Interim Results

British Portfolio Trust PLC 26 June 2006 For Immediate Release 26th June 2006 BRITISH PORTFOLIO TRUST plc ANNOUNCEMENT OF UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS For the period from 1st November 2005 to 30th April 2006 Net Asset Value A summary of the results for the period from 1st November 2005 to 30th April 2006 is set out below. The Net Asset Value (NAV) per Ordinary Share as at 30th April 2006 was 187.5p. This represents an increase of 16.8% over the NAV as at 31st October 2005. Over the same period the Company's benchmark index, the FTSE All-Share Index, rose by 15.4%. Interim Dividend The Board has declared an interim dividend of 1.75p per Ordinary Share (compared to 1.60p last year), which will absorb £741,749 and is payable on 6th September 2006 to all holders of Ordinary Shares on the Register of Members at the close of business on 4th August 2006. Share Buybacks During the period under review 3,073,333 Ordinary Shares were purchased for cancellation at a cost of £4,810,243, (including 2,333,333 Ordinary Shares purchased into treasury at a cost of £3,594,991), at an average discount of around 5.0%. In the period from 1st May 2006 until 26th June 2006 a further 95,000 Ordinary Shares have been purchased for cancellation at a cost of £160,727 and a further 110,000 Ordinary Shares have been purchased into treasury at a cost of £166,212. Outlook The UK equity market performed extremely well in the period up to the end of April, with investors comfortable about the level of world economic growth and the outlook for inflation. However, more recently, comments from the new Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, have highlighted the risks of a upturn in inflation and the possibility of further increases in US interest rates. At present, the bond markets appear to have faith that Mr Bernanke will be successful in restraining inflation, with long term bonds in the US trading at similar yields to shorter maturities. This has traditionally been a sign that markets expect slower growth and stable inflation. The implications for the UK equity market are significant because a large component of UK company earnings come from the US, and global economic growth prospects are to a large extent dependent upon the continuing health of US consumer expenditure. The outlook for UK interest rates looks confused with interest rate futures markets pointing to rate hikes later in the year, but recent mortgage approvals for April were below expectations. The World Cup will distort statistics in the short term, but if the trend of a slowing housing market continues, which we expect, it is likely that interest rates will remain unchanged. Commodity exposed sectors have been the biggest gainers in the Stock Market over the last year on the back of dramatic underlying commodity price rises. After such big rises, a period of consolidation can probably be expected but the long term supply and demand dynamics still remain favourable for the resources sectors. We will continue to monitor any merger and acquisition activity within the sector to make sure that the companies are maintaining financial discipline. Equities still look attractively valued compared to bonds and reasonable value in absolute terms. With low interest rates likely to continue in the UK, funding new corporate acquisitions will remain attractive for many companies. As a consequence, the UK equity market looks reasonably well supported in the medium term despite the nervousness brought about by recent volatility. 155 Bishopsgate By Order of the Board London EC2M 3AD P W I Ingram 26th June 2006 Secretary SUMMARY OF RESULTS INCOME STATEMENT Six months ended 30th April 2006 Revenue Capital Total £'000s £'000s £'000s (Note 2) Net gains on investments at fair value - 11,665 11,665 Income 1,426 - 1,426 Investment management fee (149) (358) (507) Expenses of administration (83) (2) (85) Return on ordinary activities before finance costs and taxation 1,194 11,305 12,499 Finance costs : interest payable and similar charges (47) (140) (187) Return on ordinary activities before taxation 1,147 11,165 12,312 Taxation (1) - (1) Return attributable to Ordinary Shareholders 1,146 11,165 12,311 Return per Ordinary Share (Note 1) 2.66p 25.96p 28.62p (basic and undiluted) BALANCE SHEET As at 30th April 2006 £'000s Investments at fair value through profit or loss 80,897 Interest Rate Swaps at fair value through profit or loss 85 Net Current Assets 4,485 Total Assets less Current Liabilities 85,467 Creditors - Amounts falling due after one year (6,000) Total Net Assets 79,467 Called up Share Capital 453 Share Premium Account 12,378 Special Reserve 46,260 Capital Redemption Reserve 91 Capital Reserves - Realised 2,010 Unrealised 16,444 Hedging Reserve 85 Revenue Reserve 1,746 Shareholders' Funds 79,467 Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share 187.5 p The net asset value is based on 42,385,669 Ordinary Shares in issue. An additional 2,887,333 Ordinary Shares were held in treasury. SUMMARY OF RESULTS INCOME STATEMENT Six months ended 30th April 2005 Revenue Capital Total £'000s £'000s £'000s (Note 2) Net gains on investments at fair value - 4,127 4,127 Income 1,305 - 1,305 Investment management fee (134) (316) (450) Expenses of administration (80) (3) (83) Return on ordinary activities before finance costs and taxation 1,091 3,808 4,899 Finance costs: interest payable and similar charges (47) (137) (184) Return on ordinary activities before taxation 1,044 3,671 4,715 Taxation (1) - (1) Return attributable to Ordinary Shareholders 1,043 3,671 4,714 Return per Ordinary Share (Note 1) 2.23p 7.86p 10.09p (basic and diluted) BALANCE SHEET As at 30th April 2005 (restated) £'000s Investments at fair value through profit or loss 67,050 Net Current Assets 5,318 Total Assets less Current Liabilities 72,368 Creditors - Amounts falling due after one year (6,000) Total Net Assets 66,368 Called up Share Capital 462 Share Premium Account 12,378 Special Reserve 52,170 Capital Redemption Reserve 82 Capital Reserves - Realised (4,465) Unrealised 4,437 Revenue Reserve 1,304 Shareholders' Funds 66,368 Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share 143.6p The net asset value is based on 46,226,502 Ordinary Shares in issue. No Ordinary Shares were held in treasury. SUMMARY OF RESULTS INCOME STATEMENT for the year to 31st October 2005 Revenue Capital Total £'000s £'000s £'000s (Note 2) Net gains on investments at fair value - 11,989 11,989 Income 2,642 - 2,642 Investment management fee (281) (667) (948) Expenses of administration (171) (4) (175) Return on ordinary activities before finance costs and taxation 2,190 11,318 13,508 Finance costs: interest payable and similar (93) (278) (371) charges Return on ordinary activities before taxation 2,097 11,040 13,137 Taxation (2) - (2) Return attributable to Ordinary Shareholders 2,095 11,040 13,135 Return per Ordinary Share (Note 1) 4.53p 23.88p 28.41p BALANCE SHEET As at 31st October 2005 (restated) £'000s Investments at fair value through profit or loss 72,302 Net Current Assets 6,655 Total Assets less Current Liabilities 78,957 Creditors- Amounts falling due after one year (6,000) Total Net Assets 72,957 Called up Share Capital 460 Share Premium Account 12,378 Special Reserve 51,068 Capital Redemption Reserve 84 Capital Reserves - Realised (1,055) Unrealised 8,396 Revenue Reserve 1,626 Shareholders' Funds 72,957 Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share 160.5p The net asset value is based on 45,459,002 Ordinary Shares in issue. An additional 554,000 Ordinary Shares were held in treasury. RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS For the six months ended 30th April 2006 and comparative periods Called up Share Capital Capital Capital Share Premium Special Redemption Reserve Reserve Hedging Revenue Capital Account Reserve Reserve Realised Unrealised Reserve Reserve Total (£'000s) (£'000s) (£'000s) (£'000s) (£'000s) (£'000s) (£'000s) (£'000s) (£'000s) Six months ended 30th April 2006 Net Assets at 31st October 2005 460 12,378 51,068 84 (1,055) 8,396 - 535 71,866 as previously stated Dividends on Ordinary Shares not recognised as a current liability - - - - - - - 1,091 1,091 Net Assets at 31st October 460 12,378 51,068 84 (1,055) 8,396 - 1,626 72,957 2005 (restated) Adjustment to record investments at bid value - - - - - (52) - - (52) Recognition of Interest - - - - - - 85 - 85 Rate Swaps Revenue Return - - - - - - - 1,146 1,146 Shares repurchased during the period (7) - (4,808) 7 - - - - (4,808) Dividends on Ordinary - - - - - - - (1,026) (1,026) Shares Capital Return - - - - 3,065 8,100 - - 11,165 Net Assets at 30th April 453 12,378 46,260 91 2,010 16,444 85 1,746 79,467 2006 Six months ended 30th April 2005 Net Assets at 31st October 472 12,378 53,456 72 (6,487) 2,788 - 252 62,931 2004 As previously stated Dividends on Ordinary Shares not recognised as a current liability - - - - - - - 944 944 Net Assets at 31st October 2004 (restated) 472 12,378 53,456 72 (6,487) 2,788 - 1,196 63,875 Revenue Return - - - - - - - 1,043 1,043 Shares repurchased during the period (10) - (1,286) 10 - - - - (1,286) Dividends on Ordinary - - - - - - - (935) (935) Shares Capital Return - - - - 2,022 1,649 - - 3,671 Net Assets at 30th April 2005 (restated) 462 12,378 52,170 82 (4,465) 4,437 - 1,304 66,368 RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS continued Called up Share Capital Capital Capital Share Premium Special Redemption Reserve Reserve Hedging Revenue Capital Account Reserve Reserve Realised Unrealised Reserve Reserve Total (£'000s) (£'000s) (£'000s) (£'000s) (£'000s) (£'000s) (£'000s) (£'000s) (£'000s) Year ended 31st October 2005 Net Assets at 31st October 2004 as previously stated 472 12,378 53,456 72 (6,487) 2,788 - 252 62,931 Dividends on Ordinary Shares not recognised as a current liability - - - - - - - 944 944 Net Assets at 31st October 2004 (restated) 472 12,378 53,456 72 (6,487) 2,788 - 1,196 63,875 Revenue Return - - - - - - - 2,095 2,095 Shares repurchased during (12) - (2,388) 12 - - - - (2,388) the year Dividends on Ordinary - - - - - - - (1,665) (1,665) Shares Capital Return - - - - 5,432 5,608 - - 11,040 Net Assets at 31st October 2005 (restated) 460 12,378 51,068 84 (1,055) 8,396 - 1,626 72,957 SUMMARY OF RESULTS CASH FLOW STATEMENT For the six months ended 30th April 2006 and comparative periods Six Months to Six Months to Year to 30th April 30th April 31st October 2006 2005 2005 £'000s £'000s £'000s Net cash inflow from operating activities 736 350 1,805 Servicing of finance Interest paid (202) (182) (366) Investing activities Purchases of fixed asset investments (13,734) (11,028) (24,223) Sales of fixed asset investments 15,070 13,081 28,875 Net cash inflow from investing activities 1,336 2,053 4,652 Equity dividends paid (1,026) (935) (1,665) Net cash inflow before financing 844 1,286 4,426 Financing Purchase of Ordinary Shares for cancellation and held in treasury (4,808) (1,286) (2,388) Capital distribution from Jos Holdings plc - 1 1 Net cash outflow from financing (4,808) (1,285) (2,387) (Decrease) Increase in cash (3,964) 1 2,039 TWENTY LARGEST EQUITY HOLDINGS As at 30th April 2006 Valuation % of Total Principal Activities £'000s Assets* BP 5,977 6.99 Oil & Gas GlaxoSmithKline 4,311 5.04 Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology HSBC Holdings 4,129 4.83 Banks Royal Dutch Shell 'B' Shares 4,113 4.81 Oil & Gas Vodafone Group 3,556 4.16 Telecommunication Services Royal Bank of Scotland 2,672 3.13 Banks AstraZeneca 2,300 2.69 Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology Barclays 2,207 2.58 Banks Anglo American 1,932 2.26 Mining HBOS 1,723 2.02 Banks Energy XXI 1,399 1.64 Speciality & Other Finance Prudential 1,384 1.62 Life Assurance Aberdeen Asset Management 1,376 1.61 General Financial BT Group 1,371 1.60 Telecommunication Services British American Tobacco 1,341 1.57 Tobacco Land Securities 1,242 1.45 Real Estate Lloyds TSB 1,239 1.45 Banks Mulberry Group 1,208 1.41 General Retailers BHP Billiton 1,207 1.41 Mining BG Group 1,161 1.36 Oil & Gas 45,848 53.63 PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS As at 30th April 2006 Sector Valuation % of Total Assets* £000s Cyclical Consumer Goods 1,795 2.10 Cyclical Services 7,135 8.35 Financials 25,326 29.63 Non Cyclical Services 5,758 6.74 Non Cyclical Consumer Goods 9,372 10.96 Resources 17,733 20.75 Information Technology 2,297 2.69 Utilities 5,308 6.21 Basic Industries 1,615 1.89 General Industrials 4,558 5.33 Interest Rate Swap (see Note 3) 85 0.10 Net Current Assets 4,485 5.25 85,467 100.00 * Total Assets are stated net of Current Liabilities. Note 1 The return per Ordinary Share is based on a weighted average number of shares in issue of 43,015,328 (30th April 2005: 46,731,463; 31st October 2005: 46,234,631). Note 2 The total column of this statement is the profit and loss account of the Company. All revenue and capital items derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued in the period. A Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses is not required as all gains and losses of the Company have been reflected in the Income Statement. Included in the cost of investments are transaction costs on purchases amounting to £82,618 (30th April 2005: £70,404; 31st October 2005: £138,556) and transaction costs on sales amounting to £21,533 (30th April 2005: £22,288; 31st October 2005: £50,207). Note 3 Investments are designated as held at fair value through profit or loss in accordance with FRS 26 'Financial Instruments: Measurement'. Listed investments are valued at bid market prices. This represents a change in accounting policy. However, in accordance with the exemption conferred by paragraph 108D of FRS 26, comparatives have not been restated. In prior periods listed investments were valued at mid-market prices. As a consequence the adoption of bid prices on 1st November 2005 decreased the value of listed investments by £52,256 to £72,249,871. Interest rate swaps are now also held at fair value through profit or loss. Previously, they were stated at nil. Note 4 In accordance with FRS 21 'Events after the Balance Sheet Date', the final dividend payable on Ordinary Shares is recognised as a liability when approved by shareholders. Interim dividends are recognised only when paid. This is a change of accounting policy and results in a restatement of the prior year creditors and a consequential increase in the prior year net asset value. Dividends paid on Ordinary Shares in respect of earnings for each period are as follows: Six months to Six months to Year to 30th April 2006 30th April 2005 31st October 2005 Interim dividend 1.60p paid 3rd September 2005 - - 730 Final dividend 2.40p paid 3rd March 2006 1,026 935 935 (2004-2.00p) 1,026 935 1,665 Dividends payable at the period end are not recognised as a liability under FRS 21 'Events after The Balance Sheet Date'. Details of these dividends are set out below. Six months to Six months to Year to 30th April 2006 30th April 2005 31st October 2005 Interim dividend 1.75p payable 6th September 2006 742 740 - (2005-1.60p) Final dividend 2.40p - - 1,091 The interim dividend above is based on the number of shares in issue at the period end. However, the dividend payable will be based on the number of shares in issue on the record date and will reflect any purchases and cancellations of shares by the Company settled subsequent to the period end. Note 5 Restatement of opening balances As previously stated Restated 30 April 2005 Adjustment 30 April 2005 £'000s £'000s £'000s Fixed Assets Investments 67,050 - 67,050 Net Current Assets 4,578 740 1 5,318 Total Assets less Current Liabilities 71,628 740 72,368 Less: Creditors-amounts falling due after more than one year (6,000) - (6,000) Total Net Assets 65,628 740 66,368 Capital and Reserves Called up Share Capital 462 - 462 Share Premium Account 12,378 - 12,378 Special Reserve 52,170 - 52,170 Capital Redemption Reserve 82 - 82 Capital Reserves: Realised (4,465) - (4,465) Unrealised 4,437 - 4,437 Revenue Reserve 564 740 1 1,304 Shareholders' Funds 65,628 740 66,368 Net asset value per Ordinary Share 142.0p 1.6p 143.6p As previously stated Restated 31 October 2005 Adjustment 31 October 2005 £'000s £'000s £'000s Fixed Assets Investments 72,302 - 72,302 Net Current Assets 5,564 1,091 2 6,655 Total Assets less Current Liabilities 77,866 1,091 78,957 Less: Creditors-amounts falling due after more than one year (6,000) - (6,000) Total Net Assets 71,866 1,091 72,957 Capital and Reserves Called up Share Capital 460 - 460 Share Premium Account 12,378 - 12,378 Special Reserve 51,068 - 51,068 Capital Redemption Reserve 84 - 84 Capital Reserves: Realised (1,055) - (1,055) Unrealised 8,396 - 8,396 Revenue Reserve 535 1,091 2 1,626 Shareholders' Funds 71,866 1,091 72,957 Net asset value per Ordinary Share 158.1p 2.4p 160.5p 1 Represents the effect of not recognising the interim dividend (FRS 21) 2 Represents the effect of not recognising the final dividend (FRS 21) Note 6 The interim statement has neither been audited nor reviewed by the Company's auditors. The financial information for the year ended 31st October 2005 has been extracted from the statutory accounts of the Company at that date which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and restated by reference to the changes in accounting policies detailed above. The Auditors' report on those accounts was unqualified and did not contain a statement under Section 237 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. The Interim Report will be sent to Shareholders shortly and made available to the public at the Registered Office of the Company, 155 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AD. For further information, please contact:- Simon White RCM (UK) Limited Tel: 020 7065 1539 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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