Preliminary Announcement

Templeton Emerging Markets IT PLC 02 July 2004 TEMPLETON EMERGING MARKETS INVESTMENT TRUST PLC ("TEMIT") ("the Company") YEAR TO 30 APRIL 2004 The Company today announced its annual results for the year to 30 April 2004. CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT At 30 April 2004, your Company had net assets of £778.46 million, compared with £595.49 million at 30 April 2003. At year-end, 98.7% of the Company's net assets were invested in equities, with the remaining 1.3% being held in liquid assets. The general policy of the Investment Manager is to be fully invested. Undiluted net asset value per share at 30 April 2004 was 171.01 pence, an increase of 30.7% from 30 April 2003. The share price at 30 April 2004 was 144.00 pence, compared with 107.25 pence at the beginning of the fiscal year, an increase of 34.3%. Over the same period, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, on a total return basis, rose 38.4%, and the S&P/IFCI Composite Index increased 40.2%. The Manager's Report and Portfolio Review gives a detailed analysis of the Company's performance over the year. It is with great satisfaction that we have received the news that TEMIT was chosen as the Best Large Trust 2003 by Investment Trust Magazine and tipped as one of the "15 to win in 2004". It confirms TEMIT's position as the 10th largest Investment Trust in the UK and maintains its position as the UK's largest Emerging Markets Trust. Our congratulations go to Mark Mobius and his team for this achievement. Most emerging markets recorded strong stock market performances during the year under review as investors regained confidence. Of the four primary emerging markets regions, Latin America performed best as political and financial issues that engulfed the region during 2003 subsided. Brazil and Argentina experienced renewed investor interest as their governments strived to implement key structural reforms and sealed agreements with the International Monetary Fund. Asian markets benefited from strong macroeconomic data and diminished investor concerns over the avian flu outbreak. The US dollar's decline contributed to the South African rand's strength, which helped contain inflation. Eastern European markets continued an upward trend as European Union candidates within the region worked toward the fulfilment of accession goals. To the south, investor confidence in Turkey seemed to remain unshaken despite November 2003's terrorist attacks. In fact, Turkey was the top-performing emerging market during the year under review. Last year, the Directors renewed the authority to buy back shares. During the year no shares were bought back. At 30 April 2004, the discount was 15.8% of TEMIT's quoted share price to its underlying net asset value compared with 18.0% at 30 April 2003. The Board of Directors wish to be in a position to repurchase shares should this be in the best interests of the Company and are seeking to renew the authority to buy back up to 15.0% of the issued share capital. Profit after tax was £13.16 million, an increase of 70.0% over the year. The Board of Directors have proposed a cash dividend of 2.25 pence per Ordinary Share. The dividend will be paid on 22 September 2004 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 27 August 2004, subject to the approval of shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on 21 September 2004. The portfolio is managed using the value style of investing. This requires a detailed research of stocks, and we purchase only those trading at less than their assessed value. Since inception, the net asset value of TEMIT has risen by 393.8% in sterling terms compared with a comparable rise of 203.4% for the S&P/ IFCI Composite Index and 231.0% for the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Aside from the very favourable results achieved by the portfolio managers of the Company during the year under review, this has been a significant period for TEMIT. This is due to a combination of new regulations, guidelines on corporate governance and the steps the Board and management have taken to make sure that the Company complies with them. In addition, the Company has also made preparations for the capital increase which is expected from the exercise of the warrants outstanding, the final date for which is 30 September 2004. Shareholders will be invited to vote at the Annual General Meeting to take place on 21 September 2004 on the continuation of the Company as an investment trust. The Directors are delighted to recommend that you vote in favour of such continutation. New rules on corporate governance have meant that substantial alterations were seen fit by us to be made in the composition of the Board of Directors, bearing in mind such factors as time of service, and the requirement that at least half of the Board (excluding the Chairman) should be independent and that no more than one current or recent employee of or professional advisor to the Investment Manager should serve on the Board of Directors and any such Director should offer himself for re-election annually. On 15 December 2003, Sir Richard Brooke, Martin Flanagan, Richard Frank, Sir John Shaw and Sir Robert Brian Williamson resigned from the Board. On 15 December 2003, I was appointed to replace Sir Richard Brooke as Chairman of the Company until the next Annual General Meeting, which is scheduled to take place on the 21 September 2004. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee met on 15 December 2003 to recommend for election the following new Board members: Sam L Ginn, Peter C Godsoe, Sir Ronald Hampel and Andrew S B Knight and these appointments were approved by the Board on 15 December 2003. Subsequently, on 21 April 2004, the Committee nominated Peter A Smith for election to the Board. This nomination was approved by written resolution of the full Board on 26 April 2004. Following the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting, I shall step down as Chairman and it is the Board's intention to elect Sir Ronald Hampel to succeed me. I shall remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director. As indicated in the Directors' Report, it is proposed that Sir Peter Burt be elected as a director with effect from 1 October 2004. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our departing colleagues for their friendship, loyalty and dedication to the Company, as well as their important contribution to its success, and their defence of the shareholders' interest at all times. I am also confident that the new directors, whose very distinguished resumes are included in this Annual Report, will continue in this work, and help to maintain TEMIT's excellent reputation in the marketplace. In reconstituting the Board, we have been mindful of expanding the amount of detail in the biographical synopses of all directors so that you, the shareholders can feel reassured that your best interests are being preserved. We have already put in place and intend to perfect mechanisms for formally assessing Board members on a yearly basis, also identifying any training that may be required. Initially Board members will participate in training on the latest corporate governance rules and guidelines, with particular reference to investment trusts. Geoffrey A Langlands 2 July 2004 Indices above are shown on a total return basis in GBP. Sources: Franklin Templeton Investments and Standard & Poor's. MANAGER'S REPORT & PORTFOLIO REVIEW DR J B MARK MOBIUS 30 APRIL 2004 This is the Annual Report for the Templeton Emerging Markets Investment Trust PLC for the year ended 30 April 2004. Performance Attribution Explanation Since inception, the Company has outperformed the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Over the period the Company returned 393.8%, compared to MSCI's 231.0% return. During the year ended 30 April 2004, the Company returned 30.7%, while the MSCI Emerging Markets Index and S&P/IFCI Composite Index gained 38.4% and 40.2%, respectively. The Company's performance was enhanced mainly by its overweight position in China, Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong. Positive attribution was also derived from stock selection in Israel, China and Hong Kong. However, the positions in South Korea, Hungary and the Philippines did not perform satisfactorily and hurt performance. Going forward, we believe that our disciplined, value-orientated approach will continue to generate superior returns for our shareholders. Difference between NAV performance and benchmark performance Country Asset Stock Selection Currency Effect Total Allocation ----------- --------- --------- --------- -------- % % % % Cash -0.75 - - -0.75 Unassigned 0.09 - - 0.09 Argentina -0.05 0.08 0.01 0.04 Austria -0.23 - - -0.23 Bermuda -0.01 - - -0.01 Brazil -0.10 -1.08 -0.13 -1.31 Chile 0.12 - - 0.12 China 0.86 0.46 0.91 2.23 Columbia -0.07 - - -0.07 Croatia -0.31 - - -0.31 Czech Republic -0.01 0.05 0.04 0.08 Denmark 0.20 - - 0.20 Egypt 0.23 -0.14 -0.30 -0.21 Greece 0.55 - - 0.55 Hong Kong -0.32 0.47 0.61 0.76 Hungary -0.26 -0.05 -0.25 -0.56 India -0.22 0.24 -0.42 -0.40 Indonesia -0.30 0.46 -0.41 -0.25 Israel 0.25 0.34 -0.32 0.27 Israel - Domestic -0.01 - - -0.01 Japan 0.02 - - 0.02 Korea -0.02 - - -0.02 Malaysia 0.64 0.08 -0.11 0.61 Mexico 0.19 -0.85 0.32 -0.34 Morocco 0.01 - - 0.01 Pakistan -0.01 - - -0.01 Peru -0.01 0.06 -0.08 -0.03 Philippines -0.02 -0.16 -0.24 -0.42 Poland -0.03 0.05 - 0.02 Portugal -0.13 - - -0.13 Russia -0.26 0.22 -0.27 -0.31 Singapore 0.97 - - 0.97 South Africa 0.83 -2.19 1.45 0.09 South Korea -0.32 -3.02 0.86 -2.48 Taiwan 0.05 -0.57 0.32 -0.20 Thailand 1.38 -0.16 -0.43 0.79 Turkey 1.39 -0.33 -1.15 -0.09 United Kingdom 7.16 -0.02 -9.57 -2.43 United States 1.10 -0.06 -2.11 -1.07 Venezuela -0.03 - - -0.03 Total 12.57 -6.12 -11.27 -4.82 Portfolio Changes During the year under review, investments were mainly undertaken in Asia, Europe and Africa as the Company continued to find value stocks trading at attractive valuations. In Asia, key purchases included South Korean companies, CJ Corp., the country's largest integrated food producer, SK Corp., a major player in South Korea's refining industry, and POSCO, one of the world's largest steel producers. Net sales were undertaken in India and Taiwan, as some valuations grew expensive. European additions were seen mainly in Denmark, Greece, Croatia and Turkey, while sales were undertaken in Austria and Russia as sale targets were reached. Major buys included Carlsberg; a major brewing group with significant exposure to Eastern Europe and Asia; OTE Hellenic Telecom, the principal integrated telecommunication services provider in Greece; Pliva, the largest pharmaceutical company in Central and Eastern Europe; and Koc Holdings, one of Turkey's leading diversified conglomerates. In South Africa, the Company invested in Nedcor, one of the four major banks in South Africa. In Latin America, the Company increased its holdings in Brazil, while undertaking selective sales in Mexico and Argentina. Investments in the region included integrated electric utilities, Copel and Eletrobras, while the Company divested its interests in Cemex, allowing it to realise gains. As of 30 April, the largest portion of the Company's holdings could be found in China-Hong Kong, followed by South Korea, Thailand and Brazil. The Company's top three sectors were oil & gas, commercial banks and electric utilities. Overview Emerging markets recorded good stock market performances for the most part of the year, as investors regained confidence and Asian markets recovered from the aftermath of the avian flu. However, concerns about an overheating economy in China, rising interest rates in the US and the worsening situation in Iraq combined to drive emerging markets lower in April. Despite these issues, over the longer term we believe that emerging markets will continue to command greater attention due to (1) an improved outlook for global economic growth, (2) good growth prospects in the emerging markets, (3) the undervaluation of emerging markets companies versus developed markets companies, (4) improving outlook for the emerging markets as a result of continued reforms being implemented, (5) undervalued currencies vis-a-vis the US Dollar and the Euro, (6) changed differential perceptions of emerging market risk in the wake of the Enron and Worldcom scandals in the US, and (7) increased dividends being paid by emerging market companies. Asia China's economy continues to record very high growth, growing 9.7% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2004 and 9.1% in 2003. China attracted record Foreign Direct Investment inflows of US$53.5 billion in 2003, up 1.4% year-on-year, as the economy continued to interest foreign investors. The trend continued this year with inflows registering US$14.1 billion in the first quarter of 2004, an increase of 7.5% year-on-year. Significant investments were made in factories, real estate and other fixed assets. Growing consumer and corporate demand resulted in increased imports, which led to a US$8.4 billion trade deficit in the first three months of the year. Exports were up 34.2% year-on-year to US$115.7 billion, while imports rose 42.3% to US$124.1 billion. In an effort to prevent overheating, measures were implemented to cool down the economy in April 2004. These included raising the reserve requirements at some commercial banks, (mainly those with low capital adequacy ratios and high non-performing loans), from 7% to 7.5% and capping bank lending for the funding of steel, aluminium and cement projects. The introduction of a more flexible exchange rate was also discussed where the currency would be allowed to trade in a wider range against a basket of currencies. In South Korea, President Roh Moo-hyun's impeachment, the first in the country's history, in March, pushed the country into turmoil. Roh's presidential powers were immediately suspended, with the Constitutional Court now reviewing whether the impeachment should be voided or Roh dismissed. In the interim, Prime Minister Koh Gun took over as acting president. Soon after, the parliamentary elections saw the Uri Party, a progressive liberal party backed by the suspended President Roh Moo-- hyun, win a majority in parliament with 152 seats in the 299-seat National Assembly. The party's policies include promoting free market economic policies, maintaining a strong relationship with the US and "cleaning up" politics. Uri's victory will likely influence the impeachment hearing against Roh and likely result in his reinstatement according to market commentators. Economically, South Korea continued to release positive macroeconomic data, with the central bank expecting 2004 GDP to grow by up to 6% mainly due to strengthening exports. However, weak domestic demand continues to be a concern. In India contrary to market expectations, the Congress Party and its allies will form the next government, as voters ousted the BJP Party in the 2004 General Elections in April-May. The unexpected scale of their victory has to an extent surprised this new political alliance, which has beaten the BJP/NDA alliance by a wide margin. Dr. Manmoham Singh was formally sworn in as India's 13th prime minister in May as Congress Party leader, Sonia Gandhi announced that she would not accept the position. Conservative projections from the Finance Ministry indicate a GDP growth of 8.1% for the fiscal year 2003-2004, more than double the 4% recorded the previous year. Strong agriculture output, which showed a 9.1% increase, compared to a 5.2% decline in the previous year, and an improving manufacturing sector supported growth. The external sector also recovered with exports and imports up 13.5% and 24.9%, respectively, in the first nine months of the fiscal year 2003-2004. Thailand's economic growth has continued to strengthen year after year since the crisis in 1997/8 with this year expected to be even stronger. The World Bank expects 2004 GDP to grow 7.2%, with government expectations for first quarter GDP to surpass 7%, while 2003 GDP grew 6.7%, due to strong exports and consumer spending. Citing the country's improved external position and public finances as well as strong economic growth, Fitch Ratings raised its outlook on Thailand's long-term foreign and local currency sovereign ratings to positive from stable. Six Asian countries, Thailand, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal all agreed to create a free trade zone by 2017. The trade bloc would allow regional economies to better their trade relations and lead to greater cooperation between the nations. Latin America Brazil, the region's top performer in 2003, due to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's commitment to reforms and improving macroeconomic fundamentals, took a breather in 2004 with investors locking in gains. A 0.2% contraction in 2003 GDP resulting from a 3.3% fall in household consumption dampened confidence in the country's recovery. However, the country's trade sector continued to provide good news with first quarter exports growing 29.3% to US$19.5 billion and imports increasing 18.1%. Lagging the region in 2003, Mexico's stock market outperformed in the first four months of 2004. Supported by an improvement in the US economy, Mexico benefited from greater external demand, higher exports and strong retail sales. Mexico's trade balance improved in 2003, as the trade deficit fell 29% year-on-year to US$5.9 billion. Exports rose 2.8% year-on-year to US$160.5 billion, while imports rose 1.3% to US$171.0 billion. For the first quarter, exports were up 10.6% year-on-year while imports rose 11.5%. Exceeding market expectations, fourth quarter GDP rose 2% year-on-year, resulting in full year growth of 1.3% year-on-year. Eastern Europe Eastern European stock markets recorded strong performances as Central and Eastern European economies (CEE) implemented structural reforms to align their economies with their western counterparts. On 1 May 2004, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia joined the European Union (EU), expanding the bloc to include 25 states and a population of 450 million. The countries offer attractive investment opportunities when comparing them to "old Europe". Two most important factors differentiating them from current EU members (apart from obvious facts such as lower GDP/capita and living standards) are cheap well-educated labour and much lower corporate taxes. Average labour costs are at least 50% below the lowest EU levels in Portugal or Greece and around 80% lower than in Germany or the Netherlands. Also there are significant differences in corporate tax levels that benefit the new accession countries and companies incorporated there. With no trade barriers, borders or customs with the EU from 1 May, CEE companies will enjoy lower export related costs and better margins on their EU exports. Moreover, exports to the EU from almost all accession countries have been growing strongly over the last two years despite the slowdown in the EU. As a result we have seen much faster GDP growth in CEE than in the Eurozone. South Africa In South Africa, general elections were held on 14 April 2004, where as widely expected, the African National Congress (ANC) emerged victorious taking 70% of the votes, giving it 279 seats in the 400-seat Parliament. The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) won 50 seats, while the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) will have 28 seats. In line with his party's overwhelming victory, President Thabo Mbeki was formally re-elected for a second term in office. Aimed at uniting emerging markets in trade talks and international forums, South Africa, India and Brazil signed a "framework agreement". The 2003 GDP growth slowed to 1.9%, compared to 3.6% in 2002 as a 28% appreciation in the Rand during the year took a toll on exports. On an annualised basis, fourth quarter GDP figures did show an improvement, growing 1.1% quarter-on-quarter compared to 0.5% in the preceding quarter, indicating a bottoming out of the economy. Outlook Visible with the expansion of the EU trade bloc, emerging markets continue to benefit from greater globalisation. We expect companies with attractive valuations, improved corporate transparency and good management, to do well going forward. Countries with governments who are friendly to businesses, particularly foreign investors who encourage such investments with preferential taxation as well as good infrastructure will attract the lion's share of foreign capital. As such we will continue to build positions in stocks we deem to be attractively valued and stand to benefit from the global recovery ahead. Manager Templeton Asset Management Ltd. ("TAML"), part of the Franklin Templeton Group (with US$343.8 billion in assets under management as of 30 April 2004), has over 17 years of investment experience in emerging markets and approximately US$11.6 billion (as of 30 April 2004) in assets under management. TAML currently has 23 portfolio managers and analysts located in 11 emerging markets, Moscow (Russia), Warsaw (Poland), Istanbul (Turkey), Johannesburg (South Africa), Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai (China), Seoul (South Korea), Mumbai (India), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), and Buenos Aires (Argentina). Moreover, TAML's Emerging Markets Team receives support from approximately 6,500 employees of Franklin Resources Inc., its ultimate parent company. Thank you for your continued interest and support. J Mark Mobius, Ph.D. 2 July 2004 PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS by geography Geographical analysis (by country of incorporation) As at 30 April 2004 ------------------------------- -------- ---------- Country Cost Market Value £'000 £'000 ------------------------------- -------- ---------- China-Hong Kong China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., H 25,663 41,546 PetroChina Co., Ltd., H 8,453 15,010 Huaneng Power International Inc., H 5,660 14,418 China Merchants Holdings (International) Co., Ltd. 8,902 12,852 Datang International Power Generation Co., Ltd. 6,205 11,785 Cosco Pacific Ltd. 5,698 8,738 China Mobile (Hong Kong) Ltd., fgn. 9,133 7,095 Citic Pacific Ltd. 9,266 5,645 Guangdong Electric Power Development Co., Ltd., B 4,011 3,694 China Oriental Group Co., Ltd. 313 188 -------- ---------- 83,304 120,971 -------- ---------- Korea (South) SK Corp. 9,111 33,245 Hyundai Development Co. 11,703 19,477 POSCO 13,180 14,583 KT Corp. 17,481 11,385 CJ Corp. 9,283 9,756 Korea Electric Power Corp. 13,556 9,747 LG Petrochemical Co., Ltd. 2,599 4,194 Hite Brewery Co., Ltd. 3,957 3,927 Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd 3,876 3,477 Kookmin Bank 5,805 3,205 Kangwon Land Inc. 2,552 3,127 Samsung Fine Chemicals 1,997 1,958 Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd 2,449 1,953 -------- ---------- 97,549 120,034 -------- ---------- Thailand Siam Commercial Bank, cvt., pfd. 12,913 23,363 Siam Cement Public Co., Ltd., fgn. 6,108 15,586 PTT Exploration & Production Public Co., Ltd., fgn 4,319 10,338 Shin Corp. Public Co., Ltd., fgn. 4,006 8,597 Kasikornbank Public Co., Ltd., fgn. 4,588 8,040 Bangkok Bank Public Co., Ltd., fgn. 4,092 6,783 Land and House Public Co., Ltd., fgn. 778 2,154 National Finance Public Co., Ltd., fgn. 164 207 -------- ---------- 36,968 75,068 -------- ---------- Brazil* Unibanco Uniao de Bancos Brasileiros SA, GDR 13,998 21,034 Banco Bradesco SA, ADR, pfd. 12,817 16,497 Eletrobras-Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA 18,008 16,247 Companhia Paranaense de Energia-Copel, ADR, pfd. 18,426 14,447 Cia Vale do Rio Doce, ADR, pfd., A 2,227 2,894 Souza Cruz SA 1,388 1,508 -------- ---------- 66,864 72,627 -------- ---------- Turkey Akbank 15,838 27,271 Tupras-Turkiye Petrol Rafineleri AS 23,326 13,660 Arcelik AS, Br. 4,785 5,638 KOC Holding AS 4,010 3,299 Migros Turk T.A.S. 2,338 1,886 -------- ---------- 50,297 51,754 -------- ---------- Hungary Gedeon Richter Ltd. 15,476 23,733 MOL Magyar Olaj-Es Gazipari RT 10,196 18,808 Matav RT 5,827 6,327 -------- ---------- 31,499 48,868 -------- ---------- South Africa Nedcor Ltd. 16,719 13,024 SABMiller plc 7,955 9,702 Remgro Ltd. 4,982 8,014 Nampak Ltd. 2,932 3,835 Tiger Brands Ltd. 1,603 2,056 Liberty Group Ltd. 1,669 1,611 -------- ---------- 35,860 38,242 -------- ---------- Taiwan Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd 6,988 6,474 UNI-President Enterprises Corp. 4,363 4,284 Tainan Enterprises Co., Ltd. 3,984 4,042 Delta Electronics Inc. 4,339 3,654 Elan Microelectronics Corp. 2,977 3,055 Ritek Corp. 4,520 2,697 Procomp Informatics Co., Ltd. 7,004 2,229 Taiwan Cellular Corp. 2,214 2,076 Sinopac Holdings 794 890 -------- ---------- 37,183 29,401 -------- ---------- Greece Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Co., SA 8,461 14,869 Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA (OTE) 13,476 14,288 -------- ---------- 21,937 29,157 -------- ---------- Singapore* Dairy Farm International Holdings Ltd. 9,187 19,162 Fraser & Neave Ltd. 3,979 7,961 -------- ---------- 13,166 27,123 -------- ---------- Mexico* Kimberly Clark de Mexico SA de CV, A 10,411 9,356 Grupo Carso SA de CV 4,784 5,466 Fomento Economico Mexicano SA de CV Femsa, ADR 5,214 5,433 Telfonos de Mexico SA de CV (Telmex), L, ADR 2,983 2,825 -------- ---------- 23,392 23,080 -------- ---------- Poland Polski Koncern Naftowy Orlen SA 13,098 17,447 -------- ---------- 13,098 17,447 -------- ---------- Austria OMV AG 9,931 16,936 -------- ---------- 9,931 16,936 -------- ---------- India ITC Ltd. 3,980 5,899 Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. 4,912 4,693 Gail India Ltd. 1,225 1,558 Indian Petrochemicals Corp. Ltd. 1,081 1,288 Oil & Natural Gas Corp., Ltd. 571 667 -------- ---------- 11,769 14,105 -------- ---------- Denmark Carlsberg AS, B 11,974 14,100 -------- ---------- 11,974 14,100 -------- ---------- Croatia* Pilva D D, GDR, Reg S 13,205 14,098 -------- ---------- 13,205 14,098 -------- ---------- Czech Republic Philip Morris CR AS 3,205 8,004 Unipetrol 2,796 5,624 -------- ---------- 6,001 13,628 -------- ---------- Portugal Banco Bpi SA 7,725 10,955 -------- ---------- 7,725 10,955 -------- ---------- Philippines San Miguel Corp., B 9,804 8,473 -------- ---------- 9,804 8,473 -------- ---------- Egypt Commercial International Bank Ltd. 9,397 7,767 -------- ---------- 9,397 7,767 -------- ---------- Malaysia Tanjong PLC 1,770 1,755 SIME Darby Bhd. 1,660 1,632 Petronas Dagangan Bhd. 735 729 Southern Bank Bhd. fgn. 112 112 -------- ---------- 4,277 4,228 -------- ---------- Russia* Lukoil Holdings, ADR 2,203 4,183 -------- ---------- 2,203 4,183 -------- ---------- Indonesia PT Indosat (Persero) TBK 624 973 PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia TBK, B 321 867 -------- ---------- 945 1,840 -------- ---------- Japan Yokowo Co., Ltd. 1,207 1,503 -------- ---------- 1,207 1,503 -------- ---------- Argentina* Tenaris SA, ADR 875 1,312 -------- ---------- 875 1,312 -------- ---------- Peru* Credicorp Ltd. 1,134 1,220 -------- ---------- 1,134 1,220 -------- ---------- -------- ---------- TOTAL INVESTMENTS 601,564 768,120 -------- OTHER NET ASSETS 10,337 ---------- TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 778,457 ---------- * Includes US listed stocks PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS by industry Industrial analysis As at 30 April 2004 -------------------- --------- ---------- % of % of Total Net Total Net Assets Assets Industry Classification 2004 2003 -------------------- --------- ---------- CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY Automobiles - 1.18 Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 0.63 0.25 Household Durables 1.20 0.69 Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 0.52 - --------- ---------- 2.35 2.12 --------- ---------- CONSUMER STAPLES Beverages 8.28 5.92 Food & Staples Retailing 2.70 2.28 Food Products 2.06 1.92 Household Products 1.20 - Tobacco 1.98 3.67 --------- ---------- 16.22 13.79 --------- ---------- ENERGY Energy Equipment & Services 0.17 0.20 Oil & Gas 22.19 17.72 --------- ---------- 22.36 17.92 --------- ---------- FINANCIALS Commercial Banks 16.59 18.02 Consumer Finance 0.03 1.68 Diversified Financial Services 1.83 0.76 Insurance 0.22 - Real Estate - 0.47 --------- ---------- 18.67 20.93 --------- ---------- HEALTH CARE Pharmaceuticals 4.86 4.57 --------- ---------- 4.86 4.57 --------- ---------- INDUSTRIALS Construction & Engineering 2.50 2.07 Industrial Conglomerates 4.32 2.38 Machinery 0.70 - Transport Infrastructure 1.12 2.69 --------- ---------- 8.64 7.14 --------- ---------- INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Computers & Peripherals 0.64 3.09 Electronic Equipment & Instruments 0.47 - IT Services - 1.49 Semiconductors & Equipment 0.39 - Software - 0.82 --------- ---------- 1.50 5.40 --------- ---------- MATERIALS Chemicals 1.68 1.31 Construction Materials 2.00 3.57 Containers & Packaging 0.49 0.54 Metals & Mining 2.25 2.28 Paper & Forest Products - 1.61 --------- ---------- 6.42 9.31 --------- ---------- TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES Diversified Telecommunication Services 6.13 7.94 Wireless Telecommunication Services 2.28 2.43 --------- ---------- 8.41 10.37 --------- ---------- UTILITIES Electric Utilities 9.04 7.77 Gas Utilities 0.20 - --------- ---------- 9.24 7.77 --------- ---------- OTHER NET ASSETS 1.33 0.68 --------- ---------- 100.00 100.00 --------- ---------- The above groupings are based on the Morgan Stanley International Perspective Directory of Industry Classification. PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS by value Twenty largest portfolio holdings As at 30 April 2004 --------- ----------------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ Principal % of Country Issued % of Market Number of of Issue/ Share Total Cost Value Shares Issuer Listing Capital Net £'000 £'000 Held Assets --------- ----------------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ----- EQUITY INVESTMENTS 212,836,000 China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. China- 1.27 5.34 25,663 41,546 The second-largest Hong Kong integrated energy company in China. 1,405,990 SK Corp. A major player in Korea 1.11 4.27 9,111 33,245 South Korea's (South) refining industry. 10,393,916,853 Akbank Turkey 0.87 3.50 15,838 27,271 One of Turkey's largest privately owned commercial banks, providing a full range of banking and financial services. 413,818 Gedeon Richter Hungary 2.22 3.05 15,476 23,733 Ltd. Gedeon Richter Limited manufactures pharmaceuticals. 35,840,300 Siam Commercial Bank Public Co. Ltd. Thailand 2.03 3.00 12,913 23,363 One of Thailand's largest commercial banks. 1,903,100 Unibanco Uniao de Bancos Brasileiros SA One of Brazil's Brazil 0.12 2.70 13,998 21,034 largest financial conglomerates, providing a full range of banking and financial services. 3,070,290 Hyundai Korea 4.07 2.50 11,703 19,477 Development Co. (South) One of the leading residential property developers in Korea. 17,516,151 Dairy Farm International Holdings Ltd. Singapore 1.30 2.46 9,187 19,162 Dairy Farm International and its subsidiaries operate retail stores such as supermarkets, drugstores and convenience stores. 883,642 MOL Magyar Olaj-Es Gazipari Rt. Hungary 0.82 2.42 10,196 18,808 A major integrated petroleum Company in Central Europe. 4,316,933 Polski Koncern Naftowy Orlen SA Poland 1.01 2.24 13,098 17,447 PKN Orlen is the overwhelming market leader in refining and marketing of oil products as well as petrochemicals in Poland. ------ ------ Top 10 Holdings - 137,183 245,086 31.48% of Total ------ ------ Assets PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS by value (continued) --------- ---------------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ----- Principal % of Country Issued % of Market Number of of Issue/ Share Total Cost Value Shares Issuer Listing Capital Net £'000 £'000 Held Assets --------- ---------------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ----- 164,290 OMV AG Austria 0.61 2.17 9,931 16,936 The largest Austrian industrial company and one of the leading oil and gas groups in Central and Eastern Europe. 719,673 Banco Bradesco SA, Brazil 0.91 2.12 12,817 6,497 ADR, pfd. One of Brazil's largest financial conglomerates, providing a full range of banking and financial services. 2,793,119,000 Eletrobras-Centrais Brazil 0.62 2.09 18,008 16,247 Eletricas Brasileiras SA The company is involved in electricity generating, providing long-term financing to the Brazilian electricity sector, and owns and operates the country's nuclear generating plants and transmission network. 5,119,850 Siam Cement Public Thailand 0.43 2.00 6,108 15,586 Co., Ltd., fgn. The largest industrial Conglomerate in Thailand. 61,066,000 PetroChina Co., China- 0.35 1.93 8,453 15,010 Ltd., H Hong Kong One of the largest integrated energy companies in China. 994,410 Coca-Cola Hellenic Greece 0.42 1.91 8,461 14,869 Bottling Co., SA The world's second largest Coca-Cola bottler. 211,450 POSCO Korea 0.24 1.87 13,180 14,583 One of the worlds's (South) largest steel producers. 7,580,029 Companhia Brazil 0.01 1.86 18,426 14,447 Paranaense de Energia-Copel, ADR pfd. Generates, transmits, transforms and distributes electric power to the entire Brazilian State of Parana. 27,320,000 Huaneng Power China- 0.89 1.85 5,660 14,418 International Inc., Hong-Kong H China's largest independent power provider. 1,741,050 Hellenic Greece 0.35 1.84 13,476 14,288 Telecommunications Organization SA (OTE) Principal integrated telecommunication provider in Greece. ------- Top 20 Holdings - 51.12% of Total Assets 251,703 397,967 -------- ------- ANALYSIS OF PORTFOLIO TOTAL VALUE OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO (98.67%) 768,120 OTHER NET ASSETS (1.33%) 10,337 ------------- 778,457 ------------- STATEMENT OF TOTAL RETURN OF THE COMPANY (INCORPORATING THE REVENUE ACCOUNT) For the year ended 30 April 2004 -------------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ 2004 2003 Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 -------------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ Gains/(losses) on investments - 179,999 179,999 - (72,344) (72,344) Income* 29,282 - 29,282 19,455 - 19,455 Investment management (7,469) - (7,469) (5,616) - (5,616) fee Other expenses (3,509) - (3,509) (2,786) - (2,786) --------- ------ --------- --------- ------ --------- Net return on ordinary activities before taxation 18,304 179,999 198,303 11,053 (72,344) (61,291) Tax on ordinary activities (5,144) - (5,144) (3,310) - (3,310) --------- ------ --------- --------- ------ --------- Return on ordinary activities after taxation for the financial 13,160 179,999 193,159 7,743 (72,344) (64,601) year Dividend in respect of equity shares (10,242) - (10,242) (5,685) - (5,685) ------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ Transfer to/(from) reserves (after aggregate dividends paid and proposed) 2,918 179,999 182,917 2,058 (72,344) (70,286) ------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ Basic return per Ordinary Share (before dividend) 2.89p 39.54p 42.43p 1.70p (15.89p) (14.19p) ------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ Diluted return per Ordinary Share (before dividend) 2.40p 32.86p 35.26p N/A N/A N/A ------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ Annualised Expenses Ratio - - 1.48% - - 1.49% ------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ Total recognised gains and losses since the last annual report: ----------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- 2004 2003 Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 ----------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Return on ordinary activities after taxation for the financial year 13,160 179,999 193,159 7,743 (72,344) (64,601) -------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------- Total recognised gains and losses since last annual report 13,160 179,999 193,159 7,743 (72,344) (64,601) -------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------- Notes: The revenue column of this statement is the profit and loss account of the Company. The accompany notes are an integral part of this statement. All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. --------------------------- ---------- ----------- *Income 2004 2003 £'000 £'000 --------------------------- ---------- ----------- Income from investments Overseas dividends 28,257 17,955 Fixed interest - 478 Scrip dividends 563 580 ---------- ----------- 28,820 19,013 Other income Deposit interest 462 442 ---------- ----------- Total income 29,282 19,455 ---------- ----------- Total income comprises: Dividends 28,820 18,535 Interest 462 920 ---------- ----------- 29,282 19,455 ---------- ----------- Income from investments Listed overseas 28,820 18,535 ---------- ----------- BALANCE SHEET As at 30 April 2004 ----------------- ---------- ----------- 2004 2003 £'000 £'000 ----------------- ---------- ----------- FIXED ASSETS Investments 768,120 591,452 ---------- ----------- CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 15,322 19,444 Cash 17,977 6,807 ---------- ----------- 33,299 26,251 CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year (22,062) (21,342) ---------- ----------- NET CURRENT ASSETS 11,237 4,909 ---------- ----------- TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 779,357 596,361 PROVISION FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES (900) (875) ---------- ----------- 778,457 595,486 ---------- ----------- CAPITAL AND RESERVES Called-up Share Capital 113,806 113,796 Share Premium Account 275,351 275,307 Capital Redemption Reserve 3,940 3,940 Capital Reserve - Realised 197,761 194,356 Capital Reserve - Unrealised 166,757 (9,837) Revenue Reserve 20,842 17,924 ---------- ----------- SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS (all equity) 778,457 595,486 ---------- ----------- Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share (in pence) - Basic 171.01 130.82 - Diluted 164.58 N/A CASH FLOW STATEMENT For the year ended 30 April 2004 -------------------- ----------- ----------- 2004 2003 £'000 £'000 -------------------- ----------- ----------- Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities Net return on ordinary activities before taxation 18,304 11,053 (Increase) in debtors (25) (39) (Increase)/decrease in accrued income (2,574) 398 Increase/(decrease) in creditors 323 (69) ----------- ----------- Net cash inflow from operating activities 16,028 11,343 ----------- ----------- Cash flow statement Net cash inflow from operating activities 16,028 11,343 Taxation (3,768) (3,876) Net financial investments 4,546 6,569 ----------- ----------- 16,806 14,036 Equity dividends paid (5,690) (5,690) ----------- ----------- 11,116 8,346 Financing 54 (445) ----------- ----------- Increase in cash 11,170 7,901 ----------- ----------- Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds Increase in cash in the year 11,170 7,901 Opening net funds/(debt) 6,807 (1,094) ----------- ----------- Closing net funds 17,977 6,807 ----------- ----------- This preliminary statement, which has been agreed with the auditors, was approved by the Board on 2 July 2004. It is not the company's statutory accounts. The statutory accounts for the year ended 30 April 2003 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and received an audit report which was unqualified and did not contain statements under s237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. The statutory accounts for the year ended 30 April 2004 have been approved and audited and are due to be filed. They have been prepared using the same accounting policies set out in the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2003. For information please contact David Bliss/Will Rogers at UBS Limited (0207 567 8000), Client Dealer Services on freephone 0800 305 306 or Sara MacIntosh at Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited (the Company Secretary) (0207 208 7000). No representation or warranty is made by UBS Limited as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this announcement and no liability will be accepted for any loss arising from its use. These figures have been prepared by Franklin Templeton Investments and are their sole responsibility. End of Announcement. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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