Company Announcements

Interim Financial Results

Source: RNS
RNS Number : 5793N
Symphony International Holdings Ltd
26 September 2023
 

Not for Distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

 

26 September 2023

 

Symphony International Holdings Limited

Interim Financial Results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2023

 

Symphony International Holdings Limited ("SIHL", the "Company" or "Symphony") announces the interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023. The condensed interim financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and 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 in consumer-related businesses, primarily in the healthcare, hospitality, lifestyle (including branded real estate developments), logistics and education sectors, 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.

 

Symphony's Investment Manager is Symphony Asia Holdings Pte. Ltd. (the "Investment Manager" or "SAHPL"). The Company has entered into an Investment Management Agreement with 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.

 

As at 30 June 2023, the issued share capital of the Company was US$409.70 million (31 December 2022: US$409.70 million) consisting of 513,366,198 (31 December 2022: 513,366,198) ordinary shares.

 

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 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.



 

The NAV attributable to the ordinary shares on 30 June 2023 was US$0.79 (30 June 2022: US$0.94) per share. This represented a 18.74% decrease over the NAV per share of US$0.97 at 31 December 2022. The change in NAV from 31 December 2022 to 30 June 2023 is due to (i) a decrease in the value of an unlisted investment in the logistics sector due to a slowdown in global trade and (ii) dividends payable following a dividend announcement on 29 June 2023, which were

partially offset by other movements in the value of investments and proceeds received from partial realisations and dividends.

 

Portfolio Overview

 

The following is an overview of the Company's portfolio as at 30 June 2023:

 

HOSPITALITY

 

Minor International Public Company Limited ("MINT") is a global company focused on three core businesses: hospitality, restaurants and lifestyle brands distribution. MINT is a hotel owner, operator and investor with a portfolio of over 530 hotels under the Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, NH Collection, NH, nhow, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis and Radisson Blu brands in 55 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, South and North America.  MINT is also one of Asia's largest restaurant companies with over 2,500 outlets system-wide in 23 countries under The Pizza Company, The Coffee Club, Riverside, Benihana, Thai Express, Bonchon, Swensen's, Sizzler, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Coffee Journey and GAGA brands. MINT is one of Thailand's largest distributors of lifestyle brands and contract manufacturers. Its brands include Anello, BergHOFF, Bossini, Charles & Keith, Joseph Joseph, Zwilling J.A. Henckels and Minor Smart Kids.

 

As at 30 June 2023, the Company's gross cost in MINT was approximately US$82.82  million (31 December 2022: US$82.82 million). The net cost on the same date, after deducting partial realisations and dividends received was (US$243.37 million) (31 December 2022: (US$234.50 million)). The negative net investment cost is due to the proceeds from partial realisations and dividends being in excess of cost for this investment.

 

As at 30 June 2023, the market value of the Company's investment in MINT was US$59.46  million (31 December 2022: US$65.67 million). The change in value since 31 December 2022 is due to (i) the sale of 6.30 million shares and 9.99 million warrants that cumulatively generated net proceeds of US$8.86 million and (ii) a depreciation in the onshore Thai baht rate by 2.46%, which was partially offset by an increase in the share price of MINT by 6.20% during the same period.

 



 

HEALTHCARE

 

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. Shilpi Gang. ASG's operations have since grown to 145 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 clinics. Symphony invested in ASG in tranches from October 2019 through to July 2020 and subsequently acquired secondary shares in October 2021. In 2022, Symphony sold approximately a third of its shares at 2.4 times its cost of shares sold. Symphony held an 8.62% interest in ASG as at 30 June 2023. 

 

Symphony's gross and net investment cost in ASG was US$20.67 million and US$3.65 million at 30 June 2023 (31 December 2022: US$20.67 million and US$3.65 million), respectively. The fair value of Symphony's investment at 30 June 2023 was US$31.04 million (31 December 2022: US$28.33 million). The difference in value is due to changes in certain assumptions used in the valuation for this investment.

 

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 an initial equity investment in Soothe in August 2019 and subsequently made investments through convertible notes and securities from 2020 to 2023.

Symphony's gross and net investment cost in Soothe was US$13.42 million at 30 June 2023 (31 December 2022: US$12.75 million). During the six-month period ended 30 June 2023, Symphony subscribed to new securities at a cost of US$0.67 million, which formed part of a larger capital raising. The fair value of Symphony's investment at 30 June 2023 was US$19.54 million, which compares to US$23.38 million at 31 December 2022. The difference in value is due to changes in certain assumptions used in the valuation for this investment.

LIFESTYLE

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 24 showrooms across Europe, the US and Asia, Liaigre undertakes exclusive interior architecture projects for select yachts, hotels, and restaurants and private residences.

Symphony's gross investment cost in Liaigre was US$79.68 million at 30 June 2023 (31 December 2022: US$79.68 million). The net cost on the same date, after deducting partial realisations, was US$67.63 million (31 December 2022: US$67.63 million). The fair value of Symphony's investment at 30 June 2023 was US$43.5 million (31 December 2022: US$41.86 million). The change in fair value from 31 December 2022 is due to a decrease in trailing earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA"), which was more than offset by an increase in comparable company multiples used to value the business.

CHANINTR ("Chanintr") Chanintr is a luxury lifestyle company, based in Thailand, which primarily distributes high-end U.S. and European furniture and household accessory brands, including Liaigre, Barbara Barry, Baker, Herman Miller, Marquee, Minotti, Bulthaup kitchens amongst others. Chanintr also provides Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment solutions for real estate and hotel projects. In 2019, Chanintr launched a new program called Chanintr Residences which will showcase custom-designed luxury residences as turnkey projects.

Wine Connection Group ("WCG") is Southeast Asia's leading wine themed Food and Beverage chain with outlets in Singapore and Thailand. Founded in 1998, WCG has developed an expertise in offering affordable, high quality and exclusive wines from around the world through owned F&B outlets. Symphony invested in WCG in 2014.

 

The sale of this business has been completed and work is ongoing to determine whether conditions for incremental contingent sale proceeds have been met. 

 

LIFESTYLE/REAL ESTATE

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 30 June 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 30 June 2023, the Company's investment cost (net of shareholder loan repayments) was approximately US$13.13 million (31 December 2022: US$13.13 million). The fair value of the Company's interest in Minuet on the same date was US$59.94 million (31 December 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 to a depreciation in the offshore Thai baht rate by 1.96%.

SG Land Co. Ltd. ("SG Land") is a joint venture company that owns the leasehold rights for two office buildings in downtown Bangkok - SG Tower and Millennia Tower. The properties deliver an attractive yield and the related leases are set to expire between October 2023 to November 2025. The Company holds a 49.9% interest in the venture. 

 

Niseko Property Joint Venture ("Niseko JV") is a property development venture that acquired land in Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan. Symphony has a 37.5% interest in this venture, which it acquired for a total investment of US$10.2 million and has to date received distributions of US$16.7 million that relate to the partial sale of land held by the venture. The Niseko JV sold 31% of the development site to Hanwha Hotels & Resorts with a further 39% to a new joint venture company that is equally held and being co-developed by the Niseko JV and Hanwha Hotels & Resorts. The Niseko JV continues to effectively hold approximately 50% of the development site, of which one third is held for future development and/or sale.

Desaru property joint venture in Malaysia ("Desaru") is 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 and that are branded and managed by One&Only Resorts ("O&O"). The hotel operations were officially launched in September 2020. The Company has a 49% equity interest in the joint venture.

Symphony invested approximately US$58.78 million in the joint venture at 30 June 2023 (31 December 2022: US$58.78 million). The fair value for this investment on the same date was US$27.54 million based on a discounted cashflow model and independent third-party valuation of the land. This compares to US$30.50 million at 31 December 2022. The difference in value is due to changes in certain assumptions used in the valuation for this investment.

 

Isprava Vesta Private Limited ("Isprava") is a company that designs, builds and sells branded villas in non-urban markets in India such as Alibagh, Goa and Kasauli. The company is also in the business of renting luxury holiday homes under the brand name of "Lohono Stays" and includes both homes constructed and sold by Isprava and third-party homes in India and overseas. Symphony made an investment in Isprava in January 2023. 

 

EDUCATION

 

WCIB International Co. Ltd. ("WCIB") is a joint venture that developed and operates Wellington College International Bangkok, the fifth international addition to the Wellington College family of schools. WCIB operates a co-educational school that will ultimately cater to over 1,500 students aged 2-18 years of age when all phases are fully complete. WCIB commenced operations in August 2018 with inaugural students attending Nursery to Year 6. Symphony initially invested in the joint venture in January 2017 and has made subsequent investments with its partners to facilitate ongoing development of the school and support working capital requirements.

 

Creative Technology Solutions DMCC ("CTS") is a UAE-based company that provides technology solutions to K12 schools in the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ("KSA"). The company was founded in 2013 to provide customized IT solutions to the education sector, including hardware, software and training. Symphony made its investment in CTS in June 2019. Symphony entered into binding agreements and completed the sale of its interest in this business in Q3 2023. Excluding contingent proceeds, the sale generated a net return per annum and times the original cost of investment (taking into account dividend distributions) of approximately 23.1% and 2.4 times, respectively.

 

LOGISTICS

 

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.

 

The Company acquired a significant minority interest in ITL in June 2019 for US$42.64 million and had a net cost of US$35.28 million (31 December 2022: US$42.14 million) at 30 June 2023. During the first half of 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.

 

The fair value for Symphony's interest in ITL at 30 June 2023 was US$63.60 million. The change in value from US$152.25 million at 31 December 2022 is predominantly due to a decline in trailing EBITDA and the median comparable company market multiple used to value this business. The weakness in these parameters is reflective of an overall slowing down in global trade that is expected to continue at least through 2023.   

 

 

NEW ECONOMY

 

In November 2019, Symphony invested in Smarten Spaces Pte. Ltd. ("Smarten"), a Singapore based SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) company that provides software solutions for space management in commercial and industrial properties. Smarten was founded in 2017 by Dinesh Malkani and offers an end-to-end solution for workplace flexibility on a single technology platform, to help businesses navigate the new hybrid workplace. The SaaS technology includes four key aspects - Desk Management, Workforce Rostering, Demand & Supply, Expenses & Chargeback, and Asset Management; bringing together key workforce and workplace considerations for a future-ready solution. Subsequent to 30 June 2023, Symphony completed a follow-on investment in Smarten.

 

In September 2020, Symphony invested in August Jewellery Private Limited ("Melorra"), a Bangalore based omni-channel fast fashion Indian jewellery company that introduces a fresh collection of 75 new designs every Friday, resulting in over 300 new designs per month. Founded by Saroja Yeramilli in January 2015, Melorra adopts a minimal inventory model that uses 3-D printing technology to achieve just-in-time manufacturing to bring products to market efficiently. The company also operates experience centres across India.

 

Good Capital is majority owned by brothers Rohan and Arjun Malhotra who founded Investopad in 2014 by investing their own capital into building substantial infrastructure across India (Delhi, Bangalore and Gurgaon) and creating a thriving ecosystem of technology startups. Symphony announced its investment in July 2019, and at 30 June 2023 had a stake in the General Partner, Good Capital Partners ("GCP") and its first fund, Good Capital Fund I ("GCF"). Subsequent to 30 June 2023, Symphony funded capital calls related to GCF and Good Capital Fund II.

 

In August 2021, Symphony invested in Catbus Infolabs Private Limited ("Blowhorn"), the owner of the Blowhorn platform. Blowhorn is a same-day intra-city last-mile logistics provider headquartered in Bangalore, India. The company provides seamless transportation, warehousing, and a fully technologically integrated system to manage the end-to-end supply chain process through an asset-light transportation and distributed micro-warehousing network.

 

In September 2021, Symphony invested in Kieraya Furnishing Solutions Private Limited ("Furlenco") a Bangalore based online residential furniture business. Founded by Ajith Karimpana in October 2012, Furlenco has a subscription-based furniture rental business; a refurbished & recycled furniture business; an appliance subscription service and Prava, which sells high-end retail furniture.

 

In September 2021, Symphony invested in Meesho Inc. ("Meesho"), a Bangalore based social e-commerce platform for micro-entrepreneurs and Medium and Small Enterprises ("MSME") to sell to the next 500 million Indians coming online. Founded by Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal in March 2016, Meesho aims to enable small businesses, including individual entrepreneurs, to succeed online by bringing a range of products and new customers onto the Meesho platform. Meesho started as a reseller-focused platform enabling millions to sell online and has now become a single ecosystem connecting sellers to consumers and entrepreneurs.

 

In September 2021, Symphony invested in SolarSquare Energy Private Limited ("Solar Square") a rooftop solar power company that focuses on residential homes, primarily standalone houses, gated societies, and small commercial centres. Solar Square was founded by Neeraj Jain and Nikhil Nahar in 2015; they have since been joined by Shreya Mishra to refocus the company on the consumer space. The company aims to make clean energy affordable and accessible and become the trusted brand in the space. 

 

In December 2022, Symphony invested in MAVI Holding Pte. Ltd. ("MAVI"), a B2B insurance and warranty programme administration services company headquartered in Singapore with operations in India, Thailand, and Singapore. Mavi is an early-stage start-up business with a goal to develop insurance products that are accessible, competitively priced, and tailored for the Asian markets. The company will provide insurance and warranty programme management services and partner with insurance and carriers in the region to bring these products to market.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Symphony has placed funds in certain temporary investments. As at 30 June 2023, cash and cash equivalents amounted to US$16.76  million (31 December 2022: US$18.57 million).

 

Outlook

 

The first half of 2023 was generally positive for risk assets across most markets. However, inflation and the ability of the US Federal Reserve to steer a soft landing with higher interest rates remain key concerns. The weakening global demand is expected to continue in the short term to weigh on most Asian economies and subdue growth that will affect some businesses. However, the fundamental long-term growth drivers in Asia remain intact.

 

Principal Risks

 

Some of the risks that the Company is exposed to are described below.

 

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 minimum and maximum amounts) 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 decision 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), including the current COVID-19 pandemic. Public health crises such as SARS, H1N1/09 flu, avian flu, Ebola, and the current 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.

Our business could be materially affected by conditions in the global capital markets and the economy generally. Geopolitical issues, including the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine 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 our portfolio companies, such as reducing demand for products or services offered by our portfolio companies and/or cause for example, higher operating and financing costs.

Directors' Responsibility Statement

 

We, the directors of Symphony International Holdings Limited, confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

 

(a)   the condensed interim financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 - Interim Financial Reporting, 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 interim 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 first six months of the financial year and their impact on the financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

 

(ii)   DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of 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

Condensed statement of financial position

As at 30 June 2023

 


Note

30 June

2023

31 December 2022


 

US$'000

US$'000

Non-current assets




Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

7

399,756

478,226

Prepayments


*

*



399,756

478,226

Current assets




Other receivables and prepayments


83

82

Cash and cash equivalents


16,764

18,573



16,847

18,655





Total assets


416,603

496,881





Equity attributable to equity holders
of the Company




Share capital


409,704

409,704

Accumulated (losses)/profits


(6,379)

86,758

Total equity


403,325

496,462

 




Current liabilities




Other payables


13,278

419

Total liabilities


13,278

419

Total equity and liabilities


416,603

496,881

 




*   Less than US$1,000

 


Symphony International Holdings Limited

Condensed statement of comprehensive income

Period from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023

 


Note

6 months ended

30 June 2023

6 months ended

30 June 2022



US$'000

US$'000





Other operating income


288

8,507

Other operating expenses


(2,054)

(5,497)

Management fees


(5,320)

(5,404)

Loss before investment results and income tax


(7,086)

(2,394)

Fair value changes in financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

7

(73,217)

(3,991)

Loss before income tax


(80,303)

(6,385)

Income tax expense


-

-

Loss for the period


(80,303)

(6,385)

Other comprehensive income for the period,
net of tax


-

-

Total comprehensive income for the period


(80,303)

(6,385)





Earnings per share:






US Cents

US Cents





Basic

8

(15.64)

(1.24)

Diluted


(15.64)

(1.24)





 


Symphony International Holdings Limited

Condensed statement of changes in equity

Period from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023

 



Share

capital

Accumulated profits

Total
equity



US$'000

US$'000

US$'000






At 1 January 2022


409,704

79,151

488,855






Total comprehensive income for the period


-

(6,385)

(6,385)






Transactions with owners of the Company, recognised directly in equity





Contributions by and distributions to owners





Forfeiture of dividend paid in prior years


-

15

15

Total transactions with owners of the Company


-

15

15






At 30 June 2022


409,704

72,781

482,485






 



 

Symphony International Holdings Limited

Condensed statement of changes in equity

Period from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023

 



Share

capital

Accumulated

profits/(losses)

Total
equity



US$'000

US$'000

US$'000






At 1 January 2023


409,704

86,758

496,462






Total comprehensive income for the period


-

(80,303)

(80,303)






Transactions with owners of the Company, recognised directly in equity





Contributions by and distributions to owners





Dividends declared of US$0.025 per share


-

(12,834)

(12,834)

Total transactions with owners of the Company


-

(12,834)

(12,834)






At 30 June 2023


409,704

(6,379)

403,325






 

 

 


Symphony International Holdings Limited

Condensed statement of cash flows

Period from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023

 


 

6 months
ended
30 June
2023

6 months
ended
30 June
2022



US$'000

US$'000

Cash flows from operating activities




Loss before income tax


(80,303)

(6,385)

 




Adjustments for:




Dividend income


-

(8,505)

Exchange loss


1,460

5,017

Interest income


(288)

(2)

Interest expense


1

-

Write-off of amount due from unconsolidated subsidiary


-

12

Fair value changes in financial assets at fair value through profit or loss


73,217

3,991



(5,913)

(5,872)

Changes in:




-   Other receivables and prepayments


39

40

-   Other payables


22

52



(5,852)

(5,780)

Interest received


249

*

Net cash used in operating activities


(5,603)

(5,780)

 




Cash flows from investing activity




Net proceeds received from unconsolidated subsidiaries


3,797

7,326

Net cash from investing activity


3,797

7,326





Cash flows from financing activities




Interest paid


(1)

-

Forfeiture of dividend paid in prior years


-

15

Net cash (used in)/from financing activities


(1)

15





Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents


(1,807)

1,561

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period


18,573

8,357

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations


(2)

(3)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period


16,764

9,915

 




*        Less than US$1,000


Symphony International Holdings Limited

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

Period from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023

 

These notes form an integral part of the condensed interim financial statements.

 

 

1           REPORTING ENTITY

 

Symphony International Holdings Limited (the "Company") is a company domiciled in the British Virgin Islands.

 

The financial statements of the Company as at and for the year ended 31 December 2022 are available upon request from the Company's registered office at Vistra Corporate Services Centre, Wickhams Cay II, Road Town, Tortola VG1110 British Virgin Islands.

 

 

2           STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

 

These condensed interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting.  They do not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Company as at and for the year ended 31 December 2022.

 

These condensed interim financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 22 September 2023.

 

 

3           SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The accounting policies applied by the Company in these condensed interim 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.  The Company qualifies as an investment entity, as a result of which all immediate investments are carried at fair value through profit or loss.

 

 

4           Estimates

 

The preparation of interim financial statements in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense.  Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

In preparing these condensed interim 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 condensed 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 30 June 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 FVTPL is discussed further in Note 7.

 

 

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           Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

During the financial period ended on 30 June 2023:

 

i.      The Company recognised a fair value loss in financial assets at FVTPL of US$73,217,000 (30 June 2022: US$3,991,000).

 

ii.     During the six-month period ended 30 June 2023, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Symphony (Mint) Investment Limited, sold approximately 6.30 million shares and 9.99 million warrants held in Minor International PCL in the market through a series of transactions.

 

iii.    On 13 January 2023, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Symphony Luxre Holdings Pte. Ltd., subscribed to securities in Isprava Vesta Private Limited. The associated cost from this investment was less than 5% of NAV.

iv.    On 15 March 2023, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Symphony Assure Pte. Ltd., subscribed to securities in Mavi Holding Pte. Ltd. The associated cost from this investment was less than 1% of NAV.

 

v.     On 26 April 2023, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Symphony Logistics Pte. Ltd. sold some shares in Indo Trans Logistics Corporation that generated net proceeds equivalent to less than 2% of NAV.  

 

vi.    On 26 June 2023, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Britten Holdings Pte. Ltd., subscribed to additional compulsory convertible preference shares in Soothe Healthcare Private Limited. The associated cost for the additional investment was less than 1% of NAV.

 

 

7     financial instruments

 

Accounting classification and 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

30 June 2023

 

 

 

 

 

Financial assets measured at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

399,756

-

-

399,756

399,756







Financial assets not measured at fair value


 

 



Other receivables1

-

46

-

46


Cash and cash equivalents

-

16,764

-

16,764



399,756

16,810

-

416,566


Financial liabilities not measured at fair value






Other payables

-

-

(13,278)

(13,278)


 






1                  Excludes prepayments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 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

30 June 2023





Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

-

-

399,756

399,756






31 December 2022





Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

-

-

478,226

478,226






The fair value hierarchy table excludes financial assets and financial liabilities such as cash and cash equivalents, other receivables and other payables because their carrying amounts approximate their fair values due to their short-term period to maturity/repricing.

 

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.

 

 

30 June

2023

31 December 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

(73,217)

8,902

Net repayment from unconsolidated subsidiaries

(5,253)

(12,942)

Net additions

-

1,511

Balance at 30 June/31 December

399,756

478,226

Significant unobservable inputs used in measuring fair value

 

This table below sets out information about significant unobservable inputs used at 30 June 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 30 June

2023

US$'000

Fair value at

31 December 2022

US$'000

Valuation technique

Unobservable input

Range (Weighted average)

Sensitivity to changes in significant unobservable
inputs

Rental properties

1,914

2,429

Income approach

Rental growth rate

 

 

Occupancy rate

 

 

 

Discount rate

-0.4% - 11.6%

(Dec 2022:
-
0.7% - 2.0%)

 

1.6% - 46%

(Dec 2022: 15% - 51%)

 

13%
(Dec
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

57,671

59,941

Comparable valuation method

Price per
square meter
for comparable land

US$ 256 to US$6,403 per square meter
(Dec
2022: US$379 to US$7,032 per square meter)

 

The estimated fair value would increase if the price per square meter was higher.

 



 

Description

Fair value at 30 June

2023

US$'000

Fair value at

31 December 2022

US$'000

Valuation technique

Unobservable input

Range (Weighted average)

Sensitivity to changes in significant unobservable
inputs

Operating business

210,393

292,350

Enterprise value using comparable traded multiples

 

 

 

 

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ('EBITDA') multiple (times)

 1.3x - 42.2x , median  9.0x
(Dec
2022: 0.3x - 33.4x, median 7.7x)

The estimated fair value would increase if the EBITDA multiple was higher.

 










Revenue multiple (times)

 0.2x - 9.9x
(Dec
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 ('DLOM')

   25%
(Dec
2022: 25.0%)

The estimated fair value would increase if the discount for lack of marketability was lower.




 

 

 

 




Option pricing model*

Volatility

29,3% - 63,3%
(Dec
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

4.1 % - 6.7%
(Dec
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

41,312

41,325

Discounted cash flow method

Revenue growth

2.8% - 26.9%
(Dec
2022: 1.0% - 26.9%)

The estimated fair value would increase if the revenue growth increases, expense ratio decreases, and WACC was lower.









Expense ratio

 57.9% - 74,0%
(Dec
2022: 57.9% - 87.8%)









Weighted average cost of capital ('WACC')

 

 12.8% -  15.9%
(Dec
2022: 14.7% - 16.3%)

*  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 adopts 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 adopts a valuation report produced by an independent valuer to determine the value per square meter based on the average recent sales prices.

 

During the year ended 31 December 2022, an investment that was previously valued using comparable recent sales was valued using the discounted cash flow method due to changes in the operations and future earnings potential of the underlying investee company.

 

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 quartile multiple from comparable companies and applies the multiple to the EBITDA of the underlying investment. 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.

 

During the year ended 31 December 2022, two investments that were previously valued using the EBITDA multiple technique were valued using the price of recent investment for the investee company's securities as there were recent transactions in the secondary market which reflects more accurately the value of the underlying investment.

 

During the period ended 30 June 2023, an investment that was valued using the EBITDA multiple technique was valued using the price of recent investment for the investee company's securities in the current period as there were recent transactions in the secondary market.

 

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 2022, one investment that previously used a recent transaction price as the basis for fair value in the option pricing model had used the revenue multiple technique as the basis for fair value as there was no recent transaction.

 

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$59,464,000 (31 December 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.

 

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 the following 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.

 

 

‹-------- 30 June 2023 --------›

‹-------- 30 June 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

101,233

(64,126)

44,445

(45,309)






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% (30 June 2022: 10%) for the favourable scenario and reduced by 10% (30 June 2022: 10%) for the unfavourable scenario.  The discount rate used to calculate the present value of future cash flows was also decreased by 2% (30 June 2022: 2%) for the favourable case and increased by 2% (30 June 2022: 2%) for the unfavourable case compared to the discount rate used in the valuation as at 30 June 2023.

 

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% (30 June 2022: 20%) in the favourable scenario and reduced by 20% (30 June 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 revenue or EBITDA, the revenue or EBITDA is increased by 20% (30 June 2022: 20%) and decreased by 20% (30 June 2022: 20%), and DLOM is decreased by 5% (30 June 2022: 5%) and increased by 5% (30 June 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% (30 June 2022: 10%) and the risk-free rate is adjusted by 2% (30 June 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% (30 June 2022: 2%), the expense ratio rate is decreased by 10% (30 June 2022: 10%) and the WACC is reduced by 2% (30 June 2022: 2%) in the favourable scenario. Conversely, in the unfavourable scenario, the revenue growth rate is reduced by 2% (30 June 2022: 2%), the expense ratio rate is increased by 10% (30 June 2022: 10%) and the WACC is increased by 2% (30 June 2022: 2%).

 

 

8           earnings PER SHARE



6 months ended

30 June 2023

6 months ended

30 June 2022



US$'000

US$'000

Basic and diluted earnings per share are based on:




Loss for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders


(80,303)

(6,385)

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share

 






Number
of shares

Number
of shares



30 June 2023

30 June 2022





Issued ordinary shares at 1 January and 30 June


513,366,198

513,366,198





Weighted average number of shares (basic and diluted)


513,366,198

513,366,198





At 30 June 2023 and 30 June 2022, there were no outstanding share options to subscribe for ordinary shares of no par value. 


9           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 investments in 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

 

 

New Economy

In Do Trans Logistics Corporation (ITL)

 

Includes Smarten Spaces Pte. Ltd. (Smarten), Good Capital Partners and Good Capital Fund I (collectively, Good Capital), August Jewellery Private Limited (Melorra), Kieraya Furnishing Solutions Private Limited (Furlenco), Catbus Infolabs Private Limited (Blowhorn), Meesho Inc. (Meesho), SolarSquare Energy Private Limited (Solar Square), Mavi Holding Pte. Ltd. (Mavi) and Epic Games



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



 

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 the investments by measure of profit or loss.


Information regarding the results of each reportable segment is included below:

 


Healthcare

Hospitality

Education

Lifestyle

Lifestyle/ real estate

Logistics

Cash and temporary investments

Logistics

US$'000

New Economy

Total


US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

6 months ended 30 June 2023










Investment income










-    Interest income

-

-

-

-

-

-

288

-

288


-

-

-

-

-

-

288

-

288











Investment expenses










-              Exchange loss

(1)

*

(1)

741

(2,190)

(1)

(5)

(3)

(1,460)

-    Fair value changes of financial assets at FVTPL

(1,822)

3,038

5,194

6,738

(3,363)

(81,807)

-

(1,195)

(73,217)


(1,823)

3,038

5,193

7,479

(5,553)

(81,808)

(5)

(1,198)

(74,677)











Net investment results

(1,823)

3,038

5,193

7,479

(5,553)

(81,808)

283

(1,198)

(74,389)











6 months ended 30 June 2022










Investment income










-    Dividend income

-

-

-

-

7,495

-

1,010

-

8,505

-    Interest income

-

-

-

-

-

-

2

-

2


-

-

-

-

7,495

-

1,012

-

8,507











Investment expenses










-              Exchange loss

(3)

*

(3)

(3,263)

(1,757)

(1)

15

(5)

(5,017)

-    Fair value changes of financial assets at FVTPL

22,847

8,652

(6,162)

(4,901)

(14,721)

(12,999)

(1,011)

4,304

(3,991)


22,844

8,652

(6,165)

(8,164)

(16,478)

(13,000)

(996)

4,299

(9,008)











Net investment results

22,844

8,652

(6,165)

(8,164)

(8,983)

(13,000)

16

4,299

(501)











*        Less than US$1,000



 


Healthcare

Hospitality

Education

Lifestyle

Lifestyle/ real estate

Logistics

Cash and temporary investments

Logistics

US$'000

New Economy

Total


US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

 










30 June 2023










Segment assets

50,975

60,309

17,379

63,569

97,069

63,602

16,764

46,853

416,520











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

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-











 

 


Reconciliations of reportable segment profit or loss, assets and liabilities

 



30 June

2023

30 June

2022


US$'000

US$'000

Profit or loss




Net investments results


(74,389)

(501)

Unallocated amounts:




-   Other corporate expenses


(5,914)

(5,884)

 Loss for the period


(80,303)

(6,385)

 


 

 

Assets


 

 

Total assets for reportable segments


416,520

482,824

Other assets


83

31

Total assets


416,603

482,855





Liabilities




Total liabilities for reportable segments


-

-

Other payables


13,278

370

Total liabilities


13,278

370





 

10         Significant Related Party Transactions

 

For the purposes of these condensed interim 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 period ended 30 June 2023, the Company recognised dividend income from its unconsolidated subsidiaries amounting to US$Nil (30 June 2022: US$8,505,000).

 

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. The directors of the Company are considered as key management personnel.

 

During the financial period ended 30 June 2023, directors' fees amounting to US$186,000 (30 June 2022: US$198,000) were declared as payable to 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 two 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 period ended 30 June 2023, management fee amounting to US$5,320,000 (30 June 2022: US$5,404,000) paid/payable to the Investment Manager has been recognised in the condensed interim financial statements.

 

Other than as disclosed elsewhere in the condensed interim financial statements, there were no other significant related party transactions during the 6 months periods ended 30 June 2023 and 30 June 2022.

 

 

11         commitments

 

In September 2008, the Company entered into a loan agreement with a joint venture, held via its unconsolidated subsidiary, to grant loans totalling US$3,968,000 (THB140,000,000). As at 30 June 2023, US$3,401,000 (THB 120,000,000) (30 June 2022: US$3,399,000 (THB120,000,000)) has been drawn down. The Company is committed to grant the remaining loan amounting to US$567,000 (THB20,000,000) (30 June 2022: US$567,000 (THB20,000,000)), subject to terms set out in the agreement.

 

In July 2019, the Company committed to subscribe to Good Capital Fund I for an amount less than 1% of the net asset value as at 30 June 2023. Approximately 78.08% of this commitment has been funded at 30 June 2023 with 21.92% of the commitment subject to be called.

 

In March 2023, the Company committed to subscribe to Good Capital Fund II for an amount less than 2% of net asset value at 30 June 2023. None of this commitment was funded as at 30 June 2023.

 

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 30 June 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.

 

 

12         Subsequent events

 

Subsequent to 30 June 2023,

 

·    Symphony completed a follow-on investment in Mavi Holding Pte. Ltd. The total consideration was less than 1% of NAV.

 

·    Symphony completed a follow-on investment in Smarten Spaces Pte. Ltd. The total consideration was less than 1% of NAV.

 

·    Symphony funded capital calls related to Good Capital Fund I and Good Capital Fund II. The total consideration was less than 1% of NAV.

 

·    Symphony paid out ordinary dividends of US$0.025 per share declared during the period ended 30 June 2023, resulting in a total cash pay out of US$12,834,000 to shareholders of the Company.

 

·    Symphony received part of the proceeds related to the sale of Creative Technology Solutions DMCC. The consideration was less than 1% of NAV

 

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