Interim Results

Midas Income & Growth Trust PLC 16 December 2005 MIDAS INCOME & GROWTH TRUST PLC PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT OF UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS for the six months to 31 October 2005 Chairman's Statement Change of Investment Objective, Manager and Name On 22 July 2005 I wrote to you to propose a number of significant changes to your Company including the change of Manager of the Company to Midas Capital Partners Limited; the change of the Company's name; and, the revision of the investment objective so that 'the Company will seek to achieve an absolute return with low volatility through investment in a multi-asset portfolio'. I am pleased to confirm that the proposals were all duly approved by shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting held on 19 August 2005 and the name of the Company was changed with effect from that date to Midas Income & Growth Trust PLC. At the same time, at the Board level we said goodbye to Chris Fishwick, Billy Whitbread (Alternate for Chris Fishwick) and Martin Hawkins and welcomed Adam Cooke. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my sincere thanks to the out-going Directors and the former Manager and to acknowledge the expert input received already from Adam Cooke. Performance Your new Manager assumed control of the portfolio on 19 August 2005 and has taken great care to preserve value whilst undertaking the significant changes to the investment holdings. The process of realignment is now complete and further details are provided within the separate Manager's Review section of the Interim Report. We are now in a position to review the performance of the Manager, in accordance with the new policy, with effect from 1 November 2005. For your information, in the six months to 31 October 2005, the net asset value increased by 3.5% (after taking account of one-off reorganisation costs). The share price rose 11.9% over the six months, which, with net dividends re-invested, gave a total return to shareholders of 12.3% (source: Bloomberg) and the discount at which the Company's shares traded to the net asset value narrowed from 8.6% to 1.3% over the period. Dividend As indicated in the circular sent to shareholders last July, the Board intends to declare a first interim dividend in respect of the year ending 30 April 2006 which will be payable in mid March. It is currently anticipated that a second interim dividend in respect of the fourth quarter ending 30 April 2006 would then be payable in June. Thereafter dividends will be paid quarterly in September, December, March and June. Market Summary Neither hurricanes, nor interest rate rises, nor continuing strength in oil prices could arrest the remarkable rise in global equity markets over the period. Of the major equity markets only the US lagged the surge elsewhere but still managed a respectable rise despite the terrible events of August when hurricanes Katrina and Rita wreaked havoc on large areas of the Southern states. Company fundamentals remain strong and renewed risk appetite amongst investors continues to support equity markets. Equity valuations are still undemanding and strong corporate balance sheets and cash flows are also providing support. Indeed there is increasing evidence that the availability of cheap finance is encouraging merger & acquisition activity, whilst companies are using their strong balance sheets to buy back shares and increase payouts to shareholders. The de-equitisation trend is particularly evident in the UK market and has largely been responsible for the mopping up of institutional selling mainly from pension funds and insurance companies. Outlook Economic growth in the developed world is likely to be modest over the next few years, particularly as higher oil and commodity prices together with increased interest rates in the United States act to suppress growth and weigh on consumer confidence. However, the continued economic progress in emerging markets of Asia and, to a lesser extent, Latin America, look set to provide significant support to global trade. Bond markets look very much priced for a slow economic environment and equities, despite the strong rise seen over the past 30 months, still appear to offer better value. With the potential for some inflationary impact on the global economy, the real rate of return from government bonds looks less attractive, while opportunities in specialist bonds remain. However, the Board believes that the multi asset approach being adopted by the Investment Managers has considerable attractions providing every opportunity for the Company's investment objectives to be met. The Board views the Company's future with confidence. Hubert Reid Chairman 16 December 2005 Statement of Total Return (unaudited) Six months ended Six months ended 31 October 2005 31 October 2004 (restated) Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Gains on held-at-fair-value investments - 1,248 1,248 - 1,789 1,789 Income 452 - 452 307 - 307 Investment management fee (95) (94) (189) (76) (77) (153) Administration expenses (123) (313) (436) (113) - (113) Exchange gains - 5 5 - - - Net return before finance costs and taxation 234 846 1,080 118 1,712 1,830 Interest payable and similar charges (41) (40) (81) (43) (44) (87) Net return on ordinary activities before taxation 193 806 999 75 1,668 1,743 Taxation on ordinary activities - - - - - - Net return on ordinary activities after taxation 193 806 999 75 1,668 1,743 Return per Ordinary share (pence): Basic 6.27 10.94 Fully-diluted 5.96 10.94 The total column of this statement represents the profit and loss account of the Company. The financial statements have been restated to reflect the change to accounting practices as set out in the accompanying notes. All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. Balance Sheet As at As at As at 31 October 31 October 30 April 2005 2004 2005 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (restated) (restated) £'000 £'000 £'000 Fixed assets Investments designated as held-at-fair-value 24,954 22,115 25,693 Current assets Debtors and prepayments 536 499 51 Cash at bank and in hand 1,118 602 152 1,654 1,101 203 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (83) (580) (293) Net current assets/(liabilities) 1,571 521 (90) Total assets less current liabilities 26,525 22,636 25,603 Bank loan (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) Net assets 24,025 20,136 23,103 Capital and reserves Called-up share capital 3,985 3,984 3,984 Share premium account - 10,536 - Special reserve 10,538 - 10,536 Warrant reserve 980 981 981 Capital reserve - unrealised (399) 1,055 6,832 Capital reserve - realised 8,588 3,369 550 Revenue reserve 333 211 220 Equity Shareholders' funds 24,025 20,136 23,103 Net asset value per Ordinary share (pence): Basic 150.72 126.36 144.97 Fully-diluted 142.51 122.08 137.69 Statement of Changes in Equity (unaudited) Six months ended 31 October 2005 Share Capital Capital Share premium Special Warrant reserve reserve Revenue capital account reserve reserve -unrealised -realised reserve Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Balance at 30 April 2005 (restated) 3,984 - 10,536 981 6,832 550 220 23,103 Net return on ordinary activities - - - - (7,231) 8,037 193 999 after taxation Dividends paid - - - - - - (80) (80) Exercise of Warrants 1 - 2 (1) - 1 - 3 Balance at 31 October 2005 3,985 - 10,538 980 (399) 8,588 333 24,025 Six months ended 31 October 2004 Share Capital Capital Share premium Special Warrant reserve reserve Revenue capital account reserve reserve -unrealised -realised reserve Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Balance at 30 April 2004 (restated) 3,984 10,536 - 981 2,039 717 216 18,473 Net return on ordinary activities - - - - 1,330 338 75 1,743 after taxation Dividends paid - - - - - - (80) (80) Balance at 31 October 2004 3,984 10,536 - 981 3,369 1,055 211 20,136 Cash Flow Statement (Unaudited) Six months ended Six months ended 31 October 2005 31 October 2004 £'000 £'000 Net cash outflow from operating activities (173) (13) Net cash outflow from servicing of finance (120) (153) Net cash inflow from financial investment 1,389 67 Equity dividends paid (80) (80) Net cash inflow/(outflow) before financing 1,016 (179) Net cash inflow from financing 4 500 Increase in cash 1,020 321 Reconciliation of operating revenue to net cash inflow from operating activities Net revenue before finance costs and taxation 234 118 Decrease/(increase) in accrued income 22 (13) Increase in other debtors (8) - Decrease in other creditors (14) (41) Expenses charged to capital (407) (77) Net cash outflow from operating activities (173) (13) Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt Increase in cash as above 1,020 321 Cash inflow from drawdown of loans - (500) Foreign exchange movements (4) - Movement in net debt in the period 1,016 (179) Net debt at 1 May (2,398) (2,219) Net debt at 31 October (1,382) (2,398) Represented by: Cash at bank and in hand 1,118 602 Debt falling due within one year - (500) Debt falling due after more than one year (2,500) (2,500) (1,382) (2,398) Notes 1. Accounting Policies The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified to include the revaluation of investments and in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards and with the Statement of Recommended Practice for 'Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies'. For the accounting period beginning on 1 May 2005 the Company had the option to prepare its financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS'), as adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board ('IASB'). The Board has elected to continue to adopt UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ('UK GAAP') and therefore with the new Financial Reporting Standards issued as part of the programme to converge UK GAAP with IFRS. Figures for the six months ended 31 October 2004 and year ended 30 April 2005 have been restated accordingly. The same accounting policies used for the year ended 30 April 2005 have been applied with the following exceptions: (a) Investments are measured initially at cost and are recognised at trade date. For financial assets acquired, the cost is the fair value of the consideration, with changes in fair value going to the profit and loss account. Subsequent to initial recognition investments are valued at fair value. For listed investments this is assumed to be bid market prices. (b) Under FRS 21 'Events after the Balance Sheet Date', dividends should only be accrued in the accounts if they are a liability at the Balance Sheet date. No provision has been made in the financial statements for the interim dividend for the period ended 31 October 2005. The financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2005 and 2004 have been restated to remove the final dividends that were accrued at those dates. The impact of these changes is shown below. As at As at As at 30 April 2005 31 October 2004 30 April 2004 £'000 £'000 £'000 2. Reconciliation of Balance Sheets (audited) (unaudited) (audited) Net assets as previously reported 23,092 20,191 18,448 Restatement of investments at bid value (69) (55) (55) Reversal of provision of final dividend 80 - 80 Restated net assets 23,103 20,136 18,473 Six months ended Year ended 31 October 2004 30 April 2005 3. Reconciliation of the Statement of Total Return £'000 £'000 Total transfer from reserves per original reported Statement 1,743 4,644 of Total Return Add: prior period dividend adjustment (now shown in - 80 Statement of Changes in Equity) Change from mid to bid basis 31 October 2004 (55) - Change from mid to bid basis 30 April 2004 55 55 Change from mid to bid basis 30 April 2005 - (69) Restated total transfer from reserves 1,743 4,710 Ordinary dividends on equity shares deducted from reserves are analysed below: Six months ended Six months ended 31 October 2005 31 October 2004 £'000 £'000 Ordinary dividends on equity shares: 2004 final dividend paid - 0.5p - 80 2005 final dividend paid - 0.5p 80 - 80 80 Six months ended Six months ended 31 October 2005 31 October 2004 (restated) 4. Return per share p p Revenue return 1.21 0.47 Capital return 5.06 10.47 6.27 10.94 The figures above are based on the following attributable assets: Six months ended Six months ended 31 October 2005 31 October 2004 (restated) £'000 £'000 Revenue return 193 75 Capital return 806 1,668 999 1,743 Weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue 15,937,017 15,936,000 Fully diluted returns have been calculated on the basis set out in Financial Reporting Standard 14 'Earnings per share' ('FRS 14'). For the six months ended 31 October 2005 this is based on an adjusted weighted average number of shares of 16,772,441. For the six months ended 31 October 2004 the exercise of Warrants in issue would have no dilutive effect on returns. 5. Administration expenses The capitalised expenses figure of £313,000 represents the costs incurred in connection with the change of investment policy and investment management arrangements during the period. As at As at As at 31 October 2005 31 October 2004 30 April 2004 6. Net asset value per share (restated) (restated) Basic Attributable net assets (£'000) 24,025 20,136 23,103 Number of Ordinary shares in issue 15,939,900 15,936,000 15,936,000 Ordinary share (p) 150.72 126.36 144.97 Fully-diluted Attributable net assets (£'000) 27,103 23,218 26,185 Diluted number of Ordinary shares in issue 19,017,600 19,017,600 19,017,600 Ordinary share (p) 142.51 122.08 137.69 Six months ended Six months ended 31 October 2005 31 October 2004 7. Transaction costs £'000 £'000 The following transaction costs were incurred during the period: Purchases 130 14 Sales 65 2 195 16 8. The financial information for the six months ended 31 October 2005 and 31 October 2004 comprises non-statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The financial information for the year ended 30 April 2005 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. The interim accounts have been prepared on the same basis as the annual accounts, with the exception of the disclosures in note 1 above. Aberdeen Asset Management PLC Secretaries 16 December 2005 Independent Review Report to the Members of Midas Income & Growth Trust PLC Introduction We have been instructed by the Company to review the financial information and we have read the other information contained in the Interim Report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information. This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 'Review of interim financial information' issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed. Review work performed We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 'Review of interim financial information' issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review consists principally of making enquiries of management and applying analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data, and based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied, unless otherwise disclosed. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with United Kingdom Auditing Standards and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information. Review conclusion On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial information as presented for the six months ended 31 October 2005. Ernst &Young LLP London 16 December 2005 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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