LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE
ANNOUNCEMENT
JPMORGAN GLOBAL GROWTH
& INCOME PLC
UNAUDITED HALF YEAR RESULTS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
31ST DECEMBER
2024
JPMorgan Global Growth & Income
plc (the 'Company' or 'JGGI') announces its half year results for
the six-months ended 31st December 2024.
Legal Entity Identifier:
5493007C3I0O5PJKR078
Information disclosed in accordance
with DTR 4.2.2
Highlights
·
NAV total return of +2.7% compared with +6.5% for
the MSCI AC World Index (in Sterling terms) (the 'Benchmark').
Share price return of +2.4%.
·
For five years cumulative ended 31st December
2024, NAV total return of +106.9% compared with +70.8% for the
Benchmark. Share price return of +101.9%.
·
Third interim dividend of 5.7p declared on 21st
February 2025 and will be paid on 9th April 2025. Final interim
dividend of 5.7p to be declared in May 2025 and paid in June
2025.
·
The Company issued 30.7 million shares through
regular issuance in the half year to 31 December 2024 raising
£176.7 million.
·
Proposed combination with Henderson International
Income Trust plc announced, which would leave the Company with
combined net assets of £3.4 billion, and an ongoing charges of
0.42%.
The Chairman of JGGI, James
Macpherson, commented:
"The recent lag in relative returns
is disappointing, but it is important to assess this result from a
longer-term perspective."
"The Company has a very strong and
consistent track record of outright gains and outperformance of the
Benchmark over many years."
"The Company has outpaced its
Benchmark in each of the past four financial years and delivered an
impressive average annualised net asset value total
return1 of +13.8% over the past ten years to end
December 2024. This result is comfortably ahead of the Benchmark
total return of +11.7% measured on the same basis. "
"The Company's long track record of
consistently good returns and outperformance provides the Board
with reassurance that its Portfolio Managers have the skills and
experience to steer the Company through any near-term volatility,
while also identifying the most attractive investment opportunities
generated by the prevailing market conditions."
1 The annualised return refers to the average yearly return of
the Company or its Benchmark over the relevant reporting period,
expressed as a percentage.
Portfolio Managers, Helge Skibeli,
Tim Woodhouse and James Cook, commented:
"The Company uses an investment
process that, at its heart, relies on strong company fundamentals
being rewarded and acknowledged by market participants. However,
with momentum dominating investor sentiment in the latter months of
2024, company valuation fundamentals were temporarily overshadowed,
and this was the key reason for the Company's underperformance over
the review period."
"We believe that global stock
picking across our core investment universe continues to offer
attractive rewards for investors, and we see many well-priced
opportunities. The Company has exposure to several long-term
trends, such as the rapid adoption of AI tools, cloud computing,
and the transition to renewable energy, which we expect will
underpin market returns over the medium to long-term."
"Regardless of the prevailing market
environment, we will continue our search for companies that offer
superior quality earnings and growth prospects, at similar or lower
valuations than market averages. We remain confident of our ability
to maintain our long-term track record of strong returns for
shareholders."
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Introduction
This is my first half year report as
Chairman of your Company. My predecessor, Tristan Hillgarth,
stepped down at the Company's last Annual General Meeting. So too
did our fellow Director, Mick Brewis. On behalf of the Board,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank both Tristan and
Mick for the significant contributions they made to the success of
the Company during their respective tenures.
Global equity markets were buoyant
over the six months ending 31st December 2024, with support coming
from several quarters. The so-called 'Magnificent Seven' US
technology stocks continued to perform strongly, the US economy
exceeded expectations, and inflation and rates continued to decline
in most developed economies. Towards the year-end there was a
notable shift in market drivers from company specific fundamentals,
as the market found fresh sentiment driven momentum, in response to
the US Presidential election result. The Company's benchmark, the
MSCI AC World Index (the 'Benchmark'), ended the review period up
6.5% (in sterling terms).
Performance
The Company's performance was also
positive over the six months to end December 2024, but its return
of +2.7% on a net asset value ('NAV') debt at fair value basis
lagged the Benchmark. The Company returned +2.4% in share price
terms over the period. One important driver of the underperformance
was the momentum-driven nature of the market, particularly towards
the end of the year. A number of high quality businesses lagged as
a result, but we continue to see a meaningful opportunity in them
today. As the attribution analysis shows below, asset allocation
and stock selection decisions both detracted from relative returns.
The Investment Manager's Report discusses performance in more
detail.
Performance attribution
Six
months ended 31st December 2024
|
%
|
%
|
Contributions to total returns
|
|
|
Benchmark total return
|
|
6.5
|
Asset allocation
|
(0.2)
|
|
Stock selection
|
(3.9)
|
|
Currency effect
|
0.2
|
|
Gearing/cash
|
0.2
|
|
Investment Manager contribution
|
|
(3.7)
|
Portfolio total return
|
|
2.8
|
Management fees/other
expenses
|
(0.2)
|
|
Net
asset value total return - prior to structural
effects
|
|
2.6
|
Structural effects
|
|
|
Share
buy-backs/issuance
|
0.1
|
|
Net
asset value total return - debt at par value
|
|
2.7
|
Impact of fair valuation of
debt
|
|
0.0
|
Net
asset value return - debt at fair value
|
|
2.7
|
Impact of change in rating
|
|
(0.3)
|
Return on Share price
|
|
2.4
|
Source: JPMAM and Morningstar. All
figures are on a total return basis.
Performance attribution analyses how
the Company achieved its recorded performance relative to its
Benchmark.
The recent lag in relative returns
is disappointing, but it is important to assess this result from
a longer-term perspective. The Company has a very strong and
consistent track record of outright gains and outperformance of the
Benchmark over many years, despite unusually high levels of market
volatility and dramatic fluctuations in market drivers since the
turn of the decade. The Company has outpaced its Benchmark in each
of the past four financial years and delivered an impressive
average annualised net asset value total return1 of
+13.8% over the past ten years to end December 2024. This result is
comfortably ahead of the Benchmark total return of +11.7% measured
on the same basis. In the Board's view, this consistency of
performance is proof of the Portfolio Managers' stock selection
skills and the robustness of their investment strategy and
process.
As well as discussing recent
performance, the Investment Manager's Report also provides more
detailed commentary on market developments, recent portfolio
activity and the market outlook.
1 The annualised return refers to the average yearly return of
the Company or its Benchmark over the relevant reporting period,
expressed as a percentage.
Combination with Henderson International Income Trust
plc
On 7th
February 2025, the Company announced a proposed combination with
Henderson International Income Trust plc (the 'Combination'), which
is subject to approval from both sets of shareholders, bond and
note holders. This Combination would reinforce our position as one
of the industry's largest investment companies, and would result in
the Company having enlarged net assets of approximately £3.4
billion, and the fourth lowest2 ongoing charge estimated
at 0.42%. Furthermore, the Combination would provide synergies for
both sets of shareholders, as well as increasing secondary market
liquidity in the Company's shares. Please refer to the Company's
announcement made on 7th February 2025 for more details.
2
Source: The Association of Investment
Companies
Dividend Policy
As announced on 2nd July 2024, the
Company intends to pay dividends totalling 22.80 pence per share
(5.70 pence per share per quarter) in relation to its financial
year commencing 1st July 2024. This is in line with its policy of
paying out 4.0% of the Company's NAV as at the end of the preceding
financial year, and represents an increase of 23.6% on the last
financial year's total dividend of 18.44 pence per share. This will
be the ninth consecutive year in which the dividend has been
raised.
The third interim dividend with
respect to the current year was declared by the Board on
21st February 2025 and will be paid on 9th April 2025. The
record date is 7th March 2025, and the ex-dividend date is 6th
March 2025. The final interim dividend will be declared in May 2025
and paid in June 2025.
The Company's capacity to part-fund
dividends from its significant level of reserves provides it with
the means to meet investors' desire for regular income, combined
with providing clarity on dividend payments for the coming year. It
also allows our Portfolio Managers to invest where they see
opportunities, as they are not constrained by the need to invest
only in high dividend-paying companies to meet this dividend
policy. Instead, they are free to invest in non-or-low
dividend-paying companies, with a view to benefitting from the
long-term capital growth prospects of these businesses.
Share Issuance
The Company's impressive long-term
performance, combined with its attractive dividend policy, has
continued to generate strong demand for its shares over the past
six months. This high level of interest in the Ordinary Shares has
led the Company to employ an active issuance and premium management
programme. With the Company's share price having generally traded
at a premium to its NAV cum income with debt at fair value over the
period, the Company has issued a total of 30,690,000 shares,
raising a total of £176,692,435, all of which was quickly
deployed.
Placing Programme
In addition to this regular issue,
the Board has taken further steps to meet demand for the shares,
including initiating a placing programme. At the General Meeting
held on 2nd September 2024, shareholders approved this placing
programme, and on 18th October 2024, the Company published
a prospectus to provide Shareholders with further details of
the placing programme to issue up to 150 million Ordinary Shares by
way of placings and/or tap issues. This will enable the Company to
continue its issuance and premium management programme through tap
issues and to carry out placings, if appropriate, and subject to
market conditions, over the 12-month period from the date of
publication of the prospectus. The prospectus can be found on the
Company's website: www.jpmglobalgrowthandincome.co.uk.
Given the
nature of the Company's Investment Policy, the Board is satisfied
that the Investment Manager's approach will be able to smoothly
deploy any additional capital raised pursuant to the placing
programme.
Block Listing
On 19th December 2024, 25 million
Ordinary Shares of the Company were admitted to the premium segment
of the Official List and to trading on its main market. The block
listed shares may be issued pursuant to the Company's existing
general authority to issue shares on a non-pre-emptive basis. These
shares may be issued to satisfy continuing market demand for shares
and to manage the premium to NAV at which shares trade. When
issued, the new shares will rank equally with the existing shares
in issue.
The
Board
As previously announced, Rakesh
Thakrar joined the Board on 14th November 2024. My fellow Directors
and I are delighted to welcome Rakesh. He has wide-ranging
experience in financial services, most recently as the former Group
Chief Financial Officer of the Phoenix Group plc and currently
Interim Group Chief Financial Officer of Athora Holding Limited.
Rakesh is a qualified accountant and an associate of the
Association of Corporate Treasurers. Following his appointment, the
Board's composition aligns with the recommendations of the Parker
Review, as well as currently being compliant with all applicable
diversity targets for UK companies listed on the London Stock
Exchange.
The Board is expected to expand
further, with one director from the Henderson International Income
Trust plc board joining for a transitionary period of no more than
12 months following completion of the proposed Combination. As part
of the Board's ongoing succession plans, and as announced in the
Company's Annual Report, Jane Lewis will be stepping down from the
Board at this year's Annual General Meeting.
Enhanced Marketing Efforts
It is the opinion of the Board that
the interests of all shareholders are best served by strong and
steady demand for the Company's shares, from a wide and diversified
pool of investors. Such demand helps support the share price, while
enhancing liquidity and enabling future potential
combinations.
To increase demand for the Company's
shares and broaden its share register, the Board has initiated an
enhanced marketing drive to attract new investors. This drive
includes attendance from the Portfolio Managers at key retail
events and an increased media marketing programme. In addition, the
Company conducts regular webinars and calls, and provides portfolio
and market updates on the Company's website and via email, to keep
shareholders and potential investors fully informed of the latest
market and portfolio developments.
Stay in Touch
The Board would like to ensure that
all shareholders are kept well-informed, and we would like to
encourage those who have not already done so to consider signing up
for our email updates. You can opt in by scanning the QR Code in
the full half year report or via the website:
https://tinyurl.com/JGGI-Sign-Up.
Outlook
The US economy now seems to be on a
relatively stable growth trajectory, with employment and consumer
spending rising. Further falls in interest rates will provide
additional impetus for growth, even if the rate cuts arrive more
slowly than previously expected. If market expectations prove
correct, the new US administration's policy initiatives will also
support the domestic economy. However, this remains to be seen.
There is a clear risk that President Trump's mooted tariff
increases may trigger a trade war that damages growth not just
in the US, but globally.
While financial markets are
continuously influenced by various uncertainties, the factors
driving market direction tend to evolve over time, as evidenced by
the developments of the past six months. Nevertheless, the
Company's long track record of consistently good returns and
outperformance provides the Board with reassurance that its
Portfolio Managers have the skills and experience to steer the
Company through any near-term volatility, while also identifying
the most attractive investment opportunities generated by the
prevailing market conditions. The Portfolio Managers' current
overweight to US banks is a case in point, as it is motivated by
their assessment that US banks should continue to do well while
interest rates remain elevated for a longer period than
expected.
The Board draws further confidence
in the Company's prospects from its exposure to several long-term
structural trends such as artificial intelligence and the
transition to renewable energy. These themes are set to drive
economic growth and market gains over the medium to long term, from
which the Company is positioned to benefit.
In summary, the Board believes the
Company is in competent hands, and well-placed to further extend
its long track record of superior returns. I look forward to
reporting back to you on the Company's future progress.
Thank you for your ongoing
support.
James Macpherson
Chairman
27th February 2025
INVESTMENT MANAGER'S
REPORT
Introduction
In the six
months to 31st December 2024, the Company generated a total return
on share price of +2.4%, compared with a 6.5% increase in the MSCI
AC World Index (the 'Benchmark'). Although the Company
underperformed its comparable Benchmark over this period, it has
delivered positive cumulative returns of 40% on net assets over the
last three years, and more than 100% over the last five years, well
ahead of the Benchmark.
In this report, we discuss the main
drivers of the Company's recent returns, including the reasons for
the portfolio's underperformance over the review period. We also
provide our market outlook and explain how we have positioned the
portfolio to benefit from both expected near-term developments and
longer-term structural trends.
The
Global Market Backdrop
The second half of 2024 delivered
healthy returns for equities, despite several bouts of market
volatility, with the US Presidential election and President Donald
Trump's victory dominating the market narrative in the latter
months of the year.
US Mega Cap technology stocks
continued to outperform during the period, while the prospects for
deregulation under the new US administration boosted financials. A
widespread easing in inflation pressures in the first half of 2024
led developed market central banks to begin normalising policy, and
while challenges in the second half of the year tempered investors'
rate cut expectations, particularly in the US, this did little to
dampen the market's upward momentum.
Six-Month Performance
The Company's underperformance in
the second half of 2024 was driven by both stock selection and
asset allocation. Our positioning in only seven of the 19 index
sectors contributed to excess returns, a result which
underscores what a challenging period it was for fundamental equity
investors. The Company uses an investment process that, at its
heart, relies on strong company fundamentals being rewarded and
acknowledged by market participants. However, with momentum
dominating investor sentiment in the latter months of the year,
fundamentals were temporarily overshadowed, and this was the key
reason for the Company's underperformance over the review
period.
The
technology sector, and particularly the 'Magnificent 7' ('M7')
stocks, have continued to outperform strongly. Questions continue
about the sustainability of this rally, with comparisons drawn to
the Dot Com Bubble of the late 1990s. When considering the merits
of this comparison, it is crucial to remember that unlike many of
the Dot Com stocks, the M7 cohort of technology names is now
incredibly large and highly cashflow generative. We remain
selective in our exposure to these names and have held neutral to
overweight positions in five of them - Nvidia, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon and Tesla. All five contributed to relative
returns over the period. In terms of the other two members of the
M7, we reduced our holding in Apple over the period to an underweight
position following a strong run. We currently view it as expensive
on valuation grounds and therefore use it as a funding source for
other ideas. In the case of Alphabet, we continue to have concerns
about both the potential for large language models such as ChatGPT
and the possibility of disruption to their search engine business.
We therefore did not hold Alphabet over the period and preferred
Meta as a company that monetises advertising spending by employing
AI tools.
Nvidia was the largest
contributor to relative returns over the six-month period, rising
10% (in GBP terms). The company continues to deliver record
earnings, up by more than 200% compared with the previous year.
With AI adoption still in its infancy, and Nvidia producing the
most effective Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) in the market, we
feel the share price gains are justified in the context of its
strong growth runway. Recent developments from Chinese companies
creating their own low-cost AI models have raised concerns
among investors about Nvidia's valuation and the sustainability of
its margins. We are closely monitoring the evolving competitive
landscape but maintain our belief that Nvidia is well positioned to
stay at the forefront of this emerging technology.
Amongst our other technology
holdings, semiconductor and hardware names were among the best
performing sectors in the first half of 2024 and supported
performance accordingly. But the second half of the year was much
more challenging for these sectors for two reasons. Firstly, our
holdings in memory chip manufacturers underperformed, and secondly,
we were underweight in semiconductor names with custom design
capabilities, at a time when these stocks outperformed.
SK
Hynix was one of our memory chip
holdings which detracted from portfolio returns. This South Korean
company manufactures high bandwidth memory chips which are
essential for increasing computing power. The stock sold off early
in the third quarter due to mounting concerns about the
supply/demand dynamics for memory chips used in PCs and
smartphones. However, despite this recent weakness, we continue to
have conviction in SK Hynix and similar names, on the view that
memory chips are essential for ongoing advances in generative AI
development. Their share prices should recover
accordingly.
Returns also suffered because the
portfolio was underweight semiconductor names such as Broadcom, which boast custom design
capabilities, as these stocks did especially well over the period.
Broadcom produces specialised semiconductor chips that combine
several different circuits on one chip. Broadcom and its
competitors raised their guidance and expect AI to drive demand for
their chips in 2025 and beyond. We have added to a position in
Broadcom following an extensive review of the name and our AI
assumptions. Whilst we still believe Nvidia will retain its
leadership position, we appreciate that the picture has become more
nuanced, with players like Broadcom gaining traction.
Some of our holdings in
high-quality, European stocks, which performed well in 2023 and in
the first half of 2024, also saw material pullbacks in the second
half of 2024. LVMH has
faced meaningful challenges in the post pandemic period as Chinese
demand for luxury goods has waned. LVMH's portfolio of brands
remains strong, but the expected offset from other markets to
compensate for Chinese consumer weakness has not materialised, and
the stock declined by 12% (in GBP terms), detracting from overall
returns. We continue to hold the name and believe that the current
challenges LVMH faces are cyclical in nature, while luxury will
remain a growth segment. Another European champion that has also
faced recent difficulties is Novo
Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company that produces
weight loss treatments. Growing competitive pressures, concerns
about manufacturing delays, and disappointing trial results from
CagriSema, its next generation obesity drug, have put the company
under pressure. However, we maintain our view that Novo Nordisk is
well-positioned in the weight loss treatment space and that the
overall market will grow strongly despite any bouts of short-term
weakness.
Portfolio Positioning
In the first half of 2024, we
purchased Tesla due to its
attractive valuation. Our investment thesis was based on the
company's ongoing transformation from an auto manufacturer to a
company more oriented towards technology and AI, particularly
within its energy management and autonomous driving
divisions.
We adopted a neutral stance relative
to the Benchmark, an unusual move for a high-conviction,
fifty-stock portfolio. Our neutral weighting was partly a portfolio
risk decision, as we were concerned about the possible market
reaction to the company's robotaxi plans. However, the stock was a
clear beneficiary of the US Presidential election result,
especially as its CEO, Elon Musk, was appointed to the Trump
administration. As the year drew to a close, we adopted a more
cautious stance regarding our position in Telsa due to its higher
valuation and increasing politicisation. Consequently, we began to
reduce our active weighting and in the new year, we observed the
stock starting to undergo a correction.
The transition to renewable energy
sources and electric vehicles will provide further impetus to the
growing demand for semiconductors and related technology, and we
see many attractive structural investment opportunities in this
arena. As an example, we hold several US utilities providers,
including The Southern
Company, which are leading the transition to renewable
energy. The Southern Company benefited from a supportive regulatory
environment under the Biden administration, but regardless of the
evolving policy backdrop under President Trump, we believe the
transition to clean energy will continue to generate opportunities
for investors. The US's energy grid requires major investment to
replace and upgrade existing infrastructure to cope with the
growing demand for electricity and improve connectivity to
renewable energy sources. This will boost demand for equipment and
services provided by businesses operating in a variety of
technology, energy, and industrial sectors.
Looking to other sectors, as
mentioned earlier, US financials were one of the key sources of
returns following the US election. Expectations, now being
realised, that the Trump administration would impose widespread
tariffs on the US's trading partners, prompted concerns that the
inflationary consequences of such action would delay interest rates
cuts. Persistently elevated rates will benefit US banks, so, while
we are underweight in the banking sector globally, we are
overweight in US banks, and hold positions in names such as
Bank of America and
Wells Fargo.
Outlook
We believe that global stock picking
across our core investment universe continues to offer attractive
rewards for investors, and we see many well-priced opportunities.
As illustrated above, the Company has exposure to several long-term
trends, such as the rapid adoption of AI tools, cloud computing,
and the transition to renewable energy, which we expect will
underpin market returns over the medium to long-term.
However, we recognise that the
near-term market backdrop has shifted, with price momentum becoming
a significant driver of recent performance, especially in the US
market. We expect continued macroeconomic uncertainty until the
economic implications of President Trump's policy initiatives
become clear, but our exposure to US banks should benefit in the
meantime, as interest rates remain elevated for longer than
previously anticipated. We also see potential for good earnings
growth in the US market, primarily driven by mega-cap technology
names. We are still cautious and watchful regarding European names
because, despite attractive valuations, it is more difficult to
find high-quality franchises with the same growth prospects as
their US counterparts.
However, regardless of the prevailing
market environment, and possible escalating market volatility
driven by the actions of the Trump administration, we will continue
our search for companies that offer superior quality earnings and
growth prospects, at similar or lower valuations than market
averages. We remain confident of our ability to maintain our
long-term track record of strong returns for
shareholders.
For and on behalf of the
Investment Manager
Helge Skibeli
James Cook
Tim
Woodhouse
Portfolio
Managers
27th February 2025
INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT
The Company is required to make the
following disclosures in its half year report:
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The principal risks and
uncertainties faced by the Company have not changed from those
reported in the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year
ended 30th June 2024 and, are as follows: market risk, geopolitical
risk, cyber security, investment and strategy, loss of portfolio
manager and operational risk. Information on principal and emerging
risks faced by the Company is given in the Strategic Report
within the 2024 Annual Report and Financial
Statements.
Related Parties Transactions
During the first six months of the
current financial year, no transactions with related parties have
taken place which would have materially affected the financial
position or the performance of the Company. Details of related
party transactions are contained within the 2024 Annual Report and
Financial Statements.
Going Concern
The Directors believe, having
considered the Company's investment objectives, risk management
policies, capital management policies and procedures, nature of the
portfolio, including an analysis of the portfolio's liquidity, and
expenditure projections, that the Company has adequate resources,
an appropriate financial structure and suitable management
arrangements in place to continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future and, more specifically, that there are no
material uncertainties pertaining to the Company that would prevent
its ability to continue in such operational existence for at least
12 months from the date of the approval of this half yearly
financial report. For these reasons, they consider there is
reasonable evidence to continue to adopt the going concern basis in
preparing the financial statements.
Directors' Responsibilities
The Board of Directors confirms
that, to the best of its knowledge:
(i) the condensed
set of financial statements contained within the half yearly
financial report have been prepared in accordance with FRS 104
'Interim Financial Reporting' gives a true and fair view of the
state of affairs of the Company and of the assets, liabilities,
financial position and net return of the Company, as at 31st
December 2024, as required by the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules 4.2.4R; and
(ii) the interim
management report includes a fair review of the information
required by 4.2.7R and 4.2.8R of the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules.
In order to provide these
confirmations, and in preparing these financial statements, the
Directors are required to:
• select suitable
accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
• make judgements and
accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• state whether
applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to
any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial
statements; and
• prepare the financial
statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the Company will continue in business;
and the Directors confirm that they
have done so.
For and on behalf of the
Board
James Macpherson
Chairman
27th February 2025
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Audited)
|
|
Six months
ended
|
Six months
ended
|
Year ended
|
|
31st December
2024
|
31st December
2023
|
30th June
2024
|
|
Revenue
|
Capital
|
Total
|
Revenue
|
Capital
|
Total
|
Revenue
|
Capital
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Gains on investments held
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
at fair value through
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
profit or loss
|
-
|
68,311
|
68,311
|
-
|
172,465
|
172,465
|
-
|
536,703
|
536,703
|
Net foreign currency
losses
|
-
|
(5,996)
|
(5,996)
|
-
|
(1,132)
|
(1,132)
|
-
|
(10,816)
|
(10,816)
|
Income from investments
|
18,359
|
-
|
18,359
|
15,941
|
-
|
15,941
|
38,317
|
-
|
38,317
|
Interest receivable
|
3,715
|
-
|
3,715
|
3,833
|
-
|
3,833
|
7,802
|
-
|
7,802
|
Gross return
|
22,074
|
62,315
|
84,389
|
19,774
|
171,333
|
191,107
|
46,119
|
525,887
|
572,006
|
Management fee
|
(1,362)
|
(4,087)
|
(5,449)
|
(989)
|
(2,966)
|
(3,955)
|
(1,954)
|
(5,861)
|
(7,815)
|
Other administrative
expenses
|
(872)
|
-
|
(872)
|
(743)
|
-
|
(743)
|
(1,410)
|
-
|
(1,410)
|
Net
return before finance costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and
taxation
|
19,840
|
58,228
|
78,068
|
18,042
|
168,367
|
186,409
|
42,755
|
520,026
|
562,781
|
Finance costs
|
(640)
|
(1,917)
|
(2,557)
|
(604)
|
(1,812)
|
(2,416)
|
(1,277)
|
(3,830)
|
(5,107)
|
Net
return before taxation
|
19,200
|
56,311
|
75,511
|
17,438
|
166,555
|
183,993
|
41,478
|
516,196
|
557,674
|
Taxation
|
(2,554)
|
183
|
(2,371)
|
(1,999)
|
(179)
|
(2,178)
|
(5,611)
|
156
|
(5,455)
|
Net
return after taxation
|
16,646
|
56,494
|
73,140
|
15,439
|
166,376
|
181,815
|
35,867
|
516,352
|
552,219
|
Return per share (note
3)
|
3.36p
|
11.40p
|
14.76p
|
3.82p
|
41.16p
|
44.98p
|
8.35p
|
120.20p
|
128.55p
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
All revenue and capital items in the
above statement derive from continuing operations. No operations
were acquired or discontinued in the period. In the year ended 30th
June 2024, the Company acquired the assets of JPMorgan Multi-Asset
Growth & Income plc ('MATE') following a scheme of
reconstruction.
The 'Total' column of this statement
is the profit and loss account of the Company, and the 'Revenue'
and 'Capital' columns represent supplementary information prepared
under guidance issued by the Association of Investment
Companies.
The net return after taxation
represents the profit for the period and also the total
comprehensive income.
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN
EQUITY
|
Called up
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
share
|
Share
|
redemption
|
Other
|
Capital
|
Revenue
|
|
|
capital
|
premium
|
reserve
|
reserve1,2
|
reserve2
|
reserve2
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Six
months ended 31st December 2024 (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At
30th June 2024
|
24,017
|
385,574
|
27,401
|
1,221,808
|
1,077,142
|
-
|
2,735,942
|
Issue of Ordinary shares
|
1,534
|
175,158
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
176,692
|
Costs in relation to issue of
Ordinary shares
|
-
|
(182)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(182)
|
Cost in relation to placing
programme3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(500)
|
-
|
(500)
|
Net return
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
56,494
|
16,646
|
73,140
|
Dividends paid in the period (note
4)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(33,508)
|
(16,646)
|
(50,154)
|
At
31st December 2024
|
25,551
|
560,550
|
27,401
|
1,221,808
|
1,099,628
|
-
|
2,934,938
|
Six
months ended 31st December 2023 (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At
30th June 2023
|
19,752
|
1,167,916
|
27,401
|
-
|
597,839
|
-
|
1,812,908
|
Issue of Ordinary shares
|
1,186
|
111,974
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
113,160
|
Blocklisting fees paid
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(149)
|
-
|
(149)
|
Net return
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
166,376
|
15,439
|
181,815
|
Dividend paid in the period (note
4)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(19,654)
|
(15,439)
|
(35,093)
|
At
31st December 2023
|
20,938
|
1,279,890
|
27,401
|
-
|
744,412
|
-
|
2,072,641
|
Year
ended 30th June 2024 (Audited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At
30th June 2023
|
19,752
|
1,167,916
|
27,401
|
-
|
597,839
|
-
|
1,812,908
|
Issue of Ordinary shares
|
3,588
|
366,954
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
370,542
|
Repurchase of Ordinary shares into
Treasury
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(4,913)
|
-
|
(4,913)
|
Issue of Ordinary shares from
Treasury
|
-
|
243
|
-
|
-
|
4,913
|
-
|
5,156
|
Issue of Ordinary shares in respect
of the
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
combination with MATE
|
677
|
73,259
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
73,936
|
Costs in relation to issue of
Ordinary shares3
|
-
|
(990)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(990)
|
Cancellation of share
premium
|
-
|
(1,221,808)
|
-
|
1,221,808
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Proceeds from share
forfeitures4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,231
|
-
|
1,231
|
Net return
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
516,352
|
35,867
|
552,219
|
Dividends paid in the year (note
4)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(38,280)
|
(36,222)
|
(74,502)
|
Forfeiture of unclaimed
dividends4 (note 4)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
355
|
355
|
At
30th June 2024
|
24,017
|
385,574
|
27,401
|
1,221,808
|
1,077,142
|
-
|
2,735,942
|
1 Created
during the year ended 30th June 2024 following approval by the High
Court on 27th February 2024 to cancel the share premium account as
at close of business on 2nd November 2023.
2 These
reserves form the distributable reserves of the Company and may be
used to fund distributions to investors.
3 Costs in
relation to the publication of a prospectus on 18th October 2024 in
respect of the placing programme to issue up to 150,000,000
Ordinary Shares by way of placings and/or tap issues. Further
details are provided in the Chairman's Statement.
4 In 2024,
the Company undertook an Asset Reunification Programme to reunite
inactive shareholders with their shares and unclaimed dividends.
In accordance with the Company's Articles of Association, the
Company exercised its right to forfeit the shares belonging to
shareholders that the Company, through its former Registrar, had
been unable to trace for a period of 12 years or more. These shares
were sold in the open market by the former Registrar. The proceeds,
net of costs, were returned to the Company. In addition, any
unclaimed dividend older than 12 years from the date of payment of
such dividend were forfeited and returned to the
Company.
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL
POSITION
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Audited)
|
|
Six months
ended
|
Six months
ended
|
Year ended
|
|
31st
December
|
31st
December
|
30th June
|
|
2024
|
20231
|
20241
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Fixed assets
|
|
|
|
Investments held at fair value
through profit or loss
|
2,902,118
|
2,049,691
|
2,707,857
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
Derivative financial
assets
|
8,004
|
7,159
|
6,162
|
Debtors
|
5,300
|
5,333
|
9,584
|
Current assets
investments1
|
142,135
|
134,980
|
158,877
|
Cash at bank
|
28,925
|
20,550
|
19,379
|
|
184,364
|
168,022
|
194,002
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
|
(2,007)
|
(1,791)
|
(18,313)
|
Derivative financial
liabilities
|
(11,601)
|
(3,788)
|
(8,966)
|
Net
current assets
|
170,756
|
162,443
|
166,723
|
Total assets less current liabilities
|
3,072,874
|
2,212,134
|
2,874,580
|
Non
current liabilities
|
|
|
|
Creditors: amounts falling due
after more than one year
|
(137,936)
|
(138,969)
|
(138,455)
|
Provision for capital gains
tax
|
-
|
(524)
|
(183)
|
Net
assets
|
2,934,938
|
2,072,641
|
2,735,942
|
Capital and reserves
|
|
|
|
Called up share capital
|
25,551
|
20,938
|
24,017
|
Share premium
|
560,550
|
1,279,890
|
385,574
|
Capital redemption reserve
|
27,401
|
27,401
|
27,401
|
Other reserve
|
1,221,808
|
-
|
1,221,808
|
Capital reserve
|
1,099,628
|
744,412
|
1,077,142
|
Revenue reserve
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Total shareholders' funds
|
2,934,938
|
2,072,641
|
2,735,942
|
Net
asset value per Ordinary share (note
5)
|
574.3p
|
494.9p
|
569.6p
|
1 Cash at
bank in the Statement of Financial Position has been restated to
exclude the investment in the JPMorgan GBP Liquidity Fund of
£134,980,000 for the period ended 31st December 2023 and
£158,877,000 for the year ended 30th June 2024, and to disclose
this separately as 'Current assets investments' to conform with the
statutory format as required by the Companies Act 2006. There is no
impact on other line items in the Statement of Financial Position
nor on the total current assets.
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH
FLOWS
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Audited)
|
|
Six months
ended
|
Six months
ended
|
Year ended
|
|
31st
December
|
31st
December
|
30th June
|
|
2024
|
20231
|
20241
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cash
flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
Total return before finance costs and
taxation
|
78,068
|
186,409
|
562,781
|
Adjustment for:
|
|
|
|
Net gains on investments held at
fair value through profit or loss1
|
(68,311)
|
(172,465)
|
(536,703)
|
Net foreign currency
losses
|
5,996
|
1,132
|
10,816
|
Dividend income
|
(18,359)
|
(15,941)
|
(38,317)
|
Interest income
|
(3,708)
|
(3,833)
|
(7,802)
|
Realised (loss)/gains on foreign
exchange transactions
|
(729)
|
(31)
|
49
|
Decrease/(increase) in accrued income
and other debtors1
|
98
|
(2)
|
(669)
|
Increase/(decrease) in accrued
expenses
|
169
|
(73)
|
(191)
|
Net
cash outflow from operating activities before dividends, interest
and tax
|
(6,776)
|
(4,804)
|
(10,036)
|
Dividends received
|
15,758
|
12,941
|
32,018
|
Interest received
|
4,293
|
3,168
|
7,217
|
Overseas tax recovered
|
575
|
28
|
65
|
Capital gains tax paid
|
-
|
-
|
(6)
|
Net
cash inflow from operating activities
|
13,850
|
11,333
|
29,258
|
Purchases of investments
|
(1,724,160)
|
(561,024)
|
(1,940,745)
|
Sales of investments
|
1,586,392
|
477,713
|
1,614,163
|
Settlement of forward currency
contracts
|
(4,461)
|
(7,177)
|
(10,777)
|
Costs in relation to acquisition of
assets
|
-
|
-
|
(141)
|
Net
cash outflow from investing activities
|
(142,229)
|
(90,488)
|
(337,500)
|
Dividends paid
|
(50,154)
|
(35,093)
|
(74,502)
|
Forfeiture of unclaimed
dividends
|
-
|
-
|
355
|
Issue of Ordinary shares, excluding
the combination with MATE
|
175,100
|
112,283
|
369,824
|
Net cash acquired following the
combination with MATE
|
-
|
-
|
35,726
|
Issue of Ordinary shares from
Treasury
|
-
|
-
|
5,156
|
Repurchase of Ordinary shares into
Treasury
|
(10)
|
-
|
(4,903)
|
Costs in relation to issue of
Ordinary shares
|
(182)
|
-
|
(990)
|
Costs in relation to placing
programme2
|
(500)
|
-
|
-
|
Blocklisting fees paid
|
-
|
(149)
|
-
|
Proceeds from share
forfeitures
|
-
|
-
|
1,231
|
Interest paid
|
(3,058)
|
(3,064)
|
(6,120)
|
Net
cash inflow from financing activities
|
121,196
|
73,977
|
325,777
|
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents
|
(7,183)
|
(5,178)
|
17,535
|
Cash and cash equivalents at start of
period/year3
|
178,256
|
160,708
|
160,708
|
Exchange movements
|
(13)
|
-
|
13
|
Cash
and cash equivalents at end of
period/year3
|
171,060
|
155,530
|
178,256
|
Cash
and cash equivalents consist of3:
|
|
|
|
Cash at bank
|
28,925
|
20,550
|
19,379
|
Current asset investment in JPMorgan
GBP Liquidity Fund
|
142,135
|
134,980
|
158,877
|
Total
|
171,060
|
155,530
|
178,256
|
1 For the
year ended 30th June 2024, the net gains on investments held at
fair value has been restated to £536,703,000 and the decrease in
accrued income and other debtors to £669,000. There is no change in
the Net cash inflow from operating activities or the Increase in
cash at bank as reported in the 30th June 2024 Annual Report &
Financial Statements.
2 Costs in
relation to the publication of a prospectus on 18th October 2024 in
respect of the placing programme to issue up to 150,000,000
Ordinary Shares by way of placings and/or tap issues.
3
The term 'cash and cash
equivalents', is used for the purpose of the Statement of Cash
Flows.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
For the six months ended 31st
December 2024.
1. Financial statements
The information contained within the
financial statements in this half year report has not been audited
or reviewed by the Company's auditor.
The figures and financial
information for the year ended 30th June 2024 are extracted from
the latest published financial statements of the Company and do not
constitute statutory accounts for that year. Those financial
statements have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and
included the report of the auditor which is unqualified and did not
contain a statement under either section 498(2) or 498(3) of
the Companies Act 2006.
2. Accounting policies
The Company is a listed public
limited company incorporated in England and Wales. The registered
office is detailed in the half year report.
The financial statements are
prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include
fixed asset investments at fair value, and in accordance with the
Companies Act 2006, United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice ('UK GAAP'), including FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting
Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and with the
Statement of Recommended Practice 'Financial Statements of
Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts' (the 'SORP')
issued by the Association of Investment Companies in July
2022.
FRS 104, 'Interim Financial
Reporting', issued by the Financial Reporting Council ('FRC') in
March 2015, and updated in March 2018 has been applied in preparing
this condensed set of financial statements for the six months ended
31st December 2024.
All of the Company's operations are
of a continuing nature.
The accounting policies applied to
this condensed set of financial statements are consistent with
those applied in the financial statements for the year ended 30th
June 2024.
Management fee and finance costs
Management fees and finance costs
are allocated 25% to revenue and 75% to capital in line with the
Board's expected long-term split of revenue and capital return from
the Company's investment portfolio.
Finance costs are payable on the
£82.8 million 5.75% bond, £30 million 2.93% unsecured loan notes
and £20 million 2.36% unsecured loan notes.
3. Return per share
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Audited)
|
|
Six months
ended
|
Six months
ended
|
Year ended
|
|
31st December
2024
|
31st December
2023
|
30th June
2024
|
Ordinary Share Class
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Return per share is based on the
following:
|
|
|
|
Revenue return
|
16,646
|
15,439
|
35,867
|
Capital return
|
56,494
|
166,376
|
516,352
|
Total return
|
73,140
|
181,815
|
552,219
|
Weighted average number of shares in
issue
|
|
|
|
(excluding shares held in
Treasury)
|
495,529,183
|
404,200,941
|
429,567,452
|
Revenue return per share
|
3.36p
|
3.82p
|
8.35p
|
Capital return per share
|
11.40p
|
41.16p
|
120.20p
|
Total return per share
|
14.76p
|
44.98p
|
128.55p
|
4. Dividends paid on Ordinary shares
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Audited)
|
|
Six months
ended
|
Six months
ended
|
Year ended
|
|
31st December
2024
|
31st December
2023
|
30th June
2024
|
|
Pence
|
£'000
|
Pence
|
£'000
|
Pence
|
£'000
|
Dividend paid
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth interim dividend
|
4.61
|
22,091
|
4.25
|
16,711
|
4.25
|
16,712
|
First interim dividend
|
5.70
|
28,063
|
4.61
|
18,382
|
4.61
|
18,382
|
Second interim dividend
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4.61
|
18,909
|
Third interim dividend
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4.61
|
20,499
|
Total dividends paid in the period/year
|
10.31
|
50,154
|
8.86
|
35,093
|
18.08
|
74,502
|
Forfeiture of unclaimed dividends
over 12 years old
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(355)
|
Net
dividends
|
10.31
|
50,154
|
8.86
|
35,093
|
18.08
|
74,147
|
A second interim dividend of 5.70p
has been paid on 6th January 2025 for the financial year ending
30th June 2025, amounting to £28,618,000.
A third interim dividend of 5.70p
per share has been declared for payment on 9th April 2025 for the
financial year ending 30th June 2025.
5.
Net asset value per share
The net asset value per Ordinary
share and the net asset value attributable to the Ordinary shares
at the period end are shown below. These were calculated using
511,027,308 (30th June 2024: 480,337,308, 31st December 2023:
418,758,169) Ordinary shares in issue at the period/year end
(excluding Treasury shares).
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Audited)
|
|
Six months
ended
|
Six months
ended
|
Year ended
|
|
31st December
2024
|
31st December
2023
|
30th June
2024
|
|
Net asset
value
|
Net asset
value
|
Net asset
value
|
|
attributable
|
attributable
|
attributable
|
|
£'000
|
pence
|
£'000
|
pence
|
£'000
|
pence
|
Net asset value - debt at
par
|
2,934,938
|
574.3
|
2,072,641
|
494.9
|
2,735,942
|
569.6
|
Add: amortised cost of £30 million 30
year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.93% unsecured loan notes January
2048
|
29,859
|
5.8
|
29,853
|
7.1
|
29,856
|
6.2
|
Less: Fair value of £30 million 30
year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.93% unsecured loan notes January
2048
|
(19,554)
|
(3.8)
|
(22,676)
|
(5.4)
|
(20,492)
|
(4.3)
|
Add: amortised cost of £20 million 15
years
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.36% unsecured loan notes March
2036
|
19,918
|
3.9
|
19,911
|
4.8
|
19,915
|
4.1
|
Less: Fair value of £20 million 15
years
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.36% unsecured loan notes March
2036
|
(15,016)
|
(2.9)
|
(16,089)
|
(3.8)
|
(15,294)
|
(3.2)
|
Add: amortised cost of £82.8
million
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.75% secured bond April
2030
|
88,159
|
17.2
|
89,205
|
21.3
|
88,684
|
18.5
|
Less: Fair value of £82.8
million
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.75% secured bond April
2030
|
(86,043)
|
(16.8)
|
(88,608)
|
(21.2)
|
(86,170)
|
(17.9)
|
Net
asset value - debt at fair value
|
2,952,261
|
577.7
|
2,084,237
|
497.7
|
2,752,441
|
573.0
|
6. Fair valuation of instruments
The fair value hierarchy disclosures
required by FRS 102 are given below:
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Audited)
|
|
Six months
ended
|
Six months
ended
|
Year ended
|
|
31st December
2024
|
31st December
2023
|
30th June
2024
|
|
Assets
|
Liabilities
|
Assets
|
Liabilities
|
Assets
|
Liabilities
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Level 1
|
2,902,118
|
-
|
2,049,691
|
-
|
2,707,857
|
-
|
Level 21
|
8,004
|
(11,601)
|
7,159
|
(3,788)
|
6,162
|
(8,966)
|
Total value of investments
|
2,910,122
|
(11,601)
|
2,056,850
|
(3,788)
|
2,714,019
|
(8,966)
|
1 Forward
foreign currency contracts.
7. Analysis of changes in net cash
|
As at
|
|
|
As at
|
|
30th June
|
|
Other
|
31st
December
|
|
2024
|
Cash flows
|
non-cash
charges2
|
2024
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cash
at bank and current asset investments:
|
|
|
|
|
Cash at bank
|
19,379
|
9,559
|
(13)
|
28,925
|
Current asset
investments1
|
158,877
|
(16,742)
|
-
|
142,135
|
|
178,256
|
(7,183)
|
(13)
|
171,060
|
Borrowings:
|
|
|
|
|
Debt due after one year
|
(138,455)
|
-
|
519
|
(137,936)
|
Net
cash
|
39,801
|
(7,183)
|
506
|
33,124
|
1 JPMorgan
GBP Liquidity Fund, a money market fund.
2 Other
non-cash charges include foreign exchange movement and amortisation
on loan adjustments.
JPMORGAN FUNDS LIMITED
28th February 2025
For further information, please
contact:
Emma Lamb
For and on behalf of
JPMorgan Funds Limited
Telephone: 0800 20 40 20 or
or +44 1268 44 44 70
E-mail: jpmam.investment.trusts@jpmorgan.com
Neither the contents of the
Company's website nor the contents of any website accessible from
hyperlinks on the Company's website (or any other website) is
incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.
ENDS
A copy of the half year report will
be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be
available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism
The half year report will also
shortly be available on the Company's website at
www.jpmglobalgrowthandincome.co.uk
where up to date information on the Company,
including daily NAV and share prices, factsheets and portfolio
information can also be found.