Epworth Investment Funds for Charities ChariRepor t and accounts y number 1182845 Period to 31 October 2019 Report and accounts
For the year to 31 October 2020
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities
Contents
1 Manager's Report
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5 Investment Manager's Report
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6 Outlook
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7 Ethics Report
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
8 Statement of total return
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Statement of change in net assets attributable to unitholders
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Balance sheet
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9 Comparative table
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12 Portfolio of investments
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14 Summary of material portfolio changes
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15 Notes to the financial statements
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20 Distribution tables
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
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22 Statement of total return
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Statement of change in net assets attributable to unitholders
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Balance sheet
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23 Comparative table
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26 Portfolio of investments
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30 Summary of material portfolio changes
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31 Notes to the financial statements
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36 Distribution tables
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
38 Statement of total return
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Statement of change in net assets attributable to unitholders
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Balance sheet
64 Distribution tables
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
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66 Statement of total return
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Statement of change in net assets attributable to unitholders Balance sheet
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67 Comparative table
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70 Portfolio of investments
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71 Summary of material portfolio changes
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72 Notes to the financial statements
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77 Distribution tables
Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities
79 Statement of total return
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Statement of change in net assets attributable to unitholders Balance sheet
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80 Comparative table
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83 Portfolio of investments
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84 Summary of material portfolio changes
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85 Notes to the financial statements
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90 Distribution tables
Epworth Investment Funds for Charities
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91 Responsibilities of the manager and the trustee
- Trustee’s report and directors’ statement Directors’ statement
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92 Independent auditor’s report to the trustee of Epworth Investment Funds for Charities
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94 Corporate information
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39 Comparative table
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42 Portfolio of investments
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44 Credit ratings
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45 Summary of material portfolio changes
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46 Notes to the financial statements
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51 Distribution tables
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
53 Statement of total return
Statement of change in net assets attributable to unitholders
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Balance sheet
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54 Comparative table
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57 Portfolio of investments
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Credit ratings
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58 Summary of material portfolio changes
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59 Notes to the financial statements
2
Manager's Report
Structure and Management of the Trust
Epworth Investment Funds for Charities is an authorised unit trust with six Sub-funds. For the purposes of the regulations the Trust is:
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(a) a Charity Authorised Investment Fund (CAIF);
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(b) an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF); and
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(c) a Non-UCITS Retail Scheme (NURS).
The Authorised Fund Manager, responsible for managing and administering the Trust’s affairs is Epworth Investment Management Limited (Epworth). Epworth is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref: 175451).
Delegation and oversight of core activities
The Manager has determined to delegate some of its core responsibilities to HSBC Bank PLC. This includes the roles of Administrator, Delegate Registrar, Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent. Epworth retains the responsibility for the performance of these activities at all times and undertakes a vigorous monitoring programme to ensure that its delegate has satisfactorily discharged the Manager’s regulatory and other obligations in a satisfactory manner. The results of this monitoring are reported to the Board of Epworth.
Investment Objectives, Policies, Benchmarks and Risk & Reward Profile
Epworth UK Equity Fund
HSBC Bank PLC is the Trustee and Depositary of the Trust pursuant to an Agreement with Epworth dated 19 April 2019.
The only investors permitted to subscribe for units in the Trust are those investors who are a charity within the meaning of the Charities Act 2011 or paragraph 1(1) Schedule 6, Finance Act 2010 or are a Scottish recognised body or a Northern Ireland Charity.
The Epworth UK Equity Sub-fund seeks to provide a level of income and investment growth greater than that of the FTSE All Share (the “Index”) (after allowing for fees) by investing ethically in the shares of UK companies.
The Sub-fund invests predominantly in companies quoted on the London Stock Exchange which:
Launch of the Trust and its Sub-funds
The Trust was authorised by the FCA from 5 April 2019. It appears on the financial services register under product number 839709. The Trust is also registered with Charity Commission under registration number 1182845.
On 30 April 2019 the Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund, Epworth Corporate Bond Fund, Epworth UK Equity Fund and Epworth Global Equity Fund were launched. The Epworth Mult-Asset fund was launched on 11 June 2019 and the Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund on 28 May 2020.
The launch of the Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund was in response to the request of a number of unitholders in the Epworth UK Equity Fund for a similar Sub-fund that did not invest in the oil & gas industry. A number of faith groups in the United Kingdom have determined to avoid investment in this industry because of its contribution to the Climate Emergency. The Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund also avoids investment in companies that have a high greenhouse gas footprint and strives to invest in companies that are aiding the transition to a low carbon world.
The Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee is independent from the Authorised Fund Manager and the Depositary. It has a consultative role and is tasked with representing the interests of Unitholders. It will make representations to the Authorised Fund Manager concerning the appointment of the Authorised Fund Manager’s and Depositary’s delegates, the investment objectives, investment policy and income distribution policy of each Sub-fund and the fees and charges associated with each Sub-fund.
If Unitholders have any concerns that they wish to raise they may write to the Chair of the Advisory Committee care of the Authorised Fund Manager.
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are incorporated or headquartered in the United Kingdom;
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• carry out a significant proportion of their business in the United Kingdom; and
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are not excluded from selection by ethical screening based on Christian principles
The Sub-fund contains assets generally expected to follow the Index’s performance (core portfolio) and others expected to outperform the Index (conviction portfolio). Around a third of the Sub-fund will form the conviction portfolio and the rest will form the core portfolio.
The Sub-fund is actively managed but a substantial number of the investments in the Sub-fund are chosen by reference to the Index. The Sub-fund also invests differently from the Index in seeking to outperform it. The Sub-fund selects shares of companies that have a reasonable price based on the company’s valuation and offer opportunities for long-term growth.
The risk and reward profile of the Sub-fund is shown below:
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This Sub-fund is ranked at 4 because funds of this type have experienced medium rises and falls in the past. The above figure applies to the following unit classes: Income, Accumulation and CFB Income Units.
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We have calculated the Sub-fund’s risk and reward category, as shown above, using an industry-standard method.
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The Sub-fund appears in category 4 because the Sub-fund’s units have seen some changes in price, but not as much or as often as funds that invest in different assets.
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This indicator is based on estimated data and may not be a reliable indication of the future risk profile of the Sub-fund.
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The risk and reward category shown is not guaranteed to remain unchanged and may shift over time.
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The lowest category does not mean ‘risk free’.
1
Manager's Report
This indicator does not take account of the following risks:
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In some market situations, it may be more difficult to sell the Subfund’s assets at a desirable price which may affect our ability to redeem investors’ units.
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The Manager may determine to invest part of the Sub-fund’s assets in smaller companies. These may be more difficult to sell than larger companies, with larger differences between their buying and selling prices. They are also prone to more rapid changes in their prices in volatile market conditions.
Epworth Global Equity Fund
The Epworth Global Equity Sub-fund seeks to provide a level of income and investment growth greater than that of the FTSE All World (£) (the “Index”) (after allowing for fees) by investing ethically in the shares of global companies (including indirectly through other funds). The Subfund invests predominantly in companies quoted on the world’s major stock exchanges and which are not excluded from selection by ethical screening based on Christian principles.
The Sub-fund contains assets generally expected to follow the Index’s performance (core portfolio) and others expected to outperform the Index (conviction portfolio). Around a third of the Sub-fund will form the conviction portfolio and the rest will form the core portfolio.
The Sub-fund is, therefore, actively managed but a substantial number of the investments in the Sub-fund are chosen by reference to the Index. The Sub-fund invests differently from the Index in seeking to outperform it. However, the core portfolio will generally follow the countries/regions in the Index.
The Sub-fund selects shares of companies that have a reasonable price based on the company’s valuation and offer opportunities for long-term growth.
The risk and reward profile of the Sub-fund is shown below:
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Lower rewards Higher rewards
Lower risk Higher risk
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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This Sub-fund is ranked at 4 because funds of this type have experienced medium rises and falls in the past. The above figure applies to the following unit classes: Income, Accumulation and CFB Income Units.
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We have calculated the Sub-fund’s risk and reward category, as shown above, using an industry-standard method.
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The Sub-fund appears in category 4 because the Sub-fund’s units have seen some changes in price, but not as much or as often as funds that invest in different assets.
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This indicator is based on estimated data and may not be a reliable indication of the future risk profile of the Sub-fund.
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The risk and reward category shown is not guaranteed to remain unchanged and may shift over time.
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The lowest category does not mean “risk free”.
This indicator does not take account of the following risks:
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The Sub-fund may invest in emerging markets which may be more volatile than developed economies and which have less well developed regulatory systems and disclosure standards.
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The rates of, and any relief from, international taxation may change from time to time.
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Settlement timing risks may mean that the Sub-fund experiences short periods where its exposure to the underlying markets are out of line with expectations. This is due to differences in global equity markets between bargain and settlement dates.
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund
The Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Sub-fund seeks to provide income and investment growth exceeding that of the iBoxx Gilt Index (the “Index”) (after allowing for fees) by investing in sovereign bonds that are issued in Pounds Sterling. The Sub-fund invests at least 30% of its portfolio in bonds with fixed coupons issued by the UK Governments (Gilts) but may also invest, or have holdings of:
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bonds (or similar investments) issued or guaranteed by other sovereign states;
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variation rate and index-linked government securities; and
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• cash (and near cash).
The Sub-fund is actively managed but some of the investments in the Sub-fund are chosen by reference to the Index. Investments outside the Index are also permitted and the proportions of investments in the portfolio will differ from the Index.
The average duration of the portfolio (the average time until maturity of the bonds) is managed to benefit from, or protect from, anticipated changes to interest rates.
The risk and reward profile of the Sub-fund is shown below:
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Lower rewards Higher rewards
Lower risk Higher risk
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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This Sub-fund is ranked at 4 because funds of this type have experienced medium rises and falls in the past. The above figure applies to the following unit classes: Income, Accumulation and CFB Income Units.
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We have calculated the Sub-fund’s risk and reward category, as shown above, using an industry-standard method.
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The Sub-fund appears in category 4 because the Sub-fund’s units have seen some changes in price, but not as much or as often as funds that invest in different assets.
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This indicator is based on estimated data and may not be a reliable indication of the future risk profile of the Sub-fund.
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The risk and reward category shown is not guaranteed to remain unchanged and may shift over time.
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The lowest category does not mean ‘risk free’.
This indicator does not take account of the following risks:
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In some market situations, it may be more difficult to sell the Subfund’s assets at a desirable price which may affect our ability to redeem investors’ units.
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In recent years interest rates have remained low and relatively stable. A significant increase in interest rates is likely to reduce the value of the Sub-fund’s investments and the price of units.
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund
The Epworth Corporate Bond Sub-fund seeks to provide income and investment growth exceeding that of iBoxx Corporate Bond Index (the “Index”) (after allowing for fees) by investing in bonds that are issued by corporations in Pounds Sterling.
The Sub-fund invests at least 90% of its portfolio in bonds issued by corporations and which are not excluded from selection by ethical screening based on Christian principles but may also invest, or have holdings of, cash (and near cash). The Sub-fund can hold corporate bonds of any credit rating and in any geography or sector, as long as they are issued in Pounds Sterling. We include bonds issued or guaranteed by supranational entities, sub-sovereign entities and their agencies, within our definition of corporate bonds.
2
Manager's Report
The Sub-fund is actively managed. The Manager’s expectations as to the future behaviour of the credit markets will determine the Subfund’s allocation to higher or lower credit quality bonds. The average duration of the portfolio (the average time until maturity of the bonds) is managed to benefit from, or protect from, anticipated changes to interest rates.
The risk and reward profile of the Sub-fund is shown below:
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Lower rewards Higher rewards
Lower risk Higher risk
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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This Sub-fund is ranked at 4 because funds of this type have experienced medium rises and falls in the past. The above figure applies to the following unit classes: Income, Accumulation and CFB Income Units.
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We have calculated the Sub-fund’s risk and reward category, as shown above, using an industry-standard method.
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The Sub-fund appears in category 4 because the Sub-fund’s units have seen some changes in price, but not as much or as often as funds that invest in different assets.
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This indicator is based on estimated data and may not be a reliable indication of the future risk profile of the Sub-fund.
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The risk and reward category shown is not guaranteed to remain unchanged and may shift over time.
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The lowest category does not mean ‘risk free’.
This indicator does not take account of the following risks:
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The Sub-fund invests in debt securities and there is a risk that their issuers may fail to meet, or face delay in meeting, their commitments. This could affect the Sub-fund’s value or ability to make payments.
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In some market situations, it may be more difficult to sell the Subfund’s assets at a desirable price which may affect our ability to redeem investors’ units.
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In recent years interest rates have remained low and relatively stable. A significant increase in interest rates is likely to reduce the value of the Sub-fund’s investments and the price of units.
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund
The Epworth Multi-Asset Sub-fund seeks income and capital growth by direct or indirect investing in a balanced portfolio of ethically screened global equities, sterling bonds and other asset classes. The Sub-fund invests in number of asset classes using other Sub-funds managed by the Authorised Fund Manager, funds managed by other managers or by directly investing into equities and fixed interest securities. The Subfund may also invest in, or hold, cash or near cash. The Sub-fund may, at times, be 100% invested in other funds.
Direct investments may be excluded from selection by ethical screening based on Christian principles. Indirect investments may be used to give exposure to non-sterling bonds, commercial property, infrastructure, private equity and absolute return strategies.
The risk and reward profile of the Sub-fund is shown below:
following unit classes: Income, Accumulation and CFB Income Units.
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We have calculated the Sub-fund’s risk and reward category, as shown above, using an industry-standard method.
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The Sub-fund appears in category 4 because the Sub-fund’s units have seen some changes in price, but not as much or as often as funds that invest in different assets.
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This indicator is based on estimated data and may not be a reliable indication of the future risk profile of the Sub-fund.
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The risk and reward category shown is not guaranteed to remain unchanged and may shift over time.
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The lowest category does not mean ‘risk free’.
This indicator does not take account of the following risks:
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The Sub-fund may invest in emerging markets which have less well-developed regulatory systems and disclosure standards.
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The Sub-fund may invest in debt securities and there is a risk that their issuers may fail to meet, or face delay in meeting, their commitments.
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The Sub-fund may invest part of its assets in smaller companies. These may be more difficult to sell than larger companies, with larger differences between their buying and selling prices.
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In some market situations, it may be more difficult to sell the Subfund’s assets at a desirable price which may affect our ability to redeem investors’ units.
Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund
The Epworth Climate Stewardship Sub-fund seeks income and investment growth over a minimum period of 5 years by investing ethically using Christian principles in the shares of UK listed/quoted companies. The Sub-fund aims to have a weighted average carbon intensity substantially lower (at least 15% lower, but better if possible) than that of the FTSE All Share Index.
The Sub-fund invests at least 70% in UK companies listed/quoted on the London Stock Exchange which are incorporated or headquartered in the United Kingdom. The Sub-fund may also invest in Collective Investment Schemes (including those managed by Epworth), or hold cash or near cash.
The Sub-fund uses a climate stewardship approach which:
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seeks to exclude companies which extract and/or refine fossil fuels;
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seeks to exclude companies which have a material involvement, such as represented by over 20% of turnover, with supplying the fossil fuel extractives and refining industry with goods or services;
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• seeks to minimise exposure to other companies that are fossil fuel intensive or are responsible for high levels of greenhouse gas emissions;
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engages with companies whose shares are held in the portfolio to encourage more action to reduce the risk of climate change; and
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excludes companies through ethical screening based on Christian principles.
The Sub-fund may also invest in the shares of companies that the Investment Manager believes will contribute to a transition to lower carbon emissions in the UK or globally.
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Lower rewards Higher rewards
Lower risk Higher risk
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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This Sub-fund is ranked at 4 because funds of this type have experienced medium rises and falls in the past. The above figure applies to the
3
Manager's Report
The risk and reward profile of the Sub-fund is shown below:
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Lower rewards Higher rewards
Lower risk Higher risk
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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This Sub-fund is ranked at 4 because funds of this type have experienced medium rises and falls in the past. The above figure applies to the following unit classes: Income B, Accumulation and CFB Income Units.
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We have calculated the Sub-fund’s risk and reward category, as shown above, using an industry-standard method.
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The Sub-fund appears in category 4 because the Sub-fund’s units have seen some changes in price, but not as much or as often as funds that invest in different assets.
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This indicator is based on estimated data and may not be a reliable indication of the future risk profile of the Sub-fund.
-
The risk and reward category shown is not guaranteed to remain unchanged and may shift over time.
-
The lowest category does not mean ‘risk free’.
This indicator does not take account of the following risks:
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In some market situations, it may be more difficult to sell the Subfund’s assets at a desirable price which may affect our ability to redeem investors’ units.
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The Manager may determine to invest part of the Sub-fund’s assets in smaller companies. These may be more difficult to sell than larger companies, with larger differences between their buying and selling prices. They are also prone to more rapid changes in their prices in volatile market conditions.
Prospectus
The prospectus is reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Manager.
The prospectus was last re-issued on 22 May 2020 to reflect the new Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund.
Ethical policy
The Sub-funds will not invest in securities that are disallowed by the Christian ethical policy of the Authorised Fund Manager. Epworth is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church (Central Finance Board). The ethical policy is determined by a joint committee on the ethics of investment between the Central Finance Board and Methodist Conference. This Committee approves policies and positioning papers on a number of issues including the climate emergency, modern slavery, the use of plastics, tax justice, spending on armaments and the use of alcohol and tobacco. These policies can be found on the Authorised Fund Manager’s website at www.epworthinvestment.co.uk. The policies lead to the securities of a number of companies being excluded from the investable universe of the Sub-funds. They also lead to the identification of issues for engagement by the Authorised Fund Manager to try and bring about improvements in corporate behaviour.
Controls and Risk Management
In addition to the oversight of its delegate, the Authorised Fund Manager maintains ongoing checks of the investments of each Sub-fund against the Trust’s investment objectives, policies, and investment and borrowing powers. This includes an ongoing assessment of the liquidity of the securities held by each Sub-fund in alternative stressed scenarios. During the year the holding in the Property Income Trust for Charities (PITCH) in the Epworth Multi-Asset Fund was suspended by the manager of that Fund. This was due to the uncertainty of property prices in the Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Fund was suspended, the Fair Value Pricing Committee convened to agree a valuation price of PITCH equitable to both existing and new unitholders. The Manager is satisfied that the Sub-funds are managed in accordance with the Prospectus and that the systems of internal controls are sufficient to have identified any risk events that may have occurred during the period. The Manager maintains a constant review of these internal controls and will commit additional resources where it deems necessary for the continued discharge of its responsibilities for the ongoing investment, operational and regulatory oversight of the Sub-funds.
The Manager is pleased to report that there was no disruption to business during the COVID-19 pandemic and that unit creations, redemptions and distributions were uninterrupted during this time. Epworth would like to acknowledge the hard work and attentive support from its staff and those of the Depositary and delegate during this time.
Investment performance
The performance of the Sub-funds since launch is as follows:
| Fund | Launch date | Fund Return (launch to 31.10.20) |
Benchmark Return (launch to 31.10.20) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities |
30/04/19 | 7.2% | 8.6% |
| Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities |
30/04/19 | 5.6% | 7.1% |
| Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities |
30/04/19 | -9.8% | -12.6% |
| Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities |
30/04/19 | 8.2% | 6.3% |
| Epworth Multi- Asset Fund for Charities |
01/08/19 | -3.4% | n/a |
No data is available for the Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities as this has a trading record of under one year. All performance data assumes that income has been re-invested, relates to the Accumulation and Income units (not CFB units) and is on a total return basis after all fees and charges.
Distribution policy
Each Sub-fund accrues income from its Scheme Property on every business day. All charges are allocated to the income of the appropriate Sub-fund. Net income is allocated quarterly by 31 December, 31 March, 30 June and 30 September of each year. All Sub-funds offer Income, Accumulation and CFB Income units*.
- Investment into CFB Income units is strictly limited to institutions that have entered into an agreement with the Authorised Fund Manager.
4
Investment Manager's Report As at 24 December 2020
Overview
Moving into 2020 the outlook for global markets appeared relatively benign. The world was heading into election year in the USA, but the UK had returned a sizeable Conservative majority that seemed to remove much of the uncertainty surrounding BREXIT. Interest rates looked set to gradually increase with economic growth stable and equities looked good value, particularly in comparison with bond yields that were reflecting a decades long bull run.
Then on 5 January 2020 the World Health Organisation published news of an outbreak of a new form of Coronavirus in China. Initially the markets reflected on the relatively low mortality rate from this latest outbreak in comparison with other forms of coronavirus such as SARS and MERS. However, there was an initial failure to recognise the highly infectious nature of this new pathogen. By March, COVID-19 had become a global pandemic and many Governments had taken drastic preventative measures to restrict the movement of people in a bid to slowdown the spread of the disease. Investors fled from equity markets into safe havens such as Government bonds and gold, leading to some of the most dramatic bear markets in stock market history. Since those declines markets have been beholden to the contrasting news of COVID-19 infection rates, hospitalisations, and deaths, balanced with hopes of a vaccine and a cure.
Global economy
The shock to the global economy caused by the outbreak of the global pandemic is without precedent. In the US, the jobless rate hit 14.7% in April, 4.7% higher than the level it struck during the 2009 global financial crises. The US Government rapidly approved a $2.2 trillion aid package, the largest US stimulus ever seen. China and Europe announced similar programmes and Central Banks around the World cut key interest rates, The US Federal Reserve has signalled that it expects interest rates to remain at historically low levels util at least the end of 2023. The US unemployment rate remains high and the ability of the new President and Congress to agree further stimulus packages will be critical to the future of small and medium sized businesses in the USA.
After its initial dramatic falls on the Pandemic, the Eurozone has seen some steady improvement over the summer; although there are signs that the service sector is lagging the more robust manufacturing sector. The main ray of light has been China which is emerging from the Pandemic in better shape than its western counterparts.
The price of gold continued to reach new all-time highs, fuelled by US dollar weakness and a flight to safety.
UK economy
The UK economy rebounded sharply from a fall in GDP of 19.8% in the 3 months to June. Provisional expectations for GDP in the third quarter show a record rebound of 15.5%. The services sector, accounting for 80% of GDP, benefited from “staycation” spending due to overseas travel restrictions as well as the “Eat out to help out” scheme. Construction also recovered, supported by a stamp duty holiday. However, the benefits from these short-term measures subsided entering September as the Government tightened its lockdown rules in the face of a resurgence of the Pandemic. The unemployment rate, running at 4.8% for the three months to September, excluded three million people, 9% of the working population, still on furlough.
The UK government’s Internal Market Bill increased investor concerns about a no deal Brexit, with the EU threatening legal action should the UK renege on the Withdrawal Agreement. In addition, influential politicians in the US have suggested that a future UK-US trade deal would be imperilled if the UK were to act in a way that undermines the Good Friday Agreement.
Fixed Interest Markets
The initial reaction in bond markets to the COVID-19 Pandemic saw Government bond yields fall sharply in late February and March as investors switched into them from risk assets and central banks announced new QE programmes. With the US Federal Reserve in no hurry to increase interest rates, the yield on the 10-year Treasury finished the reporting year around 0.65%, having dropped to an all-time low just above 0.5%. Bond yields in other ‘safe haven’ markets remain at very low levels, with French and German yields negative and Japanese yields hovering around zero.
Following COVID-19 related expenditure, total UK Government debt exceeded 100% of GDP for the first time since the early 1960s. Despite the huge expansion in issuance, the UK ten-year gilt yield fell to an all-time low of just under 0.08% in August. There has been a modest increase in Gilt yields since, following comments from the Bank of England that it was assessing whether taking interest rates below zero would be an effective tool in stimulating the economy. The back up in yields was influenced by further speculation that, with such extremes of fiscal and monetary stimulus, higher inflation could be on the way.
Equities
Equities started 2020 strongly, with global equities setting new highs at the end of February, 5% above the end of 2019 level. Then came the pandemic led bear market. The US market has since recovered strongly with its high exposure to technology companies benefiting from the new “virtual” reality. In contrast the UK market’s recovery has been insipid, largely due to its focus on the oil and gas and banking sectors; the former hit by a collapse in the oil price and banks being hurt by regulatory pressure to cut or cancel dividend pay outs.
5
Outlook
Overview
Economic growth was long expected to slow in the fourth quarter after the rebound from the lows earlier in the year, but the outlook has deteriorated. Increases in COVID-19 infections have prompted governments in Europe and elsewhere to increase social restrictions and curtail business activity. While we wait to find out if the current restrictions are reducing infection rates effectively, economic activity is being dampened.
Central bank action continues to influence asset prices significantly. Different parts of the economy have been affected differently by the pandemic and this has been reflected in prices. Where the virus appears to be under control the rebound in growth has been encouraging but government fiscal stimulus continues to be essential.
Global economy
With the pandemic apparently under control in many developed countries during the Northern hemisphere summer, economic activity bounced from lows seen in the second quarter and optimism that the worst was over increased. The easing of restrictions in the summer helped economic growth but, together with education activity restarting, has led to infection rates rising once more and optimism is fading. The IMF notes that worldwide there were over 33 million confirmed infections and over a million deaths from COVID-19 by late September.
Governments were slow to respond to the pandemic at the beginning of the year as they did not fully appreciate its virulence. Today, governments also appear to be playing catch up, reluctant to reintroduce harsh lockdown measures and social restrictions. This is because there may be less social consensus around the need to comply with restrictions and because a second round of national lockdowns could permanently damage or destroy businesses only just beginning to recover. As the level of infections has increased, so have the social restrictions imposed by governments and we are beginning to see new schemes to support workers and businesses.
Growth forecasts are subject to revision almost at publication. The IMF forecasts global GDP will fall 4.4% this year, which is an improvement on its June prediction. China is the only economy forecast to grow in 2020. Elsewhere there are wide divergences in forecasts, with US GDP expected to fall just over 4%, the Eurozone by 8% and the UK by 10%. The US has seen strong consumer spending, perhaps helped by direct payments to people by the government, but incomes are under pressure and unemployment benefits have fallen.
Financial markets
It remains to be seen how the change in the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy stance, favouring higher inflation for longer, will change the outlook for interest rates and prices. In the near term, little appears to have changed. Central bankers are becoming more outspoken in their calls for governments to use more fiscal measures to offset the drop in demand due to the pandemic, rather than rely on monetary policy. The Bank of England is working to understand how a negative central bank rate would affect the financial system. Money market rates are likely to remain very low for some time.
In the short term, government bonds seem likely to continue to trade at low yields. Yields might increase on inflation fears, but such moves are unlikely to be sustained unless demand is increasing substantially. Demographic changes, with declines in the proportions of populations of working age, favour real higher wages and prices, but the world is currently facing large scale under and unemployment. In the near term, central banks might do more to suppress longer term yields. Corporate bonds remain well-supported by central banks, but the impact of the pandemic is not uniform.
Equity market investors have been awaiting the outcome of the US election while digesting news of further lockdowns. The win by Biden has been taken positively, particularly as it appears he is unlikely to have control of the Senate, keeping a lid on the ambitious plans of the left of the Democratic party. So far, company Q3 earnings announcements have been ahead of expectations but Q4 is a different prospect. As with GDP forecasts, the outlook for earnings is subject to even greater uncertainty than usual. Developed market earnings are expected to be over 20% down this year, before rebounding 30% in 2021. For the UK, the figures are 39% down and 39% up respectively. Some dividends have been restored and even cuts reversed.
Equity valuations in some markets appear to be looking through to a full recovery from the pandemic and hence appear expensive; however, there have been big differences in performance between sectors and markets. Some changes initiated by the pandemic, such as use of certain technologies, may be permanent. While further volatility should be expected, asset allocation should favour the growth exposure provided by equities.
Initial PMI Markit survey data for October showed Eurozone manufacturing growth increasing but the overall composite picture negative due to a drop in service sector activity. The picture was similar for the UK, and in both bases is linked to increased social restrictions. Japan’s economy has benefited from a substantial fiscal boost and new support is expected as stimulus measures expire. The global momentum seen in Q2 and Q3 was forecast to give way to slower growth rates in Q4, but now it is possible we will see a worse outcome. Inflation remains subdued.
Global GDP is expected to rebound in 2021 by 5.2%. Beyond that, the world is expected to take some time before the level of output is at pre-pandemic levels. It should be noted that a ‘second wave’ was expected, that treatment for the virus has improved considerably, and that the world is closer to developing effective vaccines. As we hear of successful vaccines and their roll out to vulnerable populations in early 2021, economies will begin to gradually re-set themselves. The global lock downs saw huge structural changes in the way that we work; the sustainability of these could have profound implications for the future mobility and flexibility of the work force.
6
Ethics Report
Background
Epworth works very closely with the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church (CFB) on the development of its ethical policies. The CFB forms a committee with Methodist Conference, the Joint Advisory Committee on the Ethics of Investment (JACEI,) that advises it on the ethics of investment. JACEI identifies priorities for engagement with companies in which Epworth invests and identifies companies that should be excluded from the investable universe on ethical grounds. The Committee has recently published policies on Farm Animal Welfare and Tax Justice.
Principles for Responsible Investment
The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) runs an annual survey for investment firms and asset owners to outline their responsible investment activities.
Epworth received an A+ score from PRI for its approach to Strategy and Governance. Epworth also received an A or higher across the Listed Equity and Bond modules.
Fair Tax Mark
Epworth has become the first fund manager in the UK to be accredited by the Fair Tax Mark. The Fair Tax Mark certification scheme was launched in February 2014 and seeks to encourage and recognise organisations that pay the right amount of corporation tax at the right time and in the right place. Epworth promotes the Fair Tax Mark as it engages with companies; and at least one company has applied for this recognition as a result of Epworth’s engagement.
Climate emergency
The climate emergency has been the main ethical focus of the Manager over the last year. A major report has been published examining the alignment of the oil & gas sector with the targets for global warming set by the Paris Accord. This report led to the exclusion of a number of oil & gas companies from the Manager’ s investable universe, including BP. Further work is being undertaken at the request of Methodist Conference on the five Oil & Gas stocks that currently remain in the investable universe. The Manager launched the Climate Stewardship Sub fund during the year to provide a vehicle for investors seeking the total exclusion of the oil & gas sector and other companies that emit relatively high levels of greenhouse gases.
Banks
Epworth co-filed a resolution at Barclays’s AGM, as part of a coalition co-ordinated by ShareAction. This attracted the support of 24% of shareholders. The board proposed an alternative resolution that was passed with a net-zero ambition and a commitment to align its activities with the Paris Accord. However, the resolution did not have a timeline to phase out lending to fossil fuel companies.
Healthy markets
Epworth participates in the Healthy Markets Initiative coordinated by ShareAction. As part of this participation Epworth has engaged with Tesco and Ocado on the topic of childhood obesity, requesting further information about their promotions, strategy and targets. Both companies responded to this engagement, outlining the steps they are taking to respond to the issue. Tesco noted its reformulation strategy of own brand products, and its commitment to increasing positive nutrients such as fibre, fruit, and vegetables, alongside reducing nutrients of concern e.g. fat, salt, and sugar.
Modern slavery
Epworth works with the Find It, Fix It, Prevent It programme to tackle Modern Slavery. This engagement asks companies “Have you found modern slavery in your operations or supply chain this year?”. Epworth has led the engagement with two companies in the hospitality sector: Compass Group and InterContinental Hotels Group.
Coronavirus & mental health
According to the NHS, one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. The impact of social isolation, uncertain employment, or bereavement due to coronavirus, could have mental health consequences for many. Epworth co-signed a letter to FTSE 100 constituent companies encouraging them to protect the mental health of their workforces during this extraordinary time. This letter called for an action plan specific to mental health during COVID-19 to be introduced at each workplace.
Corporate governance and voting
In 2016, the Hampton-Alexander review set recommendations for FTSE 350 companies to improve the representation of women at the board level and in senior management. It set a minimum 33% target to be reached by the end of 2020. In February 2020, FTSE 100 companies in aggregate reached this goal. However, the FTSE 250 had not. Epworth continues to vote on gender diversity by voting against the re-election of the Chair of the Nominations committee at FTSE 350 companies where the Board composition is not at least 33% women. Epworth’s voting policy includes voting against the re-election of Board Chairs and Executive Directors at AGMs in a number of circumstances. This policy was suspended during the Pandemic as the Manager recognised that for many companies their priority is ensuring their survival and the well being of their employees. However, Epworth will have greater expectations of companies that received Government support during this time, particularly in relation to paying a fair rate of tax, the Living wage and avoiding excessive executive pay.
Epworth and the CFB have been long standing customers and shareholders in HSBC. HSBC is the Depository of this Fund and they also supply delegated accounting and shareholder services. The CFB and Methodist Council have written to the Chair of HSBC raising their concerns with the Bank’ s support for the new security laws in Hong Kong.
7
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
Statement of total return
| Statement of total return | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 | |||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19* | ||
| Note | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Income: net capital(losses)/gains | 2 | (43,417) | 1,516 |
| Income: revenue | 3 | 4,770 | 3,562 |
| Expenses | 4 | (526) | (333) |
| Interest payable and similar charges | (1) | - | |
| Taxation | 5 | (20) | (7) |
| Net revenue after taxation | 4,223 | 3,222 | |
| Total (defcit)/return before distributions | (39,194) | 4,738 | |
| Distributions | 6 | (4,212) | (3,217) |
| Change in net assets attributable to unitholders from investment activities | (43,406) | 1,521 |
Statement of change in net assets attributable to unitholders
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19* | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| Opening net assets attributable to unitholders | 186,715 | - |
| Amounts receivable on issue of units | 15,099 | 12,717 |
| Amounts receivable on in-specie transfer** | 237,680 | 194,968 |
| Amountspayable on cancellation of units | (42,475) | (22,491) |
| 397,019 | 185,194 | |
| Dilution adjustment | 124 | - |
| Change in net assets attributable to unitholders from investment activities | (43,406) | 1,521 |
| Retained distributions on accumulation units | 2 | - |
| Closingnet assets attributable to unitholders | 353,739 | 186,715 |
- For the period 30 April 2019 to 31 October 2019.
** Represents the value of units created by in-specie transfer of assets during the period.
Balance sheet
| Balance sheet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| As at 31 October 2020 | |||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | ||
| Note | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Assets | |||
| Investments | 350,080 | 185,089 | |
| Current assets: | |||
| Debtors | 7 | 6,668 | 440 |
| Cash and bank balances | 8 | 5,196 | 3,451 |
| Total assets | 361,944 | 188,980 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| Creditors: | |||
| Distributions payable | (2,436) | (2,096) | |
| Other creditors | 9 | (5,769) | (169) |
| Total liabilities | (8,205) | (2,265) | |
| Net assets attributable to unitholders | 353,739 | 186,715 | |
| Balance sheet approved and signed on behalf of the Manager by: | |||
| David Palmer, Director | Marina Phillips, Secretary | ||
| 24 December 2020 | 24 December 2020 |
8
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | ||
|---|---|---|
| Income units | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 160.88 | 161.79 |
| Return before operating charges* | (23.74) | 2.46 |
| Operatingcharges | (1.00) | (0.55) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | (24.74) | 1.91 |
| Distributions on income units | (3.23) | (2.82) |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 132.91 | 160.88 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.04 | 0.01 |
| Performance | ||
| Return after charges | (15.38)% | 1.18% |
| Other information | ||
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 41,681 | 77,372 |
| Closing number of units | 31,360,693 | 48,092,180 |
| Operating charges | 0.66% | 0.64% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.02% | 0.01% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | ||
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 173.05 | 168.14 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 114.73 | 155.67 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The Income units launched on 30 April 2019.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
9
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accumulation units | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 162.56 | 164.97 |
| Return before operating charges* | (24.17) | (2.14) |
| Operatingcharges | (0.99) | (0.27) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | (25.16) | (2.41) |
| Distributions on accumulation units | (3.29) | (1.68) |
| Retained distributions on accumulation units | 3.29 | 1.68 |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 137.40 | 162.56 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.04 | 0.01 |
| Performance | ||
| Return after charges | (15.48)% | (1.46)% |
| Other information | ||
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 92 | 81 |
| Closing number of units | 67,228 | 50,114 |
| Operating charges | 0.66% | 0.64% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.02% | 0.01% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | ||
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 174.85 | 165.39 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 116.44 | 155.67 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The Accumulation units launched on 2 August 2019.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
10
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | ||
|---|---|---|
| CFB Income units | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 161.13 | 158.28 |
| Return before operating charges* | (23.84) | 5.97 |
| Operatingcharges | (0.16) | (0.11) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | (24.00) | 5.86 |
| Distributions on income units | (4.05) | (3.01) |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 133.08 | 161.13 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.04 | 0.01 |
| Performance | ||
| Return after charges | (14.89)% | 3.70% |
| Other information | ||
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 311,966 | 109,262 |
| Closing number of units | 234,414,752 | 67,811,191 |
| Operating charges | 0.11% | 0.09% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.02% | 0.01% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | ||
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 173.52 | 168.35 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 114.99 | 155.94 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The CFB Income units launched on 30 April 2019.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
11
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
Portfolio of investments
| Portfolio of investments | |
|---|---|
| As at 31 October 2020 Market Total net value assets Holding £'000s % UK Equities (31.10.19 - 91.08%) 90.29 Basic Materials 7.84 Anglo American 290,239 5,257 1.49 BHP 489,407 7,293 2.06 Rio Tinto 255,195 11,118 3.14 Victrex 221,268 4,080 1.15 Consumer Goods 10.53 Berkeley 103,280 4,190 1.18 Cranswick 137,707 4,429 1.25 Hilton Food Group 414,230 4,797 1.36 Persimmon 76,120 1,778 0.50 Reckitt Benckiser 153,353 10,425 2.95 Unilever 264,627 11,654 3.29 Consumer Services 8.88 Compass 421,822 4,450 1.26 Intercontinental Hotels Group 41,500 1,625 0.46 Next Fifteen Communications 1,113,759 4,967 1.40 Ocado 120,080 2,732 0.77 RELX 657,830 10,045 2.84 Ten Entertainment 2,273,153 3,001 0.85 Tesco 2,234,169 4,587 1.30 Financials 26.55 3i 225,700 2,169 0.61 Aviva 934,785 2,407 0.68 Barclays 4,043,710 4,309 1.22 Brooks Macdonald Group 316,389 4,841 1.37 Derwent London REIT 177,720 4,724 1.34 HgCapital Trust 1,716,415 5,072 1.43 HSBC 4,805,649 15,594 4.41 Impax Environmental Markets 1,265,905 4,760 1.35 Legal & General 1,423,631 2,631 0.74 Lloyds Banking Group 16,509,160 4,627 1.31 London Stock Exchange 74,496 6,167 1.74 North Atlantic Smaller Companies 166,139 4,718 1.33 PRS REIT 5,625,258 3,994 1.13 Prudential Financial 608,662 5,738 1.62 Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust 344,250 3,422 0.97 Segro REIT 271,840 2,452 0.69 SIGMA Technology 4,303,086 4,948 1.40 St Modwen Properties 1,569,145 5,194 1.47 Standard Chartered 603,282 2,122 0.60 Watkin Jones 3,006,176 4,016 1.14 |
|
| Market Total net value assets Holding £'000s % |
|
| Healthcare 12.52 AstraZeneca 278,185 21,604 6.11 Eco Animal Health Group 1,818,820 4,183 1.18 Glaxosmithkline 1,213,213 15,672 4.43 Smith & Nephew 210,483 2,813 0.80 Industrials 11.00 Ashtead Group 257,550 7,209 2.04 Diploma 215,619 4,800 1.36 Halma 90,800 2,150 0.61 Howden Joinery 752,367 4,791 1.35 Intertek 39,370 2,194 0.62 Keywords Studios 221,883 4,695 1.33 M J Gleeson 848,163 4,919 1.39 Rentokil Initial 438,730 2,308 0.65 Rotork 1,376,272 3,864 1.09 Spirax-Sarco Engineering 17,690 1,994 0.56 Oil & Gas 4.91 Royal Dutch Shell 'B' 1,870,554 17,370 4.91 Technology 2.57 FDM Group 515,975 5,155 1.46 Softcat 348,092 3,916 1.11 Telecommunications 2.45 BT Group 2,023,216 2,050 0.58 Vodafone Group 6,433,827 6,627 1.87 Utilities 3.04 National Grid 840,910 7,728 2.19 SSE 239,972 3,012 0.85 Channel Islands (31.10.19 - 3.69%) 4.69 Consumer Services 0.48 WPP 272,893 1,683 0.48 Financials 1.36 3i Infrastructure 1,635,437 4,824 1.36 Industrials 2.85 Experian 211,123 5,947 1.68 Ferguson 53,443 4,127 1.17 |
12
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
Portfolio of investments
| As at 31 October 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Market | Total net | ||
| value | assets | ||
| Holding | £'000s | % | |
| France (31.10.19 - 0.86%) | |||
| Ireland (31.10.19 - 2.40%) | 2.20 | ||
| Financials | 0.79 | ||
| UBS (Irl) ETF | 210,000 | 2,777 | 0.79 |
| Industrials | 1.41 | ||
| CRH | 183,902 | 5,002 | 1.41 |
| Netherlands (31.10.19 - 0.00%) | 0.67 | ||
| Consumer Goods | 0.67 | ||
| Just Eat Takeaway.com | 27,770 | 2,379 | 0.67 |
| Norway (31.10.19 - 1.10%) | |||
| Singapore (31.10.19 - 0.00%) | 1.12 | ||
| Industrials | 1.12 | ||
| XP Power | 99,099 | 3,954 | 1.12 |
| Portfolio of investments | 350,080 | 98.97 | |
| Net other assets | 3,659 | 1.03 | |
| Net assets | 353,739 | 100.00 |
Unless otherwise stated, all investments are approved securities being either officially listed in a member state or traded on or under the rules of an eligible securities market.
13
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
Summary of material portfolio changes
| Summary of material portfolio changes | |
|---|---|
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 Cost £'000s Purchases AstraZeneca 15,812 Royal Dutch Shell 'B' 15,547 Glaxosmithkline 12,328 HSBC 11,088 Unilever 9,040 Rio Tinto 8,098 Reckitt Benckiser 7,876 RELX 7,403 UBS (Irl) ETF 5,714 National Grid 5,502 98,408 Otherpurchases 186,072 Totalpurchases 284,480 |
|
| Proceeds £'000s |
|
| Sales BP 6,011 AstraZeneca 4,485 iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF 4,080 Craneware 3,862 Glaxosmithkline 2,996 UBS (Irl) ETF 2,673 SPDR MSCI World Energy UCITS ETF 2,208 Diploma 2,201 DS Smith 2,015 FDM Group 1,972 |
|
| 32,503 Other sales 43,578 |
|
| Total sales 76,081 |
14
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
1. Accounting policies
(a) Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of investments and in compliance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS102) and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for financial statements of Authorised Funds issued by The Investment Association in May 2014 (and amended in June 2017), the Charities Act 2011 and the relevant scheme of Charity Commissioners.
Unless otherwise stated all accounting policies are consistent with those of the prior year.
Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The Manager does not consider that there were any significant areas of estimation uncertainty or application of critical judgements.
(h) Foreign exchange
Transactions in foreign currencies during the year are translated into sterling (the functional currency of the Sub-fund), at the rates of exchange ruling on the transaction date. Amounts held in foreign currencies have been translated at the rate of exchange ruling at close of business, 30 October 2020, the last valuation point in the accounting year.
(i) Apportionment to multiple unit classes
With the exception of the Manager's periodic charge, the allocation of revenue and expenses to each unit class is based upon the proportion of the Sub-fund's assets attributable to each unit class on the day the revenue is earned or the expense is suffered. The Manager's periodic charge is specific to each unit class. Consequently, the revenue available to distribute for each unit class will differ.
2. Net (losses)/gains on investments
The net capital (losses)/gains during the year/period comprise:
(b) Basis of valuation
The quoted investments of the Sub-fund have been valued at bid dealing prices as at close of business on 30 October 2020, the last valuation point in the accounting year, in accordance with the Trust Deed.
(c) Recognition of income
Dividends on ordinary stocks and distributions are credited to revenue when the securities are quoted ex-dividend. Interest on bank deposits are accounted for on a receipts basis.
In the case where revenue is received after the deduction of withholding tax, the revenue is shown gross of taxation and the tax consequences are shown within the tax charge.
(d) Stock dividends
The ordinary element of stock received in lieu of cash dividends is recognised as revenue of the Sub-fund. Any enhancement above the cash dividend is treated as capital.
(e) Special dividends, share buy-back or additional share
issue
The underlying circumstances behind a special dividend, share buyback or additional share issue are reviewed on a case by case basis in determining whether the amount is revenue or capital in nature. Amounts recognised as revenue form part of the distribution.
(f) Expenses
Expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenses of the Subfund are charged against revenue, except for the costs associated with the purchase and sale of investments, which are charged to capital.
(g) Distribution policy
Revenue produced by the Sub-fund's investments accumulates during each accounting period. If, at the end of each accounting period, revenue exceeds expenses, the net revenue of the Sub-fund is available to be distributed/accumulated to unitholders.
| 30.04.19 to | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| Unrealised (losses)/gains | ||
| on non-derivative securities | (35,544) | 2,052 |
| Realised losses on non-derivative securities | (7,863) | (520) |
| Currency losses | (6) | (15) |
| Transaction charges | (4) | (1) |
| Net(losses)/gains on investments | (43,417) | 1,516 |
3. Revenue
| 3. Revenue |
||
|---|---|---|
| 30.04.19 to | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| UK dividends | 4,438 | 3,367 |
| Overseas dividends | 273 | 184 |
| Property revenue from REITs | 32 | 4 |
| Bank interest | 27 | 7 |
| Total revenue | 4,770 | 3,562 |
4. Expenses
| 4. Expenses |
||
|---|---|---|
| 30.04.19 to | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| Payable to the Manager or associates of the Manager and agents of | ||
| either of them: | ||
| Manager'speriodic charge | 335 | 217 |
| 335 | 217 | |
| Payable to the Corporate Trustee or associates of the Trustee and | ||
| agents of either of them: | ||
| Corporate Trustee's fees | 101 | 60 |
| Safe custodyfees | 10 | 3 |
| 111 | 63 |
|
| Auditor's fee | 19 | 16 |
| Other expenses | 61 | 37 |
| 80 | 53 |
|
| Total expenses | 526 | 333 |
15
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
5. Taxation
The Sub-fund has charitable status and is exempt from UK Income and Capital Gains Tax pursuant to Part 11 Chapter 3 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. Distributions are paid and reinvested revenue credited gross to unitholders on the basis that all recoverable UK taxation has been reclaimed. Overseas withholding tax is deducted in full from overseas revenue. Recoverable withholding tax is credited to revenue.
| 30.04.19 to | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| Taxation | 20 | 7 |
10. Reconciliation of units
| CFB | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Income | Accum | Income | |
| units | units | units | |
| Opening number of units | |||
| at beginning of year 01.11.19 | 48,092,180 | 50,114 | 67,811,190 |
| Units issued in year | 5,060,332 | 17,114 | 5,928,950 |
| Units cancelled in year | (21,791,819) | - | (7,927,445) |
| In-specie in theyear | - | - | 168,602,057 |
| Closing number of units | |||
| at end ofyear31.10.20 | 31,360,693 | 67,228 | 234,414,752 |
6. Distributions
Distributions take account of income received on creation of units and income deducted on the cancellation of units, and comprise:
| 30.04.19 to | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| 31 January | 992 | - |
| 30 April | 1,454 | - |
| 31 July | 750 | 1,195 |
| 31 October | 2,436 | 2,097 |
| 5,632 | 3,292 |
|
| Income deducted on cancellation of units | 162 | 118 |
| Income received on creation of units | (1,582) | (193) |
| Net distribution for theyear/period | 4,212 | 3,217 |
| Net revenue after taxation | 4,223 | 3,222 |
| Movement of undistributed revenue | (11) | (5) |
| Net distribution for theyear/period | 4,212 | 3,217 |
| 7. Debtors |
||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £’000s | £'000s | |
| Amounts receivable for creation of units | 4,982 | - |
| Sales awaiting settlement | 1,430 | - |
| Accrued income | 244 | 424 |
| Overseas tax recoverable | 7 | 15 |
| Income tax recoverable | 5 | 1 |
| Total debtors | 6,668 | 440 |
11. Financial instruments
Fair value
In accordance with the investment objective, the Sub-fund holds certain financial instruments. These comprise:
-
securities held in accordance with the investment objective and policies;
-
cash and short term debtors and creditors arising directly from operations.
The main risks arising from the Sub-fund’s financial instruments and the Manager’s policies for managing these risks are summarised below. These policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and the comparative period.
Market price risk
Market price risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future prices of financial instruments held. It represents the potential loss the Subfund might suffer through holding market positions in the face of price movements. The Sub-fund's investment portfolio is exposed to market fluctuations which are monitored by the Manager in pursuit of the investment objectives and policies. Adherence to investment guidelines and to investment and borrowing powers set out in the Trust Deed, the Prospectus and in the Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook ("the Sourcebook") mitigates the risk of excessive exposure to any particular type of security or issuer.
Counterparty risk
The Sub-fund’s transactions in securities expose it to the risk that the counterparty will not deliver the investment for a purchase or the cash for a sale. To minimise this, the Sub-fund only deals with an approved list of brokers maintained by the Manager.
8. Cash and bank balances
| 8. Cash and bank balances |
||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £’000s | £'000s | |
| Afrmative Deposit Fund for Charities | 5,093 | 3,010 |
| Cash at bank | 103 | 441 |
| Total cash and bank balances | 5,196 | 3,451 |
| 9. Other creditors |
||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £’000s | £'000s | |
| Purchases awaiting settlement | 5,659 | - |
| Accrued expenses | 110 | 169 |
| Total other creditors | 5,769 | 169 |
Liquidity risk
The Sub-fund's assets are comprised of mainly readily realisable securities. If insufficient cash is available to finance unitholder redemptions then securities held by the Sub-fund may need to be sold. The risk of low market liquidity, through reduced trading volumes, may affect the ability of the Sub-fund to trade financial instruments at values previously indicated by financial brokers. From time to time, liquidity may also be affected by stock specific or economic events. The Manager has a Liquidity Management Policy designed to monitor the liquidity risk of the Sub-fund and ensure that its investment strategy and liquidity profile allows the Sub-fund to meet its daily redemption obligations.
Foreign currency risk
Foreign currency risk is the risk that the value of the Sub-fund's investment holdings will fluctuate as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
16
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
The total currency exposure at the year/period end:
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non- | Non- | |||||
| Monetary | monetary | Monetary | monetary | |||
| exposures | exposures | Total | exposures | exposures | Total | |
| Currency | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s |
| Sterling | 3,552 | 350,080 | 353,632 | 1,020 | 179,262 | 180,282 |
| Euro | 66 | - | 66 | 154 | 1,615 | 1,769 |
| Norwegian Kroner | 8 | - | 8 | 122 | 2,056 | 2,178 |
| US Dollar | 33 | - | 33 | 330 | 2,156 | 2,486 |
| Total | 3,659 | 350,080 | 353,739 | 1,626 | 185,089 | 186,715 |
Interest rate risk
The majority of the Sub-fund's financial assets are equity shares and other investments which neither pay interest nor have a maturity date.
At the year end 1.47% (31.10.19: 1.85%) of the Sub-fund's assets by value were interest bearing.
Interest receivable on bank deposits or payable on bank overdraft positions will be affected by fluctuations in interest rates.
12. Commitments and contingent liabilities
There were no commitments or contingent liabilities as at 31 October 2020 (31.10.19: none).
14. Related party transactions
The Manager’s periodic charge is paid to Epworth Investment Management Limited, a related party to the Sub-fund. The amounts paid in respect of the Manager's periodic charge are disclosed in note 4. The amount outstanding as at 31 October 2020 was £62,472 (31.10.19: £69,590)
In addition, the Sub-fund placed deposits during the year with the Affirmative Deposit Fund for Charities, a fund managed by Epworth Investment Management Limited. All charges levied for the management of these deposits have been refunded to the Sub-fund by Epworth. There were no other related party transactions during the year.
13. Unitholders' funds
There are three unit classes in issue within the Sub-fund. These are Income, Accumulation and CFB Income units. The Manager's periodic charge in respect of these units is expressed as an annual percentage of the value of the property of the Sub-fund attributable to each unit class and is currently 0.55% in respect of Income and Accumulation units and 0% in respect of CFB Income units. Consequently, the level of net revenue attributable to each unit class will differ. Should it be necessary to wind-up the Sub-fund, each unit class will have the same rights as regards to the distribution of the property of the Sub-fund.
17
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
15. Portfolio transaction costs
For the year ended 31 October 2020
| 15. Portfolio transaction costs For the year ended 31 October 2020 |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | ||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | ||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | |
| Analysis of total purchases costs | ||||||||
| Equity transactions | 274,721 | 15 | 0.01 | - | - | - | - | 274,736 |
| Pooled investment vehicles | 9,741 | 3 | 0.03 | - | - | - | - | 9,744 |
| Total | 284,462 | 18 | - | - | 284,480 | |||
| Other | ||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | ||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | |
| Analysis of total sales costs | ||||||||
| Equity transactions | 67,141 | (21) | (0.03) | - | - | - | - | 67,120 |
| Pooled investment vehicles | 8,965 | (4) | (0.04) | - | - | - | - | 8,961 |
| Total | 76,106 | (25) | - | - | 76,081 |
| Commissions, taxes and other expenses as a percentage of average net assets: | |
|---|---|
| Commissions | 0.02% |
| Taxes | 0.00% |
| Other expenses | 0.00% |
For the period ended 31 October 2019
| For the period ended 31 October 2019 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | ||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | ||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | |
| Analysis of total purchases costs | ||||||||
| Equity transactions | 199,105 | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | 199,109 |
| Pooled investment vehicles | 6,272 | 1 | 0.02 | - | - | - | - | 6,273 |
| Total | 205,377 | 5 | - | - | 205,382 | |||
| Other | ||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | ||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | |
| Analysis of total sales costs | ||||||||
| Equity transactions | 18,108 | (7) | (0.04) | - | - | - | - | 18,101 |
| Pooled investment vehicles | 3,726 | (2) | (0.05) | - | - | - | - | 3,724 |
| Total | 21,834 | (9) | - | - | 21,825 |
| Commissions, taxes and other expenses as a percentage of average net assets: | |
|---|---|
| Commissions | 0.01% |
| Taxes | 0.00% |
| Other expenses | 0.00% |
Portfolio transaction costs are incurred by the Sub-fund when buying and selling underlying investments. These costs vary depending on the class of investment, country of exchange and method of execution.
These costs can be classified as either direct or indirect transaction costs:
Direct transaction costs: Broker commissions, fees and taxes.
Indirect transaction costs: "Dealing spread" - the difference between buying and selling prices of the underlying investments.
At the balance sheet date the portfolio dealing spread was 0.40% (31.10.19: 0.35%) being the difference between the respective bid and offer prices for the Sub-fund's investments.
18
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
16. Sensitivity analysis
Interest rate risk sensitivity
As the majority of the Sub-fund's financial assets are non-interest bearing, the Sub-fund is only subject to limited exposure to fair value interest rate risk due to fluctuations in levels of market interest rates and therefore, no sensitivity analysis has been provided.
Foreign currency risk sensitivity
A five percent increase in the value of the Sub-fund's foreign currency exposure would have the effect of increasing the return and net assets by £5,325 (31.10.19: £321,624). A five percent decrease would have an equal and opposite effect.
Price risk sensitivity
A five percent increase in the value of the Sub-fund's portfolio would have the effect of increasing the return and net assets by £17,504,023 (31.10.19: £9,254,432). A five percent decrease would have an equal and opposite effect.
17. Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities
The fair value of the Sub-fund's investments has been determined using the hierarchy below. This complies with the 'Amendments to FRS102 - Fair value hierarchy disclosures' issued by the Financial Reporting Council in March 2016.
The fair value of investments has been determined using the following hierarchy:
Level 1 The unadjusted quoted price in an active market for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.
-
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included above that are observable (i.e. developed using market data) for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
-
Level 3 Inputs that are unobservable (i.e. for which market data is unavailable) for the asset or liability.
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 | For the year ended 31 October 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | Total |
| £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Equities | 347,303 | - | - | 347,303 |
| Pooled Investment Vehicles 2,777 | - | - | 2,777 | |
| 350,080 | - | - | 350,080 | |
| For the period ended 31 October 2019 | ||||
| Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | Total |
| £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Equities | 182,681 | - | - | 182,681 |
| Pooled Investment Vehicles 2,408 | - | - | 2,408 | |
| 185,089 | - | - | 185,089 |
19
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
Distribution tables
For the year ended 31 October 2020
First interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 November 2019 Group 2: units purchased 1 November 2019 to 31 January 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 13Mar | 15Mar* | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.72 | - | 0.72 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.11 | 0.61 | 0.72 | n/a |
| Accumulation units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.73 | - | 0.73 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.73 | 0.00 | 0.73 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.96 | - | 0.96 | n/a |
| Group2 | 0.83 | 0.13 | 0.96 | n/a |
Second interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 February 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 February 2020 to 30 April 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Jun | 15Jun* | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 1.13 | - | 1.13 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.06 | 1.07 | 1.13 | n/a |
| Accumulation units | ||||
| Group 1 | 1.14 | - | 1.14 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.00 | 1.14 | 1.14 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 1.32 | - | 1.32 | n/a |
| Group2 | 0.00 | 1.32 | 1.32 | n/a |
- The Sub-fund launched on 30 April 2019.
20
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
Distribution tables
Third interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 May 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 May 2020 to 31 July 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Sep | 13Sep | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.64 | - | 0.64 | 1.14 |
| Group 2 | 0.01 | 0.63 | 0.64 | 1.14 |
| Accumulation units** | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.65 | - | 0.65 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.16 | 0.49 | 0.65 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.83 | - | 0.83 | 1.11 |
| Group2 | 0.83 | 0.00 | 0.83 | 1.11 |
Final distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 August 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 August 2020 to 31 October 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Dec | 13Dec | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.74 | - | 0.74 | 1.68 |
| Group 2 | 0.05 | 0.69 | 0.74 | 1.68 |
| Accumulation units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.77 | - | 0.77 | 1.68 |
| Group 2 | 0.77 | 0.00 | 0.77 | 1.68 |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.94 | - | 0.94 | 1.90 |
| Group2 | 0.06 | 0.88 | 0.94 | 1.90 |
** The Accumulation units launched on 2 August 2019.
Equalisation
This applies only to units purchased during the distribution period (Group 2 units). It is the average revenue included in the purchase price of all Group 2 units and is refunded to the holders of these units as a return of capital. Being capital it is not liable to income tax but must be deducted from the cost of the units for capital gains tax purposes.
21
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Statement of total return
| Statement of total return | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 | |||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19* | ||
| Note | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Income: net capitalgains | 2 | 4,633 | 3,060 |
| Income: revenue | 3 | 1,099 | 523 |
| Expenses | 4 | (172) | (70) |
| Interest on bank overdrafts | (2) | - | |
| Taxation | 5 | (108) | (42) |
| Net revenue after taxation | 817 | 411 | |
| Total return before distributions | 5,450 | 3,471 | |
| Distributions | 6 | (817) | (406) |
| Change in net assets attributable to unitholders from investment activities | 4,633 | 3,065 |
Statement of change in net assets attributable to unitholders
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19* | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| Opening net assets attributable to unitholders | 62,097 | - |
| Amounts receivable on issue of units | 6,254 | 21,865 |
| Amounts receivable on in-specie transfer** | - | 48,866 |
| Amountspayable on cancellation of units | (9,389) | (11,699) |
| 58,962 | 59,032 | |
| Dilution adjustment | 23 | - |
| Change in net assets attributable to unitholders from investment activities | 4,633 | 3,065 |
| Closingnet assets attributable to unitholders | 63,618 | 62,097 |
- For the period 30 April 2019 to 31 October 2019.
** Represents the value of units created by in-specie transfer of assets during the period.
Balance sheet
| Balance sheet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| As at 31 October 2020 | |||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | ||
| Note | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Assets | |||
| Investments | 62,603 | 61,347 | |
| Current assets: | |||
| Debtors | 7 | 247 | 86 |
| Cash and bank balances | 8 | 978 | 946 |
| Total assets | 63,828 | 62,379 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| Creditors: | |||
| Distributions payable | (166) | (236) | |
| Other creditors | 9 | (44) | (46) |
| Total liabilities | (210) | (282) | |
| Net assets attributable to unitholders | 63,618 | 62,097 | |
| Balance sheet approved and signed on behalf of the Manager by: |
David Palmer, Director Marina Phillips, Secretary 24 December 2020 24 December 2020
22
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | ||
|---|---|---|
| Income units | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 103.62 | 100.00 |
| Return before operating charges* | 9.30 | 4.52 |
| Operatingcharges | (0.86) | (0.44) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | 8.44 | 4.08 |
| Distributions on income units | (0.85) | (0.46) |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 111.21 | 103.62 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| Performance | ||
| Return after charges | 8.15% | 4.08% |
| Other information | ||
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 14,280 | 9,402 |
| Closing number of units | 12,840,556 | 9,072,688 |
| Operating charges | 0.80% | 0.80% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.02% | 0.02% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | ||
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 119.26 | 109.04 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 85.88 | 95.89 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The Income units launched on 30 April 2019.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
23
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Comparative table
Accumulation units
| Accumulation units | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 103.87 | 107.26 |
| Return before operating charges* | 9.37 | (3.17) |
| Operatingcharges | (0.86) | (0.22) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | 8.51 | (3.39) |
| Distributions on accumulation units | (0.86) | (0.25) |
| Retained distributions on accumulation units | 0.86 | 0.25 |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 112.38 | 103.87 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| Performance | ||
| Return after charges | 8.19% | (3.16%) |
| Other information | ||
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 44 | 7 |
| Closing number of units | 38,984 | 6,862 |
| Operating charges | 0.80% | 0.80% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.02% | 0.02% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | ||
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 120.35 | 107.22 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 86.18 | 102.27 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The Accumulation units launched on 2 August 2019.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
24
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | ||
|---|---|---|
| CFB Income units | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 103.60 | 99.42 |
| Return before operating charges* | 9.33 | 5.05 |
| Operatingcharges | (0.16) | (0.07) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | 9.17 | 4.98 |
| Distributions on income units | (1.58) | (0.80) |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 111.19 | 103.60 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| Performance | ||
| Return after charges | 8.85% | 5.01% |
| Other information | ||
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 49,294 | 52,688 |
| Closing number of units | 44,333,804 | 50,856,756 |
| Operating charges | 0.15% | 0.12% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.02% | 0.02% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | ||
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 119.39 | 109.18 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 85.93 | 97.13 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The CFB Income units launched on 17 May 2019.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
25
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Portfolio of investments
| Portfolio of investments | |
|---|---|
| As at 31 October 2020 Market Total net value assets Holding £'000s % United Kingdom (31.10.19 - 3.94%) 2.40 Basic Materials BHP Group 5,770 86 0.13 Rio Tinto 2,720 118 0.19 Consumer Goods Reckitt Benckiser 1,740 118 0.19 Unilever 2,690 118 0.19 Consumer Services RELX 5,250 80 0.13 Financials HSBC Holdings 50,110 163 0.26 Prudential 7,180 68 0.10 Healthcare AstraZeneca 3,390 263 0.41 GlaxoSmithKline 12,660 164 0.26 Oil & Gas Royal Dutch Shell ‘A’ 10,420 101 0.16 Royal Dutch Shell ‘B’ 9,700 90 0.14 Telecommunications Vodafone Group 74,070 76 0.12 Utilities National Grid 8,620 79 0.12 Australia (31.10.19 - 1.74%) 1.35 Basic Materials BHP Billiton 8,180 150 0.23 Financials Australia & New Zealand Banking Group 8,670 89 0.14 Commonwealth Bank of Australia 4,920 184 0.29 National Australia Bank 8,000 81 0.13 Westpac Banking 10,670 104 0.16 Healthcare CSL 1,260 197 0.31 Industrials Transurban Group 7,520 55 0.09 |
|
| Market Total net value assets Holding £'000s % |
|
| Canada (31.10.19 - 1.09%) 0.88 Financials Bank of Montreal 960 44 0.07 Bank of Nova Scotia 1,840 59 0.09 Brookfeld Asset 2,340 54 0.09 Royal Bank of Canada 2,170 117 0.18 Toronto Dominion Bank 2,740 93 0.15 Industrials Canadian National Railway 1,100 84 0.13 Technology Shopify ‘A’ 150 107 0.17 Denmark (31.10.19 - 0.29%) 0.33 Healthcare Novo Nordisk ‘B’ 4,260 213 0.33 Finland (31.10.19 - 1.26%) 1.25 Industrials Detection Technology Oy 44,850 796 1.25 France (31.10.19 - 3.25%) 2.62 Basic Materials Air Liquide 1,147 130 0.20 Consumer Goods L’Oreal 600 150 0.24 Consumer Services Kering 200 93 0.15 Financials BNP Paribas 2,680 72 0.11 Healthcare Sanof 2,810 196 0.31 Industrials Vinci 1,290 79 0.12 Technology Infotel Sa 29,148 948 1.49 Germany (31.10.19 - 2.09%) 1.53 Basic Materials BASF 2,270 96 0.15 Bayer 2,310 84 0.13 |
26
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Portfolio of investments
| Portfolio of investments | |
|---|---|
| Consumer Goods Adidas 520 120 0.19 Financials Allianz 1,090 149 0.23 Industrials Siemens 1,960 178 0.28 Technology SAP 3,070 253 0.40 Telecommunications Deutsche Telekom 7,990 94 0.15 Hong Kong (31.10.19 - 0.63%) 0.59 Financials AIA Group 33,560 244 0.39 Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing 3,490 129 0.20 Ireland (31.10.19 - 13.01%) 12.47 Basic Materials Linde 810 138 0.22 Industrials Accenture 6,680 1,121 1.76 Allegion 10,450 796 1.25 Healthcare Medtronic 2,030 158 0.25 Financials AON 350 50 0.08 iShares MSCI EM SRI UCITS ETF 309,387 1,644 2.58 iShares MSCI World ESG Enhanced UCITS ETF 110,000 482 0.76 Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF 4,250 298 0.47 Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets UCITS ETF 70,500 3,244 5.10 Italy (31.10.19 - 0.21%) 0.18 Utilities Enel 19,230 118 0.18 Japan (31.10.19 - 7.42%) 6.61 Basic Materials Shin-Etsu Chemical 1,600 164 0.26 As at 31 October 2020 Market Total net value assets Holding £'000s % |
|
| Market Total net value assets Holding £'000s % |
|
| Consumer Goods Honda Motor 7,000 126 0.20 Kao 1,900 104 0.16 Nintendo 400 169 0.27 Sony 4,700 301 0.47 Toyota Motor 9,400 473 0.74 Financials Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group 50,400 153 0.24 Sumitomo Mitsui Financial 5,200 111 0.17 Healthcare Daiichi Sankyo 7,800 159 0.25 Takeda Pharmaceutical 6,100 146 0.23 Industrials Daikin Industries 1,100 158 0.25 Fanuc 800 130 0.20 Hoya 14,000 1,222 1.92 Keyence 700 245 0.39 Nidec 1,700 132 0.21 Recruit Holdings 4,900 144 0.23 Telecommunications Softbank 5,300 266 0.42 Luxembourg (31.10.19 - 5.93%) 2.86 Financials UBS MSCI Emerging Markets Socially Responsible UCITS ETF 180,000 1,819 2.86 Netherlands (31.10.19 - 0.77%) 0.99 Consumer Goods Unilever 3,740 164 0.26 Healthcare Koninklijke Philips 2,370 85 0.13 Technology Adyen 70 91 0.14 ASML Holding 1,040 292 0.46 Norway (31.10.19 - 1.32%) 1.16 Consumer Goods Salmar 18,932 739 1.16 Singapore (31.10.19 - 0.26%) 0.18 Financials DBS Group 4,990 58 0.09 Overseas-Chinese Banking 11,290 54 0.09 |
27
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Portfolio of investments
| As at 31 October 2020 Market Total net value assets Holding £'000s % Spain (31.10.19 - 1.66%) 0.23 Utilities Iberdrola 15,853 145 0.23 Sweden (31.10.19 - 2.18%) 2.52 Healthcare BioGaia 20,469 752 1.18 Industrials Troax Group 68,103 854 1.34 Switzerland (31.10.19 - 6.69%) 6.63 Basic Materials Sika 4,790 912 1.43 Consumer Goods Nestle ‘R’ 7,650 665 1.04 Financials Chubb 750 75 0.12 Partners Group 1,154 805 1.27 Zurich Insurance Group 380 97 0.15 Healthcare Lonza 200 94 0.15 Novartis ‘R’ 5,900 356 0.56 Roche Holding 1,920 477 0.75 Industrials VAT Group 5,085 736 1.16 United States (31.10.19 - 45.05%) 53.62 Basic Materials Air Products & Chemicals 330 70 0.11 Ecolab 380 54 0.08 Ingevity 18,660 792 1.25 Consumer Goods Activision Blizzard 1,130 66 0.10 Coca-Cola 5,760 214 0.34 Colgate-Palmolive 1,270 78 0.12 Estée Lauder A 320 54 0.09 Fox Factory Holding 12,200 793 1.25 Kimberly-Clark 520 53 0.08 Mondelez International 2,340 96 0.15 Nike ‘B’ 1,790 166 0.26 PepsiCo 2,120 219 0.34 Procter & Gamble 3,730 395 0.62 Tesla Motors 1,000 300 0.47 |
|
|---|---|
| Market Total net value assets Holding £'000s % |
|
| Consumer Services Amazon.com 600 1,409 2.22 Charter Communications ‘A’ 260 121 0.19 Comcast 6,810 223 0.35 Costco Wholesale 660 183 0.29 CVS Health 1,960 85 0.13 Dollar General 360 58 0.09 Home Depot 6,045 1,247 1.96 Lowe’s Companies 1,290 158 0.25 McDonald’s 1,130 186 0.29 MercadoLibre 70 66 0.10 NetFlix 640 235 0.37 PayPal Holdings 1,770 255 0.40 Ross Stores 10,785 710 1.12 Starbucks 1,770 119 0.19 Target 820 97 0.15 TJX 2,000 79 0.12 Wal-Mart Stores 2,120 228 0.36 Walt Disney 2,640 247 0.39 Financials American Express 1,010 71 0.11 American Tower 720 128 0.20 Bank of America 12,250 225 0.35 Berkshire Hathaway ‘B’ 2,000 313 0.49 BlackRock 180 83 0.13 Chicago Mercantile Exchange 540 63 0.10 Citigroup 3,280 105 0.17 Crown Castle Real Estate Investment Trust 620 75 0.12 Equinix Real Estate Investment Trust 150 85 0.13 Goldman Sachs Group 530 78 0.12 Intercontinental Exchange 830 61 0.10 JP Morgan Chase & Co 4,690 355 0.56 Marsh & McLennan 760 61 0.10 Mastercard 5,040 1,126 1.77 Morgan Stanley 1,960 73 0.11 PNC Financial Services 660 57 0.09 Progressive 860 61 0.10 Prologis 950 73 0.11 S&P Global 3,830 956 1.50 Schwab (Charles) 1,740 55 0.09 SEI Investments 23,820 906 1.42 Square A 520 62 0.10 Truist Financial 2,210 72 0.11 US Bancorp 2,360 71 0.11 Visa 2,590 364 0.57 Wells Fargo 5,730 95 0.15 |
28
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Portfolio of investments
| Healthcare Abbott Laboratories 2,600 211 0.33 AbbVie 2,654 175 0.28 Amgen 900 151 0.24 Anthem 380 80 0.13 Becton Dickinson 400 71 0.11 Biogen Idec 270 53 0.08 Boston Scientifc 2,100 56 0.09 Bristol Myers Squibb 3,540 160 0.25 Cigna 550 71 0.11 Edwards Lifesciences 1,020 57 0.09 Eli Lilly 1,280 129 0.20 Gilead Sciences 2,100 95 0.15 Humana 200 62 0.10 Illumina 270 61 0.10 Intuitive Surgical 170 88 0.14 Johnson & Johnson 4,000 424 0.67 Merck & Co 3,840 223 0.35 Pfzer 8,390 230 0.36 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals 120 50 0.08 Stryker 520 81 0.13 Thermo Fisher Scientifc 600 220 0.35 Vertex Pharmaceuticals 390 63 0.10 Zoetis 720 88 0.14 Industrials 3M Co 920 114 0.18 Automatic Data Processing 9,290 1,135 1.78 Caterpillar 900 109 0.17 CSX 1,130 69 0.11 Danaher 930 165 0.26 Deere & Company 480 84 0.13 FedEx 350 70 0.11 Fidelity National Information 920 89 0.14 Fiserv 930 69 0.11 General Electric 13,100 75 0.12 Global Payments 490 60 0.09 Graco 19,890 952 1.50 Mettler-Toledo International 1,500 1,158 1.82 Norfolk Southern 390 63 0.10 Sherwin-Williams 120 64 0.10 Toro 15,870 1,009 1.59 Union Pacifc 1,050 144 0.23 United Parcel Services 1,060 129 0.20 Waste Management 640 53 0.08 Zebra Technologies A 4,240 930 1.46 As at 31 October 2020 Market Total net value assets Holding £'000s % |
|
|---|---|
| Market Total net value assets Holding £'000s % |
|
| Technology Adobe Systems 740 256 0.40 Advanced Micro Devices 1,570 91 0.14 Alphabet ‘A’ 450 562 0.88 Alphabet ‘C’ 450 564 0.89 Apple 22,930 1,931 3.04 Applied Materials 1,550 71 0.11 Autodesk 320 58 0.09 Booking 70 88 0.14 Broadcom 590 160 0.25 Cisco Systems 6,480 180 0.28 3,420 697 1.10 Intel 6,590 226 0.36 International Business Machines 1,330 115 0.18 Intuit 370 90 0.14 Lam Research 210 56 0.09 Micron Technology 1,820 71 0.11 Microsoft 10,650 1,668 2.62 Nvidia 890 346 0.54 Oracle 3,100 134 0.21 Qualcomm 1,740 166 0.26 Salesforce.com 1,340 241 0.38 ServiceNow 280 108 0.17 Texas Instruments 10,520 1,177 1.85 Zoom Video Communications ‘A’ 240 86 0.13 Telecommunications AT&T 10,990 230 0.36 T-Mobile 770 65 0.10 Verizon Communications 6,210 274 0.43 Utilities Exelon 1,780 55 0.09 NextEra Energy 3,160 179 0.28 |
|
| Portfolio of investments 62,603 98.40 Net other assets 1,015 1.60 |
|
| Net assets 63,618 100.00 |
|
| Unless otherwise stated, all investments are approved securities being either ofcially listed in a member state or traded on or under the rules of an eligible securities market. |
29
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Summary of material portfolio changes
| Summary of material portfolio changes | |
|---|---|
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 Cost £'000s Purchases Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF 2,257 Ingevity Corporation 1,053 Zebra Technologies 'A' 988 Automatic Data Processing 947 S&P Global 900 Accenture 862 Mettler Toledo International 829 iShares MSCI World ESG Enhance ETF 496 SEI 367 Biogaia 329 9,028 Otherpurchases 4,577 Totalpurchases 13,605 |
|
| Proceeds £'000s |
|
| Sales Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF 3,449 UBS ETF 2,248 Fox Factory Holding 708 Vanguard FTSE Developed Asia ETF 676 Choice Hotels International 669 Amadeus 581 Kose 544 BioGaia 422 Apple 418 UnitedHealth Group 379 |
|
| 10,094 Other sales 6,958 |
|
| Total sales 17,052 |
30
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
1 Accounting policies
(a) Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of investments and in compliance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS102) and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for financial statements of Authorised Funds issued by The Investment Association in May 2014 (and amended in June 2017), the Charities Act 2011 and the relevant scheme of Charity Commissioners.
Unless otherwise stated all accounting policies are consistent with those of the prior year.
Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The Manager does not consider that there were any significant areas of estimation uncertainty or application of critical judgements.
(b) Basis of valuation
The quoted investments of the Sub-fund have been valued at bid dealing prices as at close of business on 30 October 2020, the last valuation point in the accounting year, in accordance with the Trust Deed.
(c) Recognition of income
Dividends on ordinary stocks and distributions are credited to revenue when the securities are quoted ex-dividend. Interest on bank deposits are accounted for on a receipts basis.
In the case where revenue is received after the deduction of withholding tax, the revenue is shown gross of taxation and the tax consequences are shown within the tax charge.
(d) Stock dividends
The ordinary element of stock received in lieu of cash dividends is recognised as revenue of the Sub-fund. Any enhancement above the cash dividend is treated as capital.
(e) Special dividends, share buy-back or additional share issue
The underlying circumstances behind a special dividend, share buyback or additional share issue are reviewed on a case by case basis in determining whether the amount is revenue or capital in nature. Amounts recognised as revenue form part of the distribution.
(f) Expenses
Expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenses of the Subfund are charged against revenue, except for the costs associated with the purchase and sale of investments, which are charged to capital.
(g) Distribution policy
Revenue produced by the Sub-fund's investments accumulates during each accounting period. If, at the end of each accounting period, revenue exceeds expenses, the net revenue of the Sub-fund is available to be distributed/accumulated to unitholders.
(h) Foreign exchange
Transactions in foreign currencies during the year are translated into sterling (the functional currency of the Sub-fund), at the rates of exchange ruling on the transaction date. Amounts held in foreign currencies have been translated at the rate of exchange ruling at close of business, 30 October 2020, the last valuation point in the accounting year.
(i) Apportionment to multiple unit classes
of the Sub-fund's assets attributable to each unit class on the day the revenue is earned or the expense is suffered. The Manager's periodic charge is specific to each unit class. Consequently, the revenue available to distribute for each unit class will differ.
2. Net gains on investments
The net capital gains during the year/period comprise:
| 30.04.19 to | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| Unrealised gains on non-derivative securities | 4,601 | 2,940 |
| Realised gains on non-derivative securities | 84 | 140 |
| Unrealised currency losses | (32) | (14) |
| Realised currency losses | (17) | (6) |
| Capital special dividends | 1 | - |
| Transaction charges | (4) | - |
| Netgains on investments | 4,633 | 3,060 |
3. Revenue
| 3. Revenue |
||
|---|---|---|
| 30.04.19 to | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| UK dividends | 73 | 41 |
| Overseas dividends | 1.022 | 480 |
| Bank interest | 4 | 2 |
| Total revenue | 1,099 | 523 |
4. Expenses
| 4. Expenses |
||
|---|---|---|
| 30.04.19 to | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| Payable to the Manager or associates of the Manager and agents of | ||
| either of them: | ||
| Manager's periodic charge | 82 | 29 |
| Registration fees | 16 | 5 |
| 98 | 34 |
|
| Payable to the Corporate Trustee or associates of the Trustee and | ||
| agents of either of them: | ||
| Corporate Trustee's fees | 45 | 20 |
| Safe custodyfees | 6 | 2 |
| 51 | 22 |
|
| Auditor's fee | 8 | 3 |
| Other expenses | 15 | 11 |
| 23 | 14 | |
| Total expenses | 172 | 70 |
5. Taxation
The Sub-fund has charitable status and is exempt from UK Income and Capital Gains Tax pursuant to Part 11 Chapter 3 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. Distributions are paid and reinvested revenue credited gross to unitholders on the basis that all recoverable UK taxation has been reclaimed. Overseas withholding tax is deducted in full from overseas revenue. Recoverable withholding tax is credited to revenue.
| 30.04.19 to | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| Taxation | 108 | 42 |
With the exception of the Manager's periodic charge, the allocation of revenue and expenses to each unit class is based upon the proportion
31
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
6. Distributions
Distributions take account of income received on creation of units and income deducted on the cancellation of units, and comprise:
| 30.04.19 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | to 31.10.19 | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| 31 January | 158 | - |
| 30 April | 247 | - |
| 31 July | 247 | 214 |
| 31 October | 166 | 236 |
| 818 | 450 | |
| Income deducted on cancellation of units | 7 | 16 |
| Income received on creation of units | (8) | (60) |
| Net distribution for theyear/period | 817 | 406 |
| Net revenue after taxation | 817 | 411 |
| Movement of undistributed revenue | - | (5) |
| Net distribution for theyear/period | 817 | 406 |
| 7. Debtors |
||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| Amounts receivable for creation of units | 151 | - |
| Accrued income | 69 | 84 |
| Overseas tax recoverable | 27 | 2 |
| Total debtors | 247 | 86 |
11. Financial instruments
In accordance with the investment objective, the Sub-fund holds certain financial instruments. These comprise:
-
securities held in accordance with the investment objective and policies;
-
cash and short term debtors and creditors arising directly from operations.
The main risks arising from the Sub-fund’s financial instruments and the Manager’s policies for managing these risks are summarised below. These policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and the comparative period.
Market price risk
Market price risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future prices of financial instruments held. It represents the potential loss the Subfund might suffer through holding market positions in the face of price movements. The Sub-fund's investment portfolio is exposed to market fluctuations which are monitored by the Manager in pursuit of the investment objectives and policies. Adherence to investment guidelines and to investment and borrowing powers set out in the Trust Deed, the Prospectus and in the Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook ("the Sourcebook") mitigates the risk of excessive exposure to any particular type of security or issuer.
Counterparty risk
The Sub-fund’s transactions in securities expose it to the risk that the counterparty will not deliver the investment for a purchase or the cash for a sale. To minimise this, the Sub-fund only deals with an approved list of brokers maintained by the Manager.
8. Cash and bank balances
| 8. Cash and bank balances |
||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| Afrmative Deposit Fund for Charities | 158 | 370 |
| Cash at bank | 820 | 576 |
| Total cash and bank balances | 978 | 946 |
| 9. Other creditors |
||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| Accrued expenses | 44 | 46 |
| Total other creditors | 44 | 46 |
Liquidity risk
The Sub-fund's assets are comprised of mainly readily realisable securities. If insufficient cash is available to finance unitholder redemptions then securities held by the Sub-fund may need to be sold. The risk of low market liquidity, through reduced trading volumes, may affect the ability of the Sub-fund to trade financial instruments at values previously indicated by financial brokers. From time to time, liquidity may also be affected by stock specific or economic events. The Manager has a Liquidity Management Policy designed to monitor the liquidity risk of the Sub-fund and ensure that its investment strategy and liquidity profile allows the Sub-fund to meet its daily redemption obligations.
Foreign currency risk
10. Reconciliation of units
| CFB | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Income | Accum | Income | |
| units | units | units | |
| Opening number of units | |||
| at beginning of year 01.11.19 | 9,072,688 | 6,862 | 50,856,756 |
| Units issued in year | 5,787,059 | 32,122 | 246,611 |
| Units cancelled inyear | (2,019,191) | - | (6,769,563) |
| Closing number of units | |||
| at end ofyear31.10.20 | 12,840,556 | 38,984 | 44,333,804 |
Foreign currency risk is the risk that the value of the Sub-fund's investment holdings will fluctuate as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
32
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
The total currency exposure at the year/period end:
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non- | Non- | |||||
| Monetary | monetary | Monetary | monetary | |||
| exposures | exposures | Total | exposures | exposures | Total | |
| Currency | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s |
| Sterling | 102 | 9,011 | 9,113 | 93 | 12,827 | 12,920 |
| Australian Dollar | 38 | 859 | 897 | 43 | 1,084 | 1,127 |
| Canadian Dollar | 65 | 558 | 623 | 17 | 677 | 694 |
| Danish Krona | 24 | 213 | 237 | 19 | 180 | 199 |
| Euro | 172 | 4,333 | 4,505 | 94 | 5,740 | 5,834 |
| Hong Kong Dollar | 13 | 373 | 386 | 41 | 387 | 428 |
| Japanese Yen | 82 | 4,204 | 4,286 | 45 | 4,605 | 4,650 |
| Norwegian Kroner | 81 | 739 | 820 | 2 | 817 | 819 |
| Singapore Dollar | 26 | 111 | 137 | 4 | 161 | 165 |
| Swedish Krona | 128 | 1,607 | 1,735 | 25 | 1,353 | 1,378 |
| Swiss Franc | 44 | 4,143 | 4,187 | 4 | 4,068 | 4,072 |
| US Dollar | 240 | 36,452 | 36,692 | 363 | 29,448 | 29,811 |
| Total | 1,015 | 62,603 | 63,618 | 750 | 61,347 | 62,097 |
Interest rate risk
The majority of the Sub-fund's financial assets are equity shares and other investments which neither pay interest nor have a maturity date.
At the year end 1.54% (31.10.19: 1.52%) of the Sub-fund's assets by value were interest bearing.
Interest receivable on bank deposits or payable on bank overdraft positions will be affected by fluctuations in interest rates.
12. Commitments and contingent liabilities
There were no commitments or contingent liabilities as at 31 October 2020 (31.10.19: none).
14. Related party transactions
The Manager’s periodic charge is paid to Epworth Investment Management Limited, a related party to the Sub-fund. The amounts paid in respect of the Manager's periodic charge are disclosed in note 4. The amount outstanding as at 31 October 2020 was £24,812 (31.10.19: £9,886).
In addition, the Sub-fund placed deposits during the year with the Affirmative Deposit Fund for Charities, a fund managed by Epworth Investment Management Limited. All charges levied for the management of these deposits have been refunded to the Sub-fund by Epworth. There were no other related party transactions during the year.
13. Unitholders' funds
There are three unit classes in issue within the Sub-fund. These are Income, Accumulation and CFB Income units. The Manager's periodic charge in respect of these units is expressed as an annual percentage of the value of the property of the Sub-fund attributable to each unit class and is currently 0.65% in respect of Income and Accumulation units and 0% in respect of CFB Income units. Consequently, the level of net revenue attributable to each unit class will differ. Should it be necessary to wind-up the Sub-fund, each unit class will have the same rights as regards to the distribution of the property of the Sub-fund.
33
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
15. Portfolio transaction costs
For the year ended 31 October 2020
| 15. Portfolio transaction costs For the year ended 31 October 2020 |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | ||
| Analysis of total purchases costs | |||||||||
| Equity transactions | 10,602 | 5 | 0.05 | - | - | - | - | 10,607 | |
| Pooled investment vehicles | 2,990 | 1 | 0.03 | - | - | - | - | 2,991 | |
| Corporate actions | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | |
| Total | 13,599 | 6 | - | - | 13,605 | ||||
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | ||
| Analysis of total sales costs | |||||||||
| Equity transactions | 10,510 | (5) | (0.05) | - | - | - | - | 10,505 | |
| Pooled investment vehicles | 6,451 | (2) | (0.03) | - | - | - | - | 6,449 | |
| Corporate actions | 98 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 98 | |
| Total | 17,059 | (7) | - | - | 17,052 | ||||
| Commissions, taxes and other expenses as a percentage of average net | assets: | ||||||||
| Commissions | 0.02% | ||||||||
| Taxes | 0.00% | ||||||||
| Other expenses | 0.00% |
For the period ended 31 October 2019
| For the period ended 31 October 2019 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % |
£'000s | ||
| Analysis of total purchases costs | |||||||||
| Equity transactions | 17,138 | 6 | 0.04 | - | - | 1 | 0.01 |
17,145 | |
| Pooled investment vehicles | 4,360 | 2 | 0.05 | - | - | - | - |
4,362 | |
| In-specie transactions | 47,947 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
47,947 | |
| Total | 69,445 | 8 | - | 1 | 69,454 | ||||
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % |
£'000s | ||
| Analysis of total sales costs | |||||||||
| Equity transactions | 4,162 | (2) | (0.05) | - | - | - | - |
4,160 | |
| Pooled investment vehicles | 7,029 | (2) | (0.03) | - | - | - | - |
7,027 | |
| Total | 11,191 | (4) | - | - | 11,187 |
Commissions, taxes and other expenses as a percentage of average net assets:
| Commissions, taxes and other expenses as a percentage of average net assets: | |
|---|---|
| Commissions | 0.02% |
| Taxes | 0.00% |
| Other expenses | 0.00% |
Portfolio transaction costs are incurred by the Sub-fund when buying and selling underlying investments. These costs vary depending on the class of investment, country of exchange and method of execution.
These costs can be classified as either direct or indirect transaction costs:
Direct transaction costs: Broker commissions, fees and taxes.
Indirect transaction costs: "Dealing spread" - the difference between buying and selling prices of the underlying investments.
At the balance sheet date the portfolio dealing spread was 0.15% (31.10.19: 0.13%) being the difference between the respective bid and offer prices for the Sub-fund's investments.
34
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
16. Sensitivity analysis
Interest rate risk sensitivity
As the majority of the Sub-fund's financial assets are non-interest bearing, the Sub-fund is only subject to limited exposure to fair value interest rate risk due to fluctuations in levels of market interest rates and therefore, no sensitivity analysis has been provided.
Foreign currency risk sensitivity
A five percent increase in the value of the Sub-fund's foreign currency exposure would have the effect of increasing the return and net assets by £2,725,281 (31.10.19: £2,458,846). A five percent decrease would have an equal and opposite effect.
Price risk sensitivity
A five percent increase in the value of the Sub-fund's portfolio would have the effect of increasing the return and net assets by £3,130,142 (31.10.19: £3,067,329). A five percent decrease would have an equal and opposite effect.
17. Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities
The fair value of the Sub-fund's investments has been determined using the hierarchy below. This complies with the 'Amendments to FRS102 - Fair value hierarchy disclosures' issued by the Financial Reporting Council in March 2016.
The fair value of investments has been determined using the following hierarchy:
Level 1 The unadjusted quoted price in an active market for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included above that are observable (i.e. developed using market data) for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 Inputs that are unobservable (i.e. for which market data is unavailable) for the asset or liability.
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 | For the year ended 31 October 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | Total |
| £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Equities | 55,116 | - | - | 55,116 |
| Pooled Investment Vehicles7,487 | - | - | 7,487 | |
| 62,603 | - | - | 62,603 | |
| For the period ended 31 October 2019 | ||||
| Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | Total |
| £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Equities | 50,903 | - | - | 50,903 |
| Pooled Investment Vehicles 10,444 | - | - | 10,444 | |
| 61,347 | - | - | 61,347 |
35
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Distribution tables
For the year ended 31 October 2020
First interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 November 2019 Group 2: units purchased 1 November 2019 to 31 January 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 13Mar | 15Mar* | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.11 | - | 0.11 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.04 | 0.07 | 0.11 | n/a |
| Accumulation units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.11 | - | 0.11 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.11 | 0.00 | 0.11 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.32 | - | 0.32 | n/a |
| Group2 | 0.32 | 0.00 | 0.32 | n/a |
Second interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 February 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 February 2020 to 30 April 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Jun | 15Jun* | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.29 | - | 0.29 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.11 | 0.18 | 0.29 | n/a |
| Accumulation units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.30 | - | 0.30 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.19 | 0.11 | 0.30 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.46 | - | 0.46 | n/a |
| Group2 | 0.32 | 0.14 | 0.46 | n/a |
- The Sub-fund launched on 30 April 2019.
36
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
Distribution tables
Third interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 May 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 May 2020 to 31 July 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Sep | 13Sep | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.30 | - | 0.30 | 0.21 |
| Group 2 | 0.09 | 0.21 | 0.30 | 0.21 |
| Accumulation units** | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.29 | - | 0.29 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.04 | 0.25 | 0.29 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.47 | - | 0.47 | 0.38 |
| Group2 | 0.39 | 0.08 | 0.47 | 0.38 |
Final distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 August 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 August 2020 to 31 October 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit payable | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Dec | 13Dec | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.15 | - | 0.15 | 0.25 |
| Group 2 | 0.05 | 0.10 | 0.15 | 0.25 |
| Accumulation units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.16 | - | 0.16 | 0.25 |
| Group 2 | 0.16 | 0.00 | 0.16 | 0.25 |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.33 | - | 0.33 | 0.42 |
| Group2 | 0.33 | 0.00 | 0.33 | 0.42 |
** The Accumulation units launched on 2 August 2019.
Equalisation
This applies only to units purchased during the distribution period (Group 2 units). It is the average amount of revenue included in the purchase price of all Group 2 units and is refunded to the holders of these units as a return of capital. Being capital it is not liable to income tax but must be deducted from the cost of the units for capital gains tax purposes.
37
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Statement of total return
| Statement of total return | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 | |||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19* | ||
| Note | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Income: net capitalgains | 2 | 2,685 | 5,024 |
| Income: revenue | 3 | 2,178 | 1,234 |
| Expenses | 4 | (233) | (130) |
| Taxation | 5 | - | - |
| Net revenue after taxation | 1,945 | 1,104 | |
| Total return before distributions | 4,630 | 6,128 | |
| Distributions | 6 | (1,949) | (1,095) |
| Change in net assets attributable to unitholders from investment activities | 2,681 | 5,033 |
Statement of change in net assets attributable to unitholders
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19* | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| Opening net assets attributable to unitholders | 132,250 | - |
| Amounts receivable on issue of units | 20,815 | 12,999 |
| Amounts receivable on in-specie transfer** | - | 129,572 |
| Amountspayable on cancellation of units | (38,999) | (15,354) |
| 114,066 | 127,217 | |
| Dilution adjustment | 293 | - |
| Change in net assets attributable to unitholders from investment activities | 2,681 | 5,033 |
| Retained distributions on accumulation units | 2 | - |
| Closingnet assets attributable to unitholders | 117,042 | 132,250 |
- For the period 30 April 2019 to 31 October 2019. ** Represents the value of units created by in-specie transfer of assets during the period.
Balance sheet
| Balance sheet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| As at 31 October 2020 | |||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | ||
| Note | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Assets | |||
| Investments | 115,078 | 128,179 | |
| Current assets: | |||
| Debtors | 7 | 1,814 | 2,072 |
| Cash and bank balances | 8 | 4,947 | 2,618 |
| Total assets | 121,839 | 132,869 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| Creditors: | |||
| Distributions payable | (459) | (531) | |
| Other creditors | 9 | (4,338) | (88) |
| Total liabilities | (4,797) | (619) | |
| Net assets attributable to unitholders | 117,042 | 132,250 |
Balance sheet approved and signed on behalf of the Manager by:
David Palmer, Director Marina Phillips, Secretary 24 December 2020 24 December 2020
38
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | ||
|---|---|---|
| Income units | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 125.20 | 120.47 |
| Return before operating charges* | 4.99 | 5.87 |
| Operatingcharges | (0.61) | (0.30) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | 4.38 | 5.57 |
| Distributions on income units | (1.60) | (0.84) |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 127.98 | 125.20 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Performance | ||
| Return after charges | 3.50% | 4.62% |
| Other information | ||
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 18,648 | 21,563 |
| Closing number of units | 14,571,316 | 17,223,065 |
| Operating charges | 0.48% | 0.46% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | ||
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 131.35 | 127.81 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 117.50 | 119.96 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The Income units launched on 30 April 2019.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
39
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accumulation units | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 125.62 | 125.12 |
| Return before operating charges* | 5.01 | 0.65 |
| Operatingcharges | (0.62) | (0.15) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | 4.39 | 0.50 |
| Distributions on accumulation units | (1.60) | (0.42) |
| Retained distributions on accumulation units | 1.60 | 0.42 |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 130.01 | 125.62 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Performance | ||
| Return after charges | 3.49% | 0.40% |
| Other information | ||
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 136 | 141 |
| Closing number of units | 104,715 | 111,909 |
| Operating charges | 0.48% | 0.46% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | ||
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 132.78 | 127.81 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 118.27 | 124.09 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The Accumulation units launched on 2 August 2019.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
40
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | ||
|---|---|---|
| CFB Income units | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 125.21 | 120.47 |
| Return before operating charges* | 5.00 | 5.88 |
| Operatingcharges | (0.17) | (0.09) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | 4.83 | 5.79 |
| Distributions on income units | (2.04) | (1.05) |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 128.00 | 125.21 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Performance | ||
| Return after charges | 3.86% | 4.81% |
| Other information | ||
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 98,258 | 110,546 |
| Closing number of units | 76,763,686 | 88,288,181 |
| Operating charges | 0.13% | 0.11% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | ||
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 131.46 | 127.89 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 117.56 | 119.97 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The CFB Income units launched on 30 April 2019.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
41
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Portfolio of investments
| Portfolio of investments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| As at 31 October 2020 | |||
| Market value | Total net assets | ||
| Holding | £'000s | % | |
| Government Bonds (31.10.19 - 3.04%) | 3.53 | ||
| Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau 0.875% 15/09/2026 | £4,000,000 | 4,136 | 3.53 |
| Public Authorities (31.10.19 - 14.51%) | 13.99 | ||
| Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten 1% 17/06/2022 | £1,800,000 | 1,822 | 1.56 |
| Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten 5.2% 07/12/2028 | £1,900,000 | 2,582 | 2.21 |
| Deutsche Bahn Finance 3.125% 24/07/2026 | £3,000,000 | 3,427 | 2.93 |
| Nederlandse Waterschapsbk 5.375% 07/06/2032 | £2,000,000 | 3,005 | 2.57 |
| Temasek Financial 4.625% 26/07/2022 | £2,055,000 | 2,200 | 1.88 |
| Transport for London 4% 12/09/2033 | £2,000,000 | 2,642 | 2.26 |
| Transport for London 4% 07/04/2064 | £400,000 | 674 | 0.58 |
| Supranational Bonds (31.10.19 - 4.32%) | 4.84 | ||
| European Bank for Reconstruction 1.25% 15/12/2022 | £1,600,000 | 1,637 | 1.40 |
| European Investment Bank 3.75% 07/12/2027 | £250,000 | 310 | 0.26 |
| IBRD 4.875% 07/12/2028 | £2,000,000 | 2,691 | 2.30 |
| International Finance Corporation 1.25% 15/12/2023 | £1,000,000 | 1,035 | 0.88 |
| Corporate Bonds (31.10.19 - 75.05%) | 75.96 | ||
| Aegon 6.125% 15/12/2031 | £530,000 | 771 | 0.66 |
| Aegon 6.625% 16/12/2039 | £633,000 | 1,091 | 0.93 |
| Apple 3.05% 31/07/2029 | £3,300,000 | 3,963 | 3.39 |
| Astrazeneca 5.75% 13/11/2031 | £700,000 | 1,038 | 0.89 |
| Bank of Scotland 4.875% 20/12/2024 | £300,000 | 354 | 0.30 |
| Barclays Bank 4.25% 12/01/2022 | £500,000 | 524 | 0.45 |
| Cadent Finance 2.625% 22/09/2038 | £2,000,000 | 2,149 | 1.84 |
| Centrica 4.25% 12/09/2044 | £1,300,000 | 1,721 | 1.47 |
| Commonwealth Bank of Australia 3% 04/09/2026 | £3,000,000 | 3,399 | 2.90 |
| Cooperatieve Rabobank 4.55% 30/08/2029 | £350,000 | 456 | 0.39 |
| Deutsche Bahn 2.75% 20/06/2022 | £700,000 | 728 | 0.62 |
| East Japan Railway 4.5% 25/01/2036 | £300,000 | 428 | 0.37 |
| East Japan Railway 4.75% 08/12/2031 | £1,250,000 | 1,728 | 1.48 |
| East Japan Railway 4.875% 14/06/2034 | £400,000 | 577 | 0.49 |
| East Japan Railway 5.25% 22/04/2033 | £950,000 | 1,395 | 1.19 |
| Edinbugh Investment Trust 7.75% 30/09/2022 | £1,000,000 | 1,112 | 0.95 |
| Électricité de France 6.125% 02/06/2034 | £1,550,000 | 2,304 | 1.97 |
| Equinor 6.875% 11/03/2031 | £1,400,000 | 2,165 | 1.85 |
| GlaxoSmithKline 3.375% 20/12/2027 | £1,300,000 | 1,538 | 1.31 |
| GlaxoSmithKline 6.375% 09/03/2039 | £850,000 | 1,484 | 1.27 |
| HSBC Bank 5.75% 20/12/2027 | £885,000 | 1,086 | 0.93 |
| IBM Corporation 2.625% 05/08/2022 | £2,500,000 | 2,597 | 2.22 |
| Johnson & Johnson 5.5% 06/11/2024 | £1,000,000 | 1,203 | 1.03 |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co 3.5% 18/12/2026 | £350,000 | 408 | 0.35 |
| Land Securities Capital Markets 1.974% 08/02/2026 | £1,859,000 | 1,905 | 1.63 |
| Land Securities Capital Markets 2.375% 29/03/2029 | £1,000,000 | 1,058 | 0.90 |
| Legal & General Finance 5.875% 11/12/2031 | £250,000 | 363 | 0.31 |
| Legal & General Finance 5.875% 05/04/2033 | £530,000 | 783 | 0.67 |
| Lloyds Banking Group 4.875% 30/03/2027 | £2,300,000 | 2,914 | 2.49 |
| Lloyds Banking Group 5.125% 07/03/2025 | £1,000,000 | 1,201 | 1.03 |
| Lloyds Banking Group 6% 08/02/2029 | £1,000,000 | 1,417 | 1.21 |
| Mercantile Investment Trust 6.125% 25/02/2030 | £100,000 | 137 | 0.12 |
42
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Portfolio of investments
| Portfolio of investments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| As at 31 October 2020 | |||
| Market value | Total net assets | ||
| Holding | £'000s | % | |
| Merchants Trust 5.875% 20/12/2029 | £250,000 | 319 | 0.27 |
| Monks Investment 6.375% 01/03/2023 | £550,000 | 586 | 0.50 |
| National Australia Bank 3% 04/09/2026 | £1,900,000 | 2,157 | 1.84 |
| National Australia Bank 5.125% 09/12/2021 | £1,245,000 | 1,310 | 1.12 |
| National Grid Electricity Transmission 2.75% 06/02/2035 | £1,320,000 | 1,535 | 1.31 |
| Nationwide Building Society 3.25% 20/01/2028 | £1,500,000 | 1,737 | 1.48 |
| Nationwide Building Society 4.25% IL 23/02/2024 | £250,000 | 745 | 0.64 |
| Nationwide Building Society 5.625% 28/01/2026 | £1,000,000 | 1,263 | 1.08 |
| Nestle Holdings 1.75% 09/12/2020 | £1,500,000 | 1,502 | 1.28 |
| Nordea Bank 2.375% 02/06/2022 | £500,000 | 516 | 0.44 |
| Peel Land & Property Investments 8.375% 30/04/2040 | £785,952 | 826 | 0.71 |
| Rabobank Nederland 5.25% 23/05/2041 | £1,850,000 | 3,053 | 2.61 |
| Rabobank Nederland 5.375% 03/08/2060 | £200,000 | 405 | 0.35 |
| Royal Bank of Canada 1.125% 22/12/2021 | £700,000 | 707 | 0.60 |
| Santander UK 5.125% 14/04/2021 | £2,150,000 | 2,197 | 1.88 |
| Santander UK 5.75% 02/03/2026 | £400,000 | 509 | 0.43 |
| Scottish American Investment Trust 8% 10/04/2022 | £550,000 | 602 | 0.51 |
| Scottish Investment Trust 5.75% 17/04/2030 | £500,000 | 668 | 0.57 |
| Skandinaviska Enskilda 1.25% 05/08/2022 | £1,500,000 | 1,520 | 1.30 |
| Sovereign Housing Capital 4.768% 01/06/2043 | £500,000 | 781 | 0.67 |
| Sovereign Housing Capital 5.705% 10/09/2039 | £200,000 | 330 | 0.28 |
| Svenska Handelsbanken 1.625% 18/06/2022 | £1,000,000 | 1,020 | 0.87 |
| Svenska Handelsbanken 2.375% 18/01/2022 | £500,000 | 512 | 0.44 |
| Svenska Handelsbanken 2.75% 05/12/2022 | £1,200,000 | 1,258 | 1.07 |
| Telefónica Emisiones 5.289% 09/12/2022 | £1,500,000 | 1,643 | 1.40 |
| Telefonica Emisiones 5.375% 02/02/2026 | £1,500,000 | 1,813 | 1.55 |
| Toronto Dominion Bank 1% 13/12/2021 | £400,000 | 403 | 0.34 |
| Toyota Finance Australia 1.625% 11/07/2022 | £2,000,000 | 2,040 | 1.74 |
| Toyota Motor Credit Corporation 1% 27/09/2022 | £1,400,000 | 1,412 | 1.21 |
| Unilever 1.875% 15/09/2029 | £750,000 | 821 | 0.70 |
| United Utilities Water 5% 28/02/2035 | £100,000 | 146 | 0.12 |
| United Utilities Water 5.625% 20/12/2027 | £600,000 | 796 | 0.68 |
| United Utilities Water 5.75% 25/03/2022 | £500,000 | 537 | 0.46 |
| University of Cambridge 2.35% 27/06/2078 | £400,000 | 607 | 0.52 |
| University of Cambridge 3.75% 17/10/2052 | £500,000 | 833 | 0.71 |
| University of Manchester 4.25% 04/07/2053 | £1,400,000 | 2,397 | 2.05 |
| Welcome Trust 4% 09/05/2059 | £1,100,000 | 2,040 | 1.74 |
| Welcome Trust 4.625% 25/07/2036 | £700,000 | 1,086 | 0.93 |
| Welcome Trust 4.75% 28/05/2021 | £400,000 | 410 | 0.35 |
| Westpac Banking Corporation 1% 30/06/2022 | £700,000 | 708 | 0.60 |
| Westpac Banking Corporation 2.125% 02/05/2025 | £120,000 | 128 | 0.11 |
| Westpac Banking Corporation 2.625% 14/12/2022 | £1,000,000 | 1,042 | 0.89 |
| Portfolio of investments | 115,078 | 98.32 | |
| Net other assets | 1,964 | 1.68 | |
| Net assets | 117,042 | 100.00 |
Unless otherwise stated, all investments are approved securities being either officially listed in a member state or traded on or under the rules of an eligible securities market.
43
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Credit ratings
| Credit ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| As at 31 October 2020 | ||
| Market value | Portfolio | |
| £'000s | % | |
| Investment grade | 110,220 | 95.78 |
| Unrated | 4,858 | 4.22 |
| Total investment in bonds | 115,078 | 100.00 |
44
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Summary of material portfolio changes
| Summary of material portfolio changes | |
|---|---|
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 Cost £'000s Purchases European Investment Bank 3.75% 07/12/2027 3,624 Apple 3.05% 31/07/2029 1,889 National Australia Bank 3% 04/09/2026 1,706 Lloyds Banking Group 6% 08/02/2029 1,416 Lloyds Banking Group 4.875% 30/03/2027 1,266 GlaxoSmithKline 3.375% 20/12/2027 1,157 Nationwide Building Society 4.25% IL 23/02/2024 811 European Bank for Reconstruction 1.25% 15/12/2022 610 Welcome Trust 4% 09/05/2059 190 12,669 Otherpurchases - Totalpurchases 12,669 |
|
| Proceeds £'000s |
|
| Sales European Investment Bank 3.75% 07/12/2027 4,264 Transport For London 2.125% 24/04/2025 2,318 Lloyds Banking Group 5.125% 07/03/2025 1,690 GlaxoSmithKline 6.375% 09/03/2039 1,467 Astrazeneca 5.75% 13/11/2031 1,376 Barclays 3.25% 17/01/2033 1,370 Nationwide Building Society 5.625% 28/01/2026 1,251 Cooperatieve Rabobank 4.55% 30/08/2029 1,236 Apple 3.05% 31/07/2029 1,164 JPMorgan Chase & Co3.5% 18/12/2026 1,129 |
|
| 17,265 Other sales 9,576 |
|
| Total sales 26,841 |
45
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
1. Accounting policies
(a) Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of investments and in compliance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS102) and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for financial statements of Authorised Funds issued by The Investment Association in May 2014 (and amended in June 2017), the Charities Act 2011 and the relevant scheme of Charity Commissioners.
Unless otherwise stated all accounting policies are consistent with those of the prior year.
Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The Manager does not consider that there were any significant areas of estimation uncertainty or application of critical judgements.
(b) Basis of valuation
The quoted investments of the Sub-fund have been valued at bid dealing prices as at close of business on 30 October 2020, the last valuation point in the accounting year, in accordance with the Trust Deed.
(c) Recognition of income
Interest from bank deposits are accounted for on a receipts basis. Interest receivable from debt securities is accounted for on an effective interest rate basis. Accrued interest purchased or sold is excluded from the cost of the security and is accounted for as revenue.
(d) Expenses
Expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenses of the Subfund are charged against revenue, except for the costs associated with the purchase and sale of investments, which are charged to capital.
(e) Distribution policy
Revenue produced by the Sub-fund's investments accumulates during each accounting period. If, at the end of each accounting period, revenue exceeds expenses, the net revenue of the Sub-fund is available to be distributed/accumulated to unitholders.
(f) Foreign exchange
Transactions in foreign currencies during the year are translated into sterling (the functional currency of the Sub-fund), at the rates of exchange ruling on the transaction date. Amounts held in foreign currencies have been translated at the rate of exchange ruling at close of business, 30 October 2020, the last valuation point in the accounting year.
(g) Apportionment to multiple unit classes
With the exception of the Manager's periodic charge, the allocation of revenue and expenses to each unit class is based upon the proportion of the Sub-fund's assets attributable to each unit class on the day the revenue is earned or the expense is suffered. The Manager's periodic charge is specific to each unit class. Consequently, the revenue available to distribute for each unit class will differ.
2. Net gains on investments
The net capital gains during the year/period comprise:
| 30.04.19 to | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| Unrealised gains on non-derivative securities | 1,764 | 4,750 |
| Realisedgains on non-derivative securities | 921 | 274 |
| Netgains on investments | 2,685 | 5,024 |
3. Revenue
| 3. Revenue |
||
|---|---|---|
| 30.04.19 to | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| Interest on debt securities | 2,128 | 1,226 |
| Bank interest | 50 | 8 |
| Total revenue | 2,178 | 1,234 |
| 4. Expenses | ||
| 30.04.19 to | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| Payable to the Manager or associates of the Manager and agents of | ||
| either of them: | ||
| Manager's periodic charge | 69 | 38 |
| Registration fees | 26 | 5 |
| 95 | 43 | |
| Payable to the Corporate Trustee or associates of the Trustee and | ||
| agents of either of them: | ||
| Corporate Trustee's fees | 79 | 48 |
| Safe custodyfees | 14 | 4 |
| 93 | 52 | |
| Auditor's fee | 15 | 11 |
| Other expenses | 30 | 24 |
| 45 | 35 | |
| Total expenses | 233 | 130 |
5. Taxation
The Sub-fund has charitable status and is exempt from UK Income and Capital Gains Tax pursuant to Part 11 Chapter 3 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. Distributions are paid and reinvested revenue credited gross to unitholders on the basis that all recoverable UK taxation has been reclaimed. Overseas withholding tax is deducted in full from overseas revenue. Recoverable withholding tax is credited to revenue.
| 30.04.19 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | to 31.10.19 | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| Taxation | - | - |
6. Distributions
Distributions take account of income received on creation of units and income deducted on the cancellation of units, and comprise:
| 30.04.19 to | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| 31 January | 561 | - |
| 30 April | 452 | - |
| 31 July | 438 | 565 |
| 31 October | 459 | 532 |
| 1,910 | 1,097 |
|
| Income deducted on cancellation of units | 82 | 27 |
| Income received on creation of units | (43) | (29) |
| Net distribution for theyear/period | 1,949 | 1,095 |
| Net revenue after taxation | 1,945 | 1,104 |
| Movement of undistributed revenue | 4 | (9) |
| Net distribution for theyear/period | 1,949 | 1,095 |
46
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
| 7. Debtors |
||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| Accrued income | 1,814 | 2,072 |
| Total debtors | 1,814 | 2,072 |
| 8. Cash and bank balances |
||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| Afrmative Deposit Fund for Charities | 4,943 | 2,613 |
| Cash at bank | 4 | 5 |
| Total cash and bank balances | 4,947 | 2,618 |
| 9. Other creditors |
||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £’000s | £'000s | |
| Amounts payable on cancellation of units | 4,285 | - |
| Accrued expenses | 53 | 88 |
| Total other creditors | 4,338 | 88 |
10. Reconciliation of units
| CFB | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Income | Accum | Income |
|
| units | units | units |
|
| Opening number of units | |||
| at beginning of year 01.11.19 | 17,223,065 | 111,909 | 88,288,181 |
| Units issued in year | 1,277,703 | 603 | 15,171,440 |
| Units cancelled inyear | (3,929,452) | (7,797) | (26,695,935) |
| Closing number of units | |||
| at end ofyear31.10.20 | 14,571,316 | 104,715 | 76,763,686 |
11. Financial instruments
In accordance with the investment objective, the Sub-fund holds certain financial instruments. These comprise:
-
securities held in accordance with the investment objective and policies;
-
cash and short term debtors and creditors arising directly from operations.
The main risks arising from the Sub-fund’s financial instruments and the Manager’s policies for managing these risks are summarised below. These policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and the comparative period.
Market price risk
Market price risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future prices of financial instruments held. It represents the potential loss the Subfund might suffer through holding market positions in the face of price movements. The Sub-fund's investment portfolio is exposed to market fluctuations which are monitored by the Manager in pursuit of the investment objectives and policies. Adherence to investment guidelines and to investment and borrowing powers set out in the Trust Deed, the Prospectus and in the Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook ("the Sourcebook") mitigates the risk of excessive exposure to any particular type of security or issuer.
Credit risk
At the balance sheet date some 75.96% (31.10.19: 75.05%) of the Subfund's assets were held in corporate bonds, 4.84% (31.10.19: 4.32%) in supranational bonds, 3.53% (31.10.19: 3.04%) in government bonds and 13.99% (31.10.19: 14.51%) in public authority bonds. Corporate, supranational and government bonds involve the risk that the bond issuer will be unable to meet its liability to pay interest or redeem the bond. The Manager selects bonds taking into account the credit rating, bearing in mind the Sub-fund's objective.
Counterparty risk
The Sub-fund’s transactions in securities expose it to the risk that the counterparty will not deliver the investment for a purchase or the cash for a sale. To minimise this, the Sub-fund only deals with an approved list of brokers maintained by the Manager.
Liquidity risk
The Sub-fund's assets are comprised of mainly readily realisable securities. If insufficient cash is available to finance unitholder redemptions then securities held by the Sub-fund may need to be sold. The risk of low market liquidity, through reduced trading volumes, may affect the ability of the Sub-fund to trade financial instruments at values previously indicated by financial brokers. From time to time, liquidity may also be affected by stock specific or economic events. The Manager has a Liquidity Management Policy designed to monitor the liquidity risk of the Sub-fund and ensure that its investment strategy and liquidity profile allows the Sub-fund to meet its daily redemption obligations.
47
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
Interest rate risk
The Sub-fund's assets are comprised of mainly fixed interest rate securities. There is therefore a risk that the capital value of investments will vary as a result of the market's sentiment regarding future interest rates. Expectations of future rates may result in an increase or decrease in the value of investments held. In general, if interest rates rise the revenue potential of the Sub-fund also rises but the value of fixed interest rate securities will decline. A decline in interest rates will in general have the opposite effect. Any transactions in fixed interest securities must be used in accordance with the investment objective of the Sub-fund and must be deemed by the Manager to be economically appropriate. Regular production of portfolio risk reports highlight concentrations of risk, including interest rate risk, for this Sub-fund.
Interest receivable on bank deposits or payable on bank overdraft positions will be affected by fluctuations in interest rates.
The interest rate profile of the Sub-fund's financial assets and liabilities at 31 October 2020 was:
| Financial | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed rate | assets not | |||
| Floating rate fnancial assets* |
fnancial assets |
carrying interest |
Total | |
| Currency | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s |
| Sterling | 5,773 | 114,252 | 1,814 | 121,839 |
| Total | 5,773 | 114,252 | 1,814 | 121,839 |
12. Commitments and contingent liabilities
There were no commitments or contingent liabilities as at 31 October 2020 (31.10.19: none).
13. Unitholders' funds
There are three unit classes in issue within the Sub-fund. These are Income, Accumulation and CFB Income units. The Manager's periodic charge in respect of these units is expressed as an annual percentage of the value of the property of the Sub-fund attributable to each unit class and is currently 0.35% in respect of Income and Accumulation units and 0% in respect of CFB Income units. Consequently, the level of net revenue attributable to each unit class will differ. Should it be necessary to wind-up the Sub-fund, each unit class will have the same rights as regards to the distribution of the property of the Sub-fund.
14. Related party transactions
The Manager’s periodic charge is paid to Epworth Investment Management Limited, a related party to the Sub-fund. The amounts paid in respect of the Manager's periodic charge are disclosed in note 4. The amount outstanding as at 31 October 2020 was £17,465 (31.10.19: £12,105).
In addition, the Sub-fund placed deposits during the year with the Affirmative Deposit Fund for Charities, a fund managed by Epworth Investment Management Limited. All charges levied for the management of these deposits have been refunded to the Sub-fund by Epworth. There were no other related party transactions during the year.
| Financial | ||
|---|---|---|
| liabilities not | ||
| carrying | ||
| interest | Total | |
| Currency | £'000s | £'000s |
| Sterling | (4,797) | (4,797) |
| Total | (4,797) | (4,797) |
The interest rate profile of the Sub-fund's financial assets and liabilities at 31 October 2019 was:
| Financial | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed rate | assets not | |||
| Floating rate fnancial assets* |
fnancial assets |
carrying interest |
Total | |
| Currency | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s |
| Sterling | 3,769 | 127,028 | 2,072 | 132,869 |
| Total | 3,769 | 127,028 | 2,072 | 132,869 |
| Financial | ||||
| liabilities not | ||||
| carrying | ||||
| interest | Total | |||
| Currency | £'000s | £'000s | ||
| Sterling | (619) | (619) | ||
| Total | (619) | (619) |
- The floating rate financial assets of the Sub-fund earn interest at rates based on either LIBOR or base rate.
48
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
15. Portfolio transaction costs
For the year ended 31 October 2020
| 15. Portfolio transaction costs For the year ended 31 October 2020 |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | ||
| Analysis of total purchases costs | |||||||||
| Bond transactions | 12,664 | 5 | 0.04 | - | - | - | - | 12,669 | |
| Total | 12,664 | 5 | - | - | 12,669 | ||||
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | ||
| Analysis of total sales costs | |||||||||
| Bond transactions | 25,250 | (13) | (0.05) | - | - | - | - | 25,237 | |
| Corporate actions | 1,604 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1,604 | |
| Total | 26,854 | (13) | - | - | 26,841 | ||||
| Commissions, taxes and other expenses as a percentage of average net | assets: | ||||||||
| Commissions | 0.01% | ||||||||
| Taxes | 0.00% | ||||||||
| Other expenses | 0.00% |
For the period ended 31 October 2019
| For the period ended 31 October 2019 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | ||
| Analysis of total purchases costs | |||||||||
| Bond transactions | 11,140 | 6 | 0.05 | - | - | - | - | 11,146 | |
| Corporate actions | 126,524 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 126,524 | |
| Total | 137,664 | 6 | - | - | 137,670 | ||||
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | ||
| Analysis of total sales costs | |||||||||
| Bond transactions | 12,926 | (6) | (0.05) | - | - | - | - | 12,920 | |
| Corporate actions | 700 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 700 | |
| Total | 13,626 | (6) | - | - | 13,620 | ||||
| Commissions, taxes and other expenses as a percentage of average net | assets: | ||||||||
| Commissions | 0.01% | ||||||||
| Taxes | 0.00% | ||||||||
| Other expenses | 0.00% |
Portfolio transaction costs are incurred by the Sub-fund when buying and selling underlying investments. These costs vary depending on the class of investment, country of exchange and method of execution.
These costs can be classified as either direct or indirect transaction costs:
Direct transaction costs: Broker commissions, fees and taxes.
Indirect transaction costs: "Dealing spread" - the difference between buying and selling prices of the underlying investments.
At the balance sheet date, the portfolio dealing spread was 0.71% (31.10.19: 0.67%) being the difference between the respective bid and offer prices for the Sub-fund's investments.
49
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
16. Sensitivity analysis
Interest rate risk sensitivity
Changes in interest rates or changes in expectation of future interest rates may result in an increase or decrease in the the value of the interest bearing assets held. A one percent increase in interest rates (based on current parameters used by the Manager's Investment Risk department) would have the effect of increasing the return and net assets by £8,345,091 (31.10.19: £9,142,710). A one percent decrease would have an equal and opposite effect.
Foreign currency risk sensitivity
As the majority of the Sub-fund's financial assets are in the base currency of the Sub-fund (Sterling), the Sub-fund is only subject to limited exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency and therefore, no sensitivity analysis has been provided.
Price risk sensitivity
A five percent increase in the value of the Sub-fund's portfolio would have the effect of increasing the return and net assets by £5,753,910 (31.10.19: £6,408,967). A five percent decrease would have an equal and opposite effect.
17. Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities
The fair value of the Sub-fund's investments has been determined using the hierarchy below. This complies with the 'Amendments to FRS102 - Fair value hierarchy disclosures' issued by the Financial Reporting Council in March 2016.
The fair value of investments has been determined using the following hierarchy:
Level 1 The unadjusted quoted price in an active market for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.
- Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included above that are observable (i.e. developed using market data) for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 Inputs that are unobservable (i.e. for which market data is unavailable) for the asset or liability.
For the year ended 31 October 2020
| For the year ended | 31 October 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | Total |
| £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Bonds | 23,961 | 91,117 | - | 115,078 |
| 23,961 | 91,117 | - | 115,078 | |
| For the period ended 31 October 2019 | ||||
| Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | Total |
| £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Bonds | 28,912 | 99,267 | - | 128,179 |
| 28,912 | 99,267 | - | 128,179 |
50
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Distribution tables
For the year ended 31 October 2020
First interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 November 2019 Group 2: units purchased 1 November 2019 to 31 January 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 13Mar | 15Mar | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.42 | - | 0.42 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.20 | 0.22 | 0.42 | n/a |
| Accumulation units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.41 | - | 0.41 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.41 | 0.00 | 0.41 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.53 | - | 0.53 | n/a |
| Group2 | 0.36 | 0.17 | 0.53 | n/a |
Second interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 February 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 February 2020 to 30 April 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Jun | 15Jun* | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.39 | - | 0.39 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.06 | 0.33 | 0.39 | n/a |
| Accumulation units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.40 | - | 0.40 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.19 | 0.21 | 0.40 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.50 | - | 0.50 | n/a |
| Group2 | 0.05 | 0.45 | 0.50 | n/a |
- The Sub-fund launched on 30 April 2019.
51
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
Distribution tables
Third interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 May 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 May 2020 to 31 July 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Sep | 13Sep | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.38 | - | 0.38 | 0.42 |
| Group 2 | 0.27 | 0.11 | 0.38 | 0.42 |
| Accumulation units** | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.38 | - | 0.38 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.19 | 0.19 | 0.38 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.49 | - | 0.49 | 0.53 |
| Group2 | 0.30 | 0.19 | 0.49 | 0.53 |
Final distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 August 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 August 2020 to 31 October 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit payable | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Dec | 13Dec | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.41 | - | 0.41 | 0.42 |
| Group 2 | 0.30 | 0.11 | 0.41 | 0.42 |
| Accumulation units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.41 | - | 0.41 | 0.42 |
| Group 2 | 0.41 | 0.00 | 0.41 | 0.42 |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.52 | - | 0.52 | 0.52 |
| Group2 | 0.35 | 0.17 | 0.52 | 0.52 |
** The Accumulation class launched on 2 August 2019.
Equalisation
This applies only to units purchased during the distribution period (Group 2 units). It is the average amount of revenue included in the purchase price of all Group 2 units and is refunded to the holders of these units as a return of capital. Being capital it is not liable to income tax but must be deducted from the cost of the units for capital gains tax purposes.
52
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
Statement of total return
| Statement of total return | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 | |||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19* | ||
| Note | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Income: net capitalgains | 2 | 462 | 1,071 |
| Income: revenue | 3 | 167 | 103 |
| Expenses | 4 | (71) | (34) |
| Taxation | 5 | - | - |
| Net revenue after taxation | 96 | 69 | |
| Total return before distributions | 558 | 1,140 | |
| Distributions | 6 | (96) | (69) |
| Change in net assets attributable to unitholders from investment activities | 462 | 1,071 |
Statement of change in net assets attributable to unitholders
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19* | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| Opening net assets attributable to unitholders | 15,936 | - |
| Amounts receivable on issue of units | 2,905 | 134 |
| Amounts receivable on in-specie transfer** | - | 18,672 |
| Amountspayable on cancellation of units | (4,232) | (3,941) |
| 14,609 | 14,865 | |
| Dilution adjustment | 4 | - |
| Change in net assets attributable to unitholders from investment activities | 462 | 1,071 |
| Closingnet assets attributable to unitholders | 15,075 | 15,936 |
- For the period from 30 April 2019 to 31 October 2019.
** Represents the value of units created by in-specie transfer of assets during the period.
Balance sheet
As at 31 October 2020
| As at 31 October 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | ||
| Note | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Assets | |||
| Investments | 14,733 | 15,699 | |
| Current assets: | |||
| Debtors | 7 | 77 | 91 |
| Cash and bank balances | 8 | 501 | 196 |
| Total assets | 15,311 | 15,986 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| Creditors: | |||
| Distributions payable | (25) | (30) | |
| Other creditors | 9 | (211) | (20) |
| Total liabilities | (236) | (50) | |
| Net assets attributable to unitholders | 15,075 | 15,936 |
Balance sheet approved and signed on behalf of the Manager by:
David Palmer, Director 24 December 2020
Marina Phillips, Secretary 24 December 2020
53
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | ||
|---|---|---|
| Income units | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 137.42 | 129.42 |
| Return before operating charges* | 6.14 | 8.82 |
| Operatingcharges | (0.76) | (0.31) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | 5.38 | 8.51 |
| Distributions on income units | (0.83) | (0.51) |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 141.97 | 137.42 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Performance | ||
| Return after charges | 3.92% | 6.58% |
| Other information | ||
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 10,211 | 12,892 |
| Closing number of units | 7,192,622 | 9,381,572 |
| Operating charges | 0.54% | 0.43% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.02% | 0.01% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | ||
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 146.69 | 141.39 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 133.97 | 129.51 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The Income units launched on 30 April 2019.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
54
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accumulation units | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 137.66 | 137.31 |
| Return before operating charges* | 6.16 | 0.36 |
| Operatingcharges | (0.78) | (0.01) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | 5.38 | 0.35 |
| Distributions on accumulation units | (0.82) | - |
| Retained distributions on accumulation units | 0.82 | - |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 143.04 | 137.66 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Performance | ||
| Return after charges | 3.91% | 0.25% |
| Other information | ||
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 23 | 22 |
| Closing number of units | 16,106 | 16,106 |
| Operating charges | 0.54% | 0.43% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.02% | 0.01% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | ||
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 147.22 | 137.79 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 134.21 | 136.03 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The Accumulation units launched on 26 October 2019.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
55
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | ||
|---|---|---|
| CFB Income units | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 137.45 | 130.06 |
| Return before operating charges* | 6.12 | 8.16 |
| Operatingcharges | (0.40) | (0.12) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | 5.72 | 8.04 |
| Distributions on income units | (1.17) | (0.65) |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 142.00 | 137.45 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Performance | ||
| Return after charges | 4.16% | 6.18% |
| Other information | ||
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 4,841 | 3,022 |
| Closing number of units | 3,408,707 | 2,198,142 |
| Operating charges | 0.29% | 0.17% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.02% | 0.01% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | ||
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 146.77 | 141.46 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 134.06 | 129.74 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The CFB Income units launched on 9 May 2019.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
56
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
Portfolio of investments
| Portfolio of investments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| As at 31 October 2020 | |||
| Market value | Total net assets | ||
| Holding | £'000s | % | |
| Government Bonds (31.10.19 - 93.99%) | 84.31 | ||
| Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau 0.875% 15/09/2026 | £500,000 | 517 | 3.43 |
| Treasury Gilt 0.125% 31/01/2023 | £650,000 | 652 | 4.32 |
| Treasury Gilt 0.125% 31/01/2028 | £600,000 | 600 | 3.98 |
| Treasury Gilt 0.625% 07/06/2025 | £450,000 | 464 | 3.08 |
| Treasury Gilt 0.625% 22/10/2050 | £300,000 | 284 | 1.88 |
| Treasury Gilt 0.75% 22/07/2023 | £375,000 | 383 | 2.54 |
| Treasury Gilt 1% 22/04/2024 | £425,000 | 441 | 2.93 |
| Treasury Gilt 1.25% 22/07/2027 | £725,000 | 782 | 5.19 |
| Treasury Gilt 1.25% 22/10/2041 | £450,000 | 491 | 3.26 |
| Treasury Gilt 1.5% 22/01/2021 | £375,000 | 376 | 2.49 |
| Treasury Gilt 1.5% 22/07/2047 | £425,000 | 494 | 3.28 |
| Treasury Gilt 1.75% 07/09/2037 | £450,000 | 527 | 3.50 |
| Treasury Gilt 3.25% 22/01/2044 | £685,000 | 1,041 | 6.91 |
| Treasury Gilt 3.5% 22/01/2045 | £750,000 | 1,193 | 7.91 |
| Treasury Gilt 4% 22/01/2060 | £185,000 | 388 | 2.57 |
| Treasury Gilt 4.25% 07/06/2032 | £425,000 | 612 | 4.06 |
| Treasury Gilt 4.25% 07/03/2036 | £425,000 | 654 | 4.34 |
| Treasury Gilt 4.25% 07/12/2040 | £450,000 | 746 | 4.95 |
| Treasury Gilt 4.25% 07/12/2049 | £325,000 | 615 | 4.08 |
| Treasury Gilt 4.25% 07/12/2055 | £200,000 | 412 | 2.73 |
| Treasury Gilt 4.5% 07/09/2034 | £440,000 | 676 | 4.48 |
| Treasury Gilt 4.75% 07/12/2030 | £250,000 | 362 | 2.40 |
| Public Authorities (31.10.19 - 0.00%) | 7.52 | ||
| Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten 1.625% 26/08/2025 | £500,000 | 532 | 3.53 |
| Nederlandse Waterschapsbank 5.375% 07/06/2032 | £400,000 | 601 | 3.99 |
| Supranational Bonds (31.10.19 - 4.52%) | 5.90 | ||
| International Bank for Reconstruction and Development 1% 21/12/2029 | £500,000 | 522 | 3.46 |
| International Finance Corporation 1.375% 07/03/2025 | £350,000 | 368 | 2.44 |
| Portfolio of investments | 14,733 | 97.73 | |
| Net other assets | 342 | 2.27 | |
| Net assets | 15,075 | 100.00 |
Unless otherwise stated, all investments are approved securities being either officially listed in a member state or traded on or under the rules of an eligible securities market.
Credit ratings
As at 31 October 2020
| Market value | Portfolio | |
|---|---|---|
| £'000s | % | |
| Investmentgrade | 14,733 | 100.00 |
| Total investment in bonds | 14,733 | 100.00 |
57
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
Summary of material portfolio changes
| Summary of material portfolio changes | |
|---|---|
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 Cost £'000s Purchases Treasury Gilt 0.125% 31/01/2023 653 Nederlandse Waterschapsbank 5.375% 07/06/2032 607 Treasury Gilt 0.125% 31/01/2028 603 Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten 1.625% 26/08/2025 523 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development 1% 21/12/2029 514 Treasury Gilt 1.25% 22/10/2041 505 Treasury Gilt 0.625% 22/10/2050 294 3,699 Otherpurchases - Totalpurchases 3,699 |
|
| Proceeds £'000s |
|
| Sales Treasury Gilt 0.5% 22/07/2022 708 Treasury Gilt 0.75% 22/07/2023 560 Treasury Gilt 1.75% 07/09/2037 525 Treasury Gilt 4.75% 07/12/2030 507 Treasury Gilt 4.25% 07/06/2032 456 International Finance Corporation 1.375% 07/03/2025 361 Treasury Gilt 2% 22/07/2020 354 Treasury Gilt 4.5% 07/09/2034 303 Treasury Gilt 3.25% 22/01/2044 269 Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau 0.875% 15/09/2026 253 |
|
| 4,296 Other sales 729 |
|
| Total sales 5,025 |
58
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
1. Accounting policies
(a) Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of investments and in compliance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS102) and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for financial statements of Authorised Funds issued by The Investment Association in May 2014 (and amended in June 2017), the Charities Act 2011 and the relevant scheme of Charity Commissioners.
Unless otherwise stated all accounting policies are consistent with those of the prior year.
Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The Manager does not consider that there were any significant areas of estimation uncertainty or application of critical judgements.
(b) Basis of valuation
The quoted investments of the Sub-fund have been valued at bid dealing prices as at close of business business on 30 October 2020, the last valuation point in the accounting year, in accordance with the Trust Deed.
(c) Recognition of income
Interest from bank deposits are accounted for on a receipts basis. Interest receivable from debt securities is accounted for on an effective interest rate basis. Accrued interest purchased or sold is excluded from the cost of the security and is accounted for as revenue.
(d) Expenses
Expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenses of the Subfund are charged against revenue, except for the costs associated with the purchase and sale of investments, which are charged to capital.
(e) Distribution policy
Revenue produced by the Sub-fund's investments accumulates during each accounting period. If, at the end of each accounting period, revenue exceeds expenses, the net revenue of the Sub-fund is available to be distributed/accumulated to unitholders.
(f) Foreign exchange
Transactions in foreign currencies during the year are translated into sterling (the functional currency of the Sub-fund), at the rates of exchange ruling on the transaction date. Amounts held in foreign currencies have been translated at the rate of exchange ruling at close of business, 30 October 2020, the last valuation point in the accounting year.
(g) Apportionment to multiple unit classes
With the exception of the Manager's periodic charge, the allocation of revenue and expenses to each unit class is based upon the proportion of the Sub-fund's assets attributable to each unit class on the day the revenue is earned or the expense is suffered. The Manager's periodic charge is specific to each unit class. Consequently, the revenue available to distribute for each unit class will differ.
2. Net gains on investments
The net capital gains during the year/period comprise:
| 30.04.19 to | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| Unrealised gains on non-derivative securities | 219 |
924 |
| Realisedgains on non-derivative securities | 243 | 147 |
| Netgains on investments | 462 | 1,071 |
| 3. Revenue |
||
| 30.04.19 to | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| Interest on debt securities | 162 | 101 |
| Deposit interest | 5 | 2 |
| Total revenue | 167 | 103 |
| 4. Expenses |
||
| 30.04.19 to | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| Payable to the Manager or associates of the Manager and agents of | ||
| either of them: | ||
| Manager'speriodic charge | 28 | 17 |
| 28 | 17 |
|
| Payable to the Corporate Trustee or associates of the Trustee and | ||
| agents of either of them: | ||
| Corporate Trustee's fees | 15 | 8 |
| Safe custodyfees | 1 | - |
| 16 | 8 |
|
| Auditor's fee | 2 | 1 |
| Other expenses | 25 | 8 |
| 27 | 9 | |
| Total expenses | 71 | 34 |
5. Taxation
The Sub-fund has charitable status and is exempt from UK Income and Capital Gains Tax pursuant to Part 11 Chapter 3 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. Distributions are paid and reinvested revenue credited gross to unitholders on the basis that all recoverable UK taxation has been reclaimed. Overseas withholding tax is deducted in full from overseas revenue. Recoverable withholding tax is credited to revenue.
| 30.04.19 to | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| Taxation | - | - |
59
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
6. Distributions
Distributions take account of income received on creation of units and income deducted on the cancellation of units, and comprise:
| 30.04.19 to | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 |
|
| £'000s | £'000s |
|
| 31 January | 31 | - |
| 30 April | 23 | - |
| 31 July | 15 | 36 |
| 31 October | 25 | 30 |
| 94 | 66 |
|
| Income deducted on cancellation of units | 3 | 3 |
| Income received on creation of units | (1) | - |
| Net distribution for theyear/period | 96 | 69 |
7. Debtors
| 7. Debtors | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | ||
| £'000s | £'000s | ||
| Accrued income | 77 | 91 | |
| Total debtors | 77 | 91 | |
| 8. Cash and bank balances |
|||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | ||
| £'000s | £'000s | ||
| Afrmative Deposit Fund for Charities | 494 | 191 | |
| Cash at bank | 7 | 5 | |
| Total cash and bank balances | 501 | 196 | |
| 9. Other creditors |
|||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | ||
| £'000s | £'000s | ||
| Amounts payable on cancellation of units | 196 | - | |
| Accrued expenses | 15 | 20 | |
| Total other creditors | 211 | 20 | |
| 10. Reconciliation of units | |||
| CFB | |||
| Income | Accum | Income | |
| units | units | units | |
| Opening number of units | |||
| at beginning of year 01.11.19 | 9,381,572 | 16,106 | 2,198,142 |
| Units issued in year | 649,998 | - | 1,372,001 |
| Units cancelled inyear | (2,838,948) | - | (161,436) |
| Closing number of units | |||
| at end ofyear31.10.20 | 7,192,622 | 16,106 | 3,408,707 |
11. Financial instruments
In accordance with the investment objective, the Sub-fund holds certain financial instruments. These comprise:
-
securities held in accordance with the investment objective and policies;
-
cash and short term debtors and creditors arising directly from operations.
The main risks arising from the Sub-fund’s financial instruments and the Manager’s policies for managing these risks are summarised below. These policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and the comparative period.
Market price risk
Market price risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future prices of financial instruments held. It represents the potential loss the Subfund might suffer through holding market positions in the face of price movements. The Sub-fund's investment portfolio is exposed to market fluctuations which are monitored by the Manager in pursuit of the investment objectives and policies. Adherence to investment guidelines and to investment and borrowing powers set out in the Trust Deed, the Prospectus and in the Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook ("the Sourcebook") mitigates the risk of excessive exposure to any particular type of security or issuer.
Credit risk
At the balance sheet date some 5.90% (31.10.19: 4.52%) of the Subfund's assets were held in supranational bonds, 84.31% (31.10.19: 93.99%) in government bonds and 7.52% (31.10.19: nil) in Public Authorities. Supranational and government bonds involve the risk that the bond issuer will be unable to meet its liability to pay interest or redeem the bond. The Manager selects bonds taking into account the credit rating, bearing in mind the Sub-fund's objective.
Counterparty risk
The Sub-fund’s transactions in securities expose it to the risk that the counterparty will not deliver the investment for a purchase or the cash for a sale. To minimise this, the Sub-fund only deals with an approved list of brokers maintained by the Manager.
Liquidity risk
The Sub-fund's assets are comprised of mainly readily realisable securities. If insufficient cash is available to finance unitholder redemptions then securities held by the Sub-fund may need to be sold. The risk of low market liquidity, through reduced trading volumes, may affect the ability of the Sub-fund to trade financial instruments at values previously indicated by financial brokers. From time to time, liquidity may also be affected by stock specific or economic events. The Manager has a Liquidity Management Policy designed to monitor the liquidity risk of the Sub-fund and ensure that its investment strategy and liquidity profile allows the Sub-fund to meet its daily redemption obligations.
Interest rate risk
The Sub-fund's assets are comprised of mainly fixed interest rate securities. There is therefore a risk that the capital value of investments will vary as a result of the market's sentiment regarding future interest rates. Expectations of future rates may result in an increase or decrease in the value of investments held. In general, if interest rates rise the revenue potential of the Sub-fund also rises but the value of fixed interest rate securities will decline. A decline in interest rates will in general have the opposite effect. Any transactions in fixed interest securities must be used in accordance with the investment objective of the Sub-fund and must be deemed by the Manager to be economically appropriate. Regular production of portfolio risk reports highlight concentrations of risk, including interest rate risk, for this Sub-fund.
60
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
Interest receivable on bank deposits or payable on bank overdraft positions will be affected by fluctuations in interest rates.
The interest rate profile of the Sub-fund's financial assets and liabilities at 31 October 2020 was:
| Financial | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed rate | assets not | ||||
| Floating rate fnancial assets* |
fnancial assets |
carrying interest |
Total | ||
| Currency | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Sterling | 501 | 14,733 | 77 | 15,311 | |
| Total | 501 | 14,733 | 77 | 15,311 | |
| Financial | |||||
| liabilities | |||||
| Fixed rate | not | ||||
| Floating rate fnancial liabilities* |
fnancial liabilities |
carrying interest |
Total | ||
| Currency | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Sterling | - | - | (236) | (236) | |
| Total | - | - | (236) | (236) |
The interest rate profile of the Sub-fund's financial assets and liabilities at 31 October 2019 was:
| Financial | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed rate | assets not | ||||
| Floating rate fnancial assets* |
fnancial assets |
carrying interest |
Total | ||
| Currency | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Sterling | 196 | 15,699 | 91 | 15,986 | |
| Total | 196 | 15,699 | 91 | 15,986 | |
| Financial | |||||
| liabilities | |||||
| Fixed rate | not | ||||
| Floating rate fnancial liabilities* |
fnancial liabilities |
carrying interest |
Total | ||
| Currency | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Sterling | - | - | (50) | (50) | |
| Total | - | - | (50) | (50) |
12. Commitments and contingent liabilities
There were no commitments or contingent liabilities as at 31 October 2020 (31.10.19: none).
13. Unitholders' funds
There are three unit classes in issue within the Sub-fund. These are Income, Accumulation and CFB Income units. The Manager's periodic charge in respect of these units is expressed as an annual percentage of the value of the property of the Sub-fund attributable to each unit class and is currently 0.25% in respect of Income and Accumulation units and 0% in respect of CFB Income units. Consequently, the level of net revenue attributable to each unit class will differ. Should it be necessary to wind-up the Sub-fund, each unit class will have the same rights as regards to the distribution of the property of the Sub-fund.
14. Related party transactions
The Manager’s periodic charge is paid to Epworth Investment Management Limited, a related party to the Sub-fund. The amounts paid in respect of the Manager's periodic charge are disclosed in note 4. The amount outstanding as at 31 October 2020 was £7,081 (31.10.19: £5,248).
In addition, the Sub-fund placed deposits during the year with the Affirmative Deposit Fund for Charities, a fund managed by Epworth Investment Management Limited. All charges levied for the management of these deposits have been refunded to the Sub-fund by Epworth. There were no other related party transactions during the year.
- The floating rate financial assets of the Sub-fund earn interest at rates based on either LIBOR or base rate.
61
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
15. Portfolio transaction costs
For the year ended 31 October 2020
| 15. Portfolio transaction costs For the year ended 31 October 2020 |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | ||
| Analysis of total purchases costs | |||||||||
| Bond transactions | 3,698 | 1 | 0.03 | - | - | - | - | 3,699 | |
| Total | 3,698 | 1 | - | - | 3,699 | ||||
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | ||
| Analysis of total sales costs | |||||||||
| Bond transactions | 4,672 | (1) | (0.02) | - | - | - | - | 4,671 | |
| Corporate actions | 354 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 354 | |
| Total | 5,026 | (1) | - | - | 5,025 | ||||
| Commissions,taxes and other expenses as apercentage of average net | assets: | ||||||||
| Commissions | 0.02% | ||||||||
| Taxes | 0.00% | ||||||||
| Other expenses | 0.00% |
For the period ended 31 October 2019
| For the period ended 31 October 2019 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | ||
| Analysis of total purchases costs | |||||||||
| Bond transactions | 2,067 | 1 | 0.05 | - | - | - | - | 2,068 | |
| In-specie transactions | 17,858 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 17,858 | |
| Total | 19,925 | 1 | - | - | 19,926 | ||||
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | ||
| Analysis of total sales costs | |||||||||
| Bond transactions | 4,932 | (1) | (0.02) | - | - | - | - | 4,931 | |
| Corporate actions | 300 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 300 | |
| Total | 5,232 | (1) | - | - | 5,231 | ||||
| Commissions,taxes and other expenses as apercentage of average net | assets: | ||||||||
| Commissions | 0.01% | ||||||||
| Taxes | 0.00% | ||||||||
| Other expenses | 0.00% |
Portfolio transaction costs are incurred by the Sub-fund when buying and selling underlying investments. These costs vary depending on the class of investment, country of exchange and method of execution.
These costs can be classified as either direct or indirect transaction costs:
Direct transaction costs: Broker commissions, fees and taxes.
Indirect transaction costs: "Dealing spread" - the difference between buying and selling prices of the underlying investments.
At the balance sheet date the portfolio dealing spread was 0.09% (31.10.19: 0.07%) being the difference between the respective bid and offer prices for the Sub-fund's investments.
62
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
16. Sensitivity analysis
Interest rate risk sensitivity
Changes in interest rates or changes in expectation of future interest rates may result in an increase or decrease in the value of the interest bearing assets held. A one percent increase in interest rates (based on current parameters used by the Manager's Investment Risk department) would have the effect of increasing the return and net assets by £1,763,260 (31.10.19: £1,743,682). A one percent decrease would have an equal and opposite effect.
Foreign currency risk sensitivity
As all of the Sub-fund's financial assets are in the base currency of the Sub-fund (Sterling), the Sub-fund has no exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency and therefore, no sensitivity analysis has been provided.
Price risk sensitivity
A five percent increase in the value of the Sub-fund's portfolio would have the effect of increasing the return and net assets by £736,658 (31.10.19: £784,975). A five percent decrease would have an equal and opposite effect.
17. Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities
The fair value of the Sub-fund's investments has been determined using the hierarchy below. This complies with the 'Amendments to FRS102 - Fair value hierarchy disclosures' issued by the Financial Reporting Council in March 2016.
The fair value of investments has been determined using the following hierarchy:
Level 1 The unadjusted quoted price in an active market for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.
- Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included above that are observable (i.e. developed using market data) for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 Inputs that are unobservable (i.e. for which market data is unavailable) for the asset or liability.
For the year ended 31 October 2020
| For the year ended | 31 October 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | Total |
| £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Bonds | 14,733 | - | - | 14,733 |
| 14,733 | - | - | 14,733 | |
| For the period ended 31 October 2019 | ||||
| Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | Total |
| £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Bonds | 15,699 | - | - | 15,699 |
| 15,699 | - | - | 15,699 |
63
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
Distribution tables
For the year ended 31 October 2020
First interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 November 2019 Group 2: units purchased 1 November 2019 to 31 January 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 13Mar | 15Mar* | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.27 | - | 0.27 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.13 | 0.14 | 0.27 | n/a |
| Accumulation units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.26 | - | 0.26 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.26 | 0.00 | 0.26 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.34 | - | 0.34 | n/a |
| Group2 | 0.34 | 0.00 | 0.34 | n/a |
Second interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 February 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 February 2020 to 30 April 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Jun | 15Jun* | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.22 | - | 0.22 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.10 | 0.12 | 0.22 | n/a |
| Accumulation units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.22 | - | 0.22 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.22 | 0.00 | 0.22 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.31 | - | 0.31 | n/a |
| Group2 | 0.31 | 0.00 | 0.31 | n/a |
- The Sub-fund launched on 30 April 2019.
64
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
Distribution tables
Third interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 May 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 May 2020 to 31 July 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Sep | 13Sep | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.13 | - | 0.13 | 0.27 |
| Group 2 | 0.09 | 0.04 | 0.13 | 0.27 |
| Accumulation units** | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.13 | - | 0.13 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.13 | 0.00 | 0.13 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.22 | - | 0.22 | 0.32 |
| Group2 | 0.21 | 0.01 | 0.22 | 0.32 |
Final distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 August 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 August 2020 to 31 October 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Dec | 13Dec | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.21 | - | 0.21 | 0.24 |
| Group 2 | 0.18 | 0.03 | 0.21 | 0.24 |
| Accumulation units** | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.21 | - | 0.21 | 0.00 |
| Group 2 | 0.21 | 0.00 | 0.21 | 0.00 |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.30 | - | 0.30 | 0.33 |
| Group2 | 0.26 | 0.04 | 0.30 | 0.33 |
** The Accumulation units launched on 26 October 2019.
Equalisation
This applies only to units purchased during the distribution period (Group 2 units). It is the average revenue included in the purchase price of all Group 2 units and is refunded to the holders of these units as a return of capital. Being capital it is not liable to income tax but must be deducted from the cost of the units for capital gains tax purposes.
65
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
Statement of total return
| Statement of total return | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 | |||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19* | ||
| Note | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Income: net capital(losses)/gains | 2 | (1,420) | 313 |
| Income: revenue | 3 | 666 | 400 |
| Expenses | 4 | (64) | (21) |
| Taxation | 5 | - | - |
| Net revenue after taxation | 602 | 379 | |
| Total (defcit)/return before distributions | (818) | 692 | |
| Distributions | 6 | (600) | (379) |
| Change in net assets attributable to unitholders from investment activities | (1,418) | 313 |
Statement of change in net assets attributable to unitholders
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19* | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| Opening net assets attributable to unitholders | 30,380 | - |
| Amounts receivable on issue of units | 450 | 1,900 |
| Amounts receivable on in-specie transfers ** | - | 28,443 |
| Amountspayable on cancellation of units | (1,593) | (276) |
| 29,237 | 30,067 | |
| Dilution adjustment | 8 | - |
| Change in net assets attributable to unitholders from investment activities | (1,418) | 313 |
| Closingnet assets attributable to unitholders | 27,827 | 30,380 |
- For the period 11 June 2019 to 31 October 2019.
** Represents the value of units created by in-specie transfer of assets during the period.
Balance sheet
| Balance sheet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| As at 31 October 2020 | |||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | ||
| Note | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Assets | |||
| Investments | 27,832 | 29,711 | |
| Current assets: | |||
| Debtors | 7 | 11 | 220 |
| Cash and bank balances | 8 | 313 | 702 |
| Total assets | 28,156 | 30,633 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| Creditors: | |||
| Distributions payable | (136) | (234) | |
| Other creditors | 9 | (193) | (19) |
| Total liabilities | (329) | (253) | |
| Net assets attributable to unitholders | 27,827 | 30,380 |
Balance sheet approved and signed on behalf of the Manager by:
David Palmer, Director 24 December 2020
Marina Phillips, Secretary 24 December 2020
66
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | ||
|---|---|---|
| Income units | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 101.49 | 103.40 |
| Return before operating charges* | (2.41) | (0.96) |
| Operatingcharges | (0.79) | (0.20) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | (3.20) | (1.16) |
| Distributions on income units | (1.46) | (0.75) |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 96.83 | 101.49 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Performance | ||
| Return after charges | (3.15)% | (1.12)% |
| Other information | ||
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 1,261 | 1,672 |
| Closing number of units | 1,302,440 | 1,647,396 |
| Operating charges** | 1.00% | 0.88% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | ||
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 107.86 | 103.10 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 82.47 | 100.30 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
** The Operating Charges of the previous year has been restated.
-
^ The Income units launched on 2 August 2019.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
67
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | |
|---|---|
| Accumulation units | |
| 31.10.20^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 100.16 |
| Return before operating charges* | (1.68) |
| Operatingcharges | (0.49) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | (2.17) |
| Distributions on accumulation units | (1.14) |
| Retained distributions on accumulation units | 1.14 |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 97.99 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.00 |
| Performance | |
| Return after charges | (2.17)% |
| Other information | |
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 33 |
| Closing number of units | 33,280 |
| Operating charges | 0.96% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.00% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | |
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 102.95 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 82.51 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The Accumulation units launched on 4 March 2020.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
68
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | ||
|---|---|---|
| CFB Income units | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 101.18 | 100.00 |
| Return before operating charges* | (2.41) | 2.55 |
| Operatingcharges | (0.19) | (0.07) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | (2.60) | 2.48 |
| Distributions on income units | (2.08) | (1.30) |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 96.50 | 101.18 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0 .00 | 0.00 |
| Performance | ||
| Return after charges | (2.57)% | 2.48% |
| Other information | ||
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 26,533 | 28,708 |
| Closing number of units | 27,494,538 | 28,372,704 |
| Operating charges** | 0.40% | 0.30% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | ||
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 107.67 | 104.19 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 82.29 | 99.65 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
** The Operating Charges of the previous year has been restated.
-
^ The CFB Income units launched on 11 June 2019.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
69
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
Portfolio of investments
| Portfolio of investments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| As at 31 October 2020 | |||
| Market value | Total net assets | ||
| Holding | £'000s | % | |
| Equity Investment Instruments (31.10.19 - 1.83%) | 1.60 | ||
| GCP Infrastructure Investments | 403,370 | 444 | 1.60 |
| Financial Services (31.10.19 - 2.53%) | 1.84 | ||
| International Public Partnership | 305,672 | 513 | 1.84 |
| Non-Equity Investment Instruments (31.10.19 - 93.44%) | 94.74 | ||
| Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities | 3,245,625 | 3,107 | 11.17 |
| Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities | 2,206,907 | 2,829 | 10.17 |
| Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities | 8,428,695 | 9,425 | 33.87 |
| Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities | 5,189,616 | 6,986 | 25.10 |
| iShares MSCI World ESG Enhanced ETF | 204,940 | 899 | 3.23 |
| Property Income Trust for Charities Fund | 3,803,692 | 3,118 | 11.20 |
| Real Estate & Investment Services (31.10.19 - 0.00%) | 1.84 | ||
| Greencoat UK Wind | 380,000 | 511 | 1.84 |
| Portfolio of investments | 27,832 | 100.02 | |
| Net other liabilities | (5) | (0.02) | |
| Net assets | 27,827 | 100.00 |
Unless otherwise stated, all investments are approved securities being either officially listed in a member state or traded on or under the rules of an eligible securities market.
70
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
Summary of material portfolio changes
| Summary of material portfolio changes | |
|---|---|
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 Cost £'000s Purchases Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities 3,240 UBS ETF(IE) MSCI UK IMI Socially Responsible 1,342 Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities 920 iShares MSCI World ESG Enhanced ETF 911 Greencoat UK Wind 498 Property Income Trust for Charities Fund 240 Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities 240 Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities 150 Totalpurchases 7,541 |
|
| Proceeds £'000s |
|
| Sales Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities 2,790 Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities 2,100 UBS ETF(IE) MSCI UK IMI Socially Responsible 1,180 Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities 978 Renewables Infrastructure Group 569 International Public Partnership 300 Property Income Trust for Charities Fund 157 GCP Infrastructure Investments 35 |
|
| Total sales 8,109 |
71
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
1. Accounting policies
(a) Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of investments and in compliance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS102) and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for financial statements of Authorised Funds issued by The Investment Association in May 2014 (and amended in June 2017), the Charities Act 2011 and the relevant scheme of Charity Commissioners.
Unless otherwise stated all accounting policies are consistent with those of the prior year.
Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The Manager does not consider that there were any significant areas of estimation uncertainty or application of critical judgements.
(b) Basis of valuation
The quoted investments of the Sub-fund have been valued at bid dealing prices as at close of business on 30 October 2020, the last valuation point in the accounting year, in accordance with the Trust Deed. Investments in collective investment schemes have been valued at bid price for dual priced funds or the single price for single priced funds. Where these investments are managed by the Manager or an associate of the Manager, the holdings have been valued at the cancellation price for dual priced funds or the single price for single priced funds. This price is the last available published price at the year end.
(c) Recognition of income
Dividends on ordinary stocks and distributions are credited to revenue when the securities are quoted ex-dividend. Interest on bank deposits are accounted for on a receipts basis. In the case where revenue is received after the deduction of withholding tax, the revenue is shown gross of taxation and the tax consequences are shown within the tax charge.
(d) Special dividends, share buy-back or additional share issue
The underlying circumstances behind a special dividend, share buyback or additional share issue are reviewed on a case by case basis in determining whether the amount is revenue or capital in nature. Amounts recognised as revenue form part of the distribution.
(e) Expenses
Expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenses of the Subfund are charged against revenue, except for the costs associated with the purchase and sale of investments, which are charged to capital.
attributable to each unit class on the day the revenue is earned or the expense is suffered. The Manager's periodic charge is specific to each unit class. Consequently, the revenue available to distribute for each unit class will differ.
2. Net capital (losses)/gains on investments
The net capital (losses)/gains during the year/period comprise:
| 11.06.19 to | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| Unrealised (losses)/gains on non-derivative securities | (1,057) | 255 |
| Realised(losses)/gains on non-derivative securities | (363) |
58 |
| Net capital(losses)/gains on investments | (1,420) | 313 |
3. Revenue
| 3. Revenue | ||
|---|---|---|
| 11.06.19 to | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| UK dividends | 416 | 279 |
| UK REIT property income distributions | 125 | 66 |
| Overseas dividends | 74 | 23 |
| Interest on debt securities | 47 | 31 |
| Bank interest | 4 | 1 |
| Total revenue | 666 | 400 |
4. Expenses
| 4. Expenses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 11.06.19 | to | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | ||
| £'000s | £'000s | ||
| Payable to the Manager or associates of the Manager and agents of | |||
| either of them: | |||
| Manager's periodic charge | 9 | 2 | |
| Registration fees | 10 | 3 | |
| 19 | 5 | ||
| Payable to the Corporate Trustee or associates of the Trustee | and | ||
| agents of either of them: | |||
| Corporate Trustee's fees | 24 | 9 | |
| 24 | 9 | ||
| Auditor's fee | 4 | 2 | |
| Other expenses | 17 | 5 | |
| 21 | 7 | ||
| Total expenses | 64 | 21 |
(f) Distribution policy
Revenue produced by the Sub-fund's investments accumulates during each accounting period. If, at the end of each accounting period, revenue exceeds expenses, the net revenue of the Sub-fund is available to be distributed/accumulated to unitholders.
(g) Foreign exchange
Transactions in foreign currencies during the year are translated into sterling (the functional currency of the Sub-fund), at the rates of exchange ruling on the transaction date. Amounts held in foreign currencies have been translated at the rate of exchange ruling at close of business, 30 October 2020, the last valuation point in the accounting year.
5. Taxation
The Sub-fund has charitable status and is exempt from UK Income and Capital Gains Tax pursuant to Part 11 Chapter 3 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. Distributions are paid and reinvested revenue credited gross to unitholders on the basis that all recoverable UK taxation has been reclaimed. Overseas withholding tax is deducted in full from overseas revenue. Recoverable withholding tax is credited to revenue.
| 11.06.19 to | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £’000s | £'000s | |
| Taxation | - | - |
(h) Apportionment to multiple unit classes
With the exception of the Manager's periodic charge, the allocation of revenue and expenses to each
unit class is based upon the proportion of the Sub-fund's assets
72
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
6. Distributions
Distributions take account of income received on creation of units and income deducted on the cancellation of units, and comprise:
| 11.06.19 to | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| 31 January | 153 | - |
| 30 April | 183 | - |
| 31 July | 127 | 147 |
| 31 October | 136 | 234 |
| 599 | 381 | |
| Income deducted on cancellation of units | 1 | - |
| Income received on creation of units | - | (2) |
| Net distribution for theyear/period | 600 | 379 |
| Net revenue after taxation | 602 | 379 |
| Movement of undistributed revenue | (2) | - |
| Net distribution for theyear/period | 600 | 379 |
7. Debtors
| 7. Debtors |
||
|---|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| Accrued income | 11 | 220 |
| Total debtors | 11 | 220 |
| 8. Cash and bank balances |
||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| Afrmative Deposit Fund for Charities | 312 | 693 |
| Cash at bank | 1 | 9 |
| Total cash and bank balances | 313 | 702 |
| 9. Other creditors | ||
| 31.10.20 | 31.10.19 | |
| £'000s | £'000s | |
| Amounts payable on cancellation of units | 40 | - |
| Purchases awaiting settlement | 140 | - |
| Accrued expenses | 13 | 19 |
| Total other creditors | 193 | 19 |
10. Reconciliation of units
| CFB | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Income | Accum | Income | |
| units | units | units | |
| Opening number of units | |||
| at beginning of year 01.11.19 | 1,647,396 | - | 28,372,704 |
| Units issued in year | 211,662 | 33,280 | 203,607 |
| Units cancelled inyear | (556,618) | - | (1,081,773) |
| Closing number of units | |||
| at end ofyear31.10.20 | 1,302,440 | 33,280 | 27,494,538 |
11. Financial instruments
In accordance with the investment objective, the Sub-fund holds certain financial instruments. These comprise:
-
securities held in accordance with the investment objective and policies;
-
cash and short term debtors and creditors arising directly from operations.
The main risks arising from the Sub-fund’s financial instruments and the Manager’s policies for managing these risks are summarised below. These policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and the comparative period.
Market price risk
Market price risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future prices of financial instruments held. It represents the potential loss the Subfund might suffer through holding market positions in the face of price movements. The Sub-fund's investment portfolio is exposed to market fluctuations which are monitored by the Manager in pursuit of the investment objectives and policies. Adherence to investment guidelines and to investment and borrowing powers set out in the Trust Deed, the Prospectus and in the Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook ("the Sourcebook") mitigates the risk of excessive exposure to any particular type of security or issuer.
Counterparty risk
The Sub-fund’s transactions in securities expose it to the risk that the counterparty will not deliver the investment for a purchase or the cash for a sale. To minimise this, the Sub-fund only deals with an approved list of brokers maintained by the Manager.
Liquidity risk
The Sub-fund's assets are comprised of mainly readily realisable securities. If insufficient cash is available to finance unitholder redemptions then securities held by the Sub-fund may need to be sold. The risk of low market liquidity, through reduced trading volumes, may affect the ability of the Sub-fund to trade financial instruments at values previously indicated by financial brokers. From time to time, liquidity may also be affected by stock specific or economic events. The Manager has a Liquidity Management Policy designed to monitor the liquidity risk of the Sub-fund and ensure that its investment strategy and liquidity profile allows the Sub-fund to meet its daily redemption obligations.
Interest rate risk
The majority of the Sub-fund's financial assets are equity shares and other investments which neither pay interest nor have a maturity date.
At the year end 1.12% (31.10.19: 2.31%) of the Sub-fund's assets by value were interest bearing.
Interest receivable on bank deposits or payable on bank overdraft positions will be affected by fluctuations in interest rates.
12. Commitments and contingent liabilities
There were no commitments or contingent liabilities as at 31 October 2020 (31.10.19: none).
73
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
13. Unitholders' funds
There are three unit classes in issue within the Sub-fund. These are Income, Accumulation and CFB Income units. The Manager's periodic charge in respect of these units is expressed as an annual percentage of the value of the property of the Sub-fund attributable to each unit class and is currently 0.60% in respect of Income and Accumulation units and 0% in respect of CFB Income units. Consequently, the level of net revenue attributable to each unit class will differ. Should it be necessary to wind-up the Sub-fund, each unit class will have the same rights as regards to the distribution of the property of the Sub-fund.
14. Related party transactions
The Manager’s periodic charge is paid to Epworth Investment Management Limited, a related party to the Sub-fund. The amounts paid in respect of the Manager's periodic charge are disclosed in note 4. The amount outstanding as at 31 October 2020 was £2,104 (31.10.19: £1,373).
In addition, the Sub-fund placed deposits during the year with the Affirmative Deposit Fund for Charities, a fund managed by Epworth Investment Management Limited. All charges levied for the management of these deposits have been refunded to the Sub-fund by Epworth. There were no other related party transactions during the year.
74
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
15. Portfolio transaction costs
| 15. Portfolio transaction costs | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 | |||||||||
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | ||
| Analysis of total purchases costs | |||||||||
| Equity transactions | 498 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 498 | |
| Pooled investment vehicles | 7,042 | 1 | 0.01 | - | - | - | - | 7,043 | |
| Total | 7,540 | 1 | - | - | 7,541 | ||||
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | ||
| Analysis of total sales costs | |||||||||
| Equity transactions | 904 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 904 | |
| Pooled investment vehicles | 7,205 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7,205 | |
| Total | 8,109 | - | - | - | 8,109 | ||||
| Commissions,taxes and other expenses as apercentage of average net | assets: | ||||||||
| Commissions | 0.00% | ||||||||
| Taxes | 0.00% | ||||||||
| Other expenses | 0.00% |
For the period ended 31 October 2019
| For the period ended 31 October 2019 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | ||
| Analysis of total purchases costs | |||||||||
| Equity transactions | 2,558 | 1 | 0.04 | - | - | - | - | 2,559 | |
| Pooled investment vehicles | 2,117 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2,117 | |
| In-specie transactions | 26,495 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 26,495 | |
| Total | 31,170 | 1 | - | - | 31,171 | ||||
| Other | |||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | |||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | ||
| Analysis of total sales costs | |||||||||
| Equity transactions | 743 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 743 | |
| Pooled investment vehicles | 1,031 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1,031 | |
| Total | 1,774 | - | - | - | 1,774 |
| Commissions,taxes and other expenses as apercentage of average net assets: | |
|---|---|
| Commissions | 0.00% |
| Taxes | 0.00% |
| Other expenses | 0.00% |
Portfolio transaction costs are incurred by the Sub-fund when buying and selling underlying investments. These costs vary depending on the class of investment, country of exchange and method of execution.
These costs can be classified as either direct or indirect transaction costs:
Direct transaction costs: Broker commissions, fees and taxes.
Indirect transaction costs: "Dealing spread" - the difference between buying and selling prices of the underlying investments.
At the balance sheet date the portfolio dealing spread was 0.01% (31.10.19: 0.02%) being the difference between the respective bid and offer prices for the Sub-fund's investments.
75
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
16. Sensitivity analysis
Interest rate risk sensitivity
As the majority of the Sub-fund's financial assets are non-interest bearing, the Sub-fund is only subject to limited exposure to fair value interest rate risk due to fluctuations in levels of market interest rates and therefore, no sensitivity analysis has been provided.
Foreign currency risk sensitivity
As the majority of the Sub-fund's financial assets are in the base currency of the Sub-fund (Sterling), the Sub-fund is only subject to limited exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency and therefore, no sensitivity analysis has been provided.
Price risk sensitivity
A five percent increase in the value of the Sub-fund's portfolio would have the effect of increasing the return and net assets by £1,391,600 (31.10.19: £1,485,536). A five percent decrease would have an equal and opposite effect.
17. Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities
The fair value of the Sub-fund's investments has been determined using the hierarchy below. This complies with the 'Amendments to FRS102 - Fair value hierarchy disclosures' issued by the Financial Reporting Council in March 2016.
The fair value of investments has been determined using the following hierarchy:
Level 1 The unadjusted quoted price in an active market for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included above that are observable (i.e. developed using market data) for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 Inputs that are unobservable (i.e. for which market data is unavailable) for the asset or liability.
| For the year ended 31 October 2020 | For the year ended 31 October 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | Total |
| £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Equities | 1,468 | - | - | 1,468 |
| Pooled Investment Vehicles 26,364 | - | - | 26,364 | |
| 27,832 | - | - | 27,832 | |
| For the period ended 31 October 2019 | ||||
| Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | Total |
| £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Equities | 1,880 | - | - | 1,880 |
| Pooled Investment Vehicles 27,831 | - | - | 27,831 | |
| 29,711 | - | - | 29,711 |
76
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
Distribution tables
For the year ended 31 October 2020
First interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 November 2019 Group 2: units purchased 1 November 2019 to 31 January 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 13Mar | 15Mar* | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.36 | - | 0.36 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.36 | 0.00 | 0.36 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.52 | - | 0.52 | n/a |
| Group2 | 0.47 | 0.05 | 0.52 | n/a |
Second interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 February 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 February 2020 to 30 April 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Jun | 15Jun* | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.49 | - | 0.49 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.49 | 0.00 | 0.49 | n/a |
| Accumulation units** | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.49 | - | 0.49 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.49 | 0.00 | 0.49 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.63 | - | 0.63 | n/a |
| Group2 | 0.61 | 0.02 | 0.63 | n/a |
- The Sub-Fund launched on 11 June 2019.
** The accumulation class launched on launched on 4 March 2020.
77
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
Distribution tables
Third interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 May 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 May 2020 to 31 July 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Sep | 13Sep | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.28 | - | 0.28 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.28 | 0.00 | 0.28 | n/a |
| Accumulation units** | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.31 | - | 0.31 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.31 | 0.00 | 0.31 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.45 | - | 0.45 | 0.52 |
| Group2 | 0.45 | 0.00 | 0.45 | 0.52 |
Final distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 August 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 August 2020 to 31 October 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit payable | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Dec | 13Dec | |
| Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.33 | - | 0.33 | 0.75 |
| Group 2 | 0.33 | 0.00 | 0.33 | 0.75 |
| Accumulation units** | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.34 | - | 0.34 | n/a |
| Group 2 | 0.34 | 0.00 | 0.34 | n/a |
| CFB Income units | ||||
| Group 1 | 0.48 | - | 0.48 | 0.78 |
| Group2 | 0.42 | 0.06 | 0.48 | 0.78 |
** The Accumulation units launched on 4 March 2020.
Equalisation
This applies only to units purchased during the distribution period (Group 2 units). It is the average amount of revenue included in the purchase price of all Group 2 units and is refunded to the holders of these units as a return of capital. Being capital it is not liable to income tax but must be deducted from the cost of the units for capital gains tax purposes.
78
Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities
Statement of total return
| Statement of total return | ||
|---|---|---|
| For the period 28 May 2020 to 31 October 2020 | ||
| 31.10.20* | ||
| Note | £'000s | |
| Income: net capital losses | 2 | (1,490) |
| Income: revenue | 3 | 301 |
| Expenses | 4 | (88) |
| Taxation | 5 | - |
| Net revenue after taxation | 213 | |
| Total defcit before distributions | (1,277) | |
| Distributions | 6 | (210) |
| Change in net assets attributable to unitholders from investment activities | (1,487) |
Statement of change in net assets attributable to unitholders
| Statement of change in net assets attributable to unitholders | |
|---|---|
| For the period 28 May 2020 to 31 October 2020 | |
| 31.10.20* | |
| £'000s | |
| Opening net assets attributable to unitholders | - |
| Amounts receivable on issue of units | 29,295 |
| Amountspayable on cancellation of units | (398) |
| 28,897 | |
| Dilution adjustment | 16 |
| Change in net assets attributable to unitholders from investment activities | (1,487) |
| Closingnet assets attributable to unitholders | 27,426 |
- The Sub-fund launched on 28 May 2020, therefore, there are no comparative figures available.
Balance sheet
| Balance sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| As at 31 October 2020 | ||
| 31.10.20* | ||
| Note | £'000s | |
| Assets | ||
| Investments | 27,051 | |
| Current assets: | ||
| Debtors | 7 | 338 |
| Cash and bank balances | 8 | 381 |
| Total assets | 27,770 | |
| Liabilities | ||
| Creditors: | ||
| Distributions payable | (143) | |
| Other creditors | 9 | (201) |
| Total liabilities | (344) | |
| Net assets attributable to unitholders | 27,426 |
- The Sub-fund launched on 28 May 2020, therefore, there are no comparative figures available.
Balance sheet approved and signed on behalf of the Manager by:
David Palmer, Director 24 December 2020
Marina Phillips, Secretary 24 December 2020
79
Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | |
|---|---|
| Income B units | |
| 31.10.20^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 100.00 |
| Return before operating charges* | (4.02) |
| Operatingcharges | (0.35) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | (4.37) |
| Distributions on income units | (0.73) |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 94.90 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.02 |
| Performance | |
| Return after charges | (4.37%) |
| Other information | |
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 24,250 |
| Closing number of units | 25,552,805 |
| Operating charges | 0.76% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.02% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | |
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 102.53 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 95.34 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The Income B units launched on 28 May 2020.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
80
Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities
Comparative table
Accumulation units
| Accumulation units | |
|---|---|
| 31.10.20^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit# | 99.50 |
| Return before operating charges* | (4.07) |
| Operatingcharges | (0.06) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | (4.13) |
| Distributions on accumulation units | - |
| Retained distributions on accumulation units | - |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 95.37 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.02 |
| Performance | |
| Return after charges | (4.15%) |
| Other information | |
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 96 |
| Closing number of units | 100,503 |
| Operating charges | 0.87% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.02% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | |
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 100.23 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 95.33 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The Accumulation units launched on 7 July 2020 and all units were liquidated on 25 July 2020. The class was relaunched on 16 October 2020. # As at relaunch date 16 October 2020.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
81
Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities
Comparative table
| Comparative table | |
|---|---|
| CFB Income units | |
| 31.10.20^ | |
| Change in net assetsper unit | penceper unit |
| Openingnet asset valueper unit | 100.00 |
| Return before operating charges* | (4.03) |
| Operatingcharges | (0.11) |
| Return after operatingcharges* | (4.14) |
| Distributions on income units | (0.97) |
| Closingnet asset valueper unit | 94.89 |
| * after direct transaction costs of (pence per unit): | 0.02 |
| Performance | |
| Return after charges | (4.14%) |
| Other information | |
| Closing net asset value (£'000s) | 3,080 |
| Closing number of units | 3,245,625 |
| Operating charges | 0.21% |
| Direct transaction costs | 0.02% |
| Prices(penceper unit)+ | |
| Highest unit price (ofer) | 102.54 |
| Lowest unitprice(bid) | 95.47 |
The return after charges has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for UK Authorised Funds' prescribed calculation methodology. This is for financial statement reporting purposes only and differs from the Sub-fund’s performance disclosed in the Report of the Investment Manager.
-
^ The CFB Income units launched on 28 May 2020.
-
- High and low price disclosures are based on quoted unit prices. Therefore the opening and closing NAV prices may fall outside the high/low price threshold.
82
Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities
Portfolio of investments
| Portfolio of investments | |
|---|---|
| As at 31 October 2020 Market Total net value assets Holding £'000s % United Kingdom 89.46 Basic Materials Croda International 1,040 63 0.23 Mondi 9,580 140 0.51 Victrex 17,350 320 1.17 Consumer Goods Berkeley Group Holding 7,890 320 1.17 Cranswick 10,840 349 1.27 Hilton Food Group 33,322 386 1.41 Persimmon 2,570 60 0.22 Reckitt Benckiser 12,550 853 3.11 Unilever 34,720 1,529 5.57 Consumer Services Compass Group 14,230 150 0.55 Informa 9,980 42 0.15 Intercontinental Hotels 1,470 58 0.21 Next Fifteen Communications 89,384 399 1.46 Next Group 950 55 0.20 Ocado Group 3,640 83 0.30 RELX 55,050 841 3.07 Ten Entertainment 158,399 209 0.76 Tesco 691,980 1,421 5.18 Financials 3I Group 75,810 729 2.66 Aviva 78,670 203 0.74 Barclays 137,800 147 0.54 Brooks Macdonald Group 25,610 392 1.43 Derwent London REIT 14,010 372 1.36 Greencoat UK Wind 523,738 705 2.57 HgCapital Trust 138,691 410 1.49 HSBC Holdings 243,470 790 2.88 Impax Environmental Markets 101,387 381 1.39 Legal & General 413,640 764 2.79 Lloyds Banking Group 553,290 155 0.56 London Stock Exchange Group 4,360 361 1.32 North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust 11,970 340 1.24 PRS REIT 436,440 310 1.13 Prudential 51,910 489 1.78 Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust 17,320 172 0.63 Segro REIT 23,560 212 0.77 Sigma Technology Group 330,496 380 1.39 St.Modwen Properties 125,204 414 1.51 Standered Chartered 20,430 72 0.26 Watkin Jones 236,470 316 1.15 |
|
| Market Total net value assets Holding £'000s % |
|
| Healthcare AstraZeneca 20,230 1,571 5.73 Eco Animal Health Group 144,180 332 1.21 GlaxoSmithKline 123,150 1,591 5.80 Smith & Nephew 17,140 229 0.83 Industrials Ashtead Group 17,830 499 1.82 Bunzl 6,680 160 0.58 Diploma 17,020 379 1.38 Halma 3,760 89 0.33 Howden Joinery Group 60,570 386 1.41 Intertek Group 1,600 89 0.32 Keywords Studios 18,100 383 1.40 M J Gleeson 65,748 381 1.39 Rentokil Initial 14,780 78 0.28 Spirax-Sarco Engineering 740 83 0.30 Technology FDM Group Holdings 40,641 406 1.48 Sage Group 21,670 138 0.50 Softcat 28,560 321 1.17 Telecommunications BT Group 69,430 70 0.26 Vodafone Group 852,470 878 3.20 Utilities National Grid 117,650 1,081 3.94 Channel Islands 6.53 Consumer Services WPP 11,910 73 0.27 Financials 3I Infrastructure 129,730 383 1.40 Renewables Infrastructure Group 557,160 753 2.74 Industrials Experian Group 11,520 325 1.19 Ferguson 3,310 256 0.93 Netherlands 0.29 Consumer Goods Just Eat Takeaway.Com 930 80 0.29 Singapore 1.17 Industrials XP Power 8,031 320 1.17 |
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Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities
Portfolio of investments
As at 31 October 2020
| As at 31 October 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Market | Total net | ||
| value | assets | ||
| Holding | £'000s | % | |
| United States | 1.18 | ||
| Financials | |||
| SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil | |||
| Fuel Reserves Free ETF | 6,400 | 325 | 1.18 |
| Portfolio of investments | 27,051 | 98.63 | |
| Net other assets | 375 | 1.37 | |
| Net assets | 27,426 | 100.00 |
Unless otherwise stated, all investments are approved securities being either officially listed in a member state or traded on or under the rules of an eligible securities market.
The Sub-fund was launched on 28 May 2020, therefore, no comparative figures are available.
Summary of material portfolio changes
For the period 28 May 2020 to 31 October 2020
| Cost £'000s Purchases GlaxoSmithKline 2,009 AstraZeneca 1,833 Tesco 1,612 Unilever 1,592 Vodafone Group 1,193 National Grid 1,093 RELX 1,083 HSBC Holdings 977 Reckitt Benckiser 956 Prudential 912 13,260 Otherpurchases 17,097 Totalpurchases 30,357 |
Proceeds £'000s |
|---|---|
| Sales Prudential 401 DS Smith 308 Craneware 259 Diploma 95 AstraZeneca 90 Unilever 85 FDM Group 81 Keywords Studios 68 Impax Environmental Markets 64 Reckitt Benckiser 58 |
|
| 1,509 Other sales 307 |
|
| Total sales 1,816 |
84
Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
1. Accounting policies
(a) Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of investments and in compliance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS102) and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for financial statements of Authorised Funds issued by The Investment Association in May 2014 (and amended in June 2017), the Charities Act 2011 and the relevant scheme of Charity Commissioners.
Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The Manager does not consider that there were any significant areas of estimation uncertainty or application of critical judgements.
(b) Basis of valuation
The quoted investments of the Sub-fund have been valued at bid dealing prices as at close of business on 30 October 2020, the last valuation point in the accounting period, in accordance with the Trust Deed.
(c) Recognition of income
Dividends on ordinary stocks and distributions are credited to revenue when the securities are quoted ex-dividend. Interest on bank deposits are accounted for on a receipts basis.
In the case where revenue is received after the deduction of withholding tax, the revenue is shown gross of taxation and the tax consequences are shown within the tax charge.
(d) Stock dividends
The ordinary element of stock received in lieu of cash dividends is recognised as revenue of the Sub-fund. Any enhancement above the cash dividend is treated as capital.
(e) Special dividends, share buy-back or additional share issue
The underlying circumstances behind a special dividend, share buyback or additional share issue are reviewed on a case by case basis in determining whether the amount is revenue or capital in nature. Amounts recognised as revenue form part of the distribution.
(f) Expenses
Expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenses of the Subfund are charged against revenue, except for the costs associated with the purchase and sale of investments, which are charged to capital.
(g) Distribution policy
Revenue produced by the Sub-fund's investments accumulates during each accounting period. If, at the end of each accounting period, revenue exceeds expenses, the net revenue of the Sub-fund is available to be distributed/accumulated to unitholders.
(h) Foreign exchange
Transactions in foreign currencies during the period are translated into Sterling (the functional currency of the Sub-fund), at the rates of exchange ruling on the transaction date. Amounts held in foreign currencies have been translated at the rate of exchange ruling at close of business, 30 October 2020, the last valuation point in the accounting period.
2. Net losses on investments
The net capital losses during the period comprise:
| 2. Net losses on investments The net capital losses during the period comprise: |
|
|---|---|
| 28.05.20 to | |
| 31.10.20 | |
| £'000s | |
| Unrealised losses on non-derivative securities | (1,481) |
| Realised losses on non-derivative securities | (9) |
| Unrealised currency gains | 3 |
| Transaction charges | (3) |
| Net losses on investments | (1,490) |
3. Revenue
| 3. Revenue |
|
|---|---|
| 28.05.20 to | |
| 31.10.20 | |
| £'000s | |
| UK dividends | 276 |
| Overseas dividends | 18 |
| UK REIT property income distributions | 2 |
| Interest on debt securities | 3 |
| Bank interest | 2 |
| Total revenue | 301 |
| 4. Expenses |
|
| 28.05.20 to | |
| 31.10.20 | |
| £'000s | |
| Payable to the Manager or associates of the Manager and agents of | |
| either of them: | |
| Manager's periodic charge | 58 |
| Registration fees | 7 |
| 65 | |
| Payable to the Corporate Trustee or associates of the Trustee and | |
| agents of either of them: | |
| Corporate Trustee's fees | 10 |
| Safe custodyfees | 1 |
| 11 | |
| Auditor's fee | 2 |
| Other expenses | 10 |
| 12 | |
| Total expenses | 88 |
5. Taxation
The Sub-fund has charitable status and is exempt from UK Income and Capital Gains Tax pursuant to Part 11 Chapter 3 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. Distributions are paid and reinvested revenue credited gross to unitholders on the basis that all recoverable UK taxation has been reclaimed. Overseas withholding tax is deducted in full from overseas revenue. Recoverable withholding tax is credited to revenue.
| 28.05.20 to | |
|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | |
| £'000s | |
| Taxation | - |
(i) Apportionment to multiple unit classes
With the exception of the Manager's periodic charge, the allocation of revenue and expenses to each unit class is based upon the proportion of the Sub-fund's assets attributable to each unit class on the day the revenue is earned or the expense is suffered. The Manager's periodic charge is specific to each unit class. Consequently, the revenue available to distribute for each unit class will differ.
85
Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
6. Distributions
Distributions take account of income received on creation of units and income deducted on the cancellation of units, and comprise:
| 28.05.20 to | |
|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | |
| £'000s | |
| 31 July | 75 |
| 31 October | 143 |
| 218 | |
| Income deducted on cancellation of units | - |
| Income received on creation of units | (8) |
| Net distribution for theperiod | 210 |
| Net revenue after taxation | 213 |
| Movement of undistributed revenue | (3) |
| Net distribution for theperiod | 210 |
| 7. Debtors |
|
|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | |
| £'000s | |
| Amounts receivable for creation of units | 250 |
| Sales awaiting settlement | 39 |
| Accrued income | 49 |
| Total debtors | 338 |
11. Financial instruments
Fair value
In accordance with the investment objective, the Sub-fund holds certain financial instruments. These comprise:
-
securities held in accordance with the investment objective and policies;
-
cash and short term debtors and creditors arising directly from operations.
The main risks arising from the Sub-fund’s financial instruments and the Manager’s policies for
managing these risks are summarised below. These policies have been applied consistently throughout the period.
Market price risk
Market price risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future prices of financial instruments held. It represents the potential loss the Subfund might suffer through holding market positions in the face of price movements. The Sub-fund's investment portfolio is exposed to market fluctuations which are monitored by the Manager in pursuit of the investment objectives and policies. Adherence to investment guidelines and to investment and borrowing powers set out in the Trust Deed, the Prospectus and in the Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook ("the Sourcebook") mitigates the risk of excessive exposure to any particular type of security or issuer.
Counterparty risk
The Sub-fund’s transactions in securities expose it to the risk that the counterparty will not deliver the investment for a purchase or the cash for a sale. To minimise this, the Sub-fund only deals with an approved list of brokers maintained by the Manager.
8. Cash and bank balances
| 8. Cash and bank balances |
|
|---|---|
| 31.10.20 | |
| £'000s | |
| Afrmative Deposit Fund for Charities | 372 |
| Cash at bank | 9 |
| Total cash and bank balances | 381 |
| 9. Other creditors |
|
| 31.10.20 | |
| £'000s | |
| Purchases awaiting settlement | 146 |
| Accrued expenses | 55 |
| Total other creditors | 201 |
Liquidity risk
The Sub-fund's assets are comprised of mainly readily realisable securities. If insufficient cash is available to finance unitholder redemptions then securities held by the Sub-fund may need to be sold. The risk of low market liquidity, through reduced trading volumes, may affect the ability of the Sub-fund to trade financial instruments at values previously indicated by financial brokers. From time to time, liquidity may also be affected by stock specific or economic events. The Manager has a Liquidity Management Policy designed to monitor the liquidity risk of the Sub-fund and ensure that its investment strategy and liquidity profile allows the Sub-fund to meet its daily redemption obligations.
10. Reconciliation of units
Foreign currency risk
Foreign currency risk is the risk that the value of the Sub-fund's investment holdings will fluctuate as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
| CFB Income B Accum Income units units units Opening number of units at beginning of period 28.05.20 - - - Units issued in period 25,929,922 100,503 3,245,625 Units cancelled inperiod (377,117) - Closing number of units at end ofperiod31.10.20 25,552,805 100,503 3,245,625 |
Foreign currency risk is the risk that the value of the Sub-fund's investment holdings will fuctuate as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The total currency exposure at the period end was: |
|---|---|
| ~~31.10.20~~ Non- Monetary monetary exposures exposures Total Currency £'000s £'000s £'000s |
|
| Sterling 368 26,726 27,094 US Dollar 7 325 332 |
|
| Total 375 27,051 27,426 |
86
Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
Interest rate risk
The majority of the Sub-fund's financial assets are equity shares and other investments which neither pay interest nor have a maturity date.
At the period end 1.39% of the Sub-fund's assets by value were interest bearing.
Interest receivable on bank deposits or payable on bank overdraft positions will be affected by fluctuations in interest rates.
12. Commitments and contingent liabilities
There were no commitments or contingent liabilities as at 31 October 2020.
14. Related party transactions
The Manager’s periodic charge is paid to Epworth Investment Management Limited, a related party to the Sub-fund. The amounts paid in respect of the Manager's periodic charge are disclosed in note 4. The amount outstanding as at 31 October 2020 was £36,596.
In addition, the Sub-fund placed deposits during the period with the Affirmative Deposit Fund for Charities, a fund managed by Epworth Investment Management Limited. All charges levied for the management of these deposits have been refunded to the Sub-fund by Epworth. There were no other related party transactions during the period.
13. Unitholders' funds
There are three unit classes in issue within the Sub-fund. These are Income B, Accumulation and CFB Income units. The Manager's periodic charge in respect of these units is expressed as an annual percentage of the value of the property of the Sub-fund attributable to each unit class and is currently 0.55% and 0.65% in respect of Income B and Accumulation units repectively and 0% in respect of CFB Income units. Consequently, the level of net revenue attributable to each unit class will differ. Should it be necessary to wind-up the Sub-fund, each unit class will have the same rights as regards to the distribution of the property of the Sub-fund.
87
Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
15. Portfolio transaction costs
For the period ended 31 October 2020
| 15. Portfolio transaction costs For the period ended 31 October 2020 |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | ||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | ||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | |
| Analysis of total purchases costs | ||||||||
| Equity transactions | 30,014 | 5 | 0.02 | - | - | - | - | 30,019 |
| Pooled investment vehicles | 338 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 338 |
| Total | 30,352 | 5 | - | - | 30,357 | |||
| Other | ||||||||
| Value | Commissions | Taxes | expenses | Total | ||||
| £'000s | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | % | £'000s | |
| Analysis of total sales costs | ||||||||
| Equitytransactions | 1,817 | (1) | (0.06) | - | - | - | - | 1,816 |
| Total | 1,817 | (1) | - | - | 1,816 | |||
| Commissions, taxes and other expenses as a percentage of average net assets: | ||||||||
| Commissions | 0.02% | |||||||
| Taxes | 0.00% | |||||||
| Other expenses | 0.00% |
Portfolio transaction costs are incurred by the Sub-fund when buying and selling underlying investments. These costs vary depending on the class of investment, country of exchange and method of execution.
These costs can be classified as either direct or indirect transaction costs:
Direct transaction costs: Broker commissions, fees and taxes.
Indirect transaction costs: "Dealing spread" - the difference between buying and selling prices of the underlying investments.
At the balance sheet date the portfolio dealing spread was 0.41% being the difference between the respective bid and offer prices for the Sub-fund's investments.
88
Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities
Notes to the financial statements
16. Sensitivity analysis
Interest rate risk sensitivity
As the majority of the Sub-fund's financial assets are non-interest bearing, the Sub-fund is only subject to limited exposure to fair value interest rate risk due to fluctuations in levels of market interest rates and therefore, no sensitivity analysis has been provided.
Foreign currency risk sensitivity
As the majority of the Sub-fund's financial assets are in the base currency of the Sub-fund (Sterling), the Sub-fund is only subject to limited exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency and therefore, no sensitivity analysis has been provided.
Price risk sensitivity
A five percent increase in the value of the Sub-fund's portfolio would have the effect of increasing the return and net assets by £1,352,547. A five percent decrease would have an equal and opposite effect.
17. Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities
The fair value of the Sub-fund's investments has been determined using the hierarchy below. This complies with the 'Amendments to FRS102 - Fair value hierarchy disclosures' issued by the Financial Reporting Council in March 2016.
The fair value of investments has been determined using the following hierarchy:
Level 1 The unadjusted quoted price in an active market for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included above that are observable (i.e. developed using market data) for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
- Level 3 Inputs that are unobservable (i.e. for which market data is unavailable) for the asset or liability.
| For the period ended 31 October 2020 | For the period ended 31 October 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | Total |
| £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | £'000s | |
| Equities | 27,051 | - | - | 27,051 |
| 27,051 | - | - | 27,051 |
89
Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities
Distribution tables
For the period ended 31 October 2020
First interim distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased on 28 May 2020 Group 2: units purchased 29 May 2020 to 31 July 2020
| 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit paid | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Sep | |
| Income B units | |||
| Group 1 | 0.25 | - | 0.25 |
| Group 2 | 0.23 | 0.02 | 0.25 |
| CFB Income units | |||
| Group 1 | 0.34 | - | 0.34 |
| Group2 | 0.34 | 0.00 | 0.34 |
Final distribution in pence per unit
Group 1: units purchased prior to 1 August 2020 Group 2: units purchased 1 August 2020 to 31 October 2020
| 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit payable | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Dec | |
| Income B units | |||
| Group 1 | 0.48 | - | 0.48 |
| Group 2 | 0.10 | 0.38 | 0.48 |
| CFB Income units | |||
| Group 1 | 0.63 | - | 0.63 |
| Group2 | 0.03 | 0.60 | 0.63 |
Group 1: units purchased on 16 October 2020
Group 2: units purchased 17 October 2020 to 31 October 2020
| 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net | pence per unit payable | ||
| income | Equalisation | 15Dec | |
| Accumulation units* | |||
| Group 1 | 0.00 | - | 0.00 |
| Group2 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
- The Accumulation units launched on 7 July 2020 and all units were liquidated on 25 July 2020. The class was relaunched on 16 October 2020.
Equalisation
This applies only to units purchased during the distribution period (Group 2 units). It is the average amount of revenue included in the purchase price of all Group 2 units and is refunded to the holders of these units as a return of capital. Being capital it is not liable to income tax but must be deducted from the cost of the units for capital gains tax purposes.
90
Epworth Investment Funds for Charities
Responsibilities of the Manager and the Trustee
- a) The Manager of the Trust is required by the Financial Conduct Authority’s Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook ('the Sourcebook') to prepare financial statements for each annual accounting period which give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Trust at the end of that period and the net revenue or expense and the net gains or losses on the property of the Trust for the period then ended.
In preparing these financial statements, the Manager is required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
make judgements and estimates that are prudent and reasonable;
-
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed subject to any material departure disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-
prepare the financial statements on the basis that the Trust will continue in operation unless it is inappropriate to presume this.
The Manager is also required to manage the Trust in accordance with the Trust Deed, the Prospectus and the Sourcebook, maintain proper financial records to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Authorised Funds as issued by the IA in May 2014 (amended June 2017) and the Sourcebook and take reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
- b) The Depositary in its capacity as Trustee of the Epworth Investment Funds for Charities must ensure that the Trust is managed in accordance with the Financial Conduct Authority's Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook, the Investment Funds
Sourcebook, the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended, (together 'the Regulations'), the Trust Deed and Prospectus (together 'the Scheme documents') as detailed below.
The Depositary must in the context of its role act honestly, fairly, professionally, independently and in the interests of the Trust and its investors.
The Depositary is responsible for the safekeeping of all custodial assets and maintaining a record of all other assets of the Trust in accordance with the Regulations.
The Depositary must ensure that:
-
the Trust's cash flows are properly monitored and that cash of the Trust is booked in cash accounts in accordance with the Regulations;
-
the sale, issue, repurchase, redemption and cancellation of units are carried out in accordance with the Regulations;
-
the value of units of the Trust are calculated in accordance with the Regulations;
-
any consideration relating to transactions in the Trust's assets is remitted to the Trust within the usual time limits;
-
the Trust's income is applied in accordance with the Regulations; and
-
the instructions of the Alternative Investment Fund Manager ('the AIFM'), are carried out (unless they conflict with the Regulations).
The Depositary also has a duty to take reasonable care to ensure that the Trust is managed in accordance with the Regulations and the Scheme documents of the Trust in relation to the investment and borrowing powers applicable to the Trust.
Trustee’s report and directors’ statement
Statement of the Depositary's Responsibilities in Respect of the Scheme and Report of the Depositary to the Unitholders of the Epworth Investment Funds for Charities ('the Trust') for the Period Ended 31 October 2020.
Having carried out such procedures as we considered necessary to discharge our responsibilities as Depositary of the Trust, it is our opinion, based on the information available to us and the explanations provided, that, in all material respects the Trust, acting through the AIFM:
- (i) has carried out the issue, sale, redemption and cancellation, and calculation of the price of the Trust's units and the application of the Trust's income in accordance with the Regulations and the Scheme documents of the Trust; and
(ii) has observed the investment and borrowing powers and restrictions applicable to the Trust in accordance with the Regulations and the Scheme documents of the Trust.
London HSBC Bank plc 24 December 2020
Directors’ statement
In accordance with the requirements of the Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook as issued and amended by the Financial Conduct Authority, we hereby certify the report on behalf of the Directors of Epworth Investment Management Limited.
London David Palmer, Director Marina Phillips, Secretary 24 December 2020
91
Epworth Investment Funds for Charities
Independent auditor’s report to the trustee of Epworth Investment Funds for Charities
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Epworth Investment Funds for Charities (the 'Trust') for the year from 1 November 2019 to 31 October 2020. The financial statements comprise the statement of accounting policies and combined notes and individual financial statements of each of the following sub-funds (the 'sub-funds') of the Trust:
-
Epworth UK Equity Fund for Charities
-
Epworth Global Equity Fund for Charities
-
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund for Charities
-
Epworth Sterling Sovereign Bond Fund for Charities
-
Epworth Multi-Asset Fund for Charities
-
• Epworth Climate Stewardship Fund for Charities
The individual financial statements for each of the Trust's sub-funds comprise the Statement of total return, the Statement of change in net assets attributable to unitholders, the Balance sheet, the Portfolio of investments, the Summary of material portfolio changes, the Distribution tables where applicable, the Credit ratings where applicable and related notes to the financial statements. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
-
give a true and fair view of the state of the Trust’s affairs as at 31 October 2020 and of its revenue/expense and net capital gains/ losses for the year then ended;
-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and Regulation 6 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Trust in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
Other information
The trustee is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-
the information given in the Manager’s report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or
-
sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
-
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
-
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of the Manager
As described in the Responsibilities of the Manager and the Trustee, the Manager is responsible for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102, ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’. The Trustee is required to take reasonable care to ensure compliance by the Manager with all relevant requirements.
In preparing the financial statements, the Manager is responsible for assessing the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the Trust or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:
-
the trustee’s use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or
-
• the trustee has not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the Trust’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
92
Epworth Investment Funds for Charities Independent auditor's report to the trustee of Epworth Investment Funds for Charities Auditorfs respon8ibilitie8 for the audit (Jf the finaneial ststements Our objectives aTeto obtsin Teasonable assurance about wthether the linancial ateMentS as a iihole are Iree from material mi%slalement, whether diie tofraud vr eTTur, andto ille auditorfb report that includes ouropinion. Reasonable assura11 is a high level of assurance, but is not a guaraniee that an audit conducied in accordance wilh ISAS IUKI always detect a material misstatetnent when it ayists. Misstateineiits can arisefrom fraud or erroraiid are coiisidered tnaterial if, Indi]d*]1Y or in the aggregate, they eould reaso[b]Ybe expectedto influeiice the economic decisions of userstaken onthe h38iqnf th&qe financial £taternenLq. Afurthcr description of ourrcsponsibilitics for the audit of the finan¢ial.stgtementq iq locjted on the Financigl ReportinA Council website at www.frc.org.uk/auditoTsresponsibilities. This descIiption forms partof ourauditor's report. This report is tnade solelytothe charits s trustee in accoTrlance s%ryth section 144 of the Charities Act 2nii alld with reglllatiDn% made under section 154 of that Act. Our audit i¥ork has been undertaken so ihai we tnight statetothe trllstee those matters we are required to stateto them in 2n auditnr'% rert and f(>rna othei'purpthqe. Tothefi]Ile extent permilted bj law, we do not aecepi or assume responsibility to anyone otheT than theTrllst and thetrllstee, for our audit i%'ork, for this report, orforthe opinions we have formed. Buzzacott LLP .8tatutlJryAuditor 130 Wo(xq Street London EC2V 6DL 24 Dece1[ 2020 93
Epworth Investment Funds for Charities
Corporate information
The information in this report is designed to enable unitholders to make an informed judgement on the activities of the Fund during the period it covers and the results of those activities at the end of the period.
Epworth Investment Management Limited is a private limited company (registered number 03052894) owned by the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Administration & Dealing: 020 7496 3636 (between the hours of 9am & 5pm).
Value for Money (VfM) Assessment
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have introduced new rules and guidance to improve the quality of information available to investors. We have performed an annual assessment for Epworth Investment Management Ltd (Epworth) designed to meet the FCA's requirements and assess whether each Epworth Sub-fund provides value for money for the investor. If the assessment determines that one or more Subfund does not provide value for money, an action plan to rectify the situation is proposed.
Administrator, Delegate Registrar, Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent
HSBC Bank plc 8 Canada Square London E14 5HQ Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Delegate Registrar correspondence address
Epworth Investment Management Limited Floor 1, 1 Grand Canal Square Grand Canal Harbour Dublin 2 Ireland Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Investment Manager
Epworth Investment Management Limited 2nd Floor
9 Bonhill Steet London EC2A 4PE
Trustee
Broadly speaking, the VfM assessment requires consideration of a combination of factors, including comparable market rates, Epworth costs, comparable services, performance, quality of service, economies of scale and share classes.
Based on our VfM assessment of each Sub-fund, the Board believes that Epworth provides good value for money for its clients.
Further details of the VfM Assessment for Epworth can be found at: https://www.epworthinvestment.co.uk/downloads/value-for-moneyassessment.pdf
Risks
The price of units and the revenue from them can go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amount they invested, particularly in the case of early withdrawal.
Management charges on some funds may be charged to capital and therefore a reduction in capital may occur.
HSBC Bank plc 1-2 Lochside Way Edinburgh Park Edinburgh EH12 9DT Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Independent Auditor
Buzzacott LLP 130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL
Authorised status
The Trust, Epworth Investment Funds for Charities, is an authorised unit trust. The Trust is also registered with the Charity Commission as a charity.
For the purposes of the Regulations, the Trust is:
Depending on the fund, the value of your investment may change with currency movements.
-
a Charity Authorised Investment Fund (CAIF);
-
an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF); and
-
a Non-UCITS Retail Scheme.
Manager
Epworth Investment Management Limited 2nd Floor 9 Bonhill Steet London EC2A 4PE
Directors
John Sandford (Chair) David Palmer (Chief Executive Officer) Jennie Austin Stephen Beer (Chief Investment Officer) Julian de G Parker Peter Hobbs Marina Phillips (Chief Financial Officer)
Advisory Committee
Chris Sexton (Chair) Kevin Norman Lord Burnham Alexandra Cornforth
94