Annual Financial Report Announcement

RNS Number : 9464D
Aberdeen Asian Income Fund Limited
30 March 2011
 



ABERDEEN ASIAN INCOME FUND LIMITED

 

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010

 

 

1.   CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

 

Highlights

-     Total dividend increased by 20% to 6p (2009 - 5p) and payments moved to quarterly

-     Diluted net asset value per Ordinary share ("NAV") total return 28.3%

-     Share price up 24.7% (30.8% with dividends re-invested)

-     Healthy carried forward revenue reserves of £4.4 million, 3.7p per share

-     7.2 million new shares issued at a premium to NAV

 

Background and Overview

I am pleased to report that your Company delivered a strong performance for the year to 31 December 2010. The diluted NAV total return was 28.3 %, compared to a 22.1% rise in the benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia Pacific ex-Japan Free Index. The share price gained 24.7% to 170.3p (total return of 30.8%), representing a shift from a discount to NAV of 0.5% to a premium of 1.4% at the period end. As a result, we were able to issue 7.2 million shares at a premium to the prevailing NAV.

 

The outperformance against the benchmark was attributable to both positive stock selection and asset allocation, which is driven by where your Manager finds quality companies with attractive valuations. Your Company's greater exposure to Southeast Asian markets, with their broadly higher dividend payout ratios, proved particularly beneficial. However, the strong absolute performance should also be taken in the context of a weak sterling relative to more buoyant Asian currencies, which underscores the effects of currency movements on returns. Over the year, most Asian currencies strengthened as investors gravitated towards the region's vibrant economies and higher-yielding currencies. Here, I would like to reiterate that your Manager's policy is to assess the direct impact of currencies on companies, and not to hedge the portfolio currency exposure. On the whole, your Manager sees favourable economic fundamentals as being generally supportive of Asian currencies over the longer term.

 

In sum, 2010 was another good year for Asian equity markets with a second straight year of double-digit gains, though the returns were less spectacular than 2009. The region's economic upturn also stayed on track, with growth gradually becoming more broadly based. That said, Asia's brisk expansion was not without challenges and I highlighted this in the Half Yearly Report. The prime concern remained inflation, driven primarily by politically sensitive food prices. One conundrum for policymakers is that interest rate hikes to counter upward price pressures could attract more money from yield-chasing investors, thus aggravating inflation. A related worry is that increased capital inflows inflate currencies and make exports less competitive. Nevertheless, with inflationary pressures building, many central bankers ratcheted up the pace of tightening as the year progressed.

 

At the corporate level, Asia continued to make encouraging progress. Not only did earnings grow, but improved corporate cash flow was also paid out to shareholders as higher dividends. Indeed, your Company's total revenue for the year increased thanks to currency movements, as mentioned earlier, as well as dividends from your Company's investments, which matched or surpassed expectations. The Board remains confident in your Manager's conservative, value-driven investment style, which has served the portfolio well. A more detailed analysis of the fund's performance is contained in the Manager's Review. Your Manager has also highlighted the introduction of your Company's first investment in Japan - Takeda Pharmaceutical, a leading drug maker with a relatively high dividend yield. Thankfully, the company has remained relatively unaffected by the country's recent earthquake and tsunami.

 

Dividends

The year marked the switch from semi-annual to quarterly dividends. Four quarterly interim dividends were declared. The first two, which were noted in the Half Yearly Report, each of 1.25p, totalled 2.5p, compared to an interim dividend declared covering the six months to 30 June 2009 of 2.0p. On 19 October 2010 the Board declared a third quarterly interim dividend of 1.25p per Ordinary share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2010, which was paid on 19 November 2010 to shareholders on the register on 29 October 2010. A fourth quarterly interim dividend of 2.25p per Ordinary share was announced on 13 January 2011 and was paid on 18 February 2011 to shareholders on the register on 21 January 2011. The third and fourth quarterly interim dividends total 3.5p, compared to the 3.0p interim dividend declared covering the six months to 31 December 2009. The total dividend for the year was therefore 6.0p, a substantial increase of 20% on the previous year. Following the payment of the fourth quarterly interim dividend, the Company's revenue reserves carried forward were £4.4m (which represents approximately 3.7p per share).

 

Looking ahead, your Manager remains sanguine about the prospects for corporate earnings, which they expect to be reflected in steady dividend payouts. Having said that, the rate of growth should moderate in light of the rebound in earnings in 2010 after a difficult period in 2009.

 

Share Issuance and Gearing

During the year, the Company issued 7.2 million new Ordinary shares at a premium to the prevailing NAV and in response to on-going demand from the market.  Such issues enhance the NAV, albeit marginally, for existing shareholders.  Subsequent to the year end a further 775,000 Ordinary shares have been issued for cash. A further 1.05 million shares were issued following the exercise of Warrants to subscribe for Ordinary shares in May and October last year.  There is a separate notice accompanying the Annual Report confirming that the next Warrant subscription date will be 10 May 2011.  Warrrantholders are reminded that there is a bi-annual right to exercise Warrants up to the final exercise date which will be in May 2013.

 

During the year the value of short term borrowings under the Company's loan facility increased marginally from £10.6 million to £10.9 million largely as a result of currency movements.  On 31 March 2010 the Company's bank facility with Barclays Bank was repaid and replaced with a new £15 million 12 month multicurrency facility with Scotia Bank. Your Board is responsible for establishing and implementing the Company's gearing strategy as advised by your Manager and will continue to have a close regard to the level of gearing in the context of the current uncertainty in stockmarket conditions.  At the time of writing bank borrowings represent approximately 4.6% of the Company's net assets.  On 22 March 2011 the Company's £15 million senior secured multicurrency revolving bank facility with Scotia Bank was extended for a further 12 month period through to March 2012.

 

Outlook

The economic outlook for Asia continues to remain bright. This statement comes with caveats, however. For many countries, increased domestic demand is reducing a traditional dependence on exports, but Asia is still vulnerable to shocks from the West. Managing inflation and asset bubbles also pose a big challenge regionally. In particular, sharply rising oil prices on the back of unrest in the Middle East and North Africa have reinforced inflation fears. Despite the recent tightening, monetary policy remains generally loose with real interest rates negative in some countries. Many central bankers are keen to keep currencies competitive but a stronger currency could cushion import costs and prompt businesses to become more competitive. Simply put, tightening in Asia should be viewed positively, with interest rate increases seen as a normalisation of policy. While this could mean more modest growth in the near term, the slower pace could present benefits - more manageable inflation and the prevention of asset bubbles. Longer term, Asia still looks in good shape.

 

A policy tightening environment, meanwhile, could translate to greater stockmarket volatility in 2011. More recently, Japan's disaster and its unfolding nuclear crisis have buffeted equity markets. Some effects, notably supply chain disruptions, are already evident but it is too soon to gauge the full impact on Asia's economies. Still, your Board is cautiously optimistic about the outlook for Asia's stockmarkets; we concur with your Manager's firmly held view that it is fundamentals that drive stock prices over the longer term. Our confidence also rests on the conduct of companies. Many, particularly your Company's investments, are maintaining balance sheet discipline while improving governance and shareholder value. And stocks, while not cheap, still offer attractive opportunities over the long run.

 

Annual General Meeting

The Company's Annual General Meeting ("AGM") will be held at 9.30 a.m. on Thursday 12 May 2011 at No.1 Seaton Place, St Helier, Jersey and your Board looks forward to meeting as many shareholders as possible.  Your Company will also be holding an informal shareholder presentation in London at 10.00 a.m. on Friday 13 May 2011 at Bow Bells House, 1 Bread Street, London EC4M 9HH for those shareholders who are unable to travel to Jersey for the AGM.  The presentation will be followed by tea and coffee and will provide shareholders with an opportunity to meet representatives from the management team and to receive a general update on the Company and the markets in Asia.  The meeting in London will not constitute a formal meeting of the Company and there will not be any resolutions to vote upon.  Accordingly, if you are unable to attend the AGM, I would encourage you to vote by returning your proxy (or letter of directions if you invest via the Aberdeen ISA or Savings Plan) which is enclosed with the Annual Report and Accounts.  If you intend to attend either of the meetings, I would also be grateful if you would tick the relevant box when voting.

 

I look forward to reporting to you again with the Half Yearly Report to 30 June 2011, which will be issued to shareholders at the end of August 2011. Those shareholders who wish to keep up to date with developments between formal reports may wish to view the monthly factsheet at
http://www.asian-income.co.uk/doc.nsf/Lit/FactsheetUKClosedAAIF.

 

 

Peter Arthur

Chairman

30 March 2011

 

 

 

2.   MANAGER'S REVIEW

Overview

Most Asian markets ended 2010 with solid gains, reflecting confidence in the region's prospects despite persistent concerns over anaemic demand in the West. Overall, stockmarkets in Asia (excluding Japan) outpaced those in the US and Europe. Initially, solid economic growth and corporate earnings underpinned sentiment despite fears over policy tightening in China. However, in May, markets fell sharply as Europe's sovereign debt crisis culminated in a bailout for Greece. Exacerbating market volatility were policymakers' efforts to tackle heavy capital inflows, as investors were attracted by Asia's more upbeat prospects relative to that of its Western counterparts. Korea, Taiwan and Thailand re-imposed taxes on foreign holdings of government bonds, whereas Singapore allowed its currency to strengthen. Others, like Australia, allowed market forces to operate unhindered and saw their export competitiveness hurt by the strength of their currencies. 

 

On the macroeconomic front, Asia ex-Japan continued to lead the rest of the world in growth, although signs of moderation emerged as the year progressed. Intra-regional trade compensated for sluggish demand from developed countries to some degree. Domestic consumption underpinned expansion in China, India and Indonesia, while an export rebound boosted Singapore and Hong Kong. But there was deceleration in Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, as their third-quarter GDP growth slowed.

 

Inflationary pressures led several central banks to resume policy normalisation. This in many cases meant interest rate hikes, which hurt market sentiment. Market momentum swung sharply upwards from late August, buoyed by a fresh round of US quantitative easing despite renewed Eurozone fears.

 

Performance Review

The fund's diluted net asset value total return was 28.3% over the period and the share price total return was 30.8%, compared to the benchmark MSCI AC Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) Index's total return of 22.1%. The outperformance was due to our heavy exposure to South-east Asia, in particular Thailand and Malaysia, and our holdings in those countries, which on the whole performed well. Our underweight to Chinese companies in favour of Hong Kong ones also benefited the portfolio.

 

Over the year, stockmarkets in South-east Asian countries more geared towards domestic demand, such as Thailand and Malaysia, were among the top performers. The trend was also evident at the sector level, where consumer-related sectors led gains. Other sectors that did well were industrials, buoyed by a recovery in capital expenditure, as well as energy and materials, given the steep price gains for both soft and hard commodities.

 

In Thailand, the resilient economy supported sentiment despite political unrest. Among our consumer holdings, wholesale retailer Siam Makro delivered healthy profits. In absolute terms, it was the best performer, posting triple-digit returns. The company boasts a net-cash balance sheet. Separately, petrochemicals and cement group Siam Cement, viewed as a proxy for the economy, was buoyed by better GDP growth and news that lawmakers would allow most projects in the Map Ta Phut industrial area to resume operations.

 

As for Malaysia, a stimulatory budget and ambitious government plans to restructure the economy to raise the country to developed-nation status gave impetus to market momentum. Growth data were supportive, while bilateral relations with Singapore also warmed. The fund's holdings there outperformed, in particular, Guinness Anchor and Pos Malaysia. Consumer holding Guinness Anchor, which brews Guinness, Heineken and Tiger beer, recorded solid top-line growth. Its operating margins also increased as the ringgit's strength mitigated the impact of pricier raw materials. Although commodity prices have been rising, we expect Guinness to be able to pass on cost increases to consumers because of its pricing power. The business is highly cash-generative, enabling dividend payouts of almost 90% of earnings. Meanwhile, Pos Malaysia's share price rose sharply on the pending sale of a controlling stake - most likely to a strategic investor - by government investment arm Khazanah Nasional. Investors hoped that a new shareholder could enhance or unlock value through a possible restructuring.

 

China, where the fund is underweight, was among the fastest-growing economies in 2010. Its stockmarket, however, was the worst performer in Asia, as Beijing's tightening measures depressed sentiment. We remain cautious about China. While its growth prospects are undeniably rosy, we have found it challenging to find companies that satisfy both our quality and value criteria, preferring to gain exposure via well-established Hong Kong-domiciled companies that do business on the mainland, given the city's more stringent regulatory framework and stronger corporate culture. Valuations remain high in the most desirable sectors despite the market underperformance.

 

Among our Hong Kong holdings, Swire Pacific was bolstered by its property and aviation interests. Airline subsidiary Cathay Pacific forecast a near tripling of full-year profits, while Swire's investment property portfolio was resilient because of strong occupancy and constrained supply of prime space in Hong Kong. Casual wear retailer Giordano's share price doubled over the year. Its margins improved as management kept a tight rein on costs. As well, its strong cash position and prudent capital spending should help sustain dividend payouts, which reached over 80% of earnings in the latest financial year. 

 

In contrast, Australian insurer QBE disappointed because of some large claims arising from natural disasters and low investment yields given loose monetary policy in major developed economies. The Australian dollar's strength also hurt its income, given the significant overseas contributions. That said, QBE's management has proven its ability to manage policy pricing and risk exposure well over the insurance cycle.

 

Portfolio Activity

During the year, the share prices of some holdings rose sharply, making their dividend yields less compelling. To meet your Company's objective of dividend growth along with some capital appreciation, we introduced eight companies within Aberdeen's investment universe that offered attractive yields and good prospects. We topsliced some relatively strong performers, such as Siam Cement and Australian bank ANZ, to fund the purchases.

 

During the year, we sold Thai oil exploration company PTTEP and introduced Australian mining group BHP Billiton, as the latter, a more diversified business, offered a higher sustainable yield. Other Australian transactions were the introduction of Woolworths and the reinitiation of a position in SP Ausnet.

 

Another addition was the portfolio's first holding in Japan - Takeda Pharmaceutical, the country's largest drugmaker in terms of sales. It has a robust balance sheet and delivers consistent dividend payouts. We also introduced Malaysia's Lafarge Malayan Cement, the largest domestic cement maker by market share which enjoys firm backing from its European parent, and Thai broadcaster BEC World, which is debt-free and generates steady cash flows.

 

Other initiations were Singapore-based electronics manufacturer Venture Corp, which is making good progress in its move up the value chain from a contract manufacturer to a higher-margin original design manufacturer, and Hong Kong-listed insurer AIA, given its established distribution networks and a sizable presence in many Asian markets.

 

Outlook

We expect Asia to continue to lead the global economic recovery, although the growth pace is likely to moderate. Global stockmarkets have turned more volatile recently, following Japan's earthquake and tsunami, which triggered a nuclear crisis, and an unprecedented wave of revolts against authoritarian regimes in the Middle East and North Africa. The fragile US recovery and Europe's sovereign debt crisis have also increased risk aversion. In Asia, a major concern has been the short-term impact of Japan's disasters on other regional economies. But we think this will be more than compensated for by the significant boost from the country's multi-billion-dollar reconstruction. Apart from these uncertainties, the region is also vulnerable to inadequate policy responses to rising inflation. We view any resulting market correction as an opportune time to buy quality stocks at attractive valuations.

 

Given the above, we think the robust levels of economic growth and corporate earnings of 2010 are unlikely to be sustainable over the short term. That said, we are confident of the ability of our companies to deliver steady long-term growth, given their high quality and strong balance sheets. We maintain our preference for companies exposed to domestic growth. There is huge potential for private consumption in Asia and other emerging markets, given their favourable demographics. We are also confident that our holdings' sturdy fundamentals will leave them well placed to generate the earnings necessary for meaningful dividend payouts, and to cope with economic and fiscal headwinds.

 

 

Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited

30 March 2011

 



 

3.    STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

 

Jersey Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial period in accordance with any generally accepted accounting principles.  The financial statements of the Company are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period.  In preparing these financial statements, the Directors should:

 

-        select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

-        make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and,

-        specify which generally accepted accounting principles have been adopted in their preparation.

 

The Directors are responsible for keeping accounting records which are sufficient to show and explain its transactions and are such as to disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements prepared by the Company comply with the requirements of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991.  They 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 confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

 

-        the financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRS, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company; and

-        the Annual Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that the Company faces.

 

For Aberdeen Asian Income Fund Limited

 

 

 

P A K Arthur

Chairman

30 March 2011

 

 

 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the company's website.  Legislation in Jersey governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions

 

 

 



 

4.   BUSINESS REVIEW

A review of the Company's activities is given in the Chairman's Statement and Manager's Review.  This includes a review of the business of the Company and its principal activities, likely future developments of the business, dividends declared and details of the issue of shares during the year by the Company.  The principal risks associated with the Company are detailed below and in note 16 to the financial statements.  The Key Performance Indicators for the Company including NAV performance, share price performance and benchmark performance are detailed under item 11 Results, below.

 

The current Directors, Messrs P Arthur, D Baxter, A Berzins, M Chambers, H Young and Dr A Cukic Armstrong were the only Directors in office during the year.

 

Results and Dividends

Details of the Company's results and dividends are shown under item 11 Results below and in note 8 to the Financial Statements. With effect from 1 January 2010 interim dividends have been paid on a quarterly basis in May, August, November and February 2011.  Dividends are paid to the extent that they are covered by the income received from the Company's underlying investments.  As at 31 December 2010 the Company's brought forward revenue reserves amounted to £4.4m (3.7p per share) after the payment of the fourth interim dividend.

 

Principal Activity

The business of the Company is that of an investment company investing in the Asia Pacific region.

 

Status

The Company is registered with limited liability in Jersey as a closed-end investment company under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 with registered number 91671.  In addition, the Company constitutes and is regulated as a collective investment fund under the Collective Investment Funds (Jersey) Law 1988. 

 

The Company is a member of the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC").

 

The Company intends to manage its affairs so as to be a qualifying investment for inclusion in the stocks and shares component of an Individual Savings Account ('ISA') and it is the Directors' intention that the Company should continue to be a qualifying trust.

 

Share Capital

As at 31 December 2010 there were 118,035,062 Ordinary shares and 20,953,939 Warrants in issue. During the year the Company issued a total of 7.2 million new Ordinary shares for cash at a premium to the prevailing NAV at the time of issue.  Subsequent to the year end a further 775,000 new Ordinary shares were issued for cash.  In May and October Warrantholders elected to convert a total of 1,046,061 Warrants in to new Ordinary shares of no par value at 120p per Warrant.

 

Principal Risk Factors

Ordinary shares

The market price and the realisable value of the Ordinary shares, as well as being affected by their underlying net asset value, also take into account supply and demand for the Ordinary shares, market conditions and general investor sentiment. As such, the market value and the realisable value of the Ordinary shares may fluctuate and vary considerably from the net asset value of the Ordinary shares and investors may not be able to realise the value of their original investment. There is no guarantee that the Board's discount management policy will achieve its objective.

 

Warrants

Warrants represent a geared investment, so a relatively small movement in the market price of the Ordinary shares may result in a disproportionately large movement, unfavourable as well as favourable, in the market price of the Warrants.

 

Dividends

The Company will only pay dividends on the Ordinary shares to the extent that it has profits (current year or brought forward) available for that purpose. The ability of the Company to pay any dividends in respect of the Ordinary shares and any future dividend growth will depend primarily on the level of income received from its investments. The Company's income is derived from ordinary and special dividends and the level of these dividends received in any year is liable to fluctuation. Accordingly, the amount of the dividends paid to shareholders may also fluctuate.

 

Borrowings

Whilst the use of borrowings should enhance the total return on the Ordinary shares where the return on the Company's underlying assets is rising and exceeds the cost of borrowing, it will have the opposite effect where the underlying return is less than the cost of borrowing, further reducing the total return on the Ordinary shares.

 

Market Risks

The fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument held by the Company may fluctuate because of changes in market prices. Market risk comprises three elements, interest rate risk, currency risk and equity price risk. Further details of these risks are disclosed in note 16 to the financial statements. Investment in emerging securities markets in the Asia Pacific region involves a greater degree of risk than that usually associated with investment in more developed securities markets, including the risk of social, economic and political instability which may have an adverse effect on economic returns or restrict investment opportunities.

 

General

The Company does not have a fixed winding-up date and, therefore, unless shareholders vote to wind up the Company, shareholders will only be able to realise their investment through the market.

 

Taxation and Exchange Controls

Any change in the Company's tax status or in taxation legislation (including the tax treatment of dividends or other investment income received by the Company) could affect the value of the investments held by the Company, affect the Company's ability to provide returns to shareholders or alter the post-tax returns to shareholders.

 

The Company may purchase investments that may be subject to exchange controls or withholding taxes in various jurisdictions. In the event that exchange controls or withholding taxes are imposed with respect to any of the Company's investments, the effect will generally be to reduce the income received by the Company on its investments and the capital value of the affected investments.

 

 



5.   STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 



 Year ended

 Year ended

 



31 December 2010

31 December 2009

 



Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

 


Notes

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

Investment income

4







 

Dividend income


9,280

13

9,293

6,793

-

6,793

 

Interest income


1,005

-

1,005

887

-

887

 



_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

 

Total revenue


10,285

13

10,298

7,680

-

7,680

 

Gains on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

10

-

42,609

42,609

-

34,151

34,151

 

Currency (losses)/gains

14

-

(532)

(532)

-

1,654

1,654

 



_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

 



10,285

42,090

52,375

7,680

35,805

43,485

 



_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

 

Expenses








 

Investment management fee

5

(677)

(1,016)

(1,693)

(487)

(730)

(1,217)

 

Other operating expenses

6

(748)

(39)

(787)

(614)

-

(614)

 



_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

 

Profit before finance costs and tax


8,860

41,035

49,895

6,579

35,075

41,654

 



_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

 

Finance costs

7

(94)

(142)

(236)

(172)

(259)

(431)

 

Profit before tax


8,766

40,893

49,659

6,407

34,816

41,223

 









 

Tax expense


(509)

-

(509)

(363)

-

(363)

 



_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

 

Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders


8,257

40,893

49,150

6,044

34,816

40,860

 



_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

 









 

Earnings per Ordinary share (pence):

9







 

Basic


7.31

36.21

43.52

5.54

31.93

37.47

 



_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

 

 Diluted


7.03

34.84

41.87

5.54

31.93

37.47

 



_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

All of the profit and total comprehensive income is attributable to the equity holders of Aberdeen Asian Income Fund Limited.  There are no minority interests.

 

The total column of this statement represents the Statement of Comprehensive Income of the Company, prepared in accordance with IFRS. The revenue and capital columns are supplementary to this and are prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies. All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.

 

In accordance with the undertaking provided by the Board in the launch Prospectus, dividends may only be paid out of the Company's distributable reserves.

 

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

 

 

6.   BALANCE SHEET

 

 



As at

As at



31 December

31 December



2010

2009


Notes

£'000

£'000

Non-current assets




Investments held at fair value through profit or loss

10

216,933

160,413



_________

_________

Current assets




Cash and cash equivalents


1,380

4,165

Other receivables

11

1,198

662



_________

_________



2,578

4,827



_________

_________

Current liabilities




Bank loans

12

(10,913)

(10,558)

Other payables

12

(444)

(284)



_________

_________



(11,357)

(10,842)



_________

_________

Net current liabilities


(8,779)

(6,015)



_________

_________

Net assets


208,154

154,398



_________

_________

Share capital and reserves




Ordinary share capital

13

118,035

109,790

Warrant reserve


2,095

2,200

Capital redemption reserve


1,560

1,560

Capital reserve

14

79,427

34,528

Revenue reserve

14

7,037

6,320



_________

_________

Equity shareholders' funds


208,154

154,398



_________

_________

Net asset value per Ordinary share (pence):

15



Basic


176.35

140.63



_________

_________

Diluted


167.85

137.19



_________

_________



7.   STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

 

For the year ended 31 December 2010











Capital






Share

Warrant

redemption

Capital

Revenue

Retained



capital

reserve

reserve

reserve

reserve

earnings

Total


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Opening balance

109,790

2,200

1,560

34,528

6,320

-

154,398

Issue of own shares

7,199

-

-

3,692

-

-

10,891

Exercise of warrants

1,046

(105)

-

314

-

-

1,255

Profit for the year

-

-

-

-

-

49,150

49,150

Transferred from retained earnings to capital reserve{A}

-

-

-

40,893

-

(40,893)

-

Transferred from retained earnings to revenue reserve

-

-

-

-

8,257

(8,257)

-

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

(7,540)

-

(7,540)


_______

______

________

_______

______

______

_______

Balance at  31 December 2010

118,035

2,095

1,560

79,427

7,037

-

208,154


_______

______

________

_______

______

______

_______









For the year ended 31 December 2009











Capital






Share

Warrant

redemption

Capital

Revenue

Retained



capital

reserve

reserve

reserve

reserve

earnings

Total


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Opening balance

108,440

2,200

1,560

(513)

5,442

-

117,129

Issue of own shares

1,350

-

-

225

-

-

1,575

Loss for the year

-

-

-

-

-

40,860

40,860

Transferred from retained earnings to capital reserve{A}

-

-

-

34,816

-

(34,816)

-

Transferred from retained earnings to revenue reserve

-

-

-

-

6,044

(6,044)

-

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

(5,166)

-

(5,166)


_______

______

________

_______

______

______

_______

Balance at 31 December 2009

109,790

2,200

1,560

34,528

6,320

-

154,398


_______

______

________

_______

______

______

_______









{A}Represents the capital profit attributable to equity shareholders per the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

The revenue reserve represents the amount of the Company's reserves distributable by way of dividend.

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



8.   CASH FLOW STATEMENT

 

 



Year ended

Year ended



 31 December 2010

 31 December 2009


Notes

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Profit for the year



49,150


40,860

Add back finance costs

7


236


431

Add back taxation paid



509


363

Gains on investments held at fair value through profit or loss

10


(42,609)


(34,151)

Net currency losses/(gains)

14


532


(1,654)

Increase in interest receivable



-


(9)

(Increase)/decrease in other receivables



(537)


20

Increase/(decrease) in other payables



200


(47)




_______


_______

Net cash inflow from operating activities before finance costs and tax{A}



7,481


5,813







Bank and loan interest paid



(276)


(416)







Overseas taxation paid



(509)


(363)




_______


_______

Net cash inflow from operating activities



6,696


5,034







Investing activities






Purchases of investments


(35,366)


(3,334)


Sales of investments


21,455


4,562




_______


_______


Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities



(13,911)


1,228




_______


_______

Financing activities






Issue of own shares

13,14

10,891


1,575


Exercise of warrants

13,14

1,255


-


Dividends paid

8

(7,540)


(5,166)


Loans drawn down/(repaid)


42


(3,487)




_______


_______


Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities



4,648


(7,078)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalent



(2,567)


(816)

Cash and cash equivalents of the start of the year



4,165


4,968

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes



(218)


13




_______


_______

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

2, 16


1,380


4,165




_______


_______







{A}Includes income from dividends of £8,807,000 gross (2009 - £6,812,000 gross) and interest income of £969,000 (2009 - £874,000).

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

 

9.   NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Additional Notes to the Annual Financial Report:

 

 

1.

Principal activity


The Company is a closed-end investment company incorporated in Jersey, with its shares being listed on the London Stock Exchange.

 

2.

Accounting policies

 


The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), and interpretations issued by the International Reporting Interpretations Committee of the IASB (IFRIC).

 



 


(a)

Basis of preparation

 



The financial statements are prepared on a historical cost basis, except for financial assets that have been measured at fair value through profit or loss.

 



The accounting policies which follow set out those policies which apply in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2010.

 



The financial statements are presented in sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand (£'000) except when otherwise indicated.

 



Where guidance set out in the Statement of Recommended Practice ("SORP") for investment trusts issued by the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC") is consistent with the requirement of IFRS, the Directors have sought to prepare the financial statements on a basis compliant with the recommendations of the SORP.

 



Changes in accounting policy and disclosures

 



At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following Standards and Interpretations were in issue but not yet effective:

 



-

Amendments to IFRS 1 - First time adoption - Financial Instrument Disclosures (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010).

 



-

Amendments to IFRS 7 - Financial Instruments: Disclosures on Derecognition 2011 (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2011).

 



-

IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013).

 



-

Amendments to IAS 1 - First time adoption - narrow scope amendment (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2011).

 



-

Amendments to IAS 12 - Income taxes - deferred tax amendment (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2012).

 



-

Amendments to IAS 24 - Related Party Disclosures (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011).

 



-

Amendments to IAS 32 - Classification of Rights Issues (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 February 2010).

 



-

IFRIC 19 - Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010).

 



-

Amendments to IFRIC 14 - Prepayments of a Minimum Funding Requirement (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011).

 




 



The Directors anticipate that the adoption of these Standards and Interpretations in future periods will have no material financial impact on the financial statements of the Company. The Company concludes however that certain additional disclosures may be necessary and will be considered on their application.

 




 


(b)

Income

 



Dividends receivable on equity shares (other than special dividends) are brought into account on the ex-dividend date. Dividends receivable on equity shares where no ex-dividend date is quoted are brought into account when the Company's right to receive payment is established. Where the Company has elected to receive dividends in the form of additional shares rather than in cash, the amount of the cash dividend foregone is recognised as income. Special dividends are credited to capital or revenue according to their circumstances. Dividend revenue is presented gross of any non-recoverable withholding taxes, which are disclosed separately in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

 




 



The fixed returns on debt securities and non-equity shares are recognised using the effective interest rate method.

 




 



Interest receivable from cash and short-term deposits is accrued to the end of the financial period.

 




 


(c)

Expenses

 



All expenses, with the exception of interest expenses, which are recognised using the effective interest method, are accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenses are charged through the revenue column of the Statement of Comprehensive Income except as follows:

 



-

expenses which are incidental to the acquisition or disposal of an investment are treated as capital and separately identified and disclosed in note 10;

 



-

expenses (including share issue costs) are treated as capital where a connection with the maintenance or enhancement of the value of the investments can be demonstrated; and

 



-

the Company charges 60% of investment management fees and finance costs to capital, in accordance with the Board's expected long term return in the form of capital gains and income respectively from the investment portfolio of the Company.

 




 


(d)

Taxation

 



With effect from the 2009 year of assessment Jersey abolished the exempt company regime for existing companies.  Profits arising in the Company for the 2010 year of assessment will be subject to tax at the rate of 0% (2009 - 0%). 

 




 



However, in some jurisdictions, investment income and capital gains are subject to withholding tax deducted at the source of the income. The Company presents the withholding tax separately from the gross investment income in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. For the purpose of the Cash Flow Statement, cash inflows from investments are presented net of withholding taxes, when applicable.

 




 


(e)

Investments

 



All investments have been designated upon initial recognition as fair value through profit or loss. This is done because all investments are considered to form part of a group of financial assets which is evaluated on a fair value basis, in accordance with the Company's documented investment strategy, and information about the grouping is provided internally on that basis.

 




 



Purchases of investments are recognised on a trade date basis and designated upon initial recognition at fair value through the profit or loss. Sales of assets are also recognised on a trade date basis. Proceeds are measured at fair value, which are regarded as the proceeds of sale less any transaction costs.

 




 



The fair value of the financial assets is based on their quoted bid price at the reporting date, without deduction for any estimated future selling costs. Unquoted investments would be valued by the Directors using primary valuation techniques such as earnings multiples, recent transactions and net assets.

 




 



Changes in the value of investments held at fair value through profit or loss and gains and losses on disposal are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as "Gains on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss". Also included within this caption are transaction costs in relation to the purchase or sale of investments, including the difference between the purchase price of an investment and its bid price at the date of purchase.

 




 


(f)

Cash and cash equivalents

 



Cash comprises cash in hand and at banks. Cash equivalents are short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and that are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in values.

 




 


For the purposes of the Cash Flow Statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

 




 


(g)

Other receivables and payables

 



Other receivables do not carry any interest and are short-term in nature and are accordingly stated at their recoverable amount. Other payables are non interest bearing and are stated at their payable amount.

 




 


(h)

Dividends payable

 



Dividends are recognised in the financial statements in the period in which they are paid.

 




 


(i)

Nature and purpose of reserves

 



Warrant reserve

 



The Warrant reserve was created on the issue of 22,000,000 Warrants at the launch of the Company. Each Warrant issued entitles the holder to subscribe in cash for one Ordinary share on the terms contained in note 13. The reserve reflects the issue price of unexercised Warrants.

 




 



Capital redemption reserve

 



The capital redemption reserve arose when Ordinary shares were redeemed, at which point an amount equal to the par value of the Ordinary share capital was transferred from the Statement of Comprehensive Income to the capital redemption reserve. Following a law amendment in 2008, the Company is no longer required to transfer the par value of the Ordinary share capital. Although the transfer from the Statement of Comprehensive Income is no longer required, the amount remaining in the capital redemption reserve is not distributable in accordance with the undertaking provided by the Board in the launch Prospectus.

 




 



Capital reserve (see note 14 to the financial statements)

 



This reserve reflects any gains or losses on investments realised in the period along with any increases and decreases in the fair value of investments held that have been recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

 




 



Revenue reserve

 



This reserve reflects all income and costs which are recognised in the revenue column of the Statement of Comprehensive Income. The revenue reserve represents the amount of the Company's reserves distributable by way of dividend.

 




 


(j)

Foreign currency

 



Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are converted into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the reporting date. The financial statements are presented in sterling, which is the Company's functional and presentational currency. The Company's performance is evaluated and its liquidity is managed in sterling. Therefore sterling is considered as the currency that most faithfully represents the economic effects of the underlying transactions, events and conditions. Transactions during the year involving foreign currencies are converted at the rate of exchange ruling at the transaction date. Gains or losses arising from a change in exchange rates subsequent to the date of a transaction is included as an exchange gain or loss in revenue or capital in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, depending on whether the gain or loss is of a revenue or capital nature.

 




 


(k)

Borrowings

 



Monies borrowed to finance the investment objectives of the Company are stated at the amount of the net proceeds immediately after the issue plus cumulative finance costs less cumulative payments made in respect of the debt. The finance cost of such borrowings are allocated to years over the term of the debt at a constant rate on the carrying amount and, as per the Prospectus, are charged 40% to revenue and 60% to capital reserves to reflect the Company's investment policy and prospective income and capital growth.

 




 



Borrowings are held at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

 


(l)

Share Capital

 



The Company's ordinary shares are classified as equity as the Company has full discretion on repurchasing the shares and on dividend distributions.

 





Issuance, acquisition and resale of Ordinary shares are accounted for as equity transactions. Upon issuance of shares, the consideration received is included in equity.






Transaction costs incurred by the Company in acquiring or selling its own equity instruments are accounted for as a deduction from equity to the extent that they are incremental costs directly attributable to the equity transaction that otherwise would have been avoided.






Own equity instruments which are acquired (treasury shares) are deducted from equity and accounted for at amounts equal to the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs.






No gain or loss is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income on the purchase, sale issuance or cancellation of the Company's own instruments.


 

3.

Segment information


For management purposes, the Company is organised into one main operating segment, which invests in equity securities and debt instruments. All of the Company's activities are interrelated, and each activity is dependent on the others.  Accordingly, all significant operating decisions are based upon analysis of the Company as one segment. The financial results from this segment are equivalent to the financial statements of the Company as a whole.




The following table analyses the Company's operating income per geographical location. The basis for attributing the operating income is the place of incorporation of the instrument's counterparty.







Year ended

Year ended



31 December 2010

31 December 2009



£'000

£'000


Asia Pacific region

10,189

7,657


United Kingdom

96

23



_________

_________



10,285

7,680



_________

_________

 



Year ended

Year ended



31 December 2010

31 December 2009

4.

Income

£'000

£'000


Income from investments




Overseas dividends

9,192

6,793


Franked income

88

-



_________

_________



9,280

6,793


Interest income




Bond interest

996

864


Deposit interest

9

23



_________

_________



1,005

887



_________

_________


Total income

10,285

7,680



_________

_________

 



Year ended

Year ended



31 December 2010

31 December 2009



Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

5.

Investment management fee

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000


Investment management fee

677

1,016

1,693

487

730

1,217



_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______










The Company has an agreement with Aberdeen Private Wealth Management (APWM) for the provision of management services. This agreement has been sub-delegated to Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited (AAM Asia).




During the year the management fee was payable monthly in arrears and was based on an annual amount of 1% of the net asset value of the Company valued monthly. The balance due to APWM at the year end was £328,000 (2009 - £124,000). The investment management fees are charged 40% to revenue and 60% to capital.

 



Year ended

Year ended



31 December 2010

31 December 2009



Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

6.

Other operating expenses

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000


Directors' fees

115

-

115

115

-

115


Marketing contribution

122

-

122

93

-

93


Auditors' remuneration:








- statutory audit

22

-

22

23

-

23


- interim accounts review

5

-

5

5

-

5


Custodian charges

113

-

113

119

-

119


Secretarial and administration fee

112

-

112

110

-

110


Other

259

39

298

149

-

149



_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______



748

39

787

614

-

614



_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______










The Company has an agreement with Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited (AAM) for the provision of marketing services in relation to the Company's participation in the Aberdeen Investment Trust share plan and ISA. The total fees paid are based on an annual rate of £133,000 (2009 - £90,000). There was no sum due to AAM at the year end (2009 - £nil).




In addition, Aberdeen Private Wealth Management Limited (APWM) is entitled to an annual company secretarial and administration fee of £112,000, which increases annually in line with any increases in RPI. A balance of £28,000 (2009 - £28,000) was payable to APWM at the year end.

 



Year ended

Year ended



31 December 2010

31 December 2009



Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

7.

Finance costs

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000


On bank loans and overdrafts

94

142

236

172

259

431



_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______










Finance costs are charged 40% to revenue and 60% to capital as disclosed in the accounting policies.

 



Year ended

Year ended



31 December 2010

31 December 2009

8.

Dividends on equity shares

£'000

£'000


Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the year:




Second interim dividend for 2009 - 3.0p per share  (2008 - 2.75p)

3,294

2,982


First interim dividend for 2010 - 1.25p per share (2009 - 2.0p)

1,387

2,184


Second interim dividend for 2010 - 1.25p per share (2009 - n/a)

1,403

-


Third interim dividend for 2010 - 1.25p per share (2009 - n/a)

1,456

-



_________

_________



7,540

5,166



_________

_________




The fourth interim dividend for 2010, amounting to £2,656,000 (2009 - second interim dividend of £3,294,000), has not been included as a liability in these financial statements as it was announced and paid after 31 December 2010.




The table below sets out the total dividends paid in respect of the financial year. The revenue available for distribution by way of dividend for the year is £8,257,000 (2009 - £6,044,000).







2010

2009



£'000

£'000


First interim dividend for 2010 - 1.25p per share (2009 - 2.0p)

1,387

2,184


Second interim dividend for 2010 - 1.25p per share (2009 - 3.0p)

1,403

3,294


Third interim dividend for 2010 - 1.25p per share (2009 - n/a)

1,456

-


Fourth interim dividend for 2010 - 2.25p per share (2009 - n/a)

2,656

-



_________

_________



6,902

5,478



_________

_________

 

9.

Earnings per share


Basic


The earnings per Ordinary share is based on the net profit after taxation of £49,150,000 (2009 - profit of £40,860,000) and on 112,948,965 (2009 - 109,030,411) Ordinary shares, being the weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue during the year.




The earnings per Ordinary share detailed above can be further analysed between revenue and capital as follows:






Year ended

Year ended



31 December 2010

31 December 2009



Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total


Net profit (£'000)

8,257

40,893

49,150

6,044

34,816

40,860


Weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue



112,948,965



109,030,411


Return per Ordinary share (pence)

7.31

36.21

43.52

5.54

31.93

37.47










Diluted








Net profit (£'000)

8,257

40,893

49,150

6,044

34,816

40,860


Weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue if Warrants converted



117,382,806



109,030,411


Return per Ordinary share (pence)

7.03

34.84

41.87

5.54

31.93

37.47










Diluted








The calculation of the diluted earnings per Ordinary shares is based on the average traded share price over the period. The calculations indicate that the exercise of Warrants would result in an increase in the weighted average number of Ordinary shares of 4,433,841 to 117,382,806 Ordinary shares. At 31 December 2009, Warrants that could potentially dilute the earnings per share in the future are not included in the calculations of the diluted earnings per share because they are anti-dilutive for the period.

 



Year ended

Year ended



31 December 2010

31 December 2009

10.

Investments held at fair value through profit or loss

£'000

£'000


Opening valuation

160,413

127,490


Movements in the year:




Purchases at cost

35,366

3,334


Sales

-

proceeds

(21,455)

(4,562)



-

realised gains/(losses) on sales

9,922

(1,891)


Increase in investment holdings fair value

32,687

36,042



_________

_________


Closing valuation at 31 December 2010

216,933

160,413



_________

_________






Closing book cost

144,904

121,071


Closing investment holdings fair value gains

72,029

39,342



_________

_________



216,933

160,413



_________

_________







Year ended

Year ended



31 December 2010

31 December 2009


The portfolio valuation

£'000

£'000


Listed on stock exchanges at market valuation:




Overseas:





-

 equities

205,209

150,671



-

 bonds

11,724

9,742





_________

_________


Total



216,933

160,413





_________

_________








Gains on held-at-fair-value investments

£'000

£'000


Realised gains/(losses) on sales of investments

9,922

(1,891)


Increase in investment holdings fair value

32,687

36,042



_________

_________



42,609

34,151



_________

_________






All investments are categorised as held at fair value through profit or loss.




Transaction costs


During the year expenses were incurred in acquiring or disposing of investments classified as fair value through profit or loss. These have been expensed through capital and are included within gains on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. The total costs were as follows:







Year ended

Year ended



31 December 2010

31 December 2009



£'000

£'000


Purchases

108

8


Sales

39

13



_________

_________



147

21



_________

_________

 



2010

2009

11.

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year

£'000

£'000


Prepayments and accrued income

1,191

658


Other receivables

7

4



_________

_________



1,198

662










None of the above assets are past their due date or impaired.

 




2010

2009

12.

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

£'000

£'000


(a)

Bank loans

10,913

10,558




_________

_________








At the year end, the Company's bank loans of HK$81,842,000 and US$6,558,000 equivalent to £6,724,000 (2009 - £6,511,000) and £4,189,000 (2009 - £4,047,000) respectively were drawn down from the £15,000,000 facility with Scotiabank Europe PLC at fixed interest rates of 1.501% (2009 - 2.30%) and 1.546% (2009 - 1.98%), respectively.






On 22 March 2011 both bank loans were rolled over. At the signing of this report HK$81,842,000 and US$6,558,000 remained drawn down from the £15,000,000 facility with Scotiabank Europe PLC at fixed interest rates of 1.41144% and 1.4598% respectively. Both are repayable on 27 June 2011.






The bank loans outstanding at 31 December 2010 are valued at the middle rates of exchange at the year end, resulting in cumulative foreign exchange loss of £16,000 (2009 - loss of £224,000) against the original book cost of these loans.







2010

2009


(b)

Other payables

£'000

£'000




_________

_________



Other payables

444

284




_________

_________

 



2010

2009

13.

Called-up share capital

 Number

£'000

 Number

£'000


Authorised






Ordinary shares of no par value

 Unlimited

 Unlimited

 Unlimited

Unlimited








Issued and fully paid






Balance brought forward

109,790,000

109,790

108,440,000

108,440


Shares issued in the year

7,199,001

7,199

1,350,000

1,350


Warrants exercised

1,046,061

1,046

-

-



_________

_________

_________

_________


At 31 December 2010

118,035,062

118,035

109,790,000

109,790



_________

_________

_________

_________








During the year 7,199,001 (2009 - 1,350,000 shares issued) Ordinary shares were issued by the Company at a total consideration received, including transaction costs, of £10,891,000 (2009 - receipt of £1,575,000).




The Ordinary shares give shareholders the entitlement to all of the capital growth in the Company's assets and to all the income from the Company that is resolved to be distributed.




During the year 1,046,061 warrants were exercised and converted into Ordinary shares (2009 - nil) at a total consideration received of £1,255,000 (2009 - nil). At 31 December 2010 there were 20,953,939 (2009 - 22,000,000) Warrants in issue. The warrantholders are entitled to subscribe in cash for one Ordinary share at 120p on the subscription date, which is the twentieth business day after the dispatch to Ordinary shareholders of the Company's Annual Report and Accounts or Half-Yearly report for each year, commencing with the twentieth business day after the dispatch to Ordinary shareholders of the Company's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31 December 2010 and ending on the twentieth business day after the dispatch to Ordinary shareholders of the Company's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31 December 2012.




Following the share issues and warrant exercise 118,035,062 (2009 - 109,790,000) Ordinary shares remain in issue. Further details of the share issues are contained in the Annual Report.




Voting rights


In accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, on a show of hands, every member (or duly appointed proxy) present at a general meeting of the Company has one vote; and, on a poll, every member present in person or by proxy shall have one vote for every 1p nominal amount of Ordinary shares held. In ordinary circumstances warrantholders do not have the right to attend or vote at General Meetings of the Company.

 

Each of the Company's Warrants confers the right to subscribe in cash for one ordinary share at a price of 120p on the twentieth business day after despatch of the Company's Annual or Half-Yearly Reports each year ending on the twentieth business day after despatch of the Annual Report for the year ending 31 December 2012.

 



2010

2009

14.

Retained earnings

£'000

£'000


Capital reserve




At 1 January 2010

34,528

(513)


Loans - movement in unrealised currency gain

208

684


Currency (loss)/gain

(740)

970


Movement in unrealised fair value

32,687

36,042


Gain/(loss) on realisation of investments

9,922

(1,891)


Capital dividend

13

-


Costs charged to capital

(1,197)

(989)


Issue of own shares

3,692

225


Warrant exercise

314

-



_________

_________


At 31 December 2010

79,427

34,528



_________

_________


Revenue reserve




At 1 January 2010

6,320

5,442


Revenue

8,257

6,044


Dividends paid

(7,540)

(5,166)



_________

_________


At 31 December 2010

7,037

6,320



_________

_________

 

15.

Net asset value per share


The basic net asset value per Ordinary share and the net asset values attributable to Ordinary shareholders at the year end calculated in accordance with the Articles of Association were as follows:





Net asset value

Net asset values

Net asset value

Net asset values



per share

attributable

per share

attributable



2010

2010

2009

2009


Basic

p

£'000

p

£'000


Ordinary shares

176.35

208,154

140.63

154,398



_________

_________

_________

_________








The basic net asset value per Ordinary share is based on 118,035,062 (2009 - 109,790,000) Ordinary shares, being the number of Ordinary shares in issue at the year end.









Net asset value

Net asset values

Net asset value

Net asset values



per share

attributable

per share

attributable



2010

2010

2009

2009


Diluted

p

£'000

p

£'000


Ordinary shares

167.85

233,299

137.19

180,798



_________

_________

_________

_________








The calculation of the diluted net asset value per Ordinary share is based on the total number of Ordinary shares in issue at the year end and on the assumption that those Warrants which are not exercised at the year end, amounting to 20,953,939 Warrants as at 31 December 2010 (31 December 2009 - 22,000,000) were exercised on the first day of the financial year at 120p per share, giving a total of 138,989,001 Ordinary shares (2009 - 131,790,000).

 

16.

Financial instruments


The Company's financial instruments comprise securities, other investments, cash balances and bank overdrafts.




The main risks arising from the Company's financial instruments are (i) market price risk (comprising interest rate risk, currency risk and equity price risk), (ii) liquidity risk, (iii) credit risk and (iv) gearing risk.




The Board regularly reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks. The Manager's policies for managing each of these risks are summarised below and have been applied throughout the year. The numerical disclosures exclude short-term debtors and creditors.



(i)

Market price risk


The fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument held by the Company may fluctuate because of changes in market prices. This market risk comprises three elements - interest rate risk, currency risk and equity price risk. 




Interest rate risk


Interest rate movements may affect:


-      the fair value of the investments in fixed interest rate securities;


-      the level of income receivable on cash deposits;


-      interest payable on the Company's variable rate borrowings.




Financial assets


Although the majority of the Company's financial assets comprise equity shares which neither pay interest nor have a stated maturity date, at the year end the Company had a holding in a fixed rate Indonesian Government Bond, in the form of a Currency Loan Note issued by Deutsche Bank, valued at £11,724,000 (2009 - £9,742,000). Bond prices are determined by market perception as to the appropriate level of yields given the economic background. Key determinants include economic growth prospects, inflation, the Government's fiscal position, short-term interest rates and international market comparisons. The Investment Manager takes all these factors into account when making any investment decisions as well as considering the financial standing of the potential investee entity.




Returns from bonds are fixed at the time of purchase, as the fixed coupon payments are known, as are the final redemption proceeds. This means that if a bond is held until its redemption date, the total return achieved is unaltered from its purchase date. However, over the life of a bond the market price at any given time will depend on the market environment at that time. Therefore, a bond sold before its redemption date is likely to have a different price to its purchase level and a profit or loss may be incurred.




Financial liabilities


The Company primarily finances its operations through use of equity, retained profits and bank borrowings. The credit facility for £15 million due to expire on the 31 March 2011 has been extended until 22 March 2012 and details of the terms and conditions of the loan are disclosed in note 12. Current loans drawndown are of HK$81,842,000 (2009 - HK$81,525,000), (equivalent to £6,724,000 at 31 December 2010; 2009 - £6,511,000) were drawn down at an all-in rate of 1.501% (2009 - 2.30%) per annum and US$6,558,000 (2009 - US$6,535,000), (equivalent to £4,189,000 at 31 December 2010; 2009 - £4,047,000) at an all-in rate of 1.546% (2009 - 1.98%) per annum. Both tranches are unsecured. Interest is due on both tranches at the maturity date, being 28 February 2011 respectively. The loans are included in creditors falling due within one year.




The Board actively monitors its bank borrowings. A decision on whether to roll over its existing borrowings will be made prior to their maturity dates, taking into account the Company's policy of not having any fixed, long-term borrowings.




The interest rate profile of the Company (excluding short term debtors and creditors as stated previously) was as follows:





Weighted average







period for which

Weighted average


Floating


Fixed

Non-interest



 rate is fixed

interest rate

rate

rate

bearing


At 31 December 2010

Years

%

£'000

£'000

£'000


Assets







Indonesian Government Bond

6.56

10.00

-

11,724

-


Equities

-

-

-

-

205,209


Cash at bank - Sterling

-

-

1,292

-

-


Cash at bank - Philippine Peso

-

-

33

-

-


Cash at bank - Taiwan Dollar

-

-

55

-

-



_________

_________

________

________

________



-

-

1,380

11,724

205,209



_________

_________

________

________

________










Weighted average







period for which

Weighted average


Floating


Fixed

Non-interest



 rate is fixed

interest rate

rate

rate

bearing



Years

%

£'000

£'000

£'000


Liabilities







Bank loan - Hong Kong Dollars

0.16

1.50

-

(6,724)

-


Bank loan - US Dollars

0.16

1.55

-

(4,189)

-



_________

_________

________

________

________



-

-

-

(10,913)

-



_________

_________

________

________

________










Weighted average







period for which

Weighted average


Floating


Fixed

Non-interest



 rate is fixed

interest rate

rate

rate

bearing


At 31 December 2009

Years

%

£'000

£'000

£'000


Assets







Indonesian Government Bond

7.56

10.00

-

9,742

-


Equities

-

-

-

-

150,671


Cash at bank - Sterling

-

-

4,165

-

-



_________

_________

________

________

________



-

-

4,165

9,742

150,671



_________

_________

________

________

________










Weighted average







period for which

Weighted average


Floating


Fixed

Non-interest



 rate is fixed

interest rate

rate

rate

bearing



Years

%

£'000

£'000

£'000


Liabilities







Bank loan - Hong Kong Dollars

0.07

2.30

-

(6,511)

-


Bank loan - US Dollars

0.07

1.98

-

(4,047)

-



_________

_________

________

________

________



-

-

-

(10,558)

-



_________

_________

________

________

________









The weighted average interest rate is based on the current yield of each asset, weighted by its market value. The weighted average interest rate on bank loans is based on the interest rate payable, weighted by the total value of the loans.


The floating rate assets consist of cash deposits on call earning interest at prevailing market rates.


The non-interest bearing assets represent the equity element of the portfolio.


All financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.




Maturity profile


The following table sets out the carrying amount, by maturity, of the Company's financial instruments that are exposed to interest rate risk at the Balance Sheet date:










Within

Within

Within

More than




1 year

2-3 years

4-5 years

5 years

Total


At 31 December 2010

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000


Fixed rate







Bonds

-

-

-

11,724

11,724


Bank loans

(10,913)

-

-

-

(10,913)



_________

_________

________

________

________



(10,913)

-

-

11,724

811



_________

_________

________

________

________


Floating rate







Cash

1,380

-

-

-

1,380



_________

_________

________

________

________










Within

Within

Within

More than




1 year

2-3 years

4-5 years

5 years

Total


At 31 December 2009

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000


Fixed rate







Bonds

-

-

-

9,742

9,742


Bank loans

(10,558)

-

-

                          -  

(10,558)



_________

_________

________

________

________



(10,558)

-

-

9,742

(816)



_________

_________

________

________

________


Floating rate







Cash

4,165

                       -

                                      -

                            -

4,165



_________

_________

________

________

________




Interest rate sensitivity


The sensitivity analyses demonstrates the sensitivity of the Company's profit/(loss) for the year to a reasonably possible change in interest rates, with all other variables held constant.




The sensitivity of the profit/(loss) for the year is the effect of the assumed change in interest rates on:


-      the net interest income for one year, based on the floating rate financial assets held at the Balance Sheet date; and


-      changes in fair value of investments for the year, based on revaluing fixed rate financial assets at the Balance Sheet date.




If interest rates had been 100 basis points higher or lower and all other variables were held constant, the Company's:


- profit for the year ended 31 December 2010 would decrease / increase by £22,000 (2009 - decrease / increase by £33,000). This is attributable to the Company's exposure to interest rates on its floating rate cash balances, fixed interest securities and bank loans.


- the Company holds no financial instruments that will have an equity reserve impact.




In the opinion of the Directors, the above sensitivity analyses are not representative of the year as a whole, since the level of exposure changes frequently as part of the interest rate risk management process used to meet the Company's objectives.




Foreign currency risk


A significant proportion of the Company's investment portfolio is invested in overseas securities and the Balance Sheet can be significantly affected by movements in foreign exchange rates. It is not the Company's policy to hedge this risk on a continuing basis. All of the Company's borrowings, as detailed in note 12, are in foreign currency as at 31 December 2010.




The revenue account is subject to currency fluctuation arising on overseas income. The Company does not hedge this currency risk.




The fair values of the Company's monetary items that have foreign currency exposure at 31 December are shown below. Where the Company's equity investments (which are non monetary items) are priced in a foreign currency, they have been included within the equity price risk sensitivity analysis so as to show the overall level of exposure.





31 December 2010

31 December 2009



US$

HK$

Other

US$

HK$

Other



£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000


Investments at fair value through profit or loss that are monetary items

11,724

-

-

9,742

-

-


Borrowings under the multi-currency loan facility

(4,189)

(6,724)

-

(4,047)

(6,511)

-



_______

______

_______

______

______

______


Foreign currency exposure on net monetary items

7,535

(6,724)

-

5,695

(6,511)

-


Investments at fair value through profit or loss that are equities

-

16,785

188,424

-

10,178

140,493



_______

______

_______

______

______

______


Total net foreign currency exposure

7,535

10,061

188,424

5,695

3,667

140,493



_______

______

_______

______

______

______










The above year end amounts are not representative of the exposure to risk during the year, because the levels of monetary foreign currency exposure change significantly throughout the year.




Foreign currency sensitivity


The following table details the Company's sensitivity to a 10% increase and decrease in sterling against the major foreign currencies in which the Company has exposure on its monetary items. Monetary items include the bond holding which is measured at fair value through profit and loss. The sensitivity analysis includes foreign currency denominated monetary items and adjusts their translation at the period end for a 10% change in foreign currency rates.




If sterling had weakened against the currencies shown, this would have had the following effect:







31 December 2010

31 December 2009



US$

HK$

Other

US$

HK$

Other



£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000


Statement of Comprehensive Income - profit after taxation








- Revenue return 

107

81

946

92

41

708


- Capital return 

837

(747)

-

633

(723)

-



_______

______

_______

______

______

______


Total profit after taxation for the year 

944

(666)

946

725

(682)

708



_______

______

_______

______

______

______


Equity 

944

(666)

946

725

(682)

708



_______

______

_______

______

______

______




If sterling had strengthened against the currencies shown, this would have had the following effect:  







31 December 2010

31 December 2009



US$

HK$

Other

US$

HK$

 Other



£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 £'000


Statement of Comprehensive Income - profit after taxation








- Revenue return 

(88)

(66)

(774)

(75)

(33)

(584)


- Capital return 

(685)

611

-

(518)

592

-



_______

______

_______

______

______

______


Total profit after taxation for the year 

(773)

545

(774)

(593)

559

(584)



_______

______

_______

______

______

______


Equity 

(773)

545

(774)

(593)

559

(584)



_______

______

_______

______

______

______










In the opinion of the Directors, the above sensitivity analyses are not representative of the year as a whole, since the level of exposure changes frequently as part of the currency risk management process used to meet the Company's objectives.




Equity price risk


Equity price risk (ie changes in market prices other than those arising from interest rate or currency risk) may affect the value of the Company's quoted equity investments.




Management of the equity risk


It is the Board's policy to hold an appropriate spread of investments in the portfolio in order to reduce the risk arising from factors specific to a particular country or sector. The allocation of assets to international markets and the stock selection process, as detailed in the Annual Report, both act to reduce market risk. The Manager actively monitors market prices throughout the year and reports to the Board, which meets regularly in order to review investment strategy.  The investments held by the Company are listed on various stock exchanges worldwide.




Concentration of exposure to equity price risks


A geographic analysis of the Company's investment portfolio is shown below, which shows that all of the investments' value is in the Asia Pacific region. It should be recognised that an investment's country of domicile or of listing does not necessarily equate to its exposure to the economic conditions in that country.




Equity price risk sensitivity


The following table illustrates the sensitivity of the profit after taxation for the year and the equity to an increase or decrease of 10% in the fair values of the Company's equities. This level of change is considered to be reasonably possible based on observation of current market conditions. The sensitivity analysis is based on the Company's equities at each Balance Sheet date, with all other variables held constant.




The equity price risk sensitivity incorporates the equity foreign exchange sensitivity analysis.





2010

2009



Increase in

Decrease in

Increase in

 Decrease in



fair value

fair value

fair value

 fair value



£'000

£'000

£'000

 £'000


Statement of Comprehensive Income - profit after taxation






Revenue return - increase/(decrease)

-

-

-

-


Capital return - increase/(decrease)

20,521

(20,521)

15,067

(15,067)



________

________

________

________


Total profit after taxation - increase/(decrease)

20,521

(20,521)

15,067

(15,067)



________

________

________

________


Equity

20,521

(20,521)

15,067

(15,067)



________

________

________

________




(ii)

Liquidity risk


This is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities, which stood at £11,357,000 at the year end.




Liquidity risk is not considered to be significant as the Company's assets comprise mainly cash and readily realisable securities, which can be sold to meet funding commitments if necessary and these amounted to £1,380,000 and £216,933,000 at the year end respectively. Short-term flexibility is achieved through the use of loan and overdraft facilities.



(iii)

Credit risk


This is failure of the counter party to a transaction to discharge its obligations under that transaction that could result in the Company suffering a loss.




The risk is not significant, and is managed as follows:


-     where the investment manager makes an investment in a bond, corporate or otherwise, the credit rating of the issuer is taken into account so as to minimise the risk to the Company of default. The Company has a holding in a CLN issued by Deutsche Bank AG. The issuer currently has a credit rating at Moody's of Aa1;


-     investment transactions are carried out with a large number of brokers, whose credit rating of which is taken into account so as to minimise the risk to the Company of default;


-     the risk of counterparty exposure due to failed trades causing a loss to the Company is mitigated by the review of failed trade reports on a monthly basis. In addition, the Custodian carries out a stock reconciliation to third party administrators' records on a monthly basis to ensure discrepancies are picked up on a timely basis. The Manager's Compliance department carries out periodic reviews of the Custodian's operations and reports its finding to the Manager's Risk Management Committee. It is the Manager's policy to trade only with A- and above (Long Term rated) and A-1/P-1 (Short Term rated) counterparties.


-     cash is held only with reputable banks with high quality external credit enhancements;


-     none of the Company's financial assets are secured by collateral or other credit enhancements.




Credit risk exposure


In summary, compared to the amounts included in the Balance Sheet, the maximum exposure to credit risk at 31 December was as follows:





2010

2009



Balance

Maximum

Balance

Maximum



Sheet

exposure

Sheet

exposure



£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000


Non-current assets






Investments at fair value through profit or loss

216,933

11,724

160,413

9,742








Current assets






Cash at bank

1,380

1,380

4,165

4,165



________

________

________

________



218,313

13,104

164,578

13,907



________

________

________

________








None of the Company's financial assets are past due or impaired.



(iv)

Gearing risk


The Company's policy is to increase its exposure to equity markets through the judicious use of borrowings. When borrowings are invested in such markets, the effect is to magnify the impact on shareholders' funds of changes, both positive and negative, in the value of the portfolio.




During the year the Company's borrowings were short-term loans, details of which can be found in note 12.




The loans are valued at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method in the financial statements. The Board regulates the overall level of gearing by raising or lowering cash balances.




Fair value of financial assets


Investments held at fair value through profit or loss are valued at their quoted bid prices which equate to their fair values. The Directors are of the opinion that the financial assets are stated at fair value in the Balance Sheet and considers that this is equal to the carrying amount.




Fair values of financial liabilities


The fair value of borrowings as at the 31 December 2010 has been estimated at £10,913,000 which is the same as the carrying value due to their short term nature. At 31 December 2009 the fair value was £10,558,000 which is the same as the carrying value.

 

17.

Capital management policies and procedures


The Company's capital management objectives are:


-      to ensure that the Company will be able to continue as a going concern, and


-      to maximise the income and capital return to its equity shareholders through an appropriate balance of equity capital and debt. The policy is that debt should not exceed 25% of net assets.




The Company's capital at 31 December comprises:



2010

2009



£'000

£'000


Debt




Borrowings under the multi-currency loan facility

10,913

10,558



_________

_________







2010

2009



£'000

£'000


Equity




Equity share capital

118,035

109,790


Retained earnings and other reserves

90,119

44,608



_________

_________



208,154

154,398



_________

_________


Debt as a % of net assets

5.24

6.84




The Board, with the assistance of the Investment Manager monitors and reviews the broad structure of the Company's capital on an ongoing basis. This review includes:


-      the planned level of gearing, which takes account of the Manager's views on the market;


-      the need to buy back equity shares for cancellation, which takes account of the difference between the net asset value per share and the share price (ie the level of share price discount or premium);


-      the need for new issues of equity shares; and


-      the extent to which revenue in excess of that which is required to be distributed should be retained.




The Company's objectives, policies and processes for managing capital are unchanged from the preceding accounting period. 




The Company is subject to the following externally imposed capital requirements:


-      the bank borrowings under the Company's credit facility with Scotiabank Europe PLC are not to exceed 25% of net assets as measured in accordance with the policies used in the annual financial statements;


-      under the Company's Articles of Association borrowings must not exceed an amount equal to the adjusted total of capital and reserves.




These requirements are unchanged since last year, and the Company has complied with them during both the current and prior year.

 

18.

Related party transaction


Mr H Young is a director of Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited (AAM Asia), which is a subsidiary of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC (AAM). Aberdeen Private Wealth Management Limited has an agreement to provide management services to the Company, which it has sub-delegated to AAM Asia. AAM has an agreement to provide administration and company secretarial services to the Company.




The terms of these agreements are outlined in notes 5 and 6.

 

19.

Fair value hierarchy


The Company adopted the amendments to IFRS 7 'Financial Instruments: Disclosures' effective from 1 January 2009. These amendments require an entity to classify fair value measurements using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making measurements. The fair value hierarchy shall have the following levels:




-         Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;


-         Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly (ie as prices) or indirectly (ie derived from prices); and


-         Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).




The financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the Balance Sheet are grouped into the fair value hierarchy at 31 December 2010 as follows:






Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total



Note

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000


Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss







Quoted equities

a)

205,209

-

-

205,209


Quoted bonds

b)

11,724

-

-

11,724




_______

_______

_______

_______


Net fair value


216,933

-

-

216,933




_______

_______

_______

_______


a) Quoted equities


The fair value of the Company's investments in quoted equities have been determined by reference to their quoted bid prices at the reporting date. Quoted equities included in Fair Value Level 1 are actively traded on recognised stock exchanges.




b) Quoted bonds


The fair value of the Company's investments in corporate quoted bonds have been determined by reference to their quoted bid prices at the reporting date. 

 

20.

Events after the reporting period


A further 775,000 Ordinary shares have been issued by the Company subsequent to the reporting period end at a total consideration received, including transaction costs, of £1,276,000. Following the share issues 118,810,062 Ordinary shares remain in issue.

 

 

Additional Notes:

 

The financial information set out above does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2010. The annual audited accounts for 2010 will be finalised on the basis of the financial information presented by the Directors in this annual financial report announcement and will be delivered to the Jersey Financial Services Commission in due course.

 

The Annual Report will be posted to Shareholders in April and further copies may be obtained from the registered office, No.1 Seaton Place, St Helier, Jersey JE4 8YJ and on the Company's website* www.asian-income.co.uk.

 

 

 

Please note that past performance is not necessarily a guide to the future and that the value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise and may be affected by exchange rate movements.  Investors may not get back the amount they originally invested.

 

* Neither the content of the Company's website nor the content of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Company's website (or any other website) is (or is deemed to be) incorporated into, or forms (or is deemed to form) part of this announcement.

 

 

 

Aberdeen Private Wealth Management Limited

Secretary

30 March 2011



10. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO - TEN LARGEST INVESTMENTS

 

 

As at 31 December 2010















Valuation

Total

Valuation



Country

2010

assets

2009

Company

Sector

of activity

£'000

%{B}

£'000{C}

DB Indo CLN 10% 22/07/17 IDR 'FR28'






Credit linked note issued by Deutsche Bank and linked to the Indonesia Government Bond 10% 07/17 as the underlying asset.

Government Securities

Indonesia

11,724

5.4

9,742

Taiwan Semiconductor






The world's largest dedicated semiconductor foundry, it provides wafer manufacturing, wafer probing, assembly and testing, mask production and design services.

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

Taiwan

11,319

5.2

7,129

Taiwan Mobile






A leading telecommunications company in Taiwan offering mobile, fixed-line, cable TV and broadband services, it has a prudent management and pays a good dividend.

Wireless Telecommunication Services

Taiwan

10,096

4.6

7,988

Swire Pacific






A Hong Kong-listed conglomerate, with interests in aviation (via Cathay Pacific), property, beverages, marine services and industrial activities

Real Estate Management & Development

Hong Kong

9,369

4.3

7,459

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation






A well-run Singapore lender seeking to generate additional value for shareholders by restructuring assets and via regional expansion. The bank has weathered the economic downturn well with good asset quality and is positioned for growth, given its high capital adequacy ratio.

Commercial Banks

Singapore

9,015

4.1

7,337

QBE Insurance Group






One of Australia's leading general insurance and reinsurance companies. Its business is diversified geographically across five locations, and it has a good, long-term track record of generating shareholder returns.

Insurance

Australia

8,838

4.0

7,049

United Overseas Bank






A well-managed Singapore bank with a strong capital base and impressive cost-to-income ratio. It has also embarked on a selective regional expansion.

Commercial Banks

Singapore

8,076

3.7

7,725

Guinness Anchor






The market leader in Malaysia's beer and stout industry, with brand names including Tiger, Guinness and Heineken.

Beverages

Malaysia

7,741

3.5

4,651

BHP Billiton






The Australian diversified natural resources company is a top quality mining stock with a solid balance sheet and quality assets.

Metals & Mining

Australia{A}

7,653

3.5

-

British American Tobacco






Manufacturer & marketer of tobacco products in Malaysia through BAT's international brands such as Dunhill and Lucky Strike.

Tobacco

Malaysia

7,585

3.5

6,967







Top ten investments



91,416

41.8








{A}Incorporated in and listing held in United Kingdom








INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO - OTHER INVESTMENTS

 

 

As at 31 December 2010 



Valuation

Total

Valuation




2010

assets

2009

Company

Sector

Country

£'000

%

£'000{C}

Digi Com

Infrastructure Project Companies

Malaysia

6,599

3.0

4,266

Siam Makro

Food & Staples Retailing

Thailand

6,265

2.9

2,827

Singapore Technologies Engineering

Aerospace & Defence

Singapore

6,224

2.8

4,859

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group

Commercial Banks

Australia

5,886

2.7

5,731

Siam Cement

Construction Material

Thailand

5,836

2.7

8,656

Telstra

Diversified Telecommunications

Australia

5,754

2.6

4,762

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Commercial Banks

Australia

5,650

2.6

6,867

PetroChina

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

China

5,394

2.5

4,833

Singapore Telecommunications

Diversified Telecommunications

Singapore

5,140

2.3

4,622

Public Bank

Commercial Banks

Malaysia

5,014

2.3

4,342

Top twenty investments



149,178

68.2


Woolworths

Food & Staples Retailing

Australia

4,658

2.1

-

Hong Leong Bank

Commercial Banks

Malaysia

4,478

2.0

3,438

Advanced Information Services

Wireless Telecommunication Services

Thailand

4,472

2.0

3,978

Hong Leong Finance

Consumer Finance

Singapore

4,306

2.0

3,972

Singapore Post

Air Freight & Logistics

Singapore

4,283

2.0

3,243

Singapore Press Holdings

Media

Singapore

4,266

2.0

4,290

Bank of Philippine Islands

Commercial Banks

Philippines

4,258

1.9

2,291

Giordano International

Speciality Retail

Hong Kong

3,964

1.8

1,969

Takeda Pharmaceutical

Pharmaceutical

Japan

3,775

1.7

-

SP Ausnet

Utilities

Australia

3,759

1.7

-

Top thirty investments



191,397

87.4


SBS Transit

Road & Rail Operator

Singapore

3,266

1.5

2,454

Telecom Corp of New Zealand

Diversified Telecommunications

New Zealand

2,914

1.3

3,047

Venture Corp

Electronic Equipment & Instruments

Singapore

2,909

1.3

-

BEC World

Media

Thailand

2,837

1.3

-

Pos Malaysia 

Air Freight & Logistics

Malaysia

2,776

1.3

1,548

Lafarge Malayan Cement

Construction Material

Malaysia

2,527

1.2

-

Telekomunikasi Indonesia

Diversified Telecommunications

Indonesia

2,472

1.1

3,497

Hana Microelectronics

Electronic Equipment & Instruments

Thailand

2,384

1.1

1,739

AIA

Insurance

Hong Kong

2,032

0.9

-

Kingmaker Footwear

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

Hong Kong

1,419

0.6

750

Total value of investments



216,933

99.0


Net current assets{A}



2,134

1.0


Total assets



219,067

100.0



{A}   Excluding bank loans of £10,913,000.

{C}   Purchases and/or sales effected during the year will result in 2009 and 2010 values not being directly comparable.

 

11 RESULTS

 

Financial Highlights

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

% change

Total Assets

£219,067,000

£164,956,000

+32.8

Total Equity Shareholders' funds (Net Assets)

£208,154,000

£154,398,000

+34.8

Share price (mid market)

170.25p

136.50p

+24.7

Net Asset Value per share (basic)

176.35p

140.63p

+25.4

Net Asset Value per share (diluted)

167.85p

137.19p

+22.3

Premium/(discount) to diluted Net Asset Value

1.4%

(0.5%)


MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan Index (currency adjusted, capital gains basis)

572.28

482.62

+18.6

Actual gearing

4.6%

4.1%


Potential gearing

5.2%

6.8%






Dividend and earnings




Total return per shareA

43.52p

37.47p


Revenue return per shareA

7.31p

5.54p

+31.9

Dividends per shareB

6.00p

5.00p

+20.0

Dividend cover

1.22

1.11


Revenue reservesC

£4.38m

£3.03m






Operating costs




Total expense ratio

1.37%

1.44%



A            Measures the relevant earnings for the year divided by the weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue (see Statement of Comprehensive Income).

B            The figure for dividends reflects the years in which they were earned (see note 8).

C           The revenue reserves figure takes account of the fourth interim dividend amounting to £2,656,000 (2009 - second interim amounting to £3,294,000).

 

Performance (total return)


1 year

3 year

Since inceptionA


% return

% return

% return

Share price

+30.8

+77.5

+101.9

Net Asset Value (diluted)

+28.3

+56.1

+102.4

MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan Index (currency adjusted)

+22.1

+26.5

+104.4





A            Inception being 20 December 2005.




 

Dividends

Rate per share

xd date

Record date

Payment date

First interim 2010

1.25p

28 April 2010

30 April 2010

19 May 2010

Second interim 2010

1.25p

21 July 2010

23 July 2010

15 August 2010

Third interim 2010

1.25p

27 October 2010

29 October 2010

19 November 2010

Fourth interim 2010

2.25p

19 January 2011

21 January 2011

18 February 2011

2010

6.00p




First interim 2009

2.00p

22 July 2009

24 July 2009

28 August 2009

Second interim 2009

3.00p

20 January 2010

22 January 2010

19 February 2010

2009

5.00p




 


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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