Transformation at Henderson European Focus

CEF TIMES November 23-29: Among this week's investment company news are the changes afoot at Gartmore European

Szymon Idzikowski 1 December, 2011 | 10:28AM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Altin AG (ALTN): The fund of hedge funds has announced changes to its dividend policy. It has not paid a dividend to date, but intends to introduce an annual dividend equivalent to 4% of the NAV, as well as offer 20% of the annual performance exceeding 4%. These payouts would need approval each year at the AGM.

Aurora Russia (AURR): Michael Hough has succeeded James Cook as a co-manager of the fund. Cook had been at the helm since March 2006, when he was appointed alongside John McRoberts.

Cazenove Absolute Equity (CAEL): BNP Paribas Arbitrage has sold nearly half of its 10.7% stake in the fund. Conversely, Weiss Asset Management has bought an additional 5% in the hedge fund. Both companies have been actively trading the shares of this fund throughout the year and have made a number of opposite transactions this year, such as this one.

Chelverton Growth Trust (CGW): The company has announced Merchant Securities' plans to tender up to 10% of Chelverton Growth's shares and a subsequent invitation to certain minority shareholders to offer their ordinary shares for a buyback. Both offers are subject to shareholders' approval at the AGM on December 21. If approved, the tender price per ordinary share will be 92.5% of the NAV at the close of business on December 22. The UK small-cap fund currently trades at a 27% discount to its NAV.

Henderson European Focus Trust (HEFT): Shareholders of the fund have approved changes proposed by the board regarding the fund's investment policy, fee structure and share buyback programme. The new investment policy will allow the manager to build a more focused, conviction-based portfolios of 50-60 holdings, rather than the current portfolio of 90-100 stocks. The fund is more likely to deviate from the benchmark due to increased flexibility the manager now has to take higher sector bets and invest across the market-cap spectrum. If you want to find out more about the fee structure and buyback changes, please read our previous commentary on the proposition, Gartmore European Changes Fee Structure.

JPMorgan Income & Growth (JIGC): The company has entered into a new three-year unsecured revolving £20 million credit facility agreement with National Australia Bank Limited to replace the current drawing of £23 million with Lloyds TSB Bank. The loan with Lloyds expires on December 20 and the new facility will be drawn down at that date. It will bear a floating interest rate of 1.85% above three-month sterling LIBOR, which is expected to reduce the current cost of borrowing.

Mirland Development Corp (MLD): Industrial Buildings Corporation has increased its stake in the European direct property fund, bringing it to 40%.

Phaunos Timber (PTF): Baring Asset Management has bought a stake of 5% in Phaunos Timber.

Signet Global Fixed Income GBP (SIGG): Weiss Asset Management has bought its first tranche of shares in the hedge fund. Signet Global Fixed Income currently trades at a discount to its NAV in excesss of 26%, compared with its 12-month average of 18%.

Szymon Idzikowski is a closed-end fund analyst with Morningstar.

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

About Author

Szymon Idzikowski

Szymon Idzikowski  is a closed-end fund analyst with Morningstar.

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures