Half Yearly Results

RNS Number : 8373U
abrdn Asia Focus plc
31 March 2023
 

abrdn Asia Focus plc

Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 5493000FBZP1J92OQY70

 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF UNAUDITED HALF YEARLY RESULTS

for the six months ended 31 January 2023

 

The Board of abrdn Asia Focus plc, a £540m Company that holds a fundamental, high conviction portfolio of well-researched Asian small caps, today confirms its half yearly results for the six months ended 31 January 2023.

 

Financial highlights for the interim reporting period include:

 

Share price (total return basis): +5.5%;

Net Asset Value (total return): +3.0% slightly lower than the Company's benchmark return, the MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan Small Cap Index, of 3.8%;

The Board remains confident in Asia and its dynamic smaller companies over the longer term: £1000 invested at inception in 1995 is now worth over £22,950 ,on a NAV basis with dividends reinvested, a return of over 2195%;

The Board has set a target dividend of at least 6.4p per Ordinary Share for the financial year ending 31 July 2023. The Board plans to maintain the progressive dividend policy of the last 27 years to provide shareholders with a regular level of income, alongside capital growth prospects;

AIC ISA millionaire: abrdn Asia Focus is one of the top 5 companies that would have made investors £1,000,000 if they had invested their full isa allowance from 1999 to 2023 (AIC release: ISA millionaires | The AIC);

The information technology sector made the most positive contribution to performance.

· Investment managers continue to target high-quality companies which offer growth but are also profitable, have strong cash flows, robust balance sheets, and trade at reasonable valuations.

 

Performance Highlights

 

Net asset value total return (diluted)AB  

Net Asset Value per share (diluted)

Six months ended 31 January 2023

As at 31 January 2023

+3.0%

299.2p

Year ended 31 July 2022

-0.02

As at 31 July 2022

295.3p

Share price total returnA

Share price

Six months ended 31 January 2023

As at 31 January 2023

+5.5%

263.0p

Year ended 31 July 2022

-1.7%

As at 31 July 2022

254.0p

MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Small Cap Index total returnC

Total assets

'Six months ended 31 January 2023

As at 31 January 2023

+3.8%

£540.1m

'Year ended 31 July 2022

-5.1%

As at 31 July 2022

£532.9m

Net asset value total return since inception (diluted)ABD

Discount to net asset valueAB

To 31 January 2023

As at 31 January 2023

+2195.7%

12.1%

To 31 July 2022

+2115.6%

As at 31 July 2022

14.0%

A Considered to be an Alternative Performance Measure (see definition below).

'B Presented on a diluted basis as the Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock (CULS) is "in the money".

'C Currency adjusted, capital gains basis.

D Inception being 19 October 1995.

Financial Highlights

Capital values

31 January 2023

31 July 2022

% change

Total assets less current liabilitiesA

£540,052,000

£532,912,000

+1.3

Net asset value per share (basic)

300.00p

295.88p

+1.4

Net asset value per share (diluted)

299.15p

295.25p

+1.3

Share price (mid market)

263.00p

254.00p

+3.5

Discount to net asset value (basic)B

12.3%

14.2%

Discount to net asset value (diluted)B

12.1%

14.0%

Net gearingB

13.7%

12.1%

Ongoing charges ratioB

0.90%

0.88%

A Total assets less current liabilities (excluding prior charges such as bank loans) as per the Statement of Financial Position.

B Considered to be an Alternative Performance Measure (see definition below).


Chairman's Statement

Background

Dividend
The Board recognises the importance of your Company's dividend income for many shareholders.  The Ordinary dividend has been maintained or raised every year since 1998, and your Board is firmly committed to the new enhanced and progressive dividend policy approved by shareholders in 2022.

Share Capital Management and Gearing
During the period the Ordinary shares have traded at an average discount of 11.9% and we did not buy back any Ordinary shares in the market. However, subsequent to the period 120,000 Ordinary shares have been acquired for treasury at a discount to the prevailing NAV per share.  The Board will continue to consider the use of share buybacks to both reduce the volatility of any discount and to modestly enhance the NAV per share for shareholders.

ESG

Outlook

Krishna Shanmuganathan
Chairman
30 March 2023



Investment Manager's Review

Overview
The six months to the end of January 2023 can be split into three distinct periods. The first, in August and September, was noteworthy for the level of concern among investors about the pace of interest rate increases in the US, reflected in a global sell-off across a number of markets. The strength of the US dollar also contributed to market volatility.

Portfolio Review

 

Gabriel Sacks, Flavia Chong,
Xin Yao Ng & Hugh Young



Ten Largest Investments

As at 31 January 2023

4.1%

Total assets

Park Systems Corporation

3.6%

Total assets

Aegis Logistics

The Korean company is the leading developer of atomic force microscopes, a nascent technology that could have broad industrial application in sectors such as chip-making and biotechnology. The company's financials are sound, despite significant upfront sales and distribution costs.

A strong and conservative player in India's gas and liquids logistics sector, with a first mover advantage in key ports and a fair amount of capacity expansion to come. The government's push for the adoption of cleaner energy is also boosting its liquefied natural gas business.

 

3.1%

Total assets

Sinoma Science & Technology - A

2.9%

Total assets

Bank OCBC NISP

One of the largest wind turbine blade producers in China and the third largest battery separator maker, which is backed by strong R&D capability and support from its parent group We view the stock as a proxy for growth of wind energy.

An Indonesian listed banking and financial services company, which is a steady consistent performer backed by healthy asset quality.

2.9%

Total assets

Mega Lifesciences (Foreign)

2.9%

Total assets

AKR Corporindo

The Thai group produces, sells and distributes health supplements and pharmaceutical products, mostly in the under-penetrated but fast-growing frontier and emerging markets.

AKR is one of the main players in industrial fuel in Indonesia, which has a high entry barrier. Its key strength is its extensive infrastructure and logistic facilities throughout the country.

2.8%

Total assets

FPT Corporation

2.7%

Total assets

Affle India

FPT is a diversified technology group with a fast-growing software outsourcing business. It also owns a telecoms unit, an electronics retailing company, and has interests in other sectors, such as education.

A consumer technology business operating a data platform that helps direct digital advertising. It is dominant in India where digitalisation has reached an inflection point.

2.7%

Total assets

AEM Holdings

2.7%

Total assets

MOMO.com

A Singapore-based provider of advanced semiconductor chip testing services that has embedded itself in chipmaker Intel's global supply chain.

Momo, the largest online retailer in Taiwan, serves as a nice proxy for consumer growth in the country, as it is benefitting from the shift to online from both consumers and vendors.



Investment Portfolio

As at 31 January 2023  

Total

Valuation

assets

Company

Industry

Country

£'000

%

Park Systems Corporation

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

South Korea

21,972

4.1

Aegis Logistics

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

India 

19,339

3.6

Sinoma Science & Technology - A

Chemicals

China

16,510

3.1

Bank OCBC NISP

Banks

Indonesia 

15,943

2.9

Mega Lifesciences (Foreign)

Pharmaceuticals

Thailand 

15,901

2.9

AKR Corporindo

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

Indonesia 

15,709

2.9

FPT Corporation

IT Services

Vietnam

15,160

2.8

Affle India

Media

India 

14,654

2.7

AEM Holdings

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

Singapore 

14,641

2.7

MOMO.com

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail

Taiwan 

14,435

2.7

Top ten investments

164,264

30.4

Cyient

Software

India 

14,347

2.7

Dah Sing Financial Holdings

Banks

Hong Kong 

13,709

2.5

M.P. Evans Group

Food Products

United Kingdom 

13,688

2.5

Oriental Holdings

Automobiles

Malaysia 

13,342

2.5

Hana Microelectronics (Foreign)

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

Thailand 

12,751

2.4

Joinn Laboratories China

Life Sciences Tools & Services

China

12,563

2.3

UIE

Food Products

Denmark 

11,342

2.1

Medikaloka Hermina

Health Care Providers & Services

Indonesia 

11,235

2.1

Cebu Holdings

Real Estate Management & Development

Philippines 

11,186

2.1

Nam Long Invest Corporation

Real Estate Management & Development

Vietnam

11,026

2.0

Top twenty investments

289,453

53.6

Pacific Basin Shipping

Marine

Hong Kong 

10,825

2.0

LEENO Industrial

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

South Korea

10,544

1.9

John Keells Holdings

Industrial Conglomerates

Sri Lanka 

10,322

1.9

Precision Tsugami China Corporation

Machinery

China

10,211

1.9

Asian Terminals

Transportation Infrastructure

Philippines 

10,181

1.9

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New ZealandA

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

New Zealand   

9,992

1.9

Sunonwealth Electric Machinery Industry

Machinery

Taiwan 

9,913

1.8

Sporton International

Professional Services

Taiwan 

9,632

1.8

Ultrajaya Milk Industry & Trading

Food Products

Indonesia 

8,954

1.7

Bukit Sembawang Estates

Real Estate Management & Development

Singapore 

8,897

1.6

Top thirty investments

388,924

72.0

AEON Credit Service (M)

Consumer Finance

Malaysia 

8,890

1.6

IPH

Professional Services

Australia

7,741

1.4

Kerry Logistics

Air Freight & Logistics

Hong Kong 

7,492

1.4

Prestige Estates Projects

Real Estate Management & Development

India 

6,967

1.3

Koh Young Technology

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

South Korea

6,902

1.3

Vijaya Diagnostic Centre

Health Care Providers & Services

India 

6,770

1.3

Taiwan Union

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

Taiwan 

6,732

1.2

United Plantations

Food Products

Malaysia   

6,509

1.2

Syngene International

Life Sciences Tools & Services

India 

6,225

1.2

Tisco Financial Group (Foreign)

Banks

Thailand   

6,132

1.1

Top forty investments

459,284

85.0

Shangri-La Hotels Malaysia

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

Malaysia 

5,924

1.1

Pentamaster International

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

Malaysia 

5,816

1.1

Yoma Strategic Holdings

Real Estate Management & Development

Myanmar

5,674

1.1

Andes Technology

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

Taiwan 

5,642

1.1

Sanofi India

Pharmaceuticals

India 

5,622

1.0

Nanofilm Technologies International

Chemicals

Singapore 

5,096

1.0

KMC Kuei Meng International

Leisure Products

Taiwan 

4,999

0.9

ChaCha Food

Food Products

China

4,988

0.9

NZX

Capital Markets

New Zealand 

4,477

0.8

Absolute Clean Energy (Foreign)

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers

Thailand 

4,451

0.8

Top fifty investments

511,973

94.8

Convenience Retail Asia

Food & Staples Retailing

Hong Kong 

4,125

0.8

Aspeed Technology

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

Taiwan 

3,937

0.7

CE Info Systems

Software

India 

3,789

0.7

Nazara Technologies

Entertainment

India 

3,660

0.7

Thai Stanley Electric (Foreign)

Auto Components

Thailand 

3,552

0.7

Credit Bureau Asia

Professional Services

Singapore 

3,203

0.6

Tatva Chintan Pharma

Chemicals

India 

3,013

0.6

Manulife Holdings

Insurance

Malaysia 

1,616

0.3

First Sponsor Group (Warrants 21/03/2029)

Real Estate Management & Development

Singapore 

235

-

AEON Stores Hong Kong

Multiline Retail

Hong Kong 

222

-

Top sixty investments

539,325

99.9

First Sponsor Group (Warrants 30/05/2024)

Real Estate Management & Development

Singapore 

123

-

G3 Exploration

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

China 

-

-

Total investments

539,448

99.9

Net current assets

604

0.1

Total assetsB

540,052

100.0

A Holding includes investment in both common and preference lines.

B Total assets less current liabilities.



Investment Case Studies

Cha Cha Food

: ChaCha is a dominant player in a niche category of the foods industry in China. The company's cash cow is its seeds segment, which accounts for the bulk of sales. Its sunflower seed products cover different price bands from the classic red-bag seeds to flavoured blue-bag seeds and on up to the high-end Kuizhen series. Growth will come from ChaCha's nuts business, where the company is expanding its product portfolio and driving greater penetration.

In which year did we first invest?

Where is the head office?

What does the company do?

Why do we like the investment?

Prestige Estates

Expanding beyond the south: Having been a leading property developer in South India, Prestige Estates is looking to drive growth by diversifying from its base in Bangalore to other parts of India, such as Mumbai (with its Prestige Jardan Classic residential development pictured above) and New Delhi.

 In which year did we first invest?

Where is the head office?

What does the company do?

Why do we like the investment?



Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

Six months ended

Six months ended

 31 January 2023

 31 January 2022

Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

Notes

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Gains on investments

-

9,989

9,989

-

2,033

2,033

Income

2

8,162

-

8,162

6,023

-

6,023

Exchange losses

-

(181)

(181)

-

(60)

(60)

Investment management fees

(376)

(1,128)

(1,504)

(413)

(1,239)

(1,652)

Administrative expenses

(601)

(16)

(617)

(582)

(390)

(972)

Net return before finance costs and taxation

7,185

8,664

15,849

5,028

344

5,372

Finance costs

(252)

(755)

(1,007)

(252)

(755)

(1,007)

Net return before taxation

6,933

7,909

14,842

4,776

(411)

4,365

Taxation

3

(249)

(588)

(837)

(225)

(963)

(1,188)

Net return after taxation

6,684

7,321

14,005

4,551

(1,374)

3,177

Return per share (pence)A

4

Basic

4.26

4.66

8.92

2.90

(0.88)

2.02

Diluted

3.99

4.44

8.43

2.71

n/a

1.98

A Figures for 2022 have been restated to reflect the 5:1 sub-division as disclosed in note 8.

The total column of this statement represents the profit and loss account of the Company.

There is no other comprehensive income and therefore the net return after taxation is also the total comprehensive income for the period.

All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.



Condensed Statement of Financial Position (unaudited)

As at

As at

31 January 2023

31 July 2022

Notes

£'000

£'000

Fixed assets

Investments at fair value through profit or loss

539,448

524,841

Current assets

Debtors and prepayments

1,842

1,464

Cash and short-term deposits

2,170

9,471

4,012

10,935

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Other creditors

(3,408)

(2,864)

Net current assets

604

8,071

Total assets less current liabilities

540,052

532,912

Non-current liabilities

2.25% Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock 2025

7

(36,059)

(35,940)

3.05% Senior Unsecured Loan Note 2035

6

(29,895)

(29,892)

Deferred tax liability on Indian capital gains

(3,224)

(2,684)

(69,178)

(68,516)

Net assets

470,874

464,396

Capital and reserves

Called-up share capital

8

10,435

10,435

Capital redemption reserve

2,062

2,062

Share premium account

60,434

60,428

Equity component of 2.25% Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock 2025

7

1,057

1,057

Capital reserve

382,771

375,450

Revenue reserve

14,115

14,964

Equity shareholders' funds

470,874

464,396

Net asset value per share (pence)

9

Basic

300.00

295.88

Diluted

299.15

295.25

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.



Condensed Statement of Changes in Equity (unaudited)

Six months ended 31 January 2023  

Capital

Share

Equity

Share

redemption

premium

component

Capital

Revenue

capital

reserve

account

CULS 2025

reserve

reserve

Total

Notes

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Balance at 31 July 2022

10,435

2,062

60,428

1,057

375,450

14,964

464,396

Conversion of 2.25% Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock 2025

8

-

-

6

-

-

-

6

Return after taxation

-

-

-

-

7,321

6,684

14,005

Dividends paid

5

-

-

-

-

-

(7,533)

(7,533)

Balance at 31 January 2023

10,435

2,062

60,434

1,057

382,771

14,115

470,874

Six months ended 31 January 2022

Capital

Share

Equity

Share

redemption

premium

component

Capital

Revenue

capital

reserve

account

CULS 2025

reserve

reserve

Total

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Balance at 31 July 2021 (*Restated)

10,435

2,062

60,412

1,057

401,124

12,868

487,958

Conversion of 2.25% Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock 2025

8

-

-

14

-

-

-

14

Return after taxation

-

-

-

-

(1,374)

4,551

3,177

Dividends paid

5

-

-

-

-

-

(5,022)

(5,022)

Balance at 31 January 2022

10,435

2,062

60,426

1,057

399,750

12,397

486,127

* The financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2021 were restated to reallocate costs of £250,0000 associated with the long term investment strategy review from revenue to capital.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.



Condensed Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited)

Six months ended

Six months ended

31 January 2023

31 January 2022

£'000

£'000

Cash flows from operating activities

Return before finance costs and tax

15,849

5,372

Adjustments for:

Dividend income

(8,125)

(6,023)

Interest income

(37)

-

Dividends received

8,260

6,599

Interest received

37

-

Interest paid

(871)

(871)

Gains on investments

(9,989)

(2,033)

Foreign exchange movements

181

60

Increase/(decrease) in prepayments

(8)

11

Decrease in other debtors

10

8

(Decrease)/increase in other creditors

(975)

165

Stock dividends included in investment income

-

(157)

Overseas withholding tax suffered

(297)

(355)

Net cash inflow from operating activities

4,035

2,776

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of investments

(28,361)

(44,447)

Sales of investments

24,739

36,150

Net cash outflow from investing activities

(3,622)

(8,297)

Cash flows from financing activities

Equity dividends paid

(7,533)

(5,022)

Net cash outflow from financing activities

(7,533)

(5,022)

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(7,120)

(10,543)

Analysis of changes in cash and short term deposits

Opening balance

9,471

14,577

Decrease in cash and short term deposits

(7,120)

(10,543)

Foreign exchange movements

(181)

(60)

Closing balance

2,170

3,974

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.


Notes to the Financial Statements

For the six months ended 31 January 2023

1.

Accounting policies

Basis of accounting. The condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 104 (Interim Financial Reporting) and with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for 'Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts', issued in July 2022 (The AIC SORP). They have also been prepared on a going concern basis and on the assumption that approval as an investment trust will continue to be granted.

 

2.

Income

Six months ended

Six months ended

31 January 2023

31 January 2022

£'000

£'000

Income from investments

Overseas dividends

7,914

5,697

UK dividend income

211

169

Stock dividends

-

157

8,125

6,023

Other income

Deposit interest

37

-

Total income

8,162

6,023

 

3.

Taxation

The taxation charge for the period allocated to revenue represents withholding tax suffered on overseas dividend income. The taxation charge for the period allocated to capital represents capital gains tax arising on the sale of Indian equity investments.

 

4.

Return per share

(*Restated)

Six months ended

Six months ended

 31 January 2023

 31 January 2022

p

p

Basic

Revenue return

4.26

2.90

Capital return

4.66

(0.88)

Total return

8.92

2.02

The figures above are based on the following:

£'000

£'000

Revenue return

6,684

4,551

Capital return

7,321

(1,374)

Total return

14,005

3,177

Weighted average number of shares in issueA

156,954,206

156,949,665

(*Restated)

Six months ended

Six months ended

 31 January 2023

 31 January 2022

DilutedB

p

p

Revenue return

3.99

2.71

Capital return

4.44

n/a

Total return

8.43

1.98

The figures above are based on the following:

£'000

£'000

Revenue return

6,753

4,596

Capital return

7,529

(1,237)

Total return

14,282

3,359

Number of dilutive shares

12,505,379

12,509,930

Diluted shares in issueAB

169,459,585

169,459,595

A Calculated excluding shares held in treasury.

B The calculation of the diluted total, revenue and capital returns per Ordinary share is carried out in accordance with IAS 33, "Earnings per Share". For the purpose of calculating total, revenue and capital returns per Ordinary share, the number of Ordinary shares used is the weighted average number used in the basic calculation plus the number of Ordinary shares deemed to be issued for no consideration on exercise of all 2.25% Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock 2025 (CULS). The calculations indicate that the exercise of CULS would result in an increase in the weighted average number of Ordinary shares of 12,505,379 (31 January 2022 restated - 12,509,930) to 169,459,585 (31 January 2022 restated - 169,459,595) Ordinary shares.

For the six months ended 31 January 2023 the assumed conversion for potential Ordinary shares was dilutive to the revenue return per Ordinary share (31 January 2022 - dilutive) and dilutive to the capital return per Ordinary share (31 January 2022 - non-dilutive). Where dilution occurs, the net returns are adjusted for interest charges and issue expenses relating to the CULS (31 January 2023 - £277,000; 31 January 2022 - £182,000). Total earnings for the period are tested for dilution. Once dilution has been determined individual revenue and capital earnings are adjusted.

* The returns per share figures for January 2022 have been restated to reflect the 5:1 sub-division as disclosed in note 8.

 

5.

Dividends

Six months ended

Six months ended

31 January 2023

31 January 2022

£'000

£'000

Final dividend for 2021 - 3.0p

-

4,708

Special dividend for 2022 - 1.6p (2021 - 0.2p)

2,511

314

Interim dividend for 2022 - 1.6p

2,511

-

Interim dividend for 2023 - 1.6p

2,511

-

7,533

5,022

 

6.

Senior Unsecured Loan Note

On 1 December 2020 the Company issued a £30,000,000 15 year Loan Note at a fixed rate of 3.05%. Interest is payable in half yearly instalments in June and December and the Loan Note is due to be redeemed at par on 1 December 2035. The issue costs of £118,000 will be amortised over the life of the loan note. The Company has complied with the Note Purchase Agreement that the ratio of total borrowings to adjusted net assets will not exceed 0.20 to 1.00, that the ratio of total borrowings to adjusted net liquid assets will not exceed 0.60 to 1.00, that net tangible assets will not be less than £225,000,000 and that the minimum number of listed assets will not be less than 40.

The fair value of the Senior Unsecured Loan Note as at 31 January 2023 was £27,353,000, the value being based on a comparable quoted debt security.

 

7.

2.25% Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock 2025 ("CULS")

Liability

Equity

Nominal

 component

 component

£'000

£'000

£'000

Balance at beginning of period

36,642

35,940

1,057

Conversion of CULS into Ordinary shares

(6)

(6)

-

Notional interest on CULS

-

77

-

Amortisation of issue expenses

-

48

-

Balance at end of period

36,636

36,059

1,057

The 2.25% Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock 2025 ("CULS") can be converted at the election of holders into Ordinary shares during the months of May and November each year throughout its life until 31 May 2025 at a rate of 1 Ordinary share for every 293.0p nominal of CULS. Interest is paid on the CULS on 31 May and 30 November each year.  

In the event of a winding-up of the Company the rights and claims of the Trustee and CULS holders would be subordinate to the claims of all creditors in respect of the Company's secured and unsecured borrowings, under the terms of the Trust Deed.

During the period ended 31 January 2023 the holders of £6,334 of 2.25% CULS 2025 exercised their right to convert their holdings into Ordinary shares. Following the receipt of the exercise instructions, the Company converted £6,334 (31 July 2022 - £15,343) nominal amount of CULS into 2,158 (31 July 2022 - 5,211) Ordinary shares.

As at 31 January 2023, there was £36,636,078 (31 July 2022 - £36,642,412) nominal amount of CULS in issue.

 

8.

Called-up share capital

During the six months ended 31 January 2023 no Ordinary shares were bought back to be held in treasury at a total cost of £nil (31 January 2022 - nil). During the six months ended 31 January 2023 an additional 2,158 (31 July 2022 - 5,211) Ordinary shares were issued after 6,334 nominal amount of 2.25% Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock 2025 were converted at 293.0p each (31 July 2022 - £15,343). The total consideration received was £nil (31 July 2022 - £nil). At the end of the period there were 208,700,379 (31 July 2022 - 208,698,221) Ordinary shares in issue, of which 51,744,590 (31 July 2022 - 51,744,590) were held in treasury.

On 4 February 2022 there was a sub-division of each existing Ordinary 25p share into 5 Ordinary shares of 5p each. As a result the conversion price of the CULS decreased from 1,465p to 293p.

Subsequent to the period end, 120,000 Ordinary shares have been bought back to be held in treasury at a cost of £304,000.

 

9.

Net asset value per share

As at

As at

31 January 2023

31 July 2022

Basic

Net assets attributable

£470,874,000

£464,396,000

Number of shares in issueA

156,955,789

156,953,631

Net asset value per share

300.00p

295.88p

DilutedB

Net assets attributable

£506,932,000

£500,336,000

Number of shares

169,459,570

169,459,574

Net asset value per share

299.15p

295.25p

A Excludes shares in issue held in treasury.

B The diluted net asset value per Ordinary share has been calculated on the assumption that £36,636,078 (31 July 2022 - £36,642,412)  2.25% Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock 2025 ("CULS") are converted at 293.0p per share, giving a total of 169,459,570 (31 July 2022 - 169,459,574) Ordinary shares. Where dilution occurs, the net assets are adjusted for items relating to the CULS.  

Net asset value per share - debt converted. In accordance with the Company's understanding of the current methodology adopted by the AIC, convertible financial instruments are deemed to be 'in the money' if the cum income net asset value ("NAV") exceeds the conversion price of 293.0p per share. In such circumstances a net asset value is produced and disclosed assuming the convertible debt is fully converted. At 31 January 2023 the cum income NAV was 300.00p and thus the CULS were  'in the money' (31 July 2022 - same).

 

10.

Transaction costs

During the period expenses were incurred in acquiring or disposing of investments classified as fair value through profit or loss. These have been expensed through capital and are included within gains on investments in the Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income. The total costs were as follows:

Six months ended

Six months ended

31 January 2023

31 January 2022

£'000

£'000

Purchases

49

46

Sales

61

81

110

127

 

11.

Analysis of changes in net debt

 At

At

31 July

Currency

Cash

Non-cash

31 January

2022

differences

flows

movements

2023

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Cash and short-term deposits

9,471

(181)

(7,120)

-

2,170

Debt due after more than one year

(68,516)

-

-

(662)

(69,178)

(59,045)

(181)

(7,120)

(662)

(67,008)

At

At

31 July

Currency

Cash

Non-cash

31 January

2021

differences

flows

movements

2022

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Cash and short-term deposits

14,577

(60)

(10,543)

-

3,974

Debt due within one year

(65,594)

-

-

(114)

(65,708)

(51,017)

(60)

(10,543)

(114)

(61,734)

A statement reconciling the movement in net funds to the net cash flow has not been presented as there are no differences from the above analysis.

 

12.

Fair value hierarchy

FRS 102 requires an entity to classify fair value measurements using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following classifications:

Level 1: unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.

Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable (ie developed using market data) for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3: inputs are unobservable (ie for which market data is unavailable) for the asset or liability.

The financial assets measured at fair value in the Condensed Statement of Financial Position are grouped into the fair value hierarchy at the reporting date as follows:

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

As at 31 January 2023

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Quoted equities

524,641

-

11,186

535,827

Quoted preference shares

-

3,263

-

3,263

Quoted warrants

-

358

-

358

Net fair value

524,641

3,621

11,186

539,448

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

As at 31 July 2022

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Quoted equities

511,540

-

9,664

521,204

Quoted preference shares

-

3,203

-

3,203

Quoted warrants

-

434

-

434

Net fair value

511,540

3,637

9,664

524,841

Quoted equities. The fair value of the Company's investments in quoted equities has been determined by reference to their quoted bid prices at the reporting date. Quoted equities included in Fair Value Level 1 are actively traded on recognised stock exchanges.

Quoted preference shares and quoted warrants. The fair value of the Company's investments in quoted preference shares and quoted warrants has been determined by reference to their quoted bid prices at the reporting date. Investments categorised as Level 2 are not considered to trade as actively as Level 1 assets.

Six months ended

Year ended

31 January 2023

31 July 2022

Level 3 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

£'000

£'000

Opening fair value

9,664

-

Transfer from level 1

-

9,664

Total gains or losses included in losses on investments in the Statement of Comprehensive Income:

- assets held at the end of the year

1,522

-

Closing balance

11,186

9,664

 

13.

Related party disclosures

Mr Young is a director of abrdn Asia Limited ("abrdn Asia"),  which has been delegated, under an agreement with abrdn Fund Managers Limited ("aFML"), to provide management services to the Company.  Mr Young is not a director of aFML.

Transactions with the Manager.  The investment management fee is payable monthly in arrears based on the market capitalisation of the Company multiplied by the number of shares in issue (less those held in treasury) at the month end.  With effect from 1 August 2021 the annual management fee has been charged at 0.85% for the first £250,000,000, 0.60% for the next £500,000,000 and 0.50% over £750,000,000 . During the period £1,504,000 (31 January 2022 - £1,652,000) of investment management fees were charged, with a balance of £990,000 (31 January 2022 - £586,000) being payable to aFML at the period end. Investment management fees are charged 25% to revenue and 75% to capital.

The Company also has a management agreement with aFML for the provision of both administration and promotional activities services. The administration fee is payable quarterly in advance and is adjusted annually to reflect the movement in the Retail Price Index. It is based on a current annual amount of £105,000 (31 January 2022 - £105,000). During the period £52,000 (31 January 2022 - £51,000) of fees were charged, with a balance of £52,000 (31 January 2022 - £26,000) payable to aFML at the period end. The promotional activities costs are based on a current annual amount of £219,000 (31 January 2022 - £219,000), payable quarterly in arrears. During the period £128,000 (31 January 2022 - £110,000) of fees were charged, with a balance of £128,000 (31 January 2022 - £73,000) being payable to aFML at the period end.

 

14.

Segmental information

The Company is engaged in a single segment of business, which is to invest in equity securities and debt instruments. All of the Company's activities are interrelated, and each activity is dependent on the others. Accordingly, all significant operating decisions are based on the Company as one segment.

 

15.

Half-Yearly Report

The financial information in this Report does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 - 436 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the year ended 31 July 2022 has been extracted from published accounts that have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and on which the report of the auditors was unqualified and contained no statement under Section 498 (2), (3) or (4) of the Companies Act 2006. The condensed interim financial statements have been prepared using the same accounting policies as the preceding annual financial statements.

 

16.

This Half-Yearly Report was approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 30 March 2023.



Alternative Performance Measures ("APMs")

Alternative Performance Measures ("APMs") are numerical measures of the Company's current, historical or future performance, financial position or cash flows, other than financial measures defined or specified in the applicable financial framework. The Company's applicable financial framework includes FRS 102 and the AIC SORP. The Directors assess the Company's performance against a range of criteria which are viewed as particularly relevant for closed-end investment companies.  

Discount to net asset value per Ordinary share  

The difference between the share price and the net asset value per Ordinary share expressed as a percentage of the net asset value per Ordinary share. This has been presented on a diluted basis as the Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock ("CULS") is "in the money".  

31 January 2023

31 July 2022

NAV per Ordinary share (p)

a

299.15

295.25

Share price (p)

b

263.00

254.00

Discount

(a-b)/a

12.1%

14.0%

Net gearing

Net gearing measures the total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents divided by shareholders' funds, expressed as a percentage. Under AIC reporting guidance cash and cash equivalents includes net amounts due from and to brokers at the period end as well as cash and short term deposits.

31 January 2023

31 July 2022

Borrowings (£'000)

a

65,954

65,832

Cash and short term deposits (£'000)

b

2,170

9,471

Amounts due to brokers (£'000)

c

1,511

-

Amounts due from brokers (£'000)

d

797

280

Shareholders' funds (£'000)

e

470,874

464,396

Net gearing

(a-b+c-d)/e

13.7%

12.1%

Ongoing charges

The ongoing charges ratio has been calculated in accordance with guidance issued by the AIC as the total of investment management fees and administrative expenses and expressed as a percentage of the average published daily net asset values with debt at fair value throughout the year. The ratio as at 31 January 2023 is based on forecast ongoing charges for the year ending 31 July 2023.

31 January 2023

31 July 2022

Investment management fees (£'000)

3,055

3,204

Administrative expenses (£'000)

1,192

1,561

Less: non-recurring charges (£'000)A

(28)

(428)

Ongoing charges (£'000)

4,219

4,337

Average net assets (£'000)

466,854

490,446

Ongoing charges ratio

0.90%

0.88%

A Professional fees comprising corporate and legal fees incurred associated with proposals approved by shareholders on 27 January 2022.

The ongoing charges ratio provided in the Company's Key Information Document is calculated in line with the PRIIPs regulations, which includes finance costs and transaction charges.

Total return

NAV and share price total returns show how the NAV and share price has performed over a period of time in percentage terms, taking into account both capital returns and dividends paid to shareholders. NAV and share price total returns are monitored against open-ended and closed-ended competitors, and the Reference Index, respectively.  

Share

Six months ended 31 January 2023

NAV

Price

Opening at 1 August 2022

a

295.25p

254.00p

Closing at 31 January 2023

b

299.15p

263.00p

Price movements

c=(b/a)-1

1.3%

3.5%

Dividend reinvestmentA

d

1.7%

2.0%

Total return

c+d

+3.0%

+5.5%

Share

Year ended 31 July 2022

NAV

Price

Opening at 1 August 2021

a

309.02p

266.00p

Closing at 31 July 2022

b

295.25p

254.00p

Price movements

c=(b/a)-1

-4.5%

-4.5%

Dividend reinvestmentA

d

2.5%

2.8%

Total return

c+d

-2.0%

-1.7%

NAV total return from inception (19 October 1995) to

31 January 2023

31 July 2022

Opening NAV

a

20.00p

20.00p

Closing NAV

b

299.15p

295.25p

Price movements

c=(b/a)-1

1395.8%

1376.3%

Dividend reinvestmentA

d

799.9%

739.3%

Total return

c+d

+2195.7%

+2115.6%

A NAV total return involves investing the net dividend in the NAV of the Company with debt at fair value on the date on which that dividend goes ex-dividend. Share price total return involves reinvesting the net dividend in the share price of the Company on the date on which that dividend goes ex-dividend.  

 

Copies of the Company's Half Yearly Report for the six months ended 31 January 2023 will be posted to shareholders in April 2023 and will be available thereafter on the Company's website: asia-focus.co.uk *.

 

Please note that past performance is not necessarily a guide to the future and that the value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise and may be affected by exchange rate movements.  Investors may not get back the amount they originally invested.

 

* Neither the content of the Company's website nor the content of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Company's website (or any other website) is (or is deemed to be) incorporated into, or forms (or is deemed to form) part of this announcement.

 

abrdn Holdings Limited

Secretaries

30 March 2023

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