Seneca Global Income & Growth Trust — Moving to a more defensive position

Seneca Global Income & Growth Trust (LN: SIGT)

Last close As at 28/03/2024

178.00

0.00 (0.00%)

Market capitalisation

64m

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Seneca Global Income & Growth Trust — Moving to a more defensive position

Seneca Global Income & Growth Trust (SIGT) has a value-based, multi-asset investment policy, aiming to achieve an average annual return of at least CPI +6% over the course of a normal business cycle, and to grow the annual dividend at least in line with UK inflation. SIGT’s manager believes that active asset allocation can add value and can mitigate the effects of a stock market downturn. In anticipation of an expected global economic downturn in 2020, it has been reducing risk by gradually lowering equity exposure, while adding to specialist assets. The manager expects to continue to reduce the trust’s equity position as the end of the bull market approaches. The shorter-term tactical asset allocation (TAA) to equities of 56% compares to the longer-term strategic asset allocation (SAA) of 60%. The trust has a positive investment track record; it has outperformed its blended benchmark over one, three and five years and since the change of investment mandate in January 2012.

Melanie Jenner

Written by

Mel Jenner

Director, Investment Trusts

Investment Companies

Seneca Global Income & Growth Trust

Moving to a more defensive position

Investment trusts

1 March 2018

Price

174.0p

Market cap

£81m

AUM

£86m

NAV*

169.8p

Premium to NAV

2.4%

NAV**

171.7p

Premium to NAV

1.4%

*Excluding income. **Including income. As at 27 February 2018.

Prospective yield

3.6%

Ordinary shares in issue

46.4m

Code

SIGT

Primary exchange

LSE

AIC sector

Flexible Investment

Share price/discount performance

Three-year share price perf.

52-week high/low

179.5p

162.3p

177.3p

162.9p

*Including income.

Gearing

Gross*

8.9%

Net*

4.3%

*At 31 January 2018.

Sources for this column: Thomson Datastream, SIGT

Analysts

Mel Jenner

+44 (0)20 3077 5720

Gavin Wood

+44 (0)20 3681 2503

Seneca Global Income & Growth Trust is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Seneca Global Income & Growth Trust (SIGT) has a value-based, multi-asset investment policy, aiming to achieve an average annual return of at least CPI +6% over the course of a normal business cycle, and to grow the annual dividend at least in line with UK inflation. SIGT’s manager believes that active asset allocation can add value and can mitigate the effects of a stock market downturn. In anticipation of an expected global economic downturn in 2020, it has been reducing risk by gradually lowering equity exposure, while adding to specialist assets. The manager expects to continue to reduce the trust's equity position as the end of the bull market approaches. The shorter-term tactical asset allocation (TAA) to equities of 56% compares to the longer-term strategic asset allocation (SAA) of 60%. The trust has a positive investment track record; it has outperformed its blended benchmark over one, three and five years and since the change of investment mandate in January 2012.

12 months ending

Total share price return (%)

Total NAV return (%)

Blended benchmark* (%)

FTSE All-Share (%)

FTSE All-World (%)

31/01/14

13.9

9.0

3.5

10.1

9.2

31/01/15

7.1

7.9

3.5

7.1

17.6

31/01/16

8.1

0.1

3.6

(4.6)

(0.7)

31/01/17

18.2

18.7

3.5

20.1

33.9

31/01/18

14.0

13.2

6.5

11.3

13.4

Source: Thomson Datastream. Note: 12-month discrete total returns. *Blended benchmark is three-month Libor +3% to 6 July 2017 and CPI +6% thereafter. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.

Investment strategy: Multi-asset investing

SIGT is managed by Seneca Investment Managers (SIML), which operates a team-based approach to construct a diverse portfolio of assets that are trading at a discount to their perceived intrinsic values, as well as third-party funds that apply a similar approach. Compared to the longer-term allocations, SIGT is currently tactically underweight UK equities and fixed income, market weight overseas equities, and overweight specialist assets.

Market outlook: Above-average equity valuations

Both UK and global equities have performed very strongly since early 2016, as investors have focused on growth in corporate earnings, due to a synchronised improvement in the global economy. Multiples have expanded, meaning equity valuations are now looking relatively full. On a forward P/E basis, both developed and emerging market equities are trading at a c 15% premium to their 10-year averages. With this backdrop in mind, investors may find appeal in a fund of attractively valued assets, offering a diverse income stream.

Valuation: Trading at a small premium

SIGT adopted a discount control mechanism (DCM) in August 2016, since when its shares have traded close to NAV. The current 1.4% premium to cum-income NAV compares to the range of discounts over the last three, five and 10 years of 0.6% to 6.1%. The trust aims to increase annual dividends at least in line with the rate of UK inflation; SIGT’s prospective yield is 3.6%.

Exhibit 1: Trust at a glance

Investment objective and fund background

Recent developments

SIGT’s objective is to achieve net returns in excess of CPI +6% per annum over the course of a typical investment cycle, with low volatility. It also aims to grow aggregate annual dividends at least in line with CPI, through investment in a multi-asset portfolio including UK and overseas equities, fixed-income securities and specialist assets (including property).

22 February 2018: Third interim dividend of 1.58p announced, 3.9% higher year-on-year.

4 December 2017: Six-month results ending 31 October 2017. NAV TR +6.1% versus benchmark TR +3.4%. Share price TR +6.1%.

Forthcoming

Capital structure

Fund details

AGM

July 2018

Ongoing charges

1.61%

Group

Seneca Investment Managers

Final results

June 2018

Net gearing

4.3%

Managers

Seneca team

Year end

30 April

Annual mgmt fee

0.90% of market cap up to £50m, 0.65% above £50m

Address

10th Floor Horton House,

Exchange Flags, Liverpool L2 3YL

Dividend paid

Sep, Dec, Mar, Jun

Performance fee

None

Launch date

August 2005

Trust life

Indefinite (subject to vote)

Phone

+44 (0)151 906 2461/2475

Continuation vote

Annual

Loan facilities

£14m three-year rolling (£7m drawn)

Website

www.senecaim.com/sigt

Dividend policy and history (financial years)

Share buyback policy and history (financial years)

SIGT aims to grow annual dividends at least in line with the rate of CPI.

A discount control mechanism was introduced at July 2016 AGM, effective 1 August 2016.

Shareholder base (at 31 January 2018)

Portfolio distribution by capital and income generation (at 31 January 2018)

Top five holdings by asset category (at 31 January 2018)

Portfolio weight %

Portfolio weight %

UK direct equities

Fixed income

Ultra Electronics

1.7

Royal London Short Duration Global High Yield

4.2

Kier Group

1.6

TwentyFour Select Monthly Income

2.0

BT Group

1.5

Templeton Emerging Markets Bond

1.9

Phoenix Group

1.5

Royal London Sterling Extra Yield Bond

1.1

Marks & Spencer

1.5

N/A

 

Overseas equities

Specialist assets

CC Japan Income & Growth Trust

3.1

AJ Bell Holdings (unquoted)

2.8

European Assets Trust

3.0

International Public Partnerships

2.5

Samarang Asian Prosperity

3.0

Doric Nimrod Air Two

2.2

Schroder Asian Income Maximiser

2.9

Aberdeen Private Equity

2.0

Liontrust European Enhanced Income Fund

2.5

Fair Oaks Income

1.9

Source for charts and tables above: SIGT, Edison Investment Research, Morningstar

Market outlook: Equity valuations look pretty full

Despite recent volatility in global stock markets, both UK and to a greater extent, global equities have performed very strongly since early 2016, as shown in Exhibit 2 (LHS). Investors have shaken off political concerns during the period and instead focused on the synchronised improvement in the global economy, which has fed through into robust corporate earnings growth. There have also been continued fund flows into equities due to the low returns available on other asset classes such as government bonds or cash. As a result, equity valuations are looking somewhat full. On a forward P/E multiple basis, both developed and emerging market equities are trading at a c 15% premium to their averages over the last 10 years (Exhibit 2, right-hand table). Of the major developed markets, the US and Europe are looking the least attractive, trading at a c 20% premium to their 10-year averages and are towards the high end of the ranges over this period. Against this valuation backdrop, investors may be interested in a fund with a value approach that generates an income stream from a broad range of assets.

Exhibit 2: Equity performance and valuations

Performance of UK and global equities in £ terms (last 10 years)

Datastream indices forward P/E valuations (x)

 

Last

High

Low

10-year
average

Last as % of
average

UK

13.7

15.7

7.4

12.2

113

US

17.6

18.9

9.4

14.7

119

Europe

14.0

15.6

7.6

11.9

118

Japan

14.4

23.6

10.5

14.4

100

Developed markets

15.8

16.8

9.0

13.6

116

Emerging markets

12.6

13.4

7.8

11.0

114

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research. Note: Data as at 27 February 2018.

Fund profile: ‘Multi-Asset Value Investing’

Founded as the Taverners Trust and managed by Aberdeen Asset Management, the trust became the Midas Income & Growth Trust in August 2005. In March 2014, the trust’s investment manager was purchased by Seneca Asset Managers Limited. The fund management business was renamed Seneca Investment Managers Limited (SIML) and the trust itself was renamed Seneca Global Income & Growth Trust, highlighting its diverse mandate. SIML is a multi-asset specialist, with a focus on value. The investment process is transparent and team based, and the portfolio investments are straightforward.

SIGT aims to generate income and capital growth, with low volatility, via investment in a diversified portfolio of UK and overseas equities, fixed income and specialist assets (speciality financial, infrastructure, property and private equity). In 2012, its mandate was changed, aiming to improve the trust’s returns. The strategic asset allocation to overseas equities was increased (by 10pp to 25%) and fixed income was reduced (by 10pp to 15%). The dividend was rebased to what was considered to be a sustainable level, the fee structure was simplified and an annual continuation vote was introduced. The benchmark was changed from a nominal return of 8% per year to three-month Libor +3% pa. However, more recently, the board considered that this hurdle was too low. Following shareholder approval at the July 2017 AGM, the performance benchmark was increased to CPI +6% pa. SIML believes that this level of average annual returns can be achieved, over the course of a typical business cycle, by a combination of strategic asset allocation, active management and the use of gearing (minus costs). While there may be shorter periods when asset returns are lower, which will make it difficult for SIML to generate investment returns in excess of the benchmark, the managers believe that over the course of a typical business cycle (when total real returns from equities and bonds over the entire cycle are in line with, or above, long-term averages), the new benchmark is more appropriate. There has been no change in investment process following the change in benchmark.

SIML adopts a team-based approach. Following the retirement of Alan Borrows at the end of 2017, the company is looking to further grow the investment team. Currently, there are four investment professionals, who each contribute to the management of SIGT’s portfolio. Each team member has specific research responsibilities, acting as research specialist in a particular area:

Peter Elston – asset allocation (strategic and tactical);

Mark Wright – direct investment in UK equities;

Tom Delic – overseas equities and fixed income fund selection; and

Richard Parfect – specialist assets.

Elston has a portfolio oversight role, which includes process implementation, and cash and cash flow management. However, given SIML’s team-based investment approach, he has only limited discretion to move away from the target portfolio, which has been proposed by the research specialists and agreed by the team.

SIGT has broad investment limits in place. At the time of investment, up to 10% of the portfolio may be in any one company, up to 5% in a single security and up to 7.5% in unquoted securities (currently c 3% – AJ Bell Holdings). Up to 25% may be held in cash (currently c 3%). Gearing of up to 25% of NAV is permitted; at end-January 2018 gross gearing was 8.9%. Annual portfolio turnover is c 33%, which takes into account tactical asset allocation shifts, as well as activity within the individual asset classes.

The fund managers: Seneca team

The managers’ view: Reducing risk within the portfolio

Asset allocation specialist, Elston, adopts a business cycle analytical framework for tactical asset allocation. He says that in each of the four stages of the business cycle (expansion, peak, recession and recovery) the relative performance of individual asset classes tends to follow a similar pattern. For example, equities tend to perform better in the recession and recovery phases and relatively poorly in the peak phase. Each of the four phases of the business cycle is characterised by different economic growth, inflation and central bank monetary policy trends. Elston says that the US is well into the expansion phase and the UK is heading that way, while Europe and Japan are still in recovery phase, although also heading for expansion. In regions where inflation is nudging up against central bank inflation targets, such as the US and the UK, short-term interest rates are starting to rise. However, absolute interest rate increases have been slower than in previous cycles and due to the extremely low starting point, peak interest rates in this business cycle are likely to be lower than normal.

SIGT has been gradually reducing equity exposure, and therefore portfolio risk, in anticipation of a global economic slowdown in 2020 due to tighter monetary policy. Elston uses a driving analogy to explain this strategy – a careful driver brakes ahead of a bend, rather than when it is reached. For 2018, he believes that equity returns can be respectable, but he expects them to be lower than long-term averages. The US yield curve remains upwardly sloping, rather than being inverted, suggesting to him an economic downturn is not imminent. Commenting on stock market volatility early in 2018, Elston compares it to seismic activity that undergoes dormant periods, then builds up pressure and is explosive when released. He says that stock markets have appreciated in an orderly fashion and volatility has been very low versus history. However, Elston does not believe the recent correction was the start of a protracted bear market, which normally occurs when yield curves are inverted and inflation is above central bank targets; this is not currently the case. He says that significant investment reallocations away from equities and credit will only emerge when positive real interest rates make returns on cash look more attractive. In the meantime, the managers expect to continue to reduce equity exposure as the end of the bull market approaches.

Asset allocation

Investment process: Multiple income streams

SIML’s investment style is ‘Multi-Asset Value Investing’. The managers focus on high-quality assets, which are trading at a discount to their perceived intrinsic value, as well as third-party funds that employ a similar philosophy. SIGT’s resulting portfolio comprises UK and overseas equities, fixed income and specialist assets. Specialist assets include: speciality finance – leasing, mortgages, global reinsurance and direct lending to small- and medium-sized enterprises; infrastructure – renewable energy and proven social infrastructure; commercial and residential property – with a focus on UK secondary and niche markets and private equity – AJ Bell Holdings and private equity funds of funds. The managers employ a long-term strategic asset allocation (SAA), which is based on the expected long-term returns from individual asset classes. They seek to add value by using a shorter-term tactical asset allocation (TAA), to take advantage of relative valuation differences between asset classes, as well as from individual stock and fund selection. SIML’s investment approach is team-based – potential new holdings are proposed by the relevant research specialist and discussed within the team. Any changes to the portfolio have to be agreed by a majority, which acts as a risk control. Each asset allocation position and each holding has a target weighting. Actual portfolio exposures can vary modestly from the target, as successful positions are allowed to run or when the managers wait for income to be captured; however, any variances are limited and closely monitored.

Exhibit 3: Asset allocation ranges, long-term core and tactical asset allocations (TAA)

%

Asset allocation range

Core asset allocation (SAA)

TAA end-January 2018

UK equities

15-60

35

31.0

Overseas equities

10-40

25

25.0

Total equities

25-85

60

56.0

Fixed income

0-40

15

9.2

Specialist

0-50

25

31.5

Cash

0-10

0

3.3

Total

100

100

100.0

Source: Seneca Global Income & Growth Trust

Current portfolio positioning

Exhibit 3 shows SIGT’s current TAA versus SAA by asset class. Since our last report was published in October 2017, the managers have continued to reduce risk by lowering the trust’s TAA equity exposure by a further 3pp (2pp from UK and 1pp from Japanese equities), with the majority of proceeds reinvested into specialist assets. Within the UK, 1pp reduction came from the sale of drinks distributor and retailer Conviviality, which had performed very strongly, while the other 1pp came from taking profits across a range of UK equity positions. Within Japan, the Goodhart Michinori Japan Equity Fund and the CC Japan Income & Growth Trust were both reduced.

The equity TAA is now underweight the SAA by 4pp (56% versus 60%). The underweight exposure is in UK equities, while the TAA to overseas equities is now in line with the SAA, having previously been overweight. Within overseas equities, SIGT is overweight Asia Pacific ex-Japan, global funds and Europe ex-UK, underweight North America (where it has no exposure, with the last position having been sold in August 2017) and emerging markets, and neutral weight Japan. The trust retains an underweight fixed income exposure, with no exposure to developed markets government debt, which the managers consider to be unattractively valued. SIGT is overweight all subsectors within specialist assets: specialist financial, infrastructure, property and private equity.

Exhibit 4: Distribution of equity and non-equity investments at 31 January 2018

Geographic distribution of equity investments (55% of portfolio)

Analysis of non-equity investments (45% of portfolio)

Source: Seneca Global Income & Growth Trust, Edison Investment Research. Note: Numbers subject to rounding.

Exhibit 4 shows SIGT’s actual portfolio at end-January 2017, broken down by equity (55%) and non-equity exposure (45%). UK equity exposure is direct, with a focus on mid-cap companies. These firms are often under-researched, which can lead to their shares being mispriced. SIML says that over the long term, mid-cap companies tend to outperform – since 1998, the mid-cap FTSE 250 index has beaten the large-cap FTSE 100 index by c 5pp per annum. An ideal UK equity investment would be a relatively undervalued company, generating strong cash flow, which can support a growing dividend stream. SIGT’s individual UK equity position sizes are broadly similar (1.3% to 1.7% of the portfolio). Overseas equity exposure is via funds with a value bias and a high active share that offer the potential for outperformance of their underlying benchmarks. (Active share is a measure of how a portfolio differs from its benchmark, with 100% representing no commonality and 0% full index replication.) Fixed income funds are selected on the basis of a strong credit analysis framework being in place. Specialist assets provide a differentiated, diversified income stream, with the manager using them to lower portfolio volatility as well as enhance returns. SIGT’s current specialist asset exposure is split: specialist financial 10.9%, property 8.3%, infrastructure 6.7% and private equity 5.1%. These positions typically yield 5-8%.

Recent changes to the portfolio include, within UK equities, the purchase of Babcock International and the sale of Conviviality and Intermediate Capital (both on valuation grounds). Babcock is a support services company, which the manager believes has been unjustifiably tarnished with the same brush as peers such as Capita, Interserve and Mitie, which have all issued profit warnings. As a result, Babcock is now offering a very attractive dividend yield of c 4.5%, which is its highest level in the last decade. The manager believes that the company is fundamentally different to its peers, operating in industries with high barriers to entry, under long-term, higher-margin contracts. Within overseas equities, there is a new position in the Samarang Asian Prosperity Fund. It is a pan-Asian small cap fund, where the manager aims to exploit valuation anomalies in companies that are under-researched by both the buy and the sell side. Ediston Property Investment Company has been added to specialist assets within SIGT’s portfolio. It has a focused portfolio of 15 properties, which are primarily out-of-town retail warehouses. Ediston’s manager undertakes portfolio management activities, such as refurbishments, aiming to increase the rental and capital values of the properties.

Performance: Long-term outperformance

SIGT aims to outperform its benchmark with low volatility returns. Since the mandate change in January 2012 up to end-January 2018, the trust’s annualised NAV volatility is significantly lower than the FTSE All-Share index (8.2% versus 12.9%) and lower than the average annualised volatility of its peers in the AIC Flexible Investment sector (8.9%) (volatility data from SIML).

Exhibit 5: Investment trust performance to end-January 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: Since change of mandate (SC) is from 18 January 2012. Benchmark is an absolute return of 8% per year until 18 January 2012, three-month Libor +3% to 6 July 2017 and CPI +6% thereafter. Performance figures for periods of more than one year are annualised.

Exhibit 5 shows SIGT’s absolute returns. Over the last 12 months, its NAV and share price total returns of 13.2% and 14.0% respectively are meaningfully ahead of the blended benchmark’s 6.5% total return. The largest contribution to outperformance over the period was UK equity stock selection. SIGT’s relative returns are shown in Exhibit 6, the trust has outperformed its blended benchmark in both NAV and share price terms over one, three and five years and since the change in mandate on 18 January 2012. SIGT has also outperformed the FTSE All-Share index over all of these periods.

Exhibit 6: Share price and NAV total return relative performance

 

Three months

Six months

One year

Three years

Five years

Since change of mandate

Price relative to blended benchmark

(2.5)

(2.3)

7.0

27.5

45.1

72.2

NAV relative to blended benchmark

(2.5)

(2.7)

6.3

17.8

29.3

46.6

Price relative to FTSE All-Share

(1.4)

(1.7)

2.4

14.3

18.3

25.6

NAV relative to FTSE All-Share

(1.4)

(2.1)

1.7

5.6

5.4

6.9

Price relative to FTSE All-World

(2.6)

(3.9)

0.5

(3.4)

(8.2)

(1.2)

NAV relative to FTSE All-World

(2.6)

(4.3)

(0.1)

(10.7)

(18.2)

(15.9)

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research. Note: Data to end-January 2018. Geometric calculation. Since change of mandate is from 18 January 2012. Blended benchmark is an absolute return of 8% per year until 18 January 2012, three-month Libor +3% to 6 July 2017 and CPI +6% thereafter.

Exhibit 7: SIGT NAV total return vs blended benchmark and FTSE All-Share total return since change of mandate, rebased

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research

Discount: Effective discount control mechanism

Since adopting a discount control mechanism (DCM) on 1 August 2016, SIGT’s share price has traded close to NAV (Exhibit 8). PATAC, the trust’s company secretary and administrator, purchases shares when they are trading at a small discount to NAV and issues shares when they are trading at a small premium. This addresses investors’ concerns that they may suffer from a widening discount and provides liquidity for investors wishing to purchase shares. Since the DCM was introduced, 1.0m shares have been repurchased at a cost of £1.7m and 7.5m shares have been issued raising £13.1m (gross, see Exhibit 1). The execution of both purchases and regular sales of shares highlights SIGT’s board’s commitment to the DCM process. Renewed annually, SIGT has the authority to buy back up to 14.99% and issue up to 20% of outstanding shares. Issuance above the prevailing NAV is modestly accretive to existing shareholders and a higher number of shares in issue should improve liquidity, while growing the trust spreads costs over a larger asset base.

SIGT is currently trading at a 1.4% premium to cum-income NAV, which compares to the range of a 2.2% premium to a 1.7% discount over the last 12 months. The current premium is larger than the 1.0% premium over the last 12 months and compares with the average discounts over the last three, five and 10 years of 0.6%, 3.0% and 6.1% respectively.

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

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research. Note: Negative values indicate a discount, positive values a premium.

Capital structure and fees

SIGT is a conventional investment trust with one class of share. There are currently 46.4m ordinary shares outstanding and no shares are held in treasury. The trust increased its debt facility with Royal Bank of Scotland from £7m to £11m in July 2016, at a rate of Libor +0.7%, to support the introduction of the DCM. The facility expired at the end of October 2017 and was replaced by a £14m three-year rolling facility at a rate of Libor +1.1%. The higher facility has not been fully utilised as the manager does not believe that asset markets offer sufficient value to increase SIGT’s level of gearing. At end-January 2018, gross gearing was 8.9%.

Following the change in investment mandate in January 2012, SIGT’s annual management fee was reduced from 1.0% to 0.9% per year and the performance fee was removed. Subsequently, fees have been further reduced. SIML is now paid 0.90% of SIGT’s market cap per year up to £50m and 0.65% per year above £50m; the fee is allocated 50:50 to capital and income. Ongoing charges of 1.61% in FY17 were consistent with FY16 (1.60%).

Dividend policy and record

SIGT pays quarterly interim dividends in September, December, March and June. The trust aims to grow total annual dividends at least in line with CPI. Since the dividend was rebased in January 2012, the first three interim dividends have been equal, with a higher fourth interim dividend serving as an indicator of the first three quarterly dividends to be paid in the following year. The 6.14p annual dividend in FY17 was 3.5% higher than in FY16 and dividend cover in FY17 was c 1.1x. It was the fourth consecutive year where the uplift was higher than CPI, with a 4.0% compound annual growth rate over this period. Based on the declared first, second and third interim dividends of 1.58p, barring unforeseen circumstances, the FY18 annual dividend should be at least 6.32p, which is a prospective dividend yield of 3.6%.

Peer group comparison

Since 1 January 2017, SIGT has been a member of the AIC Flexible Investment sector; its classification was changed from the AIC Global Equity Income sector to better reflect its focus on both income and capital growth rather than just income.

Exhibit 9: AIC Flexible Investment sector at 27 February 2018*

% unless stated

Market cap £m

NAV TR
1 Year

NAV TR
3 Year

NAV TR
5 Year

Discount (ex-par)

Ongoing charge

Net gearing

Dividend yield (%)

Seneca Global Inc & Growth Trust

80.6

8.2

28.7

52.3

2.3

1.6

104

3.6

Aberdeen Diversified Inc & Growth

400.8

5.1

0.4

15.1

(5.8)

0.2

107

4.8

Capital Gearing

216.6

0.7

19.6

25.2

2.3

0.9

100

0.5

Establishment Investment Trust

43.0

11.9

30.5

24.4

(18.1)

1.2

100

2.9

F&C Managed Portfolio Growth

70.5

14.1

35.6

69.1

1.9

1.0

100

0.0

F&C Managed Portfolio Income

58.6

6.6

22.0

47.2

3.8

1.1

98

4.1

Henderson Alternative Strategies

112.2

5.0

25.5

18.8

(13.0)

1.1

100

1.6

Invesco Perp Select Balanced

9.6

4.5

13.9

25.8

(0.5)

1.2

100

0.0

Miton Global Opportunities

76.7

14.9

54.1

78.3

1.3

1.3

100

0.0

New Star Investment Trust

80.3

6.8

34.4

43.0

(25.0)

0.9

100

0.7

Personal Assets

871.9

0.4

17.8

21.0

0.9

1.0

100

1.4

RIT Capital Partners

3,041.8

5.4

27.7

56.2

6.1

0.7

107

0.0

Ruffer Investment Company

401.8

(0.7)

9.0

19.1

1.8

1.2

100

0.8

Tetragon Financial

860.7

(4.9)

44.7

81.7

(40.6)

1.8

100

5.3

Average

451.8

5.6

26.0

41.2

(5.9)

1.1

101

1.8

SIGT rank in sector (14 funds)

8

4

6

5

4

2

3

4

Source: Morningstar, Edison Investment Research. Note: *Performance at 26 February 2018. TR=total return. Net gearing is total assets less cash and equivalents as a percentage of net assets.

Following the exit of Syncona and the addition of the two F&C Managed Portfolio trusts, there are now 14 trusts in the AIC Flexible Investment sector. They have a variety of different mandates, which means that only a broad comparison can be made, as shown in Exhibit 9. SIGT’s NAV total returns are above average over one, three and five years, ranking fourth, sixth and fifth in each period respectively. SIML highlights that the trust’s NAV returns have been achieved with lower annualised volatility than the peer group average (see page 6). SIGT is trading at the fourth highest premium in the sector and has the second highest ongoing charge. Its level of gearing is above average and it has a competitive dividend yield, which is 1.8pp higher than the peer group average.

The board

SIGT’s board has three directors who are all non-executive and independent of the manager. The directors and their dates of appointment are: Richard Ramsay (2 April 2013 and chairman since 3 September 2013), Ian Davis (1 November 2004 and chairman of the audit committee since 15 December 2004), and James McCulloch (2 January 2015). Their backgrounds are in investment banking, corporate finance, and private client investment and portfolio management.


Glossary

CPI

The Consumer Price Index, which is a measure of UK inflation.

Discount control mechanism

A discount control mechanism (DCM) will usually involve a trust buying back its own shares in the market and either cancelling them or holding them in treasury to be reissued when demand is stronger.

Gearing

Investment companies frequently employ a moderate level of borrowing to buy additional investments to increase returns when they appreciate. The risk is that gearing magnifies losses if the investments fall in value.

Libor

The London Interbank Offered Rate is a reference interest rate widely used in financial markets as a basis for lending rates or an indication of the return available on cash.

Multi-asset fund

Multi-asset funds have a mandate to invest across different asset classes such as equities, fixed income, property and other specialist areas. The fund manager will vary exposures according to market conditions, seeking to optimise the balance of risk and reward.

OECD

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. It is a group of 35 member countries that discuss and develop economic and social policy.

Ongoing charge

This is a measure of the regular, recurring costs of running an investment company expressed as a percentage of the NAV.

P/E ratio

A price-to-earnings ratio, which is a valuation measure of a company’s share price relative to its annual net income per share.

Premium/discount to net asset value (NAV)

The net asset value of a company, including an investment company, is the value of its assets less liabilities. Depending on a range of factors, including the market’s assessment of the prospects for a company or appetite for yield, its shares may trade at a price above the NAV, at a premium, or at a discount.

Strategic asset allocation

Strategic asset allocation can be thought of as the broad allocation to each asset class that would be expected to achieve the investment performance objective over time. For example, a simple multi-asset fund might have a strategic asset allocation of 60% global equities and 40% global bonds. Given an understanding of how global equities and global bonds would be expected to behave over the longer term, one would have an understanding of how the fund should behave over the longer term as a result of exposure to bonds and equities in the proportions mentioned.

Tactical asset allocation

Tactical asset allocation is generally used in conjunction with strategic asset allocation. Tactical asset allocation refers to decisions to deviate from time to time from strategic asset allocation. Using the example cited, this might mean a decision to have only 50% in equities rather than the strategic allocation of 60% because one might have a slightly negative view on the outlook for equities.

Typical investment cycle

A typical investment cycle is defined as one in which various asset classes produce total real returns over the entire cycle that are broadly in line with their historic long-term average real returns.

Volatility

This is a term used to describe the frequency and severity with which the price of an investment goes up and down.

Yield (income)

The amount of income you receive in monetary terms will be equivalent to the dividend per share multiplied by the number of shares you own. This is usually expressed annually as a percentage based on the investment’s market value.


DISCLAIMER

The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings and investors may not recoup the original amount they invest in the company. 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. There is no guarantee that the investment objective, benchmark or dividend policy will be achieved.

This report has been commissioned by Seneca Global Income & Growth 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. 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. 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.

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.

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Frankfurt
+49 (0)69 78 8076 960

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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 12, Office 1205, 95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

DISCLAIMER

The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings and investors may not recoup the original amount they invest in the company. 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. There is no guarantee that the investment objective, benchmark or dividend policy will be achieved.

This report has been commissioned by Seneca Global Income & Growth 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. 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. 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.

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.

For Australia Disclaimer click here

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Copyright 2017 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved.

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 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

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney
+61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205, 95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

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