Threadneedle UK Extended Alpha Fund

Transcription

1 Interim Short Report 31 October 2017 Fund Manager s Report Chris Kinder Performance of Class 1 Accumulation shares* Over the six months to 31 October 2017, the published share price of Class 1 Accumulation shares in the Threadneedle UK Extended Alpha Fund has risen from p to p. For comparison, using noon prices, the performance of the Class 1 share class was +2.69% and +2.99% for the Class 2 share class compared to a return of +5.54% for the Morningstar UK Unit Trusts/ OEICs (IA) UK All Companies Peer Group (on a bid to bid basis, with income reinvested for a UK basic rate taxpayer). For information purposes, using global close prices, the total return of the FTSE All-Share Index was +5.91%. Market Overview and Portfolio Activity The FTSE All-Share index posted a total return of 5.9% over the review period despite jitters over Brexit and the UK s domestic political and economic prospects. The start of the period was characterised by greater political uncertainty in the run-up to the snap general election on 8 June. In the event, the strong and stable government that Theresa May had hoped to put in place did not materialise as the Conservatives lost their overall majority in parliament. The surprise election result triggered a shortlived market sell-off on fears that political instability could have an adverse impact on the UK s Brexit negotiations with the EU. However, the market subsequently rallied as concerns eased following the Conservatives confidence and supply deal with Northern Ireland s Democratic Unionist Party. The reporting period was also marked by speculation over when the Bank of England (BoE) would begin to raise official UK interest rates. Sterling s referendum-induced decline has contributed to a rise in consumer price inflation; the annual rate reached 3% in September. High inflation combined with sluggish pay growth has dented real wages and hurt retail sales. However, sterling s decline has benefited the UK manufacturing sector, which has seen solid growth in output and new orders. Overall, the UK economy has continued to expand, with GDP growing at 0.4% in the third quarter, representing an annual growth rate of 1.5%. New long-book additions included Rotork, Booker, Sherborne Investors and Cobham. Rotork should see tailwinds from returning oil & gas capex, industry consolidation, and a management team that has invested well through the cycle to enhance the company s offering. Booker is exhibiting improvements in its management team, balance sheet and capital allocation. We believe Booker s shares are attractively valued based on medium-term metrics, and are currently Ongoing Charges Figure trading at a discount to the value implied by the bid from Tesco. We participated in the latest cash raise by proven turnaround specialists Sherborne; we believe the company is well positioned to emulate the success of its most recent project, Electra Private Equity. In our view, defence manufacturer Cobham has a resilient underlying business, which offers multiple opportunities for value creation. We exited Smiths Group and BAE Systems among others. We exited Smiths Group at a profit due to our aversion to industrials at this point of the business cycle and following news of the departure of the firm s well-regarded finance director. We felt BAE Systems shares had become fully valued and that the risk-reward profile was likely to turn less attractive. We also sold Amec Foster Wheeler to consolidate our position in John Wood Group. We initiated new shorts in a global credit scoring company and a UK-based telecom provider among others. We believe the former s very rich valuation is increasingly at risk in the event of a slowdown in US credit formation. We took advantage of a share price recovery in September to re-establish our earlier short in the telecoms firm; the stock trades at a high valuation relative to its rivals although the business is undifferentiated in terms of content and network, and has a very low-quality customer base. We profitably closed our position in a media conglomerate where the valuation had become too compelling to remain short with any conviction. We also closed our short in a UK value retailer given the strong operating performance of the company in the current domestic environment. At the time of writing, we are almost exactly halfway between the June 2016 vote to leave the EU and the March 2019 exit date. The ongoing uncertainty about Brexit has led to the consensual unpopularity around the UK equity market in general and has contributed to the sharp polarity between the valuations of stocks of domesticallygeared companies and those of companies with more international exposure. Nevertheless, we would note that the overall valuation of the market looks reasonable at a price-to-earnings multiple of 14.25x, yielding 4.0% on calendar year 2018 numbers. We would also highlight that there are a wide variety of more internationally exposed stocks in the UK which are trading at unjustifiably cheap valuations relative to their global counterparts. This, along with sterling s weakness, should help UK-listed firms remain attractive takeover targets for overseas companies. We will remain focused on company fundamentals and believe that volatile markets should provide us with opportunities to build up positions in strong franchises as they become more attractively valued. While equities could be vulnerable to derating if the global economy loses momentum, such a scenario should also provide us with more opportunities to short stocks. Fund Facts Fund Accounting and Distribution Dates Accounting Dates Payment Dates 30 April 30 June The Ongoing Charges Figure (OCF) is the European standard method of disclosing the charges of a share class of a fund based on the financial year s expenses and may vary from year to year. It includes charges such as the fund s annual management charge, registration fee, custody fees and distribution cost but ordinarily excludes the costs of buying or selling assets for the fund (unless these assets are shares of another fund). Where published, the Key Investor Information Document (KIID) contains the current OCF. For a more detailed breakdown please visit columbiathreadneedle.com/fees. Share class 31 October April 2017 Class 1 Accumulation shares 1.39% 1.40% Class 2 Accumulation shares 0.83% 0.84% Class X Accumulation shares 0.06% 0.07% The Ongoing Charges Figure is annualised based on the fees incurred during the accounting period or since commencement date. *In pound Sterling and against UK peer group.

2 Summary of Fund Performance Performance History (%) Share class Class 1 Accumulation shares Class 2 Accumulation shares Class X Accumulation shares To 31 October Source: Morningstar and Threadneedle. Bid to bid prices are quoted (i.e. not including any initial charge) with net income reinvested for a UK basic rate tax payer and gross income reinvested for a non-uk resident. Performance data is quoted in sterling apart from hedged share classes, where applicable, which are in the hedged currency. Past performance is not a guide to future investment performance. The value of investments and any income is not guaranteed and can go down as well as up and may be affected by exchange rate fluctuations. This means that an investor may not get back the amount invested. Net Asset Value (NAV) NAV pence per share Number of shares in issue As at Share class NAV ( ) 31 October 2017 Class 1 Accumulation shares 5,464, ,183, April 2017 Class 1 Accumulation shares 5,742, ,276, April 2016 Class 1 Accumulation shares 3,758, , April 2015 Class 1 Accumulation shares 5,627, ,464, October 2017 Class 2 Accumulation shares 115,162, ,184, April 2017 Class 2 Accumulation shares 119,777, ,831, April 2016 Class 2 Accumulation shares 86,222, ,981, April 2015 Class 2 Accumulation shares 62,398, ,276, October 2017 Class X Accumulation shares 6, , April 2017 Class X Accumulation shares 6, , April 2016 Class X Accumulation shares 5, , April 2015 Class X Accumulation shares 5, ,000 Distribution History/Share Price Range Pence per share Highest share price (pence) Lowest share price (pence) Year to Share class 31 October 2017 Class 1 Accumulation shares April 2017 Class 1 Accumulation shares April 2016 Class 1 Accumulation shares April 2015 Class 1 Accumulation shares October 2017 Class 2 Accumulation shares April 2017 Class 2 Accumulation shares April 2016 Class 2 Accumulation shares April 2015 Class 2 Accumulation shares October 2017 Class X Accumulation shares April 2017 Class X Accumulation shares April 2016 Class X Accumulation shares April 2015 Class X Accumulation shares Past performance is not a guide to future performance.

3 Classification of Investments 31 October 2017 vs 30 April % 25% Threadneedle UK Extended Alpha Fund 31 October April % 15% 10% 5% 0% -5% Consumer Goods Financials Industrials Consumer Services Oil & Gas Health Care Basic Materials Technology Telecommunications Utilities Derivatives Net other assets Portfolio Information Top Five Holdings as at 31 October 2017 % of Fund Prudential 4.75 Diageo 4.27 Royal Dutch Shell B Shares 3.89 Imperial Brands 3.80 GlaxoSmithKline 3.55 Top Five Holdings as at 30 April 2017 % of Fund Prudential 4.43 British American Tobacco 4.21 Glaxosmithkline 3.89 Unilever 3.62 Rio Tinto 3.58

4 Investment Objective and Policy The investment objective of the UK Extended Alpha Fund is to achieve above average capital growth from a concentrated portfolio of UK equities. The ACD s investment policy is to actively manage an exposure primarily to a concentrated portfolio of UK equities, i.e. equities of companies domiciled in the UK, or which have significant UK operations, by investing directly or indirectly in such securities. This approach means that the ACD has the flexibility to take significant stock and sector positions which may lead to increased levels of volatility. If the ACD considers it desirable it may further invest up to one third of the assets of the Fund in markets outside the United Kingdom. The Fund s exposure may be gained through long and short positions. The ACD may take long and short positions through the use of derivatives and forward transactions. In addition in order to gain long exposure, the ACD may invest in equities, collective investment schemes including exchange traded funds and/or related indices. If the ACD considers it desirable, it may hold a substantial proportion or all of the Fund in cash and/or other securities (including fixed interest securities and money market instruments). It is expected that the Investment Manager will obtain part of its long and short exposure by investing in a single total return swap entered into with a counterparty, where the return is linked to the performance of a portfolio of actively managed investments. These investments will consist mainly of equity-related securities, exchange-traded funds and equity index positions and will be selected by the Investment Manager at its sole and entire discretion. Key Investor Information Document (KIID) Subscription requirements The KIID is a pre-contractual document and investors have to confirm that they have read the latest KIID before making a subscription. Threadneedle has the right to reject a subscription if the investor does not confirm that they have read the latest KIID at the time of application. Investors can obtain the latest KIID from columbiathreadneedle.com. Changes to the management of the ACD The following changes have been made to the directors of the ACD: Appointment of Michelle Scrimgeour on 14 August Changes to the Prospectus The main changes to the prospectus of the Threadneedle Specialist Investment Funds ICVC (the Company) during the period from 1 May 2017 to 31 October 2017 were as follows: Updates to include disclosures required as a result of implementation of the Securities Financing Transaction Regulation (SFTR) in relation to Funds investing in total return swaps; Updates to reflect changes being made to UK tax on distributions (gross vs net shares, as well as tax changes more generally); Updates to the list of funds managed by the ACD and the directors of the ACD; Addition of W Shares available to investors in the Global Equity Income Fund; Update to list of countries where the funds are available; Updates to performance, dilution adjustments and available share classes. Changes to the Instrument of Incorporation There were no changes to the instrument of incorporation of the Company during the period from 1 May 2017 to 31 October Key Risks Investment Risk: The value of investments can fall as well as rise and investors might not get back the sum originally invested. Currency Risk: Where investments are in assets that are denominated in multiple currencies, or currencies other than your own, changes in exchange rates may affect the value of the investments. Counterparty Risk: The fund may enter into financial transactions with selected counterparties. Any financial difficulties arising at these counterparties could significantly affect the availability and the value of fund assets. Valuation Risk: The fund s assets may sometimes be difficult to value objectively and the actual value may not be recognised until assets are sold. Short Selling Risk: Short selling intends to make a profit from falling prices. However if the value of the underlying investment increases, the value of the short position will decrease. The potential losses are unlimited as the prices of the underlying investments can increase very significantly in a short space of time. Investment in Derivatives Risk: The Investment Policy of the fund allows it to invest materially in derivatives. Leverage Risk: Leverage amplifies the effect that a change in the price of an investment has on the fund s value. As such, leverage can enhance returns to investors but can also increase losses, including losses in excess of the amount invested. Volatility Risk: The fund may exhibit significant price volatility. Further risks applicable to the fund can be found in the Prospectus. Risk and Reward Profile As at 31 October 2017 the figure for the risk and reward profile disclosed in the most recent KIID representing this fund is 5. The fund is in this specific category because historically it has shown a medium to high level of volatility (how much the value of the fund went up and down compared to other categories). It is based on past performance data in pound sterling. If your investment in the fund is not in pound sterling, please check the figure for the risk and reward profile disclosed on our website (columbiathreadneedle.com) according to the currency of your investment in the fund.

5 General Information The information in this report is designed to enable shareholders to make an informed judgement on the activities of the fund during the period it covers and the results of those activities at the end of the period. For further information, please contact Threadneedle Investment Services Limited. The Long Form Report and Financial Statements is available free of charge on request from the ACD and on our website. For more information about the activities and performance of the Company during the period and previous periods, please contact the ACD at the administration address noted below, or visit our website at columbiathreadneedle.com. Contacts: Registered Office Cannon Place 78 Cannon Street London EC4N 6AG Authorised Corporate Director (ACD) Threadneedle Investment Services Limited Cannon Place 78 Cannon Street London EC4N 6AG Registrar Threadneedle Investment Services Limited Delegated to: DST Financial Services Europe Limited* (Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)) St Nicholas Lane Basildon Essex SS15 5FS Investment Manager Threadneedle Asset Management Limited Cannon Place 78 Cannon Street London EC4N 6AG Depositary Citibank Europe plc, UK branch (Authorised by the Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) and regulated by the FCA and PRA) Citigroup Centre 33 Canada Square Canary Wharf London E14 5LB Legal Advisers Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP One Wood Street London EC2V 7WS Baum Financial Services Law Team Grosser Burstah Hamburg Germany Independent Auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Atria One 144 Morrison Street Edinburgh EH3 8EX Authorised Corporate Director Client Services Details UK Investors Address: Threadneedle Investment Services Limited PO Box Chelmsford Essex CM99 2AL Telephone (dealing & customer enquiries): ** Fax (dealing): (enquiries): Asian Investors Address: Threadneedle Investment Services Limited International Financial Data Services 47, avenue JF Kennedy L-1855 Luxembourg Telephone (dealing & customer enquiries): ** Fax (dealing): (enquiries): All Other Investors Address: Threadneedle Investment Services Limited International Financial Data Services 47, avenue JF Kennedy L-1855 Luxembourg Telephone (dealing & customer enquiries): ** Fax (dealing): (enquiries): Website: columbiathreadneedle.com Paying and Information Agent in Belgium CACEIS Belgium S.A. avenue du Port 86 C b Brussels Belgium Representative and Paying Agent in Switzerland BNP Paribas Securities Services, Paris, succursale de Zurich Selnaustrasse Zurich Switzerland *International Financial Data Services (UK) Limited changed its name to DST Financial Services Europe Limited on 15 August **Calls will be recorded.

6 To find out more visit columbiathreadneedle.com Threadneedle Investment Services Limited, ISA Manager, Authorised Corporate Director and Unit Trust Manager. Registered No Registered in England and Wales. Registered Office: Cannon Place, 78 Cannon Street, London EC4N 6AG. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Columbia Threadneedle Investments is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies. columbiathreadneedle.com ENUK