Monthly Briefing 31-01-02

Lindsell Train Investment Trust PLC 13 February 2002 The Lindsell Train Investment Trust PLC As at 31st January 2002 Fund Objective To maximise long-term total returns subject to the avoidance of loss of absolute value and with a minimum objective to maintain the real purchasing power of Sterling capital, as measured by the annual average yield on the 2.5% Consolidated Loan Stock. Share Price GBP 117.50 Net Asset Value GBP 104.74 Discount (Premium) (12.1%) Market Capitalisation GBP 23.5mn Source: Bloomberg Performance (based in GBP) Jan Dec Nov 1 Year Since Launch NAV +1.5 -1.0 +3.2 +5.5 +4.7 Share Price -0.8 +2.6 +6.5 -1.3 +17.5 2.5% Consol Loan Stock Annual Average Yield +5.0 Source: Bloomberg. Based in GBP. Top 10 Holdings % NAV Lindsell Train Japan (Dist) 12.9 US Gov Treasury 6.25% 12.7 Lindsell Train Global Media (Dist) 12.2 US Gov Treasury IL 3.875% 7.4 Halifax Group plc Pref 7.0 21/2% Consolidated Loan Stock 5.6 Dow Jones & Co 5.0 Cadbury Schweppes 4.9 UK Treasury 2.5% 4.9 Barr (AG) 4.5 Industry Breakdown % NAV Bonds 30.6 Preference Shares 11.1 Media 11.6 Banks & Investment Co. 6.7 Leisure & Tourism 7.5 Food & Beverage 13.5 Investment Fund 25.1 Cash or Equivalent (6.0) Total 100.0 Geographical Breakdown % NAV Bonds 30.6 UK 10.4 US 20.2 Preference Shares 11.1 Equities 39.3 UK 27.6 US 5.4 Japan 3.8 Europe 2.6 Funds 25.1 LT Japan 12.9 LT Global Media 12.2 Cash (6.1) Total 100.0 Currency Exposure % NAV USD 50.6 JPY 0.5 EUR 2.6 GBP 46.3 Total 100.0 Fund Manager's Comments We took the Trust geared during January, to the tune of 7.0% and intend to borrow perhaps another 3.0%, taking the leverage to 10% of net assets. There are two reasons for this increased commitment to capital markets, but it is important to note that neither is resurgent optimism for global equities. We have definitely not leveraged because we expect a rally in stocks. Rather and central to the decision, we found assets which we believe could generate annualised returns in excess of our hurdle and borrowing costs, but were unwilling to sell existing positions against them. Second, a lesser but not trivial consideration, some degree of borrowing improves the tax efficiency of the Trust. The borrowing costs reduce the unfranked income generated by the current portfolio, which is taxed at a higher rate than franked income. Of course, such tax-inspired measures only create value for shareholders if the assets borrowed against generate a risk-adjusted return in excess of the net cost of the loan. We believe they will. New or increased investment was made in six securities. Positions were established in the HBOS 9.25% irredeemable preference shares and in the two share classes, 'A' and 'B', of Glenmorangie PLC. Meanwhile, we added to holdings of AG Barr, Nintendo and Reuters. The HBOS instrument has similar attractions to our existing holding in the Halifax 6.125% pref, not least the comfort of an AA-rated balance sheet supporting the dividend payments. In addition, though, the new security is irredeemable, while the other has a call provision, exercisable in 2024. The irredeemability of the pref increases its price leverage to declining long-term interest rates, which we expect. Further, the 9.25% stock was purchased under £1.44, meaning we locked into a net running yield of 6.4%, higher than that available on the earlier investment. We would consider switching more of our exposure into the irredeemable instrument if favourable terms present. The combined investment in HBOS stocks, including the 3.0% of assets held in the ordinary shares of the company, amounts to 14% of total, close to the maximum permitted by Investment Trust regulations. It goes without saying that we are confident in the financial stability of HBOS, but the scale of our exposure makes us most circumspect and sensitive to any deterioration in outlook. Glenmorangie is a wonderful store of value. The company owns the eponymous single malt whisky, which we believe is still only very early into the exploitation of its potential as a global brand, as well as other valuable properties, Glen Moray, Ardbeg and Martin's Deluxe. The share register is dominated by two holders - a family trust and Brown Forman Inc, the distiller of Jack Daniels. BF accumulated a 25% position in Glenmorangie's 'A' shares, which have reduced voting rights, 18 months ago. Other shareholders, such as us, must, therefore, share similar ambitions and time horizons as these two strategic investors. We do, believing, in particular, that Glenmorangie is an exquisite product, with significant potential both in the UK and for export. Nonetheless, the success of this investment will be measured over years, not quarters and the shares are illiquid and susceptible to being ignored by investors for long periods. Indeed, we were able to take advantage of the illiquidity of the stock to acquire our stake. Glenmorangie's shares have recently been ejected from the FT Small Companies Index, because of low trading volumes. Some investors who take indices literally have been forced to sell their shares, driving the price of the 'A' shares down from £8.0 to £5.85, where we purchased our interest. Elsewhere, both Nintendo and Reuters have suffered weak stock prices, both implicated in deteriorating equity markets. Nintendo is caught up in the impending crisis that seems to be overwhelming all Yen assets, while Reuters' business is unquestionably sensitive to inclement capital markets. We believe that both companies have the balance sheets and cash flows to see out current challenges and that each of their return characteristics and growth opportunities are essentially intact. Therefore we added to the holdings. Fund Manager Launch Date Denominated Currency Nick Train 22 January 2001 GBP Year End Dividend Benchmark 31st March Ex-date: June The annual average yield on Payment: August the 21/2% Consolidated Loan Stock. Sedol No Bloomberg 3001710 LTI LN The Board Management Fees Registered Address Rhoddy Swire Standard Fee: 0.65% p.a. Lindsell Train Investment Trust Michael Mackenzie Performance Fee: 77A High Street Donald Adamson 10% of annual increase in Brentwood Michael Lindsell the share price, plus ESSEX DM14 4RR dividend, above the gross annual yield of the 21/2% Consolidated Loan Stock. Disclaimer The contents in this document is solely for information purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or invitation to buy or subscribe any securities or funds in any jurisdiction in which such distribution is not authorised. Nothing in this document constitutes investment, legal, tax or other advice and cannot be relied upon in making any investment decision. Applications to invest in some of the funds must only be made on the basis of offer documents which may only be available for private circulation. The information contained in this document is published in good faith and neither Lindsell Train Limited nor any other person so connected assumes any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information as provided. No representation is made or assurance given that any statements made, views, projections or forecasts are correct or that objectives will be achieved. Lindsell Train and/or persons connected with it may have an interest in the Fund. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and are not guaranteed. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. You may not get back the amount you invested. Foreign exchange rates may cause the value of investments to go up or down. Investments may be subject to higher volatility in certain funds and the investment value may fall suddenly and substantially. Lindsell Train Limited 35 Thurloe Street, London SW7 2LQ Tel. +44 20 7225 6400 Fax. +44 20 7225 6499 info@lindselltrain.com www.lindselltrain.com Lindsell Train Limited is regulated by the FSA. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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