Not for Distribution, directly or
indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in
which such distribution would be unlawful.
20 March 2024
Symphony International Holdings Limited
Financial Results for the year
ended 31 December 2023
Symphony International Holdings
Limited ("Symphony" or the "Company" or "SIHL") announces results
for the year ended 31 December
2023. The condensed financial
statements of the Company have not been audited or reviewed by the
auditors of the Company.
Introduction
The Company is an investment company
initially incorporated as a limited liability company under the
laws of the British Virgin Islands on 5 January 2004. The
Company voluntarily re-registered itself as a BVI Business Company
on 17 November 2006. The Company's investment objectives are
to increase the aggregate net asset value of the Company ("NAV")
calculated in accordance with the Company's policies through
strategic longer-term investments primarily in Asian businesses,
across a variety of sectors including healthcare, hospitality,
lifestyle (including branded real estate developments), logistics
and education and through investments in special situations and
structured transactions, which have the potential to generate
attractive returns and to enhance the NAV.
The Company was admitted to the
Official List of the UK Listing Authority on 3 August 2007 under
Chapter 14 of the UK Listing Rules and its securities were admitted
to trading on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed
securities on the same date.
As at 31
December 2023, the issued share capital of
the Company was US$409.70 million (2022: US$409.70 million) consisting of
513,366,198 (2022:
513,366,198) ordinary shares.
Symphony's Investment Manager
is Symphony Asia Holdings Pte. Ltd. ("SAHPL" or the
"Investment Manager"). The Company has an Investment
Management Agreement with SAHPL as the Investment
Manager.
Net
Asset Value
Symphony's NAV is the sum of its cash
and cash equivalents, temporary investments, the fair value of
unrealised investments (including investments in subsidiaries,
associates and joint ventures) and other assets, less other
liabilities. Symphony's NAV may not be comparable to the net asset
value in the unaudited financial statements. The primary
measure of SIHL's financial performance and the performance of its
subsidiaries will be the change in Symphony's NAV per share
resulting from changes in the fair value of investments.
The NAV attributable to the ordinary
shares on 31 December 2023
was US$0.7427 (2022: US$0.9675) per share. This
represents a 23.24% decrease over the NAV per share
at 31 December 2022.
Chairmen's Statement
Dear Shareholders,
Global markets faced significant
challenges in 2023, primarily driven by persistent inflation. The
economic backdrop prompted central banks to implement successive
interest rate hikes, with the Federal Reserve executing 11 such
hikes between 2022-2023, taking rates from nearly zero to over 5%.
The change in interest rates has had substantial repercussions
across business sectors and asset classes, including
some in Symphony's portfolio. However, signs of inflation easing
and rising expectations of interest rate cuts since the end of 2023
have facilitated a reversal in financial markets that continued to
gain momentum in early 2024.
Despite a slowdown in deal activity
in the private equity and real estate sectors due to the spike in
interest rates, Symphony successfully completed three full and two
partial exits in 2023. The net proceeds from these realisations
amounted to US$30.44 million, which facilitated a dividend payment
by Symphony of US$12.83 million or 2.5 US cents per share in 2023.
Following this distribution, the cumulative amount returned since
2014 increased to US$329.37 million through a combination of cash
dividends and share buybacks.
Symphony's net asset value ("NAV")
decreased by 23.24% in 2023 year-over-year to US$381.26 million.
Excluding dividends paid, NAV would have decreased by 20.66% to
US$394.10 million. Approximately two thirds of the decrease was due
to a drop in our valuation of Indo Trans Logistics Corporation
("ITL"), Vietnam's largest independent integrated logistics
company. While we continue to be bullish for the prospects for this
business, there has been a general slowdown in air and sea freight
volumes and rates that affected the overall logistics sector.
ITL's business saw some recovery in the fourth quarter of 2023 and
its management expect this trend to continue in 2024. With a
rapidly growing domestic economy and the diversification of supply
chains away from China, the long-term prospects for ITL are very
attractive.
Shareholders will recall that we
hold development land assets that we have partially developed &
monetized in the past. Symphony owns approximately half of Minuet
Limited ("Minuet"), which holds 29.88 hectares of land in Bangkok,
Thailand. The development activity in Bangkok around Minuet's land
holdings, over the past decade, has been very encouraging and
includes a number of luxury residential developments, top schools
and transport links (road and mass transit rail) connecting to key
parts of the city and the main airport. There have been recent
listings and completed sales of smaller parcels in the area at
higher valuations than Symphony currently holds Minuet's land on
its books. We are in regular contact with local developers
that have expressed interest in acquiring additional land for
development.
Symphony's interest in another
property-related company, SG Land Company Limited ("SG Land"), in
Bangkok, Thailand, was sold in the fourth quarter of 2023. SG Land
held the leasehold rights to two office buildings. Over an
investment period of 16-years, Symphony realised a net return and
multiple on invested capital of 8.38% per annum and 2.02 times,
respectively.
The branded residential development
component of the One&Only Desaru Coast Resort in Malaysia,
jointly developed with a subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad,
the investment arm of the government of Malaysia, is expected to
launch in 2024. We are in negotiations with a top residential
brokerage and marketing firm to assist with sales of the 47 villa
development land plots that we expect will take place over the next
several years. The hotel operations of the property will also
benefit from the gradual inclusion of the branded residences into
the managed hotel rental pool. The hotel operator, One&Only,
intend to use the villas to address the high demand for
multi-generational travel.
In Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan, we have
retained ownership of land and are involved in a joint venture to
develop ski-in/ski-out condominium residences on one of the
parcels. After the previous ski season, where visitor numbers
reached approximately 80% of pre-pandemic levels, the current
2023/2024 ski season is expected to fully recover, if not surpass,
previous records. Demand for real estate remains strong as Niseko
re-establishes itself as a premium ski and year-round destination,
especially for travellers in Asia. We aim to accelerate planning
for the joint venture development following the current ski
season.
Our newest investment in the real
estate sector, made at the beginning of 2023, is Isprava Vesta
Private Limited ("Isprava"), a real estate company based in India
that constructs, designs and sells luxury branded villas in
non-urban markets. The group also operates a property management
business that rents luxury villas, including Isprava constructed
homes and third-party homes in India and overseas. With growing
disposable income domestically and international attention on India
with its long-term secular growth prospects, there is strong demand
for Isprava's offering. More recently, the company introduced a
more accessible property format that was met with strong demand and
sold out in a short period of time to domestic and international
buyers.
On the hospitality side, we still
have a stake, albeit reduced, in Minor International ("MINT").
MINT's business reported the highest annual profit in its history
in 2023. Robust leisure and business travel drove double-digit
growth in occupancy and revenue per available room. In the
restaurant division, a revival in dine-in activities contributed to
an increase in same-store-sales and margins. At the end of 2023,
MINT operated 532 hotels and 2,645 restaurants and announced plans
to grow this over the next three years by a further 200 to 250
hotels and one thousand restaurants based on a current pipeline of
opportunities. Following a run-up in MINT's share price in early
2023, Symphony took the opportunity to sell some MINT shares and
warrants. We sold 6.30 million and 9.99 million shares and
warrants, respectively, and realised net proceeds of US$8.86
million. Symphony's annualised return on the shares sold in 2023
over the past 17-years based on the average cost per share is
13.21% per annum and 5.47 times our cost. The prospects for
international leisure travel are expected to remain strong and we
think our residual investment in this business will also yield
attractive returns as the stock price starts to catch up with the
company's strong business performance.
Symphony's healthcare sector
investments in India continue to progress with their respective
business plans and perform well. ASG
Hospitals Private Limited ("ASG"), which
operates eye-healthcare hospitals across India, grew its footprint
to 147 eye-hospitals at the end of 2023 from 52 hospitals a year
earlier. The acquisition and consolidation of Vasan Health Care
Pvt. Ltd, which management have been successful in integrating and
growing in a short period of time, contributed to most of the
increase. Together with positive same-hospital-sales-growth,
management have developed a strong pipeline of new acquisition
opportunities to grow the company's pan-India platform in the
medium term. Soothe Healthcare Private
Limited ("Soothe"), which manufactures and distributes fast-moving
consumer healthcare products, including feminine hygiene and
diapers, has been successful in pivoting from growth to
profitability. Soothe has revamped it distribution focus and is
developing more effective marketing campaigns to enhance margins
and minimise marketing expenses. These initiatives have allowed the
group to report its first monthly positive earnings before
interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA") in January
2024. Soothe has a strong positioning and opportunity to capitalise
on the long-term favourable market dynamics for consumer products
in India.
Two of our businesses in the
lifestyle segment have been particularly affected by the downturn
in home sales and consumer discretionary spending. The Liaigre
Group ("Liaigre"), a luxury interior architecture and furniture
design business, and Chanintr Living Limited ("Chanintr"), a luxury
lifestyle company that distributes high-end US and European
furniture and provides interior solutions to real estate projects
in Thailand, both reported lower revenue numbers for 2023.
Sales of Liaigre and Chanintr were down 4.93% and 11.06%,
respectively, in 2023 compared to a year earlier. The gradual shift
back to work in offices following work-from-home arrangements
during the pandemic has also contributed to the weaker demand for
home furnishings. Chanintr reported some recovery in the fourth
quarter of 2023 and Liaigre continues to have strong demand at its
showrooms in China and Singapore as well as for its interior
architecture offering. While we expect discretionary spending to
remain subdued for the first half of 2024, we are seeing a gradual
improvement. Shareholders may recall that, earlier in 2023,
we had announced the sale of our minority interest in the Wine
Connection Group, a wine-themed food and
beverage chain operating in South Asia, at approximately our cost
and above the value used in our valuation prior to the agreed
sale.
Symphony's investments in the
education sector include Creative Technology Solutions DMCC
("CTS"), a company that provides technology
solutions to K12 schools in the Middle East, and WCIB International
Co. Ltd, a joint venture that developed and operates the
prestigious Wellington College International Bangkok ("WCIB"). We
sold our interest in CTS in the third quarter of 2023 for 2.46
times our cost and a return on investment of 24.05% per
annum.
Our investment in WCIB, a top
co-educational K12 school in Bangkok, Thailand, continues to ramp
up operations and reported its first positive EBITDA for the
academic year ended in July 2023. WCIB's management initiated a new
capital expenditure plan to enhance facilities in order to maintain
a pre-eminent position amongst international schools in Bangkok and
expand student capacity to cater to the strong demand for
placements at the school.
Symphony has nine investments in the
new economy sector that accounted for 9.58% of NAV at 31 December
2023. While the start-up environment in India and South East Asia
remains vibrant, new funding continues to remain challenging.
Symphony has been assisting investee companies with fund raising
initiatives and participated in funding for three investee
companies in 2023. We intend to continue to support our portfolio
companies where the prospects for the business justify such
support.
Our largest investment in this
sector by value is Meesho Inc. ("Meesho"), a social e-commerce
platform for micro-entrepreneurs, small to medium enterprises and
consumers in India. The company reported profitability after tax
during the quarter ended 31 December 2023 after growing net
merchandise value by 36% during the previous 12-months. Monthly
transactional users also grew by the same percentage over the same
period to 43 million.
Another of our larger investments in
this sector is Smarten Spaces ("Smarten"), a software-as-a-service
company that provides software solutions for space management in
commercial and industrial properties. Despite ongoing difficulties
due to a recalcitrant shareholder blocking fundraising initiatives,
the company has reduced its cash burn and expects to be cashflow
positive during the first quarter of 2024. Until the company is
able to address its fundraising difficulties, the growth potential
for this business will continue to be hampered.
Symphony committed to the second
fund of Good Capital in early 2023 to gain further exposure to
India's burgeoning start-up ecosystem. Good Capital Partners is an
investment manager focused on seed investments in India. In
addition to committing to its two funds, Symphony also owns a
minority interest in the Manager. At 31 December 2023, their first
fund, GCF I had made investments in 78 companies and had a
distributed value to paid-in capital of 0.23 times and an overall a
multiple on invested capital of 2.29x.
Another significant investment in
this sector is August Jewellery Pvt. Ltd. ("Melorra"), an
omni-channel fast fashion Indian jewelry company that was growing
exponentially by raising capital at ever increasing valuations but
has recently faced hurdles with its fundraising initiatives as the
venture market has dried up. While the offline retail operations
have been performing well, Melorra has had to restrict online
operations due to capital constraints and a noticeable shift in
consumer behavior post covid. This has materially affected
its overall performance and we are working closely with the
management team to assist with raising new capital.
Other smaller investments in this
sector include Kieraya Furnishing Solutions Pvt. Ltd, a residential
furniture rental services business, Catbus Infolabs Pvt. Ltd
("Blowhorn"), a same-day intra-city last-mile logistics provider,
Solar Square Energy Pvt. Ltd ("Solar Square"), a rooftop solar
panel solutions provider, Mavi Holding Pte. Ltd., an insurance
product developer and program administrator services provider for
insurance carriers and vehicle manufacturers and Epic Games, Inc.,
a US based video game and software developer.
Symphony's share price continues to
trade at a material discount to its NAV per share, despite the
management team's regular reports on the portfolio and the payment
of an attractive dividend yield for the past several years.
Following a strategic review by the board of the Company, it
was announced in September 2023 that Symphony would no longer make
new investments from proceeds of sales, other than follow-on
investments related to existing portfolio companies. Proceeds of
sale would, to the extent practical, be returned to shareholders so
that shareholders would ultimately be able to receive the true
value of the investment portfolio directly rather than rely on the
market price of the shares. As a consequence of this updated
strategy, the minimum floor of the Investment Manager's Management
Fee was removed and any new investments going forward, can only be
made from fresh pools of capital that the Manager may choose to
raise.
Barring unforeseen unfavourable
geopolitical or other negative circumstances, we anticipate that
the value of our investments will continue to grow in the coming
years, offering favourable opportunities for timely exits. Factors,
such as easing inflation, secular growth trends and a more positive
outlook in markets where Symphony's investments are concentrated
support this outlook. As the largest stakeholders in the Company,
the investment management team is fully aligned with shareholders
to maximise shareholder value with this new strategy. We would like
to thank all our shareholders for their patience & continued
support and also the management teams of our investee companies for
their focus and dedication to building successful businesses and
skilfully navigating difficult times.
Lastly, as previously announced,
this past year we bid a heartfelt farewell to our fellow Director,
Mr. Rajiv Luthra, whose unexpected and sudden departure left a void
in our hearts and within the Symphony family. Rajiv's profound
impact on our organization extended far beyond his role as a
Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee; his counsel &
many contributions are sorely missed.
Georges Gagnebin
Chairman, Symphony International
Holdings Limited
Anil Thadani
Chairman, Symphony Asia Holdings
Pte. Ltd.
19 March 2024
Investment Manager's Report
This "Investment Manager's Report"
should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
related notes of the Company. The financial statements of the
Company were prepared in accordance with the International
Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and are presented in U.S.
dollars. The Company reports on each financial year that ends
on 31 December. In addition to the Company's annual
reporting, NAV and NAV per share are reported on a quarterly basis
being the periods ended 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31
December. The Company's NAV reported quarterly is based on
the sum of cash and cash equivalents, temporary investments, the
fair value of unrealised investments (including investments in
unconsolidated subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures) and any
other assets, less any other liabilities. The financial
results presented herein include activity for the period from 1
January 2023 through 31 December 2023, referred to as "the year ended
31 December 2023".
Our
Business
Symphony is an investment company
incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands.
The Company's shares were listed on the London Stock Exchange on 3
August 2007. Symphony's investment objective is to create
value for shareholders through longer term strategic investments in
high growth innovative consumer businesses, primarily in the
healthcare, hospitality and lifestyle sectors (including education
and branded real estate developments), which are expected to be
fast growing sectors in Asia, as well as through investments in
special situations and structured transactions.
Symphony's Investment Manager is
Symphony Asia Holdings Pte. Ltd. ("SAHPL"). The Company entered
into an Investment Management Agreement with SAHPL as the
Investment Manager. Symphony Capital Partners Limited
("SCPL") is a service provider to the Investment
Manager.
SAHPL's licence for carrying on fund
management in Singapore is restricted to serving only accredited
investors and/or institutional investors. Symphony is an
accredited investor.
Investments
At 31 December 2023, the total amount invested by
Symphony since admission to the Official List of the London Stock
Exchange in August 2007 was US$632.13 million (2022: US$615.32 million). SIHL's total
cost of its unrealised investment portfolio after taking into
account shareholder loan repayments, redemptions, partial
realisations, dividends and interest income was US$33.60 million at
31 December 2023, down from US$38.40 million a year
earlier.
The change is due to (i)
distributions and the partial realisation of shares and warrants of
MINT providing net proceeds of US$9.64 million which cumulatively
increased proceeds (including partial realisations and dividend
income) in excess of total cost for this investment to US$244.14
million at 31 December 2023, (ii) the partial realisation of
ITL shares providing net proceeds of US$6.86 million, (iii) new and
follow-on investments in unlisted investments amounting to US$16.81
million and (iv) other unlisted investment realisations, dividends,
interest income and adjustments of US$5.11 million.
The fair value of investments,
excluding temporary investments, held by Symphony was US$390.23
million at 31 December 2023, which compares to US$496.80 million a
year earlier. This change comprised a decrease in the value
of listed and unlisted securities by US$92.73 million, new and
follow-on investments of US$16.81 million less realisations
(including divestments, shareholder loan repayments and return of
capital) amounting to US$30.65 million.
Cost and fair value of investments by sector
|
|
2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost1
|
Fair value
|
NAV3
|
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Healthcare
|
|
17,229
|
59,166
|
15.52%
|
Hospitality
|
|
(244,143)
|
52,545
|
13.78%
|
Lifestyle
|
|
76,072
|
36,863
|
9.67%
|
Education
|
|
26,793
|
15,319
|
4.02%
|
Logistics
|
|
35,278
|
74,591
|
19.56%
|
Lifestyle / real estate
|
|
75,590
|
115,236
|
30.22%
|
New economy
|
|
46,774
|
36,507
|
9.58%
|
Subtotal
|
|
33,593
|
390,227
|
102.35%
|
Temporary
investments2
|
|
|
(8,965)
|
(2.35%)
|
Net asset value
|
|
|
381,262
|
100.00%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost1
|
Fair value
|
NAV3
|
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Healthcare
|
|
16,561
|
51,707
|
10.41%
|
Hospitality
|
|
(234,503)
|
65,666
|
13.22%
|
Lifestyle
|
|
85,994
|
56,055
|
11.29%
|
Education
|
|
26,058
|
12,521
|
2.52%
|
Logistics
|
|
42,141
|
152,255
|
30.65%
|
Lifestyle / real estate
|
|
59,135
|
111,651
|
22.48%
|
New economy
|
|
43,018
|
46,943
|
9.45%
|
Subtotal
|
|
38,404
|
496,798
|
100.02%
|
Temporary
investments2
|
|
|
(112)
|
(0.02%)
|
Net asset value
|
|
|
496,686
|
100.00%
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Cost of
investments includes all unrealized investments after deducting
shareholder loan repayments, redemptions, partial realisations,
dividends and interest income. This adjusted figure more accurately
reflects the capital invested after accounting for returns over the
life of the investment.
(2) Temporary
investments include cash and cash equivalents and is net of
accounts receivable and payable.
(3) NAV is based
on the sum of our cash and cash equivalents, temporary investments,
the fair value of unrealised investments (including investments in
subsidiaries and associates) and any other assets, less all
liabilities.
As at 31 December
2023, we had the following
investments:
Indo Trans Logistics Corporation
Indo Trans Logistics Corporation
("ITL") was founded in 2000 as a freight-forwarding company and has
since grown to become Vietnam's largest independent integrated
logistics company with a network that is spread across Vietnam,
Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. ITL has grown to national
champion status in Vietnam.
Headwinds faced by the logistics
sector in 2022 continued to gain strength in 2023, which caused
further weakness in freight volumes and yields globally that
impacted ITL's performance. Management reported that ITL's port
operations continue to be stable and a slow recovery in air and sea
freight, which began in late 2023, is expected to continue in 2024.
Aside from increasing efficiency, ITL is strategically expanding
areas of the business to position for an ongoing recovery in the
sector. The outlook for the business is encouraging with attractive
secular growth trends, including strong domestic economic growth
and the diversification of supply chains outside of
China.
During 2023, Symphony completed the sale of a small number of shares to a
strategic Asian logistics company as part of a larger secondary
offering mentioned in earlier updates. The gross and net sale
consideration received was 5.5 times and 4.6 times Symphony's cost
of shares sold, respectively.
Symphony acquired a significant
minority interest in Indo Trans Logistics Corporation ("ITL") in
June 2019 for US$42.64 million and had a net cost of US$35.28
million (2022:
US$42.14 million) at 31 December 2023. The fair value of
Symphony's interest in ITL at 31 December 2023 was US$74.59 million
(2022:
US$152.25 million). The change in valuation is
primarily due to a decline in trailing EBITDA used to value this
business.
Minor International Public Company Limited
Minor International Public Company
Limited ("MINT") is a diversified consumer business and is one of
the largest hospitality and restaurant companies in the
Asia-Pacific region. MINT is a company that is incorporated
under the laws of Thailand and is listed on the Stock Exchange of
Thailand.
MINT owns 365 hotels and manages 167
other hotels and serviced suites with 78,253 rooms. MINT owns
and manages hotels in 55 countries predominantly under its own
brand names that include Anantara, Oaks, NH Collection, NH Hotels,
nhow, Elewana, AVANI, Per AQUUM and Tivoli.
As at 31
December 2023, MINT also owned and operated
2,645 restaurants under the brands The Pizza Company, Swensen's,
Sizzler, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Beijing Riverside, Thai Express,
Bonchon, Benihana and The Coffee Club amongst others. Approximately
76% of these outlets are in Thailand with the remaining number in
other Asian countries, the Middle East, Mexico, Canada and
Europe. MINT's operations also include contract manufacturing
and an international consumer brand distribution business in
Thailand focusing on fashion and lifestyle retail (286 outlets),
wholesale and direct marketing channels under brands that include
Anello, Bossini, Charles & Keith and Zwilling J.A. Henckels
amongst others.
MINT reported its highest ever core
profit that was driven by a strong performance of hotel and
restaurant operations. Core revenue and earnings before interest,
tax, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA") grew by 21.90% and
29.84%, respectively, in 2023 year-over-year. Growing demand
for travel following the pandemic has led to an ongoing recovery in
hotel occupancies and more favourable pricing. Also, a revival of
dine-in activities has benefited MINT's restaurant platform.
Symphony's gross investment cost in
MINT was US$82.82 million (2022: US$82.82 million) at 31
December 2023. The
net cost on the same date, after deducting partial realisations and
dividends received, was (US$244.14 million) (2022: (US$234.50 million)). The
negative net cost is due to the proceeds from partial realisations
and dividends being in excess of cost for this investment.
The fair value of Symphony's investment in MINT at 31
December 2023 was
US$52.55million (2022: US$65.67 million). The change in value of
approximately (US$13.12 million) is due to the sale of 6.30 million
and 9.99 million MINT shares and warrants respectively that
generated net proceeds of US$8.86 million and a decrease in MINT
share price by 9.30% in 2023 that was partially offset by a
strengthening of the onshore Thai baht rate by 1.34%.
Minuet Limited
Minuet Ltd ("Minuet") is a joint
venture between the Company and an established Thai partner.
The Company has a direct 49% interest in the venture and is
considering several development and/or sale options for the land
owned by Minuet, which is located in close proximity to central
Bangkok, Thailand. As at 31 December 2023 Minuet held
approximately 186.75 rai (29.88 hectares) of land in Bangkok,
Thailand.
The Company initially invested
approximately US$78.30 million by way of an equity investment and
interest-bearing shareholder loans. Since the initial
investment by the Company, Minuet has received proceeds from rental
income and partial land sales. As at 31 December
2023, the Company's
investment cost (net of shareholder loan repayments) was
approximately US$13.13 million (2022: US$13.13
million). The fair value of the Company's interest in Minuet
on the same date was US$61.76 million (2022: US$61.09
million) based on an independent third-party valuation of the land
plus the net value of the other assets and liabilities of Minuet.
The change in value of Symphony's interest is predominantly due the
appreciation of the Thai baht by 1.10% and other minor movements in
the assets and liabilities of Minuet.
Liaigre Group
The Liaigre Group ("Liaigre") was
founded in 1985 in Paris and is a brand synonymous with discreet
luxury, and has become one of the most sought-after luxury
furniture brands, renowned for its minimalistic design style.
Liaigre has a strong intellectual property portfolio and provides a
range of bespoke furniture, lighting, fabric & leather, and
accessories. In addition to operating a network of 25
showrooms in 11 countries across Europe, the North America and
Asia, Liaigre has a design studio that undertakes exclusive
interior architecture projects for select yachts, hotels, and
restaurants and private residences.
The Luxury furniture market was
impacted by a slowdown in the housing sales and discretionary
spending in 2023. As a result, Liaigre's sales declined by 4.93% as
showroom sales in the US and Europe slowed and certain large orders
were delayed. Management expects some recovery in 2024 with a
general improvement in global economy. Showrooms in Asia and the
interior architecture business continued to perform well in 2023
and are forecast to grow further in the coming year.
Symphony's gross investment cost in
Liaigre was US$79.68 million (2022: US$79.68
million) at 31 December 2023. The net cost on the same date,
after deducting partial realisations, was US$67.63 million
(2022:
US$67.63 million). The fair value of
Symphony's investment at 31 December 2023 was US$29.89 million
(2022:
US$41.86 million). The change in value is
due to a decline in EBITDA and comparable company multiples used in
the valuation for this investment as well as a depreciation in the
Euro by 3.12%.
Property Joint Venture in Malaysia
The Company has a 49% interest in a
property joint venture in Malaysia with an affiliate of Destination
Resorts and Hotels Sdn Bhd, a hotel and destination resort
investment subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the investment
arm of the Government of Malaysia. The joint venture has
developed a beachfront resort with private villas for sale on the
south-eastern coast of Malaysia that are branded and managed by
One&Only Resorts ("O&O"). The hotel operations
were officially launched in September 2020.
The operations of the One&Only
Desaru Coast Resort were impacted during 2023 due to the closure of
the beach and beach club for several months due to remediation
works. The closure affected booking and as a result, average
occupancy levels during the year. Management is positive on the
outlook for the coming year following an enhancement of offerings
at the spa and other initiatives that have been positive in
activating weekday stays as well as growing MICE tourism. The
property continues to operate at high occupancy levels during
weekends.
The shareholders are working with
top marketing and brokerage agencies to launch private homes sales
later in 2024 in a number of jurisdictions. Preparations required
for the launch have taken more time than initially
expected.
Symphony invested approximately
US$58.78 million (2022: US$58.78 million) in the joint
venture at 31 December 2023. The fair value for
this investment on the same date was US$27.11 million, which
compares to US$30.50 million at 31 December 2022. The lower value
is result of a change in various inputs in the discounted cashflow
model used to value this investment, the accrual of interest
related to shareholder financing and a depreciation in the
Malaysian ringgit by 4.41%.
ASG
ASG Hospital Private Limited ("ASG")
is a full-service eye-healthcare provider with operations in India,
Africa, and Nepal. ASG was co-founded in Rajasthan, India in 2005
by Dr. Arun Singhvi and Dr. Shashank Gang. ASG's
operations have since grown to 147 clinics, which offer a full
range of eye-healthcare services, including outpatient consultation
and a full suite of inpatient procedures (cataract, retina
surgeries, Lasik, glaucoma, cornea and other complicated eye
surgeries). ASG also operates an optical and pharmacy
business, which is located within its clinics.
ASG continued to scale its business
in 2023 with the consolidation of Vasan Health Care Pvt. Ltd. in
March 2023, which added approximately 90 eye-hospitals to the
group. ASG had a total of 147 eye-hospitals across India at the end
of 2023. Aside from inorganic growth, same-hospital revenue is
positive and the management team have developed an extensive
pipeline of greenfield and brownfield opportunities to grow the
business in the coming years.
Symphony's net investment cost in
ASG was US$3.65 million (2022: US$3.65
million) at 31 December 2023. The fair value of Symphony's
investment at 31 December 2023
was US$40.97 million (2022: US$28.33
million). The increase in value is predominantly due to
growth in EBITDA and comparable company market multiples, which are
used in the valuation for this business.
Soothe
Soothe Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
("Soothe") was founded in 2012 and operates within the fast-growing
consumer healthcare products market segment in India. With growing
disposable income, the demand for consumer healthcare products is
expected to grow rapidly over the coming
decades. Soothe's core product portfolio includes
feminine hygiene and diaper products. Symphony completed its equity
investment in Soothe in August 2019 and subsequently made
investments through convertible notes and securities from 2020 to
2023.
During 2023, Soothe's management
strengthened its focus on achieving profitability. The distribution
platform and product mix as a result has been rationalised with
channels that have higher margins being prioritised. The
profitability of the business has gradually improved during the
year and the company reported its first positive EBITDA in January
2024. Management have indicated that Soothe will not require
additional equity funding to execute its current business
plan.
Symphony's gross and net investment
cost in Soothe was US$13.42 million (2022: US$12.75
million) at 31 December 2023. The fair value of Symphony's
investment at 31 December 2023
was US$18.20 million (2022: US$23.38
million). The change in value is predominantly due to lower
trailing revenue in 2023 used to value this business.
Other Investments
In addition to the investments
above, Symphony has 13 additional non-material investments, at 31
December 2023.
Pending investment in suitable opportunities, Symphony has
placed funds in certain temporary investments.
Capitalisation and NAV
As at 31 December
2023, the Company had
US$409.7 million (2022: US$409.70 million) in issued share
capital and its NAV was US$381.26 million (2022: US$496.69 million). Symphony's NAV is the sum of its
cash and cash equivalents, temporary investments, the fair value of
unrealised investments (including investments in subsidiaries,
associates and joint ventures) and any other assets, less any other
liabilities. The unaudited financial statements contained
herein may not account for the fair value of certain unrealised
investments. Accordingly, Symphony's NAV may not be
comparable to the net asset value in the unaudited financial
statements. The primary measure of SIHL's financial
performance and the performance of its subsidiaries will be the
change in Symphony's NAV per share resulting from changes in the
fair value of investments.
Symphony was admitted to the
Official List of the London Stock Exchange ("LSE") on 3 August 2007
under Chapter 14 of the Listing Manual of the LSE. The
proceeds from the IPO amounted to US$190 million before issue
expenses pursuant to which 190.0 million new shares were issued in
the IPO. In addition to these 190.0 million shares and 94.9
million shares pre-IPO, a further 53.4 million shares were issued
comprising of the subscription of 13.2 million shares by investors
and SIHL's investment manager, the issue of 33.1 million bonus
shares, and the issue of 7.1 million shares to SIHL's investment
manager credited as fully paid raising the total number of issued
shares to 338.3 million.
The Company issued 4,119,490 shares,
2,059,745 shares, 2,059,745 shares and 2,059,745 shares on 6 August
2010, 21 October 2010, 4 August 2011 and 23 October 2012,
respectively, credited as fully paid, to the Investment Manager,
Symphony Investment Managers Limited. The shares were issued
as part of the contractual arrangements with the Investment
Manager.
On 4 October 2012, SIHL announced a
fully underwritten 0.481 for 1 rights issue at US$0.60 per new
share to raise proceeds of approximately US$100 million (US$93
million net of expenses) through the issue of 166,665,997 million
new shares, fully paid, that commenced trading on the London Stock
Exchange on 22 October 2012.
As part of the contractual
arrangements with the Investment Manager in the Investment
Management Agreement, as amended, the Investment Manager was
granted 82,782,691 and 41,666,500 share options to subscribe for
ordinary shares at an exercise price of US$1.00 and US$0.60 on 3
August 2008 and 22 October 2012, respectively. The share
options vest in equal tranches over a five-year period from the
date of grant. As at 31 December 2018, 41,666,500 share options
with an exercise price of US$0.60 had been exercised and all the
82,782,691 options had lapsed and expired. There were no
share options outstanding at 31 December 2023.
During 2017, 43,525,000 shares were
bought back and cancelled, as part of a share buyback programme
announced on 16 January 2017. Together with the shares issued
to the Investment Manager, the shares issued pursuant to the rights
issue, shares issued pursuant to the exercise of options and shares
cancelled pursuant to the share buyback programme, the Company's
fully paid issued share capital was 513.4 million shares at 31
December 2023 (2022: 513.4
million shares).
Revenue and Other Operating Income
Management concluded during 2014
that the Company meets the definition of an investment entity and
adopted IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27 standards where subsidiaries
are de-consolidated and their fair value is measured through profit
or loss. As a result, revenue, such as dividend income, from
underlying investments in subsidiaries is no longer
consolidated.
During 2023, Symphony recognised
other operating income of US$12.28 million (2022: US$14.75 million)
that mainly comprised intercompany dividend transactions and
interest income on cash balances.
Expenses
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses include
fees for professional services, interest expense, insurance,
communication, foreign exchange losses, travel, Directors' fees and
other miscellaneous expenses and costs incurred for analysis of
proposed deals. For the year ended 31 December
2023, other operating
expenses amounted to US$1.44 million (2022: US$5.40
million), which includes US$0.34 million in unrealised foreign
exchange losses. Excluding foreign exchange losses and
interest expense, other operating expenses in 2023 and 2022 would be US$1.10 million and
US$1.08 million, respectively.
Management Fee
The management fee amounted to
US$9.66 million for the year ended 31 December 2023 (2022: US$10.66 million). The
management fee was calculated on the basis of 2.25% of NAV with a
cap of US$15 million per annum. A floor on the management fee of
US$6 million per annum was removed in September 2023 following the
Company's adoption of a new strategy.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At 31 December 2023, Symphony's cash balance was
US$9.09 million (2022: US$18.57 million). Symphony's
primary uses of cash are to fund investments, pay expenses and to
make distributions to shareholders, as declared by our board of
directors. Symphony can generate additional cash from
time-to-time from the sale of listed securities that are
liquid and amount to US$52.55 million (2022: US$65.67
million) and which are held through intermediate holding
companies. Taking into account current market conditions, it
is expected that Symphony has sufficient liquidity and capital
resources for its operations. The primary sources of liquidity are
capital contributions received in connection with the initial
public offering of shares, related transactions and a rights issue
(See description under "Capitalisation and NAV"), in addition to
cash from investments that it receives from time to time and bank
facilities.
This cash from investments is in the
form of dividends on equity investments, payments of interest and
principal on fixed income investments and cash consideration
received in connection with the disposal of investments.
Temporary investments made in connection with Symphony's cash
management activities provide a more regular source of cash than
less liquid longer-term and opportunistic investments, but generate
lower expected returns. Other than amounts that are used to
pay expenses, or used to make distributions to our shareholders,
any returns generated by investments are reinvested in accordance
with Symphony's investment policies and procedures. Symphony
may enter into one or more credit facilities and/or utilise other
financial instruments from time to time with the objective of
increasing the amount of cash that Symphony has available for
working capital or for making opportunistic or temporary
investments. At 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022, the Company
did not have any interest-bearing borrowings.
Principal Risks
The Company's and the Company's
investment management team's past performance is not necessarily
indicative of the Company's future performance and any unrealised
values of investments presented in this document may not be
realised in the future.
The Company is not structured as a
typical private equity vehicle (it is structured as a permanent
capital vehicle), and thus may not have a comparable investment
strategy. The investment opportunities for the Company are more
likely to be as a long-term strategic partner in investments, which
may be less liquid and which are less likely to increase in value
in the short term.
The Company's organisational,
ownership and investment structure may create certain conflicts of
interests (for example in respect of the directorships,
shareholdings or interests, including in portfolio companies that
some of the Directors and members of the Company's investment
management team may have). In addition, neither the
Investment Manager nor any of its affiliates owes the Company's
shareholders any fiduciary duties under the Investment Management
Agreement between, inter alia, the Company and the Investment
Manager. The Company cannot assume that any of the foregoing
will not result in a conflict of interest that will have a material
adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of
operations.
The Company is highly dependent on
the Investment Manager, the Key Persons (as defined in the
Investment Management Agreement) and the other members of the
Company's investment management team and the Company cannot assure
shareholders that it will have continued access to them or their
undivided attention, which could affect the Company's ability to
achieve its investment objectives.
The Investment Manager's
remuneration is based on the Company's NAV (subject to a maximum
amount and a minimum amount, which was removed following an
announced change in strategy in September 2023) and is payable even
if the NAV does not increase, which could create an incentive for
the Investment Manager to increase or maintain the NAV in the short
term (rather than the long-term) to the potential detriment of
Shareholders.
The Company's investment policies
contain no requirements for investment diversification and its
investments could therefore be concentrated in a relatively small
number of portfolio companies in the Healthcare, Hospitality,
Lifestyle (including branded real estate developments), logistics
and education sectors predominantly in Asia.
The Company has made, and may
continue to make, investments in companies in emerging markets,
which exposes it to additional risks (including, but not limited
to, the possibility of exchange control regulations, political and
social instability, nationalisation or expropriation of assets, the
imposition of taxes, higher rates of inflation, difficulty in
enforcing contractual obligations, fewer investor protections and
greater price volatility) not typically associated with investing
in companies that are based in developed markets.
Furthermore, the Company has made,
and may continue to make, investments in portfolio companies that
are susceptible to economic recessions or downturns. Such
economic recessions or downturns may also affect the Company's
ability to obtain funding for additional investments.
The Company's investments include
investments in companies that it does not control and/or made with
other co-investors for financial or strategic reasons. Such
investments may involve risks not present in investments where the
Company has full control or where a third party is not
involved. For example, there may be a possibility that a
co-investor may have financial difficulties or become bankrupt or
may at any time have economic or business interests or goals which
are inconsistent with those of the Company or may be in a position
to take or prevent actions in a manner inconsistent with the
Company's objectives. The Company may also be liable in
certain circumstances for the actions of a co-investor with which
it is associated. In addition, the Company holds a
non-controlling interest in certain investments, and therefore, may
have a limited ability to protect its position in such
investments.
A number of the Company's
investments are currently, and likely to continue to be, illiquid
and/ or may require a long-term commitment of capital. The
Company's investments may also be subject to legal and other
restrictions on resale. The illiquidity of these investments
may make it difficult to sell investments if the need
arises.
The Company's real estate related
investments may be subject to the risks inherent in the ownership
and operation of real estate businesses and assets. A
downturn in the real estate sector or a materialization of any of
the risks inherent in the real estate business and assets could
materially adversely affect the Company's real estate
investments. The Company's portfolio companies also
anticipate selling a significant proportion of development
properties prior to completion. Any delay in the completion
of these projects may result in purchasers terminating off-plan
sale agreements and claiming refunds, damages and/or
compensation.
The Company is exposed to foreign
exchange risk when investments and/ or transactions are denominated
in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, which could lead to
significant changes in the net asset value that the Company reports
from one quarter to another.
The Company's investment policies
and procedures (which incorporate the Company's investment
strategy) provide that the Investment Manager should review the
Company's investment policies and procedures on a regular basis
and, if necessary, propose changes to the Board when it believes
that those changes would further assist the Company in achieving
its objective of building a strong investment base and creating
long term value for its Shareholders. The den to make any
changes to the Company's investment policy and strategy, material
or otherwise, rests with the Board in conjunction with the
Investment Manager and Shareholders have no prior right of approval
for material changes to the Company's investment policy.
Investments in connection with
special situations and structured transactions typically have
shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller
market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them
more vulnerable to competitors' actions and market conditions, as
well as general economic downturns. Investments that fall
into this category tend to have relatively short holding periods
and entail little or no participation in the board of the company
in which such investments may be made. Special situations and
structured transactions in the form of fixed debt investments also
carry an additional risk that an increase in interest rates could
decrease their value.
The Company's current investment
policies and procedures provide that it may invest an amount of no
more than 30% of its total assets in special situations and
structured transactions which, although they are not typical
longer-term investments, have the potential to generate attractive
returns and enhance the Company's net asset value. Following
the Company's investment, it may be that the proportion of its
total assets invested in longer-term investments falls below 70%
and the proportion of its total assets invested in special
situations and structured transactions exceeds 30% due to changes
in the valuations of the assets, over which the Company has no
control.
Pending the making of investments,
the Company's capital will need to be temporarily invested in
liquid investments and managed by a third-party investment manager
of international repute or held on deposit with commercial banks
before they are invested. The returns that temporary
investments are expected to generate and the interest that the
Company will earn on deposits with commercial banks will be
substantially lower than the returns that it anticipates receiving
from its longer-term investments or special situations and
structured transactions.
In addition, while the Company's
temporary investments will be relatively conservative compared to
its longer- term investments or special situations and structured
transactions, they are nevertheless subject to the risks associated
with any investment, which could result in the loss of all or a
portion of the capital invested.
The Investment Manager has
identified but has not yet contracted to make further potential
investments. The Company cannot guarantee shareholders that
any or all of these prospective investments will take place in the
future.
The market price of the Company's
shares may fluctuate significantly, and shareholders may not be
able to resell their shares at or above the price at which they
purchased them.
The Company's shares are currently
trading, and have in the past traded, and could in the future
trade, at a discount to NAV for a variety of reasons, including due
to market conditions. The only way for shareholders to
realise their investment is to sell their shares for cash.
Accordingly, in the event that a shareholder requires immediate
liquidity, or otherwise seeks to realise the value of his
investment through a sale, the amount received by the shareholder
upon such sale may be less than the underlying NAV of the shares
sold.
The Company could be materially
adversely affected by the widespread outbreak of infectious disease
or other public health crises (or by the fear or imminent threat
thereof). Public health crises such as SARS, H1N1/09 flu,
avian flu, Ebola, and the COVID-19 pandemic, together with any
related containment or other remedial measures undertaken or
imposed, could have a material and adverse effect on the Company
including by (i) disrupting or otherwise materially adversely
affecting the human capital, business operations or financial
resources of the Company, the Company's portfolio companies, the
Investment Manager or service providers and (ii) adversely affect
the ability, or the willingness, of a party to perform its
obligations under its contracts and lead to uncertainty over
whether such failure to perform (or delay in performing) might be
excused under so-called "material adverse change," force majeure
and similar provisions in such contracts that could cause a
material impact to the Company, the Company's portfolio companies,
the Investment Manager or service providers and (iii) severely
disrupting global, national and/or regional economies and financial
markets and precipitating an economic downturn or recession that
could materially adversely affect the value and performance of the
Company's shares.
The Company's business could be
materially affected by conditions in the global capital markets and
the economy generally. Geopolitical issues, including wars
and related international response measures may have a negative
impact on regional and global economic conditions, as a result of
disruptions in foreign currency markets and increased energy and
commodity prices. This could in turn have a spill-over effect on
the Company's portfolio companies, such as reducing demand for
products or services offered by the portfolio companies and/or
cause for example, higher operating and financing costs.
Anil Thadani
Chairman, Symphony Asia Holdings
Pte. Ltd.
19 March 2024
Directors' Responsibility Statement
We, the directors of Symphony
International Holdings Limited, confirm that to the best of our
knowledge:
(a) the condensed
financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets,
liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company
as required by DTR 4.2.4R; and
(b) the condensed
financial results include a fair review of information required
by:
(i) DTR 4.2.7R of
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an indication of
important events that have occurred during the financial year and
their impact on the financial statements, and a description of the
principal risks and uncertainties; and
(ii) DTR 4.2.8R of the
Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions
that have taken place in the current financial year and that have
materially affected the financial position or performance of the
Company during that period, and any changes in the related party
transactions described in the last annual report that could do
so.
For and on behalf of the Board of
Directors
Georges Gagnebin
Chairman, Symphony International
Holdings Limited
Anil Thadani
Chairman, Symphony Asia Holdings
Pte. Ltd.
Director, Symphony International
Holdings Limited
Symphony International Holdings Limited
Unaudited condensed statement of financial position
As at
31 December 2023
|
Note
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
|
Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss
|
8
|
372,655
|
478,226
|
Prepayment
|
|
*
|
*
|
|
|
372,655
|
478,226
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
Other receivables and
prepayments
|
|
70
|
82
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
9,093
|
18,573
|
|
|
9,163
|
18,655
|
Total assets
|
|
381,818
|
496,881
|
|
|
|
|
Equity attributable to equity holders
of the Company
|
|
|
|
Share capital
|
|
409,704
|
409,704
|
Accumulated
(losses)/profits
|
|
(28,311)
|
86,758
|
Total equity carried forward
|
|
381,393
|
496,462
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
Other payables
|
|
425
|
419
|
Total liabilities
|
|
425
|
419
|
Total equity and liabilities
|
|
381,818
|
496,881
|
|
|
|
|
* Less than
US$1,000
Symphony International Holdings Limited
Unaudited
condensed statement of comprehensive income
For the financial
year ended 31 December 2023
|
Note
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
|
|
|
|
Other operating income
|
6
|
12,280
|
14,749
|
Other operating expenses
|
7
|
(1,441)
|
(5,395)
|
Management fees
|
|
(9,664)
|
(10,663)
|
Profit/(Loss) before investment results and income
tax
|
|
1,175
|
(1,309)
|
Loss on disposal of financial assets
at fair value
through profit or loss
|
|
-
|
(1)
|
Fair value changes in financial
assets at fair value
through profit or loss
|
9
|
(103,410)
|
8,902
|
(Loss)/Profit before income tax
|
|
(102,235)
|
7,592
|
Income tax expense
|
|
-
|
-
|
(Loss)/Profit for the year
|
|
(102,235)
|
7,592
|
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of
tax
|
|
-
|
-
|
Total comprehensive income for the
year
|
|
(102,235)
|
7,592
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
US Cents
|
US Cents
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
10
|
(19.91)
|
1.48
|
Diluted
|
10
|
(19.91)
|
1.48
|
|
|
|
|
Symphony International Holdings Limited
Unaudited condensed statement of changes in equity
For the financial year ended 31 December 2023
|
Share
capital
|
Accumulated profits/(losses)
|
Total
equity
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
|
|
|
|
At 1
January 2022
|
409,704
|
79,151
|
488,855
|
|
|
|
|
Total
comprehensive income for the year
|
-
|
7,592
|
7,592
|
|
|
|
|
Transactions with owners, recognised directly in
equity
Contributions by and distributions to owners
|
|
|
|
Forfeiture
of dividend paid in prior years
|
-
|
15
|
15
|
Total
transactions with owners
|
-
|
15
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
At 31
December 2022
|
409,704
|
86,758
|
496,462
|
|
|
|
|
At 1
January 2023
|
409,704
|
86,758
|
496,462
|
|
|
|
|
Total
comprehensive income for the year
|
-
|
(102,235)
|
(102,235)
|
|
|
|
|
Transaction
with owners, recognised directly in equity
Contributions by and distributions to owners
|
|
|
|
Dividends
declared and paid of US$0.025 per share
|
-
|
(12,834)
|
(12,834)
|
Total
transaction with owners
|
-
|
(12,834)
|
(12,834)
|
|
|
|
|
At 31
December 2023
|
409,704
|
(28,311)
|
381,393
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Symphony
International Holdings Limited
Unaudited
condensed statement of cash flows
For the
financial year ended 31 December 2023
|
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
Cash flows
from operating activities
|
|
|
|
(Loss)/Profit before income
tax
|
|
(102,235)
|
7,592
|
Adjustments
for:
|
|
|
|
Dividend
income
|
|
(11,864)
|
(14,500)
|
Exchange
loss, net
|
|
337
|
4,313
|
Interest
income
|
|
(416)
|
(249)
|
Loss on
disposal of financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss
|
|
-
|
1
|
Fair value
changes in financial assets at fair value through profit or
loss
|
|
103,410
|
(8,902)
|
|
|
(10,768)
|
(11,745)
|
Changes
in:
|
|
|
|
- Other receivables and
prepayments
|
|
10
|
(5)
|
- Other payables
|
|
4
|
100
|
|
|
(10,754)
|
(11,650)
|
Interest
received (net of withholding tax)
|
|
418
|
242
|
Net cash used in operating
activities
|
|
(10,336)
|
(11,408)
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
|
Net
proceeds received from unconsolidated subsidiaries
|
|
13,691
|
21,613
|
Net
cash from investing activities
|
|
13,691
|
21,613
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
Dividend paid
|
|
(12,834)
|
-
|
Receipts from forfeiture of dividend
paid in prior years
|
|
-
|
15
|
Net
cash (used in)/from financing activities
|
|
(12,834)
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
Net
(decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
(9,479)
|
10,220
|
Cash and cash equivalents at 1
January
|
|
18,573
|
8,357
|
Effect of exchange rate
fluctuations
|
|
(1)
|
(4)
|
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December
|
|
9,093
|
18,573
|
|
|
|
|
Significant non-cash transactions
During the financial year ended 31
December 2023, the
Company received dividends of US$11,864,000 (2022: US$14,500,000) from its
unconsolidated subsidiaries of which US$11,864,000
(2022:
US$14,500,000) was set off against the non-trade amounts due to the
unconsolidated subsidiaries.
Symphony
International Holdings Limited
Notes to
the unaudited condensed financial statements
For the
financial year ended 31 December 2023
These notes form an integral part of the unaudited condensed
financial statements
1
Reporting entity
Symphony International Holdings
Limited (the "Company") is a company
domiciled in the British Virgin Islands.
2
Statement of compliance
The accounting policies applied by
the Company in these condensed financial statements are the same as
those applied by the Company in its financial statements as at and
for the year ended
31 December 2022,
except for the adoption of the following new accounting standards,
amendments to and interpretations effective for annual periods
beginning on 1 January 2023:
New
accounting standards and amendments
The Company has applied the
following IFRSs and amendments to IFRS for the first time for the
annual period beginning on 1 January 2023:
· IFRS
17: Insurance
Contracts
· Amendments to IAS 12: Deferred tax related to Assets and
Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction
· Amendments to IAS 12: International Tax Reform - Pillar Two
Model Rules
· Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement
2: Disclosure of Accounting
Policies
· Amendments to IAS 8: Definition of Accounting
Estimates
Other than the below, the
application of these amendments to accounting standards and
interpretations did not have a material effect on these condensed
financial statements.
Global minimum top-up
tax
The Amendments to IAS 12:
International Tax Reform -
Pillar Two Model Rules provide a temporary mandatory
exception from deferred tax accounting for the top-up tax that may
arise from the jurisdictional adoption of the Pillar Two model
rules published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development, and require new disclosures about the Pillar Two tax
exposure.
The mandatory exception is effective
immediately and applies retrospectively. However, the amendments
have no impact on the Company as the Company's revenue is less than
EUR 750 million/year and it is not in scope of the Pillar Two model
rules.
Material accounting policy
information
The Company adopted Amendments
to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2: Disclosure of Accounting Policies for
the first time in 2023. Although the amendments did not result in
any changes to the accounting policies themselves, they impact the
accounting policy information to be disclosed in the financial
statements as at and for the year ended 31 December
2023.
The amendments require the
disclosure of 'material', rather than 'significant', accounting
policies. The amendments also provide guidance on the application
of materiality to disclosure of accounting policies, assisting
entities to provide useful, entity-specific accounting policy
information that users need to understand other information in the
financial statements.
These unaudited condensed financial
statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 19 March
2024.
3
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been
prepared on a fair value basis, except for certain items which are
measured on a historical cost basis. The financial statements
are presented in thousands of United States dollars (US$'000),
which is the Company's functional currency, unless otherwise
stated.
4
Use of estimates and judgement
The preparation of these unaudited
condensed financial statements requires management to make
judgements, estimates and assumptions that
affect the application of accounting policies and the reported
amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual
results may differ from these estimates.
In preparing these unaudited
condensed financial statements, the significant judgements made by
management in applying the Company's accounting policies and the
key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that
applied to the financial statements as at and for the year ended
31 December 2022.
Uncertain economic
environment
The uncertain economic environment
has increased the estimation uncertainty in developing significant
accounting estimates, predominantly related to financial assets at
fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL").
The estimation uncertainty is
associated with:
· the
extent and duration of the expected economic downturn and
subsequent recovery. This includes the impacts on liquidity,
increasing unemployment, declines in consumer spending and
forecasts for key economic factors;
· the
extent and duration of the disruption to business arising from the
expected economic downturn; and
· the
effectiveness of government and central bank measures that have and
will be put in place to support businesses and consumers through
this disruption and economic downturn.
The Company has developed accounting
estimates based on forecasts of economic conditions which reflect
expectations and assumptions as at 31 December 2023 about future events that
management believes are reasonable in the circumstances.
There is a considerable degree of
judgement involved in preparing forecasts. The underlying
assumptions are also subject to uncertainties which are often
outside the control of the Company. Accordingly, actual economic
conditions are likely to be different from those forecast since
anticipated events frequently do not occur as expected, and the
effect of those differences may significantly impact accounting
estimates included in these condensed financial
statements.
The impact of the uncertain economic
environment on financial assets at fair value through profit or
loss is discussed further in Note 9.
5
Financial risk management
The Company's financial risk
management objectives and policies are consistent with those
disclosed in the financial statements as at and for the year ended
31 December 2022.
6
Other operating income
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend income
|
|
11,864
|
14,500
|
Interest income
|
|
416
|
249
|
|
|
12,280
|
14,749
|
|
|
|
|
7
Other operating expenses
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange loss, net
|
|
337
|
4,313
|
Non-executive director
remuneration
|
|
330
|
400
|
General operating
expenses
|
|
774
|
682
|
|
|
1,441
|
5,395
|
|
|
|
|
8
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
During the financial year ended 31
December 2023, the
Company recognised changes in financial assets at fair value
through profit and loss of a loss of US$103,410,000
(2022: a gain of
US$8,902,000).
9
Financial instruments
Carrying
amounts versus fair values
The carrying amounts and fair values
of financial assets and financial liabilities are as follows. It
does not include fair value information for financial assets and
financial liabilities not measured at fair value if the carrying
amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value.
|
Carrying
amount
|
|
|
Fair value through
profit or loss
|
Amortised
cost
|
Other
financial
liabilities
|
Total
|
Fair value
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
31
December 2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial assets measured at
fair value
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss
|
372,655
|
-
|
-
|
372,655
|
372,655
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial assets not measured
at fair value
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
receivables1
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
5
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
-
|
9,093
|
-
|
9,093
|
|
|
372,655
|
9,098
|
-
|
381,753
|
|
Financial liabilities not measured at fair
value
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other payables
|
-
|
-
|
(425)
|
(425)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31
December 2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial assets measured at
fair value
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss
|
478,226
|
-
|
-
|
478,226
|
478,226
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial assets not measured
at fair value
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
receivables1
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
7
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
-
|
18,573
|
-
|
18,573
|
|
|
478,226
|
18,580
|
-
|
496,806
|
|
Financial liabilities not measured at fair
value
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other payables
|
-
|
-
|
(419)
|
(419)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
Excludes
prepayments
Fair value
The financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss are measured using the adjusted net asset
value method, which is based on the fair value of the underlying
investments. The fair values of the underlying investments
are determined based on the following methods:
i) for
quoted equity investments, based on quoted market bid prices at the
financial reporting date without any deduction for transaction
costs;
ii) for unquoted
investments, with reference to the enterprise value at which the
portfolio company could be sold in an orderly disposition over a
reasonable period of time between willing parties other than in a
forced or liquidation sale, and is determined by using valuation
techniques such as (a) market multiple approach that uses a
specific financial or operational measure that is believed to be
customary in the relevant industry, (b) price of recent investment,
or offers for investment, for the portfolio company's securities,
(c) current value of publicly traded comparable companies, (d)
comparable recent arms' length transactions between knowledgeable
parties, and (e) discounted cash flows analysis; and
iii) for financial
assets and liabilities with a maturity of less than one year or
which reprice frequently (including other receivables, cash and
cash equivalents, and other payables) the notional amounts are
assumed to approximate their fair values because of the short
period to maturity/repricing.
The objective of valuation
techniques is to arrive at a fair value measurement that reflects
the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to
transfer the liability in an orderly transaction between market
participants at the measurement date.
Fair value hierarchy for
financial instruments
The table below analyses financial
instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. The
different levels have been defined as follows:
·
Level 1: Inputs that are
quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical
instruments.
·
Level 2: Inputs other than
quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable, either
directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from
prices). This category includes instruments valued using:
quoted market prices in active markets for similar instruments;
quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that
are not considered active; or other valuation techniques in which
all significant inputs are directly or indirectly observable from
market data.
·
Level 3: Inputs that are
unobservable. This category includes all instruments for
which the valuation technique includes input not based on
observable data and the unobservable inputs have a significant
effect on the instruments' valuation. This category includes
instruments that are valued based on quoted prices for similar
instruments but for which significant unobservable adjustments or
assumptions are required to reflect differences between
instruments.
|
Level 1
|
Level 2
|
Level 3
|
Total
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
31
December 2023
|
|
|
|
|
Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss
|
-
|
-
|
372,655
|
372,655
|
|
|
|
|
|
31
December 2022
|
|
|
|
|
Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss
|
-
|
-
|
478,226
|
478,226
|
|
|
|
|
|
Significant unobservable inputs used in measuring fair
value
This table below sets out information
about significant unobservable inputs used at 31 December
2023 in measuring the
underlying investments of the financial assets categorised as Level
3 in the fair value hierarchy excluding investments purchased
during the year that are valued at transaction prices as they are
reasonable approximation of fair values and ultimate investments in
listed entities.
Description
|
Fair value
at 31
December
2023
|
Fair value at 31
December
2022
|
Valuation
technique
|
Unobservable
input
|
Range
(Weighted
average)
|
Sensitivity to changes in
significant unobservable inputs
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rental
properties
|
-
|
2,429
|
Income
approach
|
Rental
growth rate
Occupancy
rate
Discount
rate
|
N/A
(2022:
-0.7% - 2.0%)
N/A
(2022:
15% - 51%)
N/A
(2022: 13% -
13.5%)
|
The
estimated fair value would increase if the rental growth rate and
occupancy rate were higher and the discount rate was
lower.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land
related investments
|
58,938
|
59,941
|
Comparable
valuation
method
|
Price per
square meter for comparable land
|
US$260 - U$7,516 per square meter
(2022: US$379 -
US$7,032 per square meter)
|
The
estimated fair value would increase if the price per square meter
was higher.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
business
|
187,031
|
292,350
|
Enterprise
value using comparable traded multiples
|
Earnings
before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
("EBITDA") multiple (times)
|
3.6x - 35.2x,
median 9.3x
(2022: 0.3x -
33.4x, median 7.7x)
|
The
estimated fair value would increase if the EBITDA multiple was
higher.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
multiple (times)
|
0.3x - 10.5x,
median 3.4x
(2022: 0.6x -
12.5x, median 5.9x)
|
The
estimated fair value would increase if the revenue multiple was
higher.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount
for lack of marketability
|
25%
(2022:
25%)
|
The
estimated fair value would increase if the discount for lack of
marketability was lower.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Description
|
Fair value
at 31
December
2023
|
Fair value at 31
December
2022
|
Valuation
technique
|
Unobservable
input
|
Range
(Weighted
average)
|
Sensitivity to changes in
significant unobservable inputs
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
business (continued)
|
|
|
Option pricing
model*
|
Volatility
|
29.8% - 65.5%
(2022: 23.4% -
54.2%)
|
The estimated fair value
would increase or decrease if the volatility was higher depending
on factors specific to the investment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Risk-free
rate
|
3.7% - 6.8%
(2022: 4.5% -
7.0%)
|
The estimated fair value
would increase or decrease if risk-free rate was lower depending on
factors specific to the investment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greenfield
business held for more than 12-months
|
41,916
|
41,325
|
Discounted
cashflow method
|
Revenue
growth
Expense
ratio
Weighted
average cost of capital ("WACC")
|
2.8% -
96.5%
(2022: 1.0% -
26.9%)
59.0% -
84.9%
(2022: 57.9%
-87.8%)
11.3% -
15.5%
(2022: 14.7% -
16.3%)
|
The
estimated fair value would increase if the revenue growth
increases, expenses ratio decreases, and WACC was lower.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* The option pricing
model is used as a secondary valuation technique for certain
investments to allocate equity value where the capital structure of
the investment consists of instruments with significantly different
rights/terms.
The rental growth rate represents
the growth in rental income during the leasehold period while the
occupancy rates represent the percentage of the building that is
expected to be occupied during the leasehold period.
Management adopt a valuation report produced by an independent
valuer that determines the rental growth rate and occupancy rate
after considering the current market conditions and comparable
occupancy rates for similar buildings in the same area.
The discount rate is related to the
current yield on long-term government bonds plus a risk premium to
reflect the additional risk of investing in the subject
properties. Management adopt a valuation report produced by
an independent valuer that determines the discount based on the
independent valuer's judgement after considering current market
rates.
The comparable recent sales
represent the recent sales prices of properties that are similar to
the investee companies' properties, which are in the same
area. Management adopt a valuation report produced by an
independent valuer to determine the value per square meter based on
the average recent sales prices.
The EBITDA multiple represents the
amount that market participants would use when pricing
investments. The EBITDA multiple is selected from comparable
public companies with similar business as the underlying
investment. Management obtains the median EBITDA multiple
from the comparable companies and applies the multiple to the
EBITDA of the underlying investment. In some instances,
Management obtains the lower or upper quartile multiple from
comparable companies and applies the multiple to the EBITDA of the
underlying investment to reflect more accurately the value of the
underlying investment in the circumstances. The amount is
further discounted for considerations such as lack of
marketability.
The revenue multiple represents the
amount that market participants would use when pricing
investments. The revenue multiple is selected from comparable
public companies with similar business as the underlying
investment. Management obtains the median revenue multiple
from the comparable companies and applies the multiple to the
revenue of the underlying investment. The amount is further
discounted for considerations such as lack of
marketability.
The discount for lack of
marketability represents the discount applied to the comparable
market multiples to reflect the illiquidity of the investee
relative to the comparable peer group. Management determines
the discount for lack of marketability based on its judgement after
considering market liquidity conditions and company-specific
factors.
The option pricing model uses
distribution allocation for each equity instrument at different
valuation breakpoints, taking into consideration the different
rights / terms of each instrument. An option pricing
computation is done using a Black Scholes Model at different
valuation breakpoints (strikes) using market volatility and
risk-free rate parameters. Where a recent
transaction price for an identical or similar instrument is
available, it is used as the basis for fair value.
During the year ended 31 December
2023, two investments that previously used a recent transaction
price as a basis for fair value in the option pricing model had
used the revenue multiple technique as the basis for fair value in
the current year as there were no recent transactions.
The revenue growth represents the
growth in sales of the underlying business and is based on the
operating management team's judgement on the change of various
revenue drivers related to the business from year-to-year.
The expense ratio is based on the judgement of the operating
management team after evaluating the expense ratio of comparable
businesses and is a key component in deriving EBITDA and free cash
flow for the greenfield business. The free cashflow is
discounted at the WACC to derive the enterprise value of the
greenfield business. Net debt is then deducted to arrive at
an equity value for the business. WACC is derived after
adopting independent market quotes or reputable published
research-based inputs for the risk-free rate, market risk premium,
small cap premium and cost of debt.
The investment entity approach
requires the presentation and fair value measurement of immediate
investments; the shares of intermediate holding companies are not
listed. However, ultimate investments in listed entities
amounting to US$52,545,000 (2022: US$65,666,000) are held through
intermediate holding companies; the value of these companies are
mainly determined by the fair values of the ultimate
investments.
Level 3 valuations
The following table shows a
reconciliation from the beginning balances to the ending balances
for fair value measurements in Level 3 of the fair value
hierarchy.
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
Financial assets at fair
value through profit or loss
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
|
|
|
Balance at 1 January
|
478,226
|
480,755
|
Fair value changes in profit or
loss
|
(103,410)
|
8,902
|
Net repayment from unconsolidated
subsidiaries
|
(2,161)
|
(12,942)
|
Net additions
|
-
|
1,511
|
Balance at 31 December
|
372,655
|
478,226
|
|
|
|
Sensitivity analysis
Although the Company believes that
its estimates of fair value are appropriate, the use of different
methodologies or assumptions could lead to different measurements
of fair value. For fair value measurements in Level 3 assets,
changing one or more of the assumptions used to reasonably possible
alternative assumptions would have effects on the profit or loss by
the amounts shown below. The effect of the uncertain economic
environment has meant that the range of reasonably possible changes
is wider than in periods of stability.
|
‹-----
31
December 2023 -----›
|
‹----- 31
December 2022 -----›
|
|
Effect on profit or
loss
|
Effect on profit or
loss
|
|
Favourable
|
(Unfavourable)
|
Favourable
|
(Unfavourable)
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 3 assets
|
98,293
|
(67,782)
|
114,517
|
(83,076)
|
|
|
|
|
|
The favourable and unfavourable
effects of using reasonably possible alternative assumptions have
been calculated by recalibrating the valuation model using a range
of different values.
For rental properties, the projected
rental rates and occupancy levels were increased by 10%
(2022: 10%) for the
favourable scenario and reduced by 10% (2022: 10%) for the unfavourable
scenario. The discount rate used to calculate the present
value of future cash flows was also decreased by 2%
(2022: 2%) for the
favourable case and increased by 2% (2022: 2%) for the unfavourable case
compared to the discount rate used in the year-end
valuation.
For land related investments (except
those held for less than 12-months where cost represents the most
reliable estimate of fair value in the absence of significant
developments since the transaction), which are valued on comparable
transaction basis by third party valuation consultants, the fair
value of the land is increased by 20% (2022: 20%) in the favourable scenario
and reduced by 20% (2022: 20%) in the unfavourable scenario.
For operating businesses (except
those where a last transacted price exists within the past
12-months that provides the basis for fair value) that are valued
on a trading comparable basis using enterprise value to EBITDA or
revenue, EBITDA or revenue is increased by 20% (2022: 20%) and decreased by 20%
(2022: 20%), and
DLOM is decreased by 5% (2022: 5%) and increased by 5% (2022: 5%)
in the favourable and unfavourable scenarios
respectively.
In the option pricing model
sensitivity analysis, the change in risk-free rate and volatility
results in different outcomes for each investment. An
increase in risk-free rate and volatility may have a favourable or
unfavourable impact and vice versa. This is a result of
multiple factors including cumulative impact of two variables (risk
free rate, volatility) being changed simultaneously after taking
into account variations in investment specific input variables,
such as time to expiry, capital structure and the liquidation
preference related to securities. The volatility is adjusted by 10%
(2022: 10%) and the
risk-free rate is adjusted by 2% (2022: 2%) to arrive at the favourable
and unfavourable scenario depending on factors specific to each
investment.
For greenfield businesses (except
those where a last transacted price exists within the past
12-months) that are valued using a discounted cashflow, the revenue
growth rate is increased by 2% (2022: 2%), the expense ratio rate is
decreased by 10% (2022: 10%) and the WACC is reduced by 2% (2022: 2%) in the favourable
scenario. Conversely, in the unfavourable scenario, the
revenue growth rate is reduced by 2% (2022: 2%), the expense ratio rate is
increased by 10% (2022: 10%) and the WACC is increased by 2% (2022: 2%).
10 Earnings
per share
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
Basic and diluted earnings per share are based
on:
|
|
|
|
(Loss)/Profit for the year
attributable to ordinary shareholders
|
|
(102,235)
|
7,592
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted earnings
per share
|
|
Number of
shares
2023
|
Number of
shares
2022
|
|
|
|
|
Issued ordinary shares at 1 January
and 31 December
|
|
513,366,198
|
513,366,198
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of shares
(basic and diluted)
|
|
513,366,198
|
513,366,198
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December 2023 and 31 December
2022, there were no
outstanding share options to subscribe for ordinary shares of no
par value.
11 Operating
segments
The Company has investment segments,
as described below. Investment segments are reported to the
Board of Directors of Symphony Asia Holdings Pte. Ltd., the
Investment Manager, who review this information on a regular
basis.
Segment results, assets and
liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment as
well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable
basis.
Business activities which do not
meet the definition of an operating segment have been reported in
the reconciliations of total reportable segment amounts to the
financial statements.
The following summary describes the
investments in each of the Company's reportable
segments.
|
|
Healthcare
|
Includes investments in ASG Hospital
Private Limited (ASG) and Soothe Healthcare Private Limited
(Soothe)
|
|
|
Hospitality
|
Minor International Public Company
Limited (MINT)
|
|
|
Education
|
Includes WCIB International Co. Ltd.
(WCIB) and Creative Technology Solutions DMCC (CTS)
|
|
|
Lifestyle
|
Includes investments in
Chanintr Living Ltd. (Chanintr), the
Wine Connection Group (WCG) and Liaigre Group (Liaigre)
|
Lifestyle/Real Estate
|
Includes investments in Minuet Ltd,
SG Land Co. Ltd., a property joint venture in Niseko, Hokkaido,
Japan, Desaru Peace Holdings Sdn Bhd and Isprava Vesta Private Limited
(Isprava)
|
|
|
Logistics
|
Indo Trans Logistics Corporation
(ITL)
|
|
|
New Economy
|
Includes Smarten Spaces Pte. Ltd.
(Smarten), Good Capital Partners, Good Capital Fund I and Good
Capital Fund II (collectively, Good Capital), August Jewellery Private Limited (Melorra), Kieraya Furnishing Solutions Private Limited
(Furlenco), Meesho Inc. (Meesho), Catbus Infolabs
Private Limited (Blowhorn), SolarSquare Energy Private
Limited (Solar Square), Mavi Holding Pte.
Ltd. (Mavi) and Epic Games, Inc.
|
|
|
Cash and temporary
investments
|
Includes government securities or other investment grade securities,
liquid investments which are managed by third party investment
managers of international repute, and deposits placed with
commercial banks
|
|
|
Information on reportable
segments
|
Healthcare
|
Hospitality
|
Education
|
Lifestyle
|
Lifestyle/
Real Estate
|
Logistics
|
Cash and temporary
investments
|
New Economy
|
Total
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
31
December 2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Dividend income
|
-
|
9,640
|
2,224
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11,864
|
- Interest income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
416
|
-
|
416
|
|
-
|
9,640
|
2,224
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
416
|
-
|
12,280
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value changes of financial
assets at fair value through profit or loss
|
6,747
|
(13,187)
|
1,947
|
(10,740)
|
(3,452)
|
(70,833)
|
-
|
(13,892)
|
(103,410)
|
Exchange loss, net
|
2
|
*
|
(1)
|
1,231
|
(1,573)
|
1
|
(4)
|
7
|
(337)
|
|
6,749
|
(13,187)
|
1,946
|
(9,509)
|
(5,025)
|
(70,832)
|
(4)
|
(13,885)
|
(103,747)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment results
|
6,749
|
(3,547)
|
4,170
|
(9,509)
|
(5,025)
|
(70,832)
|
412
|
(13,885)
|
(91,467)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31
December 2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Dividend income
|
-
|
5,995
|
-
|
-
|
7,495
|
-
|
1,010
|
-
|
14,500
|
- Interest income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
249
|
-
|
249
|
|
-
|
5,995
|
-
|
-
|
7,495
|
-
|
1,259
|
-
|
14,749
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value changes of financial
assets at fair value through profit or loss
|
12,183
|
665
|
(5,869)
|
4,999
|
(12,453)
|
8,240
|
(1,028)
|
2,165
|
8,902
|
|
12,183
|
665
|
(5,869)
|
4,999
|
(12,453)
|
8,240
|
(1,028)
|
2,165
|
8,902
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss on disposal of financial assets
at fair value through profit or loss
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1)
|
-
|
(1)
|
Exchange loss, net
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
(2,435)
|
(1,900)
|
1
|
15
|
4
|
(4,313)
|
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
(2,435)
|
(1,900)
|
1
|
14
|
4
|
(4,314)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment results
|
12,184
|
6,660
|
(5,868)
|
2,564
|
(6,858)
|
8,241
|
245
|
2,169
|
19,337
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31
December 2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment assets
|
59,561
|
52,948
|
14,806
|
36,838
|
97,148
|
74,595
|
9,093
|
36,759
|
381,748
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment liabilities
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31
December 2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment assets
|
52,117
|
66,135
|
12,185
|
56,031
|
92,870
|
152,262
|
18,574
|
46,625
|
496,799
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment liabilities
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
Less than US$1,000
The reportable operating segments
derive their revenue primarily by achieving returns, consisting of
dividend income, interest income and appreciation in fair
value. The Company does not monitor the performance of these
investments by measure of profit or loss.
Reconciliations of reportable
segment profit or loss and assets
|
|
31 December
2023
|
31 December
2022
|
|
|
US$'000
|
US$'000
|
Profit or loss
|
|
|
|
Net investments results
|
|
(91,467)
|
19,337
|
Unallocated amounts:
|
|
|
|
- Management
fees
|
|
(9,664)
|
(10,663)
|
- Non-executive director
remuneration
|
|
(330)
|
(400)
|
- Other corporate
expenses
|
|
(774)
|
(682)
|
(Loss)/Profit for the year
|
|
(102,235)
|
7,592
|
|
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
Total assets for reportable
segments
|
|
381,748
|
496,799
|
Other assets
|
|
70
|
82
|
Total assets
|
|
381,818
|
496,881
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities for reportable
segments
|
|
-
|
-
|
Other payables
|
|
425
|
419
|
Total liabilities
|
|
425
|
419
|
|
|
|
|
12 Significant
related party transactions
For the purposes of these condensed
financial statements, parties are considered to be related to the
Company if the Company has the ability, directly or indirectly, to
control the party or exercise significant influence over the party
in making financial and operating decisions, or vice versa, or
where the Company and the party are subject to common control or
common significant influence. Related parties may be
individuals or entities.
Dividend
income
During the financial year ended 31
December 2023, the
Company recognised dividend income from its unconsolidated
subsidiaries amounting to US$11,864,000 (2022:
US$14,500,000).
Key management personnel
compensation
Key management personnel of the
Company are those persons having the authority and responsibility
for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the
Company.
During the financial year,
directors' fees amounting to US$330,000 (2022: US$400,000) were declared as
payable to four directors (2022: four directors) of the Company. The remaining two directors
of the Company are also directors of the Investment Manager who
provides management and administrative services to the Company on
an exclusive and discretionary basis. No remuneration has
been paid to these directors as the cost of their services form
part of the Investment Manager's remuneration.
Other related party
transactions
Pursuant to the Investment
Management Agreement, the Investment Manager will provide
investment management and advisory services exclusively to the
Company. Details of the remuneration of the Investment Manager are
disclosed in the financial statements as at and for the year ended
31 December 2022. During the financial year ended 31
December 2023,
management fee amounting to US$9,664,000 (2022: US$10,663,000) paid/payable to
the Investment Manager has been recognised in the condensed
financial statements.
As at 31 December 2023 and 31
December 2022, the Investment Manager had not been issued any
management shares.
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in
the condensed unaudited financial statements, there were no other
significant related party transactions during the years ended 31
December 2023 and
31 December 2022.
13
Commitments
In September 2008, the Company
entered into a loan agreement with a joint venture, held via its
unconsolidated subsidiary, to grant loans totaling THB140,000,000.
As at 31 December 2022, US$3,467,000
(THB120,000,000) had been drawn down. The Company
had committed to grant the remaining loan amounting to
US$578,000 (THB20,000,000) at 31 December 2022, subject to terms set out
in the agreement. In 2023, the Company sold its interest in the
joint venture, including any loans, and all commitments were
subsequently terminated.
The Company has committed to
subscribe to Good Capital Fund I for an amount less than 1% of the
net asset value as at 31 December 2023. Approximately 86.49%
of this commitment had been funded as at 31 December 2023 with
13.51% of the commitment subject to be called.
The Company has committed to
subscribe to Good Capital Fund II for an amount less than 1% of the
net asset value as at 31 December 2023. Approximately 21.50%
of this commitment had been funded as at 31 December 2023 with
78.50% of the commitment subject to be called.
The Company committed to incremental
funding in Mavi Holding Pte. Ltd. that is subject to certain
milestones being achieved. The total remaining contingent
commitment amounts aggregate to less than 1% of the net asset value
as at 31 December 2023.
In the general interests of the
Company and its unconsolidated subsidiaries, it is the Company's
current policy to provide such financial and other support to its
group of companies to enable them to continue to trade and to meet
liabilities as they fall due.
14 Subsequent
events
Subsequent to 31 December 2023,
· the
Company sold 3.03 million warrants of MINT for a total net
consideration of US$36,000
· the
Company completed the third tranche of its investment in
Mavi Holding Pte. Ltd. The total consideration
was less than 1% of NAV
· the
Company funded a capital call from the Good Capital
Fund I as part of its commitment as an anchor
investor. The capital call amounted to less than 1%
of the Company's NAV.
· the
Company funded a capital call from the Good Capital
Fund II as part of its commitment as an anchor
investor. The capital call amounted to less than 1%
of the Company's NAV.
· the
Company completed a follow-on investment in WCIB
International Co. Ltd. The investment amounted to less than 1%
of the Company's NAV.
· the
Company completed a follow-on investment in Catbus
Infolabs Private Ltd. The investment amounted to less than 1%
of the Company's NAV.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This document is not for release,
publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or
indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction
into which the publication or distribution would be unlawful.
These materials do not constitute an offer to sell or issue or the
solicitation of an offer to buy or acquire securities in the United
States or any other jurisdiction in which such offer or
solicitation would be unlawful. THE securities referred to in
this document have not been and will not be registered under the
securities laws of such jurisdictions and may not be sold, resold,
taken up, transferred, delivered or distributed, directly or
indirectly, within such jurisdictions.
No representation or warranty is
made by the Company or its Investment Manager as to the accuracy or
completeness of the information contained in this document and no
liability will be accepted for any loss whatsoever arising in
connection with such information.
This Document contains (or may
contain) certain forward-looking statements with respect to certain
of the Company's current expectations and projections about future
events. These statements, which sometimes use words such as
"anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend",
"may", "plan", "potential", "should", "will" and "would" or the
negative of those terms or other comparable terminology, are based
on the Company's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of its
future performance, taking into account all information currently
available to it at the date of this document. These beliefs,
assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many
possible events or factors, not all of which are known to the
Company at the date of this announcement or are within its
control. If a change occurs, the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations may vary materially
from those expressed in its forward-looking statements.
Neither the Company nor its Investment Manager undertake to update
any such forward looking statements
Statements contained in this
DOCUMENT regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as
a representation that such trends or activities will continue in
the future. The information contained in this document is
subject to change without notice and, except as required by
applicable law, neither the Company nor THE INVESTMENT MANAGER
assumes any responsibility or obligation to update publicly or
review any of the forward-looking statements contained
herein. You should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this
announcement.
This document is for information
purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to
underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any
securities of the Company in any jurisdiction. All
investments are subject to risk. Past performance is no
guarantee of future returns. Shareholders and prospective
investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and
other professional advice before making any investment
decisions.
This DOCUMENT is not an offer of securities
for sale into the United States. The Company's securities
have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States
Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United
States absent registration or an exemption from registration.
There will be no public offer of securities in the United
States.
Neither the content of the Company's
website (or any other website) nor the content of any website
accessible from hyperlinks on the Company's website (or any other
website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this
DOCUMENT.
The Company and the Investment
Manager are not associated or affiliated with any other fund
managers whose names include "Symphony", including, without
limitation, Symphony Financial Partners Co., Ltd.
End of
Announcement