Acorn Income Fund Limited — Board proposes change of mandate and manager

Acorn Income Fund (LN: AIF)

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367.50

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Research: Investment Companies

Acorn Income Fund Limited — Board proposes change of mandate and manager

The board of Acorn Income Fund (AIF) has announced the results of its strategic review ahead of the company’s five-yearly discontinuation vote in August. It is proposing to change the mandate from its present c 75% in UK smaller companies and c 25% in income-producing assets to a global equity income fund focused on sustainability and positive impact, managed by BMO Global Asset Management rather than the current partnership between Unicorn Asset Management and Premier Miton. AIF’s approach of investing in well-financed, income-generating and often domestically oriented small caps had led to a period of underperformance, partly attributable to Brexit uncertainty but compounded by last year’s COVID-19 induced dividend cuts. However, returns have rebounded strongly in the past year (see chart) as investors have begun to reassess the UK equity market. The board advises that shareholders who favour the move to BMO should vote against discontinuation and in favour of the proposals at the AGM and EGM in August. A circular will be published in due course.

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Investment Companies

Acorn Income Fund

Board proposes change of mandate and manager

Investment companies
UK small-cap and income

18 May 2021

Price

359.0p

Market cap

£56.8m

AUM

£100.3m

NAV*

417.6p

Discount to NAV

14.0%

*Including income. At 14 May 2021.

Yield

6.4%

Ordinary shares in issue

15.8m

ZDPs in issue

21.2m

Code

AIF

ISIN

GB0004829437

Primary exchange

LSE

AIC sector

UK Equity & Bond Income

52-week high/low

371.0p

230.0p

425.3p

288.8p

*Including income.

Gearing

Gross gearing at 14 May 2021

52.2%

Fund objective

Acorn Income Fund’s objective is to provide shareholders with a high income and the opportunity for capital growth. The portfolio is split into two pools: one (c 70–80% of assets) is invested in UK small-cap equities; the other is an income portfolio containing fixed-income instruments, convertibles and high-yielding shares in other investment companies. Performance is measured against a composite benchmark: 75% of the Numis Smaller Companies (excluding investment companies) Index and 25% ICE BofAML Sterling Non-Gilts Index.

Analysts

Sarah Godfrey

+44 (0)20 3681 2519

Mel Jenner

+44 (0)20 3077 5720

Acorn Income Fund is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

The board of Acorn Income Fund (AIF) has announced the results of its strategic review ahead of the company’s five-yearly discontinuation vote in August. It is proposing to change the mandate from its present c 75% in UK smaller companies and c 25% in income-producing assets to a global equity income fund focused on sustainability and positive impact, managed by BMO Global Asset Management rather than the current partnership between Unicorn Asset Management and Premier Miton. AIF’s approach of investing in well-financed, income-generating and often domestically oriented small caps had led to a period of underperformance, partly attributable to Brexit uncertainty but compounded by last year’s COVID-19 induced dividend cuts. However, returns have rebounded strongly in the past year (see chart) as investors have begun to reassess the UK equity market. The board advises that shareholders who favour the move to BMO should vote against discontinuation and in favour of the proposals at the AGM and EGM in August. A circular will be published in due course.

Strong rebound yet to lift Brexit-hit medium-term performance numbers

Source: Refinitiv, Edison Investment Research. Note: Percentage total returns in sterling. Three-, five- and 10-year figures annualised. For blended benchmark see Fund objective.

Key points of the announcement

The board considered the forthcoming discontinuation vote as offering a good catalyst for a reappraisal of the strategy.

While it has performed well over the long term (total returns of c 10% pa over 10 years), AIF remains a small fund and is trading at a c 14% discount to NAV.

The board sees the growing appetite for sustainable investment as offering an opportunity for the fund to attract new investors and grow its share base over time. BMO Global Asset Management (through predecessor company Friends Provident) pioneered sustainable investment for UK retail investors through its Stewardship funds.

The renamed BMO Global Sustainable Equity Income Fund proposes to offer a sustainable portfolio yield of c 3.5% pa (compared with AIF’s currently uncovered 6.4% dividend yield) at a reduced annual management fee (65bps on net assets from 70bps on gross assets) and with no performance fee.

A sustainable future for AIF’s investors?

While we await further detail in the forthcoming circular, it seems likely that AIF’s structure (it is currently highly geared through zero-dividend preference shares) would be simplified under the proposed new mandate. The gearing has been beneficial for ordinary shareholders in the past but has proved a drag on performance in the difficult market conditions for higher-yielding UK small-cap equities in recent years.

Sustainable investment is currently a hot topic, and the proposals would bring together two of BMO Global Asset Management’s historical claims to fame for the first time: as F&C (formerly Foreign & Colonial) it launched the very first investment trust in 1868, and as Friends Provident it pioneered ethical investment in the UK with the launch of the Stewardship fund in 1984. The proposed global sustainable equity income strategy – managed by Sacha El Khoury, a member of BMO’s 15-strong global equities team – would invest in a portfolio of publicly listed global companies that make a positive impact on society and the environment. The strategy is overseen by BMO’s responsible investments team, whose 20 members have over 275 years’ combined experience.

We note the recent announcement that BMO Global Asset Management’s Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) operations are to be acquired by Columbia Threadneedle, a division of US-listed Ameriprise Financial (expected to complete in late 2021). This may lead to changes in corporate branding across BMO’s fund range, although no such changes have yet been made public.

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Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Acorn Income Fund and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Acorn Income Fund. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright 2021 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

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Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

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