Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust — Update 3 May 2017

Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust — Update 3 May 2017

Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust (MCP) adopted Martin Currie’s Asia Long-Term Unconstrained (ALTU) strategy in July 2014, aiming to generate returns in line with Asia-Pacific ex-Japan GDP growth. The trust has consistently traded at a wider discount than its peers, but the differential has recently narrowed following the board’s proposal on 4 April 2017 to increase the dividend meaningfully. Based on MCP’s end-FY17 ex-income NAV, the dividend yield would more than double, lifting the yield to c 4.5%. MCP has outperformed its Asian GDP growth benchmark since adopting the ALTU strategy and over shorter time periods, with particularly strong relative performance over the last 12 months, helped by sterling weakness.

Melanie Jenner

Written by

Mel Jenner

Director, Investment Trusts

Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust

Proposed increase in the dividend

Investment trusts

3 May 2017

Price

374.0p

Market cap

£135m

AUM

£152m

NAV*

415.9p

Discount to NAV

10.1%

NAV**

422.1p

Discount to NAV

11.4%

*Excluding income. **Including income. As at 28 April 2017.

Yield

2.1%

Prospective dividend yield

c 4.5%

Ordinary shares in issue

36.1m

Code

MCP

Primary exchange

LSE

AIC sector

Asia Pacific ex-Japan

Benchmark

Blended benchmark

Share price/discount performance

Three-year performance graph

52-week high/low

376.0p

262.5p

436.8p

303.0p

**Including income.

Gearing

Gross*

4.4%

Net*

1.9%

*As at 31 March 2017.

Analysts

Mel Jenner

+44 (0)20 3077 5720

Gavin Wood

+44 (0)20 3681 2503

Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust (MCP) adopted Martin Currie’s Asia Long-Term Unconstrained (ALTU) strategy in July 2014, aiming to generate returns in line with Asia-Pacific ex-Japan GDP growth. The trust has consistently traded at a wider discount than its peers, but the differential has recently narrowed following the board’s proposal on 4 April 2017 to increase the dividend meaningfully. Based on MCP’s end-FY17 ex-income NAV, the dividend yield would more than double, lifting the yield to c 4.5%. MCP has outperformed its Asian GDP growth benchmark since adopting the ALTU strategy and over shorter time periods, with particularly strong relative performance over the last 12 months, helped by sterling weakness.

12 months ending

Share price
(%)

NAV
(%)

Blended
benchmark* (%)

MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan (%)

3Y GDP growth Asia ex-Japan (%)

30/04/13

18.5

14.5

20.9

14.0

16.1

30/04/14

(11.6)

(11.5)

(7.5)

(6.0)

12.0

30/04/15

21.6

18.2

12.5

29.9

8.4

30/04/16

(11.6)

(9.4)

8.0

(14.3)

8.0

30/04/17

41.9

35.9

9.4

37.5

9.4

Source: Thomson Datastream, IMF, Edison Investment Research. Note: All % on a total return basis in GBP. *Blended benchmark is MSCI AC Asia Pacific Index (Japan fixed at 40%) until 30 June 2008, MSCI AC Asia Pacific Index from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2011, MSCI AC Asia Pacific Index (Japan fixed at 25%) from 1 July 2011 to 10 July 2014, and three-year rolling nominal Asian GDP growth from 11 July 2014.

Investment strategy: Unconstrained Asian exposure

The ALTU strategy aims to capture the superior growth of the Asia ex-Japan region, while mitigating some of the downside risks. MCP’s portfolio of 20-30 stocks is constructed through an initial screening followed by in-depth fundamental research. Potential investments are subject to an assessment of their corporate governance track records and a 40-60 page forensic accounting report. Portfolio positions are held for the long term, which lowers costs and allows the trust to benefit from the positive compounding effects of rising share prices. MCP has a £15m loan facility, which is partly drawn down. At end-March 2017, gross gearing was 4.4%.

Market outlook: Growth/valuation relatively attractive

Asian ex-Japan economic growth is relatively attractive versus the rest of the world; contributing factors include a rising middle class and low levels of household debt. Despite an element of rerating over the last several months, Asian equities remain attractively valued versus global equities. For investors wishing to gain exposure to Asia, a focused fund that offers the prospects of capital growth and an attractive level of income may hold some appeal.

Valuation: Recently narrowed discount

MCP’s current 11.4% share price discount to cum-income NAV is narrower than the averages of the last one, three, five and 10 years of 15.5%, 13.8%, 14.4% and 15.1%, respectively. The discount has narrowed meaningfully since the board’s announcement in early April 2017 that it proposes to change MCP’s dividend policy. Despite recent narrowing, MCP’s discount remains wider than the peer group average, suggesting scope for it to narrow further.

Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Exhibit 1: Trust at a glance

Investment objective and fund background

Recent developments

Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust aims to achieve returns commensurate with Asia ex-Japan nominal GDP growth, unconstrained by an equity benchmark, over a long-term time horizon from a concentrated portfolio of 20-30 stocks. Before its change of investment objective in July 2014, it invested in a pan-Asian portfolio with a benchmark of MSCI AC Asia Pacific (Japan fixed at 25%).

4 April 2017: Proposed change in dividend policy, subject to shareholder approval at July 2017 AGM.

21 November 2016: Interim report for six months to 30 September 2016. NAV TR +18.2%, share price TR +16.4%.

24 May 2016: Annual report for 12 months to 31 March 2016. NAV TR -7.9%, share price TR -10.3%.

Forthcoming

Capital structure

Fund details

AGM

July 2017

Ongoing charges

FY16 1.2% (see page 7)

Group

Martin Currie Investment Management

Final results

May 2017

Net gearing

1.9%

Manager

Andrew Graham

Year end

31 March

Annual mgmt fee

Tiered, 0.60-0.75% of net assets

Address

Saltire Court, 20 Castle Terrace,

Edinburgh EH1 2ES

Dividend paid

December and August

Performance fee

None

Launch date

1985

Trust life

Indefinite

Phone

0131 229 5252

Continuation vote

Three-year, next in 2018

Loan facilities

£15m (see page 7)

Website

www.martincurrie.com/uk/asia-unconstrained-trust

Dividend policy and history (financial years)

Share buyback policy and history (financial years)

MCP has recently proposed a change to its dividend policy (see details on page 7). Over the last five years the compound annual growth in dividends is 11.5%.

MCP is authorised to repurchase up to 14.99% and allot up to 5% of its ordinary shares. A tender offer for 10% of the issued shares was made in July 2014.

Shareholder base (as at 1 March 2017)

Portfolio exposure by sector (as at 31 March 2017)

Top 10 holdings (as at 31 March 2017)

Portfolio weight %

Company

Country

Sector

31 March 2017

31 March 2016*

AIA

Hong Kong

Financials

7.0

7.7

Samsung Electronics

South Korea

Information technology

6.8

5.0

Tencent Holdings

China

Information technology

5.7

N/A

Taiwan Semiconductor

Taiwan

Information technology

5.7

7.1

China Mobile

China

Telecommunications

5.1

5.9

HSBC

Hong Kong

Financials

4.9

N/A

Tata Consultancy Services

India

Information technology

4.8

5.6

Infosys

India

Information technology

4.7

6.7

Global Logistic Properties

Singapore

Real estate

4.3

N/A

Singapore Telecommunications

Singapore

Telecommunications

3.9

4.5

Top 10

52.9

56.9

Source: Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust, Edison Investment Research, Bloomberg, Morningstar. Note: *N/A where not in March 2016 top 10.

Market outlook: Relatively attractive growth/valuation

As shown in Exhibit 2 (left-hand side), economic growth forecasts are more favourable for Asia versus the rest of the world. In its April 2017 World Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast economic growth over the next six years for emerging and developing Asia of 6.3% per annum, which is considerably higher than the 3.7% annual estimate for world output. Factors favouring Asia include rising disposable income, which is benefiting consumer discretionary sectors such as online retail, growth in intra-Asian trade and relatively low levels of household debt. There are also measures being taken, which may make the region a more attractive investment proposition, such as significant goods and services tax reform in India and easier access to the Chinese stock market for foreign investors. While there was a rerating of Asian equities in recent months (Exhibit 2, right-hand side), they are still trading at an appreciable discount to world equities; the current 16.7% discount compares to the average 5.7% over the last 10 years. Investors seeking exposure to the Asia Pacific ex-Japan region may be attracted to a focused fund that offers potential for capital growth and also an attractive level of income.

Exhibit 2: Emerging Asia vs advanced and world markets – GDP growth and valuation metrics

GDP growth rates – emerging Asia vs advanced economies and world

DS Asia ex-Japan vs DS World valuation comparison

Source: IMF WEO April 2017, Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research

Fund profile: Concentrated exposure to Asia

Launched in 1985, MCP changed its benchmarks in 2008, 2011 and 2014 (see table note on page 1). The trust adopted Martin Currie’s ALTU strategy in July 2014; ALTU was launched in 2008, aiming to generate returns matching Asia ex-Japan rolling three-year GDP growth. The strategy now has c £2bn of assets under management; between 31 October 2008 and 31 March 2017 it has generated an annualised return of 14.9% (net of fees and expenses). ALTU is a high-conviction, long-only investment approach – the resulting concentrated portfolio consists of 20-30 stocks, which are held for the long term. MCP’s portfolio is diversified by sector and geography; a maximum 10% may be held in a single stock or any one company and up to 10% may be held in cash. The trust is managed by Andrew Graham, who heads Martin Currie Asia’s well-resourced and highly experienced investment team, comprised of seven portfolio managers and analysts.

The fund manager: Andrew Graham and team

The manager’s view: Macro data remain positive

Graham considers that the global and Asian economic environment is pretty favourable, as evidenced by indicators such as purchasing managers’ indices, earnings revisions and consumer/corporate confidence. He suggests that although the rate of positive change in data points may be peaking, for companies with sensible business models and strong balance sheets, the operating environment is generally good. The manager opines that if economic data continue to improve, there is greater potential for Asian equities to appreciate.

The manager comments that in Asia, earnings estimate revisions in aggregate have been positive since the start of 2017 and that the ratio of upgrades to downgrades is now the strongest in six and a half years, having turned positive in mid-2016. He considers this is important given the appreciation of Asian equities so far in 2017, as it means that Asian equity valuation multiples have remained pretty much in line with long-term averages and Asian stock markets continue to be relatively attractively valued versus other major markets such as the US and Europe.

Graham suggests that there is scope for investors to be disappointed by near-term economic growth in the US, where a significant element is based on proposed policy changes by president Trump. He states that in Asia, economic growth is largely a function of infrastructure spending, regulatory reforms and trade – highlighting that the largest percentage of Asia’s trade is within the Asian region itself, so if US growth forecasts are revised lower or the US introduces protectionist measures, it should not be a disaster for Asian trade in general.

Asset allocation

Investment process: Disciplined fundamental approach

The ALTU strategy starts with an initial screen of c 1,100 Asian equities that meet the manager’s liquidity requirements, seeking companies with a sustainable competitive advantage, that are generating stable returns above their cost of capital, growing their cash flow and where managements allocate capital efficiently. The resulting investible universe of c 200 companies is then analysed in detail, focusing on areas such as growth dynamics, competitive positions and company strategies. The corporate governance records of potential investments are assessed and each of the companies passing the assessment undergoes a forensic analysis of its company accounts. This involves a detailed review of five years of financial statements leading to an estimated intrinsic value of the underlying businesses, which is compared to the current company’s share price to establish the potential risk/reward. Meeting company managements is a key part of the investment process; the manager and his team conduct around 500 company meetings each year. As well as seeking potential new investments, the team regularly reviews current holdings to ensure that the original buy theses still hold true. Portfolio turnover is low; generally less than 30% per annum. The manager suggests that investing for the long term lowers costs and allows the positive effects of compounding to accrue to MCP’s shareholders.

Current portfolio positioning

At end-March 2017, MCP held 27 positions, similar to the prior year; its top 10 accounted for 52.9%, which was a modest increase in concentration versus 56.9% at end-March 2016 (seven holdings were common to both periods). In the last six months, there have been two new positions added to MCP’s portfolio: Coway (March 2017) and PT Matahari Department Store (November 2016) and one complete disposal: British American Tobacco Malaysia (January 2017).

Coway is a South Korean manufacturer of wellness appliances (water and air purification equipment) and service provider. Industry fundamentals are considered positive, with the underlying market growing at a mid-to-high single-digit rate per annum, and Coway is increasing its market share. So far, the majority of its revenues and profits have been generated domestically, but the company is developing operations elsewhere in Asia and the US. Coway is highly cash generative and has a dividend yield above 3%. The manager had monitored the company for the last few years, but deemed its valuation unattractive. Following a product recall in 2016 and questions about the company’s corporate governance, Coway’s share price retreated, providing MCP with an attractive buying opportunity. Having thoroughly researched the company and spoken to Coway’s management team, the manager felt confident in initiating a position; the stock has since rallied.

PT Matahari Department Store is Indonesia’s leading retailer, appealing to the middle- to upper-middle classes. Again, the manager had been monitoring the company for a long time, but considered its share price was too expensive. Disappointing results in Q316, which the manager considers was due to temporary factors, provided a buying opportunity as Matahari’s share price fell by c 40% between July and November 2016. The manager believes that the company is well run, with a strong balance sheet and a significant competitive advantage – due to the Indonesian geography, Matahari’s existing infrastructure would be tough for a competitor to replicate. He believes that the company’s earnings growth will resume over the next 12 months and that in the next four-to-five years Matahari could offer a dividend yield of 4-5%.

British American Tobacco Malaysia (BAT) was a very long-standing position in MCP’s portfolio. In Malaysia’s tobacco industry there are two sectors: a formal sector, including companies such as BAT, and an informal sector (illegal imports). The share of the informal sector in Malaysia has grown rapidly in recent years as the country has imposed large excise duties, and as a result BAT’s market share has declined – the Malaysian government has tried to curb the informal sector, but has been unsuccessful. The manager comments that BAT is a very well-run company, focused on cash generation, with a high return on capital (only investing in maintenance capex). Given that the company is hostage to the industry in which it operates, there is little more that it can do in terms of self-help. BAT has an attractive dividend yield of c 5%, but given its inability to grow revenue and profits, the manager sold the position; reinvesting the proceeds elsewhere in the portfolio.

Exhibit 3: Geographical exposure at 31 March 2017

Exhibit 4: Portfolio characteristics

MCP portfolio

MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan Index

Forward P/E* (x)

15.3

12.9

Price/book (x)

2.2

1.7

Yield (%)

2.9

2.6

EV/EBIT (x)

12.1

12.8

EV/EBITDA (x)

8.5

7.6

Net debt/(cash) to equity (%)

(9.1)

20.3

Return on equity* (%)

14.1

12.7

Source: Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust, Edison Investment Research. Note: Net of gearing.

Source: Martin Currie and UBS PAS, 31 March 2017. Note: *Indicates consensus.

Exhibit 3: Geographical exposure at 31 March 2017

Source: Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust, Edison Investment Research. Note: Net of gearing.

Exhibit 4: Portfolio characteristics

MCP portfolio

MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan Index

Forward P/E* (x)

15.3

12.9

Price/book (x)

2.2

1.7

Yield (%)

2.9

2.6

EV/EBIT (x)

12.1

12.8

EV/EBITDA (x)

8.5

7.6

Net debt/(cash) to equity (%)

(9.1)

20.3

Return on equity* (%)

14.1

12.7

Source: Martin Currie and UBS PAS, 31 March 2017. Note: *Indicates consensus.

Exhibit 4, illustrates the quality bias of MCP’s portfolio; versus the MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan index – it has a higher P/E ratio and return on equity than the market index, and in aggregate, company balance sheets are stronger (net cash/equity rather than net debt/equity).

Performance: Outperformance over multiple periods

Since adopting the ALTU strategy in July 2014, MCP’s NAV volatility has been lower than the market. As shown in Exhibit 5, between October 2008 and March 2017, the ALTU strategy has had 4.6pp lower annual volatility than the MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan index. During this period, in the months that the market rallied, the strategy captured 75% of the upside (3.6% versus 4.8% average return) and only participated in 56% of the downside (-1.8% versus -3.2% average return).

Absolute returns to end-March 2017 are shown in Exhibit 6. Over the last 12 months MCP’s share price and NAV total returns of 41.9% and 35.9% respectively have been boosted by sterling weakness; they are considerably higher than the 9.4% benchmark return (sterling-based, three-year rolling nominal Asian GDP growth). Key contributors to performance in 2016 were Samsung and Tencent. Samsung has recovered from the Galaxy Note 7 product recall and posted very strong operational results, led by its semiconductor businesses, which have led to a succession of positive earnings revisions. Shareholders have also been encouraged by increased returns of capital via both higher dividends and a greater commitment to share repurchases. Tencent is a relatively new addition to MCP’s portfolio (May 2016); it is launching new apps, leading to its 850 million monthly active users spending more and more time in Tencent’s ecosystem, which the manager expects the company to be able to monetise over time.

Exhibit 5: ALTU NAV volatility and upside/downside participation to 31 March 2017

Exhibit 6: Price, NAV and blended benchmark total return performance (%)

Source: Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust. Note: ALTU strategy inception date is 31 October 2008.

Source: Thomson Datastream, Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust. Note: Three- and five-year and since change of strategy (SC) performance is annualised. Data to end-April 2017.

Exhibit 5: ALTU NAV volatility and upside/downside participation to 31 March 2017

Source: Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust. Note: ALTU strategy inception date is 31 October 2008.

Exhibit 6: Price, NAV and blended benchmark total return performance (%)

Source: Thomson Datastream, Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust. Note: Three- and five-year and since change of strategy (SC) performance is annualised. Data to end-April 2017.

MCP’s relative returns are shown in Exhibit 7 – given the change to the ALTU strategy, the three and five year records are less relevant, although the trust has outperformed its blended benchmark over three years. Helped by very strong performance over the last 12 months, MCP’s NAV total return has outperformed its benchmark by 12.8% since the change in strategy on 11 July 2014.

Exhibit 7: Share price and NAV total return performance, relative to indices (%)

 

One month

Three months

Six months

One year

SC

Three years

Five years

Price relative to blended benchmark

2.0

8.0

5.7

29.7

15.5

14.7

7.4

NAV relative to blended benchmark

(2.1)

2.9

1.1

24.2

12.8

9.4

(0.7)

Price relative to MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan

4.1

4.2

6.5

3.2

1.2

(0.4)

(2.7)

NAV relative to MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan

(0.1)

(0.7)

1.8

(1.2)

(1.2)

(5.0)

(10.1)

Price relative to MSCI World

4.8

7.7

4.5

8.7

(5.3)

(2.7)

(23.0)

NAV relative to MSCI World

0.5

2.7

(0.1)

4.1

(7.5)

(7.1)

(28.9)

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research. Note: Data to end-April 2017. Geometric calculation. SC = since change of investment objective on 11 July 2014.

Discount: Meaningful near-term narrowing

MCP’s current 11.4% share price discount to cum-income NAV is narrower than the 15.5% average of the last 12 months (range of 10.2% to 20.9%). It is also narrower than the averages of the last three, five and 10 years (range of 13.8% to 15.1%). As shown in Exhibit 8, the discount has narrowed meaningfully since early April 2017, when MCP proposed a change in its dividend policy (for more detailed information, please see the Dividend policy and record section). Given MCP’s discount remains wider than the peer group average (see Exhibit 9) and the proposed higher distribution policy would place its dividend yield among the highest in the peer group, there appears to be potential for the discount to narrow further.

Exhibit 8: Share price discount to NAV (including income) over three years (%)

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research

Capital structure and fees

MCP is a conventional investment trust with one class of share; there are currently 36.1m ordinary shares outstanding, with a further 3.4m held in treasury. Renewed annually, MCP has authority to repurchase up to 14.99% of its shares; the last time shares were repurchased was in mid-June 2016 (see Exhibit 1). MCP has a £15m loan facility with Royal Bank of Scotland, expiring on 31 August 2018, which gives scope for gearing of up to c 10%. Gross gearing stood at 4.4% at end-March 2017, while net gearing was 1.9%.

Since 2014, Martin Currie has been paid a management fee, calculated quarterly, at a rate of 0.75% pa of net assets up to £150m and 0.60% of net assets above £150m – no performance fee is payable. For FY16, ongoing charges were 1.2%, which was in line with FY15. Following the change to the ALTU strategy in 2014, MCP now faces a continuation vote once every three, rather than once every five years; the next vote is due in 2018.

Dividend policy and record

MCP pays dividends twice a year in December and August. In FY16, the annual dividend of 7.75p per share was a 3.3% increase versus the prior year. Over the last five years, the annual dividend has compounded at an annual rate of 11.5%. On 4 April 2017, MCP proposed a change to its dividend policy. Subject to shareholder approval at the July 2017 AGM, the final dividend (payable in August) will be supplemented by a distribution of capital of 2% of the financial year end (31 March) ex-income NAV. If approved, the first dividend under the new policy would be paid in August 2017. Based on the share price and ex-income NAV at 31 March 2017, the new dividend yield would be c 4.5%, which compares favourably with the majority of peers in the AIC Asia ex-Japan sector. The new dividend policy will not lead to any change in the investment policy and the board believes it should help to reduce and stabilise MCP’s discount, which would benefit existing shareholders and may also appeal to new investors seeking the prospect of both capital appreciation and income. The board reserves the right to review the distribution policy in the face of changing conditions, such as a financial year capital loss.

Peer group comparison

Exhibit 9 shows the trusts in the AIC Asia Pacific ex-Japan sector (with a market cap over £100m), which have a variety of mandates. With a market cap of £135m, MCP is one of the smallest trusts in the peer group. Its NAV total returns lag the averages over all the periods shown, but rank higher over one and three years, which broadly corresponds with the period since the change to the ALTU strategy. Following a recent narrowing of the discount, MCP now ranks seventh in the group; in our last report published in October 2016, the trust had the widest discount of all the peers. MCP has an ongoing charge and net gearing broadly in line with the sector averages, and if the proposed change to the dividend policy is approved, MCP’s dividend yield should rank firmly among the highest in the peer group.

Exhibit 9: AIC Asia Pacific ex-Japan peer group as at 27 April 2017

% 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 (%)

Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained

135.4

33.2

45.0

49.7

81.6

(9.8)

1.2

No

102

2.1

Aberdeen Asian Income

384.4

28.8

32.8

50.8

194.9

(6.3)

1.2

No

109

4.3

Aberdeen Asian Smaller

354.6

28.0

35.5

73.2

295.1

(12.0)

1.8

No

110

1.0

Aberdeen New Dawn

247.7

37.9

37.3

51.9

161.8

(12.3)

1.1

No

110

1.8

Edinburgh Dragon

634.3

35.6

42.3

54.5

175.9

(11.7)

1.1

No

108

1.0

Fidelity Asian Values

266.7

35.8

73.4

100.3

214.4

(0.5)

1.3

No

103

1.1

Henderson Far East Income

421.8

29.2

41.1

60.8

136.9

3.7

1.2

No

102

5.6

Invesco Asia

214.4

41.4

68.8

92.6

212.6

(10.8)

1.0

No

100

1.4

JPMorgan Asian

287.4

45.9

63.9

74.6

116.3

(12.0)

0.8

No

100

4.5

Pacific Assets

296.8

28.7

61.9

104.2

143.0

(0.5)

1.3

No

100

0.9

Pacific Horizon

128.1

38.2

47.0

58.7

110.7

(11.7)

1.1

No

107

0.2

Schroder Asia Pacific

642.6

43.4

67.5

79.9

197.9

(11.5)

1.1

No

105

1.2

Schroder Asian Total Return Inv. Co

215.0

38.9

66.8

70.6

148.2

(3.7)

1.0

Yes

109

1.6

Schroder Oriental Income

577.0

29.8

50.8

82.7

201.3

1.5

0.9

Yes

100

3.6

Scottish Oriental Smaller Cos

309.6

30.6

49.1

90.7

305.8

(12.6)

1.0

Yes

106

1.2

Average

341.1

35.0

52.2

73.0

179.7

(7.3)

1.1

105

2.1

Rank in sector (out of 15 trusts)

14

9

10

15

15

7

4

10

5

Source: Morningstar, Edison Investment Research. Note: 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 MCP; all are non-executive and independent of the manager. Chairman Harry Wells was appointed in 2003 and assumed his current role in 2014. The senior independent director is Gregory Shenkman, he was appointed in 2007. Anja Balfour was appointed in 2012 and is chairman of the audit committee. The other two directors are Peter Edwards (appointed in 2007) and Martin Shenfield (appointed in 2015). The board members have backgrounds in finance, investment and law.

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 (www.fsa.gov.uk/register/firmBasicDetails.do?sid=181584). 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 and is not regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2017 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust and prepared and issued by Edison for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable; however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. The securities described in the Investment Research may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors. This research is issued in Australia by Edison Aus and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Australian Corporations Act. 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 2017. “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

245 Park Avenue, 39th Floor

10167, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, 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

245 Park Avenue, 39th Floor

10167, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, 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 (www.fsa.gov.uk/register/firmBasicDetails.do?sid=181584). 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 and is not regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2017 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by Martin Currie Asia Unconstrained Trust and prepared and issued by Edison for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable; however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. The securities described in the Investment Research may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors. This research is issued in Australia by Edison Aus and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Australian Corporations Act. 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 2017. “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

245 Park Avenue, 39th Floor

10167, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, 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

245 Park Avenue, 39th Floor

10167, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Research: Industrials

Nabaltec — Making everyday life safer

Nabaltec has proved itself able to deliver revenue growth significantly ahead of the German chemical industry as a whole by concentrating on those applications benefiting from rising demand. Through a sustained programme of investment in capacity and product development and a reputation for quality, it has become the global leader in fine precipitated aluminium hydroxide used as environmentally friendly flame retardants.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free