Celyad — Colorectal patient in THINK study

Celyad — Colorectal patient in THINK study

Celyad has enrolled the first patient the Phase Ib THINK study. The THINK Phase Ib trial is a major expansion of CAR therapy with five solid tumors plus AML and MM being explored. The first patient has colorectal cancer, a key move into solid tumors, and will be dosed at 3 x 108 autologous cells. In the previous Phase I study, one patient at the highest 3 x 107 dose showed unexpected signs of efficacy. The US allogenic CAR patent has been confirmed. Our interim indicative value remains at $50 per share.

Analyst avatar placeholder

Written by

Celyad

Colorectal patient in THINK study

Solid tumour trial start

Pharma & biotech

9 January 2017

ADR research

Price

$19.7

Market cap

$183m

ADR/Ord conversion ratio 1:1

Net cash ($m) as at 30 September 2016

87m

ADRs in issue

9.31m

ADR code

CYAD

ADR exchange

NASDAQ

Underlying exchange

Euronext Brussels

Depository

CITI

ADR price performance

52-week high/low

$58.7

$16.7

Business description

Celyad is developing an innovative CAR T-cell (NKR-2) immuno-oncology technology. The THINK Phase Ib study is underway in hematological and five sold tumor types. Celyad is seeking a strategic partner for C-Cure, an autologous stem cell therapy for chronic heart disease.

Next events

Final FY16 results

Q217

US trial starts

Q117

THINK dose data

Q317

Six-month THINK efficacy

H218

Analysts

John Savin PhD

+44 (0)20 3077 5735

Lala Gregorek

+44 (0)20 3681 2527

Celyad is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Celyad has enrolled the first patient the Phase Ib THINK study. The THINK Phase Ib trial is a major expansion of CAR therapy with five solid tumors plus AML and MM being explored. The first patient has colorectal cancer, a key move into solid tumors, and will be dosed at 3 x 108 autologous cells. In the previous Phase I study, one patient at the highest 3 x 107 dose showed unexpected signs of efficacy. The US allogenic CAR patent has been confirmed. Our interim indicative value remains at $50 per share.

Year end

Revenue ($m)

PTP*
($m)

EPADR
($)

DPADR
($)

P/E
(x)

Gross yield
(%)

12/14

0.2

(19.6)

(2.90)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/15

0.0

(30.1)

(3.46)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/16e

11.9

(26.7)

(2.87)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/17e

0.0

(33.2)

(3.56)

0.0

N/A

N/A

Note: Converted at €0.94/US$1. *PBT and EPS are normalized, excluding amortization of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

NKR-2 has a lead positon in solid tumours

Celyad has started the Belgian arm of the immuno-oncology autologous NKR-2 trials (THINK). US approval of the trial is expected soon. THINK recruits patients with two hematological and five solid tumors. Celyad has enrolled the first patient at a single dose of 3 x 108. Once this dose cohort completes, the dose rises to 1 x 109 then 3 x 109 cells. Celyad then aims to treat about 14 patients per tumor type at the highest dose. The expansion phase may start in H217, with six-month results possible in H218. The exploration of NKR-2 in solid tumors puts Celyad in a leading position in this area. Other CAR companies will initially have to compete for a limited number of patients in the congested CD19 area. There are a few, limited clinical trials using CAR constructs in solid tumors, but otherwise this large potential market is not being addressed by active clinical development.

Possible effect at 30m cell dose

In the completed dose-ranging and safety Phase I, Celyad noted “reports of unexpected clinical benefit”; unexpected because the single, low doses were not expected to show efficacy. A patient with acute myeloid leukemia treated with 3 x 107 NKR-2 CAR T-cells showed no disease progression after 12 weeks, had no further treatments and showed improved hematological parameters. Other patients with aggressive disease also showed prolonged survival (but received other therapies) and showed improvements in hematological parameters.

Valuation: Unchanged at €50 per share

Our valuation focuses on NKR-2 indications and includes five solid tumors plus the AML and multiple myeloma (MM). C-Cure is given an indicative deal value while a strategic partnering deal is negotiated. Celyad has cut its cash burn to no more than $34m per year to conserve cash to mid-2019. The interim indicative value is unchanged at $50 per share. The possible threat to value from a challenge to the US patent on allogeneic CAR therapy has been removed (see 28 November 2016 note “Unexpected CAR clinical benefit” (EU US)); the challenger cannot appeal.

Phase Ib: Higher, multiple doses in seven tumour types

The new Phase Ib study, THINK (THerapeutic Immunotherapy with NKR-2), has been designed by Celyad as an open-label, multiple-dose US and European study. It will assess higher dose levels, safety and clinical activity of autologous NKR-2 cells in seven refractory cancers: the two haematological cancers with Phase I data (acute myeloid leukaemia [AML] and multiple myeloma [MM]) and five solid tumours (colorectal, ovarian, bladder, triple-negative breast, and pancreatic).

In the THINK Phase Ib, Celyad is starting at 3 x 108 cells, a dose an order of magnitude higher than the final Phase I dose. It will then rise in subsequent dose cohorts to 1 x 109 then 3 x 109. If patients have a weight of less than 60kg, these doses will be adjusted but will otherwise be standardised. At each dose, the patients will receive three successive administrations, two weeks apart, of NKR-2 T-cells. There will be 24 patients, eight per dose group. They can be from any of the above cancer types. Results from this stage of the trial are expected by Celyad in Q317.

In the expansion phase, to test efficacy Celyad intends to enrol up to 86 more patients to evaluate each tumour type independently. Combined with patients in the dose-escalation phase that have the same tumour type, this should give at least 14 patients per cancer. According to management, this stage should start in H217.

Celyad expects the six-month interim follow-up data from the cohort expansion phase in H218. The formal one-year endpoint data will therefore be available in H119 with two-year data in 2020, depending on patient survival.

Potential NKR-2 tumour markets

With the advantage of the NKG2D mechanism of cell targeting used by NKR-2, Celyad is able to run the THINK trial in multiple cancer types. NKR-2 attacks multiple targets found on severely stressed cells, a profile shown by most cancer types. A risk is that NKR-2 may attack normal but stressed cells, so some side effects are to be expected. The Phase I showed no safety issues.

A major drawback with the current CAR CD19 focus of other companies is that, while it is excellent for B-cell tumours (like leukaemias and lymphomas), CD19 will not target other cancers. Each solid tumour type has a different profile of antigens and often these are also found on normal tissues, albeit at much lower levels.

Of the leading CAR companies Novartis, Juno, Kite and Bellicum, only Bellicum has a single solid tumour trial running: a Phase I in advanced pancreatic cancer with an anti-PSCA CAR construct due to complete in 2020. A National Cancer Institute melanoma study by the Rosenberg group reported in 2016. It used CD4 CAR T-cells targeted to the MAGE antigen. There has been a clinical study using a CEA1 targeted CAR construct in Manchester (UK) against colorectal cancer (among others) NCT01212887. This terminated due to lack of efficacy. A related trial in metastatic liver cancer in Boston was reported by Katz et al (2015) showing “encouraging signals”. There are also some CAR colorectal CAR trials running in China.

Carcinoembryonic antigen, a marker of abdominal tumors, especially colorectal cancer.

The main effort in solid tumours in immune oncology is based around checkpoint inhibitors like the marketed products Yervoy (ipilimumab), which targets cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 in melanoma, and Opdivo, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody used in melanoma, gastric cancer and renal cell carcinoma. It is possible that checkpoint inhibitors will be combined with CAR therapy at some point in the future, but this is currently some way off clinical development.

It is too early to develop detailed predictive models for solid tumour NKR-2 sales. Exhibit 1 looks at the number of US deaths (SEER database) in each for the two haematological cancers and the five solid cancer types; the death rates are a proxy for the incidence of refractory late-stage cancers. Our value assumes $150,000 per treatment. This may be perceived as very low in the putative acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) market, where $500,000 is currently seen as affordable. ALL causes about 1,500 deaths per year in the US. All are tragic and mostly children, so this is a worthwhile indication but a small market.

Exhibit 1: NKR-2 potential indications in Phase Ib THINK study

Indication

US incidence

US deaths

Peak share

Potential US sales (US$m)

Probability

Global sales
($m)

AML

20,386

10,460

50%

127

20%

114

MM

26,850

11,240

50%

136

20%

122

Total haematological

1,324

263

Colorectal

136,830

50,310

36%

222

10%

200

Ovarian

21,290

14,180

69%

244

20%

220

Bladder

76,960

16,390

69%

141

10%

127

Breast

232,670

40,000

36%

177

10%

159

Pancreatic

46,420

39,590

69%

170

5%

153

Total solid tumors

12,125

955

Source: SEER database, Edison Investment Research

The probabilities used reflect a best estimate at this point, but have no substantive evidence base. Ovarian scores highest as there is published preclinical work. Pancreatic cancer is notoriously hard to treat, so a high market share could be expected if NKR-2 had an impact on survival, but a very low probability is assigned. The global market opportunity is based on 75% of the potential US sales as the US is the main market for high-value biological therapies. Earlier-stage cancers might be treated as well, which would magnify the market potential.

Valuation is stable, solid tumours are a big opportunity

The valuation was revised in our note Unexpected CAR clinical benefit published on 28 November 2016. It is summarized in Exhibit 2. Financial estimates are unchanged and shown in Exhibit 3.

Exhibit 2: Celyad valuation

Item

Indication

Probability

Value ($m)

CAR values

AML

20.0%

126.5

 

MM

20.0%

136.0

 

Solid tumours (weighted average of one success)

Variable

188.0

 

Allogeneic

 

10.6

CAR value

 

 

461.1

C-Cure partnered value (milestones plus royalties) 

35.0%

162.44

Costs

(Risk adjusted 2017-23)

 

(157.2)

Total indicative value

 

 

476.1

Shares

 

 

9.31

Warrants and options

 

 

0.30

Value per share ($)

 

 

49.5

Source: Edison Investment Research

The indicative value on the revised interim basis is $50 per share. No further dilution is expected until 2019, possibly later depending on any deals in the interim.

The solid tumour market will be further assessed as more clinical data are obtained. Although other companies are reporting successes with B-cell CAR approaches (Kite has started a rolling BLA application to the FDA and Novartis will file in early 2017), solid tumour types remain a difficult area that has not yet been explored. Celyad may have a significant lead in this much larger market.

Investors should also note that Claim 1 of US patent 9,181,527, which had been challenged (see 28 November 2016 note (EU US) has been upheld by the US Patent office. There is no appeal.

Exhibit 3: Financial summary

US$'000s

2013

2014

2015

2016e

2017e

Year end 31 December

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

0

155

3

11,925

0

Cost of Sales

0

(122)

(1)

0

0

Gross Profit

0

33

2

11,925

0

EBITDA

 

 

(11,465)

(19,342)

(30,357)

(26,923)

(33,129)

Operating Profit (before amort and except)

 

 

(11,688)

(19,546)

(30,647)

(27,212)

(33,419)

Intangible Amortization

(710)

(718)

(806)

(806)

(806)

Other income and charges

0

4,005

0

0

0

Share-based payments

(1,333)

(1,164)

(843)

190

190

Operating Profit

(13,731)

(17,423)

(32,295)

(27,828)

(34,035)

Net Interest

(1,627)

(17)

591

530

265

PTP (norm)

 

 

(13,315)

(19,563)

(30,055)

(26,682)

(33,154)

PTP (FRS 3)

 

 

(15,358)

(17,440)

(31,704)

(27,298)

(33,770)

Tax

0

0

0

0

0

PAT (norm)

(13,315)

(19,563)

(30,055)

(26,682)

(33,154)

PAT (FRS 3)

(15,358)

(17,440)

(31,704)

(27,298)

(33,770)

Average number of ADRs outstanding (m)

4.1

6.8

8.7

9.3

9.3

EPADR - normalized ($)

 

 

(3.25)

(2.90)

(3.46)

(2.87)

(3.56)

EPADR - (IFRS) ($)

 

 

(3.75)

(2.58)

(3.65)

(2.93)

(3.63)

Dividend per ADR ($)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Gross Margin (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

EBITDA Margin (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Operating Margin (before GW and except) (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

10,370

11,703

53,111

53,311

52,375

Intangible Assets

9,964

10,882

51,716

50,913

50,107

Tangible Assets

258

634

1,204

2,207

2,077

Investments

149

188

191

191

191

Current Assets

 

 

23,958

32,081

115,985

85,181

51,418

Stocks

0

0

0

0

0

Debtors

447

880

582

1,449

1,449

Cash

23,381

29,291

113,964

82,751

48,988

Other

130

1,910

1,439

982

982

Current Liabilities

 

 

(3,593)

(6,416)

(12,179)

(9,762)

(9,040)

Creditors

(3,139)

(5,593)

(11,228)

(8,380)

(8,380)

Deferred revenue

0

0

0

0

0

Walloon loans for cash payment

(454)

(824)

(952)

(1,381)

(660)

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(12,825)

(11,913)

(38,755)

(36,055)

(36,055)

Walloon loans (non-current)

(12,796)

(11,425)

(11,113)

(7,970)

(7,970)

Other long term liabilities

(29)

(489)

(27,642)

(28,085)

(28,085)

Net Assets

 

 

17,911

25,455

118,162

92,676

58,698

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

(11,276)

(18,442)

(29,534)

(28,772)

(32,849)

Net Interest

(1,627)

(17)

591

684

131

Tax

0

0

0

0

0

Capex

(563)

(678)

(888)

(1,590)

(159)

Acquisitions/disposals

0

(1,643)

(5,497)

0

0

Financing

32,725

28,002

115,704

0

0

Dividends

0

0

0

0

0

Other

2,380

1,736

(3,484)

(1,535)

0

Net Cash Flow

21,638

8,958

76,892

(31,213)

(32,877)

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

11,507

(10,131)

(17,043)

(101,899)

(73,400)

HP finance leases initiated

0

0

0

0

0

Walloon loan recognition (non-cash)

0

(2,046)

7,963

2,714

(210)

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(10,131)

(17,043)

(101,899)

(73,400)

(40,313)

Source: Edison Investment Research estimates, Celyad reports and announcements

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. 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 and is not regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2017 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by <Insert Company> 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 Aus and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Australian Corporations Act. 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 2017. “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 12, 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 12, 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. 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 and is not regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2017 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by <Insert Company> 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 Aus and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Australian Corporations Act. 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 2017. “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 12, 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 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Research: Investment Companies

Acorn Income Fund — Managers broadly positive for small caps in 2017

Acorn Income Fund (AIF) aims to achieve a high income and potential for capital growth by investing 70-80% of its assets in a portfolio of well-financed UK smaller companies with attractive valuations and dividend growth, and 20-30% in high-yielding securities to add income and reduce capital risk. While long-term performance has been strong, the immediate aftermath of the UK’s vote to leave the EU caused a decline in domestically focused small caps. Since the half-year (30 June), AIF’s NAV has recovered well and now stands at an all-time high; in contrast, the share price is more than 7% below its 12-month high, suggesting scope for the wider-than-average discount to narrow. AIF gears its portfolio using zero-dividend preference shares (ZDPs); shareholders recently approved a proposal to extend the life of the ZDPs to February 2022 at an accrual rate of 3.85% pa.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

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

Sign up for free