Interim Results

ACM European Enhanced Inc.Fund PLC 30 August 2000 ACM European Enhanced Income Fund plc - Interim Results INTERIM RESULTS The Company today announces its interim results for the period from the Company's inception on 29 November, 1999 to 30 June, 2000. INVESTMENT RESULTS The following table shows how the Company performed over the past six months and since the Company's inception to 30 June, 2000. For comparison, we have included a custom blended benchmark consisting of 50% Merrill Lynch European Currency High Yield Index (hedged into euros) and 50% Lehman Brothers European Corporate Bond Index, which is leveraged by 25% and converted into British pounds. This represents an unmanaged measure of the markets and instruments the Company is able to invest in. INVESTMENT RESULTS* Periods Ended 30 June, 2000 Total Returns 6 Months Since inception*** ACM European Enhanced 0.00% 0.00% Income Fund Plc Custom Benchmark ** 1.40% 0.50% * The Company's investment results are total returns for the periods shown as of 30 June, 2000 and are based on the net asset value. All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Company have been deducted. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. ** The custom benchmark is comprised of equal 50% weightings of two indices which are leveraged 25% and converted into British pounds. The unmanaged Merrill Lynch European Currency High Yield Index (hedged into euros) is comprised of corporate bonds with maturities greater than or equal to one year. The Lehman Brothers European Corporate Bond Index is a measure of fixed-rate securities with at least one year remaining until maturity. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative of the performance for any particular investment, including the Company. *** Performance for the Company is from the Company's inception date (net of issue costs) on 29 November, 1999. Performance for the benchmarks is from the closest month- end to the Company's inception date. INVESTMENT MANAGER'S STATEMENT MARKET REVIEW The global economy continued to expand while the regional growth mix changed. Most importantly, the U.S. economy showed signs of slowing while the recovery in the euro countries continued to gather steam. Domestic demand in Europe continued to strengthen, thanks to lower unemployment, rising incomes and soaring investor confidence. European inflation nearly doubled from the beginning of the year to 1.9%. Monetary policy makers accordingly retained their tightening bias: the European Central Bank (ECB) tightened by 125 basis points during the first six months of 2000. The euro rose from 0.6229 to 0.6331 versus the British pound during the six-month period. European investment grade corporate bonds returned 1.64% during the period. The positive return was supported by the government market, which benefited from the Treasury buy-back program. However, performance was dampened by equity market volatility and corporate bond supply concerns. Specifically, the auction of third generation mobile phone licenses throughout Europe, a windfall for European governments, dampened returns in the corporate market as the cost of the licenses will likely result in a significant increase in corporate bond issuance. The fear of supply was validated with the announcement from Deutsche Telecom that they would issue up to 15 billion U.S. dollars in corporate bonds. European high yield returned -1.95% for the period. Volatile global financial markets dampened returns in the European high yield sector. With the equity market a less viable source for funding, issuers that were not fully funded on their business plan were severely punished. European high yield entered valuations not seen in over a year. New issuance was limited as the cost to issue increased dramatically over the period. Industrial issuers outperformed telecommunications and technology-sensitive issuers. Supply continued to be a challenge to the market. An overwhelming majority of new issuance in the first half of this year was from telecommunications and cable related issuers. OUTLOOK We will keep a constructive outlook for the corporate bond markets in Europe. As central banks remain proactive in containing inflation pressures, the probability for a hard landing decreased dramatically, adding support to the performance of corporate bonds. The Company continues to pursue a yield enhancing strategy of selling investment grade corporate bonds to purchase high yield corporate bonds. We will rely on the new issue market for new investment opportunities. For short-term interest rates, we believe the ECB will institute one more rate hike before the end of the year. Growth and inflation throughout the euro countries continue to improve, warranting further monetary tightening. The Company's duration will remain within a 10% range of the benchmark. The Company remains 100% exposed to the euro. We believe the continued improvements in the euro-11 economies and a narrowing of the interest rate and growth differentials should remain supportive for the euro versus the world's major currencies. DIVIDENDS The Company paid a dividend on the 24 July 2000 at a rate of £0.0225 per share, which was announced on 14 July 2000. This brought the total dividend paid for the period to £0.052454 per share. STATEMENT OF TOTAL RETURN From 2 November 1999* to 30 June 2000 (unaudited) Revenue Capital Total £ £ £ Net losses on - (1,979,680) (1,979,680) investments Other losses - (399,854) (399,854) Income 3,192,921 - 3,192,921 Expenses (429,592) (447,696) (877,288) --------- ---------- --------- Return on ordinary 2,763,329 (2,827,230) (63,901) activities Distributions (1,493,349) - (1,493,349) --------- ---------- --------- Net decrease in shareholders' funds from investment activities 1,269,980 (2,827,230) (1,557,250) ========== ========== ========== * Date of incorporation. STATEMENT OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS From 2 November 1999* to 30 June 2000 (unaudited) £ Net assets at the start of the period - Amounts received on sale of shares 49,854,743 Less: Issue costs (762,167) ---------- Net proceeds on sale of shares 49,092,576 Net decrease in shareholders' funds from (1,557,250) investment activities ---------- Net assets at the end of the period 47,535,326 ========== BALANCE SHEET as at 30 June 2000 (unaudited) £ Portfolio of investments 56,372,064 ---------- Net current assets Debtors 1,503,579 Cash and bank balances 2,349,829 --------- 3,853,408 --------- Less: Bank overdraft (287,920) Creditors (less than one year) (12,402,226) ----------- (12,690,146) ----------- Net current liabilities (8,836,738) ---------- Net assets 47,535,326 ========== Shareholders' funds 47,535,326 ========== Number of shares in issue 49,854,743 ========== Net Asset Value per share £0.95 ====
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