Half-yearly report
Martin Currie Portfolio Investment Trust plc
Half-yearly financial report
Six months to 31 July 2008
A copy of this interim report can be downloaded at
www.martincurrieportfolio.com
Financial Highlights
Key data
As at As at %
31 July 31 January change
2008 2008
Net asset value 131.0p 137.2p (4.7)
per share*
FTSE All-Share 2,749.2 3,000.1 (8.4)
index
Share price 119.5p 124.3p (3.9)
Discount** 7.1% 7.8%
*Calculated in accordance with the requirements of the Association of Investment
Companies (AIC).
**Calculated using net asset value per share excluding income and the share
price.
Total returns†
Six months Six months
ended 31 ended 31
July 2008 July 2007
Net asset value (3.4%) 8.8%
per share
FTSE All-Share (6.2%) 4.3%
index
Share price (2.3%) 7.1%
†The combined effect of any dividend paid, together with the rise or fall in the
share price, net asset value or FTSE All-Share index.
Income
Six months Six months %
ended ended 31 change
31 July 2008 July 2007
Revenue return 2.28p 1.62p 40.7
per share‡
Interim divided 1.00p 0.50p 100.0
per share
‡For details of calculation, refer to note 2
Total expenses
(as a percentage of shareholders' funds)
Six months Six months
ended 31 ended 31
July 2008 July 2007
Excluding 0.8% 0.8%
performance
fees*
Performance fees 0.2% 0.6%
Total 1.0% 1.4%
*Total expenses are calculated using average net assets of the fund over the
year.
Chairman's Statement
Your company has delivered strong returns for shareholders since 1999 in a
variety of market conditions. As our manager Tom Walker explains in his review,
the testing environment that we described in our annual report earlier this year
has continued over the six months to 31 July.
Over the last six months asset values have fallen but shareholders in Martin
Currie Portfolio Investment Trust have been protected from the worst effects of
the correction in global stock markets. Tom Walker and his team have shown skill
and judgment in steering the portfolio through some of the most challenging
markets for many years.
Performance
In the six month period under review the company's share price fell by 3.9%,
less than the 8.4% fall in the FTSE All-Share (capital only), the company's
benchmark index. In the same period the net asset value per share fell by 4.7%.
The table below shows the share price total returns against the benchmark index
over five years to 31 July 2008. We have included each discrete 12-month period
illustrating the degree to which Martin Currie Portfolio Investment Trust has
been able to benefit from rising markets, and protect shareholders during
falling markets. This is a powerful combination during uncertain times.
Annual share price total returns with dividends reinvested over 12 month periods
to 31 July
2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
Martin Currie (1.6%) 17.7% 15.8% 31.5% 11.3%
Portfolio
share price
FTSE All- (13.3%) 12.9% 17.3% 24.7% 10.7%
Share index
5 year share price total return
FTSE +58.6%
All-Share
Index
Martin +96.3%
Currie
Portfolio
Source: Fundamental Data
While the company's benchmark is the FTSE All-Share Index, reflecting a
substantial portion of the assets and the domicile of our shareholders, Tom
Walker has flexibility to choose the best stocks internationally and to maintain
a part of the portfolio in private equity.
The performance in the most recent 6-month period is a strong vindication of the
company's diversified three-tier strategy, with each part of the portfolio
providing some defence against market turbulence. In a period in which the FTSE
All-Share index (total return) fell by 6.2%;
-The UK equity portion of the portfolio fell by 3.1%;
-The international portion of the portfolio fell by 4.4% in a volatile market;
-The private equity portion added significant value for shareholders, rising by
5.4%.
Looking ahead, it is likely to remain a difficult period for markets. I believe
our strategy is as relevant now as ever, and ensures shareholders are well
placed for the years ahead.
Earnings and dividends
Despite the difficult backdrop, corporate earnings growth has been robust over
the period, and that is reflected in the company's portfolio. Compared with the
same period last year, revenue return per share has increased by 40.7%, rising
from 1.62p to 2.28p. As a result the board is recommending an interim dividend
of 1.0p (2007: 0.50p), which will be paid on 28 October to shareholders on the
register as at 3 October.
VAT Recovery
The Board is now in the final stages of quantifying our claim for submission to
HMRC. It is anticipated that the VAT Recovery will be received in the second
half of the financial year and will be reflected in the annual report, but the
figure received is unlikely to be more than 1% of net asset value.
NAV and Discount
In line with the revision to the AIC recommended practice we will, from 1
October 2008, publish a single net asset value that will include accumulated
income.
The board is pleased to have maintained stability in the discount. We believe
this means that the company's value is more accurately reflected in its share
price, and that management and shareholders can concentrate on what matters most
- investment performance.
Peter Berry
Chairman
22 September 2008
Interim Management Report
I wrote in this report a year ago about the initial stages of the collapsing
credit markets. They have continued to weaken and to dominate all aspects of
investment in every asset class; they seem likely to do so for some time yet.
Over the last six months, equity markets have fallen around the world and
volatility has increased as concerns have escalated from anxiety about weak bank
balance sheets to fears of a global recession.
Though their decline has been less than the benchmark index, our share price and
NAV have also fallen over the six months. Holding cash and limiting our
exposure to banks have been significant reasons for outperforming the benchmark.
United Kingdom
The UK has been one of the worst performing markets in the world in this six
month period. Political uncertainty has contributed to weakness in sterling, but
the main issue is that of increased fiscal borrowing at a time when the economy
is slowing dramatically. Property prices are now in decline but high inflation,
driven by food and energy prices, has made it impossible for interest rates to
be cut as much as many would like.
The weakness in the UK stockmarket has been driven both by large, global
companies in the telecom and bank sectors but also by many of the smaller
companies that sell almost exclusively to the hard-pressed UK consumer, like
retailers and housebuilders. Commodity stocks and pharmaceutical companies have
been the best performers in the market.
I sold out of Vodafone in January which has proved to be a good decision;
reinvesting part of the proceeds in BT Group was not, however, such a good
decision. As stated above, the whole
telecom sector has suffered over competition and demand issues. Not holding HBOS
and Lloyds has also been helpful, though, clearly, my holding in Royal Bank of
Scotland has been dreadful. I did take up our shares in their recent rights
issue. Our resource investments, though weakening towards the end of the
period, have outperformed.
International
Overseas markets have mostly declined less than the UK, China and the USA being
the most notable exceptions. In the USA, some of the largest credit losses in
history have led to increasing
bank failures creating broad nervousness amongst investors. China has fallen
about 50% from its dizzy heights of last year. The euro has been the strongest
major currency in the world this year as the European Central Bank has remained
firm and held interest rates at current levels despite the slowing economy. As a
result, continental Europe has been the best region for investment in the last
six months.
Outwith the banking sector, many companies are still enjoying decent operating
results. Earnings at the half year, for example, in America, have seen growth
over last year. Companies like Tecnicas Reunidas, the engineering company and
Apple, which I bought during this period have contributed positively. Other
acquisitions in the period include US retailer, WalMart and fertiliser producer,
Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan. Two of our worst performers overseas have
been New World Development, the Hong Kong property company and MEMC Electronics,
the polysilicon and silicon wafer manufacturer. In both cases, these companies
were strong contributors last year and have been oversold, offering now, I feel,
exceptional value.
Total returns
Six months to 31 July 2008
%
growth
UK equity portfolio (3.1%)
International (4.4%)
portfolio
Private equity +5.4%
Net asset value (3.4%)
FTSE All-Share (6.2%)
Source: Martin Currie and Fundamental Data
Private equity
F&C Private Equity has performed well this period. The maturity of its portfolio
is a key characteristic as many of the problems arising for private equity
investors relate to deals entered upon in the frothy environment in 2006/7. It
is much less exposed to such investments than many competitors. Though the Trust
received a large capital repayment from this investment earlier
this year, it remains our largest investment at 10.4% of assets. Candover also
performed well during the period. SVG, which is more exposed to the quoted
equity market and to larger deal
sizes has underperformed. Its share price now stands at a large discount to its
net asset value.
Performance
It is not very satisfactory to report on a period when the value of our shares
has fallen; it is some consolation that they have outperformed. The contribution
to outperformance came largely, and in equal measure, from our private equity
portfolio (see previous page) and the UK portfolio, though overseas equities
also contributed. In the UK, our two largest stock contributions came from not
owning Vodafone and HBOS but BHP, Weir Group and BG, all of which we did own,
also added a
lot of value. At the other end of the scale, not holding AstraZeneca detracted
from performance as healthcare outperformed.
Outlook
In the short term it is hard to see a rapid recovery in the financial climate.
The rate at which banks are reporting credit problems may be well advanced, but
it has not yet started to decelerate. While it would be naïve to think that the
tightening of credit markets will have no impact on industrial activity, it has
been encouraging to see corporate activity picking up; companies that are not
overly reliant on bank finance to strike deals are recognising opportunities to
make acquisitions at attractive prices.
The investment horizon of this trust is more distant than the average hedge
fund, that may be looking to the end of the quarter. At the same time it is
perhaps not quite as distant as that of an operating company that may make a
strategic acquisition on a five year view. Therein lies the dilemma today. There
are a number of things that could cause the market to fall near term yet on a
long term view, there is real value on offer in global equity markets.
I have used recent market weakness to reduce our cash balance from 9% at the end
of January to 3% at the half-year end. I remain underweight in the banking
sector where I see the greatest risk but I am convinced that some companies,
where fear levels are highest, have been oversold and should provide the best
long term investment returns. Some of my worst performing investments over the
last six months are likely to be amongst the best in the next two years.
Tom Walker
22 September 2008
Risks and Uncertainties
The principal risks and uncertainties that the company faces have not changed
since the publication of the last annual report. A summary of these can be found
in the table below, with further information on page 13, and pages 34-36 of the
company's full annual report for the year to 31 January 2008, which can be
obtained free of charge from Martin Currie and is available on the website
www.martincurrieportfolio.com.
Risk Mitigation
Loss of s842 status In order to qualify as an investment trust, the company must
comply with Section 842 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. Section
842 qualification criteria are continually monitored by Martin Currie and the
results reported to the board at each meeting.
Operational disruption at the manager's premises - Martin Currie has in place a
full disaster recovery and business continuity plan which facilitates continued
operation of the business should the Manager's premises be subject to
operational disruption. The plan, including a full staff call chain test, was
last tested in November 2007 with successful results. The Manager maintains a
fully operational off-site disaster recovery centre for use by key staff during
any disruption.
Regulatory, accounting/ internal control breach - The company must comply with
the Companies Act 1985 and 2006 and the UKLA Listing Rules. The board relies on
the services of its company secretary and its professional advisers to ensure
compliance.
Loss of investment team or investment manager - The manager takes steps to
reduce the likelihood of such an event by ensuring appropriate succession
planning and the adoption of a team based approach, as well as special efforts
to retain key personnel.
Failure to manage the discount - The board regularly discusses discount policy
and has set parameters for the manager and the company's broker to follow.
Investment underperformance - The board manages the risk of investment
underperformance by diversification of investments and through a set of
investment restrictions and guidelines that are monitored and reported on by the
manager. The board monitors the implementation and results of the investment
process with the investment manager, who attends all board meetings, and reviews
data that show statistical measures of the company's risk profile.
Gearing/Interest rate risk - From time to time the company finances its
operations through bank borrowings. However, the board monitors such borrowings
(gearing) closely and takes a prudent approach.
Foreign exchange risk - A portion of the company's portfolio is held in
currencies other than sterling and a high proportion of major UK listed
companies receive a substantial percentage of their revenues from international
operations, so in principle the board charges the manager to consider exchange
risk in the normal course of market and stock analysis. From time to time the
board may, however, hedge overall exposure to a particular currency (for example
the US dollar or Japanese yen) sometimes by borrowing in these currencies
against portfolio exposure to them.
Related Party Transactions
There have been no related party transactions during the first half of the year.
Directors' Responsibility
In accordance with Chapter 4 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, and to
the best of their knowledge, each Director of Martin Currie Portfolio Investment
Trust plc ("the company") confirms that the financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards and with
the Statement of Recommended Practice `financial statements of Investment Trust
companies', and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial
position and profit or loss of the company. Furthermore, each Director certifies
that the interim management report includes an indication of important events
that have occurred during the
first six months of the financial year, and their impact on the financial
statements, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties
that the company faces. In addition each Director of Martin Currie Portfolio
Investment Trust plc confirms that there have been no related party transactions
during the first half of the year.
By order of the board
Martin Currie Investment Management Limited
Secretaries
Edinburgh
22 September 2008
Portfolio Summary
Portfolio distribution as at 31 July
By Region 2008 2007
United 59.2% 55.9%
Kingdom
Internation 27.8% 30.1%
al*
Private 13.0% 14.0%
Equity
100.0% 100.0%
*International 2008 2007
North America 11.9% 12.0%
Europe (ex UK) 8.4% 9.4%
Developed Asia 3.4% 2.8%
Japan 2.2% 2.0%
Global Emerging 1.9% 3.9%
Markets
2008 Martin Currie
By Sector Portfolio
(excluding cash and Investment Benchmark
private equity) Trust **
Financials 18.5% 25.1%
Oil and gas 18.4% 18.2%
Basic materials 13.9% 12.3%
Industrials 9.6% 6.9%
Technology 9.4% 1.1%
Consumer services 8.9% 9.1%
Healthcare 7.5% 7.3%
Consumer goods 7.2% 9.4%
Utilities 4.2% 4.5%
Telecommunications 2.4% 6.1%
100.0% 100.0%
**Benchmark: FTSE All Share
By Asset Class 2008 2007
(including cash
and borrowings)
Equities 96.9% 104.6%
Cash 3.1% 0.2%
Less borrowings - (4.8%)
100.0% 100.0%
Largest Holdings 2008 2008 2007 2007
Market % of Market % of
Value total value total
£000 portfol £000 portfol
io io
F&C Private 17,992 10.4 24,056 11.6
Equity Trust†
BP 10,906 6.3 12,077 5.8
HSBC Holdings 10,467 6.1 11,403 5.5
BG 8,563 5.0 6,567 3.2
BHP Billiton 8,240 4.8 7,805 3.8
GlaxoSmithKline 7,903 4.6 8,434 4.1
Royal Bank of 6,167 3.6 7,413 3.6
Scotland
Anglo American 5,462 3.2 4,724 2.3
Xstrata 5,268 3.0 - -
British American 4,579 2.7 4,008 1.9
Tobacco
Royal Dutch 4,487 2.6 4,935 2.4
Shell
BT 3,570 2.1 - -
Candover 3,362 1.9 2,948 1.4
Investments
Tesco 3,352 1.9 3,793 1.8
Morrison (W) 2,826 1.6 - -
Scottish & 2,684 1.6 2,774 1.3
Southern Energy
Weir 2,642 1.5 2,467 1.2
Babcock 2,427 1.4 - -
International
MAN Group 2,411 1.4 2,547 1.2
Exelon 2,224 1.3 1,931 0.9
†Ordinary and restricted voting shares combined
Unaudited Income Statement
Six months to 31 Six months to 31
July 2008 July 2007
Notes Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Net (losses) - (8,384) (8,384) - 12,119 12,119
/ gains on
investments
Net currency 9 - (40) (40) - 382 382
(losses) /
gains
Income - 3 2,453 348 2,801 2,315 692 3,007
franked
- unfranked 3 1,131 - 1,131 582 - 582
Investment (160) (320) (480) (190) (380) (570)
management
fee
Performance 4 - (424) (424) - (1,198) (1,198)
fee
Other (220) - (220) (233) - (233)
expenses
Net return 3,204 (8,820) (5,616) 2,474 11,615 14,089
before
finance
costs and
taxation
Finance (3) (8) (11) (95) (185) (280)
costs: debt
Finance (3,113) 8,733 5,620 (2,726) (11,104) (13,830)
costs:
shareholders
' funds
Finance - 95 95 - 85 85
costs:
repurchase
of shares
Net return 88 - 88 (347) 411 64
on ordinary
activities
before
taxation
Taxation on 5 (88) - (88) (64) - (64)
ordinary
activities
Return - - - (411) 411 -
attributable
to
shareholders
(Audited)
Year to 31 January
2008
Notes Revenue Capital Total
£000 £000 £000
Net (losses) - 187 187
/ gains on
investments
Net currency 9 - 96 96
(losses) /
gains
Income - 3 4,092 12,269 16,361
franked
- unfranked 3 1,033 - 1,033
Investment (345) (690) (1,035)
management
fee
Performance 4 - (1,862) (1,862)
fee
Other (474) - (474)
expenses
Net return 4,306 10,000 14,306
before
finance
costs and
taxation
Finance (186) (358) (544)
costs: debt
Finance (4,028) (10,403) (14,431)
costs:
shareholders
' funds
Finance - 761 761
costs:
repurchase
of shares
Net return 92 - 92
on ordinary
activities
before
taxation
Taxation on 5 (92) - (92)
ordinary
activities
Return - - -
attributable
to
shareholders
Returns per ordinary share (as defined by the Articles) are detailed in note 2.
The total columns of this statement are the profit and loss accounts of the
company.
The revenue and capital items are presented in accordance with the Association
of Investment Companies (AIC) Statement of Recommended Practice.
All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing
operations.
No operations were acquired or discontinued in the six months.
A Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses is not required as all gains
and losses of the company have been reflected in the above statement.
Unaudited Balance Sheet
As at 31 July As at 31 July (Audited)
2008 2007 as at 31 Jan
2008
Note £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Non-current
assets
Investments at
fair value
through profit
or loss
Listed on the 124,792 144,244 119,189
stock exchange
in the UK
Listed on stock 47,953 62,708 54,444
exchanges
abroad
6 172,745 206,952 173,633
Current Assets
Loans and 7 370 387 300
Receivables
Cash at bank 5,636 565 26,020
6,006 952 26,320
Creditors
Amounts falling 8 (854) (11,268) (12,311)
due within one
year
Net current 5,152 (10,316) 14,009
Assets/(liabili
ties)
Net Asset Value 177,897 196,636 187,642
attributable to
shareholders
Net Asset Value 2 131.0p 137.6p 137.2p
per ordinary
share including
income
Net Asset Value 2 128.7p 136.8p 134.8p
per ordinary
share excluding
income
Unaudited Statement of Cash Flow
Not Six months to Six months to (Audited)
e 31 July 2008 31 July 2007 Year to 31
January 2008
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Net cash inflow 10 664 2,694 16,379
from operating
activities
Servicing of
finance
Finance Cost: (123) (291) (475)
debt
Finance Cost: (2,871) (2,726) (3,441)
Shareholders
funds
Net Cash (2,994) (3,017) (3,916)
outflow from
servicing of
finance
Capital
Expenditure and
Financial
Investment
Payment to (23,829) (29,859) (41,582)
acquire
investments
Sales of 16,333 29,369 62,479
investments
Net Cash (7,496) (490) 20,897
(outflow)/inflo
w from capital
expenditure and
financial
investment
Net Cash (9,826) (813) 33,360
(outflow)/inflo
w before
financing
Financing
Repurchase of (1,088) (780) (8,985)
ordinary share
capital
Repayment of (9,470) - (492)
short term bank
borrowings
(Decrease)/ (20,384) (1,593) 23,883
increase in
cash
Six months to Six months to (Audited)
31 July 2008 31 July 2007 year to 31
£000 £000 January 2008
£000
Reconciliation
of net cash
flow to
movements in
net cash/(debt)
(decrease)/incr (20,384) (1,593) 23,883
ease in cash as
above
Repayment of 9,470 - 492
short term bank
borrowings
Change in net (10,914) (1,593) 24,375
cash/ (debt)
resulting from
cash flows
Foreign (40) 382 96
exchange
movements
Movement in (10,954) (1,211) 24,471
cash net/
(debt) in the
period
Opening net 16,590 (7,881) (7,881)
cash/(debt)
Closing net 5,636 (9,092) 16,590
cash/(debt)
Notes to the Financial Statements
1 Accounting policies
a) Basis of preparation - The financial statements have been prepared under the
historical cost convention as modified to include the revaluation of investments
and in accordance with applicable UK Accounting Standards and with the Statement
of Recommended Practice `Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies'
(issued January 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.
b) Income from 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, or where no ex-dividend date is quoted, when
the company's right to receive payment is established.
Franked investment income is stated net of the relevant tax credit. Other income
includes any taxes deducted at source. Special dividends are credited to capital
or revenue, according to the circumstances. Scrip dividends are treated as
unfranked investment income; any excess in value of the shares received over the
amount of the cash dividend is recognised as a capital item in the income
statement.
c) Interest receivable and payable and management expenses are treated on an
accruals basis.
d) The management fee and finance costs in relation to debt are recognised two-
thirds as a capital item and one-third as a revenue item in the income statement
in accordance with the board's expected long-term split of returns in the form
of capital gains and income, respectively. The performance fee is recognised
100% as a capital item in the income statement as it relates entirely to the
capital performance of the trust. Short term deposits, expenses and interest
payable are treated on an accruals basis. All expenses are charged to revenue
except where they directly relate to the acquisition or disposal of an
investment, in which case, they are added to the cost of the investment or
deducted from the sale proceeds.
e) Investments - Investments have been designated upon initial recognition as
fair value through profit or loss. Investments are recognised and derecognized
at trade date where a purchase or sale is under a contract whose terms require
delivery within the time frame established by the market concerned, and are
initially measured as fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, investments
are valued at fair value. 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's electronic trading service for UK
blue chip securities including all the FTSE 100 constituents and the most liquid
FTSE 250 along with some other securities. Gains and 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
reserve.
f) Transaction costs incurred on the purchase and disposal of investments are
recognised as a capital item in the income statements.
g) Foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling on the
balance sheet date. Sterling is believed to be the functional currency.
Investments are recognised initially as at the trade date of a transaction.
Subsequent to this, the disposal of an investment is accounted for once again as
at the trade date of transaction. Revenue received and interest paid in foreign
currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the transaction
date.
h) All financial assets and liabilities are recognised in the financial
statements.
i) Dividends payable - Interim and final dividends are recognised in the period
in which they are paid.
j) Realised capital reserve - Gains or losses on investments realised in the
year that have been recognised in the income statement are 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 realised
capital reserve on disposal of the investment.
Share buy backs are funded through the special distributable reserve.
k) Unrealised capital reserve - Increases and decreases in the fair value of
investments are recognised in the income statement and are then transferred to
the unrealised capital reserve.
l) 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.
Due to the company's status as an investment trust company, 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.
m) Shareholders funds - Under FRS25 "Financial instruments: Disclosure and
presentation", when shares are issued, any component that creates a financial
liability in the balance sheet; measured initially at fair value net of
transaction costs and thereafter at amortised cost until extinguished on
redemption. The corresponding dividends relating to the liability component are
charged as finance costs in the income statement.
2.
Six months Six months Year to 31
to 31 July to 31 July January
2008 2007 2008
Returns and Net
Asset Value (as
defined by the
Articles)
The Return and Net
Asset Value per
ordinary share are
calculated with
reference to the
following figures:
Revenue Return
Revenue Return - (£411,000) -
attributable to
ordinary
shareholders
Add back finance £3,113,000 £2,726,000 £4,028,000
costs:
shareholders funds
£3,113,000 £2,315,000 £4,028,000
Average number of 136,510,184 143,174,983 142,254,259
shares in issue
during period
Return per 2.28p 1.62p 2.83p
ordinary share
Capital return
Capital return - £411,000 -
attributable to
ordinary share
holders
Add back finance (£8,733,000) £11,104,000 £10,403,000
costs:
shareholders funds
Deduct finance (£95,000) (£85,000) (£761,000)
costs: repurchase
of shares
(£8,828,000) £11,430,000 £9,642,000
Average number of 136,510,184 143,174,983 142,254,259
shares in issue
during year
Return per (6.47p) 7.98p 6.78p
ordinary share
Total return
Total return per (4.19p) 9.60p 9.61p
ordinary shares
Net asset value As at 31 As at 31 As at 31
per share July 2008 July 2007 January
2008
Net assets £177,897,000 £196,636,000 £187,642,000
attributable to
shareholders
Number of shares 135,804,944 142,917,915 136,716,072
in issue at the
period end
Accounting net 131.0p 137.6p 137.2p
asset value per
share
Reconciliation of
Net asset values
Net asset value 131.0p 137.6p 137.2p
per share
including income
Exclusion of (2.3p) (0.8p) (2.4p)
undisputed current
period revenue
Net asset value 128.7p 136.8p 134.8p
per share
excluding income
Since the period end a further 221,890 ordinary shares of 5p each have been
bought back for cancellation at a cost of £269,000
3.
Six months to Six months to Year to 31
31 July 2008 31 July 2007 January 2008
£000 £000 £000
Income
From listed
investment
UK equities 2,453 2,315 4,092
International 766 541 862
equities
Other income
Interest on 343 41 171
deposits
Underwriting 22 - -
commission
3,584 2,897 5,125
In addition, during the six months to 31 July 2008, the company received a
capital dividend of £311,000 from F&C Private Equity Trust and £37,000 from ABB
Limited. During the six months to 31 July 2007, the company received a capital
dividend of £692,000 from Intercontinental Hotels.
4 Performance fee
The charge of £424,000 represents the accrual for the performance fee for the
year to 31 January 2009 (31 July 2007: £1,198,000).
5.
Six months to 31 Six months to Year to
July 2008 31 July 2007 31 January 2008
Reven Capi Tota Reven Capi Tota Reven Capi Tot
ue tal l ue tal l ue tal al
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £00
0
Taxation
on
ordinary
activities
Foreign 88 - 88 64 - 64 92 - 92
Tax
6.
As at 31 As at 31 As at 31
July 2008 July 2007 January
£000 £000 2008
£000
Investments
Fair value through
profit or loss:
Cost at beginning of 143,403 154,709 154,790
period
Add: additions at 23,829 28,870 40,593
cost
Less: disposals at (14,826) (22,538) (51,899)
cost
Cost at end of 152,406 161,041 143,403
period
Unrealised gains 20,339 45,911 30,230
Valuation at end of 172,745 206,952 173,633
period
The transaction cost in acquiring investments during the period were £115,000
(2007: £65,000). For disposals, transaction costs were £19,000 (2007: £56,000).
During the period there was a write down in the book cost of F&C Private Equity
Trust A shares of £153,000 and ABB Limited of £28,000.
7.
As at 31 As at 31 As at 31
July 2008 July 2007 January
£000 £000 2008
£000
Loans and
receivables
Dividends receivable 275 313 212
Taxation recoverable 31 13 13
Other debtors 64 61 75
370 387 300
8.
As at 31 As at 31 As at 31
July 2008 July 2007 January
£000 £000 2008
£000
Amounts falling due
within one year
Due to brokers for 71 - -
repurchase of
ordinary shares
Due to Martin Currie 659 1,323 2,650
Other Creditors 124 288 231
Overdrawn US Dollar - 94 158
bank account
Bank Borrowings - 9,563 9,272
854 11,268 12,311
9.
Calle Capital Special Reali Unreali Reven
d up redempt distribu sed sed ue
ordin ion table capit capital reser
ary reserve reserve al reserve ve
share £000 £000 reser £000 £000
capit ve
al £000
£000
Memorandum -
Net asset
value
attributable
to
shareholders
As 31 January 6,835 9,182 152,090 (18,410) 30,230 7,715
2008
Ordinary (46) 46 (1,159) - - -
shares bought
back during
the period
Realised gain - - - 1,507 - -
on investments
during the
period
Realised - - - (40) - -
currency loss
during the
period
Unrealised - - - - (9,891) -
depreciation
on investments
Capitalised - - - (752) - -
expenses
Capital - - - 348 - -
dividends
received
Net revenue - - - - - 3,113
Dividends paid - - - - - (2,871)
Reallocation - - - 242 - (242)
of
shareholders
funds
As at 31 July 6,789 9,228 150,931 (17,105) 20,339 7,715
2008
10.
Six months to Six months to Year to
31 July 2008 31 July 2007 31 January
2008
Reconciliatio
n of net
return before
finance costs
and taxation
to net cash
inflow from
operating
activities
Return on (5,616) 14,089 14,306
ordinary
activities
before
finance costs
and taxation
Adjustments
for:
Losses/(gains 8,384 (12,119) (187)
) on
investments
Effect of 40 (382) (96)
foreign
exchange
rates
Increase in (52) (99) (12)
dividends
receivable
and other
debtors
(Decrease)/in (1,986) 1,273 2,464
crease in
other
creditors and
other
accruals
Overseas (106) (68) (96)
withholding
tax suffered
Net cash 664 2,694 16,379
inflow from
operating
activities
11. Contingent assets
On 5 November 2007, the European Court of Justice ruled that management fees
should be exempt from VAT. HMRC has announced its intention not to appeal
against this case to the UK VAT Tribunal and therefore protective claims which
have been made in relation to the company will be processed in due course. The
Board is currently in the process of quantifying the potential repayment that
should be due. However, the amount the company will receive, the period to which
it will refer, and the timescale for receipt are all uncertain and hence the
company has made no provision in these financial statements for any such
repayment.
Website
At www.martincurrieportfolio.com we maintain a website specifically for
shareholders in the trust and their advisers. It includes price and performance
statistics, monthly update, webcasts, online versions of the trust's annual and
interim reports and information on how to invest.