TIDMAGOU TIDMAGOL
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES,
CANADA, AUSTRALIA OR JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD
CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION
Ashmore Global Opportunities Limited ("AGOL", or the "Company")
a Guernsey incorporated and registered limited liability closed-ended
investment company with a Premium Listing of its shares on the Official List.
LEI 549300D6OJOCNPBJ0R33.
Interim Results
For the period ended 30 June 2020
(Classified Regulated Information, under DTR 6 Annex 1 section 1.2)
The financial information set out in this announcement does not constitute the
Company's statutory accounts for the six months ended 30 June 2020. All figures
are based on the unaudited financial statements for the six months ended 30
June 2020.
The financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2020 is derived from
the financial statements delivered to the UK Listing Authority.
The announcement is prepared on the same basis as will be set out in the
interim accounts.
The Interim Report and Unaudited Condensed Interim Financial Statements for the
six months ended 30 June 2020 will be available on the Company website:
www.agol.com.
Financial Highlights
30 June 2020 31 December 2019
Total Net Assets US$11,914,971 US$14,170,771
Net Asset Value per Share
US$ shares US$2.73 US$2.89
GBP shares* - GBP2.63
Closing-Trade Share Price
US$ shares US$1.43 US$2.54
GBP shares* - GBP1.52
Discount to Net Asset Value
US$ shares (47.62)% (12.11)%
GBP shares* - (42.21)%
* From 31 March 2020, all remaining GBP share class shares were converted to the
US$ share class.
Chairman's Statement
As at 30 June 2020, the Net Asset Value ("NAV") of Ashmore Global Opportunities
Limited (the "Company" or "AGOL") was US$11.9m compared to US$14.2m at 31
December 2019. The NAV per share was US$2.73 as at 30 June 2020, down from
US$2.89 at the end of 2019. The share price stood at US$1.43 as at 30 June
2020. The GBP share class was closed in March 2020 because hedging no longer
made sense given the much reduced size of the Company and it simplified
operating procedures.
The main detractor from performance during the period was a mark-down in the
value of ZIM Laboratories. ZIM Laboratories is listed on the BSE in India and
its falling share price in H2 2019 was only recognised in the semi-annual
valuation as at 31 December 2019 of the AADCI Fund through which AGOL has
exposure to this company. Covid-19 led to a mark-down in GZI in Nigeria/South
Africa, but otherwise valuations were not significantly affected.
There were no realisations during the reporting period but AEI paid another
dividend in April. The Board approved a distribution to Shareholders of US$1.4m
on 19 May 2020, with a payment date of 12 June 2020.
The Investment Manager is working towards the sale of the remaining assets,
with a particular focus on the largest exposure of the Company, namely AEI.
Your Board receives regular updates on the operating performance and on
progress with the sales processes.
Below is an overview of the distributions made since February 2013 when
Shareholders voted to wind up the Company in an orderly fashion.
Distributions
Date Distributions % of 31 December 2012 % of 31 December 2012
(US$) NAV Market Capitalisation
31 March 2013 92,500,000 19% 28%
30 June 2013 13,000,000 3% 4%
30 September 26,000,000 5% 8%
2013
31 December 2013 36,900,000 8% 11%
30 June 2014 7,250,000 2% 2%
30 September 21,500,000 5% 7%
2014
31 December 2014 40,500,000 8% 12%
31 March 2015 19,500,000 4% 6%
30 June 2015 27,250,000 6% 8%
31 December 2015 16,200,000 3% 5%
31 March 2016 2,500,000 0% 1%
30 September 3,000,000 1% 1%
2017
30 June 2018 25,500,000 5% 8%
31 December 2018 1,500,000 * 0% 0%
30 June 2019 4,725,000 1% 1%
30 June 2020 1,375,000 0% 0%
Total 339,200,000 70% 102%
* was declared in January 2019 and paid in April 2019.
Post reporting date, the Board issued a Circular to Shareholders to propose the
de-listing of the Company from the London Stock Exchange. The principal
motivation for the de-listing proposal is to reduce operating costs as a
percentage of the remaining NAV of the Company. An AGM to decide on this
proposal is scheduled for 22 September 2020. Full details are given in the
Circular.
I would like to thank everyone involved with AGOL for their hard work.
Richard Hotchkis
21 August 2020
Investment Manager's Report
Performance
As at 30 June 2020, the NAV per share stood at US$2.73, representing a return
of -5.54% over the last six months. A distribution of USD 1.4m was made to
Shareholders in June 2020.
Portfolio Review
The principal detractor from performance in the first half of 2020 was the
mark-down in the value of ZIM Laboratories. This was due to the falling share
price in H2 2019, which was only reflected in the semi-annual NAV as at 31
December 2019 of the AADCI Fund through which AGOL has exposure to this
company. The small exposure to GZI was marked down in Q2 2020 due to lower
trading volumes as a result of the effects of the economic measures in Nigeria
and South Africa to fight Covid-19. AEI won the final appeal by the original
Chinese contractor, and this meant the end of their litigation process.
AEI paid another dividend from its ongoing operations. The proceeds of this
dividend were distributed to Shareholders in June 2020.
The largest investee company exposure, AEI, now accounts for around 88% of
AGOL's NAV as at 30 June 2020.
Further details on the smaller holdings of the Company are given later in this
Investment Manager's report.
Outlook
As described above, the focus remains on realising AGOL's remaining investments
in an orderly manner, and while Covid-19 interrupted some sale processes, we
expect to make further progress on this in the next 12-18 months. The general
sentiment towards Emerging Markets (EM) has suffered under the strains of
Covid-19 and resulting measures to fight the spread of the virus. Nevertheless,
in spite of alarming headlines, most emerging countries are coping relatively
well with lower rates of fatalities per million people than in many of the
developed countries. We believe that is at least partially due to younger
populations and less urbanisation, making social distancing easier. The IMF
predicts shallower recessions and steeper economic recoveries in emerging
countries compared to developed countries. That said, realisations of the
remaining assets in AGOL are very much influenced by the attraction and
circumstances of each individual asset.
Details on the Top 4 Underlying Holdings (on a look through basis)
The table below shows the top 4 underlying investments as at 30 June 2020
excluding the cash balance (cash was 4.23% as at 30 June 2020).
Investment Name Holding Country Business Description
AEI 88.09% Guatemala Power generation in Latin America
ZIM Laboratories 7.34% India Pharmaceutical research and manufacturing
Ltd
Numero Uno 4.62% India Branded apparel manufacturers and
retailers
GZ Industries 4.07% Nigeria Aluminium can manufacturing
Limited
The tables below show the country and industry allocations of underlying
investments over 1% at the end of June 2020:
Country % of NAV Industry % of NAV
Guatemala 87.77% Electrical 87.77%
India 11.90% Pharmaceuticals 7.31%
Nigeria 4.05% Retail 4.60%
Miscellaneous manufacturing 4.05%
These tables form an integral part of the financial statements.
Details on a Selection of the Underlying Holdings
AEI
Industry: Power generation
Country: Guatemala
Company Status: Private
Investment Risk: Equity
Operational update
* The only operating entity remaining in AEI is Jaguar, a coal-fired power
plant in Guatemala.
* The final appeal by China Machine New Energy Corporation (CMNC) against the
arbitration award was heard in Singapore in November 2019 - this was
unsuccessful and the arbitration award stands.
* Jaguar has commenced enforcement proceedings in China against CNMC in
respect of the award. CNMC has no further right of appeal.
Key risks
* Final exit process.
Exit strategy
* Resume realisation of the asset once markets improve.
* Wind up of AEI post the Jaguar exit.
ZIM Laboratories
Industry: Pharmaceuticals
Country: India
Website: zimlab.in
Company Status: Private
Investment Risk: Equity
Operational update and priorities
* ZIM reported lower revenues primarily because of supply chain issues due to
Covid-19 in terms of raw materials coming from China.
* ZIM was not shut down during the lockdown in India and the company is
"protected".
* In response to Covid-19, ZIM has launched a sanitiser product and also
produces Hydroxy-Chloroquine.
* The share price has improved somewhat from the end of 2019 but liquidity
remains low.
Exit strategy and timing
* The company is now listed on the BSE, but liquidity is low.
* Any block sale talks have been put on hold, pending clarity on the impact
of Covid-19 in India.
Numero Uno
Industry: Retail
Country: India
Website: www.numerounojeanswear.com
Company Status: Private
Investment Risk: Equity
Operational update and priorities
* Covid-19 and the resulting lockdown in India are having a material
detrimental effect on the company's operating performance.
* Margins had started to improve and further improvements are targeted in the
next two years.
Key risks
* Cash payments remain important to the company and any new tightening of
liquidity conditions could impact revenues.
* E-commerce strategy and competition will be important to realise margin
improvement.
Exit strategy and timing
* The discussions with the promotor about realising our investment have
stalled in the current economic environment.
* We will seek to re-start such discussions later in 2020.
GZI
Industry: Aluminium can manufacturing
Country: Nigeria
Website: www.gzican.com
Company Status: Private
Investment Risk: Equity
Operational update
* In Nigeria, a stable macro environment and growth in the canned beverage
market resulted in the business running 15% ahead of plan in Q1 2020 and
attaining record sales volumes. With the onset of Covid-19, however, and
the ensuing lockdowns and movement restrictions, demand for cans decreased
as hotels and restaurants were closed, and the company is currently running
at approximately 50% utilisation rate.
* In South Africa, GZI ramped up operations on schedule, reaching peak
production in February 2020, with two major contracts securing 50% of
capacity. However with lockdowns and movement restrictions due to Covid-19,
sales have not matched production to date and the business is running at
30% utilisation.
* We expect continued subdued demand and pressure on both businesses until
the pandemic abates.
2020 operational strategy/priorities
* Ramp up production of the plant in South Africa.
* Sell land in Kenya.
* Leverage larger presence for global contracts with beverage contracts up
for renewal.
* Manage foreign exchange exposures/requirements.
* Conserve cash and liquidity as a buffer for a potential second round of
lockdowns.
Key risks
* Slowdown in the African beverages markets.
* Clients opting for cheaper competitors or alternatives.
* Access to USD / local currency depreciation.
* Lockdowns and movement restrictions.
Exit strategy and timing
* Mandated two banks to initiate the sales process in February 2020 but the
process has been shelved until the business can run normalised operations
for 6 months and markets are more conducive to a sale.
Microvast
Industry: Technology/Clean-tech
Country: China
Website: www.microvast.com
Company Status: Private
Investment Risk: Equity
Operational update
* Revenues continued to fall in H1 2020, after more than halving in 2019,
partially due to Covid-19 and a temporary lock-down of the plant. As
described further in the audited financial statements of the Company for
the year ended 31 December 2019, the independent valuation agent wrote down
the equity valuation of Microvast to zero.
2020/21 operational strategy/priorities
* Securing further long term contracts for commercial vehicle and automobile
customers.
* Securing new financing and extending existing financing facilities both for
existing operations and for capex and R&D.
* Hire and retain high quality staff.
Key risks
* Financing problems and possible default on outstanding debts.
* Not winning new orders and gaining new revenues.
* Better capitalised competitors who can grow capacity and improve battery
technology quicker and thus achieve more favourable economies of scale.
* Warranty claims arising from defective cells or modules.
Ashmore Investment Advisors Limited
Investment Manager
21 August 2020
Board Members
As at 30 June 2020, the Board consisted of four non-executive Directors. The
Directors are responsible for the determination of the Company's investment
policy and have overall responsibility for its activities. As required by the
Association of Investment Companies Code on Corporate Governance (the "AIC
Code"), the majority of the Board of Directors are independent of the
Investment Manager. In preparing this interim report, the independence of each
Director has been considered.
Richard Hotchkis, Independent Chairman, (UK resident) appointed 18 April 2011
Richard Hotchkis has over 40 years of investment experience. Until 2006, he was
an investment manager at the Co-operative Insurance Society, where he started
his career in 1976. He has a breadth of investment experience in both UK and
overseas equities, including in emerging markets, and in particular, investment
companies and other closed-ended funds, offshore funds, hedge funds and private
equity funds.
Steve Hicks, Non-Independent Director (connected to the Investment Manager),
(UK resident) appointed 16 January 2014
Steve Hicks, who is a qualified UK lawyer, has held a number of legal and
compliance roles over a period of more than 25 years. From June 2010 until
January 2014, he was the Ashmore Group Head of Compliance. Prior thereto he was
Director, Group Compliance at the London listed private equity company 3i Group
plc.
Nigel de la Rue, Independent Director, (Guernsey resident) appointed 16 October
2007
Nigel de la Rue graduated in 1978 from Pembroke College, Cambridge with a
degree in Social and Political Sciences. He is qualified as an Associate of the
Chartered Institute of Bankers, as a Member of the Society of Trust and Estate
Practitioners ("STEP") and as a Member of the Institute of Directors. He was
employed for 23 years by Baring Asset Management's Financial Services Division,
where he was responsible for the group's Fiduciary Division and sat on the
Executive Committee. He left Baring in December 2005, one year after that
Division was acquired by Northern Trust. He has served on the Guernsey
Committees of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and STEP, and on the Guernsey
Association of Trustees, and currently holds a number of directorships in the
financial services sector.
Christopher Legge, Independent Director, (Guernsey resident) appointed 27
August 2010
Christopher Legge has over 25 years' experience in financial services. He
qualified as a Chartered Accountant in London in 1980 and spent the majority of
his career based in Guernsey with Ernst & Young, including being the Senior
Partner of Ernst & Young in the Channel Islands. Christopher retired from Ernst
& Young in 2003 and currently holds a number of directorships in the financial
sector.
Disclosure of Directorships in Public Companies Listed on Recognised Stock
Exchanges
The following summarises the Directors' directorships in other public
companies:
Company Name Exchange
Richard Hotchkis Nil
Steve Hicks Nil
Nigel de la Rue Nil
Christopher Legge
NB Distressed Debt Investment Fund Limited London
Sherborne Investors (Guernsey) B Limited London
Sherborne Investors (Guernsey) C Limited London
Third Point Offshore Investors Limited (retired London
30 June 2020) London
TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund Limited
Directors' Responsibility Statement
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Interim Report and Unaudited
Condensed Interim Financial Statements, which have not been audited by an
independent auditor, and confirm that to the best of their knowledge:
* the condensed set of financial statements in the interim financial report
has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting;
and
* the interim financial report includes a fair view of the information
required by:
(a) DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an indication
of the important events that have occurred during the first six months of the
financial year and their impact on the condensed set of interim financial
statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the
remaining six months of the year ending 31 December 2019; and
(b) DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being related party
transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current
financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or
performance of the entity during that period, and any changes in the related
party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors on 21 August 2020
Richard Hotchkis
Christopher Legge
Chairman
Chairman of the Audit Committee
Unaudited Condensed Statement of Financial Position
As at 30 June 2020
30 June 2020 31 December 2019
Note US$ US$
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 548,750 691,726
Other financial assets 5a 15,248 -
Financial assets at fair value through 3 12,406,209 14,713,255
profit or loss ("FVTPL")
Total assets 12,970,207 15,404,981
Equity
Capital and reserves attributable to
equity holders
of the Company
Special reserve 374,334,833 375,709,891
Retained earnings (362,419,862) (361,539,120)
Total equity 11,914,971 14,170,771
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Financial liabilities at FVTPL 3 - 12,409
Other financial liabilities 5b 1,055,236 1,221,801
Total liabilities 1,055,236 1,234,210
Total equity and liabilities 12,970,207 15,404,981
Net asset values
Net assets per US$ share 8 US$2.73 US$2.89
Net assets per GBP share * 8 - GBP2.63
* From 31 March 2020, all remaining GBP share class shares were converted to the
US$ share class.
The unaudited condensed interim financial statements were approved by the Board
of Directors on 21 August 2020, and were signed on its behalf by:
Richard Hotchkis
Christopher Legge
Chairman
Chairman of the Audit Committee
Unaudited Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the six months ended 30 June 2020
Six months Six months
ended ended
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
Note US$ US$
Interest income calculated using the effective 1,373 13,139
interest method
Net foreign currency gain 1,203 45,111
Net loss from financial instruments at FVTPL 4 (743,396) (4,086,738)
Total net loss (740,820) (4,028,488)
Expenses
Directors' remuneration (40,446) (55,205)
Investment management fees (33,215) (33,403)
Fund administration fees (1,422) (2,865)
Custody fees (831) (1,792)
Incentive fees 1,302 * (179,473)
Other operating expenses (65,310) (72,180)
Total operating expenses (139,922) (344,918)
Loss for the period (880,742) (4,373,406)
Total loss for the period (880,742) (4,373,406)
Earnings per share
Basic and diluted loss per US$ share 9 US$(0.16) US$(0.73)
Basic and diluted loss per GBP share 9 US$(0.39) US$(0.92)
* Incentive fees were positive for the six months ended 30 June 2020 due to a
reversal of the prior year accrual.
All items derive from continuing activities.
Unaudited Condensed Statement of Changes in Equity
For the six months ended 30 June 2020
Special Retained
reserve earnings Total
Note US$ US$ US$
Total equity as at 1 January 2020 375,709,891 (361,539,120) 14,170,771
Total comprehensive loss for the period - (880,742) (880,742)
Capital distribution 7 (1,375,058) - (1,375,058)
Total equity as at 30 June 2020 374,334,833 (362,419,862) 11,914,971
Total equity as at 1 January 2019 381,934,791 (351,416,351) 30,518,440
Total comprehensive loss for the period - (4,373,406) (4,373,406)
Capital distribution (6,224,900) - (6,224,900)
Total equity as at 30 June 2019 375,709,891 (355,789,757) 19,920,134
Unaudited Condensed Statement of Cash Flows
For the six months ended 30 June 2020
Six months ended Six months ended
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
Note US$ US$
Cash flows from operating activities
Net bank interest received 1,373 13,139
Dividends received 1,389,950 1,083,816
Net operating expenses paid (321,734) (167,631)
Net cash from operating activities 1,069,589 929,324
Cash flows from investment activities
Sales of investments 302,295 13,133,633
Purchases of investments - (7,499,907) *
Net cash flows on derivative instruments and (139,802) (55,919)
foreign exchange
Net cash from investment activities 162,493 5,577,807
Cash flows from financing activities
Capital distributions 7 (1,375,058) (6,224,900)
Net cash used in financing activities (1,375,058) (6,224,900)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash (142,976) 282,231
equivalents
Reconciliation of net cash flows to movement in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the 691,726 413,401
period
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash (142,976) 282,231
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the 548,750 695,632
period
* This amount represents a purchase of shares in the Ashmore SICAV 2 Global
Liquidity US$ Fund, which is solely related to the cash management of US$ on
account. This is not the purchase of a new investment.
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Interim Financial Statements - Schedule of
Investments
As at 30 June 2020
Description of investments Fair value % of
US$ net assets
AEI Inc - Equity 6,329,025 53.12
Ashmore Global Special Situations Fund 4 LP 2,482,605 20.84
AA Development Capital India Fund 1, LLC 1,420,471 11.92
Ashmore Global Special Situations Fund 5 LP 1,123,042 9.43
Ashmore Global Special Situations Fund 3 LP 628,499 5.26
Ashmore Global Special Situations Fund 2 Limited 422,567 3.55
Total investments at fair value 12,406,209 104.12
Net other current liabilities (491,238) (4.12)
Total net assets 11,914,971 100.00
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Interim Financial Statements
1. Basis of Preparation
a) Statement of Compliance
These unaudited condensed interim financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and on a going concern
basis, despite the managed wind-down of the Company approved by the
Shareholders on 13 March 2013. The Directors have examined significant areas of
possible financial going concern risk and are satisfied that no material
exposures exist. The Directors consider that the Company has adequate resources
to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and believe
that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis despite the managed
wind-down of the Company over the next few years. The principal risk affecting
the Company is market price risk, although the Covid-19 pandemic may also
affect the timing of disposals, as it seeks to realise its remaining portfolio.
These unaudited condensed interim financial statements do not include as much
information as the annual financial statements, and should be read in
conjunction with the audited financial statements of the Company for the year
ended 31 December 2019. Selected explanatory notes are included to explain
events and transactions that are relevant to understanding the changes in
financial position and performance of the Company since the last annual
financial statements.
These unaudited condensed interim financial statements were authorised for
issue by the Board of Directors on
21 August 2020.
The Directors have assessed the impact of the Alternative Investment Fund
Managers Directive ("AIFMD") on the financial statements of the Company and
have concluded that the Company is exempt from following Chapter V, Section 1,
Articles 103 - 111 of the European Commission's Level 2 Delegated Regulation on
the basis of the operations of the Company: it being (i) a Non-EEA AIF, and
(ii) not being marketed in the European Union, as defined by the Directive.
b) Judgements and Estimates
Preparing the unaudited condensed interim financial statements requires
judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting
policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.
Actual results may differ from these estimates. The significant judgements made
in applying the Company's accounting policies, and the key sources of
estimation uncertainty, were the same as those that applied to the audited
financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2019.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The Board has concluded that at present the managed wind-down of the Company
has no significant impact on the valuation of the Company's investments.
The accounting policies applied in these unaudited condensed interim financial
statements are the same as those applied in the Company's audited financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2019. As disclosed in those Annual
Financial Statements, IFRS 9, 'Financial Instruments' was applicable for
financial reporting periods starting 1 January 2018. As such, these standards
have been adopted by the Company, but have not materially affected the Company.
There were no other new standards, interpretations or amendments to standards
issued and effective for the period which materially impacted the Company.
3. Financial Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss
30 June 2020 31 December
2019
US$ US$
Equity investments 12,406,209 14,597,833
Derivative financial assets - 115,422
Total financial assets at FVTPL 12,406,209 14,713,255
There were no significant changes to the Company's direct equity investments
other than valuation movements.
As at 30 June 2020, there were no derivative financial assets. As at 31
December 2019, derivative financial assets comprised forward foreign currency
contracts as follows:
Currency Amount Currency Amount Maturity Unrealised
Bought Bought Sold Sold Date Gain
GBP 3,876,657 US$ 5,024,360 31/01/2020 115,422
Derivative financial assets 115,422
30 June 2020 31 December
2019
US$ US$
Derivative financial liabilities - (12,409)
Total financial liabilities at FVTPL - (12,409)
As at 30 June 2020, there were no derivative financial liabilities. As at 31
December 2019, derivative financial liabilities comprised forward foreign
currency contracts as follows:
Currency Amount Currency Amount Maturity Unrealised
Bought Bought Sold Sold Date Loss
US$ 1,144,714 GBP 872,755 31/01/2020 (12,409)
Derivative financial liabilities (12,409)
4. Net (Loss)/Income from Financial Instruments at FVTPL
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
US$ US$
Derivative financial instruments (244,018) (48,765)
Total derivative financial instruments (244,018) (48,765)
Financial assets mandatorily measured at
FVTPL:
- Equity investments (499,378) (4,037,973)
Total financial assets mandatorily measured at FVTPL (499,378) (4,037,973)
Net loss from financial instruments at FVTPL (743,396) (4,086,738)
Net loss from financial instruments at FVTPL:
- Dividend income 1,389,950 1,099,409
- Realised gains on investments 200,567 -
- Realised losses on investments - (780,516)
- Realised gains on forward foreign currency contracts 93,028 632,731
- Realised losses on forward foreign currency (234,033) (733,762)
contracts
- Change in unrealised gains on investments - 2,406,435
- Change in unrealised losses on investments (2,089,895) (6,763,301)
- Change in unrealised gains on forward foreign 12,409 70,234
currency contracts
- Change in unrealised losses on forward foreign (115,422) (17,968)
currency contracts
Net loss from financial instruments at FVTPL (743,396) (4,086,738)
5. Other Financial Assets and Liabilities
a) Other financial assets:
Other financial assets relate to accounts receivable and prepaid expenses, and
comprise the following:
30 June 2020 31 December
2019
US$ US$
Prepaid Directors' insurance fees 94 -
Prepaid regulatory fees 2,979 -
Prepaid expenses 12,175 -
15,248 -
b) Other financial liabilities:
Other financial liabilities relate to accounts payable and accrued expenses,
and comprise the following:
30 June 2020 31 December
2019
US$ US$
Incentive fees payable (996,932) (1,145,642)
Investment management fees payable (10,548) (6,059)
Other accruals (47,756) (70,100)
(1,055,236) (1,221,801)
6. Financial Instruments
a) Financial risk management
The Company's financial risk management objectives and policies are consistent
with those disclosed in the audited financial statements of the Company for the
year ended 31 December 2019. However, in light of the current developing global
Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak they have also been included for reference in
these unaudited condensed interim financial statements.
The Company's activities expose it to a variety of financial and operational
risks which include: market risk (including currency risk, interest rate risk
and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk.
The Company is also exposed to certain risk factors peculiar to investing in
Emerging Markets. These require the consideration of matters not usually
associated with investing in the securities of issuers in the developed capital
markets of North America, Japan or Western Europe. The economic and political
conditions in Emerging Markets differ from those in developed markets, and
offer less social, political and economic stability. The value of investments
in Emerging Markets may be affected by changes in exchange regulations, tax
laws, withholding taxes or economic and monetary policies. The absence, in many
cases until relatively recently, of any move towards capital markets structures
or to a free market economy means investing in Emerging Markets may be
considered more risky than investing in developed markets.
The Company puts policies and processes in place to measure and manage the
various types of risk to which it is exposed; these are explained below.
Market Risk
All of the Company's investments are recognised at fair value, and changes in
market conditions directly affect net investment income.
i) Currency Risk
The Company's principal exposure to currency risk arises from underlying
investments denominated in currencies other than US$ and from the exposure of
its underlying portfolio companies to local currencies in their countries of
operation. The value of such investments may be affected favourably or
unfavourably by fluctuations in exchange rates, notwithstanding any efforts
made to hedge such exposures.
The Investment Manager may hedge currency exposures by reference to the most
recent NAV of the Company's underlying investments via the use of forward
foreign currency contracts or similar instruments.
As at the reporting date, the Company is not exposed to any significant direct
currency risk arising on its financial assets and liabilities, as all direct
investments of the Company are denominated in US$, and a sensitivity analysis
of currency risk is not meaningful at this time. However, the Company had
previously put in place hedging mechanisms to hedge the currency risk arising
on the GBP share class.
Shares in the Company are denominated in US$. From 31 March 2020, all remaining
GBP share class shares were converted to the US$ share class. The base currency
is the US$, and therefore non-US$ subscription monies for shares were typically
converted into US$ for operational purposes. The costs and any benefit of
hedging the foreign currency exposure of the assets attributable to shares
denominated in Pound Sterling against the US$ were allocated solely to the GBP
share class. This may have resulted in variations in the NAVs of the two
classes of shares as expressed in US$.
As at 30 June 2020, there was no foreign currency exposure.
As at 30 June 2019, the net foreign currency exposure on the GBP share class was
as follows:
US$ % of net
assets
Currency exposure of GBP share class 5,169,643 25.95
Nominal value of currency hedges (7,080,143) (35.54)
Net foreign currency exposure (1,910,500) (9.59)
ii) Interest Rate Risk
The majority of the Company's financial assets and liabilities are non-interest
bearing (30 June 2020: 95.39%, 30 June 2019: 96.51%). As at 30 June 2020,
interest-bearing financial assets comprised cash and cash equivalents of
US$548,750 (30 June 2019: US$695,632). The Company's investment portfolio is
composed entirely of non-interest bearing assets as at 30 June 2020 (30 June
2019: 100%). As a result, the Company is subject to limited direct exposure to
interest rate risk through fluctuations in the prevailing levels of market
interest rates and a sensitivity analysis of interest rate risk is not
meaningful at this time.
iii) Other Price Risk
Other price risk is the risk that the value of financial instruments will
fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices (other than those arising
from interest rate risk or currency risk), whether caused by factors specific
to an individual investment, its issuer or any other relevant factors.
The Company's strategy for the management of price risk is to seek to maximise
the exit prices that it obtains for its direct and indirect investments.
The table below summarises the sensitivity of the Company's net assets
attributable to equity holders to investment price movements as at the
reporting date. The analysis is based on the assumption that the prices of the
investments increase by 5% (30 June 2019: 5%), with all other variables held
constant.
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
US$ US$
Equity investments 620,310 1,021,187
620,310 1,021,187
A 5% decrease in prices of the investments would result in an equal but
opposite effect on the net assets attributable to equity holders, on the basis
that all other variables remain constant. The price risk sensitivity analysis
provided is a relative estimate of risk rather than a precise and accurate
number.
Credit Risk
The Company is exposed to credit risk, which is the risk that a counterparty to
a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation or commitment that
it has entered into with the Company.
The Company's financial instruments include non-exchange traded financial
instruments. Credit risk for non-exchange traded financial instruments is
generally higher because the counterparty for the instrument is not backed by
an exchange clearing house.
The Company's financial instruments include direct and indirect holdings of
securities and other obligations of companies that are experiencing significant
financial or business distress, including companies involved in
bankruptcy or other reorganisation and liquidation proceedings. Although such
holdings may result in significant returns, they involve a substantial degree
of risk. The level of analytical sophistication, both financial and legal,
necessary for successful investment in companies experiencing significant
business and financial distress is unusually high. There is no assurance that
the Investment Manager will correctly evaluate the nature and magnitude of the
various factors that could affect the prospects for a successful reorganisation
or similar action. The completion of debt and/or equity exchange offers,
restructurings, reorganisations, mergers, takeover offers and other
transactions can be prevented or delayed, or the terms changed, by a variety of
factors. If a proposed transaction appears likely not to be completed or in
fact is not completed or is delayed, the market price of the investments held
by the Company may decline sharply and result in losses which could have a
material adverse effect on the performance of the Company and returns to
Shareholders.
The administrative costs in connection with a bankruptcy or restructuring
proceeding are frequently high and will be paid out of the debtor's assets
prior to any return to creditors (other than out of assets or proceeds thereof,
which may be subject to valid and enforceable liens and other security
interests) and equity holders. In addition, certain claims that have priority
by law over the claims of other creditors (for example, claims for taxes) may
reduce any entitlement of the Company. In any reorganisation or liquidation
proceeding relating to a company or sovereign issuance in which the Company
invests, the Company may lose its entire investment or may be required to
accept cash or securities with a value less than its original investment. Under
such circumstances, the returns generated from such investments may not
compensate investors adequately for the risks assumed, which could have a
material adverse effect on the performance of the Company and returns to
Shareholders.
It is frequently difficult to obtain accurate information as to the condition
of distressed entities. Such investments may be adversely affected by laws
relating to, among other things, fraudulent transfers and other voidable
transfers or payments, lender liability and the bankruptcy court's power to
disallow, reduce, subordinate or disenfranchise particular claims. The market
prices of such securities are subject to abrupt and erratic market movements
and above-average price volatility, and the spread between the bid and offer
prices of such securities may be greater than those prevailing in other
securities markets.
Securities issued by distressed companies may have a limited trading market,
resulting in limited liquidity. As a result, the Company may have difficulties
in valuing or liquidating positions, which could have a material adverse effect
on the performance of the Company and returns to Shareholders.
As at the reporting date, the maximum exposure to direct credit risk before any
credit enhancements is the carrying amount of the financial assets, as set out
below. This excludes credit risk relating to underlying debt instruments held
by the Funds.
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
US$ US$
Cash and cash equivalents* 548,750 695,632
548,750 695,632
* Held with Northern Trust (Guernsey) Limited.
None of these assets are impaired nor past due but not impaired.
The Investment Manager monitors the credit ratings of the Company's
counterparties, maintains an approved counterparty list and periodically
reviews all counterparty limits.
The credit risk arising on transactions with brokers relates to transactions
awaiting settlement. The risk relating to unsettled transactions is considered
small due to the short settlement period involved.
Substantially all of the assets of the Company are held with the Custodian;
Northern Trust (Guernsey) Limited, which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
of the Northern Trust Corporation. Bankruptcy or insolvency of the Custodian
may cause the Company's rights with respect to cash and securities held by the
Custodian to be delayed or limited. This risk is managed by monitoring the
credit quality and financial positions of the Custodian. The credit rating
assigned by S&P to the Northern Trust Corporation as at the period-end date was
A+ (30 June 2019: A+). Depending on the requirements of the jurisdictions in
which the investments of the Company are issued, the Custodian may use the
services of one or more sub-custodians.
Concentration Risk
Due to the managed wind-down, the Company is in the process of reducing the
number and diversification of assets held and as such is considered to have
exposure to concentration risk. The concentration of underlying assets is set
out in the "Details on Top 4 Underlying Holdings". Country and industry
concentrations are also set out in the "Details on Top 4 Underlying Holdings".
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company may not be able to generate
sufficient cash resources to settle its obligations in full as they fall due or
can only do so on terms that are materially disadvantageous.
The Company is not exposed to any significant liquidity risk arising from
redemptions because Shareholders do not have the right to redeem.
Most of the investments of the Company are traded only on over the counter
markets and there may not be an organised public market for such securities.
The effect of this is to increase the difficulty of valuing the investments and
certain investments may generally be illiquid. There may be no established
secondary market for certain of the investments made by the Company. Reduced
secondary market liquidity may adversely affect the market price of the
investments and the Company's ability to dispose of particular investments. Due
to the lack of adequate secondary market liquidity for certain securities, it
may be more difficult to obtain accurate security valuations for the purposes
of valuing the Company. Valuations may only be available from a limited number
of sources and may not represent firm bids for actual sales. In addition, the
current or future regulatory regime may adversely affect liquidity.
All residual maturities of the financial liabilities of the Company in US$ as
at 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2019 are less than three months, except for
incentive fees payable to the Investment Manager on realisation of investments.
Liquidity risk is primarily related to outstanding commitments and recallable
distributions from investments in limited partnerships. The outstanding
investment commitments of the Company are disclosed in note 14.
Operational Risk
Operational risk is the risk of direct or indirect loss arising from a wide
variety of causes associated with the Company's processes and infrastructure,
or from external factors other than market, credit, or liquidity issues, such
as those arising from legal or regulatory requirements and generally accepted
standards of corporate behaviour. Operational risks arise from all of the
Company's operations.
Capital Management
The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements. The
shares issued by the Company provide an investor with the right to require
redemption for cash at a value proportionate to the investor's share in the
Company's net assets at redemption date and are classified as equity. See note
7 for a description of the terms of the shares issued by the Company. The
Company's objective is to realise the assets in orderly manner to return cash
to Shareholders. The Articles of Incorporation of the Company were amended to
facilitate regular returns of cash to Shareholders.
b) Carrying amounts versus fair values
As at 30 June 2020, the carrying values of financial assets and liabilities
presented in the Unaudited Condensed Statement of Financial Position
approximate their fair values.
The table below sets out the classifications of the carrying amounts of the
Company's financial assets and financial liabilities into categories of
financial instruments as at 30 June 2020.
Mandatorily Financial Financial Total
at FVTPL assets at liabilities
amortised at amortised
cost cost
Cash and cash equivalents - 548,750 - 548,750
Non-pledged financial assets at 12,406,209 - - 12,406,209
FVTPL
Other receivables - 15,248 - 15,248
Total 12,406,209 563,998 - 12,970,207
Financial liabilities at FVTPL - - - -
Other payables - - (1,055,236) (1,055,236)
Total - - (1,055,236) (1,055,236)
The table below sets out the classifications of the carrying amounts of the
Company's financial assets and financial liabilities into categories of
financial instruments as at 31 December 2019.
Mandatorily Financial Financial Total
at FVTPL assets at liabilities
amortised at amortised
cost cost
Cash and cash equivalents - 691,726 - 691,726
Non-pledged financial assets at 14,713,255 - - 14,713,255
FVTPL
Total 14,713,255 691,726 - 15,404,981
Financial liabilities at FVTPL (12,409) - - (12,409)
Other payables - - (1,221,801) (1,221,801)
Total (12,409) - (1,221,801) (1,234,210)
c) Financial instruments carried at fair value - fair value hierarchy
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or
paid to transfer a liability (i.e. the exit price) in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date.
For certain of the Company's financial instruments including cash and cash
equivalents, prepaid/accrued expenses and other creditors, their carrying
amounts approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term nature of
these financial instruments. The Company's investments and financial derivative
instruments are carried at market value, which approximates fair value.
The Company classifies financial instruments within a fair value hierarchy that
prioritises the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The
hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active
markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the
lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels
of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical
assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at
the measurement date.
Level 2 inputs are observable inputs other than quoted prices included within
Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or
indirectly, including:
- quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
- quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that
are not active;
- inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or
liability;
- inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by an observable
market.
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
Inputs are used in applying various valuation techniques and broadly refer to
the assumptions that market participants use to make valuation decisions,
including assumptions about risk. Inputs may include price information,
volatility statistics, specific and broad credit data, liquidity statistics,
and other factors. A financial instrument's level within the fair value
hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the
fair value measurement. However, the determination of what constitutes
"observable" requires significant judgement. The Company considers observable
data to be that market data which is readily available, regularly distributed
or updated, reliable and verifiable, not proprietary, and provided by
independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant market.
The categorisation of a financial instrument within the hierarchy is based upon
the pricing transparency of the instrument and does not necessarily correspond
to the Company's perceived risk of that instrument.
Investments: Investments whose values are based on quoted market prices in
active markets, and are therefore classified within Level 1, include active
listed equities, certain U.S. government and sovereign obligations, and certain
money market securities. The Company does not generally adjust the quoted price
for such instruments, even in situations where it holds a large position and a
sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.
Investments that trade in markets that are not considered to be active, but are
valued based on quoted market prices, dealer quotations or alternative pricing
sources supported by observable inputs are classified within Level 2. These may
include government and sovereign obligations, government agency securities,
corporate bonds, and municipal and provincial obligations.
Investments classified within Level 3 have significant unobservable inputs, as
they trade infrequently or not at all. Level 3 instruments may include private
equity investments, certain loan agreements, less-liquid corporate debt
securities (including distressed debt instruments) and collateralised debt
obligations. Also included in this category are government and sovereign
obligations, government agency securities and corporate bonds for which
independent broker prices are used and information relating to the inputs of
the price models is not observable.
When observable prices are not available; e.g. if an asset does not trade
regularly, the Company may rely on information provided by any person, firm or
entity including any professional person whom the Directors consider to be
suitably qualified to provide information in respect of the valuation of
investments and who is approved by the Custodian (an "Approved Person").
Approved Persons may include certain brokers and the Pricing Methodology and
Valuation Committee ("PMVC") of the Investment Manager.
The PMVC may provide assistance to the Administrator in determining the
valuation of assets where the Administrator cannot determine a valuation from
another source. These assets, which are classified within Level 3, may include
all asset types but are frequently 'Special Situations' type investments,
typically incorporating distressed, illiquid or private investments.
For these hard-to-value investments, the methodology and models used to
determine fair value are created in accordance with the International Private
Equity and Venture Capital Valuation ("IPEV") guidelines. Smaller investments
may be valued directly by the PMVC but material investments are valued by
experienced personnel at an independent third-party valuation specialist. Such
valuations are subject to review, amendment if necessary, then approval by the
PMVC. The valuations are ultimately approved by the Directors and the auditors
to a material extent in so far as they make up part of the NAV in the financial
statements.
Valuation techniques used include the market approach, the income approach or
the cost approach depending on the availability of reliable information. The
market approach generally consists of using; comparable transactions, earnings
before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA") multiples; or
enterprise value ("EV") multiples (based on comparable public company
information). The use of the income approach generally consists of the net
present value of estimated future cash flows, adjusted as deemed appropriate
for liquidity, credit, market and/or other risk factors.
Inputs used in estimating the value of investments may include the original
transaction price, recent transactions in the same or similar instruments,
completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or
comparable issuers, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalisations and other
transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt
capital markets and bids received from potential buyers.
For the determination of the NAV, Level 3 investments may be adjusted to
reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability. However, any such adjustments
are typically reversed in the financial statements where it is determined that
this is required by the accounting standards.
The Company believes that its estimates of fair value are appropriate, however
estimates and assumptions concerning the future, by definition, seldom equal
the actual results and the estimated value may not be realised in a current
sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability. The use of different
methodologies, assumptions or inputs would lead to different measurements of
fair value and given the number of different factors affecting the estimate,
specific sensitivity analysis cannot be reliably quantified.
Financial Derivative Instruments: Financial derivative instruments can be
exchange-traded or privately negotiated over-the-counter ("OTC").
Exchange-traded derivatives, such as futures contracts and exchange-traded
option contracts, are typically classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the
fair value hierarchy depending on whether or not they are deemed to be actively
traded.
OTC derivatives, including forwards, credit default swaps, interest rate swaps
and currency swaps, are valued by the Company using observable inputs, such as
quotations received from the counterparty, dealers or brokers, whenever these
are available and considered reliable. In instances where models are used, the
value of an OTC derivative depends upon the contractual terms of, and specific
risks inherent in, the instrument as well as the availability and reliability
of observable inputs. Such inputs include market prices for reference
securities, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility, prepayment
rates and correlations of such inputs. Certain OTC derivatives, such as generic
forwards, swaps and options, have inputs which can generally be corroborated by
market data and are therefore classified within Level 2.
Those OTC derivatives that have less liquidity or for which inputs are
unobservable are classified within Level 3. While the valuations of these less
liquid OTC derivatives may utilise some Level 1 and/or Level 2 inputs, they
also include other unobservable inputs which are considered significant to the
fair value determination.
The Company recognises transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3 based on the date of
the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. This policy on
the timing of recognising transfers is the same for transfers into a level as
for transfers out of a level. There were no transfers between the three levels
during the period ended 30 June 2020 and the year ended 31 December 2019.
The following table analyses within the fair value hierarchy the Company's
financial assets at FVTPL (by class) measured at fair value as at 30 June 2020:
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Non-pledged financial assets at
FVTPL
Equity investments - - 12,406,209 12,406,209
Total - - 12,406,209 12,406,209
There were no financial liabilities at FVTPL as at 30 June 2020.
The following table analyses within the fair value hierarchy the Company's
financial assets and liabilities at FVTPL (by class) measured at fair value as
at 31 December 2019:
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Non-pledged financial assets at
FVTPL
Equity investments - - 14,597,833 14,597,833
Derivative financial assets - 115,422 - 115,422
Total - 115,422 14,597,833 14,713,255
Financial liabilities at FVTPL
Derivative financial liabilities - (12,409) - (12,409)
Total - (12,409) - (12,409)
Level 2 assets and liabilities include forward foreign currency contracts that
are calculated internally using observable market data.
Level 3 assets include all unquoted Ashmore Funds ("Funds"), limited
partnerships and unquoted investments. Investments in unquoted Funds and
limited partnerships are valued on the basis of the latest NAV, which
represents the fair value, as provided by the administrator of the unquoted
Fund at the close of business on the relevant valuation day. Unquoted Funds
have been classified as Level 3 assets after consideration of their underlying
investments, lock-up periods and liquidity.
The following table presents the movement in Level 3 instruments for the period
ended 30 June 2020:
Equity investments
Opening balance as at 1 January 14,597,833
2020
Sales and returns of capital (302,295)
Gains and losses recognised in profit and loss (1,889,329)
*
Closing balance as at 30 June 2020 12,406,209
* The change in unrealised losses for the period recognised in profit or loss
relating to Level 3 instruments held as at 30 June 2020, amounted to
US$1,880,266.
Total gains and losses included in the Unaudited Condensed Statement of
Comprehensive Income are presented in "Net (loss)/income from financial
instruments at FVTPL".
The following tables show the valuation techniques and the key unobservable
inputs used in the determination of the fair value of Level 3 direct
investments:
Balance as at Valuation Significant Range of Sensitivity to changes
30 June 2020 technique unobservable estimates in significant
US$ inputs for unobservable inputs
unobservable
inputs
Equity in a 6,329,025 Discounted Liquidity - ** The estimated fair
private Cash Flows discount at value would increase
company adjusted if:
equity level - the liquidity
discount were lower
Market Listed - ** - the EV/EBITDA
approach using company EV/ multiples were higher
comparable EBITDA
traded multiple
multiples
Investments 6,077,184 Unadjusted NAV Inputs to US$0.01 to The estimated fair
in unlisted NAV* US$7.12 value would increase if
Funds the NAV was higher
Balance as at Valuation Significant Range of Sensitivity to changes
31 December 2019 technique unobservable estimates in significant
US$ inputs for unobservable inputs
unobservable
inputs
Equity in a 7,271,092 Discounted Liquidity - ** The estimated fair
private Cash Flows discount at value would increase
company adjusted if:
equity level - the liquidity
discount were lower
Market Listed - ** - the EV/EBITDA
approach using company EV/ multiples were higher
comparable EBITDA
traded multiple
multiples
Investments 7,326,741 Unadjusted NAV Inputs to US$0.01 to The estimated fair
in unlisted NAV* US$7.95 value would increase if
Funds the NAV was higher
* The Company has assessed whether there are any discounts in relation to
lock-in periods that are impacting liquidity. There were no discounts in
relation to lock-in periods as at 30 June 2020 or at 31 December 2019.
** Information has not been included as these are commercially sensitive.
Unobservable inputs are developed as follows:
* EBITDA and revenue multiples represent amounts that market participants
would use when pricing an investment. These multiples are selected from
comparable publicly listed companies based on geographic location, industry
size, target markets and other factors that are considered to be
reasonable. The traded multiples for the comparable companies are
determined by dividing its respective enterprise value by its EBITDA or
revenue.
* The Company used a combination of market multiples and discounted cash
flows methodologies to derive the fair value.
The Company believes that its estimates of fair value are appropriate; however
the use of different methodologies or assumptions could lead to different
measurements of fair value. For fair value investments in Level 3, changing one
or more of the assumptions used to alternative assumptions could result in an
increase or decrease in net assets attributable to investors. Due to the
numerous different factors affecting the assets, the impact cannot be reliably
quantified. It is reasonably possible on the basis of existing knowledge, that
outcomes within the next financial period that are different from the
assumptions used could require a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of
affected assets.
7. Capital and Reserves
Ordinary Shares
The following table presents a summary of changes in the number of shares
issued and fully paid during the period ended 30 June 2020:
US$ shares GBP shares
Shares outstanding as at 1 January 3,617,068 1,065,051
2020
Share 1,229,807 (1,065,051)
conversions
Compulsory partial redemptions (488,311) -
Shares outstanding as at 30 June 2020 4,358,564 -
Share Conversion
The following share conversions took place during the period ended 30 June
2020:
Transfers from Transfers to Number of shares Number of shares
to switch out to switch in
GBP shares US$ shares 1,065,656 1,230,563
US$ shares GBP shares 756 605
Compulsory Partial Redemptions
During the period ended 30 June 2020, management announced partial returns of
capital to Shareholders by way of compulsory partial redemptions of shares with
the following redemption dates:
* 19 May 2020, US$1,375,000 using the 30 April 2020 NAV.
Voting rights
The voting rights each share is entitled to in a poll at any general meeting of
the Company (applying the Weighted Voting Calculation as described in the
Prospectus published by the Company on 6 November 2007) are as follows:
US$ shares: 1.0000
The above figures may be used by Shareholders as the denominator for
calculations to determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or
a change to their interest in the Company under the FCA's Disclosure and
Transparency Rules.
8. Net Asset Value
The NAV of each US$ and GBP share is determined by dividing the total net assets
of the Company attributable to the US$ and GBP share classes by the number of US$
and GBP shares in issue respectively at the period and year end as follows:
As at 30 June 2020 Net assets Shares in issue Net assets Net assets
attributable to per share per share
each in US$ in local
share class in US$ currency
US$ shares 11,914,971 4,358,564 2.73 2.73
11,914,971
As at 31 December Net assets Shares in issue Net assets Net assets
2019 attributable to per share per share
each in US$ in local
share class in US$ currency
US$ shares 10,466,558 3,617,068 2.89 2.89
GBP shares 3,704,213 1,065,051 3.48 2.63
14,170,771
The allocation of the Company's NAV between share classes is further described
in the Company's Prospectus.
9. Earnings per Share ("EPS")
The calculation of the earnings per US$ and GBP share is based on the gain/loss
for the period attributable to US$ and GBP Shareholders and the respective
weighted average number of shares in issue for each share class during the
period.
The loss attributable to each share class for the period ended 30 June 2020 was
as follows:
US$ share GBP share
Issued shares at the beginning of the 3,617,068 1,065,051
period
Effect on the weighted average number of shares:
- Conversion of shares 614,670 (532,326)
Weighted average number of shares 4,231,738 532,725
Loss for the period attributable to each class of (672,274) (208,468)
shareholders (US$)
EPS (US$) (0.16) (0.39)
There were no dilutive instruments in issue during the period ended 30 June
2020.
The loss attributable to each share class for the period ended 30 June 2019 was
as follows:
US$ share GBP share
Issued shares at the beginning of the 4,449,792 1,334,501
period
Effect on the weighted average number of shares:
- Compulsory partial redemption of (116,188) (34,823)
shares
Weighted average number of shares 4,333,604 1,299,678
Loss for the period attributable to each class of (3,171,946) (1,201,460)
shareholders (US$)
EPS (US$) (0.73) (0.92)
There were no dilutive instruments in issue during the period ended 30 June
2019.
10. Segmental Reporting
Although the Company invests in various investment themes, it is organised and
operates as one business and one geographical segment, as the principal focus
is on emerging market strategies, mainly achieved via investments in funds
domiciled in Europe but investing globally. Accordingly, all significant
operating decisions are based upon analysis of the Company as one segment. The
financial results from this segment are equivalent to the financial statements
of the Company as a whole. Additionally, the Company's performance is evaluated
on an overall basis. The Company's management receives financial information
prepared under IFRS and, as a result, the disclosure of separate segmental
information is not required.
11. Ultimate Controlling Party
In the opinion of the Directors and on the basis of shareholdings advised to
them, the Company has no ultimate controlling party.
12. Involvement with Unconsolidated Structured Entities
The table below describes the types of structured entities that the Company
does not consolidate but in which it holds an interest.
Type of structured Nature and purpose Interest held by the Company
entity
Investment Funds To manage assets on behalf Investments in units issued
of third party investors. by the Funds
These vehicles are financed
through the issue of units
to investors.
The table below sets out interests held by the Company in unconsolidated
structured entities as at 30 June 2020.
Investment in unlisted Number of Total net Carrying amount % of net
investment Funds investee assets included in assets of
Funds "Financial assets underlying
at FVTPL" Funds
Special Situations Private 5 55,164,677 6,077,184 11.02
Equity Funds
The maximum exposure to loss is the carrying amount of the financial assets
held.
During the period, the Company did not provide financial support to these
unconsolidated structured entities and the Company has no intention of
providing financial or other support, except for the outstanding commitments
disclosed in note 14 to the financial statements.
13. Related Party Transactions
Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability to control
the other party or to exercise significant influence over the other party in
making financial or operational decisions.
The Directors are responsible for the determination of the investment policy of
the Company and have overall responsibility for the Company's activities. The
Company's investment portfolio is managed by AIAL.
The Company and the Investment Manager entered into an Investment Management
Agreement under which the Investment Manager has been given responsibility for
the day-to-day discretionary management of the Company's assets (including
uninvested cash) in accordance with the Company's investment objectives and
policies, subject to the overall supervision of the Directors and in accordance
with the investment restrictions in the Investment Management Agreement and the
Articles of Incorporation.
During the period ended 30 June 2020, the Company had the following related
party transactions:
Expense Payable
Related Party Nature US$ US$
AIAL Investment (33,215) (10,548)
management fees
AIAL Incentive fees 1,302 * (996,932)
Board of Directors Directors' (40,446) -
remuneration
Investment
Activity
Related Party Nature US$
Related Funds Sales 302,295
Related Funds Dividends 454,394
* Incentive fees were positive due to a reversal of the prior year accrual.
During the period ended 30 June 2019, the Company engaged in the following
related party transactions:
Expense Payable
Related Party Nature US$ US$
AIAL Investment (33,403) (5,816)
management fees
AIAL Incentive fees (179,473) (1,087,369)
Board of Directors Directors' (55,205) -
remuneration
Investment
Activity
US$
Related Funds Sales 3,622,979
Related Funds Dividends 1,083,816
Ashmore SICAV 2 Global Liquidity US$ Fund Purchases (7,499,907)
Ashmore SICAV 2 Global Liquidity US$ Fund Sales 9,510,654
Ashmore SICAV 2 Global Liquidity US$ Fund Dividends 15,593
Related Funds are other Funds managed by Ashmore Investment Advisors Limited or
its associates.
Purchases and sales of the Ashmore SICAV 2 Global Liquidity US$ Fund ("Global
Liquidity Fund") were solely related to the cash management of US dollars on
account. Funds are swept into the S&P AAA rated Global Liquidity Fund and
returned as and when required for asset purchases or distributions. The Global
Liquidity Fund is managed under the dual objectives of the preservation of
capital and the provision of daily liquidity, investing exclusively in very
highly rated short-term liquid money market securities.
During the period ended 30 June 2020, Directors' remuneration was as follows:
Chairman: GBP21,240 per annum
Chairman of the Audit Committee: GBP21,240 per annum
Independent Directors: GBP20,040 per annum
Non-Independent Director: waived
During the period ended 30 June 2019, Directors' remuneration was as follows:
Chairman: GBP21,240 per annum
Chairman of the Audit Committee: GBP21,240 per annum
Independent Directors: GBP20,040 per annum
Non-Independent Director: waived
The Directors had the following beneficial interests in the Company:
30 June 2020 31 December 2019
GBP ordinary shares GBP ordinary shares
Nigel de la Rue - 373
Christopher Legge - 232
Richard Hotchkis - 139
14. Commitments
During the year ended 31 December 2011, the Company entered into a subscription
agreement with AA Development Capital India Fund LP for an initial commitment
of US$4,327,064, which was subsequently increased to US$23,581,027. AA
Development Capital India Fund LP was dissolved by its General Partner on
28 June 2013 with all outstanding commitments transferred to AA Development
Capital India Fund 1 LLC. As at 30 June 2020, the outstanding commitment was
US$5,959,809 (31 December 2019: US$5,959,809).
15. Contingent Assets
The Company has submitted a claim in connection with the settlement of a
securities class action lawsuit preliminarily approved by the US District Court
for the Southern District of New York captioned In Re Foreign Exchange
Benchmark Rates Antitrust Litigation. The inflow of economic benefits from the
settlement fund is deemed to be probable, but not virtually certain. As the
value of the settlement fund cannot be determined in advance, it is not
possible to estimate the settlement amount of the Company.
16. Subsequent Events
Since the period end we have seen the continued development of the Coronavirus
(Covid-19) outbreak initially in China and now having reached most continents.
At present, it is not possible to assess the detailed impact of the current
risk on the investments in the Company, but there is a continuing concern about
the impact on the world economy. There has been a significant change in the
financial markets in the last few months. The Board and the Investment Manager
continue to watch the efforts of governments to contain the spread of the virus
and monitor the economic impact, if any, on the investments in the Company.
In relation to the underlying investments of the Company, given the inherent
uncertainties and relatively early stage in terms of the COVID-19 impact to
companies and the broader economies, it is not practical to determine the
impact of COVID-19 or to provide a quantitative estimate of the impact at this
time. The Investment Manager continues to adopt a proactive approach in
engaging with the investee companies in managing potential issues.
These include, among other things, cashflow planning, cost reductions where
appropriate, negotiations with various third parties from government
authorities to creditors. The eventual outcome and timing is also very
dependent on how successful authorities are at containing the outbreak and the
potential impact.
The Directors do not believe that any adjustments to the unaudited condensed
interim financial statements as at 30 June 2020 are required as a result of
this subsequent event.
Post reporting date, the Board issued a Circular to Shareholders to propose the
de-listing of the Company from the London Stock Exchange. The principal
motivation for the de-listing proposal is to reduce operating costs as a
percentage of the remaining NAV of the Company. An AGM to decide on this
proposal is scheduled for 22 September 2020. Full details are given in the
Circular. Should the resolution pass, it is anticipated that the effective date
of delisting will be 21 October 2020.
There were no other significant events subsequent to the period-end date that
require adjustment to, or disclosure in, the financial statements.
Corporate Information
Directors Custodian
Richard Hotchkis Northern Trust (Guernsey) Limited
Nigel de la Rue P.O. Box 71
Christopher Legge Trafalgar Court
Steve Hicks Les Banques
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 3DA
Channel Islands
Registered Office Auditor
P.O. Box 255 KPMG Channel Islands Limited
Trafalgar Court Glategny Court
Les Banques Glategny Esplanade
St Peter Port St Peter Port
Guernsey Guernsey
GY1 3QL GY1 1WR
Channel Islands Channel Islands
Administrator, Secretary and Registrar Advocates to the Company
Northern Trust International Fund Carey Olsen
Administration Services (Guernsey) Carey House
Limited Les Banques
P.O. Box 255 St Peter Port
Trafalgar Court Guernsey
Les Banques GY1 4BZ
St Peter Port Channel Islands
Guernsey
GY1 3QL
Channel Islands
Alternative Investment Fund Manager UK Solicitor to the Company
Ashmore Investment Advisors Limited Slaughter and May
61 Aldwych One Bunhill Row
London London
WC2B 4AE EC1Y 8YY
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Brokers UK Transfer Agent
J.P. Morgan Cazenove Computershare Investor Services PLC
20 Moorgate The Pavilions
London Bridgewater Road
EC2R 6DA Bristol
United Kingdom BS13 8AE
United Kingdom
Jefferies International Limited
Vintners Place Website
68 Upper Thames Street Performance and portfolio
London information for Shareholders can be
EC4V 3BJ found at:
United Kingdom www.agol.com
END
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
August 21, 2020 12:34 ET (16:34 GMT)
Ashmore Global Opportuni... (LSE:AGOL)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024
Ashmore Global Opportuni... (LSE:AGOL)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024
