Legal Entity Identifier:
21380033EKFQS15X1W22
2 August 2024
Mobius Investment Trust
plc
Half-yearly report and
financial statements for the six months to 31 May
2024
Mobius Investment Trust plc (the
"Company" or "MMIT") has today released its half-yearly report for
the six months to 31 May 2024.
The half-yearly report and other
information will be available via www.mobiusinvestmenttrust.com
A copy of the half-yearly report
will also be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will
shortly be available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism
Enquiries:
Mobius Capital Partners
LLP
Anna von Hahn, Investor
Relations
Tel: +44 (0)203 829
8505
Email:
anna@mobiuscapitalpartners.com
Frostrow Capital LLP
Company Secretary
Tel: +44 (0)20 3709 8732
Email: info@frostrow.com
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
|
As at
|
As at
|
|
|
31 May
|
30 November
|
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
% change
|
Net Asset Value per Ordinary
share†
|
141.7p
|
144.3p
|
(1.8)%
|
Share price
|
131.0p
|
132.5p
|
(1.1)%
|
Discount to net asset
value*
|
7.6%
|
8.2%
|
-
|
† UK GAAP
measure
*
Alternative performance measure, see Glossary.
|
Six months
|
|
|
ended
|
Year ended
|
|
31 May
|
30 November
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
Net Asset Value per Ordinary share
total return*^
|
-1.0%
|
+8.5%
|
Share price total
return*^
|
-0.2%
|
+2.1%
|
*
Alternative performance measure, see Glossary.
^ Source:
Morningstar.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Introduction
Dear MMIT Shareholders,
Thank you for your continued
support. The events of the last six months continue to challenge
the world with political change and volatility in some major
nations. Many large countries have held elections and it will take
time to see how the results will affect global economies. This
half-year report of Mobius Investment Trust plc ("MMIT", the
"Trust" or the "Company") covers the period from 1 December 2023 to
31 May 2024. Since the end of the reporting period, several events
have focused the world's attention on the political landscape in
the developed world, including elections in France, the EU and the
UK and the withdrawal of President Biden from the UK presidential
race. Meanwhile, in India, Modi's BJP party's loss of an outright
majority came as a surprise to investors. These developments will
have an impact on the medium-term economic outlook.
It has been an eventful period with
various forces contributing to market volatility. US inflation
proved to be more persistent than expected, reducing the number of
anticipated rate cuts this year from six to two or possibly one.
However, the strong US economic data underpinning this development
suggests an increased likelihood of a soft landing, which should be
positive for the global economy and exporting emerging markets. The
dollar remained strong and several of the 'Magnificent Seven', a
group of high-performing technology companies, notably Nvidia,
delivered outstanding returns. Partly as a result, emerging markets
lagged over the period but began to gain some ground in the second
quarter, driven in part by the surge in demand for products and
services related to artificial intelligence, with Taiwan, a center
of semiconductor innovation and MMIT's largest geographic exposure,
up a remarkable 20.2% over the period, as measured by the MSCI
Taiwan Index.
MMIT's differentiated, unconstrained
and benchmark-agnostic approach identifies largely under-researched
and lesser-known companies in the supply chain of giants such as
Nvidia or TSMC that have strong potential to generate alpha.
Accordingly, some of MMIT's portfolio's holdings have already seen
a positive impact on earnings and share prices.
However, in the first few months of
2024, IT software spending fell short of expectations as companies
delayed projects and adopted a cautious stance in the face of
interest rate uncertainty. This affected some of the Trust's
portfolio holdings such as EPAM Systems. In addition, towards the
end of the period, some Indian holdings were affected by market
volatility ahead of the Indian election results, resulting in a
negative net asset value return per share of -1.8% over the period
for the Trust, -1.0% on a total return basis. As we move into the
second half of the year, India has resumed its rally and demand for
software services appears to be picking up, with Gartner predicting
that global IT spending will total $5.06 trillion in 2024, an
increase of 8% from 2023. The Board has been particularly reassured
by the team's reports from their research trips, as companies have
shared their positive outlook for the second half of the year, as
well as some more encouraging news (see the Investment Manager's Review for more
details). Accordingly, the net asset value ("NAV") per share has
already increased by 3.6% between 31 May 2024 and 31 July 2024, the
latest practicable date before the publication of this
report.
In recent months, the team has met
with companies, experts and policymakers in India, Taiwan, China,
Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, resulting in the
addition of high conviction ideas to the portfolio. Progress on
engagement continues to be positive, with several companies
receiving prestigious awards for their achievements in this area
(see Investment Manager's
Review).
The Board has maintained close
contact with the team throughout this period and has observed their
continued commitment to refining and calibrating the portfolio. We
are confident that their focus on exceptional, innovative companies
with strong financial characteristics, sustainable earnings and
deep competitive advantages positions the portfolio well to deliver
sustainable returns to our shareholders. Portfolio holdings are
poised to benefit from the economic recovery and growth trends that
we expect to continue in the second half of the year.
Performance
The NAV per share and share price of
MMIT decreased by 1.0% and 0.2% respectively, on a total return
basis, over the six-month period to 31 May 2024, with the NAV
reaching a high of 152.9p on 15 February 2024 and closing at
141.7p. MMIT traded at an average discount to NAV of 8.0% during
the period under review, closing at a discount of 7.6%. At the
close of business on 31 July 2024, the latest practicable date for
this half-year report, the discount of the share price to NAV per
share was 5.3%,
with NAV and share price at 146.8p and 139.0p
respectively.
In accordance with its premium and
discount management policy, as set out in MMIT's prospectus, the
Board continues to closely monitor the discount or premium and will
take action either through buybacks or share issuances to reduce
discount or premium respectively, if it concludes it is in
shareholders' interests to do so. We have observed continued strong
interest from investors, which we expect to help bring the share
price closer to NAV per share. In respect of the recent wider
discount, it was decided, due to the relatively small size of the
Trust, not to buy back shares for the time being in order not to
reduce shareholders' funds but wait for the share price further
align with MMIT's NAV per share through continued strong
performance and investor demand.
The
Board
The governance of the Company
remains crucial for effective oversight on the delivery of results.
I would like to thank my fellow Board members for their continued
support and contributions. A little later this year, an external
independent firm will conduct a full Board assessment to ensure
that the Directors collectively possess all necessary skills, and
we will report on this in the next annual report.
Audit Tender
Since the publication of the last
annual report, the Board has decided to undertake a review of the
Company's external auditors, in order to ensure that shareholders
receive the best possible service. We will update our investors in
due course on the outcome.
Meetings with shareholders
The Company's Annual General Meeting
("AGM") was held on Tuesday, 23 April 2024 and the Board was
delighted to welcome an increasing number of shareholders and
guests who listened to the Investment Manager's presentation and
were able to ask questions.
Later this year, in September, the
Investment Manager will hold an Investor Day in London. For
shareholders unable to attend the presentations will be available
for viewing on the Manager's website:
www.mobiuscapitalpartners.com.
Outlook
Uncertainties remain as we move into
the second half of the year. Key issues such as inflation, interest
rates, geopolitical tensions, elections and China's
slower-than-expected recovery will continue to shape the landscape.
However, we believe emerging markets are poised for significant
growth in the medium-term, driven by a favourable macroeconomic
backdrop, structural and cyclical growth stories and attractive
valuations. The rise of artificial intelligence is a key investment
driver, with companies that supply major tech companies benefiting
significantly from this trend, including a number of MMIT's
holdings.
We would argue, that the US market
poses some challenges with its high valuations and concentrated
structure, while European equities are less attractive due to
concerns about an economic slowdown. Emerging markets offer a
compelling diversification opportunity with strong growth potential
and attractive valuations. The growing economic links between
emerging markets will continue to boost inter-emerging market trade
and reduce their dependence on developed markets.
The Board is always mindful of the
risks. The outlook for US growth, inflation, Federal Reserve rate
cuts and the US dollar remains critical for emerging market assets.
Chinese policy developments also require close monitoring.
Geopolitical risks are inherent in emerging market investing,
especially in an election year. The US elections could have a
significant impact on the US dollar and foreign policy. Global
geopolitical tensions, such as the war in Ukraine and the conflict
in the Middle East, pose significant risks, potentially affecting
energy prices and driving inflation. With the share of the
democratic world shrinking and with 40% of the world living in what
the EIU defines as "autocratic" states1 there will be
challenges to maintain a steady state of development and
growth.
MMIT focuses on highly innovative,
high-quality companies with strong fundamentals and balance sheets
that are well positioned to gain market share and demonstrate
resilience in an environment of high interest rates and market
volatility. We believe that investing in these fundamentally sound
companies will continue to deliver sustainable returns over time.
The team's reports from the field support this view. In addition,
the team continues to pay close attention to macroeconomic
developments. The deep macro overlay of MMIT's investment process
has been instrumental in avoiding volatile markets, thereby
enhancing stability and performance.
We share NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's
view that we are at the dawn of a new AI-driven technology
revolution. MMIT's portfolio reflects this, with company-specific
products and exciting new additions that are capturing this trend
with differentiated, highly innovative offerings. We also believe
that the circumstances are now right for Emerging Markets to thrive
after a challenging decade. MMIT's portfolio is well positioned to
take advantage of these opportunities.
Maria Luisa Cicognani
Chairman
2 August 2024
1
https://www.eiu.com/n/campaigns/democracy-index-2023/
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICY
Investment Objective
The Company's investment objective
is to achieve long-term capital growth and income returns
predominantly through investment in a diversified portfolio of
companies exposed directly or indirectly to emerging or frontier
markets.
Investment Policy
Asset allocation
The Company seeks to meet its
investment objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of
companies exposed directly or indirectly to emerging or frontier
markets. The Company invests predominantly in:
● companies incorporated in and/or traded on stock exchanges
located in emerging or frontier markets; or
● companies which have the majority of their operations, or earn
a significant amount of their revenues in, emerging or frontier
markets but are traded on stock exchanges located in developed
countries.
The Company focuses on small to
mid-cap companies. The Company may invest in pre-IPO and unlisted
companies subject to the investment restrictions detailed
below.
In pursuing its investment
objective, the Company may:
● invest in equity or equity related securities (including
preference shares, convertible unsecured loan stock, warrants and
other similar securities);
● hedge against directional risk using index futures and/or
cash;
● hold bonds and warrants on transferable securities;
● utilise options and futures for hedging purposes and for
efficient portfolio management;
● enter into contracts for differences;
● hold participation notes;
● use forward currency contracts; and
● hold liquid assets.
Notwithstanding the above, the
Company does not intend to utilise derivatives or other financial
instruments to take short positions, nor to increase the Company's
leverage in excess of the limit set out in the borrowing
policy.
The Company does not track or mirror
any index or benchmark and, accordingly, the Company is frequently
overweight or underweight in certain investments, or concentrated
in a more limited number of sectors, geographical areas or
countries, when compared with a particular index or
benchmark.
The Company focuses on companies
that have:
● a resilient business model and sound management;
● the possibility for operational and environmental, social and
governance ("ESG") improvements;
● the potential to improve competitive advantages and cash flow
generation; and
● stakeholders that are open to, and have an interest in,
positive change.
The Company, through its Investment
Manager, seeks to unlock value in investee companies by actively
partnering with them through a governance-oriented approach,
seeking to act as a catalyst for broader ESG
improvements.
The Company does not expect to take
controlling interests in investee companies.
The Company seeks to provide
shareholders with exposure to a portfolio which is appropriately
diversified by geography and sector to achieve an appropriate
balance of risk over the long term. The Company's portfolio will
comprise approximately 20 to 30 investments. The Company at all
times invests and manages its assets in a manner which is
consistent with the objective of spreading and mitigating
investment risk.
Investment restrictions
The Company observes the following
investment restrictions, each calculated at the time of
investment:
● no more than 10 per cent. of Gross Assets are invested in a
single company;
● no more than 35 per cent. of Gross Assets are invested in
companies incorporated in or traded on an exchange in or otherwise
primarily exposed to a single emerging or frontier market;
and
● no more than 15 per cent. of Gross Assets are invested in
companies that are not traded on a stock exchange.
In compliance with the UK Listing
Rules, no more than 10 per cent., in aggregate, of Gross Assets may
be invested in other investment companies which are listed on the
Official List.
Borrowing
The Company may deploy leverage of
up to 20 per cent. of Net Asset Value (calculated at the time of
borrowing) to seek to enhance long-term capital growth and income
returns and for the purpose of capital flexibility. The Company's
leverage is expected to primarily comprise bank borrowings but may
include the use of derivative instruments and such other methods as
the Board may determine.
Hedging
The Company's reporting currency and
share price quotation is Sterling. However, the Company makes
investments denominated in currencies other than Sterling. In
addition, the majority of the income from the Company's investments
is generated in currencies other than Sterling.
The Company does not intend to hedge
currency risk in respect of the capital value of its portfolio or
in respect of its Sterling distributions. However, the Company
reviews its hedging strategy on a regular basis. The Company does
not engage in currency trading for speculative purposes.
Cash management
Whilst it is the intention of the
Company to be fully or near fully invested in normal market
conditions, the Company may hold cash on deposit and may invest in
cash equivalent investments, which may include short-term
investments in money market type funds and tradeable debt
securities ("Cash and Cash Equivalents").
There is no restriction on the
amount of Cash and Cash Equivalents that the Company may hold and
there may be times when it is appropriate for the Company to have a
significant cash or cash equivalent position instead of being fully
or near fully invested.
Investment Policy Commentary
Borrowing
There was no borrowing during the
period under review or after the period end, nor have any
derivatives been used.
Hedging
The Investment Manager does not use
currency hedging products but manages currency risk through
"natural hedging" by maintaining a geographically diversified
portfolio. The Investment Manager closely monitors all portfolio
companies on a daily basis and is in a regular dialogue with
portfolio companies on a range of issues, including currency
hedging. Analysing currency risk is an integral part of the
Investment Manager's macroeconomic framework and is fully
integrated throughout the investment process.
Breaches
In the event of a breach of the
investment policy set out above and the investment and leverage
restrictions set out therein, the Investment Manager shall inform
the Board upon becoming aware of the same and if the Board
considers the breach to be material, notification will be made to a
Regulatory Information Service.
During the period under review, no
breaches of the investment policy occurred.
Changes to the investment policy
No material change will be made to
the investment policy without the approval of shareholders by
ordinary resolution.
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
as
at 31 May 2024
|
|
Fair Value
|
% of
|
Company
|
Country
|
£'000
|
Net Assets
|
Classys
|
South
Korea
|
9,386
|
5.7
|
TOTVS
|
Brazil
|
7,970
|
4.9
|
Park Systems
|
South
Korea
|
7,493
|
4.6
|
E Ink Holdings
|
Taiwan
|
7,169
|
4.4
|
Elite Material
|
Taiwan
|
6,806
|
4.1
|
Mavi Giyim Sanayi Ve
Ticaret
|
Turkiye
|
6,676
|
4.1
|
Sinbon Electronics
|
Taiwan
|
6,507
|
4.0
|
APL Apollo Tubes
|
India
|
6,208
|
3.8
|
EPAM Systems
|
USA
|
6,180
|
3.8
|
360 ONE WAM
|
India
|
5,935
|
3.6
|
Top
Ten Investments
|
|
70,330
|
43.0
|
Vivara Participacoes SA
|
Brazil
|
5,816
|
3.6
|
Persistent Systems
|
India
|
5,767
|
3.5
|
Hitit Bilgisayar
|
Turkiye
|
5,199
|
3.2
|
Safaricom
|
Kenya
|
5,013
|
3.1
|
CE Info Systems
|
India
|
4,966
|
3.0
|
Zilltek Techonologies
|
Taiwan
|
4,912
|
3.0
|
eMemory Technology
|
Taiwan
|
4,544
|
2.8
|
Vietnam Dairy Products
|
Vietnam
|
4,351
|
2.7
|
Clicks Group
|
South
Africa
|
4,211
|
2.5
|
Chroma ATE
|
Taiwan
|
4,123
|
2.5
|
Top
Twenty Investments
|
|
119,232
|
72.9
|
Metropolis Healthcare
|
India
|
4,005
|
2.5
|
Lotes Co. Ltd.
|
Taiwan
|
3,977
|
2.4
|
LEENO Industrial
|
South
Korea
|
3,778
|
2.3
|
Parade Technologies
|
Taiwan
|
3,701
|
2.3
|
Dreamfolks Service
|
India
|
3,514
|
2.2
|
Logo
|
Turkiye
|
3,326
|
2.0
|
Bluebik Group
|
Thailand
|
3,297
|
2.0
|
Kangji Medical Holdings
|
China
|
3,175
|
1.9
|
Smartfit Escola
|
Brazil
|
3,174
|
1.9
|
EC Healthcare
|
China
|
2,400
|
1.5
|
Total Investments
|
|
153,579
|
93.9
|
Net
Other Assets
|
|
9,966
|
6.1
|
Shareholders' Funds
|
|
163,545
|
100.0
|
PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN
Sector Breakdown
31 May 2024
Technology
|
54.9%
|
Health Care
|
11.6%
|
Consumer Discretionary
|
9.6%
|
Industrials
|
5.9%
|
Consumer Staples
|
5.2%
|
Financials
|
3.6%
|
Communications
|
3.1%
|
Cash
|
6.1%
|
Geographical Breakdown
31 May 2024
Taiwan
|
25.5%
|
India
|
18.6%
|
South Korea
|
12.6%
|
Brazil
|
10.4%
|
Turkiye
|
9.3%
|
United States
|
3.8%
|
China
|
3.4%
|
Kenya
|
3.1%
|
Vietnam
|
2.7%
|
South Africa
|
2.5%
|
Thailand
|
2.0%
|
UK*
|
6.1%
|
INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REVIEW
As we are entering the second half
of 2024, we are reflecting on a year which started with mixed
signals such as a weak recovery in China, the ongoing conflict in
Gaza, elevated election rhetoric in the US, increasing tensions
between Nato and Russia, and uncertainty over interest rate cuts.
These factors weighed on the performance of emerging markets, and
MMIT delivered a net asset value return per share of -1.0%, on a
total return basis, over the period. However, we believe the
outlook for H2 2024 is more positive and the NAV has increased by
3.6% since the end of the period (as of 31 July 2024).
Uncertainty over US monetary policy
has dominated market sentiment and impacted emerging market flows
over the past six months, with stronger-than-expected US data
raising fears of a prolonged period of higher interest rates.
However, the macro outlook for emerging markets in the second half
of the year appears favourable, with the Fed expected to cut rates
by the end of the year.
Many global central banks have
already embarked on rate-cutting cycles, diverging from the Fed.
This easing of monetary policy should support the recovery and
boost consumer spending. Over the course of 2024, we increased our
exposure to the consumer discretionary sector and added some
high-conviction consumer stocks to the portfolio, including Smart
Fit, Latin America's leading fitness chain, which should benefit
from cooling inflation and lower interest rates in South American
countries, particularly Brazil, its largest market. (See the
Investment Update section
below for more information on the new holdings).
Uncertainty about interest rates led
many companies to be cautious about IT spending, exacerbating the
lack of expenditure in the first few months of the year due to a
longer than expected downturn in the software cycle. This had an
impact on the Trust's software holdings. However, we are now seeing
signs of recovery in the sector and discussions with companies have
confirmed a more positive outlook for the second half of the
year.
While the software sector had a slow
start to H1 2024, other technology sectors, particularly those
driven by AI optimism, certainly did not, as global equity gains
were partly driven by the strong performance of some of the
'Magnificent 7' on the back of innovation linked to artificial
intelligence.
MMIT's portfolio offers investment
opportunities beyond the 'Mag 7', with investments in lesser-known
emerging market holdings that provide vital parts and services to
the supply chains of well-known mega-cap names. Given our high
conviction exposure to technology, we expect the portfolio to
continue to benefit from accelerating technology trends and macro
developments in the second half of the year and beyond.
This view is supported by the team's
observations and discussions during their extensive research trips
to Asia in H1 2024 which preceded the addition of two
high-conviction technology stocks to the portfolio. Carlos
Hardenberg's trip to Smarter E Europe, Europe's largest exhibition
alliance for the energy industry, provided further insight into the
role of emerging markets in providing some of the most innovative
technologies across industries. In addition, insightful company
news and positive outlooks, some of which have already translated
into better-than-expected quarterly results, plus the Trust's
stronger performance since the end of the period, have reinforced
our constructive view for the second half of the year. (See
Investment Update section
below).
As well as exploring the technology
industry, the team's research trip to Asia provided a timely
opportunity to consider the investment case for China at a time
when valuations in the market are low. The team gained insights
from local experts and companies, and observed issues on the
ground, including the on-going problems in the property sector, the
slow recovery in domestic demand and poor corporate governance.
These insights reinforced our conviction that investment in China
warrants a cautious approach, and MMIT, therefore, continues to
have little exposure to the country.
The global election year has added
volatility to EM investing, but most EM elections have not produced
major negative surprises. Despite warnings from Beijing, the
election of William Lai of the DPP in Taiwan did not elicit a major
reaction from China. Mexico elected its first female president and
in South Africa the ANC formed a coalition with the pro-business DA
party. In India, the BJP lost its parliamentary majority, forcing
Modi to form a coalition government within the NDA.
Some of the Trust's Indian holdings
were affected by market volatility ahead of the Indian election
results, weighing on the period's performance. However, after some
brief post-election volatility, Indian markets quickly bounced back
and have resumed their long-term rally.
India continues to be an important
allocation for the Trust and our conviction in India's long-term
growth story has further strengthened over the past year, leading
MCP to add three new high-conviction Indian ideas to the portfolio
in 2023. These companies have already contributed significantly to
the performance of the Trust. A two-month trip by an MCP analyst in
early 2024 to meet with companies and experts on the ground
reinforced our bullish view.
This is supported by positive news
from our Indian holdings. For example, our engagement with
MapmyIndia, India's leading digital map provider, to improve IR
activities is progressing well, with the company significantly
increasing its efforts to proactively communicate with the markets.
The company has continued to execute on its strategy in recent
months, winning significant long-term contracts with high-profile
customers such as Hyundai and Kia. In late June, two new sell-side
houses, including a large foreign bank, initiated coverage of
MapmyIndia.
The team constantly monitors the
prospects, positioning and challenges facing companies, and
engages, refines and repositions the portfolio accordingly. The
addition of two technology holdings, following in-depth due
diligence and site visits, reflects our continued belief that these
types of highly innovative companies, serving growing trends yet to
be discovered by the market, have strong potential to deliver alpha
over the long term. In addition, we believe that falling interest
rates will strengthen consumer sentiment, and we have increased our
consumer exposure with high-conviction ideas in Brazil, where we
are already seeing an improvement in consumer sentiment and
household spending.
Performance
The NAV per share and share price of
MMIT decreased by 1.0% and 0.2% respectively, on a total return
basis, over the six-month period to 31 May 2024, with the NAV per
share reaching a high of 152.9p on 15 February 2024 and closing at
141.7p. MMIT traded at an average discount to NAV of 8.0% during
the period under review, closing at a discount of 7.6%. At the time
of writing (31 July 2024), MMIT had delivered a strong NAV per
share and share price performance of 3.6% and 6.1% respectively
since 31 May 2024.
Over the reporting period, the top
contributor to performance was LEENO
Industrial (+1.7%). LEENO is a specialist supplier of semiconductor
test components and has contributed +8.8% to the portfolio since
its addition in 2021. The other top performers were Turkish
retailer Mavi (+1.5%) and Kenyan communications company Safaricom
(+1.1%). Mavi benefitted from its brand strength in Turkish retail
and reported robust growth. Better than expected revenue,
profitability and inventory management resulted in a share price
increase of more than 60% (USD) over the reporting
period.
The main detractors were software
providers EPAM Systems (-1.8%), Bluebik (-1.3%), and Totvs (-1.1%).
As mentioned above, the recovery in IT spending was slower than
expected with corporates taking a cautious stance and delaying
projects amidst rate cut uncertainty.
Investment Update
As of 31 May 2024, MMIT had invested
93.9% of capital, with 30 holdings across 11 countries. The largest
geographic exposure was Taiwan (25.5%), followed by India (18.6%)
and South Korea (12.6%). The team continues to find the most
high-conviction ideas in Asia, with the region accounting for over
60% in the portfolio. The largest sector exposure was technology
(54.9%), followed by health care (11.6%) and consumer discretionary
(9.6%). MMIT's technology exposure is well diversified across
globally operating software companies (22.4%), asset-light
businesses in the semiconductor space (10.4%), and producers of
niche, IP-protected hardware (22.1%).
During a Greater China research
trip, the team conducted due diligence on two new investment ideas
(Lotes and Chroma), engaged with portfolio companies in Taiwan and
spoke with their competitors, clients, and suppliers. The outlook
seemed positive, with end-user sales driven by new AI products on
devices and cutting-edge technologies such as liquid cooling for
next-generation servers, system-level testing for AI/HPC chips and
wafer inspection tools shaping the market. The local culture of
innovation caught the team's attention. The island's business parks
resembled condensed versions of Silicon Valley, with leading
foundries, IC designers and hardware manufacturers densely packed
together, and the local population's deep connection to high-end
manufacturing and technology was evident even in casual
conversation - while a London cabbie might discuss football, a
Taipei taxi driver enthusiastically explained to the team the
latest chip architecture and its reliance on local assembly and
test services.
The team did not observe any
critical changes in the geopolitical landscape during the research
trip. It remains unlikely that China would jeopardise its long-term
economic interests. Military action by China against Taiwan would
destabilise the region, threaten China's growth prospects and
almost certainly lead to extensive sanctions against China. In
addition, MCP's Taiwanese holdings are primarily global companies
with significant international operations and revenues generated
overseas. Nevertheless, we continue to closely monitor the
relationship between Taiwan and China from both a macro and
geopolitical perspective. We are also closely watching the US
election for any potential impact on this situation.
During the reporting period, MCP
added four new companies to the portfolio.
Lotes - During Q1 2024, MCP
invested in Lotes Co, a top CPU socket and connector manufacturer
based in Taiwan. Lotes has a good track record in an industry with
high entry barriers, long production development and vendor
approval lead times, and is vertically integrated from design to
manufacture ensuring superior cost and quality control. Strong
relationships with AMD, Intel, and cloud providers position Lotes
as a major beneficiary of generational change in CPU platforms. It
continues to innovate and is in the final stages of winning
approval for key products in the server market which offer
additional growth potential. Managed by an experienced management
team, Lotes boasts best-in-class margins and the highest ROE/ROIC
in its peer group. Since our investment, Lotes achieved a record
51% gross margin and delivered double-digit sales volume growth
(YoY), beating consensus, and we remain optimistic considering
increasing server and PC shipment growth.
Chroma - During Q1 2024, we
added Chroma ATE to the portfolio. Based in Taiwan, Chroma
specialises in testing equipment for EVs, battery formation, and
semiconductors. Chroma stood out for its best-in-class margins,
solid capital allocation, execution track record, and robust niche
positioning. Despite its small market cap, Chroma traded at a
significant discount to peers. During the research trip to Taiwan,
we learned about Chroma's long-standing ties to NVIDIA and its
customised testing equipment for AI and high-performance computing.
After channel checks with clients and peers, MCP invested in
Chroma. Recently, Chroma's Q1 earnings beat consensus by over 7%,
with double-digit growth in the semiconductor segment, highlighting
a bright outlook for 2024/25.
Vivara - During Q4 2023, MCP
added Brazil's largest jewellery brand, Vivara, to its portfolio.
After thorough due diligence, including interviews with the
founding family, senior management, and global retail experts, MCP
invested in this 60-year-old market leader. With 18% market share
and nearly 400 stores across Brazil, Vivara's strong brand
recognition and vertical integration create a solid competitive
moat. The company controls sourcing, design, and production,
resulting in high profitability. Favourable macroeconomic
conditions, expected interest rate cuts, and buoyant consumer
spending are positive tailwinds. Additionally, Vivara is ranked
number one in gender diversity, has Leeds Silver certified stores,
and boasts a robust sustainability roadmap.
Smartfit - MCP invested in
Smartfit, which operates over 1,000 clubs across Latin America,
with significant presence in Brazil (55%), Mexico (20%), and 11
other countries. The company's strong brand, positive customer
perception, and affordable memberships have positioned it well in
an underpenetrated market with an increasingly health-conscious
population. We are convinced that Smartfit will continue to deliver
on its strong execution track record, gain market share, retain/win
customers and maintain diligent cost control, thus driving earnings
growth.
Engagement & ESG+C®
Integral to our conservative risk
management approach is our commitment to good governance and active
engagement with portfolio holdings. During the period, the team
engaged with companies in India, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and
Thailand on ESG+C® in-person.
Our portfolio companies made
significant strides in enhancing their ESG+C standards during the
reporting period. Regarding environmental and social improvements,
Vietnamese dairy company Vinamilk was globally recognised as a
sustainability leader by Brand Finance in December 2023, ranking
among the top five in the global dairy industry. 360 One published
its first integrated sustainability report, including contributions
to the UN SDGs, an important step in improving its sustainability
transparency.
Improvements in social standards
through the specific use of healthcare initiatives involved
Metropolis Healthcare conducting a groundbreaking study on
hereditary cancer symptoms, published ahead of World Cancer Day,
contributing to cancer awareness and proactive healthcare measures.
Additionally, Persistent Systems, in collaboration with Microsoft,
launched a cutting-edge generative AI-powered population health
management solution, enhancing patient care and healthcare provider
efficiency.
Companies have also gained
recognition for their workplace culture. In May, Sinbon Electronics
joined the "TALENT, in Taiwan, Taiwan Talent Sustainability
Alliance" for the third year running, showcasing the company's
commitment to fostering a positive work environment. EPAM Systems
was recognised as an Employee's Choice Winner in Glassdoor's Top
100 Best Places to Work in 2024. They were also acknowledged as the
preferred tech employer among young professionals in Colombia by
the Top of Mind Index Tech study, ranking sixth out of more than
1,400 companies identified, up five places from 2023, as well as
being named the best workplace for career growth in Europe by
LinkedIn in April. EPAM also announced a performance-linked ESOP.
Additionally, Persistent Systems launched a Women's Returnship
Programme, which recruits exclusively women who have taken a career
break.
Outlook
We believe EM equities are poised
for a stronger second half of 2024 as global inflation cools and
monetary policy eases. MCP's recent addition of consumer-focused
holdings such as Smart Fit and Vivara anticipates favourable
consumer sentiment as a result of these macro shifts.
In addition, cyclical upturns and
growing technology trends, particularly in AI, are expected to
sustain the momentum of technology stocks in both developed and
emerging markets. Insights from our recent research trips and
positive news flow from portfolio companies underline the
robustness of these trends. The trip also reaffirmed the pivotal
role of emerging Asia in global technology supply chains,
highlighting their deep expertise and vibrant innovation
cultures.
Despite some uncertainties
surrounding events like the US election with potential implications
for the US dollar and foreign policy and the timing of Fed rate
cuts, MCP remains well positioned to benefit from both macro and
technology trends. As a result, we anticipate robust portfolio
performance in the second half of the year.
Carlos Hardenberg
Mobius Capital Partners LLP
Investment Manager
2 August 2024
INCOME STATEMENT
for
the six months ended 31 May 2024
|
|
(Unaudited)
Six months
to
31 May 2024
|
(Unaudited)
Six months
to
31 May 2023
|
|
|
Revenue
return
|
Capital
return
|
Total
|
Revenue
return
|
Capital
return
|
Total
|
|
Note
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Losses on investments held at fair
value
|
|
-
|
(2,075)
|
(2,075)
|
-
|
(5,627)
|
(5,627)
|
Exchange losses on currency
balances
|
|
-
|
(112)
|
(112)
|
-
|
(66)
|
(66)
|
Investment income
|
2
|
1,980
|
-
|
1,980
|
1,413
|
-
|
1,413
|
Investment Management and Management
Services fees
|
3
|
(284)
|
(664)
|
(948)
|
(264)
|
(614)
|
(878)
|
Other expenses
|
|
(251)
|
-
|
(251)
|
(253)
|
-
|
(253)
|
Net
return/(loss) on ordinary activities before
taxation
|
|
1,445
|
(2,851)
|
(1,406)
|
896
|
(6,307)
|
(5,411)
|
Taxation on ordinary
activities
|
|
(117)
|
(18)
|
(135)
|
(150)
|
(160)
|
(310)
|
Return/(loss) on ordinary activities after
taxation
|
4
|
1,328
|
(2,869)
|
(1,541)
|
746
|
(6,467)
|
(5,721)
|
Return/(loss) per share basic and diluted
|
4
|
1.15p
|
(2.49)p
|
(1.34)p
|
0.69p
|
(5.97)p
|
(5.28)p
|
The Total column of this statement
represents the Company's Income Statement.
The revenue and capital return
columns are supplementary to this and are prepared under guidance
published by the Association of Investment Companies
("AIC").
All items in the above statement
derive from continuing operations. There are no recognised gains or
losses other than those declared in the Income
Statement.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for
the six months ended 31 May 2024
|
Share
capital
£'000
|
Share premium
account
£'000
|
Special
reserve
£'000
|
Capital redemption
reserve
£'000
|
Capital
reserve
£'000
|
Revenue
reserve
£'000
|
Total
£'000
|
Six
months to 31 May 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 December 2023
|
1,167
|
21,158
|
95,093
|
14
|
46,902
|
2,195
|
166,529
|
Ordinary dividends paid
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,443)
|
(1,443)
|
(Loss)/return for the
period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2,869)
|
1,328
|
(1,541)
|
At
31 May 2024
|
1,167
|
21,158
|
95,093
|
14
|
44,033
|
2,080
|
163,545
|
Six
months to 31 May 2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 December 2022
|
1,088
|
10,833
|
95,093
|
14
|
35,390
|
1,876
|
144,294
|
Issue of Ordinary Shares
|
37
|
4,600
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,637
|
Ordinary dividends paid
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,296)
|
(1,296)
|
(Loss)/return for the
period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(6,467)
|
746
|
(5,721)
|
At
31 May 2023
|
1,125
|
15,433
|
95,093
|
14
|
28,923
|
1,326
|
141,914
|
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
as
at 31 May 2024
|
Note
|
(Unaudited)
31 May
2024
£'000
|
(Audited)
30 November
2023
£'000
|
Fixed assets
|
|
|
|
Investments held at fair value
through profit or loss
|
|
153,579
|
156,690
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
Debtors
|
|
962
|
1,399
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
11,703
|
10,722
|
|
|
12,665
|
12,121
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
|
|
(1,099)
|
(491)
|
Net
current assets
|
|
11,566
|
11,630
|
Total assets less current liabilities
|
|
165,145
|
168,320
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liability
|
|
(1,600)
|
(1,791)
|
Net
assets
|
|
163,545
|
166,529
|
Capital and reserves
|
|
|
|
Share capital
|
5
|
1,167
|
1,167
|
Share premium account
|
|
21,158
|
21,158
|
Special reserve
|
|
95,093
|
95,093
|
Capital redemption
reserve
|
|
14
|
14
|
Retained earnings:
|
|
|
|
Capital reserves
|
|
44,033
|
46,902
|
Revenue reserve
|
|
2,080
|
2,195
|
Total Shareholders' funds
|
6
|
163,545
|
166,529
|
Net
asset value per share (p)
|
6
|
141.70
|
144.28
|
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for
the six months ended 31 May 2024
1
Accounting Policies
The Company is a public limited
company (PLC) incorporated in England and Wales, with its
registered office at 25 Southampton Buildings, London WC2A 1AL,
United Kingdom.
The principal accounting policies,
all of which have been applied consistently throughout the year in
the preparation of these Financial Statements, are set out
below:
(a)
Basis of preparation
The condensed financial statements
for the six months to 31 May 2024 comprise the statements set out
below.
They have been prepared in
accordance with FRS 104 "Interim Financial Reporting" and the
principals of the AIC's Statements of Recommended Practice (SORP)
issued in July 2022.
The Financial Statements have also
been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost
convention, as modified by the revaluation of investments held at
fair value through profit or loss. The Directors believe this is
appropriate as the Company maintains sufficient cash balances to
meet its expected liabilities over the next
twelve months.
The Company's financial statements
are presented in sterling, being the functional and presentational
currency of the Company. All values are rounded to the nearest
thousand pounds (£'000) except where otherwise
indicated.
Presentation of the Income Statement
In order to reflect better the
activities of an investment trust company and in accordance with
the SORP, supplementary information which analyses the Income
Statement between items of a revenue and capital nature has been
presented alongside the Income Statement.
(b)
Investments held at fair value through profit or
loss
As the Company's business is
investing in financial assets with a view to profiting from their
total return in the form of dividends, interest or increases in
fair value, investments are designated by the Company, as held for
fair value through profit or loss.
The Company manages and evaluates
the performance of these investments on a fair value basis in
accordance with its investment strategy, and information about the
investments is provided internally on this basis to the
Board.
Fair value for quoted investments is
deemed to be bid market prices, or last traded price, depending on
the convention of the stock exchange on which they are
quoted.
Changes in the fair value of
investments held at fair value through profit or loss, and gains
and losses on disposal are recognised in the Income Statement as a
capital item.
All purchases and sales of
investments are accounted for on the trade date basis.
Transaction costs of acquisitions
and disposals are expensed through the capital column of the Income
Statement.
(c)
Investment income
Dividends receivable from equity
shares are included in revenue on ex-dividend basis except where,
in the opinion of the Board, the dividend is capital in nature, in
which case it is included in capital.
Overseas dividends are included
gross of withholding tax.
Special dividends are looked at
individually to ascertain the reason behind the payment. In
deciding whether a dividend should be regarded as a capital or
revenue receipt, the Company reviews all relevant information as to
the reasons for and sources of the dividend on a case by case
basis.
Deposit interest receivable is taken
to revenue on an accruals basis.
(d)
Expenses and finance costs
All the expense and finance costs
are accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenses are charged
through the revenue column of the Income Statement except as
follows:
·
Expenses which are incidental to the acquisition
or disposal of an investment are treated as part of the cost or
proceeds of that investment;
·
Expenses are taken to the capital reserve via the
capital column of the Income Statement, where a connection with the
maintenance or enhancement of the value of investments can be
demonstrated. In line with the Board's expected long-term split of
returns, in the form of capital gains and income from the Company's
portfolio, 70% of the Investment Management fees, Administration
and Management Services fees and finance costs are taken to the
capital reserve.
(e)
Taxation
In line with the recommendations of
the SORP, the tax effect of different items of expenditure is
allocated between capital and revenue using the marginal basis.
Deferred taxation is provided on all timing differences that have
originated but not been reversed by the Statement of Financial
Position date other than those regarded as permanent. This is
subject to deferred tax assets only being recognised if it is
considered more likely than not that there will be suitable profits
from which the reversal of timing differences can be deducted. Any
liability to deferred tax is provided for at the rate of tax
enacted or substantially enacted.
Dividend income received by the
Company may be subject to withholding tax imposed in the country of
origin. The tax charges shown in the Income Statement relates to
overseas withholding tax on dividend income and Indian capital
gains tax.
(f)
Foreign currency
The currency of the primary economic
environment in which the Company operates (the functional currency)
is sterling, which is also the presentational currency of the
Company. Transactions recorded in overseas currencies during the
year are translated into sterling at the appropriate daily exchange
rates. Assets and liabilities denominated in overseas currencies at
the Statement of Financial Position date are translated into
sterling at the exchange rate ruling at that date.
Exchange differences are included in
the Income Statement and allocated as capital if they are of a
capital nature, or as revenue if they are of a revenue
nature.
(g)
Functional and presentational currency
The financial information is shown
in sterling, being the Company's presentational currency. In
arriving at the functional currency, the Directors have considered
the following:
(i)
the primary economic environment of the Company;
(ii) the
currency in which the original capital was raised;
(iii) the
currency in which distributions are made;
(iv) the currency
in which performance is evaluated; and
(v) the
currency in which the capital would be returned to shareholders on
a break-up basis.
The Directors have also considered
the currency to which underlying investments are exposed and
liquidity is managed. The Directors are of the opinion that
sterling best represents the functional currency.
(h)
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are
defined as cash and demand deposits readily convertible to known
amounts of cash and subject to insignificant risk of changes in
value.
(i)
Nature and Purpose of Reserves
Ordinary share capital
Represents the nominal value of the
issued share capital.
Share premium account
The share premium arose on the issue
of new shares.
Special reserve
This reserve was created upon the
cancellation of the Share Premium Account. This reserve is
distributable by way of a dividend.
Capital redemption reserve
A transfer will be made to this
reserve on cancellation of the Company's own shares purchased,
equal to the nominal value of the shares.
Capital reserve
This reserve reflects
any:
·
gains or losses on the disposal of
investments;
·
exchange differences of a capital
nature;
·
the increases and decreases in the fair value of investments which
have been recognised in the capital column of the Income
Statement;
·
expenses which are capital in nature as disclosed above;
and
·
this reserve can also be used to distribute realised capital
profits by way of a dividend.
Any gains in the fair value of
investments that are not readily convertible to cash are treated as
unrealised gains in the capital reserve.
Revenue reserve
This reserve reflects all income and
expenditure which are recognised in the revenue column of the
Income Statement and is distributable by way of
dividend.
(j)
Equity dividends payable
Dividends paid by the company are
recognised in the Financial Statements and are shown in the
Statement of Changes in Equity in the period in which they become
legally binding, which in the case of a final dividend is when it
is approved by shareholders at the AGM, in line with the ICAEW Tech
Release 02/17BL. The Company does not pay interim
dividends.
2
Income
|
(Unaudited)
Six months
to
31 May
2024
£'000
|
(Unaudited)
Six months
to
31 May
2023
£'000
|
Income
|
|
|
Overseas Dividends*
|
1,852
|
1,298
|
Other income - bank
interest
|
128
|
115
|
|
1,980
|
1,413
|
*includes special dividend received
from Kangji Medical Holdings of £564,000 (2023: £nil)
3
Investment Management and Management Services
Fees
|
(Unaudited)
Six months to 31
May
|
(Unaudited)
Six months to 31
May
|
|
Revenue
|
Capital
|
2024
|
Revenue
|
Capital
|
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Investment Management fee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Mobius Capital Partners
LLP
|
232
|
542
|
774
|
215
|
501
|
716
|
Management Services fee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Frostrow Capital LLP
|
52
|
122
|
174
|
49
|
113
|
162
|
|
284
|
664
|
948
|
264
|
614
|
878
|
4
Return/(loss) per share - basic and diluted
The return/(loss) per share figures
are based on the following figures:
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
Six months
to
|
Six months
to
|
|
31 May
|
31 May
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Net revenue return
|
1,328
|
746
|
Net capital loss
|
(2,869)
|
(6,467)
|
Net
total loss
|
(1,541)
|
(5,721)
|
Weighted average number of Ordinary
Shares in issue during the period
|
115,420,336
|
108,307,225
|
|
Pence
|
Pence
|
Revenue earnings per
share
|
1.15
|
0.69
|
Capital loss per share
|
(2.49)
|
(5.97)
|
Total loss per share
|
(1.34)
|
(5.28)
|
During the period there were no
dilutive instruments held (2023: nil), therefore the basic and
diluted return/(loss) per share are the same.
5
Share capital
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Audited)
|
|
31 May
2024
|
30 November
2023
|
|
Number of
shares
|
Number of
shares
|
Opening Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares
|
115,420,336
|
107,548,983
|
Shares issued during the
period/year
|
-
|
7,871,353
|
At period/year end
|
115,420,336
|
115,420,336
|
Non-redeemable preference
shares
|
50,000
|
50,000
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Issued and fully paid Ordinary
shares
|
|
|
Shares of 1p
|
1,154
|
1,154
|
Non-redeemable preference shares £1
each
|
13
|
13
|
|
1,167
|
1,167
|
The Share capital includes 50,000
non-redeemable preference shares with a nominal value of £1 each;
of which one quarter is paid up. These shares are held by the
Investment Manager.
There were no shares issued or
bought back by the Company during the six months to 31 May 2024
(year to 30 November 2023: 7,871,353) retaining total number
of shares of 115,420,336.
6
Net asset value per share
The net asset value per share is
based on the net assets attributable to the equity shareholders of
£163,545,000 (30 November 2023: £166,529,000) and 115,420,336
(30 November 2023: 115,420,336) shares being the number of Ordinary
Shares in issue at the period end.
7
Financial instruments
(i)
Management of Risk
As an investment trust, the
Company's investment objective is to seek capital growth and income
returns from a portfolio of securities. The holding of these
financial instruments to meet this objective results in certain
risks.
The Company's financial instruments
comprise securities in equities, trade receivables, trade payables,
and cash and cash equivalents.
The main risks arising from the
Company's financial instruments are fluctuations in market price,
and liquidity and credit risk. The policies for managing each of
these risks are summarised below. These policies have remained
constant throughout the period under review.
Market Price
Market price risk arises mainly from
uncertainty about future prices of financial instruments in the
portfolio. It represents the potential loss the Company might
suffer through holding market positions in the face of price
movements, mitigated by stock diversification.
Liquidity
This is the risk that the Company
will encounter difficulty in setting obligations associated with
financial liabilities. All payables are due within three
months.
Credit
The Company's exposure to credit
risk principally arises from cash and cash equivalents. Only highly
rated banks are used and the level of cash is reviewed on a regular
basis.
The Company manages the levels of
cash and cash equivalents held whilst maintaining sufficient
liquidity for investments and to meet operating liabilities as they
fall due.
See the Interim Management Report
below for details of the principal risks faced by the
Company.
(ii) Fair Value Hierarchy
Fair value is the amount for which
an asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable willing parties
in an arm's length transaction.
The Company measures fair value
using the following fair value hierarchy that reflects the
significance of the inputs used in making the
measurements.
The levels of fair value measurement
bases are defined as follows:
Level 1: fair values measured using
quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets
or liabilities.
Level 2: fair values measured using
valuation techniques for all inputs significant to the measurement
other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are
observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as
prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
Level 3: fair values measured using
valuation techniques for which any significant input to the
valuation is not based on observable market data (unobservable
inputs).
The determination of what
constitutes 'observable' requires significant judgement by the
Directors. The Company considers observable data to be market data
that is readily available, regularly distributed or updated,
reliable and verifiable, not proprietary and provided by
independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant
market.
All investments were classified as
Level 1 investments as at, and throughout the period to, 31 May
2024.
8
2023 accounts
These are not statutory accounts in
terms of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and are unaudited.
Statutory accounts for the year to 30 November 2023, which received
an unqualified audit report, have been lodged with the Registrar of
Companies.
Earnings for the first six months
should not be taken as a guide to the results for the full
year.
INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT
as
at 31 May 2024
The Directors are required to
provide an Interim Management Report in accordance with the UK
Listing Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules. They
consider that the Chairman's Statement and the Investment Manager's
Review, the following statements and the Directors' Responsibility
Statement below together constitute the Interim Management Report
for the Company for the six months ended 31 May 2024.
Going Concern
The Directors believe, having
considered the Company's investment objective, risk management
policies, capital management policies and procedures, as well as
the nature of the portfolio and the 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. In addition,
there are no material uncertainties relating to the Company that
would prevent its ability to continue in such operational existence
for at least twelve months from the date of the approval of this
half-yearly report. For these reasons, the Directors consider it is
appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in
preparing the Financial Statements.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
A review of the half year and the
outlook for the Company can be found in the Chairman's Statement
and in the Investment Manager's Review. The principal risks faced
by the Company fall into the following broad categories:
·
Investment Risks (including Market, Foreign
Exchange and Fiscal Risk in Emerging and Frontier Markets,
Portfolio Risk and Counterparty Risk);
·
Strategic Risks (including Strategy Implementation
Risk, Investment Management Key Person Risk and Shareholder
Relations Risk); and
·
Operational Risks (including Service Providers
Risk, Geopolitical Risk, UK Regulatory Risk, UK Legal Risk,
Governance Risk and ESG and Climate Change Risk).
Information on each of these areas
is given in the Strategic Report/Business Review within the Annual
Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 November 2023. The
principal risks and uncertainties have not changed since the date
of that report, although the wars in Ukraine and Gaza have moved
Geopolitical Risk more into focus.
In addition, the Board identified as
an ongoing risk the deteriorating economic environment in many
countries, including the cost of living crisis, rising interest
rates, increased energy costs and food supply difficulties from a
country macro level down to every household and business.
Uncertainty has also been added by elections taking place this year
in Europe, the US, and several emerging market including India,
Georgia and Venezuela.
Related Party Transactions
During the first six months of the
current financial year, no transactions with related parties have
taken place which have materially affected the financial position
or the performance of the Company.
Alternative Performance Measures
The Financial Statements set out the
required statutory reporting measures of the Company's financial
performance. In addition, the Board assesses the Company's
performance against a range of criteria that are viewed as
particularly relevant for investment trusts. Further details of
these are included in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year
ended 30 November 2023.
Directors' Responsibilities
The Board confirms that, to the best
of the Directors' knowledge:
(i)
the condensed set of financial statements contained within the
half-yearly report have been prepared in accordance with applicable
United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice standards;
and
(ii) the
interim management report includes a true and fair review of the
information required by:
(a) DTR
4.2.7R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being an
indication of important events that have occurred during the first
six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed
set of financial statements; and a description of the principal
risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the
financial year ending 30 November 2024;
(b) DTR
4.2.8R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being
related party transactions that have taken place in the first six
months of the current financial year and that have materially
affected the financial position or performance of the Company
during that period; and any changes in the related party
transactions described in the most recent annual report.
The half-yearly report has not been
audited by the Company's auditors.
This half-yearly report contains
certain forward-looking statements. These statements are made by
the Directors in good faith based on the information available to
them up to the date of this report and such statements should be
treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties, including
both economic and business risk factors, underlying any such
forward looking information.
For and on behalf of the Board of
Directors
Maria Luisa Cicognani
Chairman
2 August 2024
DIRECTORS AND OTHER INFORMATION
Directors
Maria Luisa
Cicognani (Chairman)
Christopher M. Casey
(Audit Committee Chairman
and
Senior Independent
Director)
Gyula Schuch
(Chairman of the Management
Engagement and
Remuneration Committee)
Registered Office
Mobius Investment Trust plc
25 Southampton Buildings
London WC2A 1AL
United Kingdom
Incorporated in England and Wales with company number 11504912
and registered as an investment company under Section 833 of the
Companies Act 2006.
Investment Manager and AIFM
Mobius Capital Partners
LLP
Fitzrovia House
3-5 Gower Street
London WC1E 6HA
United Kingdom
Company Secretary, Administrator and Management
Services
Frostrow Capital LLP
25 Southampton Buildings
London WC2A 1AL
United Kingdom
Tel.: 0203 008 4910
Email: info@frostrow.com
Corporate Broker
Peel Hunt
LLP
7th Floor
100 Liverpool Street
London EC2M 2AT
United Kingdom
Custodian
The Northern
Trust Company
50 Bank Street
Canary Wharf
London E14 5NT
United Kingdom
Depositary
Northern Trust Investor Services
Limited
50 Bank Street
Canary Wharf
London E14 5NT
United Kingdom
Legal Adviser to the Company
Stephenson Harwood LLP
1 Finsbury Circus
London EC2M
7SH
United Kingdom
Independent Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP
7 More London Riverside
London SE1 2RT
United Kingdom
Registrar
Computershare Investor Services
PLC
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol BS99 6ZZ
United Kingdom
Tel.: 0370 703 6304#
#
Calls cost no more than calls to geographic
numbers (01 or 02) and must be included in inclusive minutes and
discount schemes in the same way. Calls from landlines are
typically charged up to 9p per minute; calls from mobile phones
typically cost between 3p and 55p per minute. Calls from landlines
and mobiles are included in free call packages.
Identification Codes
SEDOL: BFZ7R98
ISIN: GB00BFZ7R980
Ticker:
MMIT
Legal Entity Identifier (LEI):
21380033EKFQS15X1W22
Global Intermediary Identification
Number ("GIIN"): J9AYNU.99999.SL.826
GLOSSARY AND ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES
("APM"s)
Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive
("AIFMD")
Agreed by the European Parliament
and the Council of the European Union and transposed into UK
legislation, the AIFMD classifies certain investment vehicles,
including investment companies, as Alternative Investment Funds
("AIFs") and requires them to appoint an Alternative Investment
Fund Manager ("AIFM") and depositary to manage and oversee the
operations of the investment vehicle. The Board of the Company
retains responsibility for strategy, operations and compliance and
the Directors retain a fiduciary duty to shareholders.
Discount or Premium (APM)
A description of the difference
between the share price and the net asset value per share. The size
of the discount or premium is calculated by subtracting the share
price from the net asset value per share and is usually expressed
as a percentage (%) of the net asset value per share. If the share
price is higher than the net asset value per share the result is a
premium. If the share price is lower than the net asset value per
share, the shares are trading at a discount.
|
|
31 May
|
30 November
|
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
Share price (p)
|
|
131.0
|
132.5
|
Net Asset Value per share
(p)
|
|
141.7
|
144.3
|
(Discount) of share price to net
asset value
|
|
(7.6)%
|
(8.2)%
|
IPO
An initial public offering or stock
launch is a public offering in which shares of a company are sold
to institutional investors and usually also retail
investors.
MSCI Index
Certain information contained herein
(the "Information") is sourced from/copyright of MSCI Inc., MSCI
ESG Research LLC, or their affiliates ("MSCI"), or information
providers (together the "MSCI Parties") and may have been used to
calculate scores, signals, or other indicators. The Information is
for internal use only and may not be reproduced or disseminated in
whole or part without prior written permission. The Information may
not be used for, nor does it constitute, an offer to buy or sell,
or a promotion or recommendation of, any security, financial
instrument or product. trading strategy, or index, nor should it be
taken as an indication or guarantee of any future performance. Some
funds may be based on or linked to MSCI indexes, and MSCI may be
compensated based on the fund's assets under management or other
measures. MSCI has established an information barrier between index
research and certain Information. None of the Information in and of
itself can be used to determine which securities to buy or sell or
when to buy or sell them. The Information is provided "as is" and
the user assumes the entire risk of any use it may make or permit
to be made of the Information. No MSCI Party warrants or guarantees
the originality, accuracy and/or completeness of the Information
and each expressly disclaims all express or implied warranties. No
MSCI Party shall have any liability for any errors or omissions in
connection with any Information herein, or any liability for any
direct. indirect, special. punitive, consequential or any other
damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the
possibility of such damages.
Net
Asset Value ("NAV")
The value of the Company's assets,
principally investments made in other companies and cash being
held, minus any liabilities. The NAV per share is also described as
'shareholders' funds' per share. The NAV is often expressed in
pence per share after being divided by the number of shares which
are in issue. The NAV per share is unlikely to be the same as the
share price which is the price at which the Company's shares can be
bought or sold by an investor. The share price is determined by the
relationship between the demand for and supply of the
shares.
NAV
Total Return (APM)
The theoretical total return on
shareholders' funds per share, including an assumed £100 original
investment at the beginning of the period specified, reflecting the
change in NAV assuming that any dividends paid to shareholders were
reinvested at NAV at the time the shares were quoted ex-dividend. A
way of measuring investment management performance of investment
trusts which is not affected by movements in the share price
discount/premium.
NAV
Per Share
Total Return
|
|
Six months
ended
31 May 2024
|
Year ended
30 November
2023
|
Opening NAV (p)
|
|
144.3
|
134.2
|
(Decrease)/increase in NAV
(p)
|
|
(2.6)
|
10.1
|
Closing NAV (p)
|
|
141.7
|
144.3
|
(Decrease)/increase in
NAV
|
|
(1.8)%
|
7.5%
|
Impact of reinvested
dividends*
|
|
0.8%
|
1.0%
|
NAV Total Return
|
|
(1.0)%
|
8.5%
|
*
1.25p dividends
were paid during the period (2023: 1.20p). The source is
Morningstar who have calculated the return on an industry
comparative basis.
Revenue Return per Share
The revenue return per share is
calculated by taking the return on ordinary activities after
taxation and dividing it by the weighted average number of shares
in issue during the period (see note 4 to the Financial Statements
for further information).
Share Price Total Return (APM)
The theoretical total return on an
investment over a specified period assuming dividends paid to
shareholders were reinvested in shares at the share price at the
time the shares were quoted ex-dividend.
Share Price
Total Return
|
|
Period
ended
31 May 2024
|
Year ended
30 November
2023
|
Opening Share price (p)
|
|
132.5
|
131.0
|
(Decrease)/increase in share price
(p)
|
|
(1.5)
|
1.5
|
Closing Share price (p)
|
|
131.0
|
132.5
|
(Decrease)/increase in share
price
|
|
(1.1)%
|
1.1%
|
Impact of reinvested
dividends
|
|
0.9%
|
1.0%
|
Share price Total Return
|
|
(0.2)%
|
2.1%
|
Financial Calendar
Date
|
Event
|
30 November
|
Financial Year End
|
February
|
Financial Results
Announced
|
April
|
Annual General Meeting
|
31 May
|
Half Year End
|
August
|
Half Year Results
Announced
|
Website
For further information on share
prices, regulatory news and other information, please visit
www.mobiusinvestmenttrust.com
Shareholder Enquiries
In the event of queries regarding
your shareholding, please contact the Company's Registrar,
Computershare Investor Services, who will be able to assist you
with:
·
Registered holdings
·
Balance queries
·
Lost certificates
·
Change of address notifications
Computershare's full details are
provided above or please visit www.computershare.com/uk.
Computershare Investor Services - Share Dealing
Service
A share dealing service is available
to existing shareholders through the Company's Registrar,
Computershare, to either buy or sell shares.
Shareholders wishing to use this
service will need their Shareholder Reference Number ("SRN"), which
can be found on the share certificate. If shareholders are unable
to locate their SRN, they should contact Computershare.
Computershare's Internet and
Telephone Share Dealing Service provides shareholders with a simple
way to sell or purchase shares (subject to availability) on the
London Stock Exchange. Real time trading is available during market
hours (08.00 to 16.30 Monday to Friday excluding bank
holidays).
Shareholders who would like to use
Computershare's Share Dealing Service should do so online at
https://www‑uk.computershare.com/Investor/#ShareDealingInfo.
The fee for this service will be
1.4% of the value of each sale or purchase of shares, subject to a
minimum of £40. Stamp duty of 0.5% may also be payable on
purchases.
Risk Warnings
·
Past performance is no guarantee of future
performance.
·
The value of your investment and any income from
it may go down as well as up and you may not get back the amount
invested. This is because the share price is determined, in part,
by the changing conditions in the relevant stock markets in which
the Company invests and by the supply and demand for the Company's
shares.
·
As the shares in an investment trust are traded on
a stock market, the share price will fluctuate in accordance with
supply and demand and may not reflect the underlying net asset
value of the shares; where the share price is less than the
underlying value of the assets, the difference is known as the
'discount'. For these reasons, investors may not get back the
original amount invested.
·
Although the Company's financial statements are
denominated in sterling, some of the holdings in the portfolio are
currently denominated in currencies other than sterling and
therefore they may be affected by movements in exchange rates. As a
result, the value of your investment may rise or fall with
movements in exchange rates.
·
Investors should note that tax rates and reliefs
may change at any time in the future.
·
The value of ISA and Junior ISA tax advantages
will depend on personal circumstances. The favourable tax treatment
of ISAs and Junior ISAs may not be maintained.
To
view the report online
If you would like to view video
updates about the company, please visit: www.mobiusinvestmenttrust.com
END
Neither the contents of the Company's website nor the contents
of any website accessible from hyperlinks on this announcement (or
any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this
announcement.