What did Henderson Far East Income Limited announce?
Henderson Far East Income Limited (NZX: HFL) filed “Results for the half-year ended 28 February 2019” with NZX on 28 April 2019, as a half year results announcement.
From the announcement:“Performance Asian equities produced a bumpier ride in 2018 in comparison to the prior year, with higher levels of volatility driven by rising trade tensions and the stronger US dollar and yields, along with fears of a slowing Chinese economy.”
- Which company?
- Henderson Far East Income Limited (NZX: HFL)
- When was it filed?
- 28 April 2019
- Where is the original?
- NZX announcement
Results for the half-year ended 28 February 2019
Legal Entity Identifier: 2138008DIQREOD38O596
26 April 2019
HENDERSON FAR EAST INCOME LIMITED
Unaudited results for the half-year ended 28 February 2019
This announcement contains regulated information
Investment Objective
The Company seeks to provide shareholders with a growing total annual dividend per share, as well as capital
appreciation from a diversified portfolio of investments from the Asia Pacific region.
Performance highlights for the six months to 28 February 2019
Net Asset Value (‘NAV’) per share total return was -3.5% compared to a total return of the FTSE All-World
Asia Pacific ex Japan (sterling adjusted) of -3.7%
Share price total return was -0.8%
Shares trading at a premium of 2.1% at the period end
Share issuance in the financial year to date totalling 3,125,000 shares raising £10.6m
Two quarterly dividends paid during the period amount to 11.00p, a 3.8% increase on the same period in
the prior year
Financial HighlightsAs at
28 February 2019
As at
31 August 2018
NAV per ordinary share335.79p
359.26p
Share price343.00p
357.00p
Net assets£422,690,000
£441,004,000
Premium/(discount)2.1%
(0.6%)
Total return performance(including dividends reinvested and excluding transaction costs)
6 months
%
1 year
%
3 years
%
5 years
%
Net asset value total return
1
-3.5-3.343.554.0
FTSE All-World Asia Pacific ex Japan Index (total return)
2
-3.7-3.857.665.1
FTSE All-World Asia Pacific Index (total return)
3
-5.6-5.150.166.6
Share price total return
4
-0.8-1.249.554.7
The Company does not have a formal benchmark. It uses the FTSE All-World Asia Pacific ex Japan Index (sterling
adjusted) for reference purposes only.
1
Net Asset Value (NAV) total return (including dividends reinvested and excluding transaction costs)
2
FTSE All-World Asia Pacific ex Japan Index (sterling adjusted), for comparison purposes (including dividends reinvested)
3
FTSE All-World Asia Pacific (sterling adjusted), for comparison purposes (including dividends reinvested)
4
Share price total return (including dividends reinvested)
Sources: Morningstar for the AIC, Datastream
INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
Performance
Asian equities produced a bumpier ride in 2018 in comparison to the prior year, with higher levels of volatility driven by
rising trade tensions and the stronger US dollar and yields, along with fears of a slowing Chinese economy. However, the
cut to the banks’ reserve requirement ratios by the Peoples Bank of China coupled with the government’s indication of
higher public spending provided a degree of stimulus in the latter part of 2018, as did the temporary truce due to de-
escalating trade tensions which was secured following a working dinner between Presidents Trump and Xi at the G20
Summit in early December. Despite the near-term headwinds, it is worth noting that quality Asian companies continue to
produce solid growth and valuations are attractive.
For the six months to 28 February 2019, the net asset value per share total return was -3.5%, marginally ahead of the
FTSE All-World Asia Pacific ex Japan Index (sterling adjusted) at -3.7 %. The share price total return for the period was
-0.8% and the Company has continued to trade at a premium in contrast to much of the AIC Asia Pacific ex Japan sector.
Dividends
In keeping with its approach of paying four quarterly interim dividends, the Board is pleased to declare the second interim
dividend for the year ending 31 August 2019 in the amount of 5.50p per ordinary share. This brings the total for the
dividends paid in the financial year to date to 11.00p, reflecting an increase of 3.8% over the same period in the prior
year.
The second interim dividend will be paid on 31 May 2019 to shareholders on the register on 3 May 2019.
Share issues
The first half of the year saw strong demand for the Company’s shares with 3,125,000 shares issued since the start of the
current financial year, raising a total of £10,628,000.
For the benefit of shareholders, shares are only issued at a premium to net asset value to ensure that these do not have
a dilutive effect.
Outlook
Global risks and uncertainties abound and, while well flagged, present difficult choices for investors. In our region
however, the Asia Pacific, there are clear trends which are encouraging and provide opportunities for investors taking a
medium to long term view.
The US/China trade dispute is unlikely to diminish in the near term but the impact on China is likely to lessen over the
next few years as the 10 Nations of ASEAN, home to 700 million people, reap the rewards of structural change,
infrastructure spending and regional integration. Looking back this integration process started five decades ago with the
rise of Japan, followed by the Asian tigers, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, then China. Now we are witnessing the
rise of South and South East Asia, principally India, Indonesia and Vietnam. ASEAN is now China’s third largest trading
partner and overall more than 60% of ASEAN trade is within the region. This intra-Asia trade is bound to continue to grow
as economic development drives up living standards and consumption. Western export markets will become less
important to the region over time.
China’s transition away from low cost manufacturing exports to a service driven economy continues. Exports are now less
than 20% of GDP, while services, the fastest growing sector, now accounts for more than 50%. This transition has driven
up labour costs in China presenting opportunities for ASEAN countries. Manufacturers looking for a lower cost
environment are moving south, particularly to Indonesia and Vietnam. This trend has been supported by confidence that
the lessons of the Asian financial crisis in 1997/8 have been well learned and policies put in place to prevent a
recurrence. Prior to the crisis many Asian countries tied their currency to the US$, poorly regulated banks borrowed
heavily abroad often to fund the purchase of non-performing assets. Weakening exports started the rout and as the stock
and property markets began to collapse money flowed out and local currencies fell sharply causing a severe foreign debt
repayment problem. The economic and social damage across the region was devastating and not to be forgotten. Today
all ASEAN currencies are floating and manufactured exports much more competitive. Lessons learned was the main
reason Asia weathered the 2008 global crisis so well.
The continued growth and development of this vast and highly populated region, where people are highly motivated to
work together to improve their lives and economic wellbeing, continues to provide ample opportunities for investors.
John Russell
Chairman
25 April 2019
FUND MANAGER’S REPORT
Review
Asia Pacific ex Japan markets had a roller coaster ride over the six months to the end of February 2019. The period
started poorly as the trade dispute between the US and China ramped up while the fear of rising interest rates in the US
caused further uncertainty culminating in the worst fourth quarter performance for global equities in many years. Markets
rallied at the beginning of 2019 as trade worries eased and weakness in the US economy reduced the expectations of
interest rate rises. By the end of the period markets had regained most of their losses with the FTSE All-World Asia
Pacific ex Japan index down only 1.3% in local currency terms and 3.7% in sterling.
While equity markets have ridden out the volatility the pressure has certainly been felt in corporate earnings. Results
across the region have generally been disappointing with the countries and sectors most exposed to trade and the global
cycle most impacted. Earnings growth forecasts for 2019 are now firmly in single digit, down from mid-teens less than
twelve months ago, while the recent rally in stock markets has stretched valuations beyond longer term averages. It is fair
to say that at this point in the cycle markets are being driven by political and macro forces rather than company specific
fundamentals.
Within this malaise there have been pockets of strength. The collapse of Vale’s tailings dam in January 2019 and the
subsequent closure of similar capacity on safety and environmental concerns have kept iron ore prices elevated. Supply
side reform in China has also curtailed production in steel, cement, aluminium and coal and as a result the materials
sector has performed much better than the economic numbers would suggest. Defensive sectors also performed well
most notably telecommunications and real estate which were less volatile in the downturn but also participated in the
new-year rally as the expectation of higher rates waned making their dividend yields more attractive relative to bonds.
At the country level Indonesia was the standout performer, rising 7% in sterling terms. The momentum in the economy is
improving supported by resilient coal prices and falling inflation which has left room for the central bank to cut interest
rates later in the year. High real interest rates have been supportive of the rupiah while the elections in April 2019 appear
to favour incumbent President Joko Widodo whose popularity has remained high and who is beginning to see the benefits
of Indonesia’s much needed spending on infrastructure.
Despite the obvious impact from the trade dispute with the US, which has negatively impacted export volumes, China and
Hong Kong were the only other two markets that posted positive returns in local currency terms. Recent data suggests
that the Chinese economy is beginning to show some positive trends following the targeted measures implemented by
the government in late 2018. The latest purchasing managers indices indicate a return to growth while property sales and
consumer activity is proving resilient. The increased weighting of mainland ‘A’ shares in the MSCI regional indices has
also proved supportive as foreigners continue to add to their China allocation.
The worst performing market was India, which fell 11.7% in sterling terms. The reason for the decline can be attributed to
uncertainty around whether Modi will be re-elected in the April/May elections, high equity market valuations relative to the
rest of the region and an earnings trajectory which refuses to deviate from its downward path. More importantly the
confidence of the domestic investor has been dented and the flows into mutual funds, which have driven the market over
the last few years, has slowed considerably.
The export orientated markets of Korea and Taiwan were also weak over the period. Unsurprisingly the impact from the
trade war was not unexpected but the weakness in the demand for products such as smartphones and PC’s had a
significant impact on the profitability of these technology centric markets.
Performance
Over the period the Company’s net asset value per share total return was -3.5% in sterling terms, marginally
outperforming the 3.7% fall in the FTSE All World Asia Pacific ex Japan Index. Surprisingly, the portfolio performed better
on a relative basis in the rally of 2019 than it did in the sell off at the end of 2018 which is unusual for an income focused
process. This was down to a series of factors which have more to do with themes and macro indicators than they have to
do with corporate performance. From September 2018 the market was worried about Chinese growth, the trade war and
the potential for rising US interest rates. With the portfolio’s focus on China and in particular Chinese consumption and
yield stocks (which are sensitive to rising interest rates) the usual defensiveness of the portfolio was negated. When the
markets rallied the catalyst was improving relations between the US and China and a signal from the Federal Reserve
that interest rates had peaked – a complete reverse from earlier in the period.
At the stock level there was strong performance from the mining sector with BHP and Rio Tinto in the top ten contributors
while the bounce in Chinese consumption data proved beneficial for Anta Sports, high end liquor company Kweichow
Moutai and also property developer China Vanke. The contribution of income stocks to capital return is borne out by the
appearance of telco’s China Mobile, HKT Trust and REITs Macquarie Korea Infrastructure, Mapletree North Asia
Commercial Trust and Mapletree Commercial Trust in the top ten contributors to performance over the period.
Outside of bulk commodities the performance of other materials companies fared less well. The weakness of the oil price
impacted China Petroleum & Chemical as well as down-stream refining – Star Petroleum and chemicals – Far East New
Century. Also in the bottom ten detractors was Lend Lease which had served us well in previous periods but an
unexpected provision related to its engineering arm resulted in a material sell off.
Revenue and Dividends
The portfolio’s dividend stream was very strong over the period with income from the stocks held rising 16.4% over the
same period last year. This elevated performance was partly due to an increase in the number of special dividends
received and is reflective of the amount of excess cash which is held on company balance sheets. Although these one off
distributions may not be maintained at such a high level going forward this is a phenomenon which is likely to be repeated
as companies reflect their strong capital positions and ongoing cash flow generation in their distributions to shareholders.
The revenue derived from option activity was broadly flat compared to last year. Volatility in markets has remained
relatively low but individual stock price moves have allowed opportunities to write put and call options to supplement the
Company’s revenue. Option premia accounted for 11.0% of the Company’s revenue received in the first half of this
financial year.
Activity
Although the country allocation has remained broadly unchanged, the volatility in markets has allowed us to take the
opportunity to own some stocks in the consumer space which have previously not passed our valuation test. Examples of
this would be Treasury Wine in Australia and high end liquor producer Kweichow Moutai in China. Both of these stocks
are beneficiaries of the upgrading trend in China which is fuelled by rising disposable incomes. We have also added
Sands China to the portfolio in the belief that this increased wealth will lead to higher tourism spend and greater visitation
to Macau.
Following a number of visits and some detailed analysis we have initiated a position in Vietnam, which we feel is one of
the most exciting stories in Asia. Apart from the short term benefit of an increased level of outsourcing from China as
manufacturers diversify their production facilities, this is a country with a young population, improving infrastructure where
the opening up of capital markets in the months and years ahead could unlock some real value. As a result of the
constraints on liquidity and the premium which applies to some stocks we have chosen to enter the market through a
London listed investment trust. The Vietnam Opportunity Fund provides us with liquidity across a broad range of
companies, included unlisted while trading at a 17% discount to NAV.
To enable us to make these additions, we have sold a number of positions in the Company’s portfolio; following some
strong performance through most of 2018 we took some profit in Baosteel and also exited our position in Star Petroleum,
we also sold Lend Lease in Australia following the previously mentioned provision and Hon Hai in Taiwan as the demand
for Apple’s smartphone products suffered owing to an overly aggressive pricing strategy.
Outlook
We remain positive on the outlook for Asian equities in the medium to long term but realise that politics and macro
uncertainty will dictate market direction in the short term. The recent stock market rally at the start of 2019 and the decline
in earnings expectations have combined to push valuations, to levels above the long term average, which has removed
the compelling value that was on offer. For the market moves to be sustained earnings need to improve and
encouragingly we are seeing tentative signs of this emerging. The measures put in place by China in 2018 are beginning
to gain some traction and we expect that momentum to continue throughout the rest of 2019, which will have a positive
knock on effect for the rest of the region.
Our focus will continue to be on consumer related areas while we feel China still offers the best combination of value and
growth in the region, despite the recent rally. Although Australia is the second highest allocation in the portfolio it is not an
economy we feel that positive about. The elections in May this year could result in a left wing government which has
already identified the dividend franking system as a target for change which could reduce the attractiveness of this
country for an income investor. Although most of the stocks we own in Australia are not that exposed to the Australian
economy it is something we will be paying close attention to as the year progresses.
Although the earnings momentum in the region has deteriorated the outlook for dividends remains robust. Companies
continue to be prudent with capital expenditure allowing excess cash to be routed towards dividends. With dividend pay-
out ratios low relative to other more developed markets this is a trend we expect to continue for many years to come.
Mike Kerley
Fund Manager
25 April 2019
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The principal risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business can be divided into the following main
areas:
• Investment and strategy
• Accounting, legal and regulatory
• Operational
• Financial
Information on these risks and how they are managed is given in the Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2018. In
the view of the Board these principal risks and uncertainties are as applicable to the remaining six months of the financial
year as they were to the six months under review.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company’s current related parties are its Directors and Janus Henderson. There have been no material transactions
between the Company and its Directors during the period and the only amounts paid to them were in respect of expenses
and remuneration for which there were no outstanding amounts payable at the period end.
In relation to the provision of services by Janus Henderson, other than fees payable by the Company in the ordinary
course of business and the provision of sales and marketing services, there have been no material transactions with
Janus Henderson affecting the financial position of the Company during the period under review.
DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:
the unaudited condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 – Interim Financial
Reporting (“IAS 34”) and gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the
Company as required by Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule (‘DTR’) 4.2.4R;
the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required:
by Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months
of the financial year, and their impact on the unaudited condensed set of financial statements, and a description
of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and
by Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 4.2.8R (disclosure of 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
the performance of the Company during the period; and any changes in related party transactions described in
the 2018 Annual Report that could have an impact in the first six months of the current financial year).
Legislation in Jersey governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in
other jurisdictions. The Directors shall remain responsible for establishing and controlling the process for doing so, and for
ensuring that the financial statements are complete and unaltered in any way.
For and on behalf of the Board
John Russell, Chairman
25 April 2019
Investment Portfolioas at 28 February 2019
Company
Country of
incorporationSector
Valuation
£'000
% of
Portfolio
1HKT Trust & HKTHong KongTelecommunications13,6153.12
2China Construction BankChinaFinancials13,3883.07
3Macquarie Korea Infrastructure FundSouth KoreaFinancials12,9932.98
4Industrial & Commercial Bank of ChinaChinaFinancials12,7092.92
5BHP Group LtdAustraliaBasic Materials12,1072.78
6China Yangtze PowerChinaUtilities11,6052.66
7China MobileChinaTelecommunications11,5582.65
8Kweichow MoutaiChinaConsumer Goods11,0652.54
9Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
1
TaiwanTechnology11,0112.53
10Digital TelecommunicationsThailandTelecommunications10,9302.51
Top Ten Investments120,98127.76
11China VankeChinaProperty10,8242.49
12Macquarie GroupAustraliaFinancials10,6482.44
13WesfarmersAustraliaConsumer Services10,2912.36
14Spark InfrastructureAustraliaUtilities10,0182.30
15China Petroleum & ChemicalChinaOil & Gas9,9272.28
16Rio Tinto LtdAustraliaBasic Materials9,7992.25
17Anhui Conch CementChinaIndustrials9,6612.22
18Mapletree North AsiaHong KongProperty9,5792.20
19Mapletree Commercial TrustSingaporeProperty9,4692.17
20Ascendas REITSingaporeProperty9,4692.17
Top Twenty Investments220,66650.64
21Scentre GroupAustraliaProperty9,4482.17
22E.Sun FinancialTaiwanFinancials9,4392.17
23SK Telekom
1
South KoreaTelecommunications9,3472.15
24Spark New ZealandNew ZealandTelecommunications9,2532.12
25DBS GroupSingaporeFinancials9,2132.11
26AmcorAustraliaIndustrials8,8642.03
27Orange Life InsuranceSouth KoreaFinancials8,8282.03
28Taiwan CementTaiwanIndustrials8,8272.03
29Sands ChinaChinaConsumer Services8,6481.98
30SK InnovationSouth KoreaBasic Materials8,4311.93
Top Thirty Investments310,96471.36
31United Overseas BankSingaporeFinancials8,3171.91
32Far Eastern New CenturyTaiwanBasic Materials8,1911.88
33Samsung Electronics
2
South KoreaTechnology8,1461.87
34PTTThailandOil & Gas8,0831.85
35Indorama VenturesThailandBasic Materials7,9351.82
36Intouch HoldingsThailandTelecommunications7,8691.80
37Chow Tai Fook JewelleryHong KongConsumer Goods7,8011.79
38Treasury Wine EstatesAustraliaConsumer Goods7,7541.78
39Telekomunikasi IndonesiaIndonesiaTelecommunications7,6981.77
40Anta Sports ProductsChinaConsumer Goods7,5701.74
Top Forty Investments390,32889.57
41SuncorpAustraliaFinancials7,5661.74
42DexusAustraliaProperty7,5041.72
43VentureSingaporeTechnology7,0861.63
44Dali FoodsChinaConsumer Goods6,8701.58
Company
Country of
incorporationSector
Valuation
£'000
% of
Portfolio
45Powertech TechnologyTaiwanTechnology6,3701.46
46KB Financial GroupSouth KoreaFinancials5,8471.34
47VinaCapital VietnamVietnamFinancials4,8401.11
48China Forestry HoldingsChinaBasic Materials--
49
China Resources Land Apr 19 Put(Expiry
15/04/19)
ChinaProperty(312)(0.07)
50
Anhui Conch Cement May 19 Call(Expiry
27/05/19)
ChinaIndustrials(339)(0.08)
Top Fifty Investments435,760100.00
Total Investments435,760100.00
(1) American Depositary Receipts
(2) Preferred Shares
Sector and Geographic exposure
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Sector Exposure
Portfolio as at
28 February
2019
%
Portfolio as at
31 August
2018
%
Geographic Exposure
Portfolio as at
28 February
2019
%
Portfolio as at
31 August
2018
%
Financials
23.8
28.4
Australia
21.5
17.1
Telecommunications
16.1
14.7
China
26.0
25.9
Property
12.9
10.4
Hong Kong
7.1
6.1
Basic Materials
10.7
10.5
Indonesia
1.8
1.5
Consumer Goods
9.4
7.4Malaysia
-
2.1
Technology
7.5
10.7New Zealand
2.1
2.1
Industrials
6.2
7.0Singapore
10.0
9.8
Utilities
5.0
4.4South Korea
12.3
12.1
Consumer Services
4.3
-Taiwan
10.1
15.2
Oil & Gas
4.1
6.5Thailand
8.0
8.1
Vietnam
1.1
-
Total100.0
100.0
Total100.0
100.0
Half-year ended
28 February 2019
(Unaudited)
Half-year ended
28 February 2018
(Unaudited)
Year ended
31 August 2018
(Audited)
Revenue
return
£’000
Capital
return
£’000
Total
return
£’000
Revenue
return
£’000
Capital
return
£’000
Total
return
£’000
Revenue
return
£’000
Capital
return
£’000
Total
return
£’000
Investment
income
9,194-9,194
7,897-7,89729,914-29,914
Other income
1,160-1,160
1,108-1,1082,665-2,665
Losses on
investments held
at fair value
through profit or
loss
-(22,252)(22,252)
-(256)(256)-(17,574)(17,574)
Net foreign
exchange
(loss)/gain
-(168)(168)
-905905-(63)(63)
The total column of this statement represents the Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income of the Company, prepared in
accordance with IAS 34.
The revenue return and capital return columns are supplementary to this and are prepared under guidance published by the
Association of Investment Companies. All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.
All income is attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company. There are no minority interests.
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
excluding
(losses)/gains on
investments
------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Total income10,354(22,420)(12,066)
9,0056499,65432,579(17,637)14,942
------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Expenses
Management fees
(934)(934)(1,868)
(973)(973)(1,946)(1,935)(1,935)(3,870)
Other expenses
(236)(236)(472)
(247)(247)(494)(498)(497)(995)
-------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Profit/(loss)
before finance
costs and
taxation9,184(23,590)(14,406)
7,785(571)7,21430,146(20,069)10,077
Finance costs
(121)(121)(242)
(105)(105)(210)(236)(236)(472)
------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Profit/(loss)
before taxation9,063(23,711)(14,648)
7,680(676)7,00429,910(20,305)9,605
Taxation
(897)245(652)
(639)-(639)(3,010)-(3,010)
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
Profit/(loss)for
the period and
total
comprehensive
income8,166(23,466)(15,300)
7,041(676)6,36526,900(20,305)6,595
------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Earnings per
ordinary share
basic and
diluted
(note 2)
6.59p(18.94p)(12.35p)
5.88p(0.57p)5.31p22.21p(16.77p)5.44p
===================
================================
Half-year ended 28 February 2019(Unaudited)
Stated
capital
£’000
Distributable
reserve
£’000
Capital
reserves
£’000
Revenue
reserve
£’000
Total
£’000
Total equity at 31 August 2018
139,698180,47197,25523,580441,004
Total comprehensive income:
(Loss)/profit for the period
--(23,466)8,166(15,300)
Transaction with owners,
recorded directly to equity:
Dividends paid
---(13,642)(13,642)
Shares issued
10,660---10,660
Share issue costs
(32)---(32)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total equity at 28 February 2019150,326180,47173,78918,104422,690
===================================
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
28 February 2019
(Unaudited)
£’000
28 February 2018
(Unaudited)
£’000
31 August 2018
(Audited)
£’000
Non-current assets
Investments held at fair value through profit or
loss (note 8)
436,411
463,716462,638
-----------
--------------------
Current assets
Other receivables
7,871
12,7303,253
Cash and cash equivalents
6,390
16,8747,117
-----------
---------------------
14,261
29,60410,370
-----------
----------------------
Total assets450,672
493,320473,008
-----------
----------------------
Current liabilities
Investments held at fair value through profit or
loss - written options (note 8)
(651)
(503)
(461)
Half-year ended 28 February 2018 (Unaudited)
Stated capital
£’000
Distributable
reserve
£’000
Capital
reserves
£’000
Revenue
reserve
£’000
Total
£’000
Total equity at 31 August 2017121,784180,471117,56022,667442,482
Total comprehensive income:
(Loss)/profit for the period--(676)7,0416,365
Transaction with owners,
recorded directly to equity:
Dividends paid---(12,736)(12,736)
Shares issued13,138---13,138
Share issue costs(53)---(53)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total equity at 28 February 2018134,869180,471116,88416,972449,196
===================================
Year ended 31 August 2018 (Audited)
Stated capital
£’000
Distributable
reserve
£’000
Capital
reserves
£’000
Revenue
reserve
£’000
Total
£’000
Total equity at 31 August 2017121,784180,471117,56022,667442,482
Total comprehensive income:
(Loss)/profit for the year--(20,305)26,9006,595
Transaction with owners,
recorded directly to equity:
Dividends paid(25,987)(25,987)
Shares issued17,983---17,983
Share issue costs(69)---(69)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total equity at 31 August 2018139,698180,47197,25523,580441,004
===================================
Other payables
(1,769)
(10,961)(768)
Bank loans and overdrafts
(25,562)
(32,660)(30,775)
-----------
----------------------
(27,982)
(44,124)(32,004)
-----------
----------------------
Net assets422,690
449,196441,004
======
============
Equity attributable to equity shareholders
Stated share capital
150,326
134,869139,698
Distributable reserve
180,471
180,471180,471
Retained earnings:
Capital reserves
73,789
116,88497,255
Revenue reserve
18,104
16,97223,580
-----------
----------------------
Total equity422,690
449,196441,004
======
============
Net asset value per ordinary share
(note 3)
335.79p
369.93p359.26p
=======
============
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Half-year ended
28 February 2019
(Unaudited)
£’000
Half-year ended
28 February 2018
(Unaudited)
£’000
Year ended
31 August 2018
(Audited)
£’000
Operating activities
(Loss)/profit before tax
(14,648)
7,0049,605
Add back:
Finance costs
242
210472
Losses on investments held at fair value
through profit or loss
22,252
25617,574
Net foreign exchange losses/(gains)
excluding foreign exchange losses/(gains)
on investments
168
(905)63
Sales of investments
128,984
160,052407,666
Purchases of investments
(125,134)
(161,927)(425,248)
Decrease in prepayments and accrued income
501
221105
(Increase)/decrease in amounts due from
brokers
(4,793)
(9,530)62
Increase/(decrease) in other payables
1,009
978(145)
Increase in amounts due to brokers
-
9,086-
Stock dividends included in investment income
-
-(574)
--------------
----------------------
Net cash inflow from operating activities
before interest and taxation8,581
5,4459,580
--------------
----------------------
Interest paid
(251)
(254)(500)
Withholding tax on investment income
(652)
(639)(3,010)
--------------
----------------------
Net cash inflow from operating activities
after interest and taxation7,678
4,5526,070
--------------
----------------------
Financing activities
Repayment of loan with CBA
-
-(31,833)
Initial drawdown of loan with SMBC
-
-32,282
Net loans repayment
(5,216)
2,063(985)
Equity dividends paid
(13,642)
(12,736)(25,987)
Share issue proceeds
10,660
13,13817,983
Share issue costs
(32)
(53)(69)
--------------
----------------------
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing(8,230)
2,412(8,609)
--------------
----------------------
(Decrease)/increasein cash and cash
equivalents(552)
6,964(2,539)
Cash and cash equivalents at the start of
the period / year7,117
10,24110,241
Exchange movements
(175)
(331)(585)
--------------
----------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the
period / year6,390
16,8747,117
========
============
Net debt
Cash and cash equivalents
6,390
16,8747,117
Bank loans & overdraft repayable within one
year
(25,562)
(32,660)(30,775)
----------
----------------------
Net debt
(19,172)
(15,786)(23,658)
======
============
NOTES
1. Accounting Policies:
(a) Basis of preparation
The condensed interim financial information has been prepared on a going concern basis, in accordance with IAS 34 and
the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority.
The Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2018 were prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted by the European Union. The unaudited results for the
half-year ended 28 February 2019 have been prepared using the same accounting policies as those applied in the
Company’s financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2018 with the exception of the implementation of IFRS 9,
'Financial Instruments' and IFRS 15, 'Revenue from Contracts with Customers', which are standards applicable for this
year, but have no impact on the financial statements.
There has been no change to the segmental reporting assessment compared to the 31 August 2018 financial statements.
These condensed financial statements do not include all information required for a full set of financial statements. The
figures and financial information for the year ended 31 August 2018 are an extract based on the published financial
statements and should be read in conjunction with them.
The condensed financial information for the half-years ended 28 February 2019 and 28 February 2018 have not been
audited.
(b) Investments held at fair value through profit or loss
All investments are designated upon initial recognition as held at fair value through profit or loss. These financial assets
are designated on the basis that they are part of a group of financial assets which are managed and have their
performance evaluated on a fair value basis. Financial assets are recognised/de-recognised at the trade date of the
purchase/disposal. Proceeds will be measured at fair value, which will be regarded as the proceeds of sale less any
transaction costs. The fair value of the equity instruments is based on their quoted bid price at the balance sheet date,
without deduction of the estimated future selling costs. Participation notes are fair valued by reference to underlying
stocks. The fair value of option contracts is determined by reference to the Black-Scholes model. The fair values of
unquoted financial instruments within the portfolio are based on their last audited net asset values discounted where
necessary to arrive at a fair value.
Changes in the fair value of investments held at fair value through profit or loss and gains and losses on disposal,
including exchange gains and losses, are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as ‘Losses on
investments held at fair value through profit or loss’. Also included within this caption are transaction costs in relation to
the purchase or sale of investments, including the difference between the purchase price of an investment and its bid
price at the date of purchase.
Significant accounting judgments and estimates
The preparation of the Company’s financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements; however, uncertainty about these
assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the
asset or liability affected in the future. As the majority of the Company’s financial assets are quoted securities, in the
opinion of the Directors, the amounts included as assets and liabilities in the financial statements are not subject to
significant judgements, estimates or assumptions.
The Company does not hold any Participation Notes at 28 February 2019 (28 February 2018: £31.6 million, 31 August
2018: £4.5 million). These are valued by reference to the underlying quoted stock. The obligations relating to the options
valued at £651,000 (liability) (28 February 2018: £503,000 (liability), 31 August 2018: £461,000 (liability)) are valued by
reference to the Black-Scholes model.
2. Earnings per ordinary share
The earnings per ordinary share figure is based on the net loss after taxation of £15,300,000 (half-year ended 28
February 2018: profit £6,365,000; year ended 31 August 2018: profit £6,595,000) and on 123,919,862 ordinary shares
(half-year ended 28 February 2018: 119,764,056; year ended 31 August 2018: 121,130,068) being the weighted average
number of ordinary shares in issue during each of the periods.
The earnings per ordinary share detailed above can be further analysed between revenue and capital, as below:
Half-year
ended
28 February
2019
(Unaudited)
£’000
Half-year
ended
28 February
2018
(Unaudited)
£’000
Year ended
31 August
2018
(Audited)
£’000
Net revenue profit
8,166
7,04126,900
Net capital loss
(23,466)
(676)(20,305)
Net total (loss)/profit
(15,300)
6,3656,595
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
in issue during the period / year
123,919,862
119,764,056121,130,068
Pence
PencePence
Revenue earnings per ordinary share
6.59
5.8822.21
Capital earnings per ordinary share
(18.94)
(0.57)(16.77)
Total earnings per ordinary share
(12.35)
5.315.44
The Company does not have any dilutive securities; therefore the basic and diluted returns per share are the same.
3.Net asset value per ordinary share
The net asset value per ordinary share is based on a net asset value of £422,690,000 (28 February 2018: £449,196,000;
31 August 2018: £441,004,000) and on 125,878,564 (28 February 2018: 121,428,564; 31 August 2018: 122,753,564)
ordinary shares, being the number of ordinary shares in issue at each period end.
4. Transaction costs
Purchase transaction costs for the half-year ended 28 February 2019 were £94,000 (half-year ended 28 February 2018:
£189,000; year ended 31 August 2018: £488,000). Sales transaction costs for the half-year ended 28 February 2019
were £199,000 (half-year ended 28 February 2018: £275,000; year ended 31 August 2018: £846,000). Transaction costs
for both purchases and sales principally consist of commission fees.
5. Share capital
During the six months under review the Company issued a total of 3,125,000 shares (half-year ended 28 February 2018:
3,493,000; year ended 31 August 2018: 4,818,000) for net proceeds of £10,628,000 (half-year ended 28 February 2018:
£13,085,000; year ended 31 August 2018: £17,914,000) net of costs. Since the period end, a further 1,325,000 shares
have been issued for net proceeds of £4,663,000.
6. Dividends
The Company pays dividends on a quarterly basis. On 30 November 2018, a fourth interim dividend of 5.50p per share
was paid in respect of the year ended 31 August 2018. A first interim dividend, in respect of the year ended 31 August
2019, of 5.50p per share was paid on 28 February 2019. The second interim dividend of 5.50p per share will be paid on
31 May 2019 to shareholders on the register on 3 May 2019. The Company’s shares will be quoted ex-dividend on 2 May
2019. Based on the number of shares in issue on 25 April 2019, the cost of this dividend will be £6,996,000.
7. Management Fees
Management fees are charged in accordance with the terms of the management agreement at a rate of 0.9% per annum
of the first £400,000,000 of net assets and 0.75% per annum of the balance of net assets greater than £400,000,000.
8. Financial Instruments
At the period end the carrying value of financial assets and financial liabilities approximates their fair value.
Financial instruments carried at fair value
Fair value hierarchy
The table below analyses recurring fair value measurements for financial assets and financial liabilities. These fair value
measurements are categorised into different levels in the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs to valuation techniques
used. The different levels are defined as follows:
Level 1: inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the
measurement date.
Level 2: inputs other than quoted market prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability,
either directly or indirectly.
Level 3: inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
Financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value
through profit or loss at 28 February 2019
Level 1
£'000
Level 2
£'000
Level 3
£’000
Total
£’000
Investments including derivatives:
-Equity securities designated at fair value through profit
or loss
436,411--436,411
- Written options
-(651)-(651)
Total financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value
436,411(651)-435,760
Financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through
profit or loss at 28 February 2018
Level 1
£'000
Level 2
£'000
Level 3
£’000
Total
£’000
Investments including derivatives:
- Equity securities designated at fair value through profit or
loss432,12931,587-463,716
- Written options-(503)-(503)
Total financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value432,12931,084-463,213
Financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through
profit or loss at 31 August 2018
Level 1
£'000
Level 2
£'000
Level 3
£’000
Total
£’000
Investments including derivatives:
- Equity securities designated at fair value through profit or
loss458,1134,525-462,638
- Written options
-(461)-(461)
Total financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value458,1134,064-462,177
Level 3 investments relate to one holding of China Forestry, transferred into Level 3 in 2012, written down to zero during
the year ended 31 August 2014.
There have been no transfers into/out of and no movements in Level 3 investments during the half-year ended 28
February 2019 and 28 February 2018 and the year ended 31 August 2018.
The Company’s holdings in options and Participation Notes are included within Level 2. No Participation Notes were held
at 28 February 2019.
The valuation techniques used by the Company are explained in the accounting policies note of the Annual Report and
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2018.
Premiums from written options during the half-year ended 28 February 2019 were £1,106,000 (half-year ended 28
February 2018: £1,072,000, year ended 31 August 2018: £2,591,000).
The valuation techniques and inputs used for level 2 investments are as disclosed in note 1(b).
9. Going concern
The assets of the Company consist almost entirely of securities that are listed and regularly traded and, accordingly, the
directors believe that the Company has adequate financial resources to continue in operational existence for at least
twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements. Having assessed these factors and the principal
risks, the Board has decided that it is appropriate for the financial statements to be prepared on a going concern basis.
10.Net debt reconciliation
Bank loans and
Cash andoverdraft repayable
cash equivalentswithin one yearTotal
£'000£'000£'000
Net debt as at 31 August 2018
7,117(30,775)(23,658)
Cash flows(552)5,2164,664
Exchange movements(175)(3)(178)
Net debt as at 28 February 2019
6,390(25,562)(19,172)
11.Half-Year Report
The Half-Year Report will be available on the Company’s website (www.hendersonfareastincome.com) or in hard copy
format from the Company’s registered office, IFC 1, The Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 4BP from late April 2019.
Shareholders will be sent a copy of the abridged version of the half-year results in early May 2019.
12. General Information
a) Company Status
The Company is a Jersey domiciled closed-ended investment company, number 95064, which was incorporated in 2006
and which is listed on the London and New Zealand Stock Exchanges. The Company became UK tax resident with effect
from 1 September 2018.
SEDOL/ISIN number: JE00B1GXH751
London Stock Exchange (TIDM) code: HFEL
Global Intermediary Identification Number (GIIN): NTTIYP.99999.SL.832
Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 213800801QRE00380596
The Company is a Jersey fund which is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission.
b) Directors, Secretary and Registered Office
The Directors of the Company are John Russell (Chairman), David Mashiter, Julia Chapman, Nicholas George and Tim
Clissold. The Secretary is BNP Paribas Securities Services S.C.A. Jersey Branch and which is regulated by the Jersey
Financial Services Commission. The registered office is IFC 1, The Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 4BP.
c) Website
Details of the Company’s share price and net asset value, together with general information about the Company, monthly
factsheets and data, copies of announcements, reports and details of general meetings can be found at
(www.hendersonfareastincome.com).
For further information please contact:
Mike Kerley
Fund Manager for Henderson Far East Income Limited
Telephone: 020 7818 5053
Laura Thomas
Investment Trust PR Manager
Janus Henderson Investors
Telephone: 020 7818 2636
James de Sausmarez
Director and Head of Investment Trusts
Henderson Investment Funds Limited
Telephone: 020 7818 3349
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.
INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO HENDERSON FAR EAST INCOME LIMITED
Conclusion
We have been engaged by Henderson Far East Income Limited (the “Company”) to review the condensed set of financial
statements in the Company’s half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 28 February 2019, which comprises the
Condensed Balance Sheet as at 28 February 2019, the Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income, the
Condensed Statement of Changes in Equity, the Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the six months period then
ended and the related explanatory notes.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial
statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 28 February 2019 is not prepared, in all material
respects, in accordance with IAS 34Interim Financial Reportingas adopted by the EU and the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules (“the DTR”) of the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (“the UK FCA”).
Scope of review
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410
Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entityissued by the Auditing
Practices Board for use in the UK. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of
persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. We read
the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and consider whether it contains any apparent
misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.
A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing
(UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that
might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
Directors’ responsibilities
The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are
responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the DTR of the UK FCA.
As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU. The directors are responsible for preparing the condensed set of
financial statements included in the half-yearly financial report in accordance with IAS 34as adopted by the EU.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-
yearly financial report based on our review.
The purpose of our review work and to whom we owe our responsibilities
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with the terms of our engagement letter dated 26 March 2019 to
assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the DTR of the UK FCA. Our review has been undertaken so that we
might state to the Company those matters we are required to state to it in this report and for no other purpose. To the
fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company for our
review work, for this report, or for the conclusion we have reached.
Andrew P. Quinn
For and on behalf of KPMG Channel Islands Limited
Chartered Accountants
37 Esplanade, St. Helier, Jersey
JE4 8WQ
25 April 2019
Data sourced from publicly available filings. Our datasets may not be complete. Automated analysis can produce errors. If you believe any data on this page is incorrect, please contact us at hello@nzxplorer.co.nz. For informational purposes only. Not investment advice.