BIT the bankers investment trust plc ordinary shares

Ann: FLLYR: BIT: Final Results

  1. lightbulb Created with Sketch. 2
    					BIT
    19/01/2016 08:30
    FLLYR
    PRICE SENSITIVE
    REL: 0830 HRS The Bankers Investment Trust Plc
    
    FLLYR: BIT: Final Results
    
    THE BANKERS INVESTMENT TRUST PLC
    Annual Financial Report for the year ended 31 October 2015
    
    This announcement contains regulated information
    
    Chairman's Statement
    
    o Net asset value increase of 5.7%
    o Dividend increase of 6.8%
    o 49th consecutive year of dividend increases
    o Forecast increase in 2016 dividend of at least 4.4%
    o 20 year ?50m strategic debt issue at an annualised coupon rate of 3.68%
    
    Performance
    I sounded a cautionary tone in my "Outlook" section last year regarding the
    prospects for stock markets making much progression against a backdrop of
    growing global macro-economic uncertainty. Despite this uncertainty I am
    pleased to able to report that our Fund Manager and his team, through a
    combination of judicious stock selection and asset allocation, have been able
    to add significant value against virtually every local market index in which
    Bankers' assets are invested (the only exception being the small asset
    allocation to emerging markets).
    This is an excellent result for shareholders and reflects the disciplined
    focus of the investment team in regard to stock selection and upon medium to
    longer term investment themes and trends.
    
    During the year we have continued to shift our allocation away from the
    domestic UK equity market and have consequently increased our overseas equity
    exposure, in particular towards North America and Japan. This deliberate
    policy shift will continue and I would expect the UK equity market exposure
    to settle at approximately 30% during the forthcoming year. Overseas markets
    offer Bankers' an ability to gain greater exposure to higher growth sectors
    and to global companies within these sectors. As these companies grow their
    earnings we expect their dividend growth potential to be equal or greater
    than that to be achieved from our UK equity portfolio. Further detail as to
    individual market reports can be in the Fund Manager reports section of the
    Annual Report.
    
    Revenue and Dividends
    Special dividends have continued to help our revenue account this year and
    this, alongside strong underlying dividend growth across the portfolio, has
    enabled the Board to recommend a final quarterly dividend of 4.0p per share.
    If approved by shareholders, this will result in a total dividend payment of
    15.8p per share, an increase of 6.8%. This is a pleasing outcome and should
    be viewed against my forecast last year of an increase of at least 4%. Our
    earnings per share for the period were 17.22p.
    
    Looking to the current year we have some conflicting signals for underlying
    dividend growth. On the positive is the stock selection approach which the
    Fund Manager has taken, which emphasises companies that have the ability to
    grow their dividends over the medium term. On the negative is the potential
    wider global economic slowdown which has already dampened, and could further
    dampen, market dividend growth expectations. Despite this mixed backdrop the
    Board is confident in predicting dividend growth of at least 4.4% for 2016,
    representing a minimum total dividend for the year of over 16.5p per share.
    
    Long Term Debt
    During the year the Board took the decision to increase structurally the
    Company's fixed debt. There were two key drivers of this. Namely the
    historically low level of interest rates which Bankers could lock into and
    the redemption next year of one of our existing debentures, the ?10 million
    10.5% issued at a time when interest rates and inflation were at
    significantly higher levels than today.
    
    We were able to issue 20 year 3.68% ?50m loan notes. This cost approximates
    to the market dividend yield today. So, when we invest the monies into
    selected holdings shareholders should be able to benefit from all future
    dividend growth. At the time of writing some of these funds have been
    invested but we remain patient in regard to investing the balance. Once fully
    invested the maximum fixed gearing of the Company would increase to 10%, a
    level with which your Board remains comfortable.
    
    Annual General Meeting ("AGM')
    The AGM this year will again be held at Trinity House, London, EC3N 4DH on 25
    February 2016 at 12 noon. Full details of the business to be conducted at the
    meeting are set out in the Notice of Meeting which will be sent to
    shareholders with the Annual Report. Directions and a map showing the
    location of the AGM can also be found in the Notice of Meeting. The Board
    looks forward to seeing many shareholders at this meeting at which Alex
    Crooke and his investment team will present their investment views and how
    these are reflected in the portfolio. Following the formal business of the
    meeting light refreshments will be served.
    
    Outlook
    As for the future, I remain cautious! I continue to see headwinds across the
    globe from both a political and an economic perspective. Some of these, such
    as low economic growth, disinflation and falling commodity prices have been
    with us for many months if not years and new ones will emerge in the year
    ahead such as the UK's membership of the EU. But what I also continue to
    observe is that by taking the medium to long term view on companies and major
    economies one can escape the "noise" and focus on building on the returns
    that have been achieved by the current investment team and their
    predecessors. These returns also reflect the power of compounding which
    should never be underestimated and this can be powerfully demonstrated by our
    dividend growth record of 92% over the past ten years and our net asset value
    growth record of 73%. I think you will agree these are impressive figures,
    especially when you compare them with the ten year return of the Retail
    Prices Index of 34% and the FTSE All-Share Index return of 30%.
    
    So looking ahead over the next year is actually really quite a short time
    span in the context of what our investment team are trying to achieve and,
    indeed, the context of the life of Bankers Investment Trust. Markets will
    rise, and will fall, and they remain unpredictable which in turn has the
    ability to negatively impact investor sentiment. However, as long as the
    underlying companies in which we invest are sound and improving, then we
    should remain optimistic for the long term. As I stated in my report last
    year and, as has been borne out this year, patience and careful stock
    selection will again be a key requisite for outperformance in the year ahead.
    
    Richard Killingbeck
    Chairman
    Principal Risks and Uncertainties
    The Board, with the assistance of Henderson, has carried out a robust
    assessment of the principal risks facing the Company including those that
    would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity.
    The Board has drawn up a matrix of risks facing the Company and has put in
    place a schedule of investment limits and restrictions, appropriate to the
    Company's investment objective and policy, in order to mitigate these risks
    as far as practicable. The principal risks which have been identified, and
    the steps taken by the Board to mitigate these as far as practicable, and
    whether the Board considers the impact of such risks has changed over the
    past year, are as follows:
    
    Risk Controls and Mitigation
    Investment Activity and Performance Risks
    An inappropriate investment strategy (for example, in terms of asset
    allocation or the level of gearing) may result in underperformance against
    the Company's benchmark index and the companies in its peer group.
    The Board monitors investment performance at each Board meeting and regularly
    reviews the extent of its borrowings.
    Portfolio and Market Risks
    Although the Company invests almost entirely in securities that are listed on
    recognised markets, share prices may move rapidly.
    The companies in which investments are made may operate unsuccessfully, or
    fail entirely. A fall in the market value of the Company's portfolio would
    have an adverse effect on shareholders' funds.
    The Fund Manager seeks to maintain a diversified portfolio to mitigate
    against this risk. The Board regularly reviews the portfolio, investment
    activity and performance.
    Tax and Regulatory Risks
    A breach of Section 1158 could lead to a loss of investment trust status,
    resulting in capital gains realised within the portfolio being subject to
    corporation tax. A breach of the UK Listing Rules could result in suspension
    of the Company's shares, while a breach of the Companies Act could lead to
    criminal proceedings. All breaches could result in financial or reputational
    damage. The Company must also ensure compliance with the Listing Rules of the
    New Zealand Stock Exchange.
    Henderson has contracted to provide investment, company secretarial,
    administration and accounting services through qualified professionals. The
    Board receives internal control reports produced by Henderson on a quarterly
    basis, which confirm regulatory compliance.
    Financial Risks
    By its nature as an investment trust, the Company's business activities are
    exposed to market risk (including market price risk, currency risk and
    interest rate risk), liquidity risk and credit and counterparty risk.
    The Company minimises the risk of a counterparty failing to deliver
    securities or cash by dealing through organisations that have undergone
    rigorous due diligence by Henderson. The Company has a diversified portfolio
    which comprises mainly investments in large and medium-sized companies and
    mitigates the Company's exposure to liquidity risk.
    Operational Risks
    Disruption to, or failure of, Henderson's accounting, dealing or payment
    systems or the Depositary's records could prevent the accurate reporting and
    monitoring of the Company's financial position. The Company is also exposed
    to the operational risk that one or more of its service providers may not
    provide the required level of service.
    The Board monitors the services provided by Henderson and its other suppliers
    and receives reports on the key elements in place to provide effective
    internal control.
    
    The Board considers these risks to have remained unchanged throughout the
    year under review.
    
    Viability Statement
    The Directors have assessed the viability of the Company over a three year
    period, taking account of the Company's current position and the potential
    impact of the principal risks and uncertainties documented in this Strategic
    Report.
    
    The Directors conducted the assessment based on a period of three years
    because they consider this to be an appropriate period over which they do not
    expect there to be any significant change in the current principal risks and
    adequacy of the mitigating controls in place. Also the Directors do not
    envisage any change in strategy or objectives or any events that would
    prevent the Company from continuing to operate over that period as the
    Company's assets are liquid, its commitments
    are limited and the Company intends to continue to operate as an investment
    trust.
    
    The assessment has considered the impact of the likelihood of the principal
    risks and uncertainties facing the Company, in particular Investment Activity
    and Performance, Portfolio and Market and
    Financial risks, in severe but plausible scenarios, and the effectiveness of
    any mitigating controls in place.
    
    The Directors also took into account the liquidity of the portfolio, the
    gearing and the income stream from the portfolio in considering the viability
    of the Company over the next three years and its ability to meet liabilities
    as they fall due. This included consideration of the duration of the
    Company's long term borrowings, how the forecast income stream, expenditure
    and levels of reserves could impact on the Company's ability to pay dividends
    to shareholders over that period in line with its current dividend policy.
    Whilst detailed forecasts are only made over a shorter time frame, the nature
    of the Company's business as an investment trust means that such forecasts
    are equally valid to be considered over the longer three year period as a
    means of assessing whether the Company can continue in operation. This
    included consideration of the duration of the Company's fixed term debt and
    how a breach of the gearing covenants could impact on the Company's net asset
    value and share price.
    
    Based on their assessment, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that
    the Company will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as
    they fall due over the next three year period. Only a substantial financial
    crisis affecting the global economy could have an impact on this assessment.
    
    Related Party Transactions
    The Company's transactions with related parties in the year were with its
    Directors and Henderson. There have been no material transactions between the
    Company and its Directors during the year other than the amounts paid to them
    in respect of Directors' remuneration for which there were no outstanding
    amounts payable at the year end. In relation to the provision of services by
    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 transactions with Henderson affecting the financial position of the
    Company during the year under review.
    
    Statement of Directors' Responsibilities under DTR 4.1.12
    Each of the Directors confirms that, to the best of his or her knowledge:
    
    o the Company's financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance
    with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, give a true and fair view of the
    assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Company; and
    
    o the Strategic Report in the Annual Report and financial statements includes
    a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the
    position of the Company, together with a description of the principal risks
    and uncertainties that it faces.
    
    For and on behalf of the Board of Directors
    
    Richard Killingbeck
    Chairman
    
    Fund Manager's Review
    To some extent this last year has mirrored the previous year in terms of a
    lack of sustainable growth, low inflation and dull investment returns. There
    was the usual bout of enthusiasm at the start of the year but stock markets
    peaked around April/May and took a turn down in the later summer. All through
    the recovery from the 2008-9 financial crash, there has been a distinct lack
    of demand by consumers and corporates, partly a result of a dysfunctional
    banking sector but also due to high levels of unemployment and a lack of wage
    growth. The effects of this poor demand profile were shown up in the
    significant crash in the oil prices and mirrored in other commodities. The
    oil price fell sharply through the second half of 2014 and was $81 a barrel
    at the start of our financial year on 1 November 2014 but still nearly halved
    in value from there, a year later at $47. Ultimately this fall should feed
    through to greater spending power for consumers around the world but this
    will take time and stock markets reacted quicker, forcing down prices for oil
    and commodity stocks.
    
    We have had to tread carefully this year avoiding too much exposure to
    commodities and side stepping a number of profit warnings across many
    sectors, which generally were caused by the weak growth in the major
    economies. Our efforts were ultimately rewarded in that all of our major
    geographic portfolios exceeded their local benchmark indices, (with special
    mention to the US outperforming by 5.5%, Europe by 7.3% and Japan by 10.1%).
    Only the Emerging Market sleeve missed its benchmark, underperforming by 7.4%
    where we had too much exposure to Latin America and were impacted in
    particular by the fall in currencies.
    
    It is worth reviewing the two strategic changes we implemented in the
    previous year, namely a change of investment style and manager in the US and
    initial investments in Chinese "A" shares. The US portfolio is undoubtedly
    now more growth orientated but we believe that the US economy is entering a
    period of steady recovery and a growth bias should reward us better in terms
    of returns. The portfolio has a lower dividend yield than the market but
    should grow more quickly, while the overall valuation in terms of P/E for the
    US portfolio is below that of the index. In the first full year of
    performance the portfolio produced a sterling return of 12.7% against 7.2%
    for the index. We have some exciting investments which are positioned in
    areas that we expect to exhibit strong growth and should be less exposed to
    increasing US interest rates. The Chinese portfolio had a very volatile year
    but still exceeded all our expectations. We started this investment to gain
    greater exposure to the growth in Chinese consumer spending and because we
    felt share prices were extremely cheap by historic standards. We didn't think
    that the market would recover so strongly but prices quickly ran ahead of
    fundamentals. Even with the setback in the market over the summer, our
    portfolio produced a return of 51.7% over the year and valuations still look
    appealing with an attractive dividend yield. We now have roughly 20% cash in
    the Chinese QFII account and a more cautious mix of stocks compared to a year
    ago.
    
    For a number of years we have been carefully monitoring the cost of long term
    debt for Investment Companies. The coupons have steadily fallen and this year
    we decided to move after the coupon on long term borrowings fell below 4%.
    Our ?10 million 10.5% long term debenture will be repaid in October 2016 and
    we have prefunded this debenture payment with the issue of ?50 million of 20
    year loan notes in May. The 3.68% coupon on these notes will be close to the
    dividend yield on new investments and should enhance returns for shareholders
    over time. In the short term we have repaid and cancelled our short term
    borrowing facility with Commonwealth Bank of Australia as we do not need the
    funds and this avoids extra costs. In time we can add extra short term
    borrowings when needed. The new loan notes increase our fully invested
    gearing position to roughly 10% but, at the year end, we still retained the
    bulk of the new funds, accepting an element of "cash drag" while awaiting
    suitable buying opportunities. Net gearing was 2%.
    
    All year we have been cautious on Emerging Markets and Asia, reflecting
    pressures on commodity prices and slowing growth in China. The investment in
    both areas was reduced, most noticeably in
    Asia which fell to 11.3% of the portfolio. Extra funds were invested into
    Europe and Japan. The latter was the best performing of the major regions and
    there is some good evidence that "Abenomics" is working. Corporate profits
    have been recovering and valuations are at historically low levels reflecting
    the market's scepticism. North America now accounts for 25.4% of the
    portfolio mainly through good performance while the UK allocation continues
    to be reduced. If all of the available funds were invested outside the UK the
    allocation would fall to 35%.
    
    The UK remains a key market for income generation and produced a larger
    number of special dividends which boosted our overall income by over ?2m.
    This has been an exceptional year for specials and is a function of low
    growth in that companies have limited need to invest new capital. We expect
    further special dividends in the coming year but not to the same extent. The
    Company's income was boosted by US dollar currency gains and some of our
    recent regional allocation movements. A further positive factor in recent
    years has been an investment focus on companies that have the capacity to
    increase dividends and this is now generating good returns. Pressure on
    dividends is undoubtedly rising in the commodity sectors and, while major oil
    companies will keep their dividends for a time, we will see some stress this
    year if the price of oil stays below $50 a barrel. We are keeping a cautious
    eye on markets to judge the right time to invest the cash balances from the
    loan notes issue and also to protect our investment income.
    
    Alex Crooke
    Fund Manager
    
    For further information contact:
    
    Alex Crooke
    Fund Manager
    The Bankers Investment Trust PLC
    Telephone: 020 7818 4447
     Richard Killingbeck
    Chairman
    The Bankers Investment Trust PLC
    Telephone: 020 7818 4233
    James de Sausmarez
    Director of Investment Trusts
    Henderson Investment Funds Limited
    Telephone: 020 7818 3349 Sarah Gibbons-Cook
    Investor Relations and PR Manager
    Henderson Global Investors Limited
    Telephone: 020 7818 3198
    
    Performance Highlights
     31 October
    2015 Change since
    31 October
    2014
    Net Asset Value per share 630.2p +5.7%
    Share price  618.5p +9.9%
    Total Assets (less current liabilities) ?777.4m +12.1%
    Dividend for year(1) 15.8p +6.8%
    Revenue return per share  17.2p +13.9%
    
     31 October
    2015 31 October
    2014
    Dividend yield(2) 2.6% 2.6%
    Net gearing 2.0% 2.6%
    Ongoing charge 0.52% 0.53%
    Retail Prices Index increase over year 0.7% 2.3%
    Discount at year end 1.9% 5.5%
    
    (1)   This represents the four ordinary dividends recommended or paid for the
    year.
    (2)   Based on the share price at the year end.
    
    Sources: Morningstar for the AIC, Henderson, Datastream.
    
    STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
    
     Year ended 31 October 2015 Year ended 31 October 2014
    
    Notes Revenue return ?'000 Capital return ?'000
    Total ?'000 Revenue return ?'000 Capital return ?'000
    Total
    ?'000
    Gains on investments held at fair value through profit or loss
     - 40,745 40,745
    -
    11,615
    11,615
    Investment income 2 22,621 - 22,621 20,577 - 20,577
    Other operating income 3 146 17 163 171 - 171
      --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
    Total income  22,767 40,762 63,529 20,748 11,615 32,363
      --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
    Expenses
    Management fees 4 (892) (2,082) (2,974) (1,726) (929) (2,655)
    Other expenses (788) (7) (795) (720) - (720)
      --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
    Profit before finance costs and taxation  21,087 38,673 59,760
    18,302
    10,686
    28,988
    
    Finance costs  (925) (2,157) (3,082) (685) (1,598) (2,283)
      --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
    Profit before taxation 20,162 36,516 56,678 17,617 9,088 26,705
    
    Taxation 5 (849) (6) (855) (775) - (775)
      --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
    Profit for the year and total comprehensive income  19,313 36,510 55,823
    16,842
    9,088
    25,930
      ===== ====== ====== ===== ====== ======
    Earnings per ordinary share - basic and diluted 6 17.22p 32.54p 49.76p
    15.05p
    8.12p
    23.17p
    
    The total columns  of this statement represent the Statement of Comprehensive
    Income, prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union.
    The revenue return and capital return columns are supplementary to this and
    are prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment
    Companies.
    
    STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
    
    Year ended
    31 October 2015  Called up
    share capital
    ?'000  Share premium
    account
    ?'000 Capital  redemption
    reserve
    ?'000 Other capital
    reserves
    ?'000
     Revenue reserve
    ?'000
    Total
    equity
    ?'000
    Total equity at 1 November 2014 28,027 7,053 12,483 587,744 32,889 668,196
    Total comprehensive income:
    Profit for the year - - - 36,510 19,313 55,823
    Transactions with owners, recorded directly to equity:
    Issue of 1,000,000 ordinary shares 250 5,669 - - - 5,919
    Buy-back of 25,000 ordinary shares (6) - 6 (155) - (155)
    Ordinary dividends paid - - - - (17,150) (17,150)
     ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
    Total equity at 31 October 2015 28,271 12,722 12,489 624,099  35,052
    712,633
     ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
    
    Year ended
    31 October 2014  Called up
    share capital
    ?'000  Share premium
    account
    ?'000 Capital  redemption
    reserve
    ?'000 Other capital
    reserves
    ?'000
     Revenue reserve
    ?'000
    Total
    equity
    ?'000
    Total equity at 1 November 2013 27,814 2,352 12,483 578,656 32,256 653,561
    Total comprehensive income:
    Profit for the year - - - 9,088 16,842 25,930
    Transactions with owners, recorded directly to equity:
    Issue of 850,000 ordinary shares 213 4,701 - - - 4,914
    Ordinary dividends paid - - - - (16,209) (16,209)
     ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
    Total equity at 31 October 2014 28,027 7,053 12,483 587,744 32,889 668,196
     ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
    
    STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
    
    At 31 October
    2015
    ?'000
    At 31 October
    2014
    ?'000
    
    Non-current assets
    Investments held at fair value through profit or loss 726,831 685,456
       ----------- -----------
    
    Current assets
    Investments held at fair value through profit or loss 28,323 3,896
    Other receivables   2,360 3,685
    Cash and cash equivalents   31,762 5,023
       ----------- -----------
       62,445 12,604
       ----------- -----------
    Total assets   789,276 698,060
       ----------- -----------
    Current liabilities
    Bank loans   - (2,788)
    Other payables  (1,848) (2,076)
    Debenture stocks   (10,000) -
       ---------- ----------
           (11,848) (4,864)
       ---------- ----------
    Total assets less current liabilities 777,428 693,196
       ----------- -----------
    Non-current liabilities
    
    Debenture stocks   (15,000) (25,000)
    Unsecured loan notes   (49,795) -
       ----------- -----------
       (64,795) (25,000)
       ----------- -----------
    Net assets   712,633 668,196
       ======= =======
    
    Equity attributable to equity shareholders
    Share capital (note 7)  28,271 28,027
    Share premium account 12,722 7,053
    Capital redemption reserve   12,489 12,483
    Retained earnings:
     Other capital reserves   624,099 587,744
     Revenue reserve   35,052 32,889
       ----------- -----------
    Total equity   712,633 668,196
       ======= =======
    Net asset value per ordinary share (pence)
    - basic and diluted (Note 8)
    630.2p
    596.0p
       ====== ======
    
    CASH FLOW STATEMENT
    
    Reconciliation of profit before taxation to
    net cash flow from operating activities At 31 October
    2015
    ?'000 At 31 October
    2014
    ?'000
    Operating activities
    Profit before taxation 56,678 26,705
    Add back interest payable ("finance costs") 3,082 2,283
    Amortisation of loan note issue costs 5 -
    Less gains on investments held at fair value through profit or loss (40,745)
    (11,615)
    Increase in accrued income (70) (345)
    (Increase)/decrease in other receivables  (46) 12
    Increase in other payables  59 50
    Purchases of investments (185,007) (319,724)
    Sales of investments 184,706 301,007
    Purchases of current asset investments (61,777) (24,770)
    Sales of current asset investments 37,350 20,895
    Decrease in securities sold for future settlement 1,263 14,553
    Decrease in securities purchased for future settlement (1,077) (6,373)
     ------------ ------------
    
    Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities before interest and
    taxation (5,579)
    2,678
    Interest paid (2,291) (2,282)
    Taxation on investment income (672) (880)
     ------------ ------------
    Net cash outflow from operating activities (8,542) (484)
    
    Financing activities
    Equity dividends paid (17,150) (16,209)
    Share issue  5,919 4,914
    Buy-back of own shares (155) -
    (Repayment)/drawdown of loan (2,947) 2,874
    New unsecured loan note issued 49,790 -
     ------------ ------------
    Net cash inflow /(outflow) from financing activities 35,457 (8,421)
     ------------ ------------
    
    Increase/(decrease) in cash 26,915 (8,905)
    Cash and cash equivalents at start of the year 5,023 14,130
    Exchange movements (176) (202)
     ------------ ------------
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year 31,762 5,023
     ======== =======
    
    NOTES:
    
    1. Accounting policies
     The financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2015 have been
    prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards
    ("IFRSs") as adopted by the European Union and with those parts of the
    Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRSs.  IFRSs
    comprise standards and interpretations approved by the International
    Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"), together with interpretations of the
    International Accounting Standards and Standing Interpretations Committee
    approved by the International Accounting Standards Committee ('IASC') that
    remain in effect, to the extent that IFRSs have been adopted by the European
    Union.
    
    The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and on
    the historical cost basis, except for the measurement at fair value of
    investments. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out in the
    audited accounts and have been applied consistently throughout the year.
    Where presentational guidance set out in the Statement of Recommended
    Practice ("the SORP") for investment trusts issued by the Association of
    Investment Companies ("the AIC") in January 2009 is consistent with the
    requirements of IFRSs, the Directors have sought to prepare the financial
    statements on a basis consistent with the recommendations of the SORP.
    
    Having assessed the principal risks and the other matters discussed in
    connection with the viability statement, the Directors considered it
    appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the
    financial statements.
    
      2015 2014
    2. Investment income ?'000 ?'000
     UK dividend income  - listed 8,370 8,490
     UK dividend income  - special dividends 2,011 638
     Overseas dividend income - listed 11,872 11,115
     Overseas dividend income - special dividends  188 206
     Property income distributions 180 128
      -------- --------
      22,621 20,577
      ===== =====
     Analysis of investment income by geographical region:
     UK 12,841 11,119
     Europe (ex UK)  2,306 2,271
     North America 2,193 1,734
     Japan 1,345 1,304
     China 997 1,501
     Pacific (ex Japan, China) 2,510 2,165
     Emerging markets 429 483
      -------- ---------
      22,621 20,577
      ===== =====
    
      2015 2014
    3. Other operating income ?'000 ?'000
     Bank interest 39 19
     Underwriting revenue 41 69
     Stock lending revenue 66 83
      -------- --------
      146 171
      ===== =====
    
     At 31 October 2015 the total value of securities on loan by the Company for
    stock lending purposes was ?50,889,000 (2014: ?31,281,000). The maximum
    aggregate value of securities on loan at any one time during the year ended
    31 October 2015 was ?69,710,000 (2014: ?38,547,000). The Company's agent held
    collateral at 31 October 2015 with a value of ?56,493,000 (2014: ?32,955,000)
    in respect of securities on loan. The value of securities held on loan is
    reviewed on a daily basis, comprising CREST Delivery By Value ("DBVs") and
    Government Bonds with a market value of 105% (2014: 105%) of the market value
    of any securities on loan.
    
    4.
    
    Management fees Revenue return
    2015
    ?'000 Capital
    return
    2015
    ?'000
    Total
    2015
    ?'000 Revenue return
    2014
    ?'000 Capital
    return
    2014
    ?'000
    Total
    2014
    ?'000
     Investment management 892 2,082 2,974 398 929 1,327
     Accounting, secretarial and administration
    -
    -
    -
    1,328
    -
    1,328
      ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
      892 2,082 2,974 1,726 929 2,655
      ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
    
    A summary of the terms of the management agreement is given in the Strategic
    Report in the Annual Report and financial statements.
    
    5.
    
    Taxation Revenue return
    2015
    ?'000 Capital
    return
    2015
    ?'000
    Total
    2015
    ?'000 Revenue return
    2014
    ?'000 Capital
    return
    2014
    ?'000
    Total
    2014
    ?'000
     (a) Analysis of the charge for the year
    
     Overseas tax suffered 956 6 962 906 - 906
     Overseas tax reclaimable (107) - (107) (131) - (131)
      ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
     Taxation 849 6 855 775 - 775
      ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
    
     (b) Factors affecting the tax charge for the year
    The differences are explained below:
    
      Revenue return
    2015
    ?'000 Capital
    return
    2015
    ?'000
    Total
    2015
    ?'000 Revenue return
    2014
    ?'000 Capital
    return
    2014
    ?'000
    Total
    2014
    ?'000
     Profit before taxation 20,162 36,516 56,678 17,617 9,088 26,705
      --------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----------- -----------
     Corporation tax for the year at 20.42% (2014: 21.83%) 4,117 7,457 11,574
    3,846
    1,984
    5,830
    
    Non taxable UK dividends (2,097) - (2,097)
    (1,970)
    -
    (1,970)
    
    Non taxable scrip dividends and other income (2,370) - (2,370)
    
    (2,422)
    
    -
    
    (2,422)
    
     Income taxable in different years (4) - (4)
    (2)
    -
    (2)
     Overseas withholding tax suffered 849 6 855
    775
    -
    775
     Excess management expenses and loan relationships 353 - 353
    
    548
    
    552
    
    1,100
     Disallowable expenses 1 - 1 - - -
     Capital gains not subject to tax - (7,457) (7,457)
    -
    (2,536)
    (2,536)
      -------- ----------- ----------- -------- ----------- ----------
      849 6 855 775 - 775
      ==== ====== ===== ==== ====== =====
    
     (c) Provision for deferred taxation
    No provision for deferred taxation has been made in the current year or in
    the prior year.  The Company has not provided for deferred tax on capital
    gains or losses arising on the revaluation or disposal of investments as it
    is exempt from tax on these items because of its status as an investment
    trust company, which it intends to maintain for the foreseeable future.
    
     (d) Factors that may affect future tax charges
    The Company has not recognised a deferred tax asset of ?6,561,000 (2014:
    ?5,374,000) arising as a result of having unutilised management expenses
    ?12,690,000 (2014: ?9,658,000) and loan relationship deficits of ?20,115,000
    (2014: ?17,210,000). These expenses will only be utilised, to any material
    extent, if changes are made either to the tax treatment of the capital gains
    made by investment trusts or to the Company's investment profile which
    require them to be used.
    
    The standard rate of corporation tax in the UK changed from 21% to 20% with
    effect from 1 April 2015. Accordingly, the Company's profits for this
    accounting period are taxed at the effective rate of tax of 20.42%.
    
    6. Earnings per ordinary share
     The total earnings per ordinary share is based on the net profit
    attributable to the ordinary shares of ?55,823,000 (2014: ?25,930,000) and on
    112,178,757 ordinary shares (2014: 111,898,962), being the weighted average
    number of shares in issue during the year.
    
    The total earnings can be further analysed as follows:
    
      2015 2014
      ?'000 ?'000
     Revenue profit 19,313 16,842
     Capital profit 36,510 9,088
      ---------- ----------
     Profit for the year 55,823 25,930
      ---------- ----------
    
     Weighted average number of ordinary shares 112,178,757 111,898,962
      ---------------- ----------------
    
     Revenue earnings per ordinary share 17.22p 15.05p
     Capital earnings per ordinary share 32.54p 8.12p
      ---------- ----------
     Earnings per ordinary share 49.76p 23.17p
      ======= =======
    
     The Company does not have any dilutive securities, therefore basic and
    diluted earnings are the same.
    
    7.
    Called up share capital 2015
    ?'000 2014
    ?'000
     Authorised, allotted, issued and fully paid:
      113,081,839 (2014: 112,106,839) ordinary shares of 25p each 28,271
    28,027
      ===== =====
    
     During the year, 1,000,000 ordinary shares were issued for net proceeds of
    ?5,919,000 (2014: 850,000 issued for net proceeds of ?4,914,000). Also during
    the year, 25,000 ordinary shares were purchased for cancellation at a cost of
    ?155,000 (2014: nil).
    
    Since the year end, the Company issued a further 1,450,000 ordinary shares
    for net proceeds of ?9,086,000.
    
    8. Net asset value per ordinary share
     The net asset value per ordinary share is based on net assets attributable
    to ordinary shares of ?712,633,000 (2014: ?668,196,000) and on the
    113,081,839 ordinary shares in issue at 31 October 2015 (2014: 112,106,839).
    The Company has no securities in issue that could dilute the net asset value
    per ordinary share.
    
    The movements during the year in net assets attributable to the ordinary
    shares were as follows:
    
      2015 2014
      ?'000 ?'000
     Net assets attributable to ordinary shares at start of year 668,196 653,561
     Total net profit on ordinary activities after taxation 55,823 25,930
     Dividends paid (17,150) (16,209)
     Issue of ordinary shares 5,919 4,914
     Purchase of ordinary shares (155) -
      ------------ ------------
     Net assets attributable to ordinary shares at end of year 712,633 668,196
      ====== ======
    
    9. 2015 Financial Information
     The figures and financial information for the year ended 31 October 2015 are
    extracted from the Company's annual financial statements for that period and
    do not constitute statutory accounts.  The Company's annual financial
    statements for the year to 31 October 2015 have been audited but have not yet
    been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.  The Auditors' report on the
    2015 annual financial statements was unqualified, did not include a reference
    to any matter to which the Auditors drew attention without qualifying the
    report, and did not contain any statements under Section 498 of the Companies
    Act 2006.
    
    10. 2014 Financial Information
     The figures and financial information for the year ended 31 October 2014 are
    compiled from an extract of the published accounts for that year and do not
    constitute statutory accounts. Those accounts have been delivered to the
    Registrar of Companies and included the report of the Auditors which was
    unqualified and did not contain a statement under Sections 498(2) or 498(3)
    of the Companies Act 2006.
    
    11. Dividend
      A final dividend of 4.00p per ordinary share will be paid, if approved by
    shareholders at the AGM, on 29 February 2016 to shareholders on the register
    on 29 January 2016.   The Company's shares go ex-dividend on 28 January 2016.
    
    12. Annual Report and Financial Statements
     Copies of the Annual Report and financial statements will be posted to
    shareholders by the end of January 2016 and will be available on the
    Company's website
    (www.bankersinvestmenttrust.com) or in hard copy format from the Registered
    Office,
    201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AE.
    
    13. Annual General Meeting
    The Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 25 February 2016 at 12
    noon at Trinity House, London, EC3N 4DH.
    
    LARGEST INVESTMENTS at 31 October 2015
    The 25 largest investments (convertibles and all classes of equity in any one
    company being treated as one investment) were as follows:
    
    Rank
    
    (2014) Valuation
    2014
    ?'000
    Purchases
    ?'000 Sales proceeds
    ?'000
    Appreciation/ (depreciation)
    ?'000 Valuation
    2015
    ?'000
    1 (1) BP 15,335 - - (2,138) 13,197
    2 (2) British American Tobacco 9,932 - - 875 10,807
    3 (6) Delphi Automative 8,301 322 - 2,120 10,743
    4 (13) Apple 7,635 1,247 - 1,162 10,044
    5 (11) ITV 8,009 - - 1,948 9,957
    6 (5) Sports Direct International 9,066 - - 738 9,804
    7 (10) Galliford Try 8,013 1,009 (1,522) 1,808 9,308
    8 (12) Barclays 7,795 1,551 - (365) 8,981
    9 (9) American Tower 8,090 - - 695 8,785
    10 (17) BT 6,875 - - 1,824 8,699
    11 # CVS Health 4,830 2,719 - 1,072 8,621
    12 (8) Royal Dutch Shell 8,094 2,596 - (2,156) 8,534
    13 # Roper Technologies 4,279 2,753 - 1,458 8,490
    14 # Fresenius 3,358 3,548 (453) 1,972 8,425
    15 # Cardinal Health - 8,218 - (301) 7,917
    16 (15) Comcast 7,515 1,534 (2,355) 933 7,627
    17 (24) Reckitt Benckiser 6,300 - - 1,313 7,613
    18 # Fidelity National Information Services 3,052 2,583 - 1,617 7,252
    19 # Persimmon 2,926 2,662 - 1,401 6,949
    20 # The Cooper Companies 4,546 2,674 - (359) 6,861
    21 # Accenture 3,930 1,027 - 1,743 6,700
    22 (21) GlaxoSmithKline 6,576 - - (58) 6,518
    23 (7) HSBC 8,174 - - (1,686) 6,488
    24 (18) American Express 6,822 772 - (1,204) 6,390
    25 # Visa 2,855 2,111 - 1,333 6,299
    
       ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
       162,308 37,286 (4,330) 15,745 211,009
       ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
    
    All securities are equity investments
    
    # Not in the top 25 last year.
    
    CHANGES IN INVESTMENTS at 31 October 2015
    
     Valuation
    2014
    ?'000
    Purchases?'000 Sales proceeds
    ?'000 Appreciation/
    (depreciation) ?'000 Valuation
    2015
    ?'000
    United Kingdom 281,599 13,406 (25,334) 7,567 277,238
    Europe 78,035 19,256 (59,264) 54,994 93,021
    North America 153,925 67,342 (11,876) (31,670) 177,721
    Japan 60,287 31,454 (21,391) 14,214 84,564
    China  16,642 28,366 (36,011) 14,089 23,086
    Pacific (ex Japan, China) 75,847 20,655 (25,618) (12,097) 58,787
    Emerging Markets 19,121 4,638 (5,211) (6,134) 12,414
     ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
     685,456 185,117 (184,705) 40,963 726,831
     ====== ====== ======= ====== ======
    
    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.
    ******
    End CA:00276512 For:BIT    Type:FLLYR      Time:2016-01-19 08:30:08
    				
 
Add to My Watchlist
What is My Watchlist?
A personalised tool to help users track selected stocks. Delivering real-time notifications on price updates, announcements, and performance stats on each to help make informed investment decisions.

Currently unlisted public company.

arrow-down-2 Created with Sketch. arrow-down-2 Created with Sketch.