Final Results

RNS Number : 7628D
Glasgow Income Trust PLC
08 December 2009
 



GLASGOW INCOME TRUST PLC

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2009


1. CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

In the year to 30 September 2009 there has been significant change in the Trust and in the economic environment in which we operate - both of which the Board believes are positive for the future.


The last few years have been difficult for the Trust. We have moved from our shares trading consistently at a premium to net asset value, to a large discount. This reflected the wider recessionary background but specifically the underperformance of our portfolios. At the same time our geared structure, through the use of Zero Coupon Finance, became inflexible in difficult times. It had served us well and was sensibly offset by investment mainly in corporate bonds but the dislocation of credit markets caused changes in collateral requirements and uncertainty in the availability of ZCF credit. In addition the economic difficulties forced many companies to cut dividends and our portfolio did not escape the pressure on our dividend paying capacity.


As has been reported separately, the Board decided that a fundamental review of the strategy of the Trust was necessary. This should not only ensure that we identify a sustainable model, but also any new approach and changed mandate had to be acceptable to shareholders.


After extensive discussion with advisers, the Board concluded that the previous paradigm, including the use of structural gearing, was no longer relevant to the investment outlook nor to investors' attitude to geared risk. In essence the Board decided that it should recommend a change from a high income model to an income and growth one. This would entail a reduction in dividend, but with less stress on capital and would involve a change of manager. The recommended proposals for the future of the Company were approved by shareholders on 17 September 2009.


Troy Asset Management was appointed with an initial objective of restructuring the portfolio which I am pleased to report was achieved at no net cost to NAV.


Economic Background

As is well known, most advanced economies were still in the grip of recession during the year. Governments' efforts to stabilise the bank sector have achieved some success although in the UK there has been a shortage of reasonably priced banking lending to finance recovery. The situation appears to be improving with many companies successfully raising money in the stock market.


There is now more optimism around, although it is fragile, and with it a recovery in the market with the FTSE 100 Index currently trading consistently in excess of 5000. There are worries about inflation and speculation on the shape of the upturn. Undoubtedly there are significant difficulties ahead including the implication of high Government debt and the certainty of tax increases.


Against this background the Board believes the new shape of the Trust offers a better investment vehicle for shareholders.


That sentiment seems to be shared, as evidenced by the reduction in discount from 25.4% at the end of March to 3.2% at 30 November 2009.


Performance

The NAV total return for the year was -12.2% compared to the benchmark return of +10.8%. The underperformance all occurred in the first six months and a full explanation of the reasons for this was covered in my interim statement. Since the end of March performance has improved. In addition the ZCF gearing was completely repaid in two tranches in late July and early August.


Troy was appointed to manage the Trust with effect from 1 August and it is pleasing to report that in the short period until the end of November the performance has exceeded the benchmark in share price and NAV total return terms.


Future

As previously reported the Board intends to increase the size of the Trust when market conditions are conducive and subject to the successful passing of the continuation vote, mentioned below. The expansion will bring benefits of broadening the shareholder base, improving the liquidity of the shares and lowering the Trust's total expense ratio.


We have also considered the introduction of a tighter discount control mechanism. The Company's policy will be to ensure that the shares always trade at close to net asset value through a combination of share-buybacks coupled with the issue of new shares at a premium to net asset value where demand exceeds supply. This will be implemented following the AGM.


Continuation Vote

In last years' report and accounts, the Directors committed to proposing a further continuation vote at or prior to the next AGM. We subsequently issued a circular with recommended proposals for the future of the Company, including a fundraising which, as noted above, were approved by shareholders in September.


However the proposed fundraising has not been undertaken to date and, accordingly, a continuation vote will be put to shareholders at this year's AGM.


The Directors unanimously recommend that shareholders vote in favour of the continuation vote.


Change of Name

The Board intends to change the name of the Company to "Troy Income & Growth Trust plc" immediately following the AGM by exercising the powers conferred in the Articles which were adopted at the EGM on 17 September 2009.


Dividend

Dividends totalling 3p per share have been paid for the year ended 30 September 2009. Following the implementation of the new strategy it is the Board's intention, in the absence of unforeseen circumstances, to pay four equal quarterly dividends of 0.45p per share for the year ending 30 September 2010.


Conclusion

There has been a lot of change in the last year. The Trust is now settled into delivering on the new "Income and Growth" model which includes a substantially more conservative attitude to gearing and consequently a lower risk profile. The Board believes that, with some caution on economic factors, the changes introduced provide a strong base for future profitable growth.


R G Hanna

Chairman

8 December 2009



2. MANAGER'S REVIEW


Background

The Company's financial year to 30 September 2009 spanned one of the most volatile periods in stock market history. In the first half equity markets were extremely weak, with the FTSE All Share Index bottoming on 3 March having fallen by 28%, before rallying by 48% by the end of September. This volatility was not confined to equity markets and both corporate and government bond markets experienced wild swings in investor sentiment during the period under review. The main factor to stimulate the recovery in markets was the evident determination by the monetary authorities to use whatever stimulus it could to firstly prevent the global financial system from collapsing and then prevent the global economy from sliding into a depression. The huge expansion of the monetary base, in addition to very low interest rates, has displaced capital from some asset classes, such as gilts and cash, into others, like equities and corporate bonds, where investors can still generate income.


As yet the stimulus has not yet returned the UK economy to growth although other major economies in Europe and US have begun to recover, albeit in a muted fashion. It is likely that the UK economy will return to growth in the current quarter but it is much harder to anticipate the outcome when the Bank of England withdraws the stimulus by ending the period of Quantitative Easing and raising interest rates. As the impact of these extreme measures is highly likely to be inflationary it will be necessary to tighten monetary policy early if inflation is not to take a grip.


One of the most direct impacts on your Company in the past twelve months has been the wave of dividend cuts that investors have suffered. The yield on the FTSE All Share Index fell from 5.5% to 3.5% and so many dividends have been cut that ten large companies now generate 58% of total market income. We do expect the outlook for dividends to improve in 2010 but it will be some time before investors see dividends returning to their pre-crisis levels. With income from all asset classes at depressed levels investors have had to recalibrate the level of income that is sustainable in current market conditions.


Performance

Despite rising by 102% since the market low in early March the steep fall in the Company's share price in the first half of the year produced a total return of -11.6% for the year to 30 September. Over the same period the return of the FTSE All Share Index was +10.8%.


From 1 August to 30 September the share price total return was +15.9% while the FTSE All Share total return was +12.8%. 


Balance Sheet 

Your Company has undergone major structural changes during the year. Following the completion of the strategy review which was flagged in the Interim Report the appointment of Troy Asset Management Ltd as Investment Manager led to an acceleration of the planned reduction in the Company's ZCF exposure and the final tranche was unwound in early August. The corporate bond portfolio was liquidated at the same time and the proceeds, as well as existing cash balances and further funds raised from the sale of selected equities, were used to return the Company to an un-geared position.


Troy Investment Approach

Troy Asset Management was established in 2000 with a clear mandate to generate consistent long term investment returns without exposing investors to high levels of volatility. It is our view that achieving above average returns whilst experiencing below average volatility is a highly desirable objective for investors and this is what we seek to achieve in all of our funds. In order to achieve our objectives we focus heavily on identifying the potential downside of individual investments as well as the possible gains. This will sometimes mean that we forego money-making opportunities but more importantly should result in us avoiding the damaging permanent capital losses that can blight the records of higher risk investment strategies.


Our natural caution leads us to concentrate on higher quality companies which tend to operate in less cyclical industries. By choosing companies which we believe can sustain consistent levels of profitability the Company will be able to generate a reliable stream of dividend growth that can underpin the Company's dividend prospects. A progressive dividend policy will provide protection to investors from the impact of future inflation. 


Portfolio Changes

Since the appointment of Troy the equity portfolio has been materially restructured. Holdings in companies with significant levels of economic sensitivity such as GKN, Tomkins, Persimmon, Premier Farnell and Millennium & Copthorne were sold. A number of holdings in more defensive shares which had been largely left behind by the market rally were purchased. These included Imperial Tobacco, Sage Group, Amlin, Nestle and Coca Cola, all companies which should be able to grow their dividends despite the difficult economic conditions. Many of these companies are on historically low valuations.


The core of the portfolio is represented by Consumer Goods, Energy and Pharmaceutical companies. The only major banks are HSBC and Standard Chartered while other significant individual holdings include Vodafone, Diageo and British American Tobacco. There are now forty-one holdings in the portfolio and shareholders should expect to see low levels of turnover in the portfolio from here on.


Investment Outlook

Although the global rescue strategy launched by central banks and governments has stabilised global financial markets we remain concerned about the inflationary consequences of the huge increase in the monetary base. When the Quantitative Easing process is put into reverse and interest rates are increased the recent recovery across a range of asset prices is likely to come under pressure. We particularly favour high quality, international equities with relatively low levels of economic sensitivity. Such companies are trading at significant discounts to the equity market as a whole and should prove to be both resilient in the face of a market setback and likely to be re-rated in the event of the market making further progress.




Troy Asset Management Limited

8 December 2009




Troy Asset Management is an independent fund management company aiming to generate absolute returns for investors over the long term. It manages approximately £1bn of assets including three open-ended investment funds: the Trojan Fund, the Trojan Income Fund and the Trojan Capital Fund; and two investment trusts: the Personal Assets Trust Plc and the Glasgow Income Trust plc. Our investors include private individuals, charities, pension funds, trusts and endowments.



3. RESULTS & DIVIDENDS


Financial Highlights



 

 2009 

 2008 

Net asset value total return

- 12.2%

- 36.6%

Share price total return

- 11.6%

- 37.8%

Benchmark total return

+ 10.8%

- 22.3%

Dividend per share

3.00p

5.3005p

Dividend yield

7.1%

10.0%



Performance (total return) 








 

 1 year ended 

 3 years ended 

 5 years ended 

 

 30 September 2009 

 30 September 2009 

 30 September 2009 

 Share price 

- 11.6%

- 45.6%

- 9.5%

 Net asset value per share 

- 12.2%

- 40.3%

- 4.6%

 FTSE All-Share Index 

+ 10.8%

- 3.4%

+ 38.4%




 

 Rate per share 

 xd date 

 Record date 

 Payment date 

First interim dividend 

0.75p

7 January 2009

9 January 2009

30 January 2009

Second interim dividend 

0.75p

8 April 2009

14 April 2009

30 April 2009

Third interim dividend 

0.75p

8 July 2009

10 July 2009

31 July 2009

Fourth interim dividend 

0.75p

7 October 2009

9 October 2009

30 October 2009

2008/09 

3.00p

 

 

 

 




 

First interim dividend 

1.138p

9 January 2008

11 January 2008

31 January 2008

Second interim dividend 

1.138p

9 April 2008

11 April 2008

30 April 2008

Third interim dividend 

1.138p

9 July 2008

11 July 2008

31 July 2008

Fourth interim dividend 

1.8865p

8 October 2008

10 October 2008

31 October 2008

2007/08 

5.3005p

 

 

 



Distribution of Assets


 

Valuation at

 

 

 

Valuation at

 

 

30 September



 

Appreciation/

 

30 September

 

2008 

Purchases

Sales

(depreciation)

2009 

 

£'000

%

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

%

 

Listed investments







 

Ordinary shares

71,202 

104.6

24,921 

(40,341)

(6,149)

49,633

91.9

Convertibles

1,890 

2.8

500 

(2,105)

(47)

238

0.4

Corporate bonds

29,075 

42.7

6,405 

(34,077)

(1,403)

-

-

Other fixed interest

9,941 

14.6

-

(7,613)

(353)

1,975

3.7


_______

______

________

_______

________

______

_____

 

112,108 

164.7

31,826 

(84,136)

(7,952)

51,846

96.0


_______

______

________

_______

________

______

_____

Other non-current assets

21,715 

31.9




-

-

Current assets

19,148 

28.1




2,666

4.9

Current liabilities

(6,211)

(9.1)




(520)

(0.9)

Non-current liabilities

(78,717)

(115.6)

 

 

 

-

-


_______

______




______

_____

Net assets

68,043 

100.0

 

 

 

53,992

100.0


_______

______




______

_____

Net asset value per share

56.04p

 

 

 

 

44.47p

 


_______





______




4. BUSINESS REVIEW


Continuation Vote

In the annual report and accounts for the year ended 30 September 2008, the Directors committed to proposing a further continuation vote at or prior to the next AGM. The Directors subsequently issued a circular to shareholders dated 24 August 2009 which set out their proposals for the future of the Company and these proposals, which included a proposed fundraising and a change to the Company's current investment policy, were approved by shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting of the Company which was held on 17 September 2009.


As indicated in the circular, it was not the Board's intention to put a further continuation vote to shareholders at the forthcoming AGM in the event that the proposed fundraising had been undertaken prior to the AGM. However, the proposed fundraising outlined in the circular has not proceeded to date and, accordingly, a continuation vote will be put to shareholders at this year's AGM. If the continuation vote is not passed, the Directors will convene a general meeting to be held within four months after the date of the continuation vote at which a special resolution will be proposed to require the Company to be wound up voluntarily or to approve proposals which provide shareholders with the opportunity to realise their investment. However, in the opinion of the Company's advisers, the continuation vote has a reasonable prospect of succeeding.


The Board and the Company's advisers are continuing to explore options with a view to increasing materially the size of the Company. It continues to be the Board's opinion that it is in the best interests of shareholders to enlarge the size of the Company. The Board believes that a substantial increase in the size of the Company should bring with it a number of benefits, including broadening the investor base, improving the liquidity in and marketability of its shares and lowering the Company's total expense ratio.


Accordingly, the Directors are unanimously recommending that shareholders vote in favour of the continuation vote at this year's AGM. If the continuation vote is passed, the Company's next continuation vote will be held at the Company's first annual general meeting following the financial year ending 30 September 2013.


Activities

The Company is an investment trust. Its subsidiary undertaking, G.I.T. Securities Limited, operates as an investment dealing company. There was no investment dealing activity in the year. 


Investment Objective and Policy

Following shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting held on 17 September 2009, the Company's investment objective is to provide shareholders with an attractive income yield and the prospect of income and capital growth through investing in a portfolio of predominantly UK equities.


Results and Dividends

The financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2009 appear on pages 27 to 46. Dividends declared in respect of the year amounted to 3.0p per share (2008 - 5.3005p). The fourth interim dividend of 0.75p per share announced on 4 October 2009 (2008 -1.8865p) will be accounted for in the financial year ending on 30 September 2010. As detailed in note 8, under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) the dividends accounted for in the 2009 results amount to 4.1365p per share (£5,022,000) compared to 5.3005p per share (£6,457,000) accounted for in the year ended 30 September 2008.


Share Capital

At the Annual General Meeting held on 19 December 2008, shareholders approved the renewal of the authority permitting the Company to make market purchases of its own Ordinary shares. This authority (which unless renewed, will expire at the conclusion of the Company's forthcoming AGM) is limited to Ordinary shares with a maximum aggregate nominal value of £4,549,972 (being equal to approximately 14.99% of the Ordinary shares in issue as at 19 December 2008). It is proposed that this authority will be renewed at the Company's forthcoming AGM (see Annual General Meeting below). During the year ended 30 September 2009, no Ordinary shares were purchased. The issued share capital at 30 September 2009 and as at the date of this report consisted of 121,413,532 Ordinary shares of 25p each and 528,985 Ordinary shares held in treasury. Each holder of an Ordinary share, excluding treasury shares, is entitled to one vote on a show of hands and, on a poll, to one vote for every Ordinary share held.


Principal Risks and Uncertainties and Risk Management

The principal risks facing the Company relate to the Company's investment activities and include market price risk (comprising interest rate risk, foreign currency risk and other price risk), liquidity risk and credit risk. An explanation of these risks and how they are managed is contained below and in note 19 to the financial statements.


Risk Management

The Directors are responsible for supervising the management of the Company, while the day-to-day management of the Company's assets has been delegated to the Manager. Troy is an independent fund management company aiming to generate absolute returns for investors over the longer term. Troy seeks to preserve and build investors' wealth by constructing conservative portfolios for the long term which demonstrate lower than average volatility. 


Portfolio exposure is limited by the investment guidelines drawn up by the Board in conjunction with the Manager. 


These include:

-    Overseas investments not to exceed 15% of gross assets;

-    UK equity portfolio to comprise between 30 and 50 individual holdings;

-    No more than 6% of gross assets in any one FTSE 100 stock;

-    No more than 3% of gross assets in any one Mid 250 stock;

-    No more than 2% of gross assets in any one small cap stock;

-    No more than 20% of gross assets in any one FTSE Industry Sector.


Analysis of Portfolio

A comprehensive analysis of the portfolio is given in the Manager's Review and the distribution of assets and liabilities.


Manager

With effect from 1 August 2009, investment management services are provided to the Company by Troy Asset Management Limited and the fee is at an annual rate of 0.75% of the Company's net assets. The key terms of the investment management agreement (including details of the arrangements relating to the termination of the Manager's appointment) are set out in the section entitled "Investment Management Agreement" below. 


Investment Management Agreement

Details of the fee charged by Troy (and previously Aberdeen) in the financial year and how it is calculated are set out in note 3 to the financial statements. The Board believes the fee charged by Troy (and previously Aberdeen) is competitive by comparison with other investment trusts with a similar investment mandate and is priced appropriately given the level of service provided by the Manager.


The contract between the Company and Troy may be terminated by either party on 6 months' notice, subject to an initial minimum term of 12 months following the passing of the continuation resolution which is to be proposed at the forthcoming annual general meeting of the Company (if that resolution is passed). If the continuation resolution is not passed and the Company is either wound up or is the subject of a reconstruction or amalgamation then the contract is terminable without notice or compensation. No compensation is payable to the Manager in the event of termination of the contract over and above payment in respect of the required minimum notice.


The contract is also terminable summarily by either party in the event of material breach by the other party; the occurrence of certain events suggesting the insolvency of the other party or relating to the winding up of the other party; the serious misconduct, negligence, wilful default, or fraud of the other party; or the Company being the subject of any reconstruction or amalgamation following a continuation vote having failed to be passed by the Company in general meeting and/or the Company being wound up, liquidated or dissolved. In addition, the Company is entitled to terminate the contract summarily (a) if Francis Brooke ceases to be a full-time executive of Troy, (b) if Troy ceases to have the appropriate FSA authorisation to manage the Company's assets, (c) if Troy or any of its employees or associates is involved in any conduct which is materially prejudicial to the interests of the Company, (d) if Troy undergoes a change of control (other than through a change of control whereby the existing management team of Sebastian Lyon, Francis Brooke and Simon de Zoete increases its aggregate holding in Troy to more than 50 per cent of the voting rights or through a change of control which does not involve a change of control of the Manager's ultimate holding company, (e) if the Company ceases to satisfy the conditions for approval as an investment trust by reason of the Manager's negligence or wilful default or (f) if an FSA audit or investigation gives rise to an adverse finding in relation to any significant aspect of the Manager's business which might be expected to have a materially adverse effect on the Company's business or reputation.


The Board considers the continuing appointment of the Manager to be in the best interests of the shareholders at this time. The Board believes Troy has the skills and experience appropriate to achieving the Company's investment objective.


Company Secretary

Company Secretarial, accounting and administrative services are provided by Aberdeen Asset Management PLC for an annual fee of £100,000, plus VAT, chargeable monthly in advance from 1 August 2009. This agreement is for an initial fixed period of six months and then may be terminated by either party on the basis of one month's notice.


Going Concern

The validity of the going concern basis depends on the continuation vote at the AGM being passed by shareholders. The primary purpose of the continuation vote is to determine whether the shareholders are satisfied to continue the operations of the Company. There is no guarantee that shareholders will pass the continuation vote at the AGM.


Other than this consideration, the Directors, having regard to the liquid nature of the Company's portfolio and the un-geared structure, are satisfied that the Company continues to be a going concern. Accordingly, the Directors believe that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.


Discount policy

The Company is introducing a new discount policy with effect from the conclusion of the forthcoming AGM. This policy will be to ensure that the Ordinary shares always trade at close to net asset value through a combination of share buy-backs coupled with the issue of new Ordinary shares at a premium to net asset value where demand exceeds supply. The implementation of the new discount policy will be dependent on the Company's authority to buy back Ordinary shares, and the Directors' authority to issue Ordinary shares on a non pre-emptive basis, being renewed at the forthcoming AGM.


This new discount control mechanism will be operated by Troy for an initial fee (additional to its investment management fee) of £15,000 (excluding VAT) for the first 6 months and £30,000 per annum (excluding VAT) thereafter.


The Directors will continue to seek the renewal of the Company's authority to buy back Ordinary shares annually and at other times should this prove necessary. Any buy-back of Ordinary shares will be made subject to the Companies Act 2006 and within guidelines established from time to time by the Board and the making and timing of any buy-backs will be at the absolute discretion of the Board. The Directors will be authorised to cancel any Ordinary shares purchased under such authority or to hold them in treasury. Purchases of Ordinary shares will only be made through the market for cash at prices below the prevailing net asset value of the Ordinary shares (as last published). Such purchases will also only be made in accordance with the rules of the UK Listing Authority which provide that the price to be paid must not be less than the nominal value of an Ordinary share nor more than the higher of (a) 5% above the average of the middle market quotations for the Ordinary Shares for the five business days before the purchase is made and (b) the higher of the price of the last independent trade and the highest current independent bid relating to an Ordinary share on the trading venue where the purchase is carried out.


It is the intention of the Directors that the share buy-back authority will be used to purchase Ordinary shares if the middle market price for a Share is below the net asset value per Ordinary share most recently published by the Company (taking into account any rights to which the Ordinary shares are trading "ex"). However, nothing in this discount policy will require the Directors to take any steps that would require the Company to make a tender offer for its shares or to publish a prospectus. Notwithstanding this discount policy, there is no guarantee that the Ordinary shares will trade at close to the net asset value per Ordinary share. Shareholders should note that the implementation of this discount policy could lead to a reduction in the size of the Company over time.


By Order of the Board

Aberdeen Asset Management PLC

Secretaries

8 December 2009



5. STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES


The Directors are responsible for preparing the Report & Accounts including the group and parent company financial statements, in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the Directors to prepare group and parent company financial statements for each financial year. Under the law they are required to prepare the group financial statements in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and have elected to prepare the parent company financial statements on the same basis.


The group and parent company financial statements are required by law and IFRSs, as adopted by the EU, to present fairly the financial position of the group and the parent company and performance of the group; the Companies Act 2006 provides in relation to such financial statements that references in the relevant part of that Act to financial statements giving a true and fair view are references to their achieving a fair presentation.


In preparing each of the group and parent company financial statements, the Directors are required to: 


-    select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

-    make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

-    state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Notes to the Financial Statements; and

-    prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the group and the parent company will continue in business.


The Directors confirm that the financial statements comply with these requirements.


The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the parent company and enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.


Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible for preparing a Directors' Report including a Corporate Governance Statement and a Directors' Remuneration Report that comply with that law and those regulations.


The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in the UK governing 

the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.


Each of the Directors confirms that to the best of their knowledge:


-    the group financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRSs, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group; and

-    the Directors' Report (incorporating the other sections of this document which are referred to in it) includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that the Group faces.


For and on behalf of Glasgow Income Trust plc

I .M. Boyd

Chairman of the Audit Committee

8 December 2009

  GLASGOW INCOME TRUST PLC


CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT


 

 

Year ended

Year ended

 


 

30 September 2009

 

30 September 2008

 


Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

 

Note

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Losses on investments held at fair value

10

-

(7,952)

(7,952)

-

(42,684)

(42,684)

Currency losses


-

(18)

(18)

-

-

-

 







 

Revenue

2






 

Income from listed investments


4,007

-

4,007

7,100

-

4,540

Other income


863

14

877

1,243

25

83



______

_______

______

_______

_______

_______

 

 

4,870

(7,956)

(3,086)

8,343

(42,659)

(34,316)



______

_______

______

_______

_______

_______

Expenses







 

Investment management fees

3

(172)

(172)

(344)

(351)

(351)

(702)

VAT recoverable on investment management fees

21

250 

216 

466

-

-

-

Other administrative expenses

4

(411)

-

(411)

(287)

-

(287)

Finance costs of borrowing

5

(1)

(1)

(2)

(11)

(11)

(22)

Zero coupon finance costs

14

-

(5,061)

(5,061)

-

(4,108)

(4,108)



______

_______

______

_______

_______

_______

Profit/(loss) before taxation


4,536

(12,974)

(8,438)

7,694

(47,129)

(39,435)

Taxation

6

(579)

(12)

(591)

(904)

105

(799)



______

_______

______

_______

_______

_______

Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders of the Company

 

3,957

(12,986)

(9,029)

6,790

(47,024)

(40,234)

 


______

_______

______

_______

_______

_______

Earnings per Ordinary share (pence)

9

3.26

(10.70)

(7.44)

5.58

(38.62)

(33.04)

 


______

_______

______

_______

_______

_______


The total column of this statement represents the Group's Income Statement, prepared in accordance with IFRS. The supplementary revenue return and capital columns are both prepared as explained in the accounting policies. All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.

All income and losses are attributable to the equity holders of the parent company. There are no minority interests.

No operations were acquired or discontinued during the year.

The Directors are of the opinion that the Group is engaged in a single segment business, being investment business.

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


  GLASGOW INCOME TRUST PLC


BALANCE SHEETS


 

 

Group

Company

 


 

 As at 

 

 As at 

 

 As at 

 

 As at 

 


 30 September 

 30 September 

 30 September 

 30 September 

 


2009

2008

2009

2008

 

Note

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Non-current assets





 

Ordinary shares


49,633 

71,202 

49,633 

71,202 

Convertibles


238 

1,890 

238 

1,890 

Corporate bonds


-

29,075 

-

29,075 

Other fixed interest

 

1,975 

9,941 

1,975 

9,941 



______

_______

______

_______

Investments held at fair value through profit or loss

10

51,846 

112,108 

51,846 

112,108 

Zero coupon finance derivatives at fair value

14

-

21,715 

-

21,715 

Subsidiary

11

-

-



______

_______

______

_______

 

 

51,846 

133,823 

51,851 

133,828 

 


______

_______

______

_______

Current assets





 

Trade and other receivables


-

298 

-

298 

Accrued income and prepayments


232 

1,755 

232 

1,755 

VAT recoverable on investment management fees


466 

-

466 

-

Interest due on recoverable VAT on investment management fees


72 

-

72 

-

AAA money market funds


-

6,338 

-

6,338 

Cash and short term deposits


1,896 

10,730 

1,896 

10,730 

Zero coupon finance derivatives at fair value

14

-

27 

-

27 



______

_______

______

_______

Total current assets

12

2,666 

19,148 

2,666 

19,148 



______

_______

______

_______

Total assets


54,512 

152,971 

 54,517 

152,976 

 





 

Current liabilities





 

Corporation tax payable


 (223)

 (392)

 (223)

 (435)

Trade and other payables


 (297)

 (459)

 (484)

 (640)

Zero coupon finance derivatives at fair value

14

-

(5,360)

-

(5,360)



______

_______

______

_______

Total current liabilities

13

(520)

 (6,211)

 (707)

 (6,435)

Non-current liabilities


______

_______

______

_______

Zero coupon finance derivatives at fair value

14

-

 (78,717)

-

  (78,717)



______

_______

______

_______

Total liabilities


 (520)

(84,928)

 (707)

(85,152)



______

_______

______

_______

Net assets

 

 53,992 

 68,043 

53,810 

67,824 

 


______

_______

______

_______


Issued capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the parent 

Called-up share capital

15

30,486 

30,486 

 30,486 

 30,486 

Share premium account

16

 53,204 

 53,204 

 53,204 

 53,204 

Special reserve

17

 4,658 

 4,658 

 4,658 

 4,658 

Capital reserve

18

(37,243)

 (24,257)

 (37,243)

 (24,257)

Revenue reserve

18

 2,887 

 3,952 

2,705 

3,733 



______

_______

______

_______

Equity shareholders' funds

 

53,992 

 68,043 

53,810 

67,824 

 


______

_______

______

_______

Net asset value per Ordinary share (pence)

9

44.47

56.04

 

 



______

_______

______

_______


 

 

GLASGOW INCOME TRUST PLC


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY


For year ended 30 September 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Share  




 

 

 Share 

premium 

Special 

 Capital 

 Revenue 

 

 

capital 

 account 

reserve 

 reserve 

 reserve 

 Total 

 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

Balance at 30 September 2008

30,486 

 53,204 

 4,658 

(24,257)

3,952 

 68,043 

(Loss)/profit after tax

-

-

-

(12,986)

3,957 

(9,029)

Equity dividends

-

-

-

-

(5,022)

 (5,022)


______

______

______

______

______

______

Balance at 30 September 2009

30,486 

53,204 

4,658 

(37,243)

2,887 

53,992 


______

______

______

______

______

______

 






 

For year ended 30 September 2008






 

 






 

Balance at 30 September 2007

30,486 

 53,205 

 5,000 

22,767 

 3,619 

 115,077 

(Loss)/profit after tax

-

-

-

(47,024)

 6,790 

(40,234)

Equity dividends

-

-

-

-

 (6,457)

 (6,457)

Share issue expense

-

 (1)

-

-

-

 (1)

Shares bought back

-

-

 (342)

-

-

(342)


______

______

______

______

______

______

Balance at 30 September 2008

30,486 

 53,204 

 4,658 

(24,257)

3,952 

68,043 


______

______

______

______

______

______

 






 

Company Statement of Changes in Equity 

 






 

Year ended 30 September 2009






 

 


 

Share  




 

 

 Share 

premium 

Special 

 Capital 

 Revenue 

 

 

capital 

 account 

reserve 

 reserve 

 reserve 

 Total 

 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

Balance at 30 September 2008

30,486 

 53,204 

 4,658 

(24,257)

 3,733 

 67,824 

(Loss)/profit after tax

-

-

-

(12,986)

3,994 

(8,992)

Equity dividends

-

-

-

-

 (5,022)

(5,022)


______

______

______

______

______

______

Balance at 30 September 2009

30,486 

53,204 

4,658 

(37,243)

2,705 

53,810 

 

______

______

______

______

______

______








For year ended 30 September 2008






 

 






 

Balance at 30 September 2007

30,486 

 53,205 

 5,000 

 22,767 

3,375 

114,833 

(Loss)/profit after tax

-

-

-

(47,024)

 6,815 

(40,209)

Equity dividends

-

-

-

-

(6,457)

 (6,457)

Share issue expense

-

(1)

-

-

-

 (1)

Shares bought back

-

-

 (342)

-

-

(342)


______

______

______

______

______

______

Balance at 30 September 2008

30,486 

53,204 

4,658 

(24,257)

3,733 

67,824 


______

______

______

______

______

______


 

 

GLASGOW INCOME TRUST PLC


GROUP AND COMPANY CASH FLOW STATEMENT


 

Year ended

Year ended

 

30 September 2009

30 September 2008

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Cash flows from operating activities 




 

Investment income received

5,389 


7,552 

 

Deposit interest received

334 


547 

 

Dealing subsidiary receipts

-


 673 

 

Other cash receipts

 605 


591 

 

Administrative expenses paid

 (806)


 (1,111)

 


________


________


Cash generated from operations

 

5,522 

 

8,252 

Interest paid


(2)


(22)

Taxation


(753)


 (625)



________


________

Net cash inflows from operating activities

 

4,767 

 

7,605 

 





Cash flows from investing activities




 

Purchases of investments

 (31,937)


(44,163)

 

Sales of investments

84,434 


60,710 

 

Zero coupon finance repaid

 (67,396)


-

 


________


________


Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities

 

(14,899)

 

16,547 



________


________

Net cash (outflow)/inflow before financing


(10,132)


24,152 

 




 

Financing activities




 

Proceeds of issue of shares

-


(1)

 

Cost of share buy backs

-


(342)

 

Dividends paid

(5,022)


(6,457)

 


________


________


Net cash outflow from financing activities

 

(5,022)

 

 (6,800)



________


________

Net cash (outflow)/inflow before management of liquid resources


(15,154)


17,352 

 




 

Management of liquid resources




 

Purchase of AAA money market funds

(1,141)


(18,843)

 

Sale of AAA money market funds

7,479 

 

12,505 

 


________


________


Net cash inflow/(outflow) from management of liquid resources

 

 6,338 

 

 (6,338)



________


________

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and short term deposits


(8,816)


11,014 

Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the year


10,730 


 (284)

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes


(18)


-



________


________

Cash and short term deposits at the end of the year

 

1,896 

 

10,730 



________


________



 

 

GLASGOW INCOME TRUST PLC

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2008


1. 

 Accounting policies 

 

 (a) 

Basis of accounting

 


The financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) which comprise standards and interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"), and International Accounting Standards and Standing Interpretations Committee interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Committee ("IASC") that remain in effect, and to the extent that they have been adopted by the European Union.

 


 

 


The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. These policies have been applied consistently throughout the year. Where presentational guidance set out in the Statement of Recommended Practice ("SORP") 'Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts' (issued in January 2009 and adopted early) is consistent with the requirements of IFRS, the Directors have sought to prepare the financial statements on a basis compliant with the recommendations of the SORP. The early adoption of the January 2009 SORP had no effect on the financial statements of the Company, other than:

 


the requirement to separately disclose capital reserves that relate to the revaluation of investments held at the reporting date. These are disclosed in note 10. This new requirement replaces the previous requirement to disclose the value of the capital reserve that was unrealised.

 


 the requirement to present tax reconciliations based on the total column of the Income Statement rather than the revenue column as was previously recommended. The reconciliation is disclosed in note 6. 

 


 

 


In order to better reflect the activities of an investment trust company and in accordance with guidance issued by the AIC, supplementary information which analyses the Income Statement between items of a revenue and capital nature has been presented alongside the Income Statement. In accordance with the Company's status as a UK investment company under Section 833-834 of the Companies Act 2006, net capital returns may not be distributed by way of dividend. Additionally, the net revenue of the Company is the measure the Directors believe appropriate in assessing the Group's compliance with certain requirements set out in Section 842 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.

 


 

 


At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following Standards and Interpretations were in issue but not yet effective:

 


 -  

Amendment to IAS 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements : comprehensive revision including requiring a statement of comprehensive income (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). 

 


 -  

Amendment to IAS1 - Presentation of Financial Statements : a Revised Presentation relating to disclosure of puttable instruments and obligations arising on liquidation (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). 

 


 -  

Amendment to IAS 7 - Statement of Cash Flows (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010). 

 


-

Amendment to IAS 23 - Borrowing Costs: Amendment requiring that all borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset form part of the cost of the asset (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009).

 


 -  

Amendment to IAS 27 - Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements : consequential amendments arising to IFRS 3 (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009). 

 


 -  

Amendment to IAS 29 - Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). 

 


 -  

 Amendment to IAS 32 - Financial Instruments: Presentation (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). 

 


 -  

 Amendment to IAS 36 - Impairment of Assets : amendments resulting from May 2008 Annual Improvements to IFRSs (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009) 

 


 -  

 Amendment to IAS 36 - Impairment of Assets : amendments resulting from April 2009 Annual Improvements to IFRSs (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010). 

 


 -  

 Amendment to IAS 39 - Financial Instruments : amendments for eligible hedged items (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009). 

 


 -  

 Amendment to IAS 39 - Financial Instruments : amendments for embedded derivatives when reclassifying financial instruments (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 30 June 2009). 

 


 -  

 Amendment to IAS 39 - Financial Instruments : amendments resulting from April 2009 Annual Improvements to IFRSs (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010). 

 


 -  

 Revised IFRS 1 - First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). 

 


 -  

 Revised IFRS 7 - Financial Instruments (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). 

 


 -  

 IFRS 8 - Operating Segments (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). 

 


 -  

 Revised IFRS 8 - Operating Segments : amendments resulting from April 2009 Annual Improvements to IFRSs (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010). 

 



 

 


The Directors do not anticipate that the adoption of these Standards and Interpretations in future periods will materially impact the Group's financial results in the period of initial application although there will be revised presentations to the Primary Financial Statements and additional disclosures. Any future business combinations will be affected. The Group intends to adopt the standards in the reporting period when they become effective.

 


 

 

 (b) 

Consolidation

 


The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) made up to 30 September each year. Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an investee entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. The Company has availed itself of the relief from showing an Income Statement for the parent company, granted under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.

 


 

 

 (c) 

Investments - Securities held at Fair Value

 


Investments are recognised or derecognised on the trade date where a purchase or sale is under a contract whose terms require delivery within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially measured at fair value.

 


 

 


The Group's investments are defined by IFRS as investments designated as fair value through profit or loss. All investments are designated upon initial recognition as held at fair value and are measured at subsequent reporting dates at their fair value, which is the bid price as at close of business on the Balance Sheet date.

 


 

 


Gains and losses arising from the changes in fair value are included in net profit or loss for the period as a capital item. Expenses which are incidental to the acquisition and disposal of investments are treated as capital costs.

 


 

 

 (d) 

Investments held in dealing subsidiary

 


Investments held are shown as current assets at fair value. Gains and losses arising on these investments are dealt with in the revenue column of the Consolidated Income Statement. In respect of the Company the subsidiary is held at cost with any amounts owed to or from the subsidiary included in the relevant Balance Sheet heading.

 


 

 

 (e) 

Zero coupon finance

 


The Company had in place medium-term funding in the form of zero coupon finance through a series of option transactions on the FTSE 100 Index. All of these were fully repaid during the year. The option contracts were accounted for as separate derivative contracts and therefore were shown on the Balance Sheet at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of the option contracts are charged or credited to capital and presented as a capital item in the Income Statement.

 


 

 

 (f) 

Money market funds

 


The AAA money market funds are used by the Company to provide additional short term liquidity. As they are not listed on a recognised exchange and due to their short term nature, they are recognised in the financial statements at cost and as a current asset.

 


 

 

 (g) 

Income

 


Dividend income from equity investments including preference shares which have a discretionary dividend is recognised when the shareholders' rights to receive payment has been established, normally the ex-dividend date.

 


 

 


Interest from debt securities is accounted for on an effective yield basis. Any write off of the premium or discount on acquisition as a result of using this basis is allocated as a revenue item in the Income Statement. Interest from deposits is dealt with on an accrual basis.

 


 

 


Traded option contracts are restricted to writing out of the money options with a view to generating income. Premiums received on traded option contracts are recognised as income evenly over the period from the date they are written to the date when they expire or are exercised or assigned. Gains and losses on the underlying shares acquired or disposed as a result of options exercised are included in the capital account. 

 


 

 


Underwriting commission is taken to revenue, unless any shares underwritten are required to be taken up, in which case the proportionate commission received is deducted from the cost of the investment.

 



 

 (h) 

Expenses

 


All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. In respect of the analysis between revenue and capital items presented within the Income Statement, all expenses have been presented as revenue items except those where a connection with the maintenance or enhancement of the value of the investments held can be demonstrated. Accordingly the investment management fee and finance costs have been allocated 50% to revenue and 50% to capital, in order to reflect the Directors' expected long-term view of the nature of the investment returns of the Company.

 


 

 

 (i) 

Bank borrowings

 


Interest-bearing bank loans and overdrafts are initially recognised at cost, being the fair value of the consideration received, net of any issue expenses. Finance charges, including premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs, are accounted for on an accruals basis in the Income Statement using the effective interest rate method.

 


 

 

 (j) 

Taxation

 


The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the Balance Sheet date.

 


 

 


The allocation method used to calculate tax relief on expenses presented against capital returns is the 'marginal basis'. Under this basis if taxable income is not capable of being offset entirely by expenses presented in revenue then unutilised expenses arising in capital will be set against income with an amount based on current tax rates charged against income and credited to capital.

 


 

 

 

Deferred tax is provided in full on temporary differences which result in an obligation at the Balance Sheet date to pay more tax, or a right to pay less tax, at a future date at rates expected to apply when they crystallise, based on current tax rates and law. Temporary differences arise from the inclusion of items of income and expenditure in taxation computations in periods different from those in which they are included in financial statements. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is regarded as more likely than not that they will be recovered.


 

 

 2009 

 2008 

 2. 

Income

 £'000 

 £'000 

 

Income from listed investments


 

 

UK dividend income

2,548

4,540

 

Interest income from investments and overseas interest

1,371

2,502

 

Stock dividend

47

41

 

Underwriting income

41

17



________

________

 

 

4,007

7,100

 


________

________

 

Other income from investment activity


 

 

Deposit interest

242

451

 

AAA money market funds interest

43

145

 

Interest on recoverable VAT on management fees

72

-

 

Traded option premiums

506

673

 

Loss on sale of investments in dealing company

-

(26)



________

________

 

 

863

1,243



________

________

 

Total income

4,870

8,343



________

________

 



 

 

In addition to the above which has been reported as revenue, there is £14,000 (2008 - £25,000) of income reported as capital. The amount received in 2009 was surplus rehypothication fees, whilst the amount received in 2008 was an incentive payment for early instruction on a proposed amendment to the terms of a preference share holding.


3. 

Investment management fees

 

For the year ended 30 September 2009 investment management services were provided by Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited ('AAM') until 31 July 2009, at which point Troy Asset Management Limited ('Troy') took over as the Investment Manager. The investment management fee paid to both Troy and AAM was at an annual rate of 0.75%, calculated monthly and paid quarterly. The fee is allocated 50% to revenue and 50% to capital.

 


 

Note 21 provides further information on the current status of VAT charged on management fees.

 



 


 2009 

 2008 

 


Revenue 

Capital 

 Total 

Revenue 

Capital 

 Total 

 

 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 

Investment management fee - AAM

139 

139 

278 

351 

351 

702 

 

Investment management fee - Troy

33 

33 

 66 

-

-

-



_______

______

______

______

______

______

 

 

172 

172 

344 

351 

351 

702 



_______

______

______

______

______

______


 


2009

2008

4. 

Administrative expenses

£'000

£'000

 

Directors' remuneration - fees as Directors

62 

61 

 

Secretarial fees

19 

-

 

Fees payable to auditors (excluding irrecoverable VAT):


 

 

-

fees payable to the Company's auditors for the audit of the annual accounts 

17 

17 

 

Marketing contribution

35 

75 

 

Other management expenses{A}

278 

134 



_______

______

 


411 

287 



_______

______

 

{A} Includes non-recurring expenses of £112,500 (2008 - £nil).


 

 



 

 

Following the appointment of Troy, the Company continues to receive secretarial services from Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited ("AAM"), which is charged at a rate of £100,000 per annum exclusive of VAT. Prior to this period secretarial services had been provided by AAM as part of their role as the investment manager. 

 

 

 

With the exception of the fees payable to the auditors, irrecoverable VAT has been included under the relevant expense line above. Irrecoverable VAT on fees payable to the auditors is included within other management expenses.

 

 

 

The Company had no employees during the year (2008 - nil). No pension contributions were paid for Directors (2008 - £nil). 


 

 

 2009 

 2008 

 


 Revenue 

 Capital 

 Total 

Revenue 

Capital 

 Total 

 5. 

Finance costs and borrowings

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 

Bank loans and overdrafts repayable within one year

11 

11 

22 

 


______

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

 

Interest on short-term bank loans and overdrafts is at floating rates related to LIBOR and UK base rates respectively.


 

 

 2009 

 2008 

 


 Revenue 

 Capital 

 Total 

Revenue 

Capital 

 Total 

 6. 

Taxation

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 

Current corporation tax

533 

12 

545 

904 

 (105)

 799 

 

Prior year adjustment

40 

-

40 

-

-

-

 

Irrecoverable overseas tax

 6 

-

 6 

-

-

-



_______

______

______

______

______

______

 

 

579 

12 

591 

904 

(105)

799 



_______

______

______

______

______

______

 







 

 

Due to the refund of VAT on management fees, previously accounted for in capital, taxable income exceeds expenses in capital. On that basis a current year charge of £12,000, being £43,000 at 28%, is allocated to capital.

 


 

At 30 September 2009, the Group had no surplus management expenses or non-trade debits (2008 - £nil) to carry forward. No deferred tax has been recognised in the current or prior periods.

 


 

The following table is a reconciliation of the current taxation charge/(credit) to the charges or credits which would arise if all ordinary activities were taxed at the standard UK corporation tax rate of 28% (2008 - 29%):

 


 


 2009 

 2008 

 


Revenue 

 Capital 

Total 

Revenue 

Capital 

Total 

 

 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 £'000 

 

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

 4,536 

(12,974)

(8,438)

7,694 

(47,129)

(39,435)



_______

______

_____

______

_______

_____

 







 

 

Taxation of return on ordinary activities at the standard rate of corporation tax

1,270 

(3,633)

(2,363)

2,231 

(13,667)

(11,436)

 

Effects of:






 

 

UK dividend income not liable to further tax

(713)

-

(713)

  (1,316)

-

  (1,316)

 

Overseas dividend income not liable to further tax

(11)

-

(11)

-

-

-

 

Stock dividend not taxable

(13)

-

 (13)

(11)

-

(11)

 

Capital losses not taxable

-

3,645 

 3,645 

-

13,562 

13,562 

 

Overseas withholding tax suffered

-

 6 

-

-

-

 

Prior year adjustment

40 

-

 40 

-

-

-



_______

______

_____

______

_______

_____

 

Current taxation charge/(credit) for the year

579 

12 

591 

904 

(105)

799 



_______

______

_____

______

_______

_____


7. 

Profit attributable to Ordinary shareholders of the Company 

 

The revenue profit attributable to equity holders of the Group for the financial year includes £3,994,000 (2008 - £6,815,000) which has been dealt with in the Company's financial statements. 


 

 

2009

2008

 8. 

Dividends on equity shares

£'000

£'000

 

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the year:


 

 

Fifth interim dividend for the year ended 30 September 2007 of 1.8865p per share

-

2,300 

 

Fourth interim dividend for the year ended 30 September 2008 of 1.8865p

2,290 

-

 

Three interim dividends for the year ended 30 September 2009 totalling 2.25p (2008 - three interims totalling 3.414p) per share

2,732 

4,157 



________

________

 

 

5,022 

6,457 



________

________

 



 

 

The fourth interim dividend of 0.75p per share, declared on 1 October 2009 and paid on 30 October 2009 has not been included as a liability in these financial statements.

 

 

 

We also set out below the total dividend payable in respect of the financial year, which is the basis on which the requirements of Section 842 Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 are considered.

 



 

 


2009

2008

 

 

£'000

£'000

 

Three interim dividends for the year ended 30 September 2009 totalling 2.25p (2008 - 3.414p) per share

2,732 

4,157 

 

Fourth interim dividend for the year ended 30 September 2009 of 0.75p (2008 - 1.8865p) per share

 911 

2,290 



________

________

 

 

3,643 

6,447 



________

________


 

 

2009

2008

 9. 

Return and net asset value per share

£'000

£'000

 

The returns per share are based on the following figures:


 

 

Revenue return

3,957 

6,790 

 

Capital return

(12,986)

(47,024)



________

________

 

Total

(9,029)

(40,234)

 


________

________

 

Weighted average number of Ordinary shares

121,413,532 

121,767,858 

 


__________

__________



 

The net asset value per share is based on net assets attributable to shareholders of £53,992,000 (2008 - £68,043,000) and on 121,413,532 (2008 - 121,413,532) Ordinary shares in issue at the year end. 


 


 Group & Company 

 


2009

2008

 10. 

Non-current assets - Securities at fair value

£'000

£'000

 

Listed on recognised stock exchanges:


 

 

United Kingdom

48,281 

105,000 

 

Overseas

3,565 

7,108 



________

________

 


51,846 

112,108 



________

________

 



 

 


 Group & Company 

 


2009

2008

 


£'000

£'000

 

Cost at 30 September 2008

135,042 

160,041 

 

Investment holdings (losses)/gains at 30 September 2008

 (22,934)

 11,374 



________

________

 

Fair value at 30 September 2008

 112,108 

171,415 

 

Purchases

31,826 

 44,274 

 

Capital event

-

41 

 

Effective yield adjustment

 (3)

24 

 

Sales

- proceeds

 (84,136)

 (61,023)

 


- net losses on sales

 (31,310)

(8,315)

 

Movement in fair value during the year

23,361 

 (34,308)



________

________

 

Valuation at 30 September 2009

51,846 

112,108 

 


________

________

 



 

 

Cost at 30 September 2009

51,419 

135,042 

 

Investment holdings gains/(losses) at 30 September 2009

427 

(22,934)



________

________

 

Valuation at 30 September 2009

51,846 

112,108 



________

________

 

 

 

All investments are categorised as held at fair value through profit or loss, with the exception of the subsidiary, and were designated as such upon initial recognition. The subsidiary is held at cost.

 

 

 

The total transaction costs on purchases was £128,000 (2008 - £192,000) and on sales £57,000 (2008 - £72,000).

 

 

 


 Group & Company 

 


2009

2008

 

Losses on investments held at fair value

£'000

£'000

 

Net losses on sales

(31,310)

(8,315)

 

Movement in investment holdings gains/(losses)

23,361 

(34,308)

 

Movement in fair value of traded option contracts

 (3)

(61)



________

________

 


(7,952)

(42,684)

 


________

________

 

The above table includes the following effects of traded option activity:


 

 


Group & Company

 


2009

 2008 

 


£'000

 £'000 

 

Call options exercised

(38)

(134)

 

Put options assigned

(550)

(132)




________

________

 

 

 

(588)

(266)




________

________


 

 

 Company 

 


2009

2008

 11. 

Subsidiary

£'000

£'000

 

Shares at cost

 


________

________



 

The Company owns 100% of the Ordinary share capital of its sole subsidiary, G.I.T. Securities Limited, an investment dealing company registered in Scotland.


 

 

 Group 

 Company 

 


2009

2008

2009

2008

 12. 

Current assets

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

Investment sales

-

298 

-

298 

 

Accrued income and prepayments

232 

1,755 

232 

1,755 

 

VAT recoverable on investment management fees

466 

-

466 

-

 

Interest due on recoverable VAT on investment management fees

72 

-

72 

-

 

Cash and cash equivalents

1,896 

17,068 

1,896 

17,068 

 

Zero coupon finance derivatives at fair value

-

27 

-

27 



________

________

________

________

 

 

2,666 

19,148 

2,666 

19,148 



________

________

________

________


 

 

 Group 

 Company 

 


2009

2008

2009

2008

 13. 

Current liabilities

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

Investment purchases

-

111 

-

111 

 

Corporation tax

223 

392 

  223 

435 

 

Other creditors

297 

348 

484 

529 

 

Zero coupon finance derivatives at fair value

-

5,360 

-

5,360 



________

________

________

________

 

 

520 

6,211 

707 

6,435 



________

________

________

________

 





 

 

Interest on short-term bank loans and overdrafts is at floating rates related to LIBOR and UK base rates respectively.


14. 

Zero coupon finance 

 

The zero coupon finance arrangement comprised a set of separately traded financial instruments (FTSE 100 Index options) each with its own market value. The options ran until 2008, 2010 and 2011. All of these were fully repaid during the year. Set out below is a breakdown of the different options split between put and call options and assets and liabilities as disclosed in the Balance Sheet. The change in the net total market value of the options in each accounting period was treated as an unrealised loss and charged to the capital column of the Consolidated Income Statement.

 


 

As there was no outstanding positions at 30 September 2009 there is no collateral requirement. As at 30 September 2008, the Company had pledged collateral of 148% of the value of this finance, being £5.6 million cash and £87.2 million of securities. 

 



 

 


2009

2008

 

Fair value at 30 September 2009

£'000

£'000

 

Non-current assets


 

 

Call options expiring in January 2010

-

  559 

 

Call options expiring in April 2011

-

2,318 

 

Put options expiring in January 2010

-

8,988 

 

Put options expiring in April 2011

-

9,850 



________

________

 

 

-

21,715 

 


________

________

 

Current assets


 

 

Call option expiring in December 2008

-

24 

 

Put option expiring in December 2008

-



________

________

 

 

-

27 

 


________

________

 

Non-current liabilities


 

 

Call options expiring in January 2010

-

(8,891)

 

Call options expiring in April 2011

-

(12,036)

 

Put options expiring in January 2010

-

(30,699)

 

Put options expiring in April 2011

-

(27,091)



________

________

 

 

-

(78,717)

 


________

________

 

Current liabilities


 

 

Call option expiring in December 2008

-

 (3,479)

 

Put option expiring in December 2008

-

 (1,881)



________

________

 

 

-

 (5,360)



________

________

 

Net zero coupon finance liability - fair value

-

(62,335)

 


________

________

 

The movements in the fair value of this finance were as follows:


 

 


Group and Company

 


2009

2008

 

 

£'000

£'000

 

At 30 September 2008

62,335 

58,227 

 

Cost of closure of existing zero coupon finance arrangements

(67,396)

-

 

Finance costs charged to capital

5,061 

4,108 



________

________

 

At 30 September 2009

-

62,335 



________

________


 

 

 Ordinary shares of 25p each 

 15. 

Called-up share capital 

 Number 

 £'000 

 

Authorised 


 

 

At 30 September 2009 & 30 September 2008 

200,000,000 

50,000 

 



 

 

Allotted, called up and fully paid 


 

 

At 30 September 2009 

121,413,532 

30,354 

 

Held in treasury 

528,985 

132 

 

 

121,942,517 

30,486 

 



 

 

During the year to 30 September 2009 there were no repurchases of Ordinary shares of 25p each by the Company. During the year to 30 September 2008 there were 528,985 Ordinary shares of 25p each repurchased by the Company at a total cost, including transaction costs of £342,000.

 

 

 

There were no shares placed in treasury during the year (2008 - 528,985). No shares were purchased for cancellation during the year. At the year end 528,985 (2008 - 528,985) shares were held in treasury, which represents 0.43% (2008 - 0.43%) of the Company's total issued share capital at 30 September 2009.


 

 

2009

2008

 16. 

Share premium account

£'000

£'000

 

At 30 September 2008 and 2007 respectively

53,204 

53,205 

 

Expenses of issue during year

-

(1)



________

________

 

At 30 September 2009 and 2008 respectively

53,204 

53,204 



________

________


 

 

2009

2008

 17. 

Special reserve

£'000

£'000

 

At 30 September 2008 and 2007 respectively

4,658 

5,000 

 

Shares bought back during the year into treasury

-

 (342)



________

________

 

At 30 September 2009 and 2008 respectively

4,658 

 4,658 

 


________

________



 

The purpose of this reserve is to fund market purchases by the Company of its own Ordinary shares.


 

 

 Group & Company 

 


2009

2008

 18. 

Analysis of retained earnings

£'000

£'000

 

Capital reserve


 

 

At 30 September 2008/2007 respectively

8,550 

17,097 

 

Net losses on sales of investments during the year

(31,310)

(8,315)

 

Finance costs of borrowings (note 5)

 (1)

(11)

 

Tax (charges)/credit allocated to capital

(12)

105 

 

Zero coupon finance costs

(14,937)

-

 

Incentive payment (see note 2)

-

25 

 

Surplus rehypothication fees (see note 2)

14 

-

 

Investment management fee

(172)

(351)

 

VAT recoverable on investment management fees

216 

-

 

Currency losses

(18)

-



________

________

 

At 30 September 2009/2008 respectively

(37,670)

8,550 

 


________

________

 

Investment holdings gains/(losses)


 

 

At 30 September 2008/2007 respectively

(32,807)

5,670 

 

Fixed asset investment gains/(losses)

23,361 

(34,308)

 

Zero coupon finance costs

 9,876 

(4,108)

 

Movement in fair value of traded option contracts

(3)

 (61)



________

________

 

 

427 

(32,807)



________

________

 

Total capital reserve

(37,243)

(24,257)



________

________

 



 

 

The zero coupon finance costs attributed to the capital reserve in the year (£14,937,000) represents the movement from the original cost of the instruments when the positions were taken out compared to their value on the dates when they were repaid or redeemed. The credit of £9,876,000 reflected in investment holdings gains represents the reversal of the holding loss shown at the last year end. 

 





 

 


 Group 

Company 

 Group  

 Company 

 


2009

2009

2008

2008

 

Revenue reserve

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

At 30 September 2008/2007 respectively

3,952 

3,733 

3,619 

3,375 

 

Transfer to revenue account net of dividends

 (1,065)

 (1,028)

333 

358 



________

________

________

________

 

At 30 September 2009/2008 respectively

2,887 

2,705 

3,952 

3,733 



________

________

________

________


19.

Risk management, financial assets and liabilities

 

Risk management

 

With effect from 17 September 2009, the Company's objective changed to that of providing shareholders with an attractive income yield and the prospect of income and capital growth through investing in a portfolio of predominately UK equities.

 

 

 

In pursuit of the Company's objective, the Company's investment policy is to invest in a portfolio of predominately UK equities. Equities are selected for their inclusion within the portfolio solely on the basis of the strength of the investment case with the focus being on long term income growth along with capital preservation.

 

 

 

Asset classes other than equities will be purchased from time to time and will vary as opportunities are identified and will include convertibles, preference shares, fixed income securities and corporate bonds. Investments will be made when prospective returns appear to be superior to those from equity markets or are considered likely to exceed the Company's borrowing costs. However, non-equity securities will not constitute the majority of the portfolio. The Company may also use derivatives for the purpose of efficient portfolio management (including reducing, transferring or eliminating investment risk in its investments and protection against currency risk), to exploit an investment opportunity and to achieve capital growth.

 

 

 

The management of the portfolio is conducted according to investment guidelines, established by the Board after discussion with the Manager, which specify the limits within which the Manager is authorised to act.

 

 

 

The Company's previous investment objective of providing a high and growing dividend with capital growth was addressed by investing primarily in UK equities to provide growth in capital and income and in fixed income securities to provide a high level of income. Additional revenue was generated from premiums earned by writing out of the money traded options against assets held in the portfolio and writing put options.

 

 

 

Financial assets and liabilities

 

The Group's financial assets include investments, cash at bank and short-term debtors. Financial liabilities consist of short-term creditors.

 

 

 

The main risks the Company faces from its financial instruments are (i) market risk (comprising interest rate risk, foreign currency risk and other price risk), (ii) liquidity risk and (iii) credit risk. 

 

 

 

(i)

Market risk

 


The fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument held by the Company may fluctuate because of changes in market prices. This market risk comprises three elements - interest rate risk, foreign currency risk and other price risk.  

 


 

 


Interest rate risk

 


The Company is subject to interest rate risk because bond yields are linked to underlying bank rates or equivalents, and its short-term borrowings and cash resources carry interest at floating rates. The interest rate profile is managed as part of the overall investment strategy of the Company.

 


 

 


Interest rate movements may affect:

 


-

the fair value of the investments in fixed interest rate securities;

 


-

the level of income receivable on cash deposits;

 


-

interest payable on the Company's variable rate borrowings.

 



 

 


The possible effects on fair value and cash flows that could arise as a result of changes in interest rates are taken into account when making investment and borrowing decisions.

 


 

 


Interest rate profile

 


The interest rate risk profile of the portfolio of financial assets and liabilities at the Balance Sheet date was as follows:

 


 

 



Weighted 

Weighted



 

 



average

average



Non-

 



period for which

interest

Fixed

Floating

interest

 



rate is fixed

rate

rate

rate

bearing

 


As at 30 September 2009

Years

%

£'000

£'000

£'000

 


Assets





 

 


UK preference shares

-

8.95

1,975

-

-

 


Cash

-

-

-

1,896

-




________

________

________

________

______

 


Total assets

-

-

1,975

1,896

-

 



________

________

________

________

______

 


Liabilities





 

 


Zero Coupon Finance

-

-

-

-

-

 


Total liabilities

-

-

-

-

-

 







 

 



Weighted




 

 



average





 



period for which

Weighted
average




Non

 



rate is fixed

interest
rate

Fixed
rate

Floating
rate

interest
bearing

 


As at 30 September 2008

Years

%

£'000

£'000

£'000

 


Assets





 

 


Corporate Bonds

8.99

6.48

29,075

-

-

 


UK preference shares

-

8.65

9,941

-

-

 


Zero Coupon Finance

-

-

-

-

21,715

 


Cash

-

-

-

10,730

-

 


AAA money market funds

-

-

-

6,338

-




________

________

________

________

______

 


Total assets

-

-

39,016

17,068

21,715

 



________

________

________

________

______

 


Liabilities





 

 


Zero Coupon Finance

-

-

-

-

(78,717)




________

________

________

________

______

 


Total liabilities

-

-

-

-

(78,717)




________

________

________

________

______









 


The weighted average interest rate is based on the current yield of each asset, weighted by its market value.  

 


The cash assets consist of cash deposits on call earning interest at prevailing market rates.

 


Short-term debtors and creditors (with the exception of loans) have been excluded from the above tables.

 


Zero Coupon Finance is measured at fair value and other financial liabilities at amortised cost.


 

Maturity profile 


The maturity profile of the Company's financial assets and liabilities at the Balance Sheet date was as follows: 








 



 

Within

 

Within

 

Within

 

Within

 

Within

More than




year

1-2 years

2-3 years

3-4 
years

4-5 years


years


At 30 September 2009

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000


Fixed rate






 


UK preference shares

-

-

-

-

-

1,975








 



 

Within

 

Within

 

Within

 

Within

 

Within

More than




year

1-2 years

2-3 years

3-4 
years

4-5 years


years


Floating rate

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000


Cash

1,896

-

-

-

-

-



_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____


Total 

1,896

-

-

-

-

1,975



_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____








 



 

Within

 

Within

 

Within

 

Within

 

Within

More than




year

1-2 years

2-3 years

3-4 
years

4-5 years


y
ears


At 30 September 2008

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000


Fixed rate






 


Corporate Bonds

2,501

3,715

1,383

3,439

1,820

16,217


UK preference shares

-

-

-

-

-

9,941



_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____



2,501

3,715

1,383

3,439

1,820

26,158



_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____


Floating rate






 


Zero coupon finance

(5,333)

(30,043)

(26,959)

-

-

-


Cash

10,730

-

-

-

-

-


AAA money market funds

6,338

-

-

-

-

-



_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____



11,735

(30,043)

(26,959)

-

-

-



_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____


Total 

14,236

(26,328)

(25,576)

3,439

1,820

26,158



_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____




Interest rate sensitivity 


The sensitivity analysis below have been determined based on the exposure to interest rates for both derivative and non-derivative instruments at the Balance Sheet date and the stipulated change taking place at the beginning of the financial year and held constant throughout the reporting period in the case of instruments that have floating rates.




If interest rates had been 100 basis points higher or lower and all other variables were held constant, the Company's:


-

profit before tax for the year ended 30 September 2009 would increase / decrease by £19,000 (2008 - £171,000) given the Company's exposure to interest rates on its floating rate cash balances. These figures have been calculated based on cash positions at each year end.


-

profit before tax for the year ended 30 September 2009 would decrease /increase by £24,000 (2008 - decrease /increase by £525,000) given the Company's exposure to interest rates on its fixed interest securities. This is based on a Value at Risk ('VaR') calculated at a 99% confidence level.




In the opinion of the Directors, the above sensitivity analyses are not representative of the year as a whole, since the level of exposure changes frequently as part of the interest rate risk management process used to meet the Company's objectives. The risk parameters used will also fluctuate depending on the current market perception.




Foreign currency risk


A proportion of the Company's investment portfolio is invested in overseas securities and the income and capital value can be affected by movements in exchange rates. Exchange gains or losses may arise as a result of the movement in the exchange rate between the date of the transaction denominated in a currency other than sterling and its settlement. 




An analysis of the Group's currency exposure is detailed below: 







 30 September 2009 

 30 September 2008 




 Net 


 Net 



 Overseas 

 monetary 

 Overseas 

 monetary 



investments

assets

investments

assets



£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000


US Dollar 

2,368 

-

-

-


Swiss Franc 

1,197 

-

-

-



_______

_______

_______

_______


Total 

3,565 

-

-

-



_______

_______

_______

_______






 


Foreign currency sensitivity 


There is no sensitivity analysis included, as the Group's foreign currency financial instruments are in the form of equity investments, which have been included within the other price risk sensitivity analysis so as to show the overall level of exposure.




Other price risk


Other price risks (i.e. changes in market prices other than those arising from interest rate risk) may affect the value of the quoted investments.




It is the Board's policy to hold an appropriate spread of investments in the portfolio in order to reduce the risk arising from factors specific to a particular sector. The allocation of assets to specific sectors and the stock selection process both act to reduce market risk. The Manager actively monitors market prices throughout the year and reports to the Board, which meets regularly in order to review investment strategy. The investments held by the Company are all listed on recognised investment exchanges.




Other price sensitivity


If market prices at the Balance Sheet date had been 10% higher or lower while all other variables remained constant, the return attributable to Ordinary shareholders and equity reserves for the year ended 30 September 2009 would have increased/decreased by £4,963,000 (2008 - increase/decrease of £7,120,000). This is based on the Company's equity portfolio held at each year end.



(ii)

Liquidity risk


This is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities.  




Liquidity risk is not considered to be significant as the Company's assets comprise mainly readily realisable securities, which can be sold to meet funding commitments if necessary. Short-term flexibility is achieved through the use of loan and overdraft facilities.



(iii)

Credit risk


This is failure of the counterparty to a transaction to discharge its obligations under that transaction that could result in the Company suffering a loss.




The risk is not significant, and is managed as follows:


-

where the Manager makes an investment in a bond, corporate or otherwise, the credit rating of the issuer is taken into account so as to minimise the risk to the Company of default;


-

investments in quoted bonds are made across a variety of industry sectors so as to avoid concentrations of credit risk;


-

transactions involving derivatives are entered into only with investment banks, the credit rating of which is taken into account so as to minimise the risk to the Company of default;


-

 investment transactions are carried out with a large number of brokers, whose credit-standing is reviewed periodically by the investment manager, and limits are set on the amount that may be due from any one broker;


-

the risk of counterparty exposure due to failed trades causing a loss to the Company is mitigated by the review of failed trade reports on a monthly basis. In addition, the Custodian carries out a stock reconciliation to third party administrators' records on a monthly basis to ensure discrepancies are picked up on a timely basis. The administrator's Compliance department carries out periodic reviews of the Custodian;


-

transactions involving derivatives, structured notes and other arrangements wherein the creditworthiness of the entity acting as broker or counterparty to the transaction is likely to be of sustained interest are subject to rigorous assessment by the Manager of the credit worthiness of that counterparty. The Company's aggregate exposure to each such counterparty is monitored regularly by the Board;


-

cash and AAA money market funds are held only with reputable banks and financial institutions with high quality external credit enhancements.




None of the Company's financial assets is secured by collateral or other credit enhancements.




Credit risk exposure


In summary, compared to the amounts in the Balance Sheet, the maximum exposure to credit risk at 30 September 2009 was as follows:




2009

2008


Balance

Maximum

Balance

Maximum


Sheet

exposure

Sheet

exposure


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Non-current assets 




 

Securities at fair value through profit or loss

238

238

30,965

30,965

Zero coupon finance derivatives at fair value

-

-

21,715

21,715

Current assets 




 

Zero coupon finance derivatives at fair value

-

-

27

27

Trade and other receivables

-

-

298

298

Accrued income

232

232

1,755

1,755

Recoverable VAT on management fees and interest thereon

538

538

-

-

AAA money market funds

-

-

6,338

6,338

Cash and short term deposits

1,896

1,896

10,730

10,730


________

________

________

________


2,904

2,904

71,828

71,828


________

________

________

________


None of the Company's financial assets is past due or impaired.


Fair value of financial assets and liabilities

The book value of cash at bank included in these financial statements approximates to fair value because of the short-term maturity. The carrying value of fixed asset investments are stated at their fair values, which have been determined with reference to quoted market prices. For all other short-term debtors and creditors, their book values approximate to fair value because of their short-term maturity.


Gearing

The Group has in place a £3 million revolving credit facility with HSBC running to December 2009. The facility is renewed on an annual basis. The Group had no outstanding gearing at the year end. The profile of financing costs is managed as part of overall investment strategy. The employment of gearing magnifies the impact on net assets of both positive and negative changes in the value of the Group's portfolio of investments.


The Company has the ability to augment finance from time to time with short-term borrowings. The only covenant in relation to this borrowing facility is that the Company's net assets must exceed £20million. As at 30 September 2009 the net asset value was £54 million.


20. 

Capital management policies and procedures

 

The Company's capital management objectives are:

 

to ensure that the Company will be able to continue as a going concern; and

 

to maximise the income and capital return to its equity shareholders through an appropriate balance of equity capital and debt. 

 



 

 

The Company's capital at 30 September comprised:


 

 


2009

2008

 


 £'000 

 £'000 

 

Equity share capital

30,486 

30,486 

 

Retained earnings and other reserves

23,506 

37,557 



________

________

 


53,992 

68,043 



________

________

 



 

 

The Board, with the assistance of the Manager monitors and reviews the broad structure of the Company's capital on an ongoing basis. This review includes:

 

-

the planned level of gearing, which takes account of the Manager's views on the market;

 

-

the need to buy back equity shares for cancellation, which takes account of the difference between the net asset value per share and the share price (i.e. the level of share price discount or premium);

 

-

the need for new issues of equity shares; and

 

-

the extent to which revenue in excess of that which is required to be distributed should be retained.

 


 

The Company's objectives, policies and processes for managing capital are unchanged from the preceding accounting period.

 


 

The Company had no bank gearing at the year end (2008 - nil).


21. 

Commitments, contingencies and post Balance Sheet events

 

At 30 September 2009 there were no contingent liabilities in respect of outstanding underwriting commitments or uncalled capital (2008 - £nil).

 

 

 

Following the year end the Company has received a refund of £466,000 plus interest of £72,000, representing the proportion of VAT charged on investment management fees for the period 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2007 that was recoverable; this has been recognised in these financial statements and has been allocated to revenue and capital respectively, in accordance with the accounting policy of the Company for the periods in which the VAT was charged.


Additional Notes to the Annual Financial Report


This Annual Financial Report announcement is not the Company's statutory accounts for the year ended 30 September 2009. The statutory accounts for the year ended 30 September 2009 received an audit report which was unqualified.


The statutory accounts for the financial year ended 30 September 2009 were approved by the Directors on 8 December 2009 but will not be filed with the Registrar of Companies until after the company's Annual General Meeting which is to be held at 10.00am on 14 January 2010 at 40 Princes StreetEdinburghEH2 2BY.


The Annual Report will be posted to shareholders in December 2009 and available in due course by download for the Company's webpage (www.glasgowincometrust.co.uk)


Please note that past performance is not necessarily a guide to the future and that the value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Investors may not get back the amount they originally invested.


For Glasgow Income Trust plc

Aberdeen Asset Management PLC, Secretaries


8 December 2009


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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