The Diverse Income Trust — Long-term dividend and capital growth

Diverse Income Trust (The) (LSE: DIVI)

Last close As at 27/03/2024

GBP0.85

0.90 (1.07%)

Market capitalisation

GBP269m

More on this equity

Research: Investment Companies

The Diverse Income Trust — Long-term dividend and capital growth

The Diverse Income Trust (DIVI) seeks to provide shareholders with an attractive level of dividends and capital growth over the long term. It achieves this through investing primarily in UK-listed companies that are able to improve productivity, where strong cash flow can underpin sustained dividend growth. The managers Gervais Williams and Martin Turner believe a multi-cap approach has the advantage of investing over a wider opportunity set relative to those limited to large mainstream stocks, and around two-thirds of DIVI’s holdings are outside the FTSE 350. The strategy also seeks to manage the scale of potential capital loss, in the event of a major market setback, through the use of a FTSE 100 put option. DIVI has a solid track record of performance; from inception in April 2011 to end February 2018, it has generated an annualised total return of 13.8%.

Analyst avatar placeholder

Written by

Investment Companies

The Diverse Income Trust

Long-term dividend and capital growth

Investment trusts

09 April 2018

Price

101.1p

Market cap

£387.5m

AUM

£379.4m

NAV*

98.9p

Premium to NAV

2.2%

NAV**

100.3p

Premium to NAV

0.7%

*Excluding income. **Including income. As at 6 April 2018.

Yield

3.4%

Ordinary shares in issue

383.5m

Code

DIVI

Primary exchange

LSE

AIC sector

UK Equity Income

Share price/discount performance

Three-year performance vs index

52-week high/low

104.5p

92.5p

104.4p

96.0p

**Including income.

Gearing

Gross*

0.0%

Net cash*

3.2%

*As at 28 February 2018.

Analysts

Helena Coles

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Sarah Godfrey

+44 (0)20 3681 2519

The Diverse Income Trust is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

The Diverse Income Trust (DIVI) seeks to provide shareholders with an attractive level of dividends and capital growth over the long term. It achieves this through investing primarily in UK-listed companies that are able to improve productivity, where strong cash flow can underpin sustained dividend growth. The managers Gervais Williams and Martin Turner believe a multi-cap approach has the advantage of investing over a wider opportunity set relative to those limited to large mainstream stocks, and around two-thirds of DIVI’s holdings are outside the FTSE 350. The strategy also seeks to manage the scale of potential capital loss, in the event of a major market setback, through the use of a FTSE 100 put option. DIVI has a solid track record of performance; from inception in April 2011 to end February 2018, it has generated an annualised total return of 13.8%.

12 months ending

Share price
(%)

NAV
(%)

FTSE All-Share (%)

FTSE 350 High Yield (%)

FTSE Small Cap Index (%)

31/03/14

35.3

35.5

8.8

8.8

32.3

31/03/15

1.4

3.0

6.6

3.8

1.2

31/03/16

13.8

13.3

(3.9)

(7.2)

5.9

31/03/17

1.8

7.8

22.0

26.7

19.7

31/03/18

16.0

8.6

1.2

(1.2)

2.2

Source: Thomson Datastream. Note: All % on a total return basis in GBP.

Investment strategy: Fundamental, unconstrained

DIVI is focused on finding companies with durable long-term dividend growth. These firms typically have strong balance sheets, conservative managements and are attractively valued. Unconstrained by a benchmark, the managers are free to invest across the whole market-capitalisation spectrum, and currently tend to find many of the better investment opportunities among small-cap income stocks. The investment approach is bottom up and the managers meet around 70-80 companies each month. DIVI’s portfolio is well diversified, consisting of around 150 holdings across 11 sectors. Were there a significant market correction, the trust has an undrawn gearing facility so it can fund extra investments prior to any future market recovery.

Market outlook: More volatile than recent years

Having performed strongly since early 2016, the FTSE 100 has retreated by around 10% from its January 2018 peak. Valuations may have moderated, and investors are now less complacent about risk than they were last year, but stock markets have become more volatile than previously. In this environment, an investment strategy covering a wider investment universe that is less correlated with mainstream indices may be become desirable.

Valuation: Shares trades close to NAV

DIVI is trading at a 0.7% premium to cum-income NAV, which is slightly below its five-year average of 1.0%. Since its inception, the trust has traded close to its NAV, reflecting good demand for its all-cap strategy, strong performance track record and the board’s ability to manage supply and demand for DIVI’s shares.

Exhibit 1: Trust at a glance

Investment objective and fund background

Recent developments

The Diverse Income Trust’s objective is to provide an attractive and growing level of dividends, coupled with capital growth over the longer term. It invests in a diversified portfolio primarily of quoted or traded UK companies, with a bias to small- and mid-cap stocks. It may also invest in FTSE 100 companies where the manager believes this will increase shareholder value. As a stock-specific portfolio, there is no benchmark.

31 January 2018: Interim results for six months ended 30 November 2017. NAV TR was flat vs -2.0% for the FTSE All-Share index. Second quarterly dividend of 0.80p per share declared.

10 October 2017: AGM – proposal to increase allotment from 10% to 20% of issued share capital was rejected. Special dividend of 0.40p approved.

10 October 2017: First interim dividend of 0.75p declared.

Forthcoming

Capital structure

Fund details

AGM

October 2018

Ongoing charges

1.15%

Group

Miton Group

Annual results

August 2018

Gearing

0%, net cash 3.2%

Manager

Gervais Williams, Martin Turner

Year end

31 May

Annual mgmt fee

1.0% of market cap (0.8% above £300m)

Address

6th floor, Paternoster House,
65 St Paul’s Churchyard,
London, EC4M 8AB

Dividend paid

Quarterly

Performance fee

None

Launch date

28 April 2011

Trust life

Indefinite

Phone

+44 (0) 20 3714 1501

Continuation vote

No

Loan facilities

See page 7

Website

www.mitongroup.com

Dividend policy and history (financial years)

Share buyback policy and history (financial years)

Quarterly dividends are paid in February, May, August and November. DIVI distributes substantially all of its income, net of costs, annually. 2015 special dividend represents a fifth and final dividend to align with PRIC guidelines.

Renewed annually, DIVI has authority to purchase up to 14.99% and allot up to 10% of issued share capital. Subject to directors’ discretion, DIVI offers investors an annual facility to redeem all or part of their shareholding at NAV less costs.

Shareholder base (as at 4 April 2018)

Portfolio exposure by market segment (as at 28 February 2018)

Top 10 holdings (as at 28 February 2018)

Portfolio weight %

Company

Listing

Sector

28 February 2018

28 February 2017*

Charles Taylor

FTSE Small Cap

Insurance services

2.2

1.8

Stobart Group

FTSE 250

Industrial transportation

2.0

2.3

FTSE Put Option 20/09/19

FTSE 100

N/A

2.0

N/A

Zotefoams

FTSE Small Cap

Chemicals

1.9

N/A

SafeCharge

FTSE AIM

Support services

1.7

N/A

Amino Technologies

FTSE AIM

Technology hardware & equipment

1.5

1.7

A&J Mucklow Group

Non-index

Real estate investment trust

1.4

N/A

Royal Dutch Shell

FTSE 100

Oil & gas

1.3

N/A

IG Design Group

FTSE AIM

Household goods

1.3

1.7

CML Microsystems

FTSE 100

Technology

1.2

N/A

Top 10 (% of holdings)

16.5

17.7

Source: The Diverse Income Trust, Edison Investment Research, Morningstar. Note: *N/A where not in top 10 at 28 February 2017.

Market outlook: End of ultra-low volatility

UK equities have performed strongly since the start of 2016 reaching a peak in January 2018 on the back of accelerating global growth, and a prolonged period of unprecedentedly low interest rates. Prompted by extended valuations and the prospect of interest rates rising faster than expected, the FTSE 100 has retreated around 10% from this peak. This has helped moderate valuations, although global growth and earnings prospects remain supportive. However, volatility has increased from 2017’s exceptionally low levels when the VIX volatility index averaged 11 – almost half the 20-year average of 20. The rise in market volatility suggests investors have become more sensitive to risk, and the recent trend of more volatile markets may persist.

Fund profile: Focus on small-cap and dividend growth

DIVI was launched in April 2011, with the primary objective to provide shareholders with a good and growing dividend income. This is achieved through a strategy that focuses on companies selected for productivity improvement, where strong cash flow can underpin growing future dividends, and are conservatively managed with robust balance sheets. The fund is not constrained by a benchmark and can invest across the market capitalisation spectrum, primarily in the UK, to allow the managers a wider opportunity set from which to select stocks. The managers, Williams and Turner at Miton Asset Management (where Williams is also senior executive director), are smaller companies specialists, who believe better investment opportunities lie outside of the larger, mainstream stocks, which are well researched and well owned. Therefore, DIVI has a strong small-cap bias and around two-thirds of the portfolio’s holdings are outside the FTSE 350 index. Risk is mitigated by investing in a diversified portfolio, typically between 80 to 160 securities, predominantly in smaller position sizes of no more than 1.5% of the fund at the time of purchase.

Williams and Turner also manage an equivalent open-ended fund (OEIC), Miton Multi Cap Income, which has assets of over £1bn, reflecting strong demand for their all-cap strategy. DIVI’s closed-ended investment trust structure is well suited to a small-cap biased fund, as holdings can be illiquid. Gearing of up to 15% of NAV is permitted and DIVI has a borrowing facility in place, which is currently unused but enables the managers to be agile and invest when stock markets suffer significant setbacks.

Fund managers: Gervais Williams and Martin Turner

The managers’ view: Upbeat outlook

Williams believes globalisation since 1990 has been a significant driver of world economic growth, supporting a very positive period for corporate profitability. At the same time, low-cost imports have suppressed inflationary pressures and falling bond yields have lifted returns on asset classes in general. This environment has led to many funds aligning their investments with mainstream indices and, as a result, many savers are now overweight a narrow range of stocks, carrying elevated stock-specific risk. The manager is not surprised by the recent increase in volatility, and while the market has become more risk aware, Williams has not as yet observed significant changes in investor behaviour. The DIVI investment strategy has been designed to deliver returns from factors that differ from mainstream drivers, and the managers are “remarkably upbeat” that it can do well in the current environment, and note:

Investors are increasingly looking for strategies that have a greater scope to generate alpha (excess returns). DIVI looks to generate alpha through investing in a wide range of all-cap stocks, with over two-thirds of the portfolio is outside the FTSE 350. As a result, performance often differs materially from mainstream indices.

The appetite for smaller companies is improving as active managers are forced to invest outside of mainstream stocks, as they are under pressure to differentiate themselves from index funds and to justify management fees. DIVI’s investment process results in a portfolio that is meaningfully different from mainstream indices. As at end February 2018, the active share of the fund versus the FTSE All-Share index was 86% (active share is a measure of how a portfolio differs from an index, with 0% representing full index replication and 100% representing no commonality).

Small caps are better placed to perform in slower growth environments or during stock market setbacks. Williams notes smaller companies have consistently outperformed mainstream indices, including during periods of economic stress in the 1960s and 1970s (which was a period of high inflation, sterling devaluation and stagflation). In more uncertain environments, attractive opportunities tend to be smaller in scale and therefore of less interest to large companies. Furthermore, smaller companies themselves are more likely to be taken over.

Asset allocation

Investment process: Bottom-up and disciplined

DIVI seeks to generate an attractive level of dividends, coupled with capital growth over the long term. It is benchmark agnostic and looks across the market capitalisation spectrum for opportunities. The approach is bottom up and draws on the considerable experience of the two portfolio managers, Williams and Turner, and the broader Miton investment team. Meeting companies and their management teams is a key part of the investment process and the managers conduct 70–80 meetings a month, which are followed up with rigorous fundamental analysis. The managers believe companies that can deliver productivity improvements have the best chances to grow cash flow and dividends in the future. Five factors help identify such companies:

Turnover growth. Although companies can grow profits without increasing turnover, in general, durable dividend growth comes from those that can progressively expand their turnover.

Sustained margins. A company should be able to improve or defend its profit margins, through productivity gains and outstanding customer service.

Management of risk. Companies that grow too quickly take the greatest risks. DIVI looks for those that can manage the pace of growth to limit risks, yet deliver returns over the long term.

Better balance sheets. The managers seek companies with net cash or modest levels of debt relative to their capacity to borrow. These firms are better positioned to sustain dividend payments, even when underlying profitability dips temporarily. Furthermore, an under-geared balance sheet allows a company to take advantage of broader economic setbacks to disproportionately improve its market position.

Low entry valuations. With few institutional investors actively researching smaller income stocks, there are still a good number of quoted companies that appear overlooked or misunderstood, and hence stand at attractive valuations.

Current portfolio positioning

As shown in Exhibit 2, over the year to end February 2018, the biggest changes to the portfolio are reduced exposure to the consumer discretionary sector (-4.9pp) and increased exposures to the energy (+4.5pp) and materials sectors (+3.7pp).

The manager has held a negative view on the outlook for UK consumption for some time, given high levels of consumer debt, and the prospect of rising interest rates. A number of positions were sold, including troubled company Conviviality, which the investment process also flagged as having uncomfortable levels of debt. The majority of DIVI’s position was sold prior to the share price peak, with the final scrap sold after the profit warning. The consumer discretionary sector can still present attractive investments and top 10 holding, wrapping paper design and manufacturer IG Design, has been a strong performer. It operates in an industry with just three leading global players, which implies their margins may be less vulnerable than others where the competitors are more numerous.

Exhibit 2: Portfolio sector exposure vs FTSE All-Share (% unless stated)*

Portfolio end-February 2018

Portfolio end-February 2017

Change (pp)

Index weight

Active weight vs index (pp)

Trust weight/ index weight (x)

Financials

20.9

23.5

(2.6)

20.6

0.4

1.0

Materials

13.4

9.7

3.7

9.7

3.6

1.4

Industrials

12.0

14.2

(2.2)

9.7

2.3

1.2

Consumer discretionary

10.8

15.7

(4.9)

10.6

0.2

1.0

Energy

10.1

5.5

4.5

12.7

(2.6)

0.8

Information technology

8.2

9.2

(1.0)

2.4

5.8

3.4

Consumer staples

7.7

9.3

(1.6)

13.7

(6.0)

0.6

Real estate

5.2

5.2

0.0

2.4

2.8

2.1

Telecommunications

3.7

3.2

0.5

3.3

0.4

1.1

Utilities

1.7

0.9

0.9

2.6

(0.9)

0.7

Healthcare

1.0

1.6

(0.6)

7.9

(7.0)

0.1

Cash, fixed interest & other

5.6

2.1

3.5

4.4

1.2

1.3

100.0

100.0

100.0

Source: DIVI, Edison Investment Research, FTSE Russell. Note: *All figures subject to rounding.

The synchronous pick-up in global growth last year led the manager to expect rises in oil prices and other commodities. The increase in materials exposure includes purchases of gold-related companies (Polyus, Highland Gold and Centamin), which were attractively valued and paying good dividends. They also serve as proxies to the gold price, which has a low correlation to the broader equity markets. The higher materials exposure also reflects strong performance from the largest holding in the sector, Zotefoams, a world leader in cellular materials technology used in a broad range of industries from aerospace to athletic footwear.

In the energy sector, additions include BP, Shell and Savannah Petroleum. The manager says the oil price bottomed in early 2016, while global growth has helped bring supply and demand into balance. Supply pressures, however, could develop as major oil companies made severe cutbacks to their investment plans after the oil price collapsed in 2014. Meanwhile, Venezuelan production looks at risk, and geopolitical risks, such as tense US–Iran relations, continue.

DIVI has also recently invested in Iceland, which accounts for around 3% of the portfolio. In the aftermath of its financial crisis of 2008, the Icelandic government put its failed banks into receivership and liquidation, and policies were put in place to encourage a reduction in corporate and consumer debt. As a result, the economy has recovered relatively quickly and is now in robust financial health, well placed to support a new growth cycle. Capital controls were lifted in March 2017, allowing foreigners to invest in Iceland. William believes there are attractive, relatively undiscovered companies, with strong balance sheets and high yields in this market. He also notes its benefit of low correlation to major stock markets; during the sharp global sell off in early February, Icelandic stocks showed relative resilience.

The FTSE 100 put option

The manager is attentive to downside risk and use a put option to help protect the portfolio from a sharp fall in mainstream market values. This asset brings the right to sell the FTSE 100 Index at 6,500, and in the event of a major market setback below this level, the cash proceeds could be used for additional purchases at a time when share prices are depressed. In December 2017, the manager took advantage of very low market volatility to extend the option term from March 2019 to September 2019, at an attractive cost covering c 40% of the trust, which compares with c 33% this time last year. The cost of this option remains less than 0.1% of NAV per month on average, were the option to expire worthless at the end of its term.

Performance: Solid long-term track record

As shown in Exhibit 4, DIVI’s share price and NAV total returns have outperformed the FTSE All-Share, FTSE 350 High Yield and the FTSE Small-Cap indices over all periods shown. Over the longer term, the outperformance is most pronounced against the mainstream FTSE All-Share and FTSE 350 High Yield indices, although over five years and since inception, DIVI’s performance has also convincing outpaced the FTSE Small-Cap index.

Exhibit 3: Investment trust performance to 30-March 2018

Price, NAV and FTSE All-Share total return performance, one-year rebased

Price, NAV and FTSE All-Share total return performance (%)

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research. Note: Three- and five-year and since inception (SI, 28 April 2011) performance figures annualised.

Exhibit 4: Share price and NAV total return performance, relative to indices (%)

 

One month

Three months

Six months

One year

Three years

Five years

SI

Price versus FTSE All-Share

6.1

6.2

6.0

14.6

19.1

46.7

94.1

NAV versus FTSE All-Share

1.4

3.9

2.1

8.1

15.4

47.6

95.7

Price versus FTSE 350 High Yield

6.1

7.3

6.6

17.2

21.9

52.9

95.3

NAV versus FTSE 350 High Yield

1.4

5.0

2.6

10.7

18.3

53.9

96.9

Price versus FTSE SmallCap

6.1

5.8

7.8

12.5

6.7

10.9

36.8

NAV versus FTSE SmallCap

1.4

3.5

3.8

6.0

3.0

11.8

38.5

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research. Note: Data to end March 2018. Geometric calculation.

Exhibit 5: NAV total return performance relative to FTSE All-Share Index over three years

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research

Discount/premium: Trades close to cum-income NAV

DIVI is currently trading at a 0.7% to cum-income NAV, below its five-year average of 1.0%. As shown in Exhibit 6, the trust has traded close to its NAV over the last five years, although has spiked downwards during sharp market sell offs, such as following the UK’s European referendum and US presidential election results. DIVI’s shares trading close to NAV reflects a strong appetite for the investment strategy, as evidenced in the growth in assets to over £1bn for the equivalent OEIC, Miton UK Multi-Cap Income fund. It also reflects the board’s commitment to discount management through an annual redemption facility and the ability to issue new shares.

Exhibit 6: Share price premium/discount to NAV (including income) over five years (%)

Source: Thomson Datastream, Edison Investment Research

Capital structure and fees

DIVI is a conventional investment trust with 383.5m ordinary shares in issue. Miton Trust Managers is paid an annual management fee of 1.0% up to £300m market capitalisation, reducing to 0.8% above this level. Fees are charged to both income and capital, allocated at 25% and 75% respectively. For the financial year ended May 2017, ongoing charges were 1.15%. Gearing is permitted up to 15% of NAV and the trust has a £25m debt facility with The Royal Bank of Scotland, with scope in certain circumstances to raise this to £50m. As at end February 2018, DIVI was ungeared and had a net cash position of 3.2%.

Dividend policy and record

Dividends are paid quarterly in February, May, August and November. Since inception in April 2011, DIVI has increased ordinary dividends each financial year. In FY17 DIVI paid ordinary dividends of 3.00p per share, an increase of 7.1% over FY16, along with a special dividend of 0.40p per share, reflecting the abnormal number of special dividends received from the portfolio in the period. As at 30 November 2017, the trust held revenue reserves of £15.2m, which comfortably exceeds the £12.7m cash cost of the four ordinary dividends. The revenue reserves are available to help smooth distributions to shareholders in future years.

Year to date in FY18, DIVI has declared first and second interim dividends of 0.75p and 0.80p respectively, representing an increase compared with the first and second interim dividends in FY17, both 0.70p.

Peer group comparison

Exhibit 7 shows the 12 largest trusts in the AIC UK Equity Income sectors (which comprises a total of 23 funds). DIVI’s NAV total return ranks second over one and five years, and third over three years. It is notable these returns have been achieved without the use of gearing in rising markets, which is deployed by most of the peer group. Reflecting the more specialist nature of the strategy, it has the highest ongoing charge, although no performance fee is payable. Ranking second, DIVI is one of four trusts that are trading at a premium to ex-par NAV. Its dividend yield is lower than the average although this is consistent with the trust’s objective to provide good and growing dividends, rather than simply high yield.

Exhibit 7: Selected peer group as at 6 April 2018*

% unless stated

Market cap £m

NAV TR
1 year

NAV TR
3 year

NAV TR
5 year

Discount (ex-par)

Ongoing
charge

Performance fee

Net gearing

Dividend yield (%)

Diverse Income Trust

387.5

9.3

32.7

87.8

1.6

1.2

No

100

3.4

City of London

1,432.1

1.3

15.1

47.1

1.6

0.4

No

109

4.3

Dunedin Income Growth

365.5

(0.7)

10.6

30.4

(9.9)

0.7

No

116

5.0

Edinburgh Investment

1,283.6

(4.7)

12.3

53.1

(7.6)

0.6

No

108

4.1

F&C Capital & Income

318.8

6.9

33.1

56.2

2.2

0.6

No

105

3.5

Finsbury Growth & Income

1,246.1

11.4

36.0

88.9

0.9

0.7

No

102

1.9

JPMorgan Claverhouse

388.5

3.3

22.0

60.6

(1.3)

0.8

No

117

3.9

Lowland

394.5

4.0

22.5

59.0

(5.8)

0.6

Yes

113

3.5

Merchants Trust

518.6

3.9

13.6

40.5

(6.2)

0.6

No

121

5.2

Murray Income Trust

491.2

(1.2)

14.6

35.5

(7.4)

0.7

No

106

4.5

Perpetual Income & Growth

831.9

(4.5)

3.8

43.7

(10.0)

0.7

No

112

4.1

Temple Bar

813.2

1.4

15.4

39.5

(5.1)

0.5

No

97

3.5

Weighted average

2.0

18.5

54.7

(3.6)

0.6

108

3.8

Rank in sector

10

2

3

2

2

1

12

11

Source: Morningstar, Edison Investment Research. Note: *Performance data to 5 April 2018. TR=total return. Net gearing is total assets less cash and equivalents as a percentage of net assets.

The board

DIVI has five independent directors, four of whom have served on the board since the trust’s inception in April 2011: chairman Michael Wrobel, senior independent director Jane Tufnell, Paul Craig and Lucinda Riches. Calum Thomson was appointed in December 2016 and is chairman of the audit committee. The directors have broad-ranging backgrounds in audit, fund management and investment banking.

Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Conduct Authority). Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2018 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by The Diverse Income Trust and prepared and issued by Edison for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable; however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. The securities described in the Investment Research may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.
This research is issued in Australia by Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd (AFSL: 427484)) and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. The Investment Research is distributed in the United States by Edison US to major US institutional investors only. Edison US is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison US 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. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personalised advice. We publish information about companies in which we believe our readers may be interested and this information reflects our sincere opinions. The information that we provide or that is derived from our website is not intended to be, and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, our website and the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. 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. This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research. Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report. Edison or its affiliates may perform services or solicit business from any of the companies mentioned in this report. The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings. In addition it may be difficult or not possible to buy, sell or obtain accurate information about the value of securities mentioned in this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. 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. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2018. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 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

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Conduct Authority). Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2018 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by The Diverse Income Trust and prepared and issued by Edison for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable; however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. The securities described in the Investment Research may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.
This research is issued in Australia by Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd (AFSL: 427484)) and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. The Investment Research is distributed in the United States by Edison US to major US institutional investors only. Edison US is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison US 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. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personalised advice. We publish information about companies in which we believe our readers may be interested and this information reflects our sincere opinions. The information that we provide or that is derived from our website is not intended to be, and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, our website and the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. 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. This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research. Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report. Edison or its affiliates may perform services or solicit business from any of the companies mentioned in this report. The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings. In addition it may be difficult or not possible to buy, sell or obtain accurate information about the value of securities mentioned in this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. 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. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2018. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 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

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

More on Diverse Income Trust (The)

View All

Latest from the Investment Companies sector

View All Investment Companies content

Research: Healthcare

SymBio Pharmaceuticals — Self-commercialization gains favor

With the lifecycle of Treakisym extended through the in-licensing of liquid formulations from Eagle in 2017, SymBio is refining its plans to establish its own salesforce to market Treakisym (and other drugs) in Japan. While the company has not yet made a final decision, we think it is highly likely to move to self-commercialization in order to improve operating margins after its marketing arrangement with Eisai expires. Therefore, we now model self-commercialization in our base-case valuation. This more than offsets the later anticipated filing date for rigosertib iv and lower peak penetration for Treakisym in first-line non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and lifts our valuation to $211m.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free