Final Results
British & American Investment Trust PLC
British & American Investment Trust PLC
Preliminary Announcement
for the year ended 31 December 2003
Registered number: 433137
Directors Registered office
Jonathan C Woolf (Chairman and Managing Director) Wessex House
J Anthony V Townsend (Non-executive) 1 Chesham Street
Dominic G Dreyfus (Non-executive) London SW1X 8ND
Ronald G Paterson (Non-executive) Telephone: 020 7201 3100
Registered in England
No.433137
23 April 2004
Financial Highlights
For the year ended 31 December 2003
2003 2002
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Return before taxation 1,653 4,458 6,111 1,476 (9,719) (8,243)
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________
Earnings per £1 ordinary
share ? basic 5.18p 17.83p 23.01p 3.54p (38.88)p (35.34)p
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________
Earnings per £1 ordinary
share - diluted 4.70p 12.74p 17.44p 3.52p (27.76)p (24.24)p
__________ _________ __________ __________ _________ __________
Net asset value 33,244 28,742
__________ __________
Net assets per ordinary
share
- deducting preference
shares at par 93p 75p
__________ __________
- diluted 95p 82p
__________ __________
Diluted net asset value per 100p
ordinary share at 20 April
2004 ? unaudited (net of
recommended final ordinary
dividend of 3p per share and
preference dividend of 1.75p
per share).
__________
Chairman's Statement
I report our results for the year ended 31 December 2003.
The return on the revenue account before tax amounted to £1.7 million (2002: £1.5
million). Gross income amounted to £2.0 million (2002: £1.8 million), of which £1.8
million (2002: £1.5 million) represented income from investments and £0.2 million (2002:
£0.3 million) film and other income.
Total return before tax, including realised and unrealised capital appreciation, amounted
to £6.1 million (2002: £8.2 million, loss).
The return on the revenue account per ordinary share was 5.2p (2002: 3.5p) on an undiluted
basis and 4.7p (2002: 3.5p) on a diluted basis.
Group net assets were £33.2 million (2002: £28.8 million), an increase of 15.3 percent.
This compares to an increase over the same period of 13.6 percent in the FT-SE 100 share
index and 16.6 percent in the All Share index. The net asset value per ordinary share
increased to 95p (2002: 82p) on a diluted basis. Deducting prior charges at par, the net
asset value per ordinary share increased to 93p (2002: 75p).
We are pleased to recommend a final dividend of 3.0p per ordinary share. Together with
the interim dividend this makes a total payment for the year of 5.0p (2002: 4.9p) per
Ordinary share, representing an increase of 2.0 percent over the previous year's dividend.
A dividend of 1.75p will be paid to preference shareholders resulting in a total payment
for the year of 3.5p per share.
As reported at the interim stage, UK markets were flat in the first half of 2003, having
declined sharply in the first quarter but having recovered in the second quarter. In the
second half of 2003, UK and US markets strengthened considerably across all sectors as
global political uncertainties receded, monetary policy remained loose and higher
corporate earnings were posted, particularly in the USA. The US market advanced 16
percent in this period while the index of leading stocks in the UK advanced 11.6 percent.
As a result, UK markets were able to finish the year with positive nominal advances for
the first time in three years. This recovery in prices over the year was broadly based and
this contributed to the out-performance over the year of the All Share index over the
index of leading companies, as noted above.
Our portfolio kept track with the rise in the UK market over the year, being positioned
mid-way between the outcome for leading and All Share stocks. At the same time, we have
been able to maintain our high level of income return to ordinary shareholders through
dividend distribution. Dividends, excluding special dividends, have increased each year
since 1995 and ordinary shareholders have consistently received distributions
substantially in excess of general market yields over many years. It is heartening to
see that the cycle of decline in equity prices was broken in 2003 and that our net asset
value regained par; however, considerable further recovery is required before capital
values return to the levels achieved prior to the commencement of this cycle.
In the first quarter of 2004, sentiment has remained generally firm with earnings upgrades
continuing to underpin the market, although the advances which had been seen in the second
half of 2003 were not carried through into the new year. Renewed political uncertainties
in the world and concerns over the growing imbalances in the US economy have served to
dampen enthusiasm despite the continuing strength in the corporate sector and its
outlook. Against this background, we will continue to pursue our generalist investment
policy remaining invested in leading stocks with good yield.
As at 20 April 2004, group net assets had increased to £35.0 million (net of the
recommended final ordinary dividend, equivalent to 3p per ordinary share, and preference
dividend, payable in June), an increase of 5.1 percent since the beginning of the calendar
year. This is equivalent to 100 pence per share (prior charges deducted at par) and 100
pence per share on a diluted basis. Over the same period the FTSE 100 increased 2.1
percent and the All Share Index increased 3.2 percent
Jonathan C. Woolf
Consolidated statement of total return (incorporating the revenue account)
For the year ended 31 December 2003
2003 2002
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Income
Dividends 1,648 - 1,648 1,345 - 1,345
Interest 122 - 122 128 - 128
Film revenues 154 - 154 243 - 243
Property units 102 - 102 103 - 103
Other income (13) - (13) - - -
Realised gains on investments - 508 508 - 726 726
Increase/(decrease) in unrealised - (10,445) (10,445)
appreciation - 3,950 3,950
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
2,013 4,458 6,471 1,819 (9,719) (7,900)
Administrative expenses (330) - (330) (331) - (331)
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Net return before finance costs and 1,683 4,458 6,141 1,488 (9,719) (8,231)
taxation
Interest payable and similar charges (30) - (30) (12) - (12)
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Return on ordinary activities before tax
for the financial year 1,653 4,458 6,111 1,476 (9,719) (8,243)
Tax on ordinary activities (9) - (9) (242) - (242)
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Return on ordinary activities after tax
for the financial year 1,644 4,458 6,102 1,234 (9,719) (8,485)
Dividends and other appropriations in
respect of preference shares
(350) - (350) (350) - (350)
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Return attributable to ordinary
shareholders 1,294 4,458 5,752 884 (9,719) (8,835)
Dividends in respect of ordinary shares (1,250) - (1,250) (1,225) - (1,225)
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Transfer to/(from) reserves 44 4,458 4,502 (341) (9,719) (10,060)
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Return per ordinary share
Basic 5.18p 17.83p 23.01p 3.54p (38.88)p (35.34)p
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Diluted 4.70p 12.74p 17.44p 3.52p (27.76)p (24.24)p
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
The revenue column of this statement is the consolidated profit and loss account of the group.
All revenue and capital items in the above statement for the year ended 31 December 2003
and the year ended 31 December 2002 derive from continuing operations. No operations were
acquired in the year.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
For the year ended 31 December 2003
Group
2003 2002
£000 £000
Fixed assets
Investments 32,482 28,404
Current assets
Debtors 162 323
Cash at bank and in hand 1,581 1,794
__________ __________
1,743 2,117
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (981) (1,779)
__________ __________
Net current assets 762 338
__________ __________
Total assets less current liabilities 33,244 28,742
__________ __________
Net assets 33,244 28,742
__________ __________
Capital and reserves
Called-up share capital 35,000 35,000
Other reserves
- Capital reserve ? realised 14,824 14,309
- Capital reserve ? unrealised (18,396) (22,339)
Revenue reserve 1,816 1,772
__________ __________
Total shareholders' funds 33,244 28,742
__________ __________
Total shareholders' funds attributable to:
Equity shareholders 23,244 18,742
Preference shareholders 10,000 10,000
__________ __________
Net asset value per ordinary share:
- Basic 93p 75p
- Diluted 95p 82p
Consolidated cash flow statement
For the year ended 31 December 2003
2003 2003 2002 2002
£000 £000 £000 £000
Net cash inflow from operating activities 1,726 1,444
Servicing of finance
Interest paid (30) (13)
Preference dividends paid (350) (350)
__________ __________
Net cash outflow from servicing of finance (380) (363)
Taxation
UK tax (paid)/recovered (267) 21
Financial investment
Purchases of investments (4,605) (2,438)
Sales of investments 4,563 4,665
__________ __________
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from capital (42) 2,227
expenditure
and financial investment
Equity dividends paid (1,250) (1,850)
__________ __________
Cash (outflow)/inflow before management of
liquid resources and financing (213) 1,479
Financing - -
__________ __________
(Decrease)/increase in cash (213) 1,479
__________ __________
Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in
net funds
(Decrease)/increase in cash (213) 1,479
__________ __________
Change in net funds (213) 1,479
Net funds at 1 January 1,794 315
__________ __________
Net funds at 31 December 1,581 1,794
__________ __________
1 Accounting policies
All figures stated are based on the financial statements prepared under the historical cost convention
as modified by the revaluation of investments and in accordance with applicable United Kingdom law and
accounting standards. The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those in the most recently
published set of annual financial statements.
2 Return per ordinary share
2003 2002
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
Group:
Basic 5.18p 17.83p 23.01p 3.54p (38.88)p (35.34)p
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________
Diluted 4.70p 12.74p 17.44p 3.52p (27.76)p (24.24)p
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________
Basic revenue return per ordinary share is based on the net revenue on ordinary activities after
taxation and after deduction of dividends in respect of preference shares of £1,294,000 (2002 -
£884,000) and on 25 million (2002: 25 million) ordinary shares in issue.
The diluted revenue return is based on the net revenue on ordinary activities after taxation of
£1,644,000 (2002 - £1,234,000) and on 35 million (2002 ? 35 million) shares in issue.
Basic capital return per ordinary share is based on capital gains/(losses), both realised and
unrealised, for the financial year of £4,458,000 (2002: capital losses - £(9,719,000)) and on 25
million (2002: 25 million) ordinary shares in issue.
The diluted capital return per share is based on the same aggregate return but on 35 million (2002 -
35 million) shares in issue.
3 Dividends
2003 2002
£000 £000
Dividends on ordinary shares:
Interim paid of 2.0p per £1 share (2002: 1.9p per share) 500 475
Final proposed of 3.0p per £1 share (2002: 3.0p per share) 750 750
__________ __________
1,250 1,225
__________ __________
Dividends on 3.5% cumulative convertible preference shares:
1.75p paid 175 175
1.75p payable ? proposed 175 175
__________ __________
350 350
__________ __________
The dividends on ordinary shares are based on 25 million (2002 - 25 million) ordinary £1 shares in the
year to 31 December 2003. Dividends on preference shares are based on 10 million (2002 - 10 million)
non-voting 3.5% cumulative convertible preference shares of £1 in the year to 31 December 2003.
The holders of the 3.5% cumulative convertible preference shares will be paid a dividend of £175,000
being 1.75p per share. The payment will be made on the same date as the dividend to the ordinary
shareholders.
4 Diluted net asset value per ordinary £1 share
The diluted net asset value per £1 ordinary share is based on net assets of £33,244,000 (2002 -
£28,742,000) and 35 million shares in issue.
5 Reconciliation of operating revenue to net cash inflow from operating activities
Group
2003 2002
£000 £000
Net revenue before finance costs and taxation 1,683 1,488
Scrip dividends (3) (3)
Decrease in other creditors (25) (13)
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 74 (19)
Tax on unfranked investment income - -
Tax on film revenue (3) (9)
__________ __________
Net cash inflow from operating activities 1,726 1,444
__________ __________
6 Analysis of net funds
Balance Balance
1 January 31 December
2003 Cash flow 2003
£000 £000 £000
Cash at bank 1,794 (955) 839
Liquid resources ? cash at brokers - 742 742
________ __________ ________
1,794 (213) 1,581
__________ __________ __________
Announcement based on draft accounts
The financial information set out in the announcement does not constitute the company's statutory
accounts for the year ended 31 December 2003 or 2002. The financial information for the year ended 31
December 2002 is derived from the statutory accounts for that year which have been delivered to the
Registrar of Companies. The auditors' report on those accounts was unqualified and did not contain any
statement under section 237(2) or (3) Companies Act 1985.
The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2003 will be finalised on the basis of the
financial information presented by the directors in this preliminary announcement and will be
delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the company's annual general meeting.
BRITISH & AMERICAN INVESTMENT TRUST PLC