Merchants Trust (The) — FY18 outperformance continuing in FY19

The Merchants Trust (LSE: MRCH)

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Market capitalisation

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Research: Investment Companies

Merchants Trust (The) — FY18 outperformance continuing in FY19

The Merchants Trust (MRCH) is managed by Simon Gergel at AllianzGI. He aims to generate a high and growing level of income, with the potential for long-term capital growth, from a portfolio of UK equities. The manager considers there are great opportunities in the UK stock market for high-yield investors, and that in aggregate UK stocks are looking attractively valued compared to global equities. MRCH has a distinguished dividend history; payouts have grown in each of the last 36 consecutive years. In FY18, the annual distribution was 2.5% higher than in FY17 – a larger growth rate than in recent years, reflecting higher dividend growth from portfolio companies, but also due to MRCH’s lower interest costs following the refinancing of a tranche of its high-cost debt in late 2017.

Melanie Jenner

Written by

Mel Jenner

Director, Investment Trusts

Investment Companies

The Merchants Trust

FY18 outperformance continuing in FY19

Investment trusts

22 May 2018

Price

538.0p

Market cap

£585m

AUM

£734m

NAV*

546.8p

Discount to NAV

1.6%

NAV**

558.9p

Discount to NAV

3.7%

*Excluding income. **Including income. As at 18 May 2018.

Yield

4.6%

Ordinary shares in issue

108.7m

Code

MRCH

Primary exchange

LSE

AIC sector

UK Equity Income

Benchmark

FTSE All-Share

Share price/discount performance

Three-year performance vs index

52-week high/low

538.0p

455.0p

558.9p

480.7p

**Including income.

Gearing

Gross*

20.9%

Net*

18.7%

*As at 30 April 2018.

Analysts

Mel Jenner

+44 (0)20 3077 5720

Sarah Godfrey

+44 (0)20 3681 2519

The Merchants Trust is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

The Merchants Trust (MRCH) is managed by Simon Gergel at AllianzGI. He aims to generate a high and growing level of income, with the potential for long-term capital growth, from a portfolio of UK equities. The manager considers there are great opportunities in the UK stock market for high-yield investors, and that in aggregate UK stocks are looking attractively valued compared to global equities. MRCH has a distinguished dividend history; payouts have grown in each of the last 36 consecutive years. In FY18, the annual distribution was 2.5% higher than in FY17 – a larger growth rate than in recent years, reflecting higher dividend growth from portfolio companies, but also due to MRCH’s lower interest costs following the refinancing of a tranche of its high-cost debt in late 2017.

12 months ending

Share price
(%)

NAV*
(%)

Blended
benchmark** (%)

FTSE All-Share
(%)

FTSE 100
(%)

30/04/14

20.0

12.6

9.3

10.5

9.3

30/04/15

0.5

6.6

6.4

7.5

6.4

30/04/16

(10.8)

(9.8)

(6.8)

(5.7)

(6.8)

30/04/17

20.2

19.5

21.4

20.1

20.0

30/04/18

14.5

13.3

8.2

8.2

8.5

Source: Thomson Datastream. Note: All % on a total return basis in GBP. *NAV with debt at market value. **Blended benchmark is FTSE 100 index until 31 January 2017 and FTSE All-Share index thereafter.

Investment strategy: Contrarian, value based

The manager seeks to construct a portfolio of undervalued companies that generates a higher-than-average dividend yield and has the potential to deliver long-term capital growth. When considering a possible investment, Gergel always looks at a company’s total return potential, not just its dividend yield – he focuses on companies with the capability to generate sustainable cash flows. Engagement with portfolio companies to discuss governance issues is an increasingly important element in the investment process. Gearing of up to 25% of net assets, at the time of drawdown, is permitted. At end-April 2018, net gearing was 18.7%.

Market outlook: Room for improved sentiment

As witnessed by low institutional allocations and fund outflows, sentiment towards UK equities is very depressed. While Brexit remains an overhang, any definitive news in negotiations is likely to be viewed favourably. In terms of valuation, UK equities look relatively inexpensive compared to global equities, leaving scope for a rerating of UK shares if there is a positive change in investor perception.

Valuation: Potential for a narrower discount

MRCH’s shares are currently trading at a 3.7% discount to cum-income NAV, with debt at market value. This is narrower than the 5.3% averages over both the last one and three years, but wider than the 3.2% five-year average. There is potential for a narrower discount if the manager continues to build on his long-term record of outperformance. MRCH has a progressive dividend policy; annual distributions have increased for the last 36 consecutive years, growing at broadly double the annual rate of UK inflation over this period.

Exhibit 1: Trust at a glance

Investment objective and fund background

Recent developments

The Merchants Trust’s investment objective is to provide an above-average level of income and income growth, together with long-term growth of capital, through investing mainly in higher-yielding large-cap UK companies. Since 1 February 2017, the benchmark is the FTSE All-Share Index.

29 March 2018: Annual report to 31 January 2018. NAV TR +14.5% versus benchmark TR +11.3%. Share price TR +13.3%. Final interim dividend of 6.3p declared (+3.3% year-on-year).

16 January 2018: Third interim dividend of 6.2p declared (+1.6% year-on-year).

23 October 2017: Pricing of £35m fixed rate, 35-year, secured private placement note at 2.96%, effective 18 December 2017.

Forthcoming

Capital structure

Fund details

AGM

May 2018

Ongoing charges

0.59%

Group

Allianz Global Investors

Interim results

September 2018

Net gearing

18.7%

Manager

Simon Gergel

Year end

31 January

Annual mgmt fee

0.35%

Address

199 Bishopsgate, London,

EC2M 3TY, UK

Dividend paid

Quarterly

Performance fee

None

Launch date

February 1889

Trust life

Indefinite

Phone

+ 44 (0)800 389 4696

Continuation vote

None

Loan facilities

See page 7

Website

www.merchantstrust.co.uk

Dividend policy and history (financial years)

Share buyback policy and history (financial years)

Dividends are paid quarterly in August, November, February and May. The annual dividend has increased for 36 consecutive years.

Renewed annually, the trust has authority to purchase up to 14.99% and allot up to 5% of issued share capital.

Shareholder base (as at 30 April 2018)

Portfolio exposure by sector (ex-cash as at 30 April 2018)

Top 10 holdings (as at 30 April 2018)

Portfolio weight %

Company

Sector

30 April 2018

30 April 2017*

Royal Dutch Shell 'B' Shares

Oil & gas

7.5

7.1

GlaxoSmithKline

Healthcare

6.4

7.2

HSBC

Banks

4.3

5.5

BP

Oil & gas

4.2

5.2

UBM

Media

4.2

3.3

Lloyds Banking Group

Banks

3.6

3.6

BHP Billiton

Mining

3.6

N/A

Legal & General

Insurance

3.2

N/A

BAE Systems

Aerospace & defence

3.0

N/A

Standard Life Aberdeen

Insurance

3.0

2.9

Top 10 (% of holdings)

43.2

42.7

Source: The Merchants Trust, Edison Investment Research, Bloomberg, Morningstar. Note: *N/A where not in end-April 2017 top 10.

Market outlook: Low sentiment may offer opportunities

UK equities in aggregate are currently out of favour. In its recent fund manager survey, Bank of America Merrill Lynch reports that global ownership of UK equities is very low versus history, and data from the Investment Association show continued outflows from UK equity funds. However, this low sentiment towards UK equities may provide opportunities. Within the UK stock market, companies with domestic operations are looking particularly inexpensive compared to their historical averages, and any definitive news regarding Brexit negotiations is likely to be well received. Looking at the valuation of UK indices (Exhibit 2), compared to 12 months ago, UK companies are trading on cheaper forward P/E multiples, offering higher dividend yields and are attractively valued compared with global equities. Investors seeking exposure to UK equities may wish to consider a fund that adopts a contrarian or valuation-based approach to stock selection.

Exhibit 2: Valuation metrics for FTSE 100, 250 and Small Cap indices (as at 21 May 2018)

Source: Edison Investment Research, Bloomberg

Fund profile: Value-based UK equity portfolio

MRCH was launched in 1889 and is one of the oldest trusts listed on the London Stock Exchange. It aims to provide an above-average level of income and income growth, and long-term capital growth from a relatively concentrated portfolio of c 40-60 UK equities. Since 2006, the trust has been managed by Simon Gergel, chief investment officer for UK equities at AllianzGI, which has c £450bn of assets under management. The manager adopts a contrarian approach to stock selection, seeking attractively valued equities. MRCH was historically benchmarked against the FTSE 100 index, but its exposure to the largest UK companies has declined. Reflecting this, the benchmark was changed to the broader FTSE All-Share index, effective from end January 2017. To diversify risk, no single investment may exceed 15% of assets and the portfolio must be invested in at least five of the 10 market sectors, with each sector limited to 35%. Gearing in a range of 10-25% of NAV, at the time of drawdown, is permitted; at end-April 2018, net gearing was 18.7%. MRCH offers an above-average dividend yield (4.6%) and its annual distribution has increased for the last 36 years, using reserves to supplement income when required.

The fund manager: Simon Gergel

The manager’s view: Finding plenty of opportunities

Gergel says the UK stock market is inexpensive compared to the global market, with higher-yielding shares looking particularly attractive. He notes that investors were concerned about high payout ratios, but this issue is abating as the large UK banks, oil & gas and mining companies are in a better financial position, so their dividends are less likely to be reduced. The manager suggests that the attractive valuation of many UK companies has led to increased levels of mergers and acquisitions. During FY18, MRCH benefited from takeover bids for two of its holdings: Ladbrokes Coral and UBM. This has continued into FY19, where there have been further bid announcements such as for financial technology firm NEX Group, which received an offer from CME Group, at a c 50% premium to NEX’s pre-bid share price. While uncertainties surrounding Brexit will continue, Gergel is constructive on the outlook for UK equities, noting that interest rates remain low, the economy is supportive and, in general, companies are performing well. The manager is finding plenty of attractive investment opportunities, particularly in companies that have domestic operations or are in a recovery situation.

Asset allocation

Investment process: Seeking mispriced UK equities

The manager’s fundamental premise is that stock prices are inefficient, providing opportunities to invest in undervalued companies. Historical evidence shows that firms with above-average dividend yields have delivered higher-than-average total returns, as well as higher income. Hence, Gergel focuses on companies that are currently paying higher dividend yields, or have the prospect of doing so in the near future, and are able to generate sustainable cash flows. The manager always considers the total return potential of each position in the portfolio; a high dividend yield in itself is an insufficient basis for investment. Gergel is able to draw on the large resources of AllianzGI, which includes a global team of equity and credit analysts; an environmental, social and governance (ESG) team; and the proprietary Grassroots market research organisation.

When evaluating a company, MRCH’s investment process aims to address three questions:

How good is the business? In assessing a company’s fundamentals, the manager focuses on its industry dynamics, its competitive position, the strength of its financial metrics and its ESG profile and risks.

Are the shares undervalued? A range of absolute and relative valuation measures is evaluated, including dividend yield, but with a particular focus on cash flow.

How supportive is the environment? Themes considered include the macroeconomic outlook, the stage of the business cycle and industry/secular trends. This element of the investment process can help to identify, and therefore avoid, value traps (companies that are outwardly looking attractively priced, but are unlikely to appreciate in value).

Positions in the portfolio are reviewed regularly and may be sold if: the target price is reached; there is a change in the investment thesis, so that the original reason for purchase is no longer valid; or there is a better investment opportunity available. Portfolio turnover is typically 20-25% pa. The assessment of a company’s ESG track record is an increasingly important element of the stock selection process. During 2017, the manager engaged 23 times with 14 different portfolio companies, which in aggregate represented c 30% of holdings.

Current portfolio positioning

Exhibit 3: Market capitalisation breakdown (% unless stated)

Index

Portfolio end-April 2018

Portfolio end-April 2017

Change (pp)

FTSE 100

60.2

59.3

0.9

FTSE 250

31.4

32.1

(0.7)

FTSE SmallCap

5.4

5.7

(0.3)

Other

0.8

0.8

0.0

Cash

2.2

2.1

0.1

100.0

100.0

Source: The Merchants Trust, Edison Investment Research

MRCH’s sector exposure is shown in Exhibit 4. Over the last 12 months there has been an increase in exposure to the financial sector. The trust has recently initiated a position in wealth manager St. James’s Place. The manager is encouraged by the company’s growth prospects, which are supported by high levels of annual increases in the number of partners (financial advisers) and increased assets under management. The company also has a strong record of dividend growth. Gergel believes that while St. James’s Place’s current P/E valuation is not cheap, there is insufficient value being placed on the company’s new business, which is benefiting from a general lack of available advice for a more affluent population.

Exhibit 4: Portfolio sector exposure vs benchmark (% unless stated)

Portfolio end-
April 2018

Portfolio end-
April 2017

Change
(pp)

Index
weight

Active weight
vs index (pp)

Trust weight/
index weight (x)

Financials

30.6

27.9

2.7

26.8

3.8

1.1

Industrials

15.4

15.2

0.2

11.0

4.4

1.4

Consumer services

15.1

15.0

0.1

11.5

3.6

1.3

Oil & gas

11.9

12.5

(0.6)

13.7

(1.8)

0.9

Utilities

6.7

9.0

(2.3)

2.7

4.0

2.5

Healthcare

6.5

7.3

(0.8)

8.6

(2.1)

0.8

Basic materials

5.2

3.5

1.7

7.6

(2.4)

0.7

Consumer goods

5.1

4.9

0.2

13.9

(8.8)

0.4

Telecommunications

1.3

2.6

(1.3)

3.4

(2.1)

0.4

Technology

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.9

(0.9)

0.0

Cash

2.2

2.1

0.1

0.0

2.2

N/A

100.0

100.0

100.0

Source: The Merchants Trust, FTSE Russell, Edison Investment Research

Performance: Improving performance record

In FY18 (ending 31 January 2018), MRCH’s NAV and share price total returns of +14.5% and +13.3% respectively were comfortably ahead of the benchmark’s +11.3% total return. The main driver of outperformance was stock selection, while gearing added a net 2% to total return over the period. A meaningful contributing factor to MRCH’s relative returns was minimal exposure to the underperforming tobacco sector. On a stock-specific basis, the two largest contributors to the trust’s performance were Ladbrokes Coral and UBM, which both received takeover offers. Other positive contributors were in the financial sector: IG Group, which stressed the limited impact on its business from new regulation and reported strong trading results; Man Group, which also had positive trading statements; and Standard Life Aberdeen, where the merger between the two companies offers the potential for significant cost savings. Detractors to portfolio performance included Centrica, which issued a profit warning, and GlaxoSmithKline, which downgraded profit forecasts for 2018 and showed a lack of commitment to a progressive dividend policy.

Exhibit 5: Investment trust performance to 30 April 2018

Price, NAV and benchmark total return performance, one-year rebased

Price, NAV and benchmark total return performance (%)

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research. Note: NAV with debt at market value. Three, five and 10-year performance figures annualised. Blended benchmark is FTSE 100 index until 31 January 2017 and FTSE All-Share index thereafter.

Due to an improvement in MRCH’s investment performance in recent quarters, the trust has now outperformed its blended benchmark over nearly all periods shown in Exhibit 6. The only exception is very modest underperformance over three years in NAV terms.

Exhibit 6: Share price and NAV total return performance, relative to indices (%)

 

One month

Three months

Six months

One year

Three years

Five years

10 years

Price relative to blended benchmark

1.1

4.3

5.3

5.8

0.3

4.0

16.0

NAV relative to blended benchmark

3.2

2.4

3.4

4.7

(0.2)

2.9

10.7

Price relative to FTSE All-Share

1.1

4.3

5.3

5.8

0.1

1.7

10.3

NAV relative to FTSE All-Share

3.2

2.4

3.4

4.7

(0.4)

0.7

5.2

Price relative to FTSE 100

0.7

4.2

5.1

5.5

1.1

4.9

17.0

NAV relative to FTSE 100

2.8

2.3

3.3

4.4

0.6

3.8

11.7

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research. Note: Data to end-April 2018. Geometric calculation.

Exhibit 7: NAV total return performance relative to blended benchmark over five years

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research

Discount: In the middle of the 12-month range

MRCH’s current 3.7% share price discount to cum-income NAV with debt at market value compares to the range of discounts over the last 12 months of 2.3% to 7.3%. It is narrower than the averages over the last one and three years of 5.3%, but wider than the 3.2% five-year and 2.5% 10-year averages. There is potential for the discount to narrow if the manager is able to build on MRCH’s improving investment track record.

Exhibit 8: Three-year discount to NAV (debt at par or book value)

Exhibit 9: Three-year cum-income discount (debt at fair or market value)

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research

Exhibit 8: Three-year discount to NAV (debt at par or book value)

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research

Exhibit 9: Three-year cum-income discount (debt at fair or market value)

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research

Due to the current low level of interest rates, the market value of MRCH’s debt is higher than its par value, which means the NAV with debt at par value is higher than the NAV with debt at market value. Hence, the share price discount to NAV with debt at market value is lower than the discount to NAV with debt at par value.

Capital structure and fees

MRCH is a conventional investment trust with one class of share; there are currently 108.7m ordinary shares in issue. In October 2017, the trust announced that it had priced a £35m, 35-year private placement note at 2.96% to repay £34m of high-cost (11.125%) debt that was due to mature in January 2018. As shown in Exhibit 10, this refinancing lowers MRCH’s average cost of debt from 8.5% to 6.1%. Interest is charged 65% to the capital account and 35% to the revenue account; the lower interest rate will save £1.8m and £1.0m in annual interest payments from the respective accounts. The manager says that the ability to borrow at c 3% and invest in UK equities, which are yielding c 4% on average, and in some cases much more, is a good proposition for shareholders.

Exhibit 10: MRCH’s debt profile

Financial year ending

31 January 2017

31 January 2018

Gross debt

£111m

£110m

Average interest rate*

8.5%

6.1%

Average duration*

7.2 years

16.8 years

First maturity

January 2018

May 2023

Source: The Merchants Trust, Edison Investment Research. Note: *excludes modest amount of perpetual debt.

In FY18, the annual management fee was 0.35%. It is charged 65:35 to the capital and revenue accounts respectively, reflecting the board’s expected split of long-term capital and income returns. The ongoing charge in FY18 was 0.59%, which was 4bp lower than 0.63% in FY17 and is competitive versus its peers in the AIC UK Equity Income sector (Exhibit 12).

Dividend policy and record

Dividends are paid quarterly in August, November, February and May. MRCH aims to generate a high and growing level of income. Its annual dividend has now grown for 36 consecutive years. The FY18 annual dividend of 24.8p was 2.5% higher than the FY17 distribution and was fully covered by income. The FY18 dividend increase was higher than in recent years due to higher income generation, and the benefit of lower interest costs following the debt restructuring in 2017. At end-January 2018, revenue reserves of £25.9m were equivalent to 0.96x the FY18 dividend payment. MRCH’s current dividend yield is 4.6%.

Exhibit 11 illustrates MRCH’s attractive dividend policy. Over the last 10 years, the trust’s dividend yield has been consistently higher than the dividend yield of the FTSE All-Share index, while the 7.1% average compound annual growth in MRCH’s dividend over the last 36 years is significantly higher (broadly double) compared with the average UK inflation rate over the period.

Exhibit 11: MRCH’s dividend yield and growth (%)

The Merchants Trust’s dividend yield vs FTSE All-Share dividend yield

Growth of The Merchants Trust’s dividend vs UK inflation

Source: Thomson Datastream, The Merchants Trust, Edison Investment Research

Peer group comparison

MRCH is a member of the AIC UK Equity Income sector, a relatively large group of 24 funds. We show the largest seven in Exhibit 12, which all have market caps above £500m. MRCH’s improving performance track record is evident. Its one-year NAV total return ranks second out of 24 funds over the last 12 months, a meaningful 7.7pp higher than the sector average, and is also higher than average over three years. The trust is below average over five and 10 years. MRCH’s discount to NAV (with debt at par value) is wider than average, which may be due to the historically high cost of debt, although this has now been partially addressed. Its ongoing charge is in line with the selected peer group average; however, it is meaningfully lower than the whole sector average and there is no performance fee. MRCH has an above-average dividend yield, respectively 1.1pp and 0.6pp higher than the selected and whole group averages.

Exhibit 12: Selected peer group as at 21 May 2018*

% unless stated

Market
cap £m

NAV TR
1 year

NAV TR
3 year

NAV TR
5 year

NAV TR
10 year

Discount
(ex-par)

Ongoing charge

Perf.
fee

Net gearing

Dividend yield

Merchants Trust

585.0

14.3

24.7

41.7

95.1

(6.1)

0.6

No

119

4.6

City of London

1,553.7

5.9

21.5

46.2

117.8

0.5

0.4

No

108

4.0

Edinburgh Investment

1,377.5

(0.8)

17.8

51.9

126.8

(8.0)

0.6

No

110

3.3

Finsbury Growth & Income

1,365.0

14.4

43.9

86.3

290.8

1.0

0.7

No

102

1.8

Murray Income Trust

536.7

3.4

21.2

34.9

91.9

(6.8)

0.7

No

106

4.1

Perpetual Income & Growth

899.2

(1.4)

8.2

41.6

137.9

(9.5)

0.7

No

111

3.7

Temple Bar

900.1

8.7

22.9

40.2

165.4

(5.0)

0.5

No

100

3.2

Selected average (7 peers)

1,031.0

6.4

22.9

49.0

146.5

(4.8)

0.6

108

3.5

Sector average (24 peers)

443.9

6.6

22.4

51.9

119.5

(2.0)

1.2

112

4.0

MRCH rank (out of 24 peers)

6

2

8

15

17

15

22

3

3

Source: Morningstar, Edison Investment Research. Note: *Performance to 18 May 2018. NAV with debt at par. TR=total return. Net gearing is total assets less cash and equivalents as a percentage of net assets.

The board

There are five directors on the board of MRCH, all of whom are non-executive and independent of the manager. The chairman is Simon Fraser, who was appointed as a director in August 2009, and assumed his current role in May 2010. Sybella Stanley is the senior independent director; she joined the board in November 2014. The chairman of the audit committee is Timon Drakesmith, who was appointed as a director in November 2016. The other two directors and their dates of appointment are: Paul Yates (March 2011) and Mary Ann Sieghart (November 2014). Between them, the directors have a mix of both investment and corporate commercial experience.

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Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2018. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Conduct Authority). Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

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The Investment Research is distributed in the United States by Edison US to major US institutional investors only. Edison US is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison US relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personalised advice. We publish information about companies in which we believe our readers may be interested and this information reflects our sincere opinions. The information that we provide or that is derived from our website is not intended to be, and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, our website and the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research. Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report. Edison or its affiliates may perform services or solicit business from any of the companies mentioned in this report. The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings. In addition it may be difficult or not possible to buy, sell or obtain accurate information about the value of securities mentioned in this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2018. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

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