SHG.L Regulatory News (SHG)

7 Aug 2009 16:16



Investors Capital Trust plc

Interim Management Statement

For the three month period from 1 April 2009 to 30 June 2009

Investment objective

To provide an attractive return to shareholders each year in the form of dividends and/or capital distributions, together with prospects for capital growth. 

The Company's portfolio is managed in two parts. The first part comprises investments in UK equities and equity-related securities of large and mid-sized companies (the Equities Portfolio) and the second part comprises investments in fixed interest and other higher yielding stocks and securities (the Higher Yield Portfolio).

Performance summary

Sources: F&C Investment Business Limited and Datastream.

* A unit consists of three A shares and one B share

**The gearing ratio indicates the extra amount by which shareholders' funds would rise or fall if total assets were to rise or fall. A figure of 100 means that the Company has a nil geared position.

Maximum potential ratio = the ratio of total assets (including fixed interest and net cash assets) to assets attributable to shareholders. 

If securities held in the Company's Higher Yield Portfolio are included as fixed interest assets then the actual ratio will be as shown below.

Actual ratio (investment gearing) = the ratio of total assets (less cash assets) to assets attributable to shareholders.

Actual ratio (equity gearing) = the ratio of total assets (less fixed interest and cash assets) to assets attributable to shareholders.

  Review

The UK equity market returned 11.6 per cent during the quarter, as measured by the FTSE All-Share Capped 5% Index on a total return basis, extending the recovery from the recent low reached in early March

The depth and duration of the UK recession remains unclear although we note the stock market has reacted positively to the release of economic statistics that indicate the rate of decline in the economy is moderating. The aggressive de-stocking which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2008 provided the conditions for an element of inventory rebuild leading to a modest improvement in economic activity. The inventory investment is more a function of re-ordering from a very low level as opposed to greater confidence in the outlook for consumer demand. The de-leveraging process that is required at both an individual and corporate level is still far from complete which creates a headwind for the medium term outlook for consumer demand. The policy response via interest rate reductions, fiscal stimulus and support to the financial system will cushion the impact of the de-leveraging process but we believe it will still require some time to fully unwind. 

Notwithstanding our relatively cautious assessment of the economic outlook we continue to look to invest the Company's cash balance to take advantage of supportive equity valuations. We have invested a proportion of the cash balance into the equity portfolio so that cash now represents 13.8 per cent of total assets at the end of June, down from 22.4 per cent at the end of March. We recognise the pressure placed on businesses by the economic environment but are encouraged by the valuation of many strong businesses that can continue to invest to create long term shareholder value.

Dividends and Capital Distributions

A fourth quarter dividend in respect of the year ended 31 March 2009, of 1.375 pence per share, was paid on the A shares of the Company on 8 May 2009 to A shareholders on the register on 3 April 2009. 

A fourth quarter capital return of 1.375 pence per share was paid on the B shares of the Company on 8 May 2009 to B shareholders on the register on 8 May 2009. Capital distributions on B shares are paid at the same time as, and in an amount equal to, each dividend paid on an A share.

The Company has announced a first quarter dividend in respect of the year ending 31 March 2010 of 1.325 pence per A share and a first quarter capital distribution of 1.325 pence per B share, both payable on 7 August 2009.

Share Buy Backs

During the quarter, the Company bought back 240,000 A Shares to be held in treasury for a total consideration of £145,000 and 80,000 B Shares for treasury for a total consideration of £48,000. The Company re-sold 500,000 B Shares from treasury, receiving net proceeds of £332,000.

At 30 June 2009 the Company held 6,489,000 A Shares and 1,630,000 B Shares in treasury.

Since the end of the quarter, the Company has re-sold a further 800,000 B Shares from treasury, receiving net proceeds of £526,000.

  Top ten Equities Portfolio holdings and top ten Higher Yield Portfolio holdings

Equities Portfolio

Higher Yield Portfolio

Portfolio Summary

The Board is not aware of any significant events or transactions which have occurred since 30 June 2009 and the date of publication of this statement which would have a material impact on the financial position of the Company.

Daily and key information

Further information regarding the Company, including daily net asset values published since the end of the period and monthly factsheets, can be found at the Company's website www.investorscapital.co.uk, or at www.fandc.com.

Year end: 31 MarchDividends and Capital Distributions paid: August, November, February and May Shares in issue with voting rights at quarter end: 95,578,144 A shares and  30,446,703 B shares.

This interim management statement has been prepared solely to provide information to meet the requirements of the UK Listing Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

For further information please contact:

Rodger McNair, Investment Manager Tel: 0131 718 1000

Michael Campbell, Company Secretary  Tel: 0131 718 1000