Half-year Report

RNS Number : 5008V
Miton UK MicroCap Trust plc
14 December 2021
 

 

MITON UK MICROCAP TRUST PLC (the "Company")


REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2021

The Directors present the Half Year Report of the Company for the half year ended 31 October 2021.

 

The Miton UK MicroCap Trust plc is an investment trust quoted on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker code MINI. It is referred to as the Company, MINI or the Trust in the text of this report. The Board, which consists of five independent directors appoints the Investment Manager and oversees all aspects of the Trust.

 

Following the Trust's listing in April 2015, its net asset value (NAV per Ordinary share) rose from 49.00p to a peak of 71.60p in June 2018. During March 2020, with the worst of the fears about the pandemic and the absence of a Brexit agreement, the Company's NAV fell to a nadir of 37.20p. Last year, the Company's NAV rose to 104.85p, however with some profit takingof those companies which had strongly outperformed in the previous six months,, that moderated to 96.67p at the end of October. There still appears to be plenty of scope for the portfolio to continue to deliver attractive returns in future.

 

 

Results for the Half Year to 31 October 2021

 

· Over the half year, the Ordinary share NAV fell from 104.83p on 30 April 2021 to 96.67p on 31 October 2021, a fall of 7.8% (including re-invested dividend)*.

· The Ordinary share price moved from 104.50p at the end of April 2021 to 89.10p at the end of October 2021, a decrease of 14.7% (including re-invested dividend)*.

· A profit of £84,000 in the half year to 31 October 2021 has been credited to the revenue reserves.

· During the half year the Company issued 650,000 Ordinary shares, raising £689,000.

· Redemption requests over 2.4% of the Company's issued share capital were received and accepted, with the redeemed shares cancelled.

 

 

Summary of Results

 

Half year to

31 October

2021

Year ended

30 April

2021

Total net assets attributable to equity shareholders (£'000)

105,615

116,651

NAV per Ordinary share*

96.67p

104.83p

Share price (mid)

89.10p

104.50p

Discount to NAV*

(7.83)%

(0.31)%

Investment Income

£0.5m

£0.7m

Revenue return per Ordinary share

0.08p

(0.14)p

Total return per Ordinary share*

(8.14)p

49.51p

Ongoing charges#*

1.42%

1.60%

Ordinary shares in issue

109,253,560

111,274,758

 

*Alternative Performance Measure ('APM'). Details provided in the Glossary in the Half Year Report.

# The ongoing charges are calculated in accordance with AIC guidelines.

 

 

 

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

This report covers the Trust's half year period between 1 May to 31 October 2021, which was a period of fluctuating asset returns with the global economy continuing to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise of energy prices boosted oil and gas company share prices, whilst concerns that inflationary pressures may turn out to be more persistent than originally expected led to some profit taking in other areas.

 

Moving forward, for cost reasons, the Board has opted to change to the Numis Indices as comparators. This series of indices includes the Numis 1000 index that comprises the bottom 2% of the UK Stock Market.

 

Returns over the half year

The appreciation of the major oil stocks was the principal reason why the Numis All-Share rose 4.2% and outperformed the 2.4% delivered by the Numis Smaller Companies + AIM ex Investment Companies Index over the half year. There was a degree of profit taking amongst microcaps, and since the many of the Trust's holdings have appreciated ahead of others after its NAV more than doubled last year, this was reflected in the Trust's NAV declining by 7.8% over the half year. This compares with a 1.4% rise by the Numis 1000 over the same period (all the data is total return terms).

 

A proportion of the Trust's annual running costs are set against the revenue, which is principally dividend income. In the past, both figures have been quite similar in magnitude, and therefore it has always been anticipated that capital appreciation would be the principal driver of the Trust's return. During the half year, the Trust's revenue was boosted by a one-off special dividend, and hence the revenue per share was 0.08p which compares with a deficit of 0.14p in the prior half year. These figures are included in the Trust's NAV total return set out above.

 

Returns since the Trust was first listed in April 2015

In the six and half years since the Trust listed, the UK stock market has been through a fairly turbulent period. From June 2016 onwards, the UK's decision to leave the EU initiated a long period of uncertainty, which was then further compounded by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Over the same six and half year period, the Numis All-Share Index  appreciated by only 10.8% in capital terms, although including dividend income its total return over the period was 41.4%. Quoted smallcaps outperformed over the period, with the Numis Smaller Companies + AIM ex Investment Companies Index  reporting a total return of 77.2% and that of the Numis 1000 Index a total return of 75.6%. The Trust's NAV total return over the same period, including dividend income paid to shareholders, was 101.0%.

 

Addressing trading imbalances of the Trust's shares

Since the Trust's share price also reflects the balance of buyers and sellers, when there is an imbalance, the Trust's share price can diverge from its daily NAV. With worries about persistent inflation towards the end of the period, the Trust's share price stood at a 7.8% discount to the NAV (excluding current period revenue), although it had stood at a premium earlier in the half year.

 

To address these imbalances, the Trust operates a voluntary redemption facility through which shareholders can request the redemption of all or part of their shareholding on an annual basis, at a valuation at, or close to, the value of the underlying portfolio. Similarly, if there is demand for the Trust's shares at a 1% premium or more above its daily NAV, the Trust can issue new shares for cash. At the annual Redemption Point at the end of June, 2,671,198 shares were redeemed (representing 2.4% of the issued share capital at that time), whilst during the half year a total of 650,000 shares were issued to new investors.

 

Board refreshment

As previously announced, I will be standing down as Chairman at the end of this calendar year and will hand over to Ashe Windham. In the half year Bridget Guerin stepped down from the Board and we appointed Davina Walter as a non-executive director. Davina brings a wealth of experience of Investment Trusts and will be a strong addition to your Board.

 

 

Prospects

Over recent decades, share prices have steadily appreciated as ongoing global growth has combined with rising valuations for equities and as long-dated bond yields have declined. Recently, structural factors have led to the marked slowing of the Chinese economy, and if this trend were to persist, then the trajectory of global growth could become weaker. Furthermore, if the recent inflationary pressures turn out to be persistent, then long-dated bond yields will probably not decline any further and asset valuations could come under pressure. Both could represent major challenges to the ongoing appreciation of stock markets.

 

One of the advantages of the Miton UK MicroCap Trust strategy, is that its portfolio principally comprises holdings of young businesses. These businesses often operate in immature, fast growing, industry sectors, where their prospects are less correlated with the fluctuations of global growth. Hence, when global growth was challenging in the past, UK quoted microcaps tended to outperform mainstream indices.

 

The Trust's portfolio holdings are also actively selected for those with the potential to generate substantial cash surpluses in the short to medium term. Hence, even when stock markets are weak, such as during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, these stocks still had the necessary capital to succeed. Furthermore, being microcaps, many stand on overlooked valuations, so they also have much greater upside potential.

 

Overall, despite the current economic and stock market challenges, we believe the prospects for the Miton UK MicroCap Trust remain attractive given the specific advantages of the strategy. A good example of the ultimate potential was evident in the year to April 2021, when the Trust's share price and NAV outperformed many others during the global recession, as its strategy gathered support from a wide range of investors.

 

Andy Pomfret

Chairman

13 December 2021

 

 

 

INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT

 

Who are the Fund Managers of the Trust?

Premier Miton Group plc is an independent, listed fund management company, formed from the merger of Premier Asset Management and Miton Group in November 2019, with a well-established reputation for successfully managing UK-quoted smaller company portfolios over the longer term. The Trust's Board appointed Premier Miton as Manager when it was listed in April 2015.

 

The day to day management of the Trust's portfolio continues to be carried out by Gervais Williams and Martin Turner, who came together as a team in April 2011

 

 

Gervais Williams

Gervais joined Miton in March 2011 and is now Head of Equities in Premier Miton. He has been an equity fund manager since 1985, including 17 years at Gartmore. He was named Fund Manager of the Year by What Investment? in 2014.  Gervais is also a Board member of the Quoted Companies Alliance and a member of the AIM Advisory Council.

 

Martin Turner

Martin joined Miton in May 2011. Martin and Gervais have had a close working relationship since 2004, with complementary expertise that led them to back a series of successful companies. Martin qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Arthur Anderson and had senior roles and extensive experience at Merrill Lynch and Collins Stewart.

 

Why are the index comparatives used in this report different from those used previously?

When the Trust was first listed in April 2015, it was stated in the prospectus that the return would be shown by reference to various FTSE indices, as well as the Numis 1000 index. However, given the licensing terms available from London Stock Exchange (who own the FTSE Index data) and the fact that publication of the index would require a separate licence for the Trust (notwithstanding that Premier Miton, as Manager, already has a licence), the Trust has decided that reference will only be made to the Numis indices going forward. This avoids the need for additional expense to the Trust in obtaining a separate FTSE licence, and the Board believes it provides a similar level of reporting on the return as in previous years.

 

Since the Trust was first listed in April 2015, the returns of both sets of indices happen to be broadly similar, although there are some divergences over shorter time periods. If anything, the returns on the  Numis 1000 Index more closely represent the fluctuations of the Trust's universe of UK quoted microcaps, because it comprises the bottom two percent of both LSE and AIM listed stocks. Furthermore, the Numis 1000 Index returns aren't distorted by the major fluctuations of the largest AIM listed stocks that have occurred over the last six and half years.

 

What were the main contributors to the Trust's return over the half year?  

After the substantial outperformance of quoted microcaps in the year to April 2021, the ongoing uncertainty regarding inflation led to many investors taking profits during the half year between April and October. Hence whilst Avacta was one of the better performers in the prior period, over this half year it was the greatest detractor in the portfolio, as its share price fell due to an absence of news regarding commercial orders for its novel lateral flow test for COVID-19. Another disappointing holding was Helium One, where its share price had risen just ahead of the start of the half year in anticipation of the results of its first helium wells. Whilst these confirmed the presence of helium during the half year, the geology has proved more complex than anticipated, so Helium One's share price was notably weak. A third example is Accrol, where unreliable deliveries of its toilet tissue led to its supermarket customers refusing to fund the additional manufacturing costs, at least initially. Where the prospects for imminent cash surpluses of portfolio holdings substantially diminishes, we tend to sell the positions without delay. Interestingly, in all three of the holdings outlined above, our confidence in their imminent cash prospects haven't greatly altered. Therefore, all three of these positions remain in the portfolio, and may have even greater upside potential than previously.

 

Over the half year, we continued to meet numerous microcap management teams, and are always keen to bring in new holdings, most particularly where their prospects are not closely correlated with other existing portfolio holdings. The largest new holding over the half year was Saietta, which has a high efficiency electric motor that it is hoped will displace petrol moped engines in Indian cities. After its floatation in July, its share price has been buoyed by additional newsflow, and it was the best performing holding in the half year. The other principal new holdings over the half year were Braemar Shipping, Cyanconnode, Lamprell, Marwyn Value Investors and Independent Oil and Gas. Alongside the Trust's portfolio also purchased a FTSE100 Put option during the half year, further details of which may be found in the Glossary in the Half Year Report

 

Although there were good performances amongst some other portfolio holdings over the half year, such as Frontier IP, CentralNic and Kistos, the NAV of the Trust fell 7.8% in total return terms. This compares with a rise of 1.4% for the Numis 1000 Index over the same period.

 

 

What are the main factors that have driven the Trust's returns since it first listed in April 2015?

In the UK, academic analysis of stock market data from 1955 reveals that the best performing group of stocks has been quoted microcaps. This outperformance is even more marked when compared with microcaps that stand on low valuations. Whilst stocks with these characteristics may not have outperformed continuously, it has been a persistent trend through a variety of economic and stock market conditions. With this background in mind, the Trust seeks to invest in UK quoted microcaps that are standing on overlooked valuations at the time of purchase. When these succeed, their share prices can rise by much greater percentages than most mainstream stocks.

 

Whilst the share prices of stocks that are forecast to grow rapidly can appreciate dramatically, they often subsequently suffer dramatic periods of underperformance as well. So, in spite of the favourable microcap trend, there are some years when other groups of stocks sometimes deliver better returns. Perhaps the most extreme example was the dot.com boom around the millennium.

 

Over the six and a half years since the Trust's listing, asset valuations have risen considerably, as long-dated bond yields have trended towards zero. For much of this period, stocks that were widely forecast to grow rapidly have outperformed, in a similar manner to the appreciation during the dot-com boom. Although many of the stocks in the Trust's portfolio on lower valuations have also appreciated well since March 2020, we believe that the true potential of the Miton UK MicroCap Trust strategy still hasn't been fully evident.

 

Total Return since launch

%

Numis 1000 Index

75.6

Numis Smaller Companies ex Investment Companies & AIM

77.2

Numis All Share

41.4

MINI NAV

101.0

 

 

As outlined in the prospects section below, we are excited about the potential for the Trust to deliver strong returns in the coming years.

 

How unusual is the UK-quoted microcap investment universe in a global context?

Prior to a sustained period of globalisation, returns on mainstream stock markets were not very different from that of underlying inflation. At this time, institutions often included a capital allocation into UK-quoted small and microcaps because of the commercial pressures to access the premium returns they offered.

 

During the period of globalisation, asset returns of all kinds have been widespread, so institutional allocations into quoted small and microcap stocks have been crowded out by larger weightings in assets such as US technology. Indeed, over recent decades most quoted microcap stock markets around the world have been closed for lack of institutional interest.

 

In contrast to others, the UK government has sustained the support for a quoted small and microcap exchange via dedicated tax exemptions, as quoted microcaps often generate additional skilled employment and increased productivity, which ultimately contribute to additional tax take for the Exchequer.

 

Generally, we believe that the prospects for the UK economy may not differ much from other developed economies. The UK stock exchange however, differs from others in having retained a vibrant universe of UK quoted microcaps with all the advantages this has brought, particularly in the decades prior to globalisation. It is worth noting that, even now, the number of listed stocks with a market capitalisation of less than £150m is not dissimilar to the number of stocks with market capitalisations above this metric. If ultra-low yields on bonds and renewed inflation depress prospective returns on mainstream assets, then the strong returns on quoted microcaps can be expected to lead to renewed interest from institutional investors.

 

 

What are the prospects for the Trust?

The Miton UK MicroCap Trust strategy differs from most others, in that it has the potential to deliver an attractive return even at times when the mainstream stock market indices may not be steadily rising.

 

1.  Specifically, the Manager principally invests in UK quoted microcap businesses. These companies tend to supply industry sectors, where demand is often growing on a structural basis, rather than due to the cyclical fluctuations of the global economy. There are indications that the Chinese economy, which has been the cornerstone of past global expansion, has reached a point where its growth may be sub-normal in future. If this is the case, then the Trust's quoted microcap investment universe may be very well placed. We note that historic data is reassuring, as when global growth was challenging in the past, UK quoted microcaps tended to outperform.

2.  During periods of inflation and rising interest rates, or at times when the cost of labour is rising and corporate profit margins are under pressure, it is usual for numerous businesses to run out of cash. Over-indebted businesses, often find they are obliged to sell parts of their company, even at disappointing valuations, to repay debt. Others end up in insolvency. At these times, quoted companies have the advantage, as they can raise additional capital to acquire these operations at low entry valuations, with the prospect of rapid cash paybacks. Whilst such transactions can enhance the returns of large mainstream quoted companies, the same deal for a quoted microcap has greater enhancement. Hence, during challenging economic periods when mainstream stock market indices might be unsettled, quoted microcaps have the potential to step up their returns.

 

In short, an attractive asset market return hasn't been that distinctive over recent decades, when nearly all share prices have steadily appreciated as ongoing global growth has been compounded with rising valuations. But with the prospective returns on long-dated bonds currently close to zero, we believe the Miton UK MicroCap Trust strategy will be more distinctive in future. Furthermore, since the scale of the UK quoted microcap investment universe is by definition tiny, any change to the potential interest could become self-reinforcing.

 

We also hope to add value to the potential upside through active stock selection. Since few other professional investors research UK quoted microcaps, in contrast to us, those that are successful can sometimes deliver returns that are a multiple of the initial share price.

 

In summary, since the Miton UK MicroCap Trust was first listed, it has delivered excellent returns, although these haven't attracted much attention given that other strategies have also flourished. Given mainstream asset returns may be less attractive in the future, we are more upbeat about the distinctive nature of the Trust's strategy. If our confidence is justified, then we anticipate that the Trust could become relevant to a much wider range of investors in future.

 

Gervais Williams and Martin Turner

13 December 2021

 

 

 

PORTFOLIO INFORMATION

as at 31 October 2021

 

Rank

Company

Sector & main activity

Valuation

£'000

% of

net assets

Yield* % 

1

MTI Wireless Edge

Technology

2,896 

2.7 

2.8

2

Frontier IP

Industrials

2,709 

2.6 

0.0

3

Saivetta Group

Consumer Discretionary

2,403 

2.3 

0.0

4

Jubilee Metals

Basic Materials

1,945 

1.8 

0.0

5

Supreme

Consumer Staples

1,910 

1.8 

0.0

6

Corero Network Security

Technology

1,894 

1.8 

0.0

7

Centralnic Group

Technology

1,826 

1.7 

0.0

8

Aferian

Telecommunications

1,809 

1.7 

1.8

9

Accrol Group

Consumer Staples

1,703 

1.6 

0.0

10

Totally

Health Care

1,546 

1.5 

1.5

Top 10 investments

20,641 

19.5 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

Tirupati Graphite

Basic Materials

1,447 

1.4 

0.0

12

Virgin Wines UK

Consumer Discretionary

1,355 

1.3 

0.0

13

Afritin Mining

Basic Materials

1,345 

1.3 

0.0

14

TPXImpact Holdings

Technology

1,316 

1.2 

0.2

15

Quadrise Fuels International

Energy

1,314 

1.2 

0.0

16

Inspiration Healthcare Group

Health Care

1,300 

1.2 

0.5

17

Blackbird

Technology

1,287 

1.2 

0.0

18

Arena Events Group

Consumer Discretionary

1,285 

1.2 

0.0

19

Kinovo

Industrials

1,268 

1.2 

1.3

20

Pressure Technologies

Industrials

1,247 

1.2 

0.0

Top 20 investments

33,805 

31.9 

 

21

Kistos

Energy

1,234 

1.2 

0.0

22

Van Elle Holdings

Industrials

1,191 

1.2 

0.0

23

Tissue Regenix Group

Health Care

1,186 

1.2 

0.0

24

Touchstone Exploration

Oil & Gas

1,164 

1.1 

0.0

25

Caledonia Mining

Basic Materials

1,108 

1.0 

4.7

26

Capital Limited

Basic Materials

1,095 

1.0 

2.2

27

Jadestone Energy

Energy

1,091 

1.0 

1.5

28

Jubilee Metals Group Warrants

Basic Materials

1,063 

1.0 

0.0

29

Avacta Group

Health Care

1,060 

1.0 

0.0

30

Trackwise Designs

Technology

1,049 

1.0 

0.0

Top 30 investments

45,046 

42.6 

 

Balance held in equity instruments

54,164 

51.3 

 

Total equity investments

99,210 

93.9 

 

Listed Put Option

FTSE 100 - P6200 December 2022

1,392 

1.3 

 

Cash at bank and cash equivalents

5,349 

5.1 

 

Current debtors and liabilities

(336)

(0.3)

 

Net assets

105,615 

100.0 

 

 

* Source: Thomson Reuters. Based on historic dividends and therefore not representative of future yield.

 

 

Portfolio exposure by sector (%)

£100.6 million

Basic Materials

16.2

Industrials

15.6

Technology

15.2

Financial Services

10.9

Energy

10.5

Consumer Discretionary

10.0

Health Care

8.7

Consumer Staples

5.0

Telecommunications

2.9

Oil & Gas

2.7

Real Estate

1.5

Utilities

0.8

 

 

Actual annual income by sector (%)

£0.5 million

Financial Services

32.3

Technology

18.3

Basic Materials

11.3

Industrials

10.3

Energy

6.1

Real Estate

5.1

Consumer Staples

4.4

Healthcare

3.6

Consumer Discretionary

3.2

Oil & Gas

3.2

Telecommunications

2.2

 

 

Net asset by allocation (%)

£105.6 million

AIM

79.4

Main Market

12.6

Cash

5.1

FTSE 100 option

1.3

Warrants

1.3

Placing

0.6

Debtors and creditors

-0.3

   

 

Source: Thomson Reuters

 

The tables above set out how the portfolio's capital is deployed as at 31 October 2021. The data is shown in terms of the classifications or the stock markets on which the holdings are listed. UK smaller quoted companies that are not listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange are normally quoted on AIM. The AIM market is set up to meet the requirements of smaller listed companies providing the ability to raise funds. This also provides liquidity in acquisition and disposal of shares.

The cash position and the available revolving credit facility (which may be drawn upon demand) together provide the Company with £10m of cash resources. This enables the Company to take advantage of investments at opportune times.

The warrants give the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a security at a certain price before expiration. The current value of the holdings above are valued at the exercise price where these are 'in the money'.

The investment income above comprises the income from the portfolio as included in the Income Statement for the Half Year to 31 October 2021 attributable to the various sectors. The returns of the Company are from Capital and Revenue.

Investments for the Company's portfolio are principally selected on their individual merits.

As the portfolio evolves, the Manager continuously reviews the portfolio's overall sector and index balance to ensure that it remains in line with the underlying conviction of the Investment Manager. The Investment Policy and details regarding risk factors of diversification and other policies are set out each year in the Annual Report.
 

HALF YEAR MANAGEMENT REPORT AND DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

 

Half Year Management Report

The important events that have occurred during the period under review, the key factors influencing the financial statements and any updates to the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year are set out in the Chairman's Statement and the Investment Manager's Report above.

 

The principal risks facing the Company are substantially unchanged since the date of the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 April 2021 and remain as set out in that report on pages 18 to 21.

 

The Board has, throughout the period, considered risks surrounding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The risks related to market volatility and, in the worst case scenario, a decline in market prices, are continually monitored by Premier Miton and reviewed regularly by the Board.

 

The risks faced by the Company include, but are not limited to: the availability of suitable investments to execute its investment strategy; reliance on third-party service providers; reliance on key personnel/individuals employed by the Investment Manager; share price volatility and liquidity risk; operational costs which are unrelated to the size of the fund; adverse regulatory or law changes; cyber security risk; and legal action by others. The risks arising from the Company's financial instruments are market risk; liquidity risk; and credit and counterparty risk.

 

Responsibility Statement

The Directors acknowledge responsibility for the Half-Year Financial Report and confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

 

· the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard ("IAS") 34, as contained in UK-adopted IFRS; and gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Company as required by the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTR) 4.2.4R; and

 

· this Half Year Report (including the Chairman's Statement and Investment Manager's Report) includes a fair review of the information required by:

 

a)  DTR 4.2.7R, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

 

b)  DTR 4.2.8R, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the Company during that period; and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last Annual Report that could do so.

 

This Half Year Report was approved by the Board of Directors on 13 December 2021 and the above responsibility statement was signed on its behalf by Andy Pomfret, Chairman.

 

 


 

 

INCOME STATEMENT

for the half year to 31 October 2021

 

 

Half yearto 31October2021

Half yearto 31October2020

Year ended 30 April 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Losses)/gains on investments held at fair value through profit or loss

 

-

(7,997)

(7,997)

-

14,741

14,741

-

61,838

61,838

Losses on derivatives held at fair value through profit or loss

 

-

(677)

(677)

-

-

-

-

-

-

Income

2

508

-

508

255

-

255

699

6

705

Management fee

7

(118)

(353)

(471)

(75)

(228)

(303)

(183)

(549)

(732)

Other expenses

 

(306)

-

(306)

(276)

(419)

(695)

(635)

(859)

(1,494)

Return on ordinary activities before finance costs and taxation

 

84

(9,027)

(8,943)

(96)

14,094

13,998

(119)

60,436

60,317

Finance costs

8

-

(20)

(20)

-

(19)

(19)

-

(34)

(34)

Return/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation

 

84

(9,047)

(8,963)

(96)

14,075

13,979

(119)

60,402

60,283

Taxation

 

-

-

-

(29)

-

(29)

(50)

-

(50)

Return/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation

 

84

(9,047)

(8,963)

(125)

14,075

13,950

(169)

60,402

60,233

Return per Ordinary share - basic and diluted (pence)

3

0.08

(8.22)

(8.14)

(0.10)

11.72

11.62

(0.14)

49.65

49.51

 

 

 

 

 

 






 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The total column of this statement is the Income Statement of the Company prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the Companies Act 2006. The supplementary revenue return and capital return columns are presented in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice issued by the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC SORP").

 

All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued during the period.

 

There is no other comprehensive income, and therefore the return/(loss) for the six months is also the comprehensive income.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

for the half year to 31 October 2021

 

 

Note

Share 

capital 

£'000 

Capital redemption reserve

£'000 

Share premium

£000

Special 

reserve 

£'000 

Capital

reserve

£'000

Revenue reserve

£'000 

Total 

£'000 

As at 30 April 2021

 

162

61

-

64,283

52,061

84

116,651

Total comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on ordinary activities after taxation

 

-

-

-

-

(9,047)

84

(8,963)

Transactions with shareholders recorded directly to equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redemption of Ordinary shares

 

-

-

-

(2,736)

-

-

(2,736)

Shares issued

 

1

-

673

-

-

-

674

Cancellation of shares

5

(3)

3

-

-

-

-

-

Equity dividends paid

4

-

-

-

-

-

(11)

(11)

As at 31 October 2021

 

160

64

673

61,547

43,014

157

105,615

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As at 30 April 2020

 

189

34

-

79,251

(8,810)

347

71,011

Total comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on ordinary activities after taxation

 

-

-

-

-

14,075

(125)

13,950

Transactions with shareholders recorded directly to equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redemption of Ordinary shares

 

-

-

-

(15,474)

-

-

(15,474)

Cancellation of shares

5

(28)

28

-

 

-

-

-

Equity dividends paid

4

-

-

-

-

-

(138)

(138)

As at 31 October 2020

 

161

62

-

63,777

5,265

84

69,349

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As at 30 April 2020

 

189

34

-

79,251

(8,810)

347

71,011

Total comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on ordinary activities after taxation

 

-

-

-

-

60,402

(169)

60,233

Transactions with shareholders recorded directly to equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redemption of Ordinary shares

 

-

-

-

(14,968)

469

44

(14,455)

Cancellation of Shares

5

(27)

27

-

-

-

-

-

Equity dividends paid

4

-

-

-

-

-

(138)

(138)

As at 30 April 2021

 

162

61

-

64,283

52,061

84

116,651

                   

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

BALANCE SHEET

as at 31 October 2021

 

 

Note

31 October 

2021 

£'000 

31 October

2020

£'000

30 April 

2021 

£'000 

 

Non-current assets:

 

 

 

 

Investments held at fair value through profit or loss

 

99,210

67,129

108,506

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Derivative instruments

 

1,392

-

-

Trade and other receivables

 

714

341

2,796

Cash at bank and cash equivalents

 

5,349

3,186

6,272

 

 

7,455

3,527

9,068

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

 

1,050

1,307

923

Net current assets

 

6,405

2,220

8,145

Net assets

 

105,615

69,349

116,651

 

Capital and reserves

 

 

 

 

Share capital

5

160

161

162

Capital redemption reserve

 

64

62

61

Share premium account

 

673

-

-

Special reserve

 

61,547

63,777

64,283

Capital reserve

 

43,014

5,265

52,061

Revenue reserve

 

157

84

84

Shareholders' funds

 

105,615

69,349

116,651

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pence

pence

pence

Net asset value per Ordinary share - basic and diluted

 

96.67

62.32

104.83


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

for the half year to 31 October 2021

 

 

Half year to 

31 October 

2021 

£'000 

Half year to 

31 October 

2020 

£'000 

Year ended 

30 April 

2021 

£'000 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

Net (loss)/return before taxation

(8,963)

13,979

60,283

Loss/(gain) on investments and derivatives held at fair value through profit or loss

8,674

(14,741)

(61,838)

Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables

10

(64)

(106)

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables

(35)

503

61

Exchange losses on capital items

-

(145)

-

Amortisation of finance costs

19

-

(9)

Withholding tax paid

-

(29)

(50)

Net cash outflows from operating activities

(295)

(497)

(1,659)

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

Purchase of investments

(15,838)

(17,608)

(42,901)

Sale of investments

17,284

32,555

61,583

Net cash inflow from investing activities

1,446

14,947

18,682

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

Proceeds of ordinary share issue

689

-

-

Redemption of ordinary shares

(2,736)

(14,961)

(14,455)

Equity dividends paid

(11)

(138)

(138)

Finance costs paid

(16)

(7)

-

Net cash outflow from financing activities  

(2,074)

(15,106)

(14,593)

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

(923)

(656)

2,430

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of net cash flow movement in funds:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the period

6,272

3,842

3,842

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from cash and cash equivalents

(923)

(656)

2,430

Cash at the end of the period 

5,349

3,186

6,272

 

 

 

 

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

Cash received/(paid) during the period includes:

 

 

 

-  Dividends received

494

187

697

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.  Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of preparation

The condensed financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards ("IAS") 34 - Interim Financial Reporting.

 

The financial information contained in this Half Year Report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 435(1) of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the periods ended 31 October 2021 and 31 October 2020 have not been audited or reviewed by the Company's Auditor. The figures and financial information for the year ended 30 April 2021 are an extract from the latest published audited financial statements, which have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The report of the Auditor on those financial statements was unqualified and did not contain a statement under either Section 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 

In the current period, the Company has applied amendments to IFRS. These include annual improvements to IFRS, changes in standards, legislative and regulatory amendments, changes in disclosure and presentation requirements. The adoption of these has not had any material impact on these financial statements and the accounting policies used by the Company followed in these half-year financial statements are consistent with the most recent Annual Report for the year ended 30 April 2021.

 

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and on the basis that approval as an investment company will continue to be met.

 

The Directors have made an assessment of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and are satisfied that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for a period of at least 12 months from the date when these financial statements were approved. In making the assessment, the Directors have considered the likely impacts of the current COVID-19 pandemic on the Company, operations and the investment portfolio.

 

The Directors noted that the Company's current cash balance exceeds any short-term liabilities and holds a portfolio of listed investments, therefore the Company is able to meet its obligations as they fall due. The current cash balance plus available additional borrowing, through the revolving credit facility, enables the Company to meet any funding requirements and finance future additional investments. The Company is a closed-end fund, where assets are not required to be liquidated to meet day-to-day redemptions.

 

The Directors continuously monitor the impact of changes in market value and income with associated cash flows. In making this assessment, they have considered plausible downside scenarios. These tests were driven by the possible effects of continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic but, as an arithmetic exercise, apply equally to other circumstances in which asset value and income are significantly impaired. The conclusion was that in a plausible downside scenario, the Company could continue to meet its liabilities. Whilst the economic future is uncertain, and the Directors believe that it is possible the Company could experience further reductions in income and/or market value, the opinion of the Directors is that this should not be to a level which would threaten the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

 

The Directors, the Investment Manager and other service providers have put in place contingency plans to minimise disruption. Furthermore, the Directors are not aware of any material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, having taken into account the liquidity of the Company's investment portfolio and the Company's financial position in respect of its cash flows, borrowing facilities and investment commitments (of which there are none of significance). Therefore, the financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis.

 

2.  Income

 

Half year to

31 October 2021

£'000

Half year to

31 October 2020

£'000

Year ended

30 April 2021

£'000

Income from investments:

 

 

 

371

145

426

130

97

247

7

12

25

-

-

1

-

1

-

 

508

255

699

Capital dividends

-

-

6

Total income

508

255

705

 

 

3.  Return per Ordinary Share

 

Returns per share are based on the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period. Normal and diluted return per share are the same as there are no dilutive elements on share capital.

 

 

Half year to

31 October 2021

Half year to

31 October 2020

Year ended

30 April 2021

Net profit (£'000)

Revenue

Capital 

Total 

Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital 

Total 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuation shareholders (£'000)

84

(9,047)

(8,963)

(125)

14,075

13,950

(125)

60,871

60,746

Redemption shareholders (£'000)

-

-

-

-

-

-

(44)

(469)

(513)

 

-

-

-

-

-

-

(169)

60,402

60,233

Weighted average number of shares in issue

 

 

110,083,570

-

-

120,099,049

 

 

121,654,380

Return per share (pence)

0.08

(8.22)

(8.14)

(0.10)

11.72

11.62

(0.14)

49.65

49.51

 

 

4.  Dividends per Ordinary Share

 

 

Half year to

31 October 2021

Half year to

31 October 2020

Year ended

30 April 2021

 

£'000

pence

£'000

pence

£'000

pence

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2020

 

 

138

0.10

138

0.10

Final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2021

11

0.01

 

 

 

 

 

11

0.01

138

0.10

138

0.10

 

 

5.  Called-up Share Capital

 

 

Half year to

31 October 2021

Half year to

31 October 2020

Year ended

30 April 2021

 

Number

£'000

Number

£'000

Number

£'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary shares of £0.001 each

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening balance

111,274,758

112

138,335,915

139

138,335,915

139

Shares issued

650,000

1

-

-

-

-

Cancellation of shares

(2,671,198)

(3)

(27,061,157)

(28)

(27,061,157)

(27)

 

109,253,560

110

111,274,758

111

111,274,758

112

 

 

Half year to

31 October 2021

Half year to

31 October 2020

Year ended

30 April 2021

 

Number

£'000

Number

£'000

Number

£'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management shares of £1 each

50,000

50

50,000

50

50,000

50

 

The total number of Ordinary Shares in respect of which valid redemption requests were received for the 30 June 2021 Redemption Point was 2,671,198 Ordinary Shares (representing 2.40% of the issued share capital (the "Redemption")). The Board resolved that all of these shares would be settled for cash at a Redemption Price of 102.38 pence, being the net asset value at the close of business on 29 June 2021.

 

The redeemed shares have been cancelled by the Company.

 

During the half year 650,000 Ordinary Shares were issued for a net consideration of £689,000

 

As at 31 October 2021, there were 109,253,560 Ordinary shares and 50,000 Management shares in issue.

 

 

6.  Net Asset Value per Share

 

Ordinary shares

The NAV per Ordinary share and the NAV attributable at the period end were as follows:

 

 

NAV per Ordinary share

31 October 2021

Net assets attributable

31 October 2021

NAV per Ordinary share

31 October 2020

Net assets attributable

31 October 2020

NAV per Ordinary share

30 April 2021

Net assets attributable

30 April 2021

 

pence

£'000

pence

£'000

pence

£'000

 

Basic and diluted

96.67

105,615

62.32

69,349

104.83

116,651

 

NAV per Ordinary share is based on net assets at the period end and 109,253,560 Ordinary shares, being the number of Ordinary shares in issue at the period end (31 October 2020: 111,274,758 Ordinary shares; 30 April 2021: 111,274,758 Ordinary shares).

 

Management shares

Net assets of £1.00 per Management share is based on net assets at the period end of £50,000 and attributable to 50,000 Management shares at the period end. The holders of Management shares have no right to any surplus capital or assets of the Company.

 

 

7.  Management Fee

 

 

Half year to

31 October 2021

Half year to

31 October 2020

Year ended

30 April 2021

 

Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

Management fee

118

353

471

75

228

303

183

549

732

 

At 31 October 2021, an amount of £74,000 (31 October 2020: £49,000; 30 April 2021: £79,000) was outstanding and due to Premier Portfolio Managers ("PPM") in respect of management fees.

 

The basic management fee payable to the AIFM is calculated at the rate of one-twelfth of 0.9% of the average market capitalisation of the Company up to £100m, 0.8% per annum on the average market capitalisation above £100m, on the last business day of each calendar month. The basic management fee accrues daily and is payable in arrears in respect of each calendar month. For the purpose of calculating the basic fee, the 'adjusted market capitalisation' of the Company is defined as the average daily midmarket price for an Ordinary share and C share (when in issue), multiplied by the number of relevant shares in issue, excluding those held by the Company in treasury, on the last business day of the relevant month. In addition to the basic management fee, and when a Redemption Pool is in existence, the AIFM is entitled to receive from the Company a fee calculated at the rate of 0.9% of the net asset value of the Redemption Pool on the last Business Day of the relevant calendar month.

 

The AIFM has agreed that, for so long as it remains the Company's Investment Manager, it will not charge such part of any management fee payable to it so that the Company can maintain an ongoing charges ratio of 2% or lower. In accordance with the Directors' policy on the allocation of expenses between income and capital, in each financial year 75% of the management fee payable is expected to be charged to capital and the remaining 25% to income.

 

8.  Finance Costs

 

 

Half year to

31 October 2021

Half year to

31 October 2020

Year ended

30 April 2021

 

Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£5m revolving loan facility arrangement fee

-

3

3

-

5

5

-

9

9

£5m revolving loan facility non-utilisation fee

-

17

17

-

14

14

-

25

25

 

-

20

20

-

19

19

-

34

34

 

Revolving credit facility

 

The Company entered into a revolving credit facility (the "facility") on 25 February 2021 for £5m for three years. The facility has been arranged by NatWest Markets Plc (previously known as The Royal Bank of Scotland plc), and the lender The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited, London branch.

 

The Company has not drawn down this facility during the period and no amounts have been drawn down at the date of signing this report.

 

The terms of the facility are set out below:

 

Interest at 1.35% above SONIA on any drawn down balance.

Commitment fee of 0.65% on any undrawn balance where less than 25% of the facility is drawn down or 0.55% on any undrawn balance where more than 25% of the facility is drawn down.

The covenants require that borrowings will not at any time exceed 15% of the adjusted portfolio value, being the total portfolio value less the gross market value of each investment which is not a quoted equity freely traded on a recognised investment exchange, and that the net asset value shall at all times be greater than £50m.

 

 

9.  Fair Value Hierarchy

 

The Company measures fair values using the following hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value is the amount at which the asset could be sold in an ordinary transaction between market participants, at the measurement date, other than a forced or liquidation sale.

 

Categorisation within the hierarchy has been determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the relevant asset as follows:

 

Level 1

-

Valued using quoted prices, unadjusted in active markets.

Level 2

-

Valued by reference to valuation techniques using observable inputs for the asset or liability other than quoted prices included in level 1.

Level 3

-

Valued by reference to valuation techniques using inputs that are not based on observable market data for the asset or liability.

 

The tables below set out fair value measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities in accordance with the fair value hierarchy into which the fair value measurement is categorised.

 

Financial assets

 

Level 1

£'000

Level 2

£'000

Level 3

£'000

Total

£'000

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss at 31 October 2021

 

 

 

 

Equity investments

97,365

1,781

64

99,210

Derivative contracts

-

1,392

-

1,392

 

97,365

3,173

64

100,602

 

 

Level 1

£'000

Level 2

£'000

Level 3

£'000

Total

£'000

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss at 31 October 2020

 

 

 

 

Equity investments

66,299

830

-

67,129

 

66,299

830

-

67,129

 

 

Level 1

£'000

Level 2

£'000

Level 3

£'000

Total

£'000

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss at 30 April 2021

 

 

 

 

Equity investments

107,286

1,156

64

108,506

 

107,286

1,156

64

108,506

 

Reconciliation of level 3 movements - financial assets

 

As at 

31 October 2021 

Level 3 

£'000 

As at

31 October

 2020

Level 3

£'000

As at 

30 April

2021 

Level 3 

£'000 

 

Opening fair value investments

64

-

-

Transfer to level 3

-

-

64

Movement in investment holdings gains movement in unrealised  

-

-

-

Closing fair value of investments

64

-

64

 

 

10. Transactions with the Investment Manager and Related Parties

 

The amounts paid and payable to the Investment Manager pursuant to the management agreement are disclosed in note 7. There were no other identifiable related parties at the half year end.

 

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICY

 

Investment Objective

The investment objective of the Company is to provide shareholders with capital growth over the long term.

 

Investment Policy

The Company invests primarily in the smallest companies, measured by their market capitalisation, quoted or traded on an exchange in the UK at the time of investment. It is likely that the majority of the microcap companies held in the Company's portfolio will be quoted on AIM and will typically have a market capitalisation of less than £150m at the time of investment. The Company may also invest in debt, warrants or convertible instruments issued by such companies and may invest in, or underwrite, future equity issues by such companies.

 

The Company may utilise derivative instruments including index-linked notes, contracts for differences, covered options and other equity-related derivative instruments for efficient portfolio management, gearing and investment purposes. Any use of derivatives for investment purposes will be made on the basis of the same principles of risk spreading and diversification that apply to the Company's direct investments, as described below. The Company will not enter into uncovered short positions.

 

If companies in the portfolio achieve organic growth or grow through corporate activity such as acquisitions, and consequently have a market capitalisation that would place them outside the investable universe, the Investment Manager will not be obliged to sell those holdings, but the proportion of the portfolio in such companies will be carefully monitored by the Investment Manager and the Board so that the overall investment policy to invest in the smallest quoted or traded companies is not materially altered.

 

The Company's portfolio is expected to be diversified by industry and market of activity. No single holding will represent more than 15% of gross assets at the time of investment and, when fully invested, the portfolio is expected to have over 120 holdings although there is no guarantee that will be the case and it may contain a lesser number of holdings at any time.

 

The Company will have the flexibility to invest up to 10% of its gross assets at the time of investment in unquoted or untraded companies, or in any one unquoted or untraded company. The Company will invest no more than 10% of gross assets at the time of investment in other investment funds.

 

Borrowing

 

The Company may deploy borrowing to enhance long-term capital growth. Gearing will be deployed flexibly up to 15% of the NAV, at the time of borrowing. In the event this limit is breached as a result of market movements, and the Board considers that borrowing should be reduced, the Investment Manager shall be permitted to realise investments in an orderly manner so as not to prejudice shareholders.

 

No material change will be made to the investment policy without the approval of shareholders by ordinary resolution.

 

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Capital Structure

The Company's share capital consists of Ordinary shares of £0.001 each ("Ordinary shares") with one vote per share and non-voting Management shares of £1 each ("Management shares"). The Ordinary shares shall be redeemable in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company. From time to time, the Company may issue C ordinary shares of £0.01 each ("C shares") with one vote per share.

 

As at 31 October 2021 and the date of this report, there are 109,253,560 Ordinary shares in issue, none of which are held in treasury, and 50,000 Management shares.

 

Redemption of Ordinary Shares

The Company has a voluntary redemption facility through which shareholders are entitled to request the redemption of all or part of their holding of Ordinary shares on an annual basis. The next Redemption Point for the Ordinary shares will be 30 June 2022. Redemption Request forms are available upon request from the Company's Registrar.

 

Shareholders submitting valid requests for the redemption of Ordinary shares will have their shares redeemed at the Redemption Price. The Directors may elect, at their absolute discretion, to calculate the Redemption Price applying on any redemption point by reference to the Dealing Value per Ordinary share or by reference to a separate Redemption Pool.

 

The Board may, at its absolute discretion, elect not to operate the annual redemption facility on any given Redemption Point, or to decline in whole or part any redemption request, although the Board does not generally expect to exercise this discretion, save in the interests of shareholders as a whole.

 

A redemption of Ordinary shares may be subject to either income tax or capital gains tax. In particular, private shareholders who sell their shares via the redemption mechanism could find they are subject to income tax on the gains made on the redeemed shares rather than the more usual capital gains tax on the sale of their shares in the market. However, individual circumstances do vary, so shareholders who are in any doubt about the redemption or the action that should be taken, should consult their stockbroker, accountant, tax adviser or other independent financial adviser.

 

Full details of the redemption facility are set out in the Company's Articles of Association or are available from the Secretary.

 

June 2022 Redemption Point

It is anticipated that the next redemption point for shareholders will be in June 2022. The Board retains the discretion to further amend this timetable.

 

The following are the expected dates for the June 2022 Redemption Point:

 

31 May 2022

Latest date for receipt of Redemption Requests for certificates shares

 

3 pm on 31 May 2022

Latest date and time of receipt of Redemption Requests and settled TTE (Transfer to Escrow) instructions for uncertificated shares via CREST

 

5 pm on 30 June 2022

Redemption Point

 

By 14 July 2022

Company to notify Redemption Price and dispatch redemption monies; or if the redemption is to be funded by way of a Redemption Pool, Company to notify the number of shares being redeemed. Notification of Redemption Price and dispatch of redemption monies to take place as soon as practicable thereafter.

 

By 28 July 2022

Balance certificates to be sent to shareholders

 

 

Share Dealing

Shares can be traded through your usual stockbroker.

 

Share Prices

The Company's Ordinary shares are listed on the Official List of the FCA and traded on the London Stock Exchange.

 

Share Register Enquiries

The register for the Ordinary shares is maintained by Link Group. In the event of queries regarding your holding, please contact the Registrar.

 

By phone - UK - 0371 664 0300 Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate. We are open between 09:00 - 17:30, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales.

 

By email enquiries@linkgroup.co.uk.

 

By post - Link Group, 10th Floor, Central square, 29 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 4DL

 

Ticker code  

The Company's Ticker code is MINI

 

Investment Manager and AIFM: Premier Fund Managers Limited

The Company's Investment Manager is Premier Fund Managers Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Premier Miton Group plc. Premier Miton Group is a leading multi-asset and equity fund management specialist listed on the AIM market for smaller and growing companies. Premier Portfolio Managers, also a wholly owned subsidiary of Premier Miton Group plc, has been appointed as the Company's Alternative Investment Fund Manager under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers' Directive.

 

Premier Miton had assets under management of £13.9bn (as at 30 September 2021).

 

Members of the fund management team invest in their own funds and are significant shareholders in Premier Miton Group plc.

 

Investor updates in the form of monthly factsheets are available from the Company's website www.premiermiton.com  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIRECTORS AND SECRETARY

Directors (all non-executive)

Andy Pomfret, Chairman

Peter Dicks

Bridget Guerin (resigned 31 July 2021)

Jan Etherden

Davina Walter (appointed 10 August 2021)

Ashe Windham, CVO

Secretary and Registered Office

Link Company Matters Limited

Beaufort House

51 New North Road

Exeter EX4 4EP

Telephone: 01392 477500

 

 

ADVISERS

Investment Manager and Alternative Investment Fund Manager

Premier Portfolio Managers Limited

Eastgate Court

High Street

Guildford

Surrey

GU1 3DE

 

Company website

www.mitonukmicrocaptrust.com

 

Twitter

@PMTrusts_UK

 

Registrar and Transfer Office

Link Group

10th Floor

Central Square

29 Wellington Street

Leeds LS1 4DL

 

Telephone: 0371 664 0300

(Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate)

 

Email: enquiries@linkgroup.co.uk

Website: www.linkgroup.eu

Auditor

BDO LLP

55 Baker Street

London W1U 7EU

 

Company Administrator

Link Alternative Fund Administrators Limited

Beaufort House

51 New North Road

Exeter EX4 4EP

 

Solicitor

Stephenson Harwood LLP

1 Finsbury Circus

London EC2M 7SH

 

Depositary and Custodian

The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited

One Canada Square

London

E14 5AL

 

Stockbroker

Peel Hunt LLP

100 Liverpool Street

London

EC2M 2AT

 

 

Financial Calendar

 

Year end

30 April 2022

Redemption Point

30 June 2022

2022 full year results announced

June 2022

Annual General Meeting

September 2022

Half year end

31 October 2022

2022 half year results announced

December 2022

 

An investment company as defined under Section 833 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

Registered in England No. 09511015.

 

A member of the Association of Investment Companies.

 

 

The Half Year Report will be posted to shareholders shortly. The Report will also be available for download from the following website: www.mitonukmicrocaptrust.com or on request from the Company Secretary.

 

National Storage Mechanism

A copy of the Half Year Report will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism ("NSM") and will be available for inspection at the NSM, which is situated at:

https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism

 

Neither the contents of the Company's website nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Company's website (or any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of this announcement.

 

 

 

 

LEI: 21380048Q8UABVMAG916

 

 

Enquiries:

Miton UK MicroCap Trust plc

 

Gervais Williams/Martin Turner

Tel: 020 3714 1500

 

Peel Hunt LLP

 

Luke Simpson/Liz Yong

Tel: 020 7418 8900

 

 

 

 

 

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