Final Results
Dunedin Income Growth Inv Tst PLC
21 March 2007
DUNEDIN INCOME GROWTH INVESTMENT TRUST PLC ('DIGIT')
PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2007
Highlights
• A year of strong outperformance
• NAV total return with debt at market value 21.8% compared to a total
return for the FTSE All-Share Index of 13.1%.
• Total dividend to increase by 9.8% from last year to 9.0p per share
• Revenue return per share increased by 9.1% to 10.04p, allowing for a
further strengthening of revenue reserves
For further information, please contact:-
John Scott, Chairman
Dunedin Income Growth Investment Trust PLC 01896 752 371 or 07786 543462
Chou Chong, Investment Manager
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited 0207 463 6000
Chairman's Statement
Year ended 31 January 2007
In my first year as Chairman of DIGIT, it gives me pleasure to be able to report
to you on a good year for your Company, with solid results set against a
backdrop of rising UK equity markets. Following the changes reported on in the
year to January 2006, this year has proved to be altogether quieter, with the
benefits of some of these changes coming through in terms of performance.
DIGIT's Net Asset Value ('NAV') total return for the year, with debt valued at
market, was 21.8%, which was comfortably ahead of the total return of 13.1%
attributable to the FTSE All-Share Index for the period. The principal reasons
for this outperformance are covered in the Manager's Review, but it was
gratifying to see the majority of outperformance coming from stock selection and
sector allocation. At the same time, I am pleased to report that the Manager
has once again succeeded in growing the income available to Shareholders at a
rate which comfortably exceeds current inflation.
Dividend
The period under review has continued to witness robust dividend growth across
the market, as company balance sheets are generally in good shape and corporate
profitability is still healthy. DIGIT's portfolio benefited from this and, as a
result, our revenue return per share rose from 9.20p to 10.04p. This has allowed
us to achieve another year of real dividend increases, an important objective
for us and this has been accompanied by a proposed further strengthening of our
revenue reserve, in order to provide comfort when times are not as positive.
The Board is delighted to recommend a final dividend of 5.9p per share, to give
a total dividend for the year of 9.0p, a rise of 9.8% on last year's 8.2p. For
comparison, the rise in the Retail Price Index was 4.2% over the same period.
Subject to Shareholders' approval, the final dividend will be paid on 8 May 2007
to Shareholders on the register at 10 April 2007.
Management Fee
I am pleased to report that we have recently negotiated a new scale for the
annual management fee paid by your Company to Aberdeen Asset Managers so that,
henceforth, fees are earned on net assets under management, as distinct from
gross assets hitherto. This change, which we believe reflects best industry
practice, is intended to be broadly neutral as to the quantum of the fee paid to
the Manager, which your Board continues to regard as being competitive by
industry standards, in particular the marginal fee of 0.25% per annum paid on
assets over £425 million.
Investment Management
My predecessor made reference to changes in investment strategy undertaken in
the previous year to move the portfolio away from the shackles of the benchmark
Index. The Manager has substantially completed this process, with a significant
reduction in capital tied up in some of the larger constituents of the Index,
resulting in a better spread of investments across sectors. Although DIGIT's
principal mandate is to invest in companies whose primary listing is in London,
as reported in detail in DIGIT's last interim statement, the portfolio now
includes a small exposure to oil companies listed in Continental Europe.
Gearing
The benefit of replacing the 111/2% fixed rate Debenture Stock in 2005 and
substituting a variable rate loan facility allowed us to respond to higher
equity markets by reducing the absolute level of gearing within the portfolio.
In consequence, we have now cancelled without penalty £5 million of the original
£40 million variable facility. Since we believe that returns can be enhanced
through the judicious use of gearing within the portfolio, the Board continues
to review this on an active and regular basis.
Discount and Buybacks
The Ordinary share price rose by 21.8% to 267.25p, reflecting a narrowing in the
discount to NAV at which the shares trade, from 9.1% at the end of the previous
year, to 6.3% at the end of January 2007. During the year, we bought back 3.23
million shares, which have been kept in treasury. The Company has the option of
re-issuing these shares at a later date, although it must be stressed that we
undertake not to re-issue treasury shares at a discount to NAV (calculated by
deducting the Debenture at market value).
We are firmly of the view that, as well as providing a degree of stability to
the discount, share buybacks can enhance value to continuing Shareholders
through increasing the NAV of the Company, and we will continue to engage in
buybacks on terms which will be advantageous to Shareholders. As part of prudent
housekeeping, treasury shares will be subject to review ahead of the Annual
General Meeting.
Marketing
We continue to attach great importance to the marketing of the fund, and we
believe that effective discount management is best achieved through consistent
investment performance and effective marketing. While the Manager strives to
achieve the former, it is perhaps easier to control the latter, and the bulk of
the marketing effort is targeted at attracting new Shareholders; your Board has
recently agreed to increase its expenditure on marketing in order to assist the
Manager in its efforts to promote what we see as an attractive investment
product for those seeking an income bias. To this effect, the Manager regularly
meets with financial intermediaries, investors, and potential investors to
ensure the market place understands and is aware of the attractions of the
Company.
The Company's website www.dunedinincomegrowth.co.uk gives a great deal of
information about DIGIT. It also gives details on how to invest in the shares of
DIGIT in a low cost manner, either through regular savings, or a lump sum.
Outlook
The pendulum has swung within the equity market from concerns on deflation to a
preoccupation with inflation. The impact of this transition was felt in May/June
2006, when the UK equity market posted close to a 10% correction. The market
moved on from this, reaching levels not seen since 2000, but the damaging impact
of untamed inflation should not be dismissed. This is particularly relevant
given the background in recent years of a plentiful supply of cheap debt, which
has helped support the level of corporate activity. Real interest rates are,
however, still low by historical standards and, with UK companies remaining in
sound financial health, valuations are not stretched. Your Manager can still
find opportunities within the market, at valuations it considers to be
attractive.
The Company's Annual General Meeting takes place in Edinburgh, on 3 May 2007,
and I look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.
John Scott
Chairman
20 March 2007
INCOME STATEMENT (AUDITED)
Year ended 31 January 2007 Year ended 31 January 2006
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Realised gains on investments - 37,480 37,480 - 32,278 32,278
Unrealised gains on investments - 29,907 29,907 - 24,835 24,835
Currency losses - (4) (4) - - -
Income 17,988 - 17,988 17,314 - 17,314
Investment management fee (551) (1,285) (1,836) (513) (1,197) (1,710)
Administrative expenses (633) - (633) (677) - (677)
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Net return before finance costs and 16,804 66,098 82,902 16,124 55,916 72,040
taxation
Finance costs (1,049) (2,447) (3,496) (1,604) (26,821) (28,425)
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Return on ordinary activities before 15,755 63,651 79,406 14,520 29,095 43,615
taxation
Taxation (54) - (54) - - -
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Return on ordinary activities after 15,701 63,651 79,352 14,520 29,095 43,615
taxation
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Return per Ordinary share (pence): 10.04 40.71 50.75 9.20 18.43 27.63
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
The column of this statement headed 'Total' represents the profit and loss
account of the Company.
A Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses has not been prepared as all
gains and losses are recognised in the Income Statement.
All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing
operations.
BALANCE SHEET (AUDITED)
As at As at
31 January 2007 31 January 2006
£'000 £'000
Non-current assets
Investments at fair value through profit or loss 501,706 430,986
_____________ _____________
Current assets
Debtors and prepayments 1,553 7,249
AAA money market funds 950 11,150
Cash and short term deposits 1,313 9,496
_____________ _____________
3,816 27,895
_____________ _____________
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Bank loan (20,000) (25,000)
Other creditors (1,014) (7,186)
_____________ _____________
(21,014) (32,186)
_____________ _____________
Net current liabilities (17,198) (4,291)
_____________ _____________
Total assets less current liabilities 484,508 426,695
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year (28,441) (28,428)
_____________ _____________
Net assets 456,067 398,267
_____________ _____________
Capital and reserves
Called-up share capital 38,492 39,300
Share premium account 4,543 4,543
Capital redemption reserve 1,533 725
Capital reserve - realised 278,829 253,307
Capital reserve - unrealised 112,674 82,767
Revenue reserve 19,996 17,625
_____________ _____________
Equity Shareholders' funds 456,067 398,267
_____________ _____________
Adjusted net asset value per Ordinary share (pence): 296.10 253.24
_____________ _____________
RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS (AUDITED)
For the year ended 31 January 2007 Share Capital Capital Capital
Share premium redemption reserve - reserve - Revenue
capital account reserve realised unrealised reserve Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Balance at 31 January 2006 39,300 4,543 725 253,307 82,767 17,625 398,267
Return on ordinary activities after - - - 33,744 29,907 15,701 79,352
taxation
Dividends paid - - - - - (13,330) (13,330)
Purchase of own shares (808) - 808 (8,222) - - (8,222)
______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______
Balance at 31 January 2007 38,492 4,543 1,533 278,829 112,674 19,996 456,067
______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______
For the year ended 31 January 2006 Share Capital Capital Capital
Share premium redemption reserve - reserve - Revenue
Capital account reserve realised unrealised reserve Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Balance at 31 January 2005 as 39,525 4,543 500 250,838 57,932 15,502 368,840
restated
Return on ordinary activities after - - - 4,260 24,835 14,520 43,615
taxation
Dividends paid - - - - - (12,397) (12,397)
Purchase of own shares (225) - 225 (1,791) - - (1,791)
______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______
Balance at 31 January 2006 39,300 4,543 725 253,307 82,767 17,625 398,267
______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______
CASH FLOW STATEMENT (AUDITED)
Year ended Year ended
31 January 2007 31 January 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Net cash inflow from operating activities 15,276 14,825
Servicing of finance
Interest paid (3,486) (5,342)
Taxation
Overseas withholding tax paid (54) -
Financial investment
Purchases of investments (122,359) (153,224)
Sales of investments 118,796 193,369
_________ _________ _________ _________
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financial investment (3,563) 40,145
Equity dividends paid (13,330) (12,397)
_________ _________
Net cash (outflow)/inflow before use of liquid resources and (5,157) 37,231
financing
Net cash inflow from management of liquid resources 10,200 12,050
_________ _________
Net cash inflow before financing 5,043 49,281
Financing
(Repayment)/drawdown of loan (5,000) 25,000
Purchase of own shares (8,222) (1,791)
Redemption/repurchase of Debenture Stock - (64,080)
_________ _________ _________ _________
Net cash outflow from financing (13,222) (40,871)
_________ _________
(Decrease)/increase in cash (8,179) 8,410
_________ _________
Reconciliation of net cash flow to movements in net funds
(Decrease)/increase in cash as above (8,179) 8,410
Exchange movements (4) -
_________ _________
Movement in net funds in the period (8,183) 8,410
Opening net funds 9,496 1,086
_________ _________
Closing net funds 1,313 9,496
_________ _________
NOTES
1. Accounting policies
(a) Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost
convention as modified to include the revaluation of investments and in
accordance with the applicable UK Accounting Standards and with the
Statement of Recommended Practice 'Financial Statements of Investment
Trust Companies' (issued in 2003 and revised in December 2005). They have
also been prepared on the assumption that approval as an investment trust
will continue to be granted.
The financial statements and the net asset value per share figures have
been prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice (UK GAAP).
(b) Revenue, expenses and interest payable
Income from equity investments (other than special dividends), including
taxes deducted at source, is included in revenue by reference to the date
on which the investment is quoted ex-dividend. Special dividends are
credited to revenue or capital according to the circumstances. Foreign
income is converted at the exchange rate applicable at the time of
receipt. Interest receivable on AAA rated money market funds and short
term deposits and expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. Income
from underwriting commission is recognised as earned. Interest payable
is calculated on an effective yield basis.
Expenses are charged to capital when they are incurred in connection with
the maintenance or enhancement of the value of investments. In this
respect, the investment management fee and relevant finance costs are
allocated between revenue and capital in line with the Board's
expectation of returns from the Company's investments over the long term
in the form of revenue and capital respectively.
(c) Investments
Investments have been designated upon initial recognition as fair value
through profit or loss. Investments are recognised and de-recognised at
trade date where a purchase or sale is under a contract whose terms
require delivery within the timeframe established by the market
concerned, and are measured initially at fair value. Subsequent to
initial recognition, investments are recognised at fair value through
profit or loss. For listed investments, this is deemed to be bid market
prices or closing prices for SETS stocks sourced from the London Stock
Exchange. SETS is the London Stock Exchange electronic trading service
covering most of the market including all FTSE 100 constituents and most
liquid FTSE 250 constituents along with some other securities. Gains or
losses arising from changes in fair value are included in net profit or
loss for the period as a capital item in the Income Statement and are
ultimately recognised in the unrealised capital reserve.
(d) Dividends payable
Interim and final dividends are recognised in the period in which they
are paid.
(e) Realised capital reserve
Realised gains and losses on realisation of investments held at fair
value are recognised in the Income Statement and are ultimately
transferred to the realised capital reserve. In addition, any prior
unrealised gains or losses on such investments are transferred from the
unrealised capital reserve to the realised capital reserve on disposal of
the investment. The capital element of the management fee along with the
associated irrecoverable VAT and relevant finance costs are charged to
this reserve. Any associated tax relief is credited to this reserve.
(f) Unrealised capital reserve
Increases and decreases in the valuation of investments held at fair
value are recognised in the Income Statement and are ultimately
transferred to the unrealised capital reserve.
(g) Deferred taxation
Deferred taxation is recognised in respect of all temporary differences
that have originated but not reversed at the Balance Sheet date where
transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more or a
right to pay less tax in future have occurred at the balance sheet date
measured on an undiscounted basis and based on enacted tax rates. This is
subject to deferred tax assets only being recognised if it is considered
more likely than not that there will be suitable profits from which the
future reversal of the underlying temporary differences can be deducted.
Temporary differences are differences arising between the Company's
taxable profits and its results as stated in the accounts which are
capable of reversal in one or more subsequent periods.
Owing to the Company's status as an investment trust, and the intention
to continue meeting the conditions required to obtain approval in the
foreseeable future, the Company has not provided deferred tax on any
capital gains and losses arising on the revaluation or disposal of
investments.
(h) Foreign currency
The Company receives a small proportion of its investment income in
foreign currency. These amounts are translated at the rate ruling on the
date of receipt. Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are
translated at the rates of exchange ruling on the Balance Sheet date.
2. The Directors recommend that a final dividend of 5.9p per Ordinary share be
paid, making a total of 9.0p for the year ended 31 January 2007 (2006 -
8.20p). The final dividend will be paid on 8 May 2007 to Shareholders on
the register at 10 April 2007. The ex-dividend date is 4 April 2007.
3. The income statement, balance sheet, reconciliation of movements in
shareholders' funds and the cashflow statement set out above do not
represent full accounts in accordance with Section 240 of the Companies Act
1985. The financial information for the year ended 31 January 2006 has
been extracted from the Annual Report and Accounts of the Company which
have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The auditors' report on
those accounts was unqualified. The statutory accounts for 2007 are
unqualified and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following
the Company's Annual General Meeting which will be held at Donaldson House,
97 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5HD on Thursday 3 May 2007 at 12 noon.
4. The Annual Report and Accounts will be posted to shareholders at the end of
March 2007 and copies will be available from the registered office of the
investment manager.
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.
Investors may not get back the amount they originally invested.
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