager takes decisions as to the purchase and sale of individual investments, in line with the investment policy and strategy set by the Board. The Investment Manager together with the Company Secretary, Administrator and Sub-Administrator also ensures that all Directors receive, in a timely manner, all relevant management, regulatory and financial information relating to the Company and its portfolio of investments. Representatives of the Investment Manager attend each Board meeting, enabling Directors to question on any matters of concern or seek clarification on certain issues. Matters specifically reserved for decision by the Board have been defined and a procedure adopted for Directors in the furtherance of their duties to take independent professional advice at the expense of the Company. This is available on the Company's website www.nbgfrif.com.
Conflict of Interests
Directors are required to disclose all actual and potential conflicts of interest to the Board as they arise for consideration and the Board may impose restrictions or refuse to authorise conflicts if deemed appropriate. The Directors have undertaken to notify the Company Secretary as soon as they become aware of any new potential conflicts of interest that would need to be approved by the Board. Only Directors who have no material interest in the matter being considered will be able to participate in the Board approval process. It has also been agreed that the Directors will seek prior approval from the Board in advance of any proposed external appointments.
None of the Directors had a material interest in any contract, which is significant to the Company's business. The Directors' Remuneration Report below provides information on the remuneration and interests of the Directors. Above details Directors' appointments on other listed companies.
Performance Evaluation
The performance of the Board, its committees and the Directors was reviewed by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee in November 2018 by means of an internal questionnaire. The Company Secretary collated the resuts of the questionnaires and the consolidated results were reviewed by and discussed by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee, whose Chairman reported to the Board. No material areas of concern were raised.
As a result of the 2018 Board performance evaluation, the Board has agreed:
· That all Directors are considered independent;
· Richard Battey, Rupert Dorey and Sandra Platts should be proposed for re-election at the 2019 AGM;
· David Staples should be proposed for election at the 2019 AGM; and
· The Board composition was diverse and appropriate in regards to skills, number, experience and gender.
The Remuneration and Nomination Committee (excluding Rupert Dorey) led by the Chairman of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee determined that as Rupert had only recently taken up the post of Chairman at the time of the evaluation, that a review of the Chairman would not take place in 2018. It was agreed that the Chairman had settled into his role and was well-regarded by the other Board members. All Directors are members of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee and as such it is not considered necessary for the SID to lead the discussions, as all Directors participate.
The Board will continue to review its procedures, its effectiveness and development in the year ahead.
Induction/Information and Professional Development
Directors are provided, on a regular basis, with key information on the Company's policies, regulatory requirements and its internal controls. Regulatory and legislative changes affecting Directors' responsibilities are put to the Board as they arise along with changes to best practice from, amongst others, the Investment Manager, Company Secretary and the Auditor. Advisers to the Company also prepare reports for the Board from time to time on relevant topics and issues. In addition, Directors attend relevant seminars and events to allow them to continually refresh their skills and knowledge and keep up with changes within the investment company industry for which each Director maintains a log, provided to the Company Secretary on a semi-annual basis as a record of his/her continued professional development. The Chairman reviewed the training and development needs of each Director during the annual Board evaluation process and is satisfied that all Directors actively keep up to date with industry developments and issues.
When new Directors are appointed to the Board, they will be provided with all relevant information regarding the Company and their duties and responsibilities as Directors. In addition, a new Director will also spend time with representatives of the Investment Manager, and other service providers as may be appropriate, in order to learn more about their processes and procedures. This process was followed in the case of David Staples who was appointed during the year.
The Chairman met with each of the directors individually as recommended by the new AIC Code. The range of those discussions was diverse and included topics such as director development, succession, board dynamics, business risks, strategy, regulation, investors, capital markets, and competition. Each of the meetings was informal and unstructured and permitted a free flow of topical discussion relevant to the Company.
Independent Advice
The Board recognises that there may be occasions when one or more of the Directors feels it is necessary to take independent legal advice at the Company's expense. A procedure has been adopted to enable them to do so, which is managed by the Company Secretary.
Indemnities
To the extent permitted by the Law, the Company's Articles provide an indemnity for the Directors against any liability except such (if any) as they shall incur by or through their own breach of trust, breach of duty or negligence. Each Director has an Instrument of Indemnity with the Company.
During the year, the Company has maintained insurance cover for its Directors under a Directors' and Officers' liability insurance policy.
Relationship with the Investment Manager, Company Secretary, Administrator and Sub-Administrator
The Board has delegated various duties to external parties including the management of the investment portfolio, the custodial services (including the safeguarding of assets), the registration services and the day-to-day company secretarial, administration and accounting services. Each of these contracts was entered into after full and proper consideration by the Board of the quality and cost of services offered, including the control systems in operation in so far as they relate to the affairs of the Company.
Shareholder Engagement
The Board believes that the maintenance of good relations with shareholders is important for the long-term prospects of the Company. Since admission, the Board has sought engagement with shareholders. Where appropriate the Chairman, and other Directors are available for discussion about governance and strategy with shareholders and the Chairman ensures communication of shareholders' views to the Board. The Board receives feedback on the views of shareholders from its Corporate Brokers and the Investment Manager, and shareholders are welcome to contact the Chairman, Senior Independent Director or any other Director at any time via the Company Secretary.
During the year the Company continued its quarterly investor update calls, which can be accessed via conference call or WebEx, details are published via an RIS. The update calls are also made available on the Company's website at www.nbgfrif.com. Furthermore, the Board welcomes the opportunity to meet with investors on a one-to-one basis, upon request. The Chairman has had discussions with a number of investors on a one-to-one basis during the year.
The Chairman of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee will consult with shareholders should it be proposed to increase the current aggregate limit of annual Directors' fees as set out in the Company's Articles.
The Board believes that the AGM provides an appropriate forum for shareholders to communicate with the Board, and encourages participation. All Directors will attend the 2019 AGM. There is an opportunity for individual shareholders to question the Chairman of the Board, the Senior Independent Director, and the Chairman of each of the Audit and Risk Committee, the Management Engagement Committee and the Remuneration and Nomination Committee at the AGM.
The Annual Reports, Key Information Documents, monthly fact sheets and monthly holdings are available to provide shareholders with a clear understanding of the Company's activities and its results. This information is supplemented by the daily calculation and publication on the London Stock Exchange of the NAV of the Company's Ordinary Shares. The Board is informed of relevant promotional documents issued by the Investment Manager. All documents issued by the Company can be viewed on the website, www.nbgfrif.com.
2019 AGM
The 2019 AGM will be held in Guernsey on 7 May 2019. The Notice for the AGM sets out the ordinary and special resolutions to be proposed at the meeting. Separate resolutions are proposed for each substantive issue.
It is the intention of the Board that the Notice of AGM be issued to shareholders so as to provide at least twenty working days' notice of the meeting. Shareholders wishing to lodge questions in advance of the meeting and specifically related to the resolutions proposed are invited to do so by writing to the Company Secretary at the registered office address given below.
Voting on all resolutions at the AGM is on a poll. The proxy votes cast, including details of votes withheld are disclosed to those in attendance at the meeting and the results are published on the website and announced via a RIS Service. Where a significant number of votes have been lodged against a proposed resolution (being greater than 20%), the Board intends to identify those shareholders and further understand their views to address their concerns. The Board notes that any resolution which receives a high percentage of votes against it will be included in the Investment Association's Public Register. The Public Register is an aggregated list of publicly available information regarding meetings of companies in the FTSE All-Share who have received significant shareholder opposition to proposed resolutions or have withdrawn a resolution prior to the shareholder vote.
Board Meetings
The Board meets at least quarterly. Certain matters are considered at all quarterly board meetings including the performance of the investments, NAV and share price and associated matters such as asset allocation, risks, strategy, marketing and investor relations, peer group information and industry issues. Consideration is also given to administration and corporate governance matters, and where applicable, reports are received from the Board committees.
Directors unable to attend a board meeting are provided with the board papers and can discuss issues arising in the meeting with the Chairman or another non-executive Director.
Attendance at scheduled meetings of the Board and its committees in the 2018 financial year
|
Board |
Ad-hoc Board Meetings |
Audit and Risk Committee |
Remuneration and Nomination Committee |
Management Engagement Committee |
Number of meetings during the year |
4 |
13 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
William Frewen1 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
Rupert Dorey |
4 |
13 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
Richard Battey |
4 |
13 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
Sandra Platts |
4 |
10 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
David Staples2 |
2 |
8 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
1 William Frewen resigned as a Director of the Company on 30 September 2018.
2 David Staples was appointed as a Director of the Company on 14 June 2018.
Board Committees
The Board has established an Audit and Risk Committee, a Management Engagement Committee and a Remuneration and Nomination Committee with defined terms of reference and duties. Further details of these committees can be found in their reports below. The terms of reference for each committee can be found on the Company's website www.nbgfrif.com.
The Board has not established an Inside Information Committee as a quorum of the Board will review and determine any inside information and any delay to the disclosure thereof to meet the requirements of the EU Market Abuse Regulations.
For and on behalf of the Board
Rupert Dorey
Chairman
28 March 2019
GOVERNANCE | Audit and Risk Committee Report
Audit and Risk Committee Report
Membership
David Staples - Chairman1 (Independent non-executive Director)
Richard Battey1 (Independent non-executive Director)
Sandra Platts (Independent non-executive Director)
Rupert Dorey2 (Company Chairman and independent non-executive Director)
William Frewen3 (Company Chairman and independent non-executive Director)
1 Richard Battey stepped down as Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee ("the Committee") effective 31 December 2018 and David Staples was appointed the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee on 1 January 2019.
2 The Board believes it is appropriate for the Company Chairman to be a member of the Committee as he is deemed by the Board to be an independent non-executive Director.
3 William Frewen resigned as a Director of the Company on 30 September 2018.
Key Objectives
The provision of effective governance over the appropriateness of the Company's financial reporting including the adequacy of related disclosures, the performance of the external auditor, and the management of the Company's systems of internal financial and operating controls and business risks.
Responsibilities
· Reviewing the Company's financial results announcements, Annual and Half-Yearly Financial Statements and monitoring compliance with relevant statutory and listing requirements;
· Reporting to the Board on the appropriateness of the Company's accounting policies and practices including critical accounting policies, judgements, estimates, and practices;
· Advising the Board on whether the Committee believes the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy;
· Overseeing the relationship with the external auditor;
· Considering the financial and other implications on the independence of the auditor arising from any non-audit services to be provided by the auditor;
· Reporting to the Board on the effectiveness of the Company's risk management framework; and
· Compiling a report on its activities to be included in the Company's Annual Report.
The Committee members have a wide range of financial and commercial expertise necessary to fulfil its duties. The Chairman of the Committee is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and an associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, and has recent and relevant financial experience, as required by the AIC Code. Therefore the Board has designated him as its financial expert on the Committee.
Committee Meetings
The Committee meets at least three times a year. Only members of the Committee and its Secretary have the right to attend the meetings. However, representatives of the Investment Manager, Administrator and Sub-Administrator are invited to attend the meetings on a regular basis and other non-members may be invited to attend all or part of a meeting as and when appropriate and necessary. The Company's external auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers CI LLP ("PwC") is invited to each meeting. The Chairman of the Committee also met separately with PwC without the Investment Manager being present.
Main Activities during the Year
The Committee assisted the Board in carrying out its responsibilities in relation to financial reporting requirements, risk management and the assessment of internal financial and operating controls. It also managed the Company's relationship with the external auditor.
The Committee reported to the Board at each scheduled quarterly board meeting on the activity of the Committee and matters of particular relevance to the Board in the conduct of their work. The Committee reviewed the effectiveness of the Company's risk management framework in relation to the investment policy; assessed the risks involved in the Company's business and how they were controlled and monitored by the Investment Manager; monitored and reviewed the effectiveness of the risk management function of the Investment Manager, Administrator and the Sub-Administrator; reviewed the risks associated with the valuation of investments; reviewed the Company's procedures concerning prevention and detection of fraud and the Company's arrangements for financial regulatory compliance.
The Board requested that the Committee advise them on whether it believes the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy.
The Committee's terms of reference were updated during the year and can be found on the Company's website www.nbgfrif.com.
At its three meetings during the year, the Committee focused on:
Financial Reporting
The primary role of the Committee in relation to financial reporting is to review with the Investment Manager, Company Secretary, Administrator, Sub-Administrator and PwC the appropriateness of the Half-Year and Annual Financial Statements concentrating on, amongst other matters:
· The quality and acceptability of accounting policies and practices;
· The clarity of the disclosures and compliance with financial reporting standards and relevant financial and governance reporting requirements;
· Material areas in which significant judgements and estimates have been applied or where there has been discussion with the external auditor;
· The review of the Viability Statement included in the Strategic Report;
· Whether the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy; and
· Any correspondence from regulators in relation to the quality of the Company's financial reporting.
To aid its review, the Committee considers reports from the Investment Manager, Company Secretary, Administrator, Sub-Administrator and also reports from the external auditor on the outcomes of their half-year review and annual audit.
Significant Issues
In relation to this Annual Report the following significant issue was considered by the Committee:
Significant issue |
How the Issue was Addressed |
The valuation of the Company's investments |
The Committee analysed the investment portfolio of the Company in terms of investment mix, fair value hierarchy and valuation. As explained in Note 2 the majority of the investment portfolio is at Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy which requires market corroborated inputs for the calculation of fair value. The Committee discussed in depth with the Investment Manager the appropriateness and robustness of the multi-sourced pricing information used. The Committee had meetings with PwC, where the audit findings were reported. PwC did not notify the Committee of any reportable differences between the valuations used by the Company or the custodian's confirmation of holdings and the results of their independent checks on these areas. Based on the above review and analysis the Committee confirmed that they were satisfied with the valuation of the investments. |
Internal Controls and Risk Management
The Committee has established a process for identifying, evaluating and managing any major risks faced by the Company. The process is subject to regular review by the Board and accords with the AIC Code.
The Committee is responsible to the Board for the Company's system of internal financial and operating controls and for reviewing its effectiveness. However, the system is designed to manage rather than eliminate risks of failure to achieve the Company's business objectives and can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.
The Committee receives reports from the Investment Manager on the Company's risk evaluation process and reviews changes to significant risks identified. The Committee has undertaken a full review of the Company's business risks, which have been analysed and recorded in a risk report, which is reviewed and updated regularly. The Board receives each quarter from the Investment Manager a formal report which details the steps taken to monitor the areas of risk including those that are not directly the responsibility of the Investment Manager and which reports the details of any known internal control failures.
The Board's assessment of the Company's principal risks and uncertainties is set out above.
External Audit
The effectiveness of the external audit process is dependent on appropriate audit risk identification at the start of the audit cycle. The Committee received a detailed audit plan from PwC identifying their assessment of the significant audit risks. For the 2018 financial year the significant audit risks identified were in relation to the risk of management override of controls and the valuation of investments. The Committee challenged the work performed by the auditor to test these significant risks. The Committee assessed the effectiveness of the audit process in addressing these matters through the reporting received from PwC at both the half-year and year end. In addition, the Committee sought feedback from the Investment Manager, Company Secretary, the Administrator and Sub-Administrator on the effectiveness of the audit process. For the 2018 financial year, the Committee was satisfied that there had been appropriate focus and challenge on the significant and other areas of audit risk and assessed the quality of the audit process to be good.
During the year, the Committee performed its annual review of the independence, effectiveness and objectivity of the external auditor. The Committee concluded that the effectiveness of the external auditor and the audit process were satisfactory and recommended to the Board that it proposes at the 2019 AGM the reappointment of PwC as external auditor for the 2019 financial year and to authorise the Directors to determine their remuneration. The auditor, PwC, has indicated willingness to continue in office.
Appointment and Independence
The Committee considers the reappointment of PwC, including the rotation of the audit partner, and assesses their independence on an annual basis. PwC is required under applicable Ethical Standards to rotate the audit partner responsible for the audit every five years. John Roche had overseen the audit of the Company for the five financial years to 31 December 2017 and therefore Evelyn Brady took over as audit partner for the year ended 31 December 2018. The Company is incorporated in Guernsey, and therefore despite being listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and being in the FTSE350 Index, it is not required to comply with The Statutory Audit Services for Larger Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender Processes and Audit Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014 (the "Order") which came into force in the UK on 1 January 2015. The Committee does however keep these developments under review when determining policy on audit tendering and therefore the Company will seek to comply with the provisions of the Order.
The Company is guided by the EU Audit Regulations and EU Audit Directive to put the external audit out to tender at least every ten years. As 2018 is the eighth annual audit completed by PwC, the Committee and the Board are presently minded that it will complete such a tender process in respect of the audit of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021. There are no contractual obligations restricting the Committee's choice of external auditor and we do not indemnify our external auditor.
In its assessment of the independence of the external auditor, the Committee received confirmation that there were no relationships between the Company and PwC which may have compromised PwC's independence and that PwC had completed all relevant checks to be able to confirm this.
The Committee approved the fees for audit services for 2018 after a review of the level and nature of work to be performed, and after being satisfied by PwC that the fees were appropriate for the scope of the work required.
Non Audit Services
To safeguard the objectivity and independence of the external auditor, the Committee has a formal policy governing the engagement of the external auditor to provide non-audit services. No material changes were made to this policy during the year. The external auditor and the Committee have agreed that all non-audit services require the pre-approval of the Committee prior to the commencement of any work.
PwC was remunerated £119,000 for audit and assurance related services rendered in 2018. Of this amount, £92,200 was in relation to the year-end audit and £26,800 was in relation to the procedures performed in respect to the half-year review. No non-audit services were undertaken by PwC for the Company during the year.
Committee Evaluation
The Committee's activities formed part of the Board evaluation performed in the year. Details of this process can be found under "Performance evaluation" above.
David Staples
On behalf of the Audit and Risk Committee
28 March 2019
GOVERNANCE | Management Engagement Committee Report
Management Engagement Committee ("MEC") Report
Membership
Sandra Platts - Chairman (Independent non-executive Director)
Richard Battey (Independent non-executive Director)
Rupert Dorey (Company Chairman and independent non-executive Director)
David Staples1 (Independent non-executive Director)
William Frewen2 (Company Chairman and independent non-executive Director)
1 David Staples was appointed as a Director and member of the MEC on 14 June 2018.
2 William Frewen resigned as a Director and Chairman of the Company on 30 September 2018.
Key Objectives
To review performance of all service providers (including the Investment Manager).
Responsibilities
· To annually review the performance, relationships and contractual terms of all service providers (including the Investment Manager);
· Review and make recommendations on any proposed amendment to the Investment Management Agreement ("IMA"); and
· To review the performance of, and contractual arrangements with the Investment Manager including:
- Monitor and evaluate the Investment Manager's investment performance and, if necessary providing appropriate guidance;
- To consider whether an independent appraisal of the Investment Manager's services should be made;
- To consider requiring the Investment Manager to provide attribution and volatility analyses and considering whether these should be published;
- Review the level and method of remuneration and the notice period, using peer group comparisons.
MEC Meetings
Only members of the MEC and the Secretary have the right to attend MEC meetings. However, representatives of the Investment Manager, Administrator and Sub-Administrator may be invited by the MEC to attend meetings as and when appropriate.
Main Activities during the Year
The MEC met five times during the year and reviewed the performance, relationships and contractual terms of all service providers as at 14 November 2018 including the Investment Manager. The MEC reviewed the terms of reference for the MEC and recommended to the Board that revised Terms of Reference be adopted. The current Terms of Reference are available on the Company's website www.nbgfrif.com. Furthermore, the MEC reviewed the approaches to cyber security by its service providers.
The MEC wrote to all key service providers and sought confirmation that they have reasonable provisions in place to prevent the criminal facilitation of tax evasion by their own associated persons. The MEC was satisfied that all service providers had adequate policies, training and procedures in place to mitigate the risk of criminal facilitation of tax evasion.
On 4 June 2018, on the recommendation of the MEC, the Company entered into an Amendment to the Administration and Sub-Administration Agreement between the Company, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited and U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Ireland) Limited to incorporate changes in respect of the how the Administrator and Sub-Administrator process personal data on behalf of the Company in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation introduced on 25 May 2018 and the Data Protection (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2017, as amended.
In addition, on 6 September 2018, the Company entered into an Amendment to the Company Secretarial Agreement with Carey Commercial Limited; and on 5 December 2018, the Company entered into an Amendment to the Registrar's Agreement with Link Asset Services to incorporate changes in respect of how personal data is processed on behalf of the Company in accordance with the relevant data protection regulations.
On 14 August 2018, the Chairman of the MEC, with a representative of the Investment Manager visited U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited to undertake an on-site review of the Administration services, their provisions for data protection and cyber risk, policies and internal controls.
On 2 October 2018, the Chairman of the MEC with assistance from the Investment Manager undertook a review of the Company Secretary at their offices to review their provisions for data protection and cyber risk, policies and internal controls. Following this review, the MEC carried out a tender process for the company secretarial services provided to the Company.
With 2018 marking three years since the last visit, the Board undertook a due diligence visit to the Investment Manager's offices in Chicago in November 2018 to meet a number of personnel and review the investment selection and diligence processes. The Board also undertook a due diligence visit to the Investment Manager's offices in London in May 2018.
Continued Appointment of the Investment Manager and other Service Providers
The Board reviews investment performance at each Board meeting and a formal review of all service providers is conducted annually by the MEC.
The MEC carried out a tender process of the company secretarial services and made a recommendation to the Board that Praxis Fund Services Limited be appointed the Company Secretary in place of Carey Commercial Limited with effect from 22 April 2019.
On 1 January 2019, Numis Securities were appointed as sole corporate broker and financial adviser on the recommendation of the MEC.
As a result of the 2018 annual review it is the opinion of the Directors that the continued appointment of the Investment Manager and the other current service providers on the terms agreed is in the interest of the Company's shareholders as a whole. The Board considers that the Investment Manager has extensive investment management resources and wide experience in managing investments and is satisfied with the quality and competitiveness of the fee arrangements of the Investment Manager and the Company's other service providers.
Sandra Platts
On behalf of the Management Engagement Committee
28 March 2019
GOVERNANCE | Remuneration and Nomination Committee Report
Remuneration and Nomination Committee ("RNC") Report
Membership
Sandra Platts - Chairman (Independent non-executive Director)
Richard Battey (Independent non-executive Director)
Rupert Dorey (Company Chairman and independent non-executive Director)
David Staples1 (Independent non-executive Director)
William Frewen2 (Company Chairman and independent non-executive Director)
1 David Staples was appointed as a Director and member of the MEC on 14 June 2018.
2 William Frewen resigned as a Director of the Company on 30 September 2018.
Key Objectives
To ensure the Board comprises individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience such that it is effective in discharging its responsibilities and oversight of all matters relating to corporate governance, and to review the on-going appropriateness and relevance of the remuneration policy.
Responsibilities
· Determine the remuneration of the Directors;
· Prepare an annual report on Directors' remuneration;
· Considers the need to appoint external remuneration consultants;
· Regularly review and make recommendations in relation to the structure, size and composition of the Board including the diversity and balance of skills, knowledge and experience, and the independence of the non-executive Directors;
· Oversees the performance evaluation of the Board, its committees and individual Directors (see above);
· Reviews the tenure of each of the non-executive Directors;
· Leads the process for identifying and making recommendations to the Board regarding candidates for appointment as Directors, giving full consideration to succession planning and the leadership needs of the Company;
· Makes recommendations to the Board on the composition of the Board's committees; and
· Is responsible for the oversight of all matters relating to corporate governance, bringing any issues to the attention of the Board.
RNC Meetings
Only members of the RNC and the Secretary have the right to attend RNC meetings. However, representatives of the Investment Manager, Administrator and Sub-Administrator are invited by the RNC to attend meetings as and when appropriate. In the event of matters arising concerning either an individual's membership of the Board or their remuneration, they would absent themselves from the meeting as required and another independent non-executive Director would take the chair if this applied to the RNC Chairman.
Main Activities during the Year
The RNC met twice during the year and considered succession planning and replenishment of the Board and reviewed Directors' remuneration. The RNC also reviewed the results of the internal board evaluation and considered that the results provided confirmed the continued appropriateness of the balance of skills, experience, independence and knowledge of the Company.
Following the decision by William Frewen to retire from the Board, the RNC gave consideration to the position of Chairman and recommended to the Board that Rupert Dorey be appointed as William Frewen's successor. Having considered the skills and knowledge of the Board of a whole, the RNC determined that the Board would also benefit from the addition of a Director with accounting knowledge which could be considered as recent in accordance with the AIC Code. The RNC was keen to appoint a further female director and following an extensive search the RNC Chairman together with Chairman interviewed four candidates, of whom three were female, from a long list which comprised a diverse selection of candidates, the majority of whom were female. From those candidates second interviews were conducted with the short-listed candidates and subsequent to discussion amongst the RNC, it was proposed to the Board that David Staples be appointed as a Director and, after a period of induction, that he should become the Audit and Risk Committee Chairman in line with the Board's succession plan. The RNC unanimously agreed to recommend to the Board to appoint a male director in this instance based on his specialist experience, sector knowledge relevant to the Company's activities, skill set applicable to the position of Audit and Risk Committee Chairman, the belief that he was the most suitable candidate for the position and whose appointment was in the best interests of the Company. Making the appointment primarily based on gender, the RNC and Board believed would not have been in the best interests of the Company.
The terms of reference for the RNC were reviewed and the Board adopted revised terms of reference for the RNC. The revised terms of reference are available on the Company's website at www.nbgfrif.com.The Board's diversity policy was agreed in March 2012. The Board supports the recommendations of the Davies Report and Hampton-Alexander Review, notes the recommendations of the Parker Review and believes in and values the importance of diversity, including gender, to the effective functioning of the Board. At 31 December 2018, the Board had 25% female representation. The Board continues to focus on encouraging diversity of business skills and experience, recognising that Directors with diverse skills sets, capabilities and experience gained from different backgrounds enhance the Board. The RNC will continue to recommend the appointment of female directors as appropriate but not to the exclusion of all other considerations such as the specialist skill set relevant to the Company's investment activities and merit.
In recognition of the Directors' desire to support greater gender diversity, the Board volunteered to take on a female "apprentice director", in October 2018 as part of her board training process. The candidate shadows the Board and fully observes in all Board activities for a period of one year, but has no voting rights and no legal responsibilities. The Directors feel strongly that they have a duty to foster the skills of the next generation of board directors, and are pleased to play their part in achieving greater gender representation.
The RNC reviewed the fees paid to the Board of Directors of similar investment companies and proposed to the Board to increase the fees paid to all Directors to reflect the increases in time commitment and activity of the Company in recognition of its commitment to corporate governance matters as detailed above. In line with the Company's remuneration policy, fees will continue to be reviewed to ensure that they remain appropriate reflecting the time commitment and responsibilities of the role.
Further, the RNC considered the remuneration policy and agreed that it remained appropriately positioned. A detailed "Directors' Remuneration Report" to shareholders from the RNC on behalf of the Board, is contained below.
Sandra Platts
On behalf of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee
28 March 2019
GOVERNANCE | Directors' Remuneration Report
Directors' Remuneration Report
Annual Statement
This report meets the relevant requirements of the Listing Rules of the FCA and the AIC Code and describes how the Board has applied the principles relating to Directors' remuneration. An ordinary resolution to receive and approve this report will be proposed at the AGM on 7 May 2019.
Directors' Fees
The Company paid the following fees to the Directors for the year ended 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017:
|
ROLE |
Total BOARD FEES 2018 US$ |
Total BOARD FEES 2017 US$ |
|
|
|
|
William Frewen1
|
Chairman (to 30 September 2018) Member of Audit and Risk Committee (to 30 September 2018) Member of Remuneration and Nomination Committee (to 30 September 2018) Member of Management Engagement Committee (to 30 September 2018)
|
45,046 |
58,186 |
Rupert Dorey
|
Chairman (from 30 September 2018) Member of Remuneration and Nomination Committee Member of Audit and Risk Committee Member of Management Engagement Committee
|
49,483 |
45,295 |
Richard Battey
|
Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee Member of Remuneration and Nomination Committee Member of Management Engagement Committee Senior Independent Director
|
53,851 |
52,128 |
Sandra Platts
|
Chairman of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee Chairman of the Management Engagement Committee Member of Audit and Risk Committee |
53,851 |
52,128 |
|
|
|
|
David Staples2
|
Member of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee Member of the Management Engagement Committee Member of Audit and Risk Committee
|
25,075 |
- |
Total |
|
227,306 |
207,737 |
1 William Frewen resigned as a Director of the Company on 30 September 2018.
2 David Staples was appointed a Director of the Company on 14 June 2018.
No other remuneration or compensation was paid or is payable by the Company during the year to any of the Directors, other than reimbursed travel expenses of $25,581 (31 December 2017: $6,184) largely in respect of the Board's due diligence visit to the AIFM in Chicago in November 2018.
Directors' fees for the Luxembourg Subsidiaries are included within the subsidiaries' Administration fees. None of the Company's Directors are directors of the Luxembourg subsidiaries.
Please refer to Note 3 for more details on Directors' remuneration.
Changes to the Board
There were two changes to the Board during the year. Rupert Dorey was appointed Chairman as of 30 September 2018, replacing William Frewen who no longer served as Chairman or Director from that date. David Staples was appointed as a Director on 14 June 2018 and was appointed the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee on 1 January 2019, replacing Richard Battey who remains a Director of the Company and Senior Independent Director.
Remuneration Policy
The determination of the Directors' fees is a matter dealt with by the RNC and the Board. The RNC considers the remuneration policy annually to ensure that it remains appropriately positioned and takes into account any expected changes in time commitments. Directors will review the fees paid to the boards of directors of similar investment companies. No Director is to be involved in decisions relating to individual aspects of his or her own remuneration, however the Board as a whole sets the level of directors' fees.
No Director has a service contract with the Company and Directors' appointments may be terminated at any time by one month's written notice with no compensation payable at termination.
The Company's policy is for the Directors to be remunerated in the form of fees, payable quarterly in arrears. No Director has any entitlement to a pension, and the Company has not awarded any share options or long-term performance incentives to any of the Directors. No element of the Directors' remuneration is performance related.
Directors are authorised to claim reasonable expenses from the Company in relation to the performance of their duties.
The Company's policy is that the fees payable to the Directors should reflect the time commitment required by the Board on the Company's affairs and the level of responsibility borne by the Directors and should be sufficient to enable high calibre candidates to be recruited and be comparable to those paid by similar companies. It is not considered appropriate that the Directors' remuneration should be performance related, and none of the Directors are eligible for bonuses, pension benefits, share options, long-term incentive schemes or other benefits in respect of their services as non-executive Directors of the Company. During the year ended 2018, the policy was for the Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the other Committees to be paid a higher fee than the other Directors in recognition of their more onerous roles and more time spent. The Board may amend the level of remuneration paid within the limits of the Company's Articles.
The Company's Articles limit the aggregate fees payable to the Board of Directors to a total of £500,000 per annum. The Chairman of the RNC may consult with principal shareholders of the Company should it be proposed to exceed the aggregate limit.
Directors' Fees Policy
Objective |
Operation |
Maximum Potential Value |
Performance Metrics Used |
|
To recognise time commitment and the level of responsibilities borne and to attract high calibre candidates who have the necessary experience and skills |
Directors' fees are set by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee
Annual fees are paid quarterly in arrears
Fees are reviewed annually and against those for directors in companies of similar scale and complexity
Fees were last reviewed in November 2018
Directors do not receive benefits and do not participate in any incentive or pension plans |
Current fee levels are shown in the remuneration report
The Company's Articles limit the aggregate fees payable to the Board of Directors to a total of £500,000 per annum |
Directors are not remunerated based on performance and are not eligible to participate in any performance related arrangements |
|
Statement by the Chairman of the RNC
In accordance with the Directors' remuneration policy, the Directors' fees were reviewed by the RNC during its meeting in November 2018, and compared the fees with those for directors in companies of similar scale and complexity. In consideration of the increased responsibility and time commitment reflecting the Board's commitment to corporate governance matters the Board approved an increase effective 1 January 2019 as follows*:
Role |
Fee (£) |
Non-Executive Director |
40,000 |
Chairman of the Company |
50,000 |
Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee (additional fee) |
6,000 |
Senior Independent Director (additional fee) |
3,000 |
Chairman of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee (additional fee) |
3,000 |
Chairman of the Management Engagement Committee (additional fee) |
3,000 |
*the last change to fees occurred in 2014
No Director was involved in deciding his or her own remuneration. The level of the directors' fees will continue to be reviewed annually by the RNC.
Service Contracts and Policy on Payment for Loss of Office
Directors are appointed with the expectation that they will stand for annual re-election. Richard Battey and Sandra Platts have served since incorporation of the Company. Rupert Dorey was appointed on 1 March 2015 and David Staples was appointed on 14 June 2018. Directors may resign at any time by giving one month's notice in writing to the Board. Directors' appointments are reviewed during the annual board evaluation.
No Director has a service contract with the Company. Directors have agreed letters of appointment with the Company.
In accordance with the AIC Code Rupert Dorey, Richard Battey and Sandra Platts will offer themselves for re-election by shareholders and David Staples will offer him for election at the AGM to be held on 7 May 2019. The names and biographies of the Directors holding office at the date of this report are listed above. All of the Directors are subject to annual re-election.
Dates of Directors' Letters of Appointment
Richard Battey and Sandra Platts were appointed as Directors on 10 March 2011 and Rupert Dorey was appointed a Director on 1 March 2015. Each Director was re-elected at the AGM held on 13 June 2018. David Staples was subsequently appointed on 14 June 2018.
Directors' Interests
The Company has not set any requirements or guidelines for Directors concerning ownership of shares in the Company. The beneficial interests of the Directors and their connected persons (where applicable) in the Company's shares are shown in the table below:
|
31 December 2018 Sterling Ordinary Shares |
31 December 2017 Sterling Ordinary Shares |
Rupert Dorey* |
20,000 |
20,000 |
Richard Battey |
30,077 |
30,077 |
Sandra Platts |
10,069 |
10,069 |
David Staples |
25,000 |
- |
*Rupert Dorey's wife also holds 100,000 USD shares |
|
|
Advisors to the RNC
The RNC has not sought the paid advice or professional services by any outside person in respect of its consideration of the Directors' remuneration during 2018. The RNC sought input from the Manager and its Brokers during its deliberations of the remuneration policy.
Statement of Voting at AGM
At the last AGM, votes on the remuneration report were cast as follows:
|
For Number |
Against Number |
Withheld Number |
2018 Remuneration Report |
674,459,012 |
400,068 |
98,400 |
Sandra Platts
On behalf of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee
28 March 2019
GOVERNANCE | Directors' Responsibility Statement
Directors' Responsibility Statement
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Financial Statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view, in accordance with applicable Guernsey Law and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("US GAAP"), of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss for the year. In preparing those Financial Statements, the Directors are required to:
· Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
· Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
· State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements; and
· Prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.
The Directors confirm that they have complied with the above requirements in preparing the Financial Statements.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the Law. The Directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors of the Company have elected to prepare consolidated financial statements for the Company for the year ended 31 December 2018 as the parent of the Group in accordance with Section 244(5) of the Law. They are not required to prepare individual financial statements for NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund Limited in accordance with Section 243 of the Law for the financial year.
So far as the Directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditor is unaware. Each Director has taken all the steps that he or she ought to have taken as a Director, in order to make himself or herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditor is aware of that information.
The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that:
· The Financial Statements which have been prepared in conformity with US GAAP give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and loss of the Company, and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole as required by DTR 4.1.12R and are in compliance with the requirements set out in the Law; and
· The Annual Report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.1.8R and DTR 4.1.11R, which provides an indication of important events and a description of principal risks and uncertainties which face the Company.
The maintenance and integrity of the Company's website is the responsibility of the Directors; the work carried out by the auditor does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditor accepts no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the Financial Statements since they were initially presented on the website.
Legislation in Guernsey governing the preparation and dissemination of consolidated financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
By order of the Board
Rupert Dorey
Chairman
28 March 2019
GOVERNANCE | Independent Auditor's Report
INDEPEnDENT Auditor's Report to the members of nb gLOBAL FLOATING RATE INCOME FUND Limited
Report on the audit of the consolidated financial statements
Our opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund Limited (the "Company") and its subsidiaries (together "the Group") as at 31 December 2018, and of their consolidated financial performance and their consolidated cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.
What we have audited
The Group's consolidated financial statements comprise:
● the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2018;
● the consolidated condensed schedule of investments as at 31 December 2018;
● the consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended;
● the consolidated statement of changes in net assets for the year then ended;
● the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended; and
● the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include a summary of significant accounting policies.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing ("ISAs"). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements section of our report.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Material uncertainty related to going concern
We draw attention to the going concern disclosures in the Strategic Report, the life of the company disclosures in the Directors' Report and to the basis of preparation disclosures in note 2 to the financial statements. These disclosures note that the directors are required to propose an ordinary resolution that the Company continues its business as a closed-ended investment company (a "continuation resolution") at the May 2019 Annual General Meeting. If a continuation resolution is not passed, the directors shall put proposals to the shareholders for restructuring or reorganisation of the Company. There is a material uncertainty as to the outcome of this continuation resolution that may cast significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.
Independence
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the Group, as required by the Crown Dependencies' Audit Rules and Guidance. We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.
Our audit approach
Overview
Materiality
· Overall Group materiality was $13.7 million which represents 1.5% of Group Net Assets.
Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser, to view page 15 of the associated PDF document.
http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/4017U_1-2019-3-28.pdf
Audit scope
· The Company is incorporated and based in Guernsey. Its two subsidiaries, NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund (Lux) 1 S.à.r.l and NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund (Lux) 2 S.à.r.l. are incorporated in Luxembourg.
· The consolidated financial statements are a consolidation of the Company and both of the underlying subsidiaries. As the Group auditor, we performed an audit of the consolidated financial statements and are responsible for the Group audit opinion.
· We conducted our audit of the consolidated financial statements from information provided by U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Ireland) Limited (the "Sub-Administrator") to whom U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited (the "Designated Manager and Administrator") has, with the consent of the directors, delegated the provision of certain administrative functions. The Group engages Neuberger Berman Europe Limited (the "Manager") and Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (the "Alternative Investment Fund Manager"), collectively (the "Investment Manager") to manage its assets.
· Scoping was performed at the Group level, irrespective of whether the underlying transactions took place within the Company or within either of the subsidiaries. Our testing was performed on a consolidated basis using thresholds which are determined with reference to the overall Group performance materiality and the risks of material misstatement identified.
· The transactions relating to the Company and the subsidiaries are maintained by the Sub-Administrator on a single consolidated general ledger and therefore we were not required to engage with component auditors from another PwC global network firm operating under our instructions.
· We conducted our audit work both in Guernsey and on site at the Sub-Administrator in Dublin and we tailored the scope of our audit taking into account the types of investments within the Group and the involvement of the third parties referred to above, together with their accounting processes and controls.
Key audit matters
· Valuation of Investments
· Material uncertainty related to going concern
Audit scope
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the consolidated financial statements. In particular, we considered where the directors made subjective judgments; for example, in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our audits, we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including among other matters, consideration of whether there was evidence of bias that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.
We tailored the scope of our audit in order to perform sufficient work to enable us to provide an opinion on the consolidated financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the Group, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which the Group operates.
Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. An audit is designed to obtain reasonable assurance whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered material if individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the consolidated financial statements.
Based on our professional judgment, we determined certain quantitative thresholds for materiality, including the overall Group materiality for the consolidated financial statements as a whole as set out in the table below. These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the consolidated financial statements as a whole.
Overall Group materiality |
$13.7 million (2017: $19.6 million) |
How we determined it |
1.5% of Group Net Assets |
Rationale for the materiality benchmark |
We believe that Net Assets is the most appropriate benchmark because this is the key metric of interest to members of the Company. It is also a generally accepted measure used for companies in this industry. We believe a separate materiality benchmark for the consolidated statement of operations is not appropriate, as the primary consideration for members of the Company is asset preservation.
|
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above $684,000, as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
In addition to the matter described in the material uncertainty related to going concern section, we have determined
the matter described below to be the key audit matter to be communicated in our report.
Key audit matter |
How our audit addressed the Key audit matter |
Valuation of Investments
As detailed in note 2 of the consolidated financial statements, the investment portfolio at year end was valued at $906.2 million, comprising floating rate senior secured loans of $824.1 million, fixed and floating rates bonds of $78.4 million, equity investments of $3.5 million and warrants of $0.2 million.
We focussed on the valuation of this investment portfolio because it represents the principal element of the net asset value as disclosed on the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities.
There is a risk that the valuation of investments is not in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP").
|
· We assessed the investment valuation accounting policy for compliance with US GAAP and performed testing to ensure that the investments had been measured in accordance with the stated accounting policy. · We understood and evaluated the process and internal controls in place at the Sub-Administrator over the valuation of investments and production of the Group's net asset value. · We tested the valuation of the investment portfolio of floating rate senior secured loans and fixed and floating rate bonds by independently agreeing the prices used in the valuation to third party sources. · For the equity investments, on a materiality basis, we inquired of the Investment Manager how the fair value had been derived and requested the supporting documents such as the Investment Manager's pricing committee minutes including the back-up to the valuation. The fair value for the warrants was independently obtained from a third party source. · Back-testing was performed for a sample of floating rate senior secured loan disposals to compare the sales transaction price to the most recently recorded valuation provided by the third party pricing provider prior to the disposal which provided additional evidence over the reliability of the valuation data from the third party providers engaged in the valuation process. · An assessment was made to determine whether the Investment Manager used any estimation techniques in determining the valuation of any securities in the investment portfolio. Apart from the equity investments identified above, we identified no indication that such techniques had been used. · We assessed if the fair value hierarchy levelling was in line with US GAAP.
We did not identify any material differences or significant issues required to be reported to those charged with governance from our testing.
|
Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises all the information included in the 2018 Annual Report but does not include the consolidated financial statements and our auditor's report thereon.
Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Responsibilities of the directors for the consolidated financial statements
The directors are responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the requirements of Guernsey law and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
● Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
● Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group's internal control.
● Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the directors.
● Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern. For example, the terms on which the United Kingdom may withdraw from the European Union are not clear, and it is difficult to evaluate all of the potential implications on the Group and the wider economy.
● Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
● Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.
From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor's report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication.
Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
Under The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
● we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit;
● proper accounting records have not been kept; or
● the consolidated financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records.
We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Aside from the impact of the matters disclosed in the material uncertainty related to going concern section, we have nothing to report in respect of the following matters which we have reviewed:
● the directors' statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group and the directors' statement in relation to the longer-term viability of the Group. Our review was substantially less in scope than an audit and only consisted of making inquiries and considering the directors' process supporting their statements; checking that the statements are in alignment with the relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code; and considering whether the statements are consistent with the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing our audit; and
● the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the parent Company's compliance with the ten further provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review.
This report, including the opinion, has been prepared for and only for the members as a body in accordance with Section 262 of The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this opinion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.
Evelyn Brady
For and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers CI LLP
Chartered Accountants and Recognised Auditor
Guernsey, Channel Islands
28 March 2019
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2018 AND 31 DECEMBER 2017 (Expressed in U.S. Dollars) |
Notes |
31 December 2018 |
31 December 2017 |
Assets |
|
|
|
Investments, at fair value (2018: cost of $959,000,297, 2017: cost of $1,254,926,416) |
2 |
906,237,449 |
1,260,659,210 |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, at cost: |
|
|
|
- Sterling |
|
6,503,338 |
17,933,041 |
- Euro |
|
3,491,296 |
35,339,955 |
- U.S. Dollar |
|
14,507,460 |
65,322,593 |
Total cash and cash equivalents |
|
24,502,094 |
118,595,589 |
|
|
930,739,543 |
1,379,254,799 |
Other assets |
|
|
|
Receivables for investments sold |
|
28,146,055 |
14,202,567 |
Interest receivable |
|
4,134,392 |
3,969,819 |
Other receivables and prepayments |
|
250,805 |
82,017 |
Derivative assets, at fair value |
2 |
2,004,360 |
17,126,844 |
Total other assets |
|
34,535,612 |
35,381,247 |
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
965,275,155 |
1,414,636,046 |
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
Payables for investments purchased |
|
21,215,284 |
103,761,885 |
Payables to Investment Manager and affiliates |
3 |
1,939,561 |
2,425,237 |
Derivative liabilities, at fair value |
2 |
27,761,581 |
- |
Share buyback payable |
|
2,259,994 |
- |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
3 |
212,598 |
377,996 |
Total liabilities |
|
53,389,018 |
106,565,118 |
|
|
|
|
Total assets less liabilities |
|
911,886,137 |
1,308,070,928 |
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
|
1,360,035,525 |
1,631,170,504 |
Accumulated reserves |
|
(448,149,388) |
(323,099,576) |
Total net assets |
|
911,886,137 |
1,308,070,928 |
The Consolidated Financial Statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 28 March 2019, and signed on its behalf by:
David Staples |
|
Director |
|
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments
Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments
As at 31 DECEMBER 2018 (Expressed in U.S. Dollars) |
Cost |
Fair Value |
Fair Value as % of Net Assets |
Portfolio of investments |
|
|
|
Financial investments |
|
|
|
- Floating rate senior secured loans |
870,267,348 |
824,084,240 |
90.37% |
- Fixed rate bonds |
47,045,381 |
43,264,069 |
4.75% |
- Floating rate bonds |
38,034,674 |
35,160,720 |
3.86% |
- Equity |
3,368,177 |
3,505,598 |
0.38% |
- Warrants |
284,717 |
222,822 |
0.02% |
Total financial investments |
959,000,297 |
906,237,449 |
99.38% |
|
|
|
|
Total portfolio of investments |
959,000,297 |
906,237,449 |
99.38% |
Forward exchange contracts |
|
|
|
- Euro to Sterling |
- |
83,436 |
0.01% |
- Euro to U.S. Dollar |
- |
(59,939) |
(0.01%) |
- Sterling to U.S. Dollar |
- |
(30,918,881) |
(3.39%) |
- U.S. Dollar to Euro |
- |
1,802,438 |
0.20% |
- U.S. Dollar to Sterling |
- |
3,335,725 |
0.37% |
|
- |
(25,757,221) |
(2.82%) |
|
|
|
|
|
Cost |
Fair Value |
Fair Value as % of Net Assets |
Geographic diversity of investment portfolio |
|
|
|
Caribbean |
34,990,633 |
32,098,883 |
3.52% |
North America |
739,607,621 |
698,022,815 |
76.55% |
Europe |
184,402,043 |
176,115,751 |
19.31% |
|
959,000,297 |
906,237,449 |
99.38% |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements
As at 31 December 2017 (Expressed in U.S. Dollars) |
Cost |
Fair Value |
Fair Value as % of Net Assets |
Portfolio of investments |
|
|
|
Financial investments |
|
|
|
- Floating rate senior secured loans |
1,150,941,811 |
1,153,605,182 |
88.19% |
- Fixed rate bonds |
75,778,511 |
76,383,520 |
5.84% |
- Floating rate bonds |
25,466,082 |
27,703,528 |
2.12% |
- Equity |
2,740,012 |
2,966,980 |
0.23% |
Total financial investments |
1,254,926,416 |
1,260,659,210 |
96.38% |
|
|
|
|
Total portfolio of investments |
1,254,926,416 |
1,260,659,210 |
96.38% |
Forward exchange contracts |
|
|
|
- Euro to Sterling |
- |
(8,488) |
0.00% |
- Euro to U.S. Dollar |
- |
38,718 |
0.00% |
- Sterling to U.S. Dollar |
- |
21,103,377 |
1.62% |
- U.S. Dollar to Euro |
- |
(1,665,036) |
(0.13%) |
- U.S. Dollar to Sterling |
- |
(2,341,727) |
(0.18%) |
|
|
17,126,844 |
1.31% |
|
|
|
|
|
Cost |
Fair Value |
Fair Value as % of Net Assets |
Geographic diversity of investment portfolio |
|
|
|
Australia/Oceania |
2,491,774 |
2,490,583 |
0.19% |
Caribbean |
15,982,528 |
17,568,187 |
1.34% |
North America |
1,052,058,661 |
1,050,816,426 |
80.34% |
Europe |
184,393,453 |
189,784,014 |
14.51% |
|
1,254,926,416 |
1,260,659,210 |
96.38% |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
31 December 2018 |
31 December 2017 |
||
Industry diversity of Investment Portfolio |
|
|
||
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars) |
Cost |
Fair Value |
Cost |
Fair Value |
Aerospace & Defence |
8,772,109 |
8,358,920 |
7,000,031 |
7,016,572 |
Air Transport |
- |
- |
12,813,827 |
12,802,450 |
Automotive |
10,361,324 |
10,170,715 |
15,975,793 |
16,104,745 |
Broadcast Radio & Television |
31,228,235 |
27,808,579 |
36,591,985 |
34,339,674 |
Business Equipment & Services |
94,704,293 |
88,595,550 |
129,512,207 |
129,472,705 |
Building & Development |
33,911,333 |
32,512,636 |
45,151,072 |
45,308,707 |
Cable & Satellite Television |
47,961,730 |
46,315,417 |
86,518,053 |
87,734,803 |
Chemicals & Plastics |
33,709,624 |
32,337,886 |
33,454,899 |
33,924,501 |
Clothing & Textiles |
919,409 |
890,011 |
1,763,625 |
1,805,703 |
Conglomerates |
831,285 |
801,804 |
2,443,160 |
2,442,507 |
Containers & Glass Products |
34,958,309 |
33,463,781 |
54,942,556 |
55,781,506 |
Cosmetics/Toiletries |
5,297,428 |
4,989,492 |
6,331,452 |
6,337,574 |
Drugs |
45,350,327 |
43,180,644 |
47,960,635 |
48,958,391 |
Ecological Services & Equipment |
6,341,689 |
6,082,071 |
13,187,726 |
13,406,097 |
Electronics/Electrical |
81,172,484 |
76,202,178 |
111,105,196 |
110,356,833 |
Equipment Leasing |
4,076,319 |
3,833,890 |
10,574,399 |
10,547,065 |
Financial Intermediaries |
49,563,689 |
46,234,731 |
40,964,150 |
42,867,629 |
Food Products |
15,842,024 |
14,603,633 |
8,131,866 |
7,641,742 |
Food Service |
8,236,407 |
7,982,459 |
26,144,274 |
26,748,805 |
Food/Drug Retailers |
7,334,600 |
7,084,538 |
14,358,878 |
13,688,605 |
Health Care |
66,109,359 |
62,689,059 |
83,952,745 |
84,557,519 |
Home Furnishings |
2,081,514 |
1,915,685 |
- |
- |
Hotels & Casinos |
65,591,760 |
62,313,391 |
89,721,042 |
91,849,405 |
Industrial Equipment |
48,253,843 |
45,815,829 |
50,340,112 |
50,407,511 |
Insurance |
8,968,574 |
8,580,835 |
8,145,635 |
8,229,494 |
Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies |
40,781,569 |
38,884,095 |
39,660,986 |
40,128,536 |
Nonferrous Metals & Minerals |
- |
- |
3,311,450 |
3,373,236 |
Oil & Gas |
40,446,060 |
36,384,499 |
32,137,037 |
31,670,104 |
Publishing |
4,574,708 |
4,126,418 |
7,950,033 |
7,945,289 |
Retailers (except food and drug) |
34,183,938 |
32,462,771 |
37,075,412 |
36,576,648 |
Steel |
10,252,887 |
9,841,234 |
13,549,679 |
13,819,646 |
Surface Transport |
4,199,555 |
4,017,982 |
9,014,338 |
9,110,123 |
Telecommunications/Cellular Communications |
68,175,758 |
63,743,791 |
98,094,930 |
97,717,570 |
Utilities |
44,808,154 |
44,012,925 |
77,047,233 |
77,987,515 |
|
959,000,297 |
906,237,449 |
1,254,926,416 |
1,260,659,210 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements
As at 31 December 2018, issuers with the following investments comprised of greater than 1% of NAV (Excluding cash):
Securities |
Country |
Industry |
Fair Value |
% of NAV |
|
|
|
|
|
Bausch Health Companies |
|
|
14,274,056 |
1.57% |
Valeant 5/18 TLB |
Canada |
Drugs |
8,630,137 |
0.95% |
BAUSCH HEALTH 1L TL-B 11/18 |
Canada |
Drugs |
1,991,644 |
0.22% |
BAUSCH HEALTH COS INC 7.000% 03/15/24 SR:144A |
Canada |
Drugs |
1,848,300 |
0.20% |
BAUSCH HEALTH COS INC 6.500% 03/15/22 SR:144A |
Canada |
Drugs |
1,803,975 |
0.20% |
|
|
|
|
|
Techem |
|
|
11,284,750 |
1.24% |
Techem 1L TL-B EUR |
Germany |
Industrial Equipment |
11,284,750 |
1.24% |
|
|
|
|
|
Altice France |
|
|
10,603,685 |
1.16% |
Sfrfp Tl B11 1L Eur |
France |
Cable & Satellite Television |
4,750,760 |
0.52% |
Altice France 1L Tl-B13 (7/18) |
France |
Cable & Satellite Television |
5,852,925 |
0.64% |
|
|
|
|
|
Univision Communications |
|
|
10,374,460 |
1.14% |
Univision Communications |
United States |
Broadcast Radio & Television |
7,644,099 |
0.84% |
Univision Communications 5.125% 02/15/25 Sr:Regs |
United States |
Broadcast Radio &Television |
1,873,463 |
0.21% |
Univision Communications 5.125% 02/15/25 Sr:Regs |
United States |
Broadcast Radio &Television |
856,898 |
0.09% |
|
|
|
|
|
Scientific Games International |
|
|
10,105,799 |
1.11% |
Scientific Games International |
United States |
Hotels & Casinos |
10,105,799 |
1.11% |
|
|
|
|
|
Bass Pro Group |
|
|
9,696,557 |
1.06% |
Basspr TL- B 1L USD |
United States |
Retailers (except food and drug) |
9,696,557 |
1.06% |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
66,339,307 |
7.28% |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements
As at 31 December 2017, issuers with the following investments comprised of greater than 1% of NAV (Excluding cash):
Securities |
Country |
Industry |
Fair Value |
% of NAV |
|
|
|
|
|
VALEANT PHARMACEUTICALS |
|
|
19,827,950 |
1.52% |
Valeant Pharmaceuticals T/ L - F1 |
Canada |
Drugs |
10,126,512 |
0.77% |
Valeant Pharmaceuticals 7.000% 03/15/24 SR:144A |
Canada |
Drugs |
3,659,400 |
0.28% |
Valeant Pharmaceuticals 6.500% 03/15/22 SR:144A |
Canada |
Drugs |
3,554,250 |
0.28% |
Valeant Pharmaceuticals 5.500% 11/01/25 SR:REGS |
Canada |
Drugs |
1,597,475 |
0.12% |
Valeant Pharmaceuticals 5.500% 11/01/25 SR:REGs |
Canada |
Drugs |
890,313 |
0.07% |
|
|
|
|
|
FIRST DATA CORPORATION |
|
|
15,530,322 |
1.19% |
First Data Corp 1L T/L |
United States |
Business Equipment & Services |
15,530,322 |
1.19% |
|
|
|
|
|
INTELSAT JACKSON |
|
|
14,580,492 |
1.12% |
Intelsat Jackson T/L B2 30/06/2019 |
Luxembourg |
Telecommunications/Cellular Communications |
11,071,608 |
0.85% |
Intelsat 1L T/L-B5 |
Luxembourg |
Telecommunications/Cellular Communications |
3,508,884 |
0.27% |
|
|
|
|
|
CENTURYLINK |
|
|
14,302,267 |
1.09% |
CenturyLink 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Telecommunications/Cellular Communications |
14,302,267 |
1.09% |
|
|
|
|
|
Vistra |
|
|
13,629,016 |
1.05% |
Vistra Operations Co 1L TL-B |
United States |
Utilities |
11,577,380 |
0.89% |
Vistra Operations Co 1L TL-C |
United States |
Utilities |
2,051,636 |
0.16% |
|
|
|
|
|
WIDE OPEN WEST |
|
|
13,503,780 |
1.03% |
Wide Open 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Cable & Satellite Television |
13,503,780 |
1.03% |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
91,373,827 |
7.00% |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements
As at 31 December 2018, the below were the largest 50 investments based on the NAV:
Securities |
Country |
Industry |
Fair value $ |
% |
Techem 1L T/L-B EUR |
Germany |
Industrial Equipment |
11,284,750 |
1.24% |
Scientific Games International |
United States |
Hotels & Casinos |
10,105,799 |
1.11% |
Bass Pro 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Retailers (except food and drug) |
9,696,557 |
1.06% |
Endo Pharmaceutical 1L T/L-B |
Ireland |
Drugs |
9,051,605 |
0.99% |
Centurylink 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Telecommunications/Cellular Communications |
8,888,774 |
0.97% |
Valeant 5/18 T/L B |
Canada |
Drugs |
8,630,138 |
0.95% |
Sprint Communications 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Telecommunications/Cellular Communications |
7,857,635 |
0.86% |
Univision Communications Inc 1L T/L-C5 |
United States |
Broadcast Radio & Television |
7,644,099 |
0.84% |
Jaguar Holding (Pharmaceutical Product) T/L B |
United States |
Drugs |
7,499,706 |
0.82% |
Seaworld 1L T/L-B5 |
United States |
Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies |
7,415,445 |
0.81% |
MPH Acquisition Holdings |
United States |
Health Care |
7,294,444 |
0.80% |
Rackspace Hosting Inc |
United States |
Electronics/Electrical |
7,099,033 |
0.78% |
Twin River Mgt Grp T/L B 1L 30/06/2020 |
United States |
Hotels & Casinos |
6,998,276 |
0.77% |
Staples Inc 1L T/L |
United States |
Retailers (except food and drug) |
6,824,826 |
0.75% |
Team Health Holdings Inc |
United States |
Health Care |
6,693,732 |
0.73% |
Transdigm Inc 2018 Term Loan F |
United States |
Aerospace & Defense |
6,514,810 |
0.71% |
Formula One 1L T/L-B (1/18) |
United Kingdom |
Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies |
6,192,961 |
0.68% |
Presidio T/L B 2017 |
United States |
Business Equipment & Services |
6,180,061 |
0.68% |
Nautilus Power 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Utilities |
6,160,056 |
0.68% |
LWSN T/L B6 1L USD |
United States |
Electronics/Electrical |
6,088,913 |
0.67% |
Altice France 1L T/L-B13 (7/18) |
France |
Cable & Satellite Television |
5,852,925 |
0.64% |
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority |
United States |
Hotels & Casinos |
5,820,476 |
0.64% |
Crosby US Acquisition Corp |
United States |
Industrial Equipment |
5,808,270 |
0.64% |
Nielsen Business Media 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies |
5,791,367 |
0.64% |
Syniverse Holdings Inc |
United States |
Telecommunications/Cellular Communications |
5,760,947 |
0.63% |
SS&C Technologies T/L-B3 (2/18) |
United States |
Electronics/Electrical |
5,742,396 |
0.63% |
Verallia SA EUR 1L T/L |
France |
Containers & Glass Products |
5,732,153 |
0.63% |
Amneal Pharma 1L T/L-B (3/18) |
United States |
Drugs |
5,720,564 |
0.63% |
Garda World Security |
Canada |
Business Equipment & Services |
5,683,131 |
0.62% |
RJS Power 1L T/L-B2 |
United States |
Utilities |
5,511,592 |
0.60% |
Sedgwick 1L T/L-B 11/18 |
United States |
Insurance |
5,455,467 |
0.60% |
TPF II Power LLC T/L B 11/09/2021 |
United States |
Utilities |
5,421,474 |
0.59% |
Advant Sal&Markt T/L B DD 11/07/2021 |
United States |
Business Equipment & Services |
5,391,923 |
0.59% |
iHeartCommunications Inc |
United States |
Broadcast Radio and Television |
5,260,496 |
0.58% |
BJ's Wholesale Club Inc |
United States |
Retailers (except food and drug) |
5,152,943 |
0.57% |
WSTC TL 1L USD |
United States |
Business Equipment & Services |
5,145,579 |
0.56% |
Berlin Packaging LLC |
United States |
Containers & Glass Products |
5,035,117 |
0.55% |
DTZ US Borrower LLC |
United States |
Building & Development |
4,939,296 |
0.54% |
BCP Renaissance Parent |
United States |
Oil & Gas |
4,923,776 |
0.54% |
Ziggo T/L F (01/17) |
Netherlands |
Cable & Satellite Television |
4,860,197 |
0.53% |
Capital Automotive 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Building & Development |
4,849,320 |
0.53% |
Frontier Communications 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Telecommunications/Cellular Communications |
4,824,831 |
0.53% |
SFRFP TL B11 1L EUR |
France |
Cable & Satellite Television |
4,750,760 |
0.52% |
Change Healthcare Holdings |
United States |
Business Equipment & Services |
4,743,609 |
0.52% |
Albertsons Albertsons 1L T/L-B5 |
United States |
Food/Drug Retailers |
4,697,024 |
0.52% |
Cumulus Media 1L T/L-Exit (6/18) |
United States |
Broadcast Radio & Television |
4,681,522 |
0.51% |
Bcprap T/L 1L USD |
United States |
Oil & Gas |
4,615,282 |
0.51% |
Cineworld 1L T/L-B EUR |
United States |
Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies |
4,585,589 |
0.50% |
GTT Communications 1L TL USD 2/18 |
United States |
Telecommunications/Cellular Communications |
4,532,200 |
0.50% |
Lucid Energy Group |
United States |
Oil & Gas |
4,480,598 |
0.49% |
|
|
|
309,892,444 |
33.98% |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements
As at 31 December 2017, the below were the largest 50 investments based on the NAV:
Securities |
Country |
Industry |
Fair value $ |
% |
First Data Corp 1L T/L |
United States |
Business Equipment & Services |
15,530,322 |
1.19% |
CenturyLink 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Telecommunications/Cellular Communications |
14,302,267 |
1.09% |
Wide Open West 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Cable & Satellite Television |
13,503,780 |
1.03% |
Endo Pharma 1L T/L-B |
Ireland |
Drugs |
11,584,710 |
0.89% |
Vistra Operations Co 1L TL-B |
United States |
Utilities |
11,577,380 |
0.89% |
Rackspace T/L B (11/17) |
United States |
Electronics/Electrical |
11,165,887 |
0.85% |
Intelsat Jackson T/L B2 30/06/2019 |
Luxembourg |
Telecommunications/Cellular Communications |
11,071,608 |
0.85% |
Valeant Pharmaceuticals T/ L - F1 |
Canada |
Drugs |
10,126,512 |
0.77% |
Formula One Hldgs Ltd T/L 31/07/2021 |
Luxembourg |
Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies |
9,856,990 |
0.75% |
TPF II Power LLC T/L B 11/09/2021 |
United States |
Utilities |
9,662,015 |
0.74% |
Univision Communications Inc 1L T/L-C5 |
United States |
Broadcast Radio and Television |
9,595,771 |
0.73% |
Pharmaceutical Product 5/17 Cov-Lite T/L |
United States |
Drugs |
9,568,692 |
0.73% |
Sprint Communications 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Telecommunications/Cellular Communications |
9,545,648 |
0.73% |
Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority Term Loan B |
United States |
Hotels & Casinos |
9,349,275 |
0.72% |
Reynolds Group 1/17 (USD) T/L |
United States |
Containers & Glass Products |
9,127,606 |
0.70% |
Dynegy Holdings Inc 1L |
United States |
Utilities |
8,940,407 |
0.68% |
Syniverse Holdings T/L 10/04/2019 |
United States |
Telecommunications/Cellular Communications |
8,911,639 |
0.68% |
Scientific Games Corp 1L T/L-B4 |
United States |
Hotels & Casinos |
8,724,242 |
0.67% |
Nielsen Business Media 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies |
8,460,089 |
0.65% |
Dell 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Electronics/Electrical |
8,458,313 |
0.65% |
Milacron LLC 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Industrial Equipment |
8,373,966 |
0.64% |
Berlin Packaging 5/17 TLB |
United States |
Containers & Glass Products |
8,124,799 |
0.62% |
Twin River Mgt Grp T/L B 1L 30/06/2020 |
United States |
Hotels & Casinos |
7,912,481 |
0.60% |
DTZ Term B |
United States |
Building & Development |
7,857,372 |
0.60% |
Datatel-Sophia LP 1L T |
United States |
Electronics/Electrical |
7,824,145 |
0.60% |
Presidio 1L T/L |
United States |
Business Equipment & Services |
7,680,781 |
0.59% |
Crosby Worldwide Ltd T/L 06/11/2020 |
United States |
Industrial Equipment |
7,518,725 |
0.57% |
Bass Pro 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Retailers (except food and drug) |
7,502,883 |
0.57% |
Cumulus Media Holdings T/L B 18/12/2020 |
United States |
Broadcast Radio and Television |
7,038,134 |
0.54% |
Transdigm Inc 1L T/L-F ADD ON |
United States |
Aerospace & Defence |
7,016,572 |
0.54% |
Team Health Inc 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Health Care |
6,876,720 |
0.53% |
TXU Energy 1L T/L |
United States |
Utilities |
6,804,531 |
0.52% |
Grifols Worldwide 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Health Care |
6,785,853 |
0.52% |
Frontier Communications 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Telecommunications/Cellular Communications |
6,717,576 |
0.51% |
Nautilus Power 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Utilities |
6,708,928 |
0.51% |
Virgin Media (fka NTL Investment Holdings Ltd) 1L TL-L GBP |
United Kingdom |
Cable & Satellite Television |
6,586,834 |
0.50% |
Verallia SA EUR 1L T/L |
France |
Containers & Glass Products |
6,558,310 |
0.50% |
Multiplan Inc. T/L B |
United States |
Health Care |
6,546,082 |
0.50% |
Berry Plastics 1L T/L-M |
United States |
Containers & Glass Products |
6,378,898 |
0.49% |
Avolon 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Equipment Leasing |
6,376,086 |
0.49% |
Energy Transfer Equity (First-Lien) |
United States |
Oil & Gas |
6,207,513 |
0.48% |
BMC Software EUR 1L T/L EUR |
Ireland |
Electronics/Electrical |
6,178,939 |
0.47% |
Seaworld 1L T/L-B5 |
United States |
Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies |
6,173,290 |
0.47% |
Doosan Infracore 1L T/L-B |
United States |
Industrial Equipment |
6,140,892 |
0.47% |
Staples Inc 1L T/L |
United States |
Retailers (except food and drug) |
6,127,752 |
0.47% |
Garda World Security |
Canada |
Business Equipment & Services |
6,062,215 |
0.46% |
Advant Sal&Markt T/L B DD 11/07/2021 |
United States |
Business Equipment & Services |
6,038,198 |
0.46% |
Acosta Holdco Inc T/L 13/08/2021 |
United States |
Business Equipment & Services |
5,940,611 |
0.45% |
Grosvenor 1L TLB (08/16) |
United States |
Financial Intermediaries |
5,844,783 |
0.45% |
Mallinckrodt International 1L T/L-B |
Luxembourg |
Drugs |
5,837,114 |
0.45% |
|
|
|
412,804,136 |
31.56% |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | Consolidated Statement of Operations
Consolidated Statement of Operations
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars) |
Note |
1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 |
1 January 2017 to 31 december 2017 |
Income |
|
|
|
Interest income net of withholding taxes, 2018: $51,355 (2017: $Nil ) |
|
56,728,139 |
55,373,601 |
Other income from investments |
|
1,361,869 |
1,054,236 |
Total income |
|
58,090,008 |
56,427,837 |
|
|
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
Investment management and services |
3 |
8,768,715 |
9,688,487 |
Administration and professional fees |
3 |
2,687,684 |
2,036,172 |
Directors' fees and travel expenses |
3 |
257,354 |
246,100 |
Total expenses |
|
11,713,753 |
11,970,759 |
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
46,376,255 |
44,457,078 |
|
|
|
|
Realised and unrealised gains and losses |
|
|
|
Net realised (loss)/gain on investments |
2(e) |
(1,955,189) |
2,767,227 |
Net realised (loss)/gain on derivatives |
2(e) |
(23,370,305) |
85,369,914 |
Total net realised (loss)/gain |
|
(25,325,494) |
88,137,141 |
|
|
|
|
Net change in unrealised (depreciation)/appreciation on investments |
2(e) |
(58,495,641) |
11,422,246 |
Net change in unrealised (depreciation)/appreciation on derivatives |
2(e) |
(42,884,065) |
1,901,698 |
Total net unrealised (depreciation)/appreciation |
|
(101,379,706) |
13,323,944 |
|
|
|
|
Realised and unrealised gain on foreign currency |
2(e) |
1,048,067 |
1,112,603 |
|
|
|
|
Net realised and unrealised (loss)/gain |
|
(125,657,133) |
102,573,688 |
|
|
|
|
Net (decrease)/increase in net assets resulting from operations |
|
(79,280,878) |
147,030,766 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets
|
|
|
FOR THE YeAr ended 31 December 2018 (Expressed in U.S. Dollars) |
|
|
Net assets as at 1 January 2018 |
|
1,308,070,928 |
Dividends |
|
(45,768,934) |
Net movement from share buybacks and share swaps |
|
(271,134,979) |
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations |
|
(79,280,878) |
Net assets as at 31 December 2018 |
|
911,886,137 |
|
|
|
FOR THE YeAr ended 31 December 2017 (Expressed in U.S. Dollars) |
|
|
Net assets as at 1 January 2017 |
|
1,266,042,532 |
Dividends |
|
(45,801,025) |
Net movement from share buybacks and share swaps |
|
(59,201,345) |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
|
147,030,766 |
Net assets as at 31 December 2017 |
|
1,308,070,928 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars) |
1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 |
1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017 |
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
Net (decrease)/increase in net assets resulting from operations |
(79,280,878) |
147,030,766 |
Adjustment to reconcile net (decrease)/increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|
|
Net realised loss/(gain) on investments |
1,955,189 |
(2,767,227) |
Net change in unrealised depreciation/(appreciation) on investments and derivatives |
101,379,706 |
(13,323,944) |
Net change in unrealised (loss)/gain on translation of assets and liabilities |
1,046,615 |
(3,185,607) |
Changes in receivables for investments sold |
(13,943,488) |
3,192,235 |
Changes in interest receivable |
(164,573) |
807,242 |
Changes in other receivables and prepayments |
(168,788) |
11,352 |
Changes in payables for investments purchased |
(82,546,601) |
19,505,160 |
Changes in payables to Investment Manager and affiliates |
(485,676) |
59,912 |
Changes in accrued expenses and other liabilities |
(165,398) |
(163,649) |
Purchase of investments |
(553,005,975) |
(892,781,629) |
Realisation of investments |
846,976,906 |
903,198,115 |
Net cash provided by operating activities |
221,597,039 |
161,582,726 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
Net movement from share buybacks and share swaps |
(268,874,985) |
(59,201,345) |
Dividends paid |
(45,768,934) |
(45,801,025) |
Net cash used in financing activities |
(314,643,919) |
(105,002,370) |
|
|
|
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
(1,046,615) |
3,185,607 |
|
|
|
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents |
(94,093,495) |
59,765,963 |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year |
118,595,589 |
58,829,626 |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year |
24,502,094 |
118,595,589 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018
NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The Company is a closed-ended investment company incorporated and registered in Guernsey with registered number 53155. It is a non-cellular company limited by shares and has been declared by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission to be a registered closed-ended collective investment scheme. On 20 April 2011, the Company was admitted to the Official List of the U.K. Listing Authority with a premium listing trading on the Main Market of the LSE.
As required under Article 51 of the Company's Articles of Incorporation, at the AGM held on 13 June 2018 an ordinary resolution was proposed that the Company continues its business as a closed-ended investment company and was duly passed. A continuation vote will be proposed at the 2019 AGM and annually at each AGM.
The Company's investment objective is to provide its shareholders with regular dividends, at levels that are sustainable, whilst preserving the capital value of its investment portfolio, utilising the investment skills of the Investment Manager to pursue its investment objective. The Company invests mainly in floating rate senior secured loans issued in U.S. Dollars, Sterling and Euros by primarily North American and European Union corporations, partnerships and other business issuers. These loans will at the time of investment often be non-investment grade. The Company considers debt instruments to be non-investment grade if, at the time of investment, they are rated below the four highest categories (AAA, AA, A and BAA) by at least two independent credit rating agencies or, if unrated, are deemed by the Investment Manager to be of comparable quality.
For the purposes of efficient portfolio management, the Company has established a wholly-owned Luxembourg incorporated subsidiary, details of which are contained above.
The Company's share capital is denominated in Pound Sterling and U.S. Dollars and consists of Pound Sterling Ordinary Shares and U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares as at 31 December 2018.
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP"). The Company is regarded as an Investment Company and it follows the accounting and reporting requirements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards ("FASB") Codification ("ASC") Topic946 ("ASC946"). The Board believes that the underlying assumptions are appropriate and that the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements therefore present a true and fair view of the results and financial position.
The Directors have undertaken a rigorous review of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern including reviewing the on-going cash flows and the level of cash balances as of the reporting date as well as taking into consideration the continuation resolution above. There is a material uncertainty as to the outcome of this continuation resolution that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Directors have made the assumption that the annual continuation vote to be held in May 2019 will be passed and that the Redemption Offer for the year ended 31 December 2019 will not be triggered.
After making enquiries of the Investment Manager and the Sub-Administrator, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least one year from the date these financial statements were signed. Accordingly, the Directors continued to adopt a going concern basis in preparing these financial statements.
Basis of consolidation
The Financial Statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary undertakings as at 31 December 2018. The subsidiaries are NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund (Lux) 1 S.à.r.l. which in turn holds a wholly-owned subsidiary, NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund (Lux) 2 S.à.r.l. The Company and all its wholly owned subsidiaries have U.S. Dollars as their functional and reporting currency. The results of the subsidiary undertakings are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
All intra-group balances, transactions income and expenses are eliminated in full.
(a) Use of estimates
The preparation of Financial Statements in conformity with US GAAP requires that the directors make estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. Such estimates and associated assumptions are generally based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and form the basis of making the judgments about attributing values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may vary from such accounting estimates in amounts that may have a material impact on the financial results and position of the Company. The area where estimates are significant to the financial statements is valuation of investments in Note 2(e).
(b) Revenue recognition
Interest earned on debt instruments is accounted for net of applicable withholding taxes and is recognised as income over the terms of the loans. Discounts received or premiums paid in connection with the acquisition of loans are amortised into interest income using the effective interest method over the contractual life of the related loan. If a loan is paid off prior to maturity, the recognition of the fees and costs is accelerated as appropriate. The Company raises a provision when the collection of interest is deemed doubtful.
(c) Cash and cash equivalents
The Company's cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and demand deposits and highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than 90 days that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near maturity that they represent insignificant risk of changes in value.
(d) Foreign Currency translation
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than U.S. Dollars are translated into U.S. Dollar equivalents using spot rates as at the reporting date. On initial recognition, a foreign currency transaction is recorded and translated at the spot exchange rate at the transaction date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities measured at fair value are translated using spot rates as at the reporting date. Transactions during the year, including purchases and sales of securities, income and expenses, are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of the transaction. The rates of exchange against U.S. Dollars at 31 December 2018 were 1.27360 USD: 1GBP and 1.14315 USD: 1EUR (31 December 2017 were 1.35275 USD: 1GBP and 1.20080 USD: 1EUR).
(e) Fair Value of Financial Instruments and derivatives
A financial instrument is defined by FASB ASC 825, disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, if there is evidence of an ownership interest in an entity, or a contract that creates a contractual obligation or right to deliver to or receive cash or another financial instrument from a second entity on potentially favourable terms. Fair value estimates are made at a discrete point in time, based on relevant market data, information about the financial instruments, and other factors.
Fair value was determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Estimates of fair value of financial instruments without quoted market prices are subjective in nature and involve various assumptions and estimates that are matters of judgment. Accordingly, fair values are not necessarily indicative of the amounts realised on disposition of financial instruments. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on estimated fair value amounts.
The following estimates and assumptions were used at 31 December 2018 to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:
- Valuation of financial investments - The loans, warrants and bonds are valued at bid price. The Investment Manager believes that bid price is the best estimate of fair value and is in line with the valuation policy adopted by the Company. Equity investments are carried at fair value as determined by the Investment Manager.
- Cash and cash equivalents - The net realisable value is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
- Receivables for investments sold - The net realisable value reasonably approximates fair value as they reflect the value at which investments are sold to a willing buyer and settlement period on their balances is short term.
- Interest receivables - The net realisable value reasonably approximates fair value.
- Other receivables - The net realisable value reasonably approximates fair value.
- Derivatives - The Company estimates fair values of derivatives based on the latest available forward exchange rates.
- Payables for investments purchased - The net realisable value reasonably approximates fair value as they reflect the value at which investments are purchased from a willing seller and settlement period on their balances is short term.
- Payables to the Investment Manager and affiliates - The net realisable value reasonably approximates fair value.
- Accrued expenses and other liabilities - The net realisable value reasonably approximates fair value.
A fair value hierarchy that prioritises the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value is established under FASB ASC Topic 820. The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). Accordingly, the fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to valuations based upon unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to valuations based upon unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation (Level 3). The levels of the fair value hierarchy under FASB ASC Topic 820-10-35-39 to 55 are as follows:
The guidance establishes three levels of the fair value hierarchy as follows:
Level 1: Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date.
Level 2: Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies.
Level 3: Pricing inputs are unobservable for the investment and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the investment. The inputs used in the determination of the fair value require significant management judgement or estimation.
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following table details the Company's financial instruments that were accounted for at fair value as at 31 December 2018.
Financial Instruments at Fair Value as at 31 December 2018 |
|||||
Financial investments |
|
Level 1 ($) |
Level 2 ($) |
Level 3 ($) |
Total ($) |
Floating rate senior secured loans |
|
- |
779,474,905 |
44,609,335 |
824,084,240 |
Fixed rate bonds/corporate loans |
|
- |
41,548,719 |
1,715,350 |
43,264,069 |
Floating rate bonds/corporate loans |
|
- |
35,160,720 |
- |
35,160,720 |
Equity |
|
286,629 |
251,989 |
2,966,980 |
3,505,598 |
Warrants |
|
- |
222,822 |
- |
222,822 |
Total financial investments |
|
286,629 |
856,659,155 |
49,291,665 |
906,237,449 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 1 ($) |
Level 2 ($) |
Level 3 ($) |
Total ($) |
Balance at start of the year |
|
- |
1,227,274,656 |
33,384,554 |
1,260,659,210 |
Purchases during the year 1 |
|
330,947 |
669,643,673 |
55,983,840 |
725,958,460 |
Sales during the year 1 |
|
- |
(983,606,146) |
(36,323,245) |
(1,019,929,391) |
Realised loss on investments |
|
- |
(2,390,019) |
434,830 |
(1,955,189) |
Unrealised loss on revaluation |
|
(44,318) |
(51,799,366) |
(6,651,957) |
(58,495,641) |
Transfer from Level 2 to Level 3 |
|
- |
(57,455,042) |
57,455,042 |
- |
Transfer from Level 3 to Level 2 |
|
- |
54,991,399 |
(54,991,399) |
- |
Balance at end of the year |
|
286,629 |
856,659,155 |
49,291,665 |
906,237,449 |
1 Included in these figures is $172,952,485 of non-cash transactions. These arose due to the repricing and restructuring of certain investments during the year. These have been excluded from the sales and purchases in the cash flow statement.
|
|||||
DERIVATIVES at Fair Value as at 31 December 2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
Financial assets |
No. of contracts |
Level 1 ($) |
Level 2 ($) |
Level 3 ($) |
Total ($) |
Derivatives (for hedging purposes only) |
36 |
- |
2,004,360 |
- |
2,004,360 |
Financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives (for hedging purposes only) |
37 |
- |
(27,761,581) |
- |
(27,761,581) |
Total |
73 |
- |
(25,757,221) |
- |
(25,757,221) |
Financial Instruments at Fair Value as at 31 December 2017 |
|||||
Financial investments |
|
Level 1 ($) |
Level 2 ($) |
Level 3 ($) |
Total ($) |
Floating rate senior secured loans |
|
- |
1,124,902,958 |
28,702,224 |
1,153,605,182 |
Fixed rate bonds/corporate loans |
|
- |
74,668,170 |
1,715,350 |
76,383,520 |
Floating rate bonds/corporate loans |
|
- |
27,703,528 |
- |
27,703,528 |
Equity |
|
|
- |
2,966,980 |
2,966,980 |
Total financial investments |
|
- |
1,227,274,656 |
33,384,554 |
1,260,659,210 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 1 ($) |
Level 2 ($) |
Level 3 ($) |
Total ($) |
Balance at start of the year |
|
- |
1,204,755,476 |
52,130,747 |
1,256,886,223 |
Purchases during the year 1 |
|
- |
1,271,130,541 |
29,275,154 |
1,300,405,695 |
Sales during the year 1 |
|
- |
(1,279,077,012) |
(31,745,168) |
(1,310,822,180) |
Realised loss on investments |
|
- |
4,690,167 |
(1,922,940) |
2,767,227 |
Unrealised gain on revaluation |
|
- |
11,533,556 |
(111,311) |
11,422,245 |
Transfer from Level 2 to Level 3 |
|
- |
(35,590,955) |
35,590,955 |
- |
Transfer from Level 3 to Level 2 |
|
- |
49,832,883 |
(49,832,883) |
- |
Balance at end of the year |
|
- |
1,227,274,656 |
33,384,554 |
1,260,659,210 |
1 Included in these figures is $407,624,065 of non-cash transactions. These arose due to the repricing and restructuring of certain investments during the year. These have been excluded from the sales and purchases in the cash flow statement.
|
|||||
DERIVATIVES at Fair Value as at 31 December 2017 |
|
|
|
||
Financial assets |
No. of contracts |
Level 1 ($) |
Level 2 ($) |
Level 3 ($) |
Total ($) |
Derivatives (for hedging purposes only) |
42 |
- |
17,126,844 |
- |
17,126,844 |
Financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives (for hedging purposes only) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Total |
42 |
- |
17,126,844 |
|
17,126,844 |
The derivatives assets and liabilities per each counterparty are offset in accordance with the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 210 (ASC 210) section 210-20-45 and ASC 815 section 815-10-45 to determine the net amounts presented in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. All derivative trades have an enforceable master netting agreement so the net amount based on this is the same as the net amount disclosed in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. As at 31 December 2018, there were two counterparties for the forward contracts (31 December 2017: two).
Due to changes in observable inputs, the Company transferred securities from Level 2 to Level 3 and from Level 3 to Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 3 assets are valued using single broker quotes.
The following table summarises the significant unobservable inputs the Company used to value its investments categorised within Level 3 at 31 December 2018. The table is not intended to be all-inclusive but instead captures the significant unobservable inputs relevant to the determination of fair values.
Sector |
Fair Value ($) |
Primary Valuation Technique |
Significant unobservable Inputs |
Range / Input* |
Bank Debt Investments |
44,609,335 |
Market Information |
Unadjusted Broker Quote |
1 |
Equity |
2,966,980 |
Market Comparables |
EBITDA multiple |
5-13 |
Corporate Bonds |
1,715,350 |
Market Information |
Enterprise Value |
N/A |
Total |
49,291,665 |
|
|
|
* Bank Debt Investments with a single broker quote result in Level 3 classification. Unobservable inputs from the broker quote were not included because the Company does not develop the quantitative inputs and they are not readily available. The EBITDA multiple increase/(decrease) results in an increase/(decrease) in the valuation of the equity.
The following table presents the impact of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations in conformity with US GAAP.
Primary underlying risk |
For the year ended 31 December 2018 ($) |
For the year ended 31 December 2017 ($) |
Net realised (loss)/gain on derivatives |
(23,370,305) |
85,369,914 |
Net change in unrealised (depreciation)/appreciation on derivatives |
(42,884,065) |
1,901,698 |
Total |
(66,254,370) |
87,271,612 |
Primary underlying risks (credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk) associated with the derivatives are explained in Note 4.
There is no collateral for forward contracts.
The Company presents the gain or loss on derivatives in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The Company uses independent third party vendors to price its portfolio. As part of its valuation process, the AIFM evaluates the number of broker quotes that combine to make up the valuation provided by these vendors and if it believes that the number of broker quotes is not sufficient to ensure a Level 2 price it designates those positions Level 3. As at 31 December 2018 the AIFM designated 18 (31 December 2017: 9) of its floating rate senior secured loans at Level 3. With respect to the level 3 equity position, the Investment Manager's Investment Committee has derived the fair value, based on comparable companies in similar industries. Level 1 positions are listed on an exchange. Level 2 positions are observable pricing inputs in active markets and fair value is determined through use of models or other valuation methodologies.
The net realised and unrealised gain/(loss) on investments shown in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended 31 December 2018 by type of investment is as follows:
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018 (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS) |
|
Realised gain on investments |
9,259,671 |
Realised loss on investments |
(11,214,860) |
|
(1,955,189) |
Realised gain on derivatives |
162,582,313 |
Realised loss on derivatives |
(185,952,618) |
|
(23,370,305) |
Unrealised gain on investments |
5,127,917 |
Unrealised loss on investments |
(63,623,558) |
|
(58,495,641) |
Unrealised gain on derivatives |
10,107,400 |
Unrealised loss on derivatives |
(52,991,465) |
|
(42,884,065) |
Realised and unrealised gain on foreign currency transactions |
3,880,862 |
Realised and unrealised loss on foreign currency transactions |
(2,832,795) |
|
1,048,067 |
The net realised and unrealised gain/(loss) on investments shown in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended 31 December 2017 by type of investment is as follows:
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017 (EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS) |
|
Realised gain on investments |
15,023,739 |
Realised loss in investments |
(12,256,512) |
|
2,767,227 |
Realised gain on derivatives |
119,635,688 |
Realised loss on derivatives |
(34,265,774) |
|
85,369,914 |
Unrealised gain on investments |
30,263,399 |
Unrealised loss on investments |
(18,841,153) |
|
11,422,246 |
Unrealised gain on derivatives |
21,924,956 |
Unrealised loss on derivatives |
(20,023,258) |
|
1,901,698 |
Realised and unrealised gain on foreign currency transactions |
4,371,208 |
Realised and unrealised loss on foreign currency transactions |
(3,258,605) |
|
1,112,603 |
(f) Investment Transactions, Investment Income, Expenses and Valuation
All investment transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Upon sale or maturity, the difference between the consideration received and the cost of the investment is recognised as a realised gain or loss. The cost is determined based on the first in, first out ("FIFO") cost method.
Operating expenses are recognised on an accruals basis. Operating expenses include amounts directly or indirectly incurred by the Company as part of its operations. Any costs incurred by a share buyback and by a re-issue of shares held in treasury will be charged to that share class.
The Company carries investments on its Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities at fair value in accordance with US GAAP, with changes in fair value recognised within the Consolidated Statement of Operations in each reporting year. Quoted investments are valued according to their bid price as at the close of the relevant reporting date. Investments in private securities are priced at the bid price using a pricing service for private loans. Asset backed securities are valued according to their bid price. If a price cannot be ascertained from the above sources, the Company will seek bid prices from third party broker/dealer quotes for the investments. The Investment Manager believes that bid price is the best estimate of fair value and is in line with the valuation policy adopted by the Company.
In cases where no third party price is available, or where the Investment Manager determines that the provided price is not an accurate representation of the fair value of the investment, the Investment Manager determines the valuation based on the Investment Manager's fair valuation policy. The overall criterion for fair value is a price at which the securities involved would change hands in a transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under compulsion to buy or sell and both having the same knowledge of the relevant facts.
Consistent with the above criterion, the following criteria are considered when applicable:
· Valuation of other securities by the same issuer for which market quotations are available;
· Reasons for absence of market quotations;
· The credit quality of the issuer and the related economics;
· Recent sales prices and/or bid and ask quotations for the security;
· Value of similar securities of issuers in the same or similar industries for which market quotations are available;
· Economic outlook of the industry;
· Issuer's position in the industry;
· The financial information of the issuer; and
· The nature and duration of any restriction on disposition of the security.
(g) Derivative Contracts
The Company may, from time to time, hold derivative financial instruments for the purposes of hedging foreign currency exposure. These derivatives are measured at fair value in accordance with US GAAP, with changes in fair value recognised within the Consolidated Statement of Operations in each reporting year.
Depending on the product and the terms of the transaction, the fair value of the over the counter (OTC) derivative products, such as foreign exchange contracts, can be modelled taking into account the counterparties' credit worthiness and using a series of techniques, including simulation models.
Many pricing models do not entail material subjectivity because the methodologies employed do not necessitate significant judgments and the pricing inputs are observed from actively quoted markets. The forward exchange contracts valued by the Company using pricing models fall into this category and are categorised within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
As shares are denominated in U.S. Dollars and Pound Sterling and investments are denominated in U.S. Dollars, Euro or Sterling, holders of any class of shares are subject to foreign currency fluctuations between the currency in which such shares are denominated and the currency of the investments made by the Company. Consequently, the Investment Manager seeks to engage in currency hedging between the U.S. Dollar and any other currency in which the assets of the Company or a class of shares is denominated, subject to suitable hedging contracts such as forward currency exchange contracts being available in a timely manner and on terms acceptable to the Investment Manager, in their sole and absolute discretion.
Note 2 (e) details the gross and net derivative asset and liability position by contract type and the amount for those derivative contracts for which netting is permissible under US GAAP. The derivative assets and liabilities have been netted where an enforceable master netting arrangement is in place.
(h) Taxation
The Company is exempt from Guernsey tax on income derived from non-Guernsey sources. However, certain of its underlying investments may generate income that is subject to tax in other jurisdictions, principally in the United States. The Company files tax returns for its Luxembourg entities. Corporate taxes at the Luxembourg subsidiaries' level totalled €31,371 and as these amounts are not considered material by the Directors, they have not been separately disclosed on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
In accordance with US GAAP, management is required to determine whether a tax position of the Company is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognised is measured as the largest amount of benefit that has 50% or higher chance of being realised upon ultimate settlement. De-recognition of a tax benefit previously recognised could result in the Company recording a tax liability that would reduce net assets. This policy also provides guidance on thresholds, measurement, de-recognition, classification, interest and
penalties, accounting in periods, disclosure, and transition that intends to provide better financial statement comparability among different entities.
As of 31 December 2018, the Company has recorded no liability for net unrecognised tax benefits relating to uncertain tax positions it has taken or expects to take in future tax returns (31 December 2017: Nil).
NOTE 3 - AGREEMENTS AND RELATED PARTIES TRANSACTIONS
Investment Management Agreement
The Board is responsible for managing the business affairs of the Company but delegates certain functions to the Investment Manager under the Investment Management Agreement (the "Agreement") dated 18 March 2011.
The Manager of the Company is Neuberger Berman Europe Limited (which is a related party), an indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of NB Group. On 17 July 2014, the Company, the Manager and Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (which was the Sub-Investment Manager) made certain classificatory amendments to the Agreement for the purposes of the AIFM Directive.
The Sub-Investment Management Agreement was terminated on 17 July 2014 and the Sub-Investment Manager was appointed as the AIFM per the amended and restated Investment Management Agreement ("IMA") dated 17 July 2014. The Manager, Neuberger Berman Europe Limited, was appointed under the same agreement. In accordance with the terms of the IMA, the Manager shall pay a fee to the AIFM out of the Investment Management fee received from the Company. The Company does not pay any fees to the AIFM. On 31 December 2017, the Company entered into an Amendment Agreement amending the IMA in respect of the manufacture of the Company's Key Information Document by the AIFM, MiFID II, anti-money laundering and bribery, cyber security and data protection.
The AIFM is responsible for risk management and the discretionary management of the assets held in the Company's portfolio and will conduct the day-to-day management of the Company's assets (including uninvested cash). The AIFM is not required to and generally will not submit individual investment decisions for approval by the Board. The Manager provides certain administrative services to the Company.
As per the IMA dated 17 July 2014, the Manager is entitled to a management fee, which shall accrue daily, and be payable quarterly in arrears, at the following rate per annum of the Company's NAV:
On first £1bn of the NAV 0.75%
On £1bn - £2bn of the NAV 0.70%
Any amount greater than £2bn of the NAV 0.65%
For the year ended 31 December 2018, the management fee expense was $8,768,715 (31 December 2017: $9,688,487), of which $1,939,561 (31 December 2017: $2,425,237) was unpaid at the year end.
The Manager is not entitled to a performance fee.
Administration, Custody and Company Secretary Agreement
Effective 1 March 2015, the Company entered into an Administration and Sub-Administrator agreement with U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited (formerly known as U.S. Bancorp Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited) ("Administrator") and U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Ireland) Limited (formerly known as Quintillion Limited) ("Sub-Administrator"), both wholly owned subsidiaries of U.S. Bancorp. Under the terms of the agreement, Sub-Administration services are delegated to U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Ireland) Limited.
The Sub-Administrator is responsible, amongst other things, for the day-to-day administration of the Company (including but not limited to the calculation and publication of the estimated daily NAV).
The Administrator is entitled to an annual fee, accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears, in accordance with the schedule below and subject to an annual minimum of $75,000.
On first $250m of the NAV 0.05%
On $250m - $500m of the NAV 0.04%
On $500m - $1bn of the NAV 0.03%
Any amount greater than $1bn of the NAV 0.02%
For the year ended 31 December 2018, the administration fee was $543,818 (31 December 2017: $547,388) of which $40,187 (31 December 2017: $44,385) was unpaid at the year end.
Effective 14 June 2017, Carey Commercial Limited was appointed the Company Secretary and is entitled to an annual fee of £78,300 plus out of pocket expenses.
For the year ended 31 December 2018, the secretarial fee was $168,666 (31 December 2017: $148,545), of which $46,537 (31 December 2017: $43,134) related to administration of the buybacks, of which $25,166 (31 December 2017: payable of $25,980) was unpaid at the year end.
Effective 1 March 2015, U.S. Bank National Association ("Custodian") became the Custodian of the Company.
The Custodian is entitled to a fee of 0.025 per cent of the Market Value of the portfolio per annum, with a minimum annual fee of $25,000 in respect of portfolio and loan administration. For the year ended 31 December 2018, the custodian fee was $346,322 (31 December 2017: $355,595) of which $42,259 (31 December 2017: $153,469) was unpaid, all of which was due to U.S. Bank National Association at the year end.
Registrar's Agreement
Link Market Services (Guernsey) Limited is the appointed registrar of the Company. The fee charged is at a rate of £2.00 per holder of shares appearing on the register during the fee period, with a minimum charge per annum of £9,000. For the year ended 31 December 2018, the Registrars fees amounted to $96,032 (31 December 2017: $115,293). Of these, $5,594 (31 December 2017: $10,879) was unpaid at the year end.
Directors
In 2018, the Directors were related parties and were remunerated for their services as disclosed in the Director's Remuneration Report above. The directors' fee for the two Luxembourg subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2018, whose directors are unrelated to the Company's Board members, is included within the subsidiaries' administration fees. Of these, none were prepaid or owing at year end. For the year ended 31 December 2018, the Directors' fees and travel expenses of the Company amounted to $252,887 (31 December 2017: $213,567). Of these, Nil were owing at year end (31 December 2017: $Nil).
As at 31 December 2018, Mr Battey, Mr Dorey, Mrs Platts and Mr Staples held 30,077, 20,000, 10,069 and 25,000 Sterling Ordinary Shares in the Company respectively (31 December 2017: Mr Battey, Mr Dorey and Mrs Platts held 30,077, 20,000, and 10,069 Sterling Ordinary Shares in the Company respectively). During the year, Mr Dorey's wife purchased held 100,000 U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares.
During 2018, the Directors received the following dividend payments on their shares held: Mr Battey £1,122; Mr Dorey £746; Mrs Platts £375; Mr Staples £535 and Mr Dorey's wife received £2,200.
Neuberger Berman Europe Limited and Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
The contracts with Neuberger Berman Europe Limited and Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC are classified as related party transactions. Other than fees payable in the ordinary course of business and the additional fees disclosed in Note 3, there have been no material transactions with related parties, which have affected the financial position or performance of the Company in the financial year.
NOTE 4 - RISK FACTORS
Market Risk
Market risk is the potential for changes in the value of investments. Market risk includes interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and price risk.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk primarily results from exposures to changes in the level, slope and curvature of the yield curve, the volatility of interest rates and credit spreads. Floating rate investments, such as senior secured loans, typically receive a fixed coupon, which is linked to a variable base rate, usually LIBOR or EURIBOR. As such, income earned will be affected by changes in the variable component albeit downward moves are likely to be capped by the LIBOR/EURIBOR floors that are prevalent in the majority of transactions. The Company invests predominantly in floating rate investments; however, it does have some exposure to fixed rate investments, which are subject to interest rate risk through movements in their market price when interest rates change.
Price Risk
Price Risk is the risk that the price of the security will fall. The Investment Manager manages the exposure to price risk by diversifying the portfolio.
Foreign Exchange Risk
Foreign Exchange Risk arises from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to Sterling and Euro investments and share issue proceeds. The Company makes use of hedging techniques, as part of its risk management strategy, including but not limited to the use of forward exchange contracts to mitigate its exposure to this risk. These instruments involve market risk, credit risk, or both kinds of risks. Risks arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from movement in currency and interest rates.
Credit Risk
The Company maintains positions in a variety of securities, derivative financial instruments and cash and cash equivalents in accordance with its investment strategy and guidelines. The Company's trading activities expose the Company to counterparty credit risk from brokers, dealers and other financial institutions (collectively, "counterparties") with which it transacts business. "Counterparty credit risk" is the risk that a counterparty to a trade will fail to meet an obligation that it has entered into with the Company, resulting in a financial loss to the Company. The Company's policy with respect to counterparty credit risk is to minimize its exposure to counterparties with perceived higher risk of default by dealing only with counterparties that meet the credit standards set out by the Investment Manager.
All the Company's assets other than derivative financial instruments were held by the Custodian. The Custodian segregates the assets of the Company from the Custodian's own assets and other Custodian clients' assets. The Investment Manager believes the risk is low with respect to any losses as a result of this ring-fencing. The Company conducts its trading activities with respect to non-derivative positions with a number of counterparties. Counterparty credit risk borne by these transactions is mitigated by trading with multiple counterparties.
In addition, the Company trades in over-the-counter ("OTC") derivative instruments. The Company is subject to counterparty credit risk related to the potential inability of counterparties to these derivative transactions to perform their obligations to the Company. The Company's exposure to counterparty credit risk associated with counterparty non-performance is generally limited to the fair value (derivative assets and liabilities) of OTC derivatives reported as net assets, net of collateral received or paid, pursuant to agreements with each counterparty.
The Investment Manager attempts to reduce the counterparty credit risk of the Company by establishing certain credit terms in its International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") Master Agreements (with netting terms) with counterparties, and through credit policies and monitoring procedures. Under ISDA Master Agreements in certain circumstances (e.g., when a credit event such as a default occurs) all outstanding transactions under the agreement are terminated, the termination value is assessed and only a single net amount is due or payable in settlement of all transactions. The Company receives and gives collateral in the form of cash and marketable securities and it is subject to the ISDA Master Agreement Credit Support Annex.
This means that securities received/given as collateral can be pledged or sold during the term of the transaction. The terms also give each party the right to terminate the related transactions on the other party's failure to post collateral.
The Company may invest in a range of bank debt investments and corporate and other bonds. Until such investments are sold or are paid in full at maturity, the Company is exposed to issuer credit risk, relating to whether the issuer will make interest and/or principal payments on their debt obligations.
Geographic Concentration Risk
The Company may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in issuers located in a single country, a small number of countries, or a particular geographic region. As a result, the Company's performance may be closely aligned with the market, currency or economic, political or regulatory conditions and developments in those countries or that region, and could be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified investments.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its obligations as and when these fall due. Liquidity risk is managed by the Investment Manager to ensure that the Company maintains sufficient working capital in cash or near cash form so as to be able to meet the Company's ongoing requirements as they fall due.
Participation Commitments
With respect to the senior loans the Company may: 1) invest in assignments; 2) act as a participant in primary lending syndicates; or 3) invest in participations. If the Company purchases a participation of a senior loan interest, the Company would typically enter into a contractual agreement with the lender or other third party selling the participation, rather than directly with the borrower. As such, the Company not only assumes the credit risk of the borrower, but also that of the selling participant or other persons inter positioned between the Company and the borrower. As of 31 December 2018, there were no such outstanding participation commitments in the Company.
Other Risks
Legal, tax and regulatory changes could occur that may adversely affect the Company. The regulatory environment for alternative investment companies is evolving, and changes in the regulation of investment companies may adversely affect the value of investments held by the Company or the ability of the Company to pursue its trading strategies. The effect of any future regulatory change on the Company could be substantial and adverse. The Board has considered the specific risks faced by the Company as a result of Brexit. At the portfolio level, the Board expects the impact of Brexit to be limited given the hedging arrangements in place and the robust investment process the Investment Manager has always adopted and its positioning in U.S., better rated, performing issuers. At the Company level the impact could be felt more directly through volatility of the Company's share price. The Board seeks to mitigate this risk by continuing to address any imbalances in supply and demand of the Company's shares by buying back its own shares in line with its stated policy.
NOTE 5 - CONTINGENCIES
In the opinion of the Directors, there were no contingencies as at year end.
NOTE 6 - SHARE CAPITAL
The share capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of Ordinary Shares of no par value, which upon issue the Directors may classify as:
(i) U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares, Sterling Ordinary Shares or Euro Ordinary Shares or as shares of such other classes as the Directors may determine;
(ii) B Shares of such classes denominated in such currencies as the Directors may determine; and
(iii) C Shares of such classes denominated in such currencies as the Directors may determine.
The rights attached to the above shares are one vote in respect of each share held and, in the case of a general meeting of all shareholders:
(a) One vote in respect of each U.S. Dollar Ordinary Share held by the shareholder;
(b) 1.6 votes in respect of each Sterling Ordinary Share held by the shareholder; and
(c) In respect of a Share of a class denominated in any currency other than U.S. Dollars or Sterling held by the shareholder, such number of votes per Share of such class as shall be determined by the Directors in their absolute discretion upon the issue for the first time of shares of the relevant class.
The Directors may effect distributions of capital proceeds attributable to the Ordinary Shares to holders of Ordinary Shares by issuing B Shares of a particular class to holders of Ordinary Shares of a particular class pro-rata to their holding of Ordinary Shares of such class.
The B Shares are issued on terms such that each B Share shall be compulsorily redeemed by the Company shortly following issue and the redemption proceeds paid to the holders of such B Shares on such terms and in such manner as the Directors may from time to time determine.
The Directors are authorised to issue C Shares of such classes (and denominated in such currencies) as they may determine in accordance with Article 4 and with C Shares of each such class being convertible into Ordinary Shares of such class as the Directors may determine at the time of issue of such C Shares.
The C Shares will not carry the right to attend and receive notice of any general meetings of the Company, nor will they carry the right to vote at such meetings.
The C Shares will be entitled to participate in a winding-up of the Company or on a return of capital in relation to the C share surplus as defined in the Prospectus.
The C Shares will be entitled to receive such dividends as the Directors may resolve to pay to such holders out of the assets attributable to such class of C Shares.
There were no Euro Ordinary Shares, B Shares or C Shares in issue as at 31 December 2018 (31 December 2017: No Euro Ordinary Shares, no B Shares and no C Shares).
From 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 |
U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares |
Sterling Ordinary Shares |
Total |
Balance as at 1 January 2018 |
43,227,792 |
964,088,627 |
1,007,316,419 |
Monthly conversions1 |
16,762,863 |
(13,243,270) |
3,519,593 |
Share buybacks |
(2,061,305) |
(220,555,413) |
(222,616,718) |
Balance as at 31 December 2018 2 |
57,929,350 |
730,289,944 |
788,219,294 |
From 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017 |
U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares |
Sterling Ordinary Shares |
Total |
Balance as at 1 January 2017 |
38,270,109 |
1,015,614,330 |
1,053,884,439 |
Monthly conversions1 |
4,007,571 |
(3,176,236) |
831,335 |
Share issuance (out of treasury) |
1,630,000 |
- |
1,630,000 |
Share buybacks |
(679,888) |
(48,349,467) |
(49,029,355) |
Balance as at 31 December 2017 2 |
43,227,792 |
964,088,627 |
1,007,316,419 |
Treasury Shares
As at 31 December 2018, the Company held the following shares in treasury.
|
|
31 December 2018 |
31 December 2017 |
Sterling Ordinary Treasury Shares3 |
|
75,000,000 |
75,000,000 |
U.S. Dollar Ordinary Treasury Shares3 |
|
1,342,627 |
1,342,627 |
1 The Company offers a monthly conversion facility pursuant to which shareholders may elect to convert some or all of their shares of a class into shares of any other class.
2 Balance of issued shares (less Treasury shares) used to calculate NAV per share.
3 The Company has an approved share buyback programme and may elect to buyback ordinary shares at certain times during the year for either cancellation or to be held as Treasury shares.
Note 7 - FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
31 December 2018 |
U.S. Dollar Ordinary Share as at 31 December 2018 (USD) |
Sterling Ordinary Share as at 31 December 2018 (GBP) |
Per share operating performance |
|
|
NAV per share at the beginning of the year |
0.9896 |
0.9702 |
Share buybacks and share swaps during the year |
0.0104 |
0.0049 |
Income from investment operations (a) |
|
|
Net income per share for the year (b) |
0.0405 |
0.0385 |
Net realised and unrealised loss from investments |
(0.0554) |
(0.0368) |
Foreign currency translation |
- |
(0.0173) |
Total gain from operations |
(0.0149) |
(0.0156) |
Distributions per share during the year |
(0.0383) |
(0.0380) |
NAV per share at the end of the year |
0.9468 |
0.9215 |
|
|
|
Total return 1, (b) |
(0.15%) |
(0.88%) |
Ratios to average net assets (b) |
|
|
Net investment income |
4.12% |
4.00% |
Expenses |
0.98% |
1.01% |
(a) The average number of shares outstanding for the year was used for calculation.
(b) An individual shareholder's return may vary from these returns based on the timing of the shareholder's investments in the Company.
31 December 2017 |
U.S. Dollar Ordinary Share as at 31 December 2017 (USD) |
Sterling Ordinary Share as at 31 December 2017 (GBP) |
Per share operating performance |
|
|
NAV per share at the beginning of the year |
0.9881 |
0.9787 |
Share buybacks and share swaps during the year |
0.0016 |
(0.0090) |
Income from investment operations (a) |
|
|
Net income per share for the year (b) |
0.0336 |
0.0333 |
Net realised and unrealised loss from investments |
0.0006 |
0.0007 |
Foreign currency translation |
- |
0.0009 |
Total gain from operations |
0.0342 |
0.0349 |
Distributions per share during the year |
(0.0343) |
(0.0344) |
NAV per share at the end of the year |
0.9896 |
0.9702 |
|
|
|
Total return 1, (b) |
3.60% |
2.55% |
Ratios to average net assets (b) |
|
|
Net investment income |
3.40% |
3.43% |
Expenses |
0.95% |
0.92% |
(a) The average number of shares outstanding for the year was used for calculation.
(b) An individual shareholder's return may vary from these returns based on the timing of the shareholder's investments in the Company.
NOTE 8 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Since the year ended 31 December 2018 and up to 25 March 2019 being the last practicable date prior to publishing, the Company has repurchased 71,100,000 Sterling Ordinary Shares and 2,190,000 U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares for cancellation.
APPENDIX | Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive Disclosure (unaudited)
Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive Disclosure
Changes to Article 23(1) Disclosures
Directive 2011/61/EU on Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive ("AIFMD") requires certain information to be made available to investors in alternative investment funds ("AIFs") before they invest and requires that material changes to this information be disclosed in the annual report of each AIF.
There have been no material changes (other than those reflected in the financial statements) to this information requiring disclosure.
Leverage
For the purposes of this disclosure, leverage is any method by which an AIF's exposure is increased, whether through borrowing of cash or securities, or leverage embedded in foreign exchange forward contracts or by any other means.
The AIFMD requires that each leverage ratio be expressed as the ratio between an AIF's exposure and its net asset value ("NAV"), and prescribes two required methodologies, the gross methodology and the commitment methodology, for calculating such exposure. Using the methodologies prescribed under the AIFMD, the leverage of NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund Limited (the "Fund") as at 31 December 2018 is disclosed below:
Leverage calculated pursuant to the gross methodology: 1.20
Leverage calculated pursuant to the commitment methodology: 1.23
Liquidity and risk management systems and profile
Current risk profile risk management systems
The portfolio managers and risk management professionals of Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (the "AIFM") regularly review the investment performance and the portfolio composition of the Company in the light of the Company's investment objective, policy and strategy; the principal risks and investment or economic uncertainties that have been identified as relevant to the Fund; internal risk measures and the interests and profile of investors.
The AIFM assesses the Fund's current and prospective need for liquidity on an on-going basis and ensures that liquidity is available when required. The risk profile of the Fund as at 31 December 2018 as reported to relevant EEA authorities was as follows:
Market risk profile
The market risk indicators contained in the Annex IV regulatory reporting template as at 31 December 2018 are listed in the table here below:
|
< 5 yrs |
5 - 15 yrs |
> 15 yrs |
Risk measure description |
Net DV01 |
USD27,794 |
USD 3,505 |
0 |
Change of 1 bps of rate |
Net CS01 |
USD 274,454 |
USD 3,482 |
0 |
Change of 1 bps for spread |
The expected annual investment return / IRR in normal market conditions (in %) |
0 |
|
Historical Simulation |
Monte Carlo Simulation |
Parametric Simulation |
VAR1 |
N/A |
2.27 % |
N/A |
1 Value at Risk
Counterparty risk profile
The top five counterparties to which the Fund had the greatest mark-to-market net counterparty credit exposure, measured as a % of the NAV of the Fund are listed in the table below:
Ranking |
Name of Counterparty |
NAV percentage of the total exposure value of the counterparty |
First counterparty exposure |
US Bank |
3.08% |
Second counterparty exposure |
Techem Euro (6/18) |
1.25% |
Third counterparty exposure |
Scientific Games International |
1.11% |
Fourth counterparty exposure |
Basspr USD |
1.06% |
Fifth counterparty exposure |
Endo Pharmaceutical |
0.99% |
UBS AG had a mark-to-market credit exposure to the Fund equivalent to 3.04% of the Fund's NAV.
Liquidity Profile
(a) Portfolio Liquidity Profile
41% of the portfolio can be liquidated within a day. 30% of the portfolio can be liquidated within 2 to 7 days in normal market conditions. 29% of the portfolio can be liquidated within 8 to 30 days in normal market conditions.
The Fund had USD 2,078,046 unencumbered cash available to it.
(b) Investor Liquidity Profile
100% of investor equity can be redeemed within a day.
(c) Investor Redemption
Does the Fund provide investors with withdrawal / redemption rights in the ordinary course? |
No |
Report on Remuneration
The Neuberger Berman Compensation Committee is responsible for the compensation practices within the Neuberger Berman group, and Neuberger Berman also operates a structure throughout the group to ensure appropriate involvement and oversight of the compensation process, so that compensation within the group rewards success whilst reflecting appropriate behaviours.
Neuberger Berman recognises the need to ensure that compensation arrangements do not give rise to conflicts of interest, and this is achieved through the compensation policies as well as through the operation of specific policies governing conflicts of interests.
Neuberger Berman's compensation philosophy is one that focuses on rewarding performance and incentivizing employees. Employees at Neuberger Berman may receive compensation in the form of base salary, discretionary bonuses and/or production compensation. Investment professionals receive a fixed salary and are eligible for an annual bonus. The annual bonus for an individual investment professional is paid from a "bonus pool" made available to the portfolio management team with which the investment professional is associated. Once the final size of the available bonus pool is determined, individual bonuses are determined based on a number of factors including the aggregate investment performance of all strategies managed by the individual (including the three-year track record in order to emphasize long-term performance), effective risk management, leadership and team building, and overall contribution to the success of Neuberger Berman.
Neuberger Berman considers a variety of factors in determining fixed and variable compensation for employees, including firm performance, individual performance, overall contribution to the team, collaboration with colleagues across the firm, effective partnering with clients to achieve goals, risk management and the overall investment performance. Neuberger Berman strives to create a compensation process that is fair, transparent, and competitive with the market.
A portion of bonuses may be awarded in the form of contingent or deferred cash compensation, including under the "Contingent Compensation Plan", which serves as a means to further align the interests of employees with the interest of clients, as well as rewarding continued employment. Under the Contingent Compensation Plan a percentage of a participant's compensation is awarded in deferred contingent form. Contingent amounts take the form of a notional investment based on a portfolio of Neuberger Berman investment strategies and/or a contingent equity award, and Neuberger Berman believes that this gives each participant further incentive to operate as a prudent risk manager and to collaborate with colleagues to maximise performance across all business areas. The programs specify vesting and forfeiture terms, including that vesting is normally dependent on continued employment and contingent amounts can be forfeited in cases including misconduct or the participants participating in detrimental activity.
The proportion of the total remuneration of the staff of the AIFM attributable to the Fund, calculated with reference to the proportion of the value of the assets of the Fund managed by the AIFM to the value of all assets managed by the AIFM, was $1,824,875, representing $378,921 of fixed compensation and $1,145,953 of variable compensation. There were 815 of staff of the AIFM who shared in the remuneration paid by the AIFM.
Compensation by the AIFM to senior management and staff whose actions had a material impact on the risk profile on the Fund in respect of 2018 was $310,776,609 in relation to senior management and $738,542 in respect of 'risk takers'. The compensation figure for senior management has not been apportioned, while the compensation figure for risk takers has been apportioned by reference to the number of AIFs whose risk profile was materially impacted by each individual staff member.
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
28 March 2019
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | Contact Details
Contact Details
Directors
Rupert Dorey - Chairman Sandra Platts Richard Battey David Staples
All c/o the Company's registered office.
Registered Office
1st & 2nd Floors, Elizabeth House Les Ruettes Brayes St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 1EW
Company Secretary
Carey Commercial Limited
Solicitors to the Company (as to English law and U.S. securities law)
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Advocates to the Company (as to Guernsey law)
Carey Olsen
|
Designated Administrator
U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited
Custodian and Principal Bankers
US Bank National Association
Sub-Administrator
U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Ireland) Limited
Financial Adviser and Corporate Broker
Numis Securities Limited
Alternative Investment Fund Manager
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
Manager
Neuberger Berman Europe Limited
|
Registrar
Link Market Services (Guernsey) Limited
U.K. Transfer Agent
Link Asset Services 34 Beckenham Road Beckenham Kent BR3 4TU United Kingdom
Shareholders holding shares directly and not through a broker, saving scheme or ISA and have queries in relation to their shareholdings should contact the Registrar on +44 (0)371 664 0445. Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate. Lines are open between 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (excluding bank holidays). Shareholders can also access their details via Link's website: www.signalshares.com.
|
|
||
Full contact details of the Company's advisers and Manager can be found on the Company's website. |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | Shareholder Information
Shareholder Information
Website
Information relating to the Company can be found on the Company's website: www.nbgfrif.com
The contents of websites referred to in this document are not incorporated in to, nor do they form part of this report.
Annual Reports
Copies of the Company's annual reports may be obtained from the Company Secretary or by visiting www.nbgfrif.com under the Investor Information section.
Net Asset Value Publication
The NAV is published daily. It is calculated at the close of business each day and notified to the London Stock Exchange the next business day. It can also be found on the Company's website.
Monthly Conversion
The Company offers a monthly conversion facility pursuant to which holders of Ordinary Shares of one class may convert such Ordinary Shares into Ordinary Shares of the other class. Shareholders wishing to convert Ordinary Shares may do so by giving the Company not less than 10 Business Days' notice in advance of the first Business Day of each calendar month to the Registrar. A schedule of dates for election can be found on the Company's website.
Company Numbers
Sterling Ordinary Shares
LSE ISIN code: GG00B3KX4Q34
Bloomberg code: NBLS:LN
U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares
LSE ISIN code: GG00B3P7S359
Bloomberg code: NBLU:LN
Legal Entity Identifier
549300P4FSBHZFALLG04
Association of Investment Companies
The Company is a member of the Association of Investment Companies. Contact details are as follows:
+44 (0)20 7282 555
enquiries@theaic.co.uk
www.theaic.co.uk
Dividend Re-investment Plan
The Registrar also manages a Dividend Re-Investment Plan for the Company.
Shareholders wishing to re-invest their dividends should contact the Registrar (contact details can be found above).
Registrar
The Registrar provides an on-line and telephone share dealing service to existing shareholders who are not seeking advice on buying or selling. This service is available at www.linksharedeal.com or by phoning +44(0)371 664 0445. Calls cost 12p per minute plus network charges +44(0)20 3367 2699 (from outside the U.K.). Lines are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (excluding U.K. bank holidays).