Annual Financial Report
Egypt Trust
THE EGYPT TRUST
Société d'Investissement à Capital Fixe
LuxembourgLuxembourg
R.C.S.
Luxembourg B 55 584
R.C.S.
Luxembourg B 55 584
Audited Annual Report
March 31st, 2010
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Table of Contents
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Organisation of the Fund
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General Information
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Chairman’s Statement
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Responsibility Statement
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Manager's Review
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Corporate Governance
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Report of the Réviseur d’Entreprises Agréé
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Statement of Net Assets
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Shareholders’ Equity
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Statement of Operations
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Statement of Changes in Net Assets
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Statistical Information about the Fund
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Statement of Changes in Shares Outstanding
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Statement of Investments and Other Net Assets
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Currency, Geographical and Industrial Classification of the Fund
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Notes to the Financial Statements
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Organisation of the Fund
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Chairman
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ALEXANDER E. ZAGOREOS
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Jermain Hill Lane
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Eagle Bridge, NY 12057, U.S.A.
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Directors
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MICHAEL BECKETT *
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Northcroft Dulwich Common
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London SE21 7EW, U.K.
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SHAKER ALBERT KHAYATT *
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KHAYATT & COMPANY INC.
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50 Broad Street, Suite 1609
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New York, NY 10004, U.S.A.
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MOHAMED KAMAL EL-DIN BARAKAT *
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151 Mohamed Farid Street
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Cairo, EGYPT
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MICHAEL TAIT *
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OXFORD AND EDINBURGH CONSULTANTS
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Chairman of the Audit Committee
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8 Chalcot Crescent
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London NW1 8YD, U.K.
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Advisory Board
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HERBERT GULLQUIST
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Registered Office
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11, rue Aldringen
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L-1118 Luxembourg
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Manager
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LAZARD ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC
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30 Rockefeller Plaza
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New York, NY 10112, U.S.A.
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Investment Adviser
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NATIONAL BANK OF EGYPT
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NBE Tower
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1187 Corniche El-Nile
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Boulak
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Cairo, EGYPT
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* Member of the Audit Committee
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Organisation of the Fund (continued)
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Custodian and Paying Agent
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KBL European Private Bankers S.A.
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43, boulevard Royal
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L-2955 Luxembourg
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Domiciliary, Registrar, Transfer
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KREDIETRUST LUXEMBOURG S.A.
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and Administrative Agent
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11, rue Aldringen
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L-2960 Luxembourg
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Réviseur d’entreprises agréé
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DELOITTE S.A.
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560, rue de Neudorf
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L-2220 Luxembourg
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Financial Adviser and Broker
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Arbuthnot Securities Limited
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Arbuthnot House
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20, Ropemaker Street
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London EC2Y 9AR, U.K.
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General Information
1. Shareholders will be sent audited annual accounts relating to THE
EGYPT TRUST (the “Fund” or the “Corporation”), which will include a
report by the Manager, made up to the last day of March in each year.
Shareholders will also be sent an unaudited half-yearly report covering
the six-month period ending September 30th in each year.
2. The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders is held in Luxembourg each
year at 4 p.m. on the third Tuesday of August in each year (or, if such
day is not a business day in Luxembourg, on the next following business
day). Notices convening each annual general meeting, including agenda,
time and place, and details of attendance, quorum and majority
requirements under Luxembourg law, will be sent to the registered
addresses of Shareholders together with the annual report and accounts
not less than 21 days before the date of such meeting.
3. The investment policy of the Corporation is to achieve medium to
long-term capital growth through investments principally in the equities
of companies listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange.
4. The Corporation intends to distribute annually to Shareholders
substantially all of its income (including dividends and interest)
available for distribution after deducting fees and expenses.
5. Dividends will only be paid to the extent that they are covered by
income received from underlying investments, shares of profits of
associated companies being unavailable for this purpose unless and until
distributed to the Corporation. The Fund’s Articles of Incorporation
(the “Articles”) provide that dividends shall not be paid out of
surpluses arising upon the realisation of investments.
6. A dividend declared but not claimed by a Shareholder after twelve
years from the declaration thereof shall lapse and revert to the
Corporation.
7. The Net Asset Value (the “NAV”) per Share is expressed in US Dollars
(“USD”) and is published on a weekly basis in the “Financial Times”.
8. The Shares of the Fund are listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Chairman’s Statement
Dear Shareholders,
It gives me pleasure to report a year of solid returns following a
period viewed by many as the worst financial crisis since the Great
Depression. Markets around the world rebounded from their lows as
confidence was restored and investors returned to fundamentals. During
the twelve months ended March 31st, 2010, The Egypt Trust was up 53%
compared to the Fund’s benchmark up 65%. This difference is owing to the
Fund’s statutory diversification requirements. The Egypt market
underperformed the emerging markets over the past fiscal year, in part
because of regional issues such as the Dubai World debt crises affecting
all regional stock markets.
During the global economic crisis, the Egyptian economy has shown
impressive resilience as GDP continued to grow 4.5%, in real terms, in
FY 2008/2009. The estimate for this year is 5.5%. Egypt’s ability to
weather the global financial crisis without much damage is mainly a
result of strong domestic private consumption, a central theme in the
Manager’s investment strategy.
Recent events in Europe brought about by the debt crisis in Greece did
not have much direct effect in Egypt, as the government was able to
issue $1.5 billion of debt, at a reasonable price, in international
markets, without difficulty.
This confidence bodes well for the Egyptian stock market as it is
reasonably priced relative to other developing markets. We believe the
mix of attractive valuations, healthy macroeconomic indicators, and
significant growth prospects, makes us optimistic about the medium to
long term prospects of Egyptian equities.
In the short term however, recent global events suggest that a global
economic recovery is still shaky and global stock markets (including
Egypt) might remain unsettled.
Alexander E. Zagoreos
ChairmanChairman
Respectfully Submitted,Respectfully Submitted,
Luxembourg, July 2010
Responsibility Statement
We, the Directors of The Egypt Trust, confirm to the best of our
knowledge that:
a) the financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with
the applicable set of accounting standards (being the legal and
regulatory requirements in Luxembourg relating to investment funds) give
a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and
profit or loss of the Fund as at March 31st, 2010 and for the financial
year then ended; and
b) the Manager’s Review includes a fair review of the development and
performance of the business and the position of the Fund together with a
description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.
By order of the Board
Alexander E. Zagoreos
ChairmanChairman
Luxembourg, July 2010
Investment Policy
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Asset Allocations:
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The Fund invests primarily in equity securities of Egyptian
companies listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange (formerly Cairo
and Alexandria Stock Exchanges) as well as other exchanges.
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We use a bottom-up, fundamental company analysis to identify
companies that have strong earnings-generation ability but are
inexpensively priced.
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We continuously monitor potential and existing holdings in the
Fund, in addition to the overall macro-economic environment in
Egypt. The asset allocation and security selection changes
accordingly.
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Risk Diversification:
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The Fund will run a concentrated portfolio, subject to exposure
limits detailed below, but in the meanwhile aims to provide broad
exposure to the market through holding a diversified portfolio.
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The liquidity of the Egyptian market is limited compared to
developed markets. When making an investment decision, liquidity
concerns weigh in. We aim to keep 90% of the Fund’s NAV in highly
liquid securities and cash. The remaining 10% would provide the
flexibility to invest in attractively priced securities with low
liquidity, or in pre-IPO companies.
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We seek to invest in undervalued assets trading at a discount
(absolute and/or relative). Such discounts could limit the
portfolio’s downside risk, and add more value during rising
markets.
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Exposure Limits:
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Maximum weighting in any single security should not exceed 10% of
NAV - Passive breaches should be brought back in line with the
policy in a manner consistent with the best interests of the
shareholders, and
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Maximum weighting in any single sector should not exceed 25% of
NAV. The Fund treats Real Estate & Property Development as a
separate sector and not part of Financials.
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Gearing: The Fund’s Manager is not allowed to use gearing.
Manager's Review
Performance overview
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Q1
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Q2
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Q3
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Q4
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Year
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Egypt Trust: NAV $
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27.15
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32.37
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29.56
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32.49
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Egypt Trust: Return (Net)
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27.89%
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19.23%
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-8.68%
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9.91%
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53.04%
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IFC Investable: Value
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210.3
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251.78
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233.17
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257.10
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IFC Investable: Return
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35.09%
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19.72%
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-7.39%
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10.26%
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65.15%
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Source: KBL, Reuters
The Egyptian Stock Market, along with nearly all stock markets, has
witnessed a strong recovery, starting in March 2009, as the panic that
dominated the markets following one of the worst global financial crises
started to recede and investors gradually returned to fundamentals.
Helping the market were the corporate earnings, which came in better
than the market’s expectations and certainly didn’t support the doomsday
scenario that had triggered the massive, indiscriminate sell-off.
Also lending some support to the market was the GDP growth figures,
which came in at 4.5% at the end of March 2009. This figure, while
significantly lower than the 8% targeted, was still a very respectful
figure for that quarter in light of the financial crises.
The market continued to advance in the following months but eventually
had to pull back during the third quarter of the fiscal year (Q4 2009).
This was largely a result of the negative sentiment towards the whole
region created by Dubai World’s announcement of the need to restructure
its debts. Additionally, as investors became concerned regarding the
rising budget deficit and inflation, and corporate earnings came in
largely in line with expectations, there were no positive surprises to
provide a catalyst to the market. As a result, for the one-year period
ended March 31st, 2010, the Egyptian market underperformed global
emerging markets, as measured by the 77.2% gain of the MSCI EM Index
during the same period.
The Egypt Trust underperformed its index for the year ended March 31st,
2010, mainly as a result of the Fund’s underweight position in Orascom
Constructions Industries, which nearly doubled during that period. The
Fund is only allowed to own a maximum of 10% of its NAV in any single
issuer, while the weight of this security in the index is nearly 30%.
Portfolio overview (as of March 31st, 2010)
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Top 10 Holdings
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Portfolio (%)
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National Societe Generale Bank
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6.72%
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Egyptian Int’l Pharmaceuticals Co.
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6.55%
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Telecom Egypt
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6.06%
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Orascom Telecom Holding
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5.67%
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Orascom Construction Industries
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5.42%
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Talaat Moustafa Group Holding
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5.25%
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EFG- Hermes Holding
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4.35%
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Alexandria Mineral Oils Co.
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4.08%
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Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals
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4.01%
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Egyptian Financial & Industrial Co.
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3.94%
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TOTAL
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52.05%
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Sector Allocation
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Portfolio (%)
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Telecom
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14.01%
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Financials
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21.00%
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Materials
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15.93%
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Healthcare
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7.04%
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Industrial
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9.67%
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Real Estate
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15.22%
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Petrochemicals
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8.08%
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Consumer Discretionary
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5.40%
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Other
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3.65%
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TOTAL
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100.00%
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Manager's Review (continued)
The Egypt Trust portfolio remains relatively concentrated as the top 10
holdings represent 52% of NAV. Sector allocation witnessed some changes
compared to March 2009; Telecom’s weight was reduced as a result of
completely selling out of Mobinil during the France Telecom / Orascom
Telecom legal battle over control as well as underperformance by the
sector. On the other hand, Real Estate’s weight increased as we invested
more in the sector because of the cheap valuation during the crises as
well as strong performance during the year.
Cash and other net assets and liabilities amounted to 3.66% of NAV at
March 31st, 2010, down from 6.26% a year earlier.
The following chart shows the sector allocations on March 31st, 2010
compared to March 31st, 2009:
GRAPH OMITTED
On March 31st, 2010, no single issue was in breach of the 10% single
issuer limit and no sector was in breach of the 25% sector limit.
The Economy
Egypt’s economy showed great resilience during the crises. After
dropping to 4.4% for the six months ended June 2009, GDP growth picked
up in the following six months (4.7%) and we expect growth for FY 09/10
to come in at approximately 5.5%. A key factor in growth was the steady
increase in private consumption − in the range of 4.8-5% per annum
throughout the last 3 years. A spike in government consumption in the
first half of 2009 also provided a boost to the economy. On the other
hand, net foreign direct investment (“FDI”) for the six months ended
December 2009 came in at only $2.6 billion, compared to $4.1 billion for
the previous six months. FDI has played a big role in Egypt’s economic
growth, and without a strong recovery in this area, Egypt is not likely
to achieve the 7-8% growth rate the government targets in 2011-2012.
Manager's Review (continued)
As a result of the financial crises, government revenues have dropped,
while the stimulus package and subsidy bill caused expenditures to
increase. Monthly data shows that the budget deficit for the period July
09 - February 10 reached EGP 75 billion compared to 45 billion for the
same period last year. For the FY 09/10, we expect the budget deficit to
be approximately 9%. It is not likely that we will see a significant
decline in the budget deficit soon unless economic growth picks up
significantly, encouraging government to reduce expenditures, or the
government decides to reduce subsidies (though we think this is unlikely
this year given it is an election year).
Inflation moderated slightly in March 2010, to 12.2%, from 13.6% in
January (and a high of 23.6% in August 2008), but remains one of the
highest rates in emerging markets. We expect the coming few months to
see upward pressure on inflation as global commodities price are
recovering, and Egypt’s producers price index (PPI) already picking up.
This might cause the Central Bank to raise rates to try to contain
inflation which, in turn, would put further pressures on economic growth.
Egypt’s external sector improved significantly. Current account deficit
in the six months to December 09 narrowed to $1.3 billion from $2.5
billion for the same period the previous year. This was a result of the
narrowing of the trade deficit to $11.9 billion (from $14.6 billion), as
exports and imports declined by 15.3% and 16.9%, respectively. Services
balance also declined by 15.8%, to $ 6.3 billion, mainly as a result of
a 65% decline in investment income. Suez Canal revenues also declined by
16.7%, but tourism revenues increased by 4.7%. It should be noted that
the quarter ended December 09 showed a small current account surplus as
a result of a significant improvement in the trade deficit during the
quarter to $ 4.6 billion, vs. $7.2 billion the previous quarter due to
higher exports proceeds and lower import bill.
Once again we would like to highlight the health of the Egyptian banking
system, as bad loans coverage ratios remain comfortable and, for most
banks, was above 100%. Moreover, banks remain highly liquid, with loans
to deposits ratio around 50%. This puts banks in a great position to
finance growth once appetite for risk returns.
Outlook
The Egyptian equity market lagged behind global emerging and developed
markets in 2009, particularly during the last quarter of the year, which
left Egyptian equities trading at a discount to global emerging markets.
On the micro front, we find many Egyptian equities are attractively
valued with dominant market positions, strong balance sheets and proper
management that was able to navigate through the global turmoil
successfully. Also, the resilience of the domestic demand over the past
few years is very encouraging.
We believe the main challenges for Egyptian equities in the near future
are macro, particularly Egypt’s ability to attract enough FDIs to grow
around 7-8%, creating new jobs, and expanding its export base which
would cause the government revenues to increase and allow it to cut
expenditures translating to a lower budget deficit.
In order to be able to attract the required FDI, Egypt needs to resume
its structural reforms efforts targeted at reducing the cost (time,
money and effort) of doing business, increasing the competitiveness of
the market and enhancing transparency.
Overall, we continue to believe that the Egyptian Economy has good
potential to grow at higher rates. Additionally, we find Egyptian
equities attractively valued therefore despite the expected short term
volatility, we remain bullish on the medium to long term and continue to
invest based on our disciplined fundamental investment approach.
Manager's Review (continued)
Principal risks and uncertainties
The success of the Fund may be affected by general economic and market
conditions, such as widening discounts, interest rate changes,
availability of credit, inflation rates, economic uncertainty, changes
in laws, and national and international political circumstances. These
factors may affect the level and volatility of securities that the Fund
invests in. The Manager actively monitors these factors and, to the
extent possible, attempts to mitigate their negative impact on the Fund.
The Fund invests in securities issued primarily by companies located in
Egypt. The Egyptian securities markets can be extremely volatile. The
Fund’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic
factors affecting companies in Egypt. As an emerging market country,
Egypt can generally have an economic structure that is less diverse and
mature, and a political system that is less stable, than those of
developed countries. Further, a fund, such as the Fund, that invests
substantially all of its assets in securities of issuers in one country
may experience significantly greater volatility than a fund that invests
in a more geographically diverse portfolio.
Luxembourg, July 2010 Lazard Asset Management
Note: The information in this report represents historical data and is
not an indication of future results.
Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance Principles
As a société d'investissement à capital fixe registered in Luxembourg,
the Fund was not, in the year under review, required to comply with the
requirements of the UK Combined Code on Corporate Governance ("Combined
Code") nor any other code of corporate governance. The Fund is,
however, committed to high standards of corporate governance and it is
the Fund’s policy to comply with best practice on good corporate
governance.
The main elements of the Fund’s practices and procedures which reflect
its special circumstances as an offshore investment company are set out
below.
The Board
The Board comprises five non-executive directors all of whom are
considered to be independent and offer a wide range of skills and
experience to the Fund.
The Combined Code includes provisions relating to:
• the role of the chief executive
• executive directors’ remuneration
• the need for an internal audit function.
For the reasons set out in the preamble to the Combined Code, the Board
considers these provisions are not relevant to the position of the Fund,
being an externally managed investment company.
In the Board’s opinion, despite Mr Alexander Zagoreos, Mr Michael Tait,
Mr Michael Beckett and Mr Shaker Khayatt each having served on the board
of directors of the Fund for more than 9 years, they continue to qualify
as independent directors despite their length of service, as they are
each, free from any business or other relationships that could
materially interfere with the exercise of their respective judgment. In
addition, the Directors believe that continuity and experience adds
significantly to the strength of the Board. With the exception of Mr
Alexander Zagoreos who is a Senior Adviser to Lazard Asset Management
LLC (the "Manager"), the aforementioned directors are also
independent of the Manager.
The Board is supplied in a timely manner with information in a form and
of a quality appropriate to enable it to discharge its duties. Strategic
issues and all operational matters of a material nature are determined
by the Board.
At every Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) each director stands for
re-election, rather than retiring by rotation every three years as
provided for by the Combined Code.
The Board aims to meet at least three times a year to consider the
business and affairs of the Fund and at each meeting reviews investment
performance. Between these meetings the Board meets on an ad hoc basis
to consider specific matters of a transactional nature. The Directors
are kept fully informed of investment and financial controls and other
matters that are relevant to the business of the Fund and should be
brought to the attention of the Directors. The Directors also have
access, where necessary in the furtherance of their duties, to
professional advice at the expense of the Fund.
The Board has responsibility for ensuring that the Fund keeps proper
accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time
the financial position of the Fund. The Board is also responsible for
safeguarding the assets of the Fund and for taking reasonable steps for
the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. However,
certain functions have been delegated by the Board to third parties, as
further described below.
Corporate Governance (continued)
There is currently no formal process by which the Board carries out a
self-appraisal of its performance. However, it is the Board’s intention
to introduce an appraisal system during the forthcoming financial year
ending March 31st, 2011.
The Fund has maintained appropriate directors’ liability insurance cover
throughout the year.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee, which is chaired by Mr Michael Tait and also
comprises Mr Michael Beckett, Mr Shaker Khayatt and Mr Mohamed Barakat,
examines the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control systems, the
annual and half-yearly financial reports, the interim management
statements, the auditor’s remuneration and engagement, as well as the
auditor’s independence and any non-audit services provided by them.
The Audit Committee meets at least twice annually, being before the
Board meets to consider the Fund’s half-yearly and annual financial
reports. The Audit Committee operates within clearly defined terms of
reference and provides a forum through which the Fund’s external
auditors report to the Board.
The Audit Committee has considered the independence and objectivity of
the Auditors and has conducted a review of non-audit services which the
Auditors have provided. It is satisfied in these respects that Deloitte
S.A. has fulfilled its obligations to the Fund and its Shareholders.
The external auditor is invited to attend all Audit Committee meetings
and has the opportunity to meet with the committee without
representatives of the Manager being present.
The Fund does not have its own internal audit function, as all the
administration is delegated to the Manager. This matter is kept under
annual review.
Nomination Committee
The Board operates without a Nomination Committee however the Directors
recognise the importance of the progressive refreshing of, and
succession planning for, company boards. The Board is of the view that
length of service does not necessarily compromise the independence or
contribution of Directors of an investment fund, where continuity and
experience can add significantly to the strength of the Board.
Internal controls
The Board is responsible for the Fund’s system of internal control and
for reviewing its effectiveness. The Board confirms that there is an
ongoing process for identifying, evaluating and monitoring the
significant risks faced by the Fund.
The Board and the Manager have agreed clearly-defined investment
criteria, specified levels of authority and exposure limits. Reports on
these issues, including performance statistics and investment
valuations, are submitted to the Board at each meeting. The Manager’s
evaluation procedure and financial analysis of the companies within the
portfolio include detailed research and appraisal. The Board recognises
that these control systems can only be designed to manage, rather than
eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and to
provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material
misstatement or loss. It relies on the operating controls established by
the Manager.
Corporate Governance (continued)
Delegation of responsibilities
The Directors of the Fund clearly define the duties and responsibilities
of their agents and advisors. The appointment of agents and advisers is
conducted by the Board after consideration of the quality of the parties
involved and the Board monitors their ongoing performance and
contractual arrangements. The Board has also specified which matters are
reserved for a decision by the Board and which matters may be delegated
to its agents and advisers.
The Board has delegated a number of areas of responsibility, outlined
below.
Management and administration
The management of the investment portfolio has been delegated to the
Manager and although the Fund does not operate a management and
engagement committee, the Board regularly reviews the performance of the
Fund’s Manager and its terms of appointment. The Directors continue to
believe that in light of the Fund’s performance, the appointment of the
Manager on the terms set out below is in the interests of the Fund’s
Shareholders as a whole.
The Manager was appointed on August 2nd, 1996 and under the terms of the
agreement with the Fund either party may terminate the agreement by
giving three months’ prior written notice. Pursuant to this agreement,
the Manager is entitled to an annual management fee of 1 per cent. of
the value of the gross assets of the Fund, payable monthly in arrears.
Under the terms of the agreement the Fund has also agreed to indemnify
the Manager from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages,
court costs and reasonable expenses, arising from the act or omission of
the Manager, except to the extent that such liability results from a
breach of the Manager’s fiduciary obligation with respect to the Company
or from fraud, wilful default or negligence in the performance or non
performance by the Manager of its obligations or duties under the
agreement.
Custody and settlement services are undertaken by KBL European Private
Bankers S.A. and the appointed Domiciliary Registrar, Transfer and
Administrative Agent is Kredietrust Luxembourg S.A..
The Board has delegated the exercise of voting rights attaching to the
securities held in the portfolio to the Manager. The Manager follows a
proxy voting policy when voting which provides for certain matters to be
reviewed on a case by case basis.
The Board regularly reviews the delegated functions to ensure their
continued competitiveness and effectiveness, including the Manager,
although no formal management and engagement committee has been
established.
Dialogue with Shareholders
All holders of Shares in the Fund have the right to receive notice of,
and attend, all general meetings of the Fund. The Directors are always
available to enter into dialogue with shareholders and make themselves
available for such purpose whenever required. The Fund believes such
communications to be important.
Deloitte S.A.
Audit, Tax, ConsultingAudit, Tax, Consulting
Financial AdvisoryFinancial Advisory
560,
rue de Neudorf560,
rue de Neudorf
L-2220 LuxembourgL-2220 Luxembourg
B.P.1173B.P.1173
L-1011
LuxembourgL-1011
Luxembourg
Tel: +352 451 451Tel: +352 451 451
Fax: +352 451 452 401Fax: +352 451 452 401
www.deloitte.lu
Report of the Réviseur d’Entreprises Agréé
To the Shareholders of
THE EGYPT TRUST
Following our appointment by the general meeting of the shareholders, we
have audited the accompanying financial statements of THE EGYPT TRUST,
which comprise the statement of net assets and the statement of
investments and other net assets as at March 31st, 2010 and the
statement of operations and other changes in net assets for the year
then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other
explanatory notes to the financial statements.
Board of Directors of the Fund's responsibility for the financial
statements
The Board of Directors of the Fund is responsible for the preparation
and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with
the Luxembourg legal and regulatory requirements relating to the
preparation of the financial statements. This responsibility includes:
designing, implementing and maintaining internal control relevant to the
preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and
applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting
estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.
Responsibility of the réviseur d’entreprises agréé
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with
International Standards on Auditing as adopted for Luxembourg by the
Commission de Surveillance du Surveillance du Secteur Financier. Those
standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial
statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures
selected depend on the judgement of the réviseur d’entreprises agréé,
including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the
financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those
risk assessments, the réviseur d’entreprises agréé considers internal
control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of
the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing
an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control.
An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting
policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the
Board of Directors of the Fund, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit
evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a
basis for our audit opinion.
Report of the Réviseur d’Entreprises Agréé (continued)
Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of
the financial position of THE EGYPT TRUST as of March 31st, 2010, and of
the results of their operations and changes in their net assets for the
year then ended in accordance with the Luxembourg legal and regulatory
requirements relating to the preparation of the financial statements.
Other matter
Supplementary information included in the annual report has been
reviewed in the context of our mandate but has not been subject to
specific audit procedures carried out in accordance with the standards
described above. Consequently, we express no opinion on such
information. However, we have no observation to make concerning such
information in the context of the financial statements taken as a whole.
Deloitte S.A.
Réviseur d’entreprises agréé
P. Lenges
Partner
July 7th, 2010
560, rue de Neudorf560, rue de Neudorf
L-2220 LUXEMBOURGL-2220 LUXEMBOURG
Statement of Net Assets
(in USD)(in USD)
|
|
|
March 31st, 2010
|
|
|
March 31st, 2009
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities' portfolio at market value
|
|
63,862,228
|
|
|
48,338,381
|
|
Cash at bank
|
|
3,128,164
|
|
|
5,086,232
|
|
Receivable on sales of securities
|
|
-
|
|
|
787,033
|
|
Income receivable on portfolio
|
|
88,621
|
|
|
286,741
|
|
Interest receivable on bank accounts
|
|
145
|
|
|
198
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
1,003
|
|
|
1,038
|
|
Total assets
|
|
67,080,161
|
|
|
54,499,623
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank liabilities
|
|
388,356
|
|
|
2,631,048
|
|
Payable on repurchases of Shares
|
|
140,499
|
|
|
-
|
|
Expenses payable
|
|
262,620
|
|
|
300,654
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
791,475
|
|
|
2,931,702
|
|
Net Assets at the End of the Year
|
|
66,288,686
|
|
|
51,567,921
|
|
Number of Shares outstanding
|
|
2,041,277
|
|
|
2,429,483
|
|
Net Asset Value per Share
|
|
32.47
|
|
|
21.23
|
Shareholders’ Equity represented by
(in USD)(in USD)
|
|
|
March 31st, 2010
|
|
|
March 31st, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital: 8,513,347 Shares at USD 2.00
|
|
17,026,694
|
|
|
17,026,694
|
|
Share Premium
|
|
73,633,306
|
|
|
73,633,306
|
|
Legal Reserve
|
|
1,702,669
|
|
|
1,702,669
|
|
Profit brought forward
|
|
68,699,528
|
|
|
61,553,644
|
|
Cost of 1,663,837 Shares held in treasury
|
|
-15,939,917
|
|
|
-15,939,917
|
|
Repurchase of 4,808,233 Shares at the request of Shareholdersof Shareholders
|
|
-73,280,536
|
|
|
-61,125,930
|
|
Total Capital and Reserves
|
|
71,841,744
|
|
|
76,850,466
|
|
Net realised gain/loss for the year
|
|
-3,746,644
|
|
|
7,145,884
|
|
Unrealised depreciation on securities
|
|
-1,806,414
|
|
|
-32,428,429
|
|
Total Shareholders’ Equity
|
|
66,288,686
|
|
|
51,567,921
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
Statement of Operations
(in USD)(in USD)
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31st, 2010
|
|
|
March 31st, 2009
|
|
INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends, net
|
|
2,698,364
|
|
|
4,356,639
|
|
Interest on bank accounts
|
|
14,537
|
|
|
78,232
|
|
Received commissions
|
|
607,796
|
|
|
10,322
|
|
Total income
|
|
3,320,697
|
|
|
4,445,193
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management fees
|
|
686,833
|
|
|
762,468
|
|
Advisory fees
|
|
171,708
|
|
|
190,617
|
|
Custodian fees
|
|
25,983
|
|
|
28,649
|
|
Bank and financial services
|
|
200,783
|
|
|
305,625
|
|
Central administration costs
|
|
75,211
|
|
|
70,882
|
|
Audit and supervisory fees
|
|
58,189
|
|
|
58,135
|
|
Printing and publication expenses
|
|
28,823
|
|
|
47,002
|
|
Subscription duty (“taxe d’abonnement”)
|
|
33,018
|
|
|
36,525
|
|
Interest paid
|
|
26,836
|
|
|
7
|
|
Directors’ fees and expenses
|
|
201,217
|
|
|
318,706
|
|
Other expenses
|
|
80,079
|
|
|
129,463
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
1,588,680
|
|
|
1,948,079
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
|
|
1,732,017
|
|
|
2,497,114
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET REALISED GAIN/LOSS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- on sale of securities (-1 year)
|
|
-368,905
|
|
|
5,094,035
|
|
- on sale of securities (+1 year)
|
|
-5,044,926
|
|
|
-354,940
|
|
- on foreign exchange
|
|
-64,830
|
|
|
-90,325
|
|
REALISED GAIN/LOSS
|
|
-3,746,644
|
|
|
7,145,884
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CHANGE IN NET UNREALISED APPRECIATION/DEPRECIATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- on securities
|
|
30,622,015
|
|
|
-70,816,899
|
|
INCREASE/DECREASE IN NET ASSETS AS A RESULT OF OPERATIONS
|
|
26,875,371
|
|
|
-63,671,015
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
(in USD)(in USD)
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
|
March 31st, 2010
|
|
|
March 31st, 2009
|
|
Net Assets at the Beginning of the Year
|
|
|
51,567,921
|
|
|
115,445,281
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
1,732,017
|
|
|
2,497,114
|
|
Net realised loss on foreign exchange
|
|
|
-64,830
|
|
|
-90,325
|
|
Net realised gain/loss on sale of securities (-1 year)
|
|
|
-368,905
|
|
|
5,094,035
|
|
Net realised loss on sale of securities (+1 year)
|
|
|
-5,044,926
|
|
|
-354,940
|
|
Net realised gain/loss for the Year
|
|
|
-3,746,644
|
|
|
7,145,884
|
|
Repurchase of Shares at the request of Shareholders
|
|
|
-12,154,606
|
|
|
-206,345
|
|
Change in unrealised appreciation/depreciation on securities
|
|
|
30,622,015
|
|
|
-70,816,899
|
|
Net Assets at the End of the Year
|
|
|
66,288,686
|
|
|
51,567,921
|
Statistical Information about the Fund
(in USD)(in USD)
|
|
|
|
March 31st, 2010
|
|
|
March 31st, 2009
|
|
|
March 31st, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets
|
|
|
66,288,686
|
|
|
51,567,921
|
|
|
115,445,281
|
|
|
Net Asset Value per Share
|
|
|
32.47
|
|
|
21.23
|
|
|
47.34
|
|
Statement of Changes in Shares Outstanding
For the Year
ended March 31st, 2010
For the Year
ended March 31st, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares Outstanding at the Beginning of the Year
|
|
|
2,429,483
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares repurchased held in treasury
|
|
|
-
|
|
Number of Shares repurchased at the request of Shareholders
|
|
|
-388,206
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares Outstanding at the End of the Year
|
|
|
2,041,277
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
Statement of Investments and Other Net Assets
March 31st,
2010March 31st,
2010
(in USD)(in USD)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency
|
|
Number / nominal value
|
|
Description
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
Market value
|
|
|
|
% of total net assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TRANSFERABLE SECURITIES ADMITTED
TO AN OFFICIAL STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Banks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
50,000
|
|
Commercial Intl Bank Ltd
|
|
389,070
|
|
|
|
590,810
|
|
|
|
0.89
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
750,000
|
|
Credit Agricole Egypt
|
|
1,424,669
|
|
|
|
1,656,375
|
|
|
|
2.50
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
750,000
|
|
National Société Générale Bank Reg
|
|
1,135,766
|
|
|
|
4,456,956
|
|
|
|
6.72
|
|
|
|
|
2,949,505
|
|
|
|
6,704,141
|
|
|
|
10.11
|
|
|
Capital goods
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
125,000
|
|
El Sewedy Cables Hg Co
|
|
2,311,249
|
|
|
|
1,706,775
|
|
|
|
2.57
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
75,000
|
|
Orascom Construction Industrie Reg
|
|
3,098,823
|
|
|
|
3,594,715
|
|
|
|
5.42
|
|
|
|
|
5,410,072
|
|
|
|
5,301,490
|
|
|
|
7.99
|
|
|
Consumer durables and apparel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
250,000
|
|
Olympic Group Fin Inv Co SAE
|
|
1,629,534
|
|
|
|
1,408,009
|
|
|
|
2.12
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
300,000
|
|
Oriental Weavers Co
|
|
2,585,004
|
|
|
|
2,173,447
|
|
|
|
3.28
|
|
|
|
|
4,214,538
|
|
|
|
3,581,456
|
|
|
|
5.40
|
|
|
Diversified financial services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
1,250,000
|
|
Citadel Capital Co
|
|
2,872,066
|
|
|
|
1,857,065
|
|
|
|
2.80
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
500,000
|
|
EFG-Hermes
|
|
4,568,119
|
|
|
|
2,884,126
|
|
|
|
4.35
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
2,250,000
|
|
Pioneers Holding
|
|
2,963,687
|
|
|
|
1,887,940
|
|
|
|
2.85
|
|
|
|
|
10,403,872
|
|
|
|
6,629,131
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
Energy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
350,000
|
|
Alexandria Mineral Oils Co
|
|
3,582,012
|
|
|
|
2,702,234
|
|
|
|
4.08
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hotels restaurants and leisure
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
2,500,000
|
|
Talaat Moustafa Group Holding
|
|
4,279,070
|
|
|
|
3,482,565
|
|
|
|
5.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
375,000
|
|
Delta Insurance
|
|
746,842
|
|
|
|
583,681
|
|
|
|
0.88
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USD
|
|
1,500,000
|
|
Al Arafa Inv & Consulting
|
|
1,629,275
|
|
|
|
1,035,000
|
|
|
|
1.56
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Materials
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GBP
|
|
650,000
|
|
Centamin Egypt Ltd
|
|
1,077,916
|
|
|
|
1,338,872
|
|
|
|
2.02
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
600,000
|
|
Egyptian Financial & Indust Co Reg
|
|
1,697,502
|
|
|
|
2,612,060
|
|
|
|
3.94
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
450,000
|
|
Ezz Steel
|
|
1,767,715
|
|
|
|
1,726,934
|
|
|
|
2.61
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
200,000
|
|
Paint and Chemical Ind
|
|
1,282,264
|
|
|
|
1,814,748
|
|
|
|
2.74
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals
|
|
3,557,373
|
|
|
|
2,655,285
|
|
|
|
4.01
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
200,000
|
|
Suez Cement Co
|
|
1,915,604
|
|
|
|
1,608,427
|
|
|
|
2.43
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
225,000
|
|
Tourah Cement Co
|
|
1,865,343
|
|
|
|
1,464,175
|
|
|
|
2.21
|
|
|
|
|
13,163,717
|
|
|
|
13,220,501
|
|
|
|
19.96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
650,000
|
|
Egyptian Intl Pharm Industr Co
|
|
1,910,383
|
|
|
|
4,340,810
|
|
|
|
6.55
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
50,845
|
|
Memphis Pharmaceutic Chem Ind
|
|
527,052
|
|
|
|
323,761
|
|
|
|
0.49
|
|
|
|
|
2,437,435
|
|
|
|
4,664,571
|
|
|
|
7.04
|
|
|
Real estate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
300,000
|
|
Heliopolis Housing & Dev SA
|
|
4,639,377
|
|
|
|
1,756,629
|
|
|
|
2.65
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
125,000
|
|
Namaa Dév Real Estate InvestCo
|
|
292,053
|
|
|
|
250,182
|
|
|
|
0.38
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
250,000
|
|
Nasr City Housing & Dev SA
|
|
1,452,326
|
|
|
|
1,481,566
|
|
|
|
2.23
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
1,125,000
|
|
Palm Hills Devlopments SAE
|
|
1,403,642
|
|
|
|
1,342,399
|
|
|
|
2.02
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
100,000
|
|
Sixth of Octob Dev & Inv Co SA
|
|
2,453,577
|
|
|
|
1,772,067
|
|
|
|
2.67
|
|
|
|
|
10,240,975
|
|
|
|
6,602,843
|
|
|
|
9.95
|
|
|
Retailing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
100,000
|
|
B-Tech
|
|
61,514
|
|
|
|
70,287
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telecommunication services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
3,675,000
|
|
Orascom Telecom Holding
|
|
651,912
|
|
|
|
3,757,764
|
|
|
|
5.67
|
|
|
USD
|
|
295,000
|
|
Orascom Telecom Holding GDR Reg repr 5 Shares
|
|
1,523,980
|
|
|
|
1,510,400
|
|
|
|
2.28
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
1,300,000
|
|
Telecom Egypt
|
|
4,373,923
|
|
|
|
4,016,164
|
|
|
|
6.06
|
|
|
|
|
6,549,815
|
|
|
|
9,284,328
|
|
|
|
14.01
|
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
|
|
65,668,642
|
|
|
|
63,862,228
|
|
|
|
96.34
|
|
|
CASH AT BANK
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,128,164
|
|
|
|
4.72
|
|
|
BANK LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
-388,356
|
|
|
|
-0.59
|
|
|
OTHER NET ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
-313,350
|
|
|
|
-0.47
|
|
|
TOTAL NET ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,288,686
|
|
|
|
100.00
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
Currency, Geographical and Industrial Classification of the Fund
March
31st, 2010March
31st, 2010
(in percentage of net assets)(in percentage of net assets)
|
Currency Classification
|
|
Egyptian Pound
|
|
|
|
90.48 %
|
|
US Dollar
|
|
|
|
3.84 %
|
|
Pound Sterling
|
|
|
|
2.02 %
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
|
|
|
|
96.34 %
|
|
US Dollar
|
|
|
|
4.72 %
|
|
TOTAL CASH AT BANK
|
|
|
|
4.72 %
|
|
Egyptian Pound
|
|
|
|
-0.59 %
|
|
TOTAL BANK LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
-0.59 %
|
|
OTHER NET ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
-0.47 %
|
|
TOTAL NET ASSETS
|
|
|
|
100.00 %
|
|
Geographical Classification
|
|
Egypt
|
|
|
|
94.32 %
|
|
Australia
|
|
|
|
2.02 %
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
|
|
|
|
96.34 %
|
|
CASH AT BANK
|
|
|
|
4.72 %
|
|
BANK LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
-0.59 %
|
|
OTHER NET ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
-0.47 %
|
|
TOTAL NET ASSETS
|
|
|
|
100.00 %
|
|
Industrial Classification
|
|
Materials
|
|
|
|
19.96 %
|
|
Telecommunication services
|
|
|
|
14.01 %
|
|
Banks
|
|
|
|
10.11 %
|
|
Diversified financial services
|
|
|
|
10.00 %
|
|
Real estate
|
|
|
|
9.95 %
|
|
Capital goods
|
|
|
|
7.99 %
|
|
Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
|
|
|
|
7.04 %
|
|
Consumer durables and apparel
|
|
|
|
5.40 %
|
|
Hotels, restaurants and leisure
|
|
|
|
5.25 %
|
|
Energy
|
|
|
|
4.08 %
|
|
Investment companies
|
|
|
|
1.56 %
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
|
0.88 %
|
|
Retailing
|
|
|
|
0.11 %
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
|
|
|
|
96.34 %
|
|
CASH AT BANK
|
|
|
|
4.72 %
|
|
BANK LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
-0.59 %
|
|
OTHER NET ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
-0.47 %
|
|
TOTAL NET ASSETS
|
|
|
|
100.00 %
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
Notes to the Financial Statements
March 31st, 2010March 31st, 2010
NOTE 1 - GENERAL
THE EGYPT TRUST (the “Fund” or the “Corporation”) is a closed-end
investment corporation incorporated as an investment corporation under
the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and qualifies as a “société
d’investissement à capital fixe” under the amended law of December
20th, 2002 (the “2002 Law”) regarding undertakings for collective
investments and the law of August 10th, 1915, as amended regarding
commercial companies. The Fund is governed by Part II of the Luxembourg
2002 Law.
The Fund was incorporated in Luxembourg on July 23rd, 1996 for an
indefinite period.
The Articles have been published in the “Mémorial, Recueil des
Sociétés et Associations” and they have been filed with the
Registrar of the Luxembourg District Court, where copies thereof may be
obtained. In addition, a legal notice concerning the issue of the Shares
is on file with the Registrar of the Luxembourg District Court.
The Fund’s investment policy is to achieve medium to long-term capital
growth through investments principally in the equities of companies
listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange.
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES
a) Presentation of Accounts
The financial statements are presented in conformity with Luxembourg
legal and regulatory requirements relating to investment funds. The Fund
keeps its books and records in USD.
b) Valuation
1) The NAV per Share is calculated in accordance with Article 22 of the
Fund’s Articles on each Valuation Date (as defined in the Articles).
“Valuation Date” means the date fixed by the Board of Directors (the
“Board”) for the valuation of the Shares being Friday of each week (or,
if that day is not a business day in Luxembourg, on the next business
day).
The NAV per Share is determined by dividing the Net Assets of the Fund,
being the value of its assets less liabilities, by the number of Shares
then outstanding.
2) In calculating the NAV per Share, income and expenses are treated as
accruing from day to day and the Fund’s Articles provide, inter alias,
that:
(i) unquoted investments will initially be valued at cost price, which
will include any expenses relating to their acquisition;
(ii) a revaluation of unquoted investments to a value in excess of or
below cost may be made where, in the opinion of the Board, or in the
opinion of the Fund’s Manager (where the Board has delegated its
powers), it is justified. Factors affecting such revaluations may
include: the prices at which further issues of capital or dealings
between third parties take place, the market value of comparable
companies (making appropriate adjustments for such factors as limitation
of marketability) or the price at which any agreement has been entered
into, or is reasonably contemplated, for the sale of the investments;
(iii) securities which are listed on an official stock exchange or
traded on any other regulated market will be valued at the last
available price on the principal market on which such securities are
traded, or by a pricing service approved by the Board;
(iv) assets or liabilities expressed in terms of currencies other than
USD will be translated into USD at the prevailing market rate for such
currencies at the Valuation Date.
3) First-in first-out method: Purchases of securities are recorded at
cost. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are computed on the
first-in first-out basis.
4) The value of cash in hand or on deposit, bills and notes payable on
presentation, accounts due, prepaid expenses and dividends and interest
declared and fallen due but not yet received consists of the nominal
value of such assets, except, however, in the event that it seems
improbable that such value can be realized, in which event the value is
determined by deducting a sum which the Board considers appropriate to
reflect the realizable value of such assets.
5) Foreign currencies monetary assets and liabilities denominated in
foreign currencies in the Statement of Net Assets are translated into
USD at the exchange rates ruling at the date of the report. Transactions
in foreign currencies are recorded in USD based on the exchange rates in
effect at the date of transactions. The following significant exchange
rates have been applied for the conversion as at the date of the report:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USD
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
EGP
|
|
|
|
Egyptian Pound
|
|
|
|
|
0.1816200
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
EUR
|
|
|
|
Euro
|
|
|
|
|
1.3525500
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
GBP
|
|
|
|
Pound Sterling
|
|
|
|
|
1.5173500
|
c) Income Recognition
Interest is recorded on an accrual basis, net of any withholding taxes
in the relevant country. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-date, net
of any withholding taxes in the relevant country.
d) Net Realised Gain/Loss
The net realised gain/loss on sale of securities is split between two
accounts depending on the fact that the securities have been owned
during more than one year or not.
NOTE 3 - MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY FEES
The Fund pays Lazard Asset Management LLC, the Manager, annual
management fees of 1.00%, of the value of the gross assets of the
Corporation, payable monthly in arrears and to National Bank of Egypt,
the Investment Adviser, 0.25%, per annum, of the value of the gross
assets of the Corporation, payable monthly in arrears.
NOTE 4 - TAXES
As a Luxembourg investment company, under present laws the Fund is not
subject to income taxes in Luxembourg. Taxes may be withheld at the
source on dividends and interest received on investment securities.
According to the Luxembourg 2002 Law, the Fund is subject to Luxembourg
subscription duty (“taxe d’abonnement”) at the rate of 0.05% per
annum of its Net Assets, such tax being payable quarterly on the basis
of the Total Net Assets of the Fund at the end of the relevant quarter.
NOTE 5 - REPURCHASES OF SHARES HELD IN
TREASURY
The Fund is not obliged to repurchase Shares at the request of
Shareholders.
The maximum price at which Shares can be repurchased will be the NAV per
Share. Under Luxembourg law, repurchases may only be made to the extent
that the Corporation has distributable reserves available for the
purpose, being Share premium or accumulated reserves.
Any Shares so repurchased will be held in treasury or will be cancelled
by way of reduction of issued capital. The Shares held in treasury may
be resold at any time, at the discretion of the Board, if a premium to
the NAV per Share may be obtained. Details of such repurchases and sales
will be communicated to all Shareholders as well as to the London and
the Luxembourg Stock Exchanges and to the Egyptian Stock Exchange if the
Shares are listed there.
The Fund did not repurchase any Shares held in treasury during the year
ended March 31st, 2010 and at this date, a total of 1,663,837 Shares are
held in treasury for an amount of USD 15,939,917.
NOTE 6 - REPURCHASES AT THE REQUEST OF
SHAREHOLDERS
Following to the Extraordinary General Meeting on November 17th, 2003
and to the circular resolution on December 24th, 2003 Shareholders may
request the Corporation from December 29th, 2003 to redeem all or part
of their Shares quarterly at a redemption price equal to the NAV per
Share of the applicable Valuation Date, reduced by a redemption fee of
up to 5% for the benefit of the Corporation to cover dealing charges. As
of March 31st, 2010, such redemption fee amounts to USD 607,796 and is
registered under the caption “received commissions” in the Statement of
Operations. The Corporation shall redeem such Shares within the sole
limitations set forth by law, the Fund’s Articles and the prospectus and
subject to any event giving rise to suspension as referred in the
prospectus.
If the total value of requests for redemption of Shares received on any
specific redemption date exceeds 10% of the Total Net Asset Values of
Shares in issue, the redemption requests will be reduced pro rata to the
holdings of the Shareholders who applied for redemption.
NOTE 7 - CAPITAL
The authorized Share capital of the Corporation on incorporation of the
Fund was USD 40,000,000 divided into 20,000,000 Shares with a par value
of USD 2.00 each.
On December 12th, 1997, a capital increase of 8,490,847 Shares was
registered with a par value of USD 2.00 each.
The Fund is required by Luxembourg law to transfer at least 5% of its
yearly net profits to a non-distributable legal reserve until such
reserve amounts to 10% of the Fund’s nominal Share capital. This reserve
is not available for dividend distribution.
Following the Fund’s Annual General Meeting Minutes on August 18th,
2009, no dividend has been distributed.
NOTE 8 - CUSTODIAN FEES
The Custodian receives, under the terms of the Custodian Agreement, fees
for its services at rates to be agreed from time to time between the
Fund and the Custodian in accordance with Luxembourg practice.
NOTE 9 - DIRECTORS FEES
Each of the Directors shall be paid a fee at such a rate as the Board
shall determine provided that the aggregate of such fees shall not
exceed USD 200,000 per annum or such higher amount as may from time to
time be decided by resolution of the Corporation.
The Directors shall also be entitled to reimbursement of all travelling,
hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them in attending and
returning from meetings or otherwise in connection with the business of
the Corporation.
NOTE 10 - BENEFICIAL AND
NON-BENEFICIAL INTEREST OF DIRECTORS IN THE SHARE CAPITAL
As of March 31st, 2010, the beneficial and non-beneficial interests of
the Directors in the Share capital are the following:
Alexander E. Zagoreos 2,500 Shares
NOTE 11 - DIRECTORS’ INTEREST IN
SIGNIFICANT CONTRACTS
Alexander E. Zagoreos was a Managing Director of Lazard Asset Management
LLC through December 31st, 2005 and became a Limited Managing Director
effective January 1st, 2006. He became a Senior Advisor on January 1st,
2008.
NOTE 12 - SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS
As of March 31st, 2010, the Board was aware of the following interests
in the Shares of the Fund:
|
|
|
Ordinary Shares
|
|
Percentage of
Issued Capital
|
|
|
National Bank of Egypt
|
|
1,501,315
|
|
73.5%
|
|
|
Banque Misr
|
|
391,384
|
|
19.2%
|
|
NOTE 13 - CHANGES OF THE INVESTMENT
PORTFOLIO
The changes of the investment portfolio referring to the period of the
report are available free of charge at the registered office of the Fund.
NOTE 14 - ADDENDUM TO THE PLACING
MEMORANDUM
The Board has resolved to amend the prospectus with a consolidated
addendum to the prospectus dated August 2nd, 1996. The prospectus may
not be distributed without the consolidated addendum dated December 2003.
NOTE 15 - POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
On June 7th, 2010, the Fund announced that it had become aware that, as
a result of the quarterly share redemptions offered by the Fund, two
shareholders, National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr (the “Major
Shareholders”) hold 1,501,315 ordinary shares and 391,384 ordinary
shares respectively in the capital of the Fund, representing a combined
holding of 92.7% of the Fund’s issued share capital. Listing Rule 6.1.19
states that at least 25% of a listed company's issued share capital must
be held in public hands and that shares held by any person or persons in
the same group or persons acting in concert who have an interest in 5%
or more of the shares are not deemed to be in public hands. In
accordance with Listing Rule 9.2.16, the Fund has informed the UK
Listing Authority (“UKLA”) that, given the size of the combined
shareholdings of the Major Shareholders, the Fund is currently not able
to comply with the shares in public hands requirement and it remains in
consultation with the UKLA regarding this issue. The Board confirmed to
the market that it would be considering all possible and appropriate
options for redressing the Fund’s current free float position and will
continue to engage with the Major Shareholders in seeking a resolution.
