Half-yearly Report

NEW STAR INVESTMENT TRUST PLC INTERIM REPORT For the six months ended 31st December 2013 INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE The Company's objective is to achieve long-term capital growth. REGISTERED OFFICE 1 Knightsbridge Green, London, SW1X 7QA Company Number: 3969011 DIRECTORS G Howard-Spink (Chairman) J L Duffield (Deputy Chairman) M J Gregson INVESTMENT MANAGER Brompton Asset Management LLP 1 Knightsbridge Green, London SW1X 7QA (Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) SECRETARY AND ADMINISTRATOR Phoenix Administration Services Limited Springfield Lodge, Colchester Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 5PW SOLICITORS Olswang LLP 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6XX AUDITORS Ernst & Young LLP 1 More London Place, London SE1 2AF CUSTODIAN Brown Brothers Harriman & Co Park House, 16-18 Finsbury Circus, London EC2M 7EB REGISTRARS Equiniti Limited Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, West Sussex BN99 6DA Website: www.shareview.co.uk WEBSITE www.nsitplc.com The Company's shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange and their prices are shown in the Financial Times under "Investment Companies". FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 31st December 30th June % 2013 2013 Change PERFORMANCE Net assets (Â£ `000) 75,595 73,320 3.1 Net asset value per Ordinary share 106.44p 103.23p 3.1 Mid-market price per Ordinary share 68.50p 67.50p 1.5 Discount (Premium) of price to net asset 35.6% 34.6% N/A value NAV performance 3.1% 5.3% IMA Mixed Investment 40% - 85% Shares 6.6% 7.3% (total return) MSCI AC World Index (total return, 6.3% 14.0% sterling adjusted) MSCI UK Index (total return) 10.2% 7.5% Six months ended Six months ended 31st December 31st December 2013 2012 REVENUE Return per Ordinary share 0.25p 0.24p Dividend per Ordinary share - - TOTAL RETURN Net assets 3.1% 5.3% CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT Your Company's total assets rose 3.1% to Â£75.6 million over the half year to 31st December 2013. Over this period, the IMA Mixed Investment 40-85% Shares Index gained 6.6%, the MSCI AC World Total Return Index gained 6.3% while the MSCI UK Total Return Index gained 10.2%. At the period end, the net asset value per ordinary share was 106.44p. The principal reasons why your Company lagged global equity markets during the period under review were its cautious positioning, with cash and cash equivalents accounting for a substantial proportion of its assets, and its holdings in natural resources and emerging markets. The net revenue profit for the period was Â£179,000 compared with Â£172,000 in the prior period. As in previous years, your directors are not recommending payment of an interim dividend to shareholders. The Company's shares continue to trade at a significant discount to net asset value. The Board continues to review the situation, but they do not anticipate a significant change in the near future. Market review After months of speculation, the Federal Reserve announced in December that it would start tapering the pace of monetary expansion, signalling the first step on the road to withdrawing the monetary stimulus that has been the signature policy of the post credit crisis years. Ben Bernanke, the architect of post-credit crisis monetary policy, has retired after presiding over a period of extraordinary, some might say experimental, monetary policy. His legacy rests on the ability of the US economic recovery to withstand the gradual withdrawal of stimulus. Strong US employment, manufacturing and housing data preceded this move and may presage an acceleration in US economic growth in 2014 and investors ultimately took the onset of tapering in their stride. Treasury and gilt yields rose rapidly but bond market losses were contained by the Fed's commitment to keep interest rates low well past the time when US unemployment falls below 6.5%. In the UK, Mark Carney, the Bank of England governor, recently distanced himself from his own forward guidance as economic strength led to a more rapid fall in unemployment than anticipated. Carney is also committed to keeping interest rates low well past the time when unemployment falls below target. While developed economic stockmarkets were strong, the period under review was a disappointing one for developing economy stockmarkets, with Asia Pacific ex-Japan equities rising just 0.64% in sterling and emerging market equities falling 1.22% in sterling. Your Company has significant holdings in these equity markets, which proved vulnerable to capital flight as treasury yields started to rise. Regional central banks may ultimately be forced to combat currency weakness and the attendant risk of rising inflation with interest rate rises irrespective of the adverse impact on growth. The European central bank (ECB), by contrast, cut its policy interest rate in the final quarter in response to the deflationary risk posed by persistently high unemployment. The ECB is likely to maintain a highly accommodative monetary policy for longer than the UK or the US. Japanese monetary policy also remains expansionary and conviction is growing that more than a year of "Abenomics" has been successful in igniting inflation. Evidence of a major change in consumer behaviour is widespread. Increased consumer spending is apparent in the growth of motor vehicle registrations and housing starts. Bank lending is expanding and Japanese business confidence is high. Portfolio review UK mid and smaller companies performed strongly in the second half of 2013 as economic recovery gathered pace. Companies in these market tiers generally are more sensitive to domestic economic trends than their larger peers. UK smaller companies returned 17.40% compared to 10.22% from UK equities as a whole in the six months and the Investment Management Association (IMA) UK smaller companies sector was the best performing IMA sector last year. The Aberforth Geared Income Trust was the best-performing fund during the period, returning 41.85%. Artemis UK Special Situations and PFS Brompton UK Recovery also have a high portfolio allocation to UK smaller companies and returned 16.54% and 15.16% respectively. Your Company invested in the iShares FTSE 250 exchange-traded fund (ETF) as a low-cost way of increasing the exposure to medium-sized companies. The gold price fell 10.24% in sterling terms as rising bond yields and greater confidence in economic growth reduced the attractions of this nil-yielding asset. The ETFS Gold Bullion Securities ETF and Blackrock Gold & General fell 7.89% and 8.07% respectively. A number of the major gold producers now have new management teams at the helm committed to reducing costs, instilling greater financial discipline when allocating capital and focusing on improving shareholder returns. The gold mining equities in the Blackrock Gold & General portfolio should benefit from these trends while the gold price appeared to be stabilising in the early weeks of 2014 as the pace of capital outflows from gold ETFs slowed. Chinese economic data has been soft for some time, raising concerns that China may fail to deliver target economic growth of 7.5% in 2014 and affecting your Company's investments in Asian equities. Shibor, the Chinese interbank lending rate, is on a rising trend and could prove to be an indicator of stress in the banking system. The Chinese banking system is ultimately state-controlled and the People's Bank of China is likely to continue injecting funds to prevent a serious liquidity squeeze but concerns remain that banks will be forced to write-off significant amounts of non-performing loans. Without a major refinancing, this would severely restrict banks' ability to lend and maintain economic growth. Your Company's emerging market equity investments were caught up in the general capital flight from emerging markets and concerns about Chinese growth. Your Company did, however, benefit from its selective approach to investing in these markets. Wells Fargo China Equity was the best-performing developing economy equity fund, posting a gain of 10.88%, while Aberdeen Asia Pacific Equity was the weakest, falling 6.80%. The generalist Atlantis China fund was sold and the proceeds reinvested in Atlantis China Healthcare, which is a beneficiary of rising consumer spending and has no exposure to the banking sector. Outlook This year will be one in which investors assess the success of quantitative easing and whether, after four years of money printing, US economic growth is robust enough to withstand the gradual withdrawal of stimulus. At New Year, confidence was running high as testified by the performance of equity markets. The Fed was able to cite the waning efficacy of continued monetary easing and fears of promoting excessive risk-taking in financial markets as twin justifications for this major policy reversal. In January, markets were in a more volatile phase as investors pondered the impact of tapering on developed market bond yields and emerging market capital flows and slowing Chinese economic growth. Your Company's significant cash holding and diversified approach across asset classes should provide a measure of protection if equity market volatility increases. The unaudited net asset value at 31 January 2014 was 105.69p per Ordinary share. Geoffrey Howard-Spink Chairman 21 February 2014 DIRECTORS' REPORT Performance In the six months to 31st December 2013 the net asset value per Ordinary share increased by 3.1% to 106.44p. In the same period the share price increased by 1.5% to 68.50p. This compares to an increase of 6.6% in the IMA Mixed Investment 40% - 85% Shares Index. Further details of the Company's performance may be found in the Chairman's Statement. Investment objective The Company's investment objective is to achieve long-term capital growth. Investment policy The Company's investment policy is to allocate assets to global investment opportunities through investment in equity, bond, commodity, real estate, currency and other markets. The Company's assets may have significant weightings to any one asset class or market, including cash. The Company will invest in pooled investment vehicles, exchange traded funds, futures, options, limited partnerships and direct investments in relevant markets. The Company may invest up to 15% of its net assets in direct investments in relevant markets. The Company will not follow any index with reference to asset classes, countries, sectors or stocks. Aggregate asset class exposure to any one of the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe ex UK, Asia ex Japan, Japan or Emerging Markets and to any individual industry sector will be limited to 50% of the Company's net assets, such values being assessed at the time of investment and for funds by reference to their published investment policy or, where appropriate, their underlying investment exposure. The Company may invest up to 20% of its net asset value in unlisted securities (excluding unquoted pooled investment vehicles) such values being assessed at the time of investment. The Company will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in any single investment, such values being assessed at the time of investment. Derivative instruments and forward foreign exchange contracts may be used for the purposes of efficient portfolio management and currency hedging. Derivatives may also be used outside of efficient portfolio management to meet the Company's investment objective. The Company may take outright short positions in relation to up to 30% of its net assets, with a limit on short sales of individual stocks of up to 5% of its net assets, such values being assessed at the time of investment. The Company may borrow up to 30% of net assets for short-term funding or long-term investment purposes. No more than 10%, in aggregate, of the value of the Company's total assets may be invested in other closed-ended investment funds except where such funds have themselves published investment policies to invest no more than 15% of their total assets in other listed closed-ended investment funds. Share capital The Company's share capital comprises 305,000,000 Ordinary shares of 1p each, of which 71,023,695 (2012: 71,023,695) have been issued fully paid. No Ordinary shares are held in treasury, and none were bought back or issued during the six months to 31st December 2013. Risk management The principal risks associated with the Company that have been identified by the Board, together with the steps taken to mitigate them, are as follows: Investment strategy: inappropriate long-term strategy, asset allocation and manager selection might lead to the underperformance of the Company. The Company's strategy is kept under regular review by the Board. Investment performance is discussed at every Board meeting and the Directors receive a monthly report which details the Company's asset allocation, portfolio changes and performance. Business conditions and general economy: the Company's investment returns are influenced by general economic conditions in the UK and globally. Factors such as interest rates, inflation, investor sentiment and the availability and cost of credit could adversely affect investment returns. The Board regularly considers the economic environment in which the Company operates. The portfolio is managed with a view to mitigating risk by investing in a spread of different asset classes and geographic regions. Portfolio risks - market price, foreign currency and interest rate risks: the downward valuation of investments contained in the portfolio would lead to a reduction in the Company's net asset value. A proportion of the Company's portfolio is invested in investments denominated in foreign currencies and movements in exchange rates can significantly affect their sterling value. It is the Board's policy to hold an appropriate spread of investments in order to reduce the risk arising from factors specific to a particular investment or sector. The Investment Manager takes account of foreign currency risk and interest rate risk when making investment decisions. The Company does not normally hedge against foreign currency movements affecting the value of the investment portfolio, although hedging techniques may be employed in appropriate circumstances. Investment Manager: the quality of the management team employed by the Investment Manager is an important factor in delivering good performance and the loss by the Investment Manager of key staff could adversely affect investment returns. The Company's portfolio is managed by Gill Lakin. The Board receives a monthly financial report which includes information on performance, and a representative of the Investment Manager attends each Board meeting. The Board is kept informed of any personnel changes to the investment team employed by the Investment Manager. Tax and regulatory risks: a breach of The Investment Trusts (Approved company) (Tax) Regulations 2011 (the Regulations) could lead to a loss of investment trust status, resulting in capital gains realised within the portfolio being subject to United Kingdom capital gains tax. A breach of the UKLA Listing Rules could result in suspension of the Company's shares, while a breach of company law could lead to criminal proceedings, or financial or reputational damage. The Board employs Brompton Asset Management LLP as Investment Manager and Phoenix Administration Services Limited as Corporate Secretary and Administrator to help manage the Company's legal and regulatory obligations. The Board receives a monthly financial report which includes information on the Company's compliance with the Regulations. Operational: disruption to, or failure of, the Investment Manager's or Administrator's accounting, dealing or payment systems or the Custodian's records could prevent the accurate reporting and monitoring of the Company's financial position. The Company is also exposed to the operational risk that one or more of its suppliers may not provide the required level of service. Investment Management Arrangements and Related Party Transactions In common with most investment trusts the Company does not have any executive directors or employees. The day-to-day management and administration of the Company, including investment management, accounting and company secretarial matters, and custodian arrangements are delegated to specialist third party service providers. Details of related party transactions are contained in the Annual Report. There have been no material transactions with related parties during the period which have had a significant impact on the performance of the Company. Going Concern The Directors believe that it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the accounts as the assets of the Company consist mainly of securities that are readily realisable or cash and it has no significant liabilities. Accordingly, the Company has adequate financial resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Auditors The half year financial report has been reviewed, but not audited, by Ernst & Young LLP pursuant to the Auditing Practices Board guidance on the Review of Interim Financial Information. RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT The Directors named above confirm that to the best of their knowledge: The condensed set of financial statements contained within the half year financial report to 31st December 2013 has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 `Interim Financial Reporting'; The Chairman's statement includes a fair review of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the financial statements; The Chairman's statement includes a fair review of the potential risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; The Director's report includes a fair review of the information concerning related party transactions and changes since the last annual report. By order of the Board Phoenix Administration Services Limited 21 February 2014 INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO NEW STAR INVESTMENT TRUST PLC Introduction We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half year financial report for the six months ended 31st December 2013 which comprises the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity, consolidated balance sheet, consolidated cash flow statement and related explanatory notes 1 to 8. We have read the other information contained in the half year financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements. This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with guidance contained in International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK and Ireland) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed. Directors' responsibilities The half year financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half year financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority. As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half year financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union. Our responsibility Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half year financial report based on our review. Scope of review We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion. Conclusion Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31st December 2013 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority. Ernst & Young LLP London 21 February 2014 SCHEDULE OF TOP TWENTY INVESTMENTS at 31st December 2013 Holding Activity Bid-market % of invested value portfolio Â£ `000 Henderson Euro Special Situations Investment Fund 7,834 13.40 Fund Fundsmith Equity Fund Investment Fund 4,869 8.33 Investec Africa Fund Investment Fund 4,800 8.21 Artemis UK Special Situations Investment Fund 3,908 6.68 Fund Aberforth Geared Income Trust Investment Company 3,323 5.68 Trojan Investment Fund Investment Fund 2,907 4.97 BlackRock Gold & General Fund Investment Fund 2,799 4.79 Aquilus Inflection Fund Investment Fund 2,633 4.50 Polar Capital Global Technology Investment Fund 2,030 3.47 Fund FP Brompton Opportunities Fund Investment Fund 1,967 3.36 FP Brompton Global Income Fund Investment Fund 1,947 3.33 PFS Brompton UK Recovery Unit Investment Fund 1,935 3.31 Trust Gold Bullion Securities Ltd Exchange Traded Fund 1,931 3.30 FP Brompton Global Equity Fund Investment Fund 1,736 2.97 Standard Life Investment European Investment Fund 1,730 2.96 Income Fund First State Indian Subcontinent Investment Fund 1,606 2.75 Fund Neptune Russia & Greater Russia Investment Fund 1,561 2.67 Fund Fidelity Funds Global Inflation Investment Fund 1,351 2.31 Linked Bond Fund Aberdeen Asia Pacific Fund Investment Fund 1,226 2.10 BH Global Limited Investment Company 1,222 2.09 53,315 91.18 Balance held in 15 investments 5,160 8.82 Total investments (excluding cash) 58,475 100.00 The investment portfolio can be further analysed as follows: Equities (including investment companies) 7,428 Loan 56 Investment funds and ETFs 50,991 58,475 All the Company's investments are either unlisted or are unit trust/OEIC funds with the exception of Aberforth Geared Income Trust, BH Global Limited, Miton Group Plc, Gold Bullion Securities ETF, iShares FTSE 250, Immedia Broadcasting and Asia Resource Minerals PLC (formerly Bumi Plc). CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME for the six months ended 31st December 2013 Six months ended 31st December 2013 (unaudited) Revenue Capital Total Return Return Return Notes Â£`000 Â£`000 Â£`000 INCOME Investment income 559 - 559 Other operating income 5 - 5 Total income 2 564 - 564 GAINS AND LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS Gains on investments at fair value - 2,591 2,591 through profit or loss Other exchange losses - (502) (502) Management fee rebates - 7 7 564 2,096 2,660 EXPENSES Management fees 3 (254) - (254) Other expenses (131) - (131) (385) - (385) PROFIT BEFORE FINANCE COSTS AND TAX 179 2,096 2,275 Finance costs - - - PROFITBEFORE TAX 179 2,096 2,275 Tax - - - PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD 179 2,096 2,275 EARNINGS PER SHARE Ordinary shares (pence) 4 0.25 2.95 3.20 The total column of this statement represents the Group's profit and loss account, prepared in accordance with IFRS. The supplementary revenue return and capital return columns are both prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies. All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued during the period. All income is attributable to the equity holders of the parent company. There are no minority interests. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME for the six months ended 31st December 2012 and the year ended 30th June 2013 Six months ended Year ended 31st December 2012 30th June 2013 (unaudited) (audited) Notes Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Return Return Return Return Return Return Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 INCOME Investment income 486 - 486 688 - 688 Other operating 3 - 3 7 - 7 income Total income 2 489 - 489 695 - 695 GAINS AND LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS Gains on investments at fair value - 3,771 3,771 - 4,996 4,996 through profit or loss Other exchange - (281) (281) - 109 109 (losses)/gains Management fee - 26 26 - 34 34 rebates 489 3,516 4,005 695 5,139 5,834 EXPENSES Management fees 3 (244) - (244) (493) - (493) Other expenses (115) - (115) (237) - (237) (359) - (359) (730) - (730) PROFITBEFORE FINANCE COSTS AND TAX 130 3,516 3,646 (35) 5,139 5,104 Finance costs - - - - - - LOSS BEFORE TAX 130 3,516 3,646 (35) 5,139 5,104 Tax 42 (64) (22) - 149 149 PROFITFOR THE PERIOD 172 3,452 3,624 (35) 5,288 5,253 EARNINGS PER SHARE Ordinary shares 4 0.24 4.86 5.10 (0.05) 7.45 7.40 (pence) The total column of this statement represents the Group's profit and loss account, prepared in accordance with IFRS. The supplementary revenue return and capital return columns are both prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies. All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued during the periods. All income is attributable to the equity holders of the parent company. There are no minority interests. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the six months ended 31st December 2013 (unaudited) Share Share Special Retained capital premium reserve earnings Total Â£`000 Â£`000 Â£`000 Â£`000 Â£`000 AT 30th JUNE 2013 710 21,573 56,908 (5,871) 73,320 Total comprehensive income - - - 2,275 2,275 for the period AT 31st DECEMBER 2013 710 21,573 56,908 (3,596) 75,595 for the six months ended 31st December 2012 (unaudited) Share Share Special Retained capital premium reserve earnings Total Â£`000 Â£`000 Â£`000 Â£`000 Â£`000 AT 30th JUNE 2012 710 21,573 56,908 (11,124) 68,067 Total comprehensive income - - - 3,624 3,624 for the period AT 31st DECEMBER 2012 710 21,573 56,908 (7,500) 71,691 for the year ended 30th June 2013 (audited) Share Share Special Retained capital premium reserve earnings Total Â£`000 Â£`000 Â£`000 Â£`000 Â£`000 AT 30th JUNE 2012 710 21,573 56,908 (11,124) 68,067 Total comprehensive income - - - 5,253 5,253 for the year AT 30th JUNE 2013 710 21,573 56,908 (5,871) 73,320 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET at 31st December 2013 Notes 31st December 31st December 30th June 2013 2012 2013 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) Â£`000 Â£`000 Â£`000 NON-CURRENT ASSETS Investments at fair value through profit or loss 5 58,475 59,021 58,326 CURRENT ASSETS Other receivables 154 74 251 Cash and cash equivalents 17,184 12,980 14,969 17,338 13,054 15,220 TOTAL ASSETS 75,813 72,075 73,546 CURRENT LIABILITIES Other payables (218) (213) (226) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 75,595 71,862 73,320 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Deferred tax liability - (171) - NET ASSETS 75,595 71,691 73,320 EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS Called-up share capital 710 710 710 Share premium 21,573 21,573 21,573 Special reserve 56,908 56,908 56,908 Retained earnings 6 (3,596) (7,500) (5,871) TOTAL EQUITY 75,595 71,691 73,320 NET ASSET VALUE PER 7 ORDINARY SHARE (PENCE) 106.44 100.94 103.23 The half year report was approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 21 February 2014. CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the six months ended 31st December 2013 Six months Six months Year ended ended ended 31st December 31st December 30th June 2013 2012 2013 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) Â£`000 Â£`000 Â£`000 NET CASH INFLOWFROM OPERATING 246 194 22 ACTIVITIES INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchase of investments (2,371) (13,258) (15,008) Sale of investments 4,842 9,144 12,665 NET CASH INFLOW/(OUTFLOW)FROM INVESTINGACTIVITIES 2,471 (4,114) (2,343) EQUITY DIVIDENDS PAID - - - NET CASH INFLOW/( OUTFLOW)BEFORE 2,717 (3,920) (2,321) FINANCING FINANCING - - - INCREASE/( DECREASE)IN CASH 2,717 (3,920) (2,321) RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET FUNDS Increase/( Decrease) in cash 2,717 (3,920) (2,321) resulting from cash flows Exchange movements (502) (281) 109 Movement in net funds 2,215 (4,201) (2,212) Net funds at start of period/year 14,969 17,181 17,181 NET FUNDS AT END OF PERIOD/YEAR 17,184 12,980 14,969 RECONCILIATION OF PROFITBEFORE FINANCE COSTS AND TAXATION TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Profit before finance costs and 2,275 3,646 5,104 taxation Gains on investments (2,591) (3,771) (4,996) Exchange differences 502 281 (109) Management fee rebates (7) (26) (34) Net profit/(loss) before finance 179 130 (35) costs and taxation Decrease/( Increase) in debtors 37 22 (6) Decrease in creditors (8) (19) (6) Taxation 31 35 35 Management fee rebates 7 26 34 NET CASH INFLOWFROM OPERATING 246 194 22 ACTIVITIES NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the six months ended 31st December 2013 1.Accounting policies The consolidated half year financial statements on pages 16 to 26 comprise the unaudited results of the Company and its subsidiary, JIT Securities Limited, for the six months to 31st December 2013. The comparative information for the six months to 31st December 2012 and the year to 30th June 2013 do not constitute statutory accounts under the Companies Act 2006. Full statutory accounts for the year to 30th June 2013 included an unqualified audit report, did not contain any statements under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006, and have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The half year financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 `Interim Financial Reporting', and are presented in pounds sterling, as this is the Group's functional currency. The same accounting policies have been followed in the interim financial statements as applied to the accounts for the year ended 30th June 2013, which are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. 2. Total income For the For the six months six months For the year ended 31st ended 31st ended 30th December 2013 December 2012 June 2013 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Income from Investments UK net dividend income 536 418 561 UK unfranked investment income 23 68 127 559 486 688 Operating Income Bank interest receivable 5 3 7 5 3 7 For the For the six months six months For the year ended 31st ended 31st ended 30th December 2013 December 2012 June 2013 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Total income comprises Dividends 559 486 688 Other income 5 3 7 564 489 695 3. Management fees For the For the six months six months For the year ended 31st ended 31st ended 30th December 2013 December 2012 June 2013 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Investment management 254 244 493 Performance fee - - - 254 244 493 The management fee is payable in arrears and is calculated at a rate of 3/16% per quarter of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiary after the deduction of the value of any investments managed by the Investment Manager (as defined in the management agreement). The Investment Manager is also entitled to a performance fee of 15% of the growth in net assets over a hurdle of 3-month Sterling LIBOR plus 1% per annum, payable six monthly in arrears, subject to a high water mark. The aggregate of the Company's management fee and any performance fee are subject to a cap of 4.99% of net assets in any financial year (with any performance fee in excess of this cap capable of being earned in subsequent periods). The performance fee will be charged 100% to capital, in accordance with the Board's expectation of how any out-performance will be generated. No performance fee is payable for any period. 4. Return per Ordinary share For the For the six months six months For the year ended 31st ended 31st ended 30th December 2013 December 2012 June 2013 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Revenue return 179 172 (35) Capital return 2,096 3,452 5,288 Total return 2,275 3,624 5,253 Weighted average number of 71,023,695 71,023,695 71,023,695 Ordinary shares Revenue return per Ordinary share 0.25p 0.24p (0.05)p Capital return per Ordinary share 2.95p 4.86p 7.45p Total return per Ordinary share 3.20p 5.10p 7.40p 5. Investments at fair value through profit or loss At At At 31st December 31st December 30th June 2013 2012 2013 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 GROUP AND COMPANY 58,475 59,021 58,326 ANALYSIS OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO - GROUP AND COMPANY Six months ended 31st December 2013 Listed* Unlisted Total Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Opening book cost 48,997 4,808 53,805 Opening investment holding gains/ 7,619 (3,098) 4,521 (losses) Opening valuation 56,616 1,710 58,326 Movement in period: Purchase at cost 2,371 - 2,371 Sales - Proceeds (4,517) (296) (4,813) - Realised gains on sales (5) - (5) Investment holding gains/(losses) 2,804 (208) 2,596 Closing valuation 57,269 1,206 58,475 Closing book cost 46,846 4,512 51,358 Unrealised investment holding 10,423 (3,306) 7,117 gains/(losses) Closing valuation 57,269 1,206 58,475 * Listed investments include unit trust and OEIC funds For the For the six months six months For the year ended 31st ended 31st ended 30th December 2013 December 2012 June 2013 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 ANALYSIS OF CAPITAL GAINS AND LOSSES Realised (losses)/gains on sales (5) 1,299 1,624 of investments Increase in investment holding 2,596 2,472 3,372 gains 2,591 3,771 4,996 The unlisted investments at 31st December 2013 include loans of Â£56,000 and equities of Â£1,150,000. All unlisted investments are fair valued and are valued by reference to valuation techniques using inputs that are not based on observable market data for the asset (`Level 3' assets). All other investments are valued using unadjusted prices (`Level 1' assets). Details of the definitions and valuation approach adopted are given in the accounts for the year ended 30th June 2013. There were no reclassifications for assets between Level 1 and Level 3. There were no liabilities measured at fair value. 6. Retained earnings For the For the six months six months For the year ended 31st ended 31st ended 30th December 2013 December 2012 June 2013 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Capital reserve - realised (10,624) (11,024) (10,124) Capital reserve - revaluation 6,844 3,312 4,248 Revenue reserve 184 212 5 (3,596) (7,500) (5,871) 7. Net asset value per Ordinary share 31st December 31st December 30th June 2013 2012 2013 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Net assets attributable to 75,595 71,691 73,320 Ordinary shareholders Ordinary shares in issue at end 71,023,695 71,023,695 71,023,695 of period Net asset value per Ordinary 106.44p 100.94p 103.23p share 8. Related party transactions There have been no related party transactions that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the Group. The Company has four (30th June 2013: four) investments managed by the Investment manager. Two further investments have been made since the period end.

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