united global telecoms fund - uobam.com.sg · australia 517,907 2.35 ... (losses) on outstanding...

United Global TelecomsFundAnnual Report

for the financial year ended 31st December 2014

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United Global Telecoms Fund(Constituted under a Trust Deed in the Republic of Singapore)

MANAGERUOB Asset Management LtdRegistered Address:80 Raffles PlaceUOB PlazaSingapore 048624Company Registration No. : 198600120Z

OPERATIONS ADDRESS80 Raffles Place#06-00, UOB Plaza 2Singapore 048624Tel: 1800 22 22 228

DIRECTORS OF UOB ASSET MANAGEMENTTerence Ong Sea EngCheo Chai HongThio Boon Kiat

TRUSTEE / REGISTRARHSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore) Limited21 Collyer Quay#10-02, HSBC BuildingSingapore 049320

CUSTODIANState Street Bank and Trust CompanyOne Lincoln StreetBoston, MA 02111United States of America

AUDITORSPricewaterhouseCoopers LLP8 Cross Street#17-00, PWC BuildingSingapore 048424

SOLICITORS TO THE MANAGERAllen & Gledhill LLPOne Marina Boulevard#28-00Singapore 018989

SOLICITORS TO THE TRUSTEEShook Lin & Bok LLP1 Robinson Road#18-00, AIA TowerSingapore 048542

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A) Fund Performance

Fund Performance/ Benchmark Returns

3 mth

%Growth

6 mth

%Growth

1 yr

%Growth

3 yrAnn

CompRet

5 yrAnn

CompRet

10 yrAnn

CompRet

Since Inception

16 August 1999Ann

CompRet

United Global Telecoms Fund 1.29 3.35 2.73 9.64 3.97 2.31 -0.61Benchmark 0.78 2.36 3.03 10.20 6.50 3.56 -0.68

Source: Lipper, a Thomson Reuters Company.

Note: The performance returns of the Fund are in Singapore dollars based on a NAV-to-NAV basis with net dividends reinvested. The benchmark of the Fund: MSCI ACWI Telecoms.

For the year ended 31 December 2014, the net asset value of the Fund rose 2.7% against an increase of 3.0% for the benchmark MSCI AC World Telecom Index (in Singapore dollar terms).

The Fund performed in line with the benchmark. Negative stock selection in the US was mostly mitigated by positive contribution from securities selection in Europe.

The top contributors to the Fund’s performance included Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Vodafone Group, and Comcast. Key detractors were Softbank, Baidu and Millicom.

As at 31 December 2014, the Fund had the following country asset allocation: US (37.5%), UK (11.6%), Japan (9.0%), China (5.7%), Singapore (5.5%), France (4.5%), Others (26.2%) and Cash (0.0%).

In terms of sub-sector allocation, the Fund had a 90.2% weight in telecom service providers, 6.6% in cable & satellite operators, 3.2% in telecom equipment & component suppliers and 0.0% in cash.

Market Review

The telecommunications (telecom) sector ended the year 2014 with modest total returns after a stellar performance in the prior year. In particular, telecom operators in Asia Pacific ex-Japan delivered the best performance, followed by the US, Europe and Japan.

The big four US wireless operators ended the year with lacklustre share price performance on intensifying mobile competition and rising spectrum costs. Mobile competition remains intense especially with smaller operators engaging in aggressive marketing campaigns around the launch of Apple’s new iPhone models. Meanwhile, spectrum costs continued to rise with the latest spectrum mobile auction attracting over US$44 billion in bids, raising new concerns over the sustainability of operators’ balance sheets given the rising cost of spectrum.

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The share prices of European operators for the year fared better but this was more than offset by the weak Euro currency. Most telecom operators in the region delivered better-than-expected profitability thanks to rising 4G service revenue, as well as receding tariff pressure from competition and termination rate cuts. The pace of much-needed industry consolidation picked up during the year, which should limit competitive pressures over time.

Japanese telecom operators stood out as the worst performers due to poor operational performance and profit taking after a strong run in 2013. Operators in Asia Pacific ex-Japan recorded strong gains. The solid performance was partially propelled by Chinese operators, which stand to enjoy savings in capital investment with their new joint venture to share tower infrastructure.

Outlook and Strategy

The Fund’s overweight position in the telecom, cable and satellite sectors in the US remains unchanged despite the headwinds faced by the wireless industry. We hold the view that the aggressive promotional campaigns by the smaller operators cannot be profitably sustained. Competition is likely to ease by mid-2015 which should cause a re-rating of telecom stocks in the US. We like the bigger operators for their strong balance sheets, superior network qualities, as well as undemanding valuations.

We are underweight in Europe. While we anticipate European operators to continue their progress in improving their operational efficiencies and consolidation, their valuations are un-compelling compared to global peers. We are also cautious about the remedies imposed as a result of consolidation approval by the regulators. These typically involve facilitating the development of a new network operator, which might lead to renewed pricing competition. Within the region, we look for operators with high earnings and cash-flow visibility and solid balance sheet.

Structural challenges within the economy in Japan support our underweight position in the market. Outside of Japan, we retain our selective overweight position in Asia Pacific given favourable long-term demographic trends and low smartphone penetration rates. We prefer companies that have improving competitive positions in markets with supportive regulatory environments.

The Fund’s focus is to invest in high quality firms with strong franchises. We target companies with superior networks, economies of scale, or differentiating technologies. The firm has to exhibit the ability to outperform in a highly competitive and tough regulatory environment with profitability that is commensurate with capital invested.

We will maintain a focus on companies with strong cash flow generation, resilient balance sheet and stable growing dividend. The Fund is mainly invested in telecom companies within developed markets which would provide strong stable growing dividends, as well as emerging market telecom operators and cable/satellite operators that provide both growth and defensive characteristics at reasonable valuation.

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B) Investments at fair value and as a percentage of NAV as at 31 December 2014 under review classified by

Fair Value % of NAV(S$)

i) Country

Australia 517,907 2.35 Canada 287,546 1.30 Chile 173,061 0.78 China 1,268,054 5.75 France 996,777 4.53 Germany 913,558 4.14 Indonesia 431,905 1.96 Japan 1,989,006 9.02 Mexico 734,768 3.33 Netherlands 168,553 0.76 Norway 642,618 2.91 Singapore 1,209,000 5.48 South Africa 532,573 2.43 Spain 688,067 3.12 Sweden 394,403 1.79 Switzerland 278,716 1.26 United Kingdom 2,563,579 11.63 United States 8,274,436 37.52

Portfolio of investments 22,064,527 100.06 Other net liabilities (13,767) (0.06)

Total 22,050,760 100.00

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B) Investments at fair value and as a percentage of NAV as at 31 December 2014 under review classified by (continued)

Fair Value % of NAV(S$)

ii) Industry

Consumer Discretionary 1,460,512 6.62 Information Technology 719,011 3.26 Telecommunication Services 19,885,004 90.18


Total 22,050,760 100.00

iii) Asset Class

Equities 22,064,527 100.06Other net liabilities (13,767) (0.06)

Total 22,050,760 100.00

iv) Credit rating of debt securities

N/A

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C) Top Ten Holdings

The top 10 holdings as at 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013

10 largest holdings at 31 December 2014

Fair Value

Percentage oftotal net assetsattributable to

unitholders(S$) %

AT & T INC 2,781,882 12.62VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC+ 2,752,275 12.48VODAFONE GROUP PLC 1,646,911 7.47COMCAST CORPORATION - CLASS A 1,460,512 6.62CHINA MOBILE LIMITED 1,268,054 5.75SINGAPORE TELECOMMUNICATIONS LTD 1,209,000 5.48SOFTBANK CORP 1,083,732 4.91BT GROUP PLC 916,668 4.16DEUTSCHE TELEKOM REG 913,558 4.14AMERCIA MOVIL-ADR SERIES L 734,768 3.33

10 largest holdings at 31 December 2013

Fair Value

Percentage oftotal net assetsattributable to

unitholders(S$) %

AT & T INC 3,551,441 13.98VODAFONE GROUP PLC 2,666,382 10.49VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC

+ 2,419,722 9.52COMCAST CORPORATION - CLASS A 1,843,669 7.26MILLICOM INTERNATIONAL CELLULAR SA-SDR 1,662,065 6.54SOFTBANK CORP 1,414,621 5.57CHINA MOBILE LIMITED 1,073,554 4.22BAIDU INC ADR 898,365 3.54MTN GROUP LIMITED 889,492 3.50GOOGLE INC - CLASS A 863,155 3.40

+ Listed on New York Stock Exchange

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D) Exposure to derivatives

i) Fair value of derivative contracts and as a percentage of NAV as at 31 December 2014

N/A

ii) Net gains/(losses) on derivative contracts realised during the financial year ended 31 December 2014

N/A

iii) Net gains/(losses) on outstanding derivative contracts marked to market as at 31 December 2014

N/A

E) Amount and percentage of net asset value (NAV) invested in other schemes as at 31 December 2014

N/A

F) Amount and percentage of borrowings to net asset value (NAV) as at 31 December 2014

N/A

G) Amount of redemptions and subscriptions for the financial year ended 31 December 2014

Total amount of redemptions SGD 4,100,783 Total amount of subscriptions SGD 177,445

H) The amount and terms of related-party transactions for the financial year ended 31 December 2014

i) As at 31 December 2014, the Fund maintained current accounts with the United Overseas Bank Limited as follows:

Bank balances SGD 10,839

ii) Purchase/holdings of UOBAM unit trusts by UOB or its affiliated companies as at 31 December 2014

N/A

iii) Investment in Initial Public Offerings managed by UOB Group

N/A

iv) As at 31 December 2014, there was no brokerage income earned by UOB Kay Hian Pte Ltd.

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I) Expense ratios

31 December 2014 2.11%31 December 2013 2.01%

Note: The expense ratio has been computed based on the guidelines laid down by the Investment Management Association of Singapore (“IMAS”). The calculation of the expense ratio at 31 December 2014 was based on total operating expenses of $490,286 (2013: $481,844) divided by the average net asset value of $23,186,372 (2013: $23,918,901) for the year. The total operating expenses do not include (where applicable) brokerage and other transactions costs, performance fee, interest expense, distribution paid out to unitholders, foreign exchange gains/losses, front or back end loads arising from the purchase or sale of other funds and tax deducted at source or arising out of income received. The Fund does not pay any performance fee. The average net asset value is based on the daily balances.

J) Turnover ratios

31 December 2014 35.93%31 December 2013 51.72%

Note: The portfolio turnover ratio is calculated in accordance with the formula stated in the Code on Collective Investment Schemes. The calculation of the portfolio turnover ratio was based on the lower of the total value of purchases or sales of the underlying investments, being purchases of $8,329,745 (2013: purchases of $12,371,627) divided by the average daily net asset value of $23,186,372 (2013: $23,918,901).

K) Any material information that will adversely impact the valuation of the scheme such as contingent liabilities of open contracts

N/A

L) For schemes which invest more than 30% of their deposited property in another scheme, the following key information on the second-mentioned scheme (“the underlying scheme”)1 should be disclosed as well

i) top 10 holdings at fair value and as percentage of NAV as at 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013

N/A

ii) expense ratios for the financial year ended 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013.

N/A

iii) turnover ratios for the financial year ended 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013

N/A

1 where the underlying scheme is managed by a foreign manager which belongs to the same group of companies as, or has a formal arrangement or investment agreement with, the Singapore manager, the above information should be disclosed on the underlying scheme. In other cases, such information on the underlying scheme should be disclosed only if it is readily available to the Singapore manager.

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M) Soft dollar commissions/arrangements

UOB Asset Management has entered into soft dollars arrangements with selected brokers from whom products and services are received from third parties. The products and services relate essentially to computer hardware and software to the extent that they are used to support the investment decision making process, research and advisory services, economic and political analyses, portfolio analyses including performance measurements, market analyses, data and quotation services, all of which are believed to be helpful in the overall discharge of UOB Asset Management’s duties to clients. As such services generally benefit all of UOB Asset Management’s clients in terms of input into the investment decision making process, the soft credits utilised are not allocated on a specific client basis. The Manager confirms that trades were executed on a best execution basis and there was no churning of trades.

N) Where the scheme offers pre-determined payouts, an explanation on the calculation of the actual payouts received by participants and any significant deviation from the pre-determined payouts

N/A

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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE

The Trustee is under a duty to take into custody and hold the assets of United Global Telecoms Fund (the “Fund”) in trust for the unitholders. In accordance with the Securities and Futures Act (Cap. 289), its subsidiary legislation and the Code on Collective Investment Schemes, the Trustee shall monitor the activities of the Manager for compliance with the limitations imposed on the investment and borrowing powers as set out in the Trust Deed in each annual accounting year and report thereon to unitholders in an annual report.

To the best knowledge of the Trustee, the Manager has, in all material respects, managed the Fund during the year covered by these financial statements, set out on pages 13 to 34, in accordance with the limitations imposed on the investment and borrowing powers set out in the Trust Deed.

For and on behalf of the TrusteeHSBC INSTITUTIONAL TRUST SERVICES (SINGAPORE) LIMITED

____________________________________Authorised signatory

24 March 2015

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STATEMENT BY THE MANAGER

In the opinion of the directors of UOB Asset Management Ltd, the accompanying financial statements set out on pages 13 to 34, comprising the Statement of Total Return, Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Movements of Unitholders’ Funds, Statement of Portfolio and Notes to the Financial Statements are drawn up so as to present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of United Global Telecoms Fund (the “Fund”) as at 31 December 2014, and the total return and changes in unitholders’ funds for the year then ended in accordance with the recommendations of Statement of Recommended Accounting Practice 7 “Reporting Framework for Unit Trusts” issued by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants. At the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Fund will be able to meet its financial obligations as and when they materialise.

For and on behalf of the ManagerUOB ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD

____________________________________THIO BOON KIATAuthorised signatory

24 March 2015

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE UNITHOLDERS OFUNITED GLOBAL TELECOMS FUND(Constituted under a Trust Deed in the Republic of Singapore)

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of United Global Telecoms Fund (the “Fund”), which comprise the Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Portfolio as at 31 December 2014, the Statement of Total Return and Statement of Movements of Unitholders’ Funds for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information, as set out on pages 13 to 34.

Manager’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

The Fund’s Manager (the “Manager”) is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with the recommendations of Statement of Recommended Accounting Practice 7 “Reporting Framework for Unit Trusts” issued by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, and for such internal control as the Manager determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Singapore Standards on Auditing. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the Fund’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the Manager, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as at 31 December 2014 and the total return for the year then ended in accordance with the recommendations of Statement of Recommended Accounting Practice 7 “Reporting Framework for Unit Trusts” issued by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPPublic Accountants and Chartered Accountants

Singapore, 24 March 2015

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The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

STATEMENT OF TOTAL RETURNFor the financial year ended 31 December 2014

2014 2013Note $ $

IncomeDividends 853,623 698,065 Interest 5 9

853,628 698,074

Less: ExpensesManagement fee 8 347,793 359,069 Trustee fee 8 9,275 9,575 Audit fee 16,900 16,300 Registrar fee 8 15,000 15,000 Valuation fee 8 28,983 29,922 Custody fee 15,130 16,667 Interest expenses 10 237 Transaction cost 42,166 67,691 Other expenses 58,649 37,567

533,906 552,028

Net income 319,722 146,046

Net gains or losses on value of investments Net gain on investments 492,621 4,310,098 Net foreign exchange loss (87,527) (30,559)

405,094 4,279,539

Total return for the year before income tax 724,816 4,425,585 Less: Income tax 3 (161,980) (121,040)

Total return for the year 562,836 4,304,545

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITIONAs at 31 December 2014

2014 2013Note $ $

ASSETSPortfolio of investments 22,064,527 25,136,647 Receivables 4 56,813 94,592 Cash and bank balances 96,731 360,008

Total Assets 22,218,071 25,591,247

LIABILITIESPayables 5 167,311 179,985

Total Liabilities 167,311 179,985

EQUITYNet assets attributable to unitholders 6 22,050,760 25,411,262

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STATEMENT OF MOVEMENTS OF UNITHOLDERS’ FUNDSFor the financial year ended 31 December 2014

2014 2013Note $ $

Net assets attributable to unitholders at the beginning of the financial year 25,411,262 24,542,500 OperationsChange in net assets attributable to unitholders resulting from operations 562,836 4,304,545

Unitholders’ contributions/(withdrawals)Creation of units 177,445 823,362 Cancellation of units (4,100,783) (4,259,145)

Change in net assets attributable to unitholders resulting from net creation and cancellation of units (3,923,338) (3,435,783)

Total (decrease)/increase in net assets attributable to unitholders (3,360,502) 868,762

Net assets attributable to unitholders at the end of the financial year 6 22,050,760 25,411,262

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STATEMENT OF PORTFOLIOAs at 31 December 2014

Holdings at31 December

2014

Fair value at31 December

2014

Percentage oftotal net assetsattributable tounitholders at 31 December

2014$ %

By Geography - Primary Quoted Equities

AUSTRALIATELSTRA CORP 80,000 517,907 2.35

CANADATELUS CORPORATION 6,000 287,546 1.30

CHILEEMPRESA NACIONAL DE TELECOM 13,000 173,061 0.78

CHINACHINA MOBILE LIMITED 82,000 1,268,054 5.75

FRANCEORANGE SA 22,000 499,150 2.26 VIVENDI SA 15,000 497,627 2.27

TOTAL FRANCE 996,777 4.53

GERMANYDEUTSCHE TELEKOM REG 43,000 913,558 4.14

INDONESIAPT TELKOMUNIKASI INDONESIA 1,409,000 431,905 1.96

JAPANKDDI CORP 7,600 641,481 2.91 NTT DOCOMO 13,500 263,793 1.20 SOFTBANK CORP 13,600 1,083,732 4.91

TOTAL JAPAN 1,989,006 9.02

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2014


2014


2014$ %

By Geography - Primary (continued)Quoted Equities

MEXICOAMERICA MOVIL- ADR SERIES L 25,000 734,768 3.33

NETHERLANDSKONINKLIKJE KPN NV 40,000 168,553 0.76

NORWAYTELENOR ASA 24,000 642,618 2.91

SINGAPORESINGAPORE TELECOMMUNICATIONS LTD 310,000 1,209,000 5.48

SOUTH AFRICAMTN GROUP LIMITED 21,000 532,573 2.43

SPAINTELEFONICA SA 36,000 688,067 3.12

SWEDENMILLICOM INTERNATIONAL CELLULAR SA-SDR 4,000 394,403 1.79

SWITZERLANDSWISSCOM AG- REG 400 278,716 1.26

UNITED KINGDOMBT GROUP PLC 110,500 916,668 4.16 VODAFONE GROUP PLC 358,000 1,646,911 7.47

TOTAL UNITED KINGDOM 2,563,579 11.63


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2014


2014


2014$ %

By Geography - Primary (continued)Quoted Equities

UNITED STATESAT & T INC 62,500 2,781,882 12.62 COMCAST CORPORATION - CLASS A 19,000 1,460,512 6.62 QUALCOMM INC 7,300 719,011 3.26 VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC* 9,000 560,756 2.54 VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC** 44,400 2,752,275 12.48

TOTAL UNITED STATES 8,274,436 37.52


Net assets attributable to unitholders 22,050,760 100.00

* Listed on London Stock Exchange** Listed on New York Stock Exchange


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Percentage of total net assetsattributable tounitholders at31 December

2014

Percentage oftotal net assetsattributable tounitholders at31 December

2013% %

By Geography - Primary (Summary)Quoted Equities

Australia 2.35 1.87 Canada 1.30 1.03 Chile 0.78 0.88 China 5.75 8.26 France 4.53 3.32 Germany 4.14 3.23 Indonesia 1.96 0.32 Japan 9.02 8.11 Mexico 3.33 2.90 Netherlands 0.76 1.16 Norway 2.91 2.84 Singapore 5.48 - South Africa 2.43 3.50 Spain 3.12 2.84 Sweden 1.79 7.78 Switzerland 1.26 1.05 United Kingdom 11.63 13.62 United States 37.52 36.21

Portfolio of investments 100.06 98.92 Other net (liabilities)/assets (0.06) 1.08

Net assets attributable to unitholders 100.00 100.00


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2014

Percentage of total net assetsattributable tounitholders at31 December

2014

Percentage of total net assetsattributable to unitholders at31 December

2013$ % %

By Industry - SecondaryQuoted Equities

Consumer Discretionary 1,460,512 6.62 11.28 Information Technology 719,011 3.26 6.94 Telecommunication Services 19,885,004 90.18 80.70

Portfolio of investments 22,064,527 100.06 98.92 Other net (liabilities)/assets (13,767) (0.06) 1.08

Net assets attributable to unitholders 22,050,760 100.00 100.00


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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFor the financial year ended 31 December 2014

These notes form an integral part of and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements.

1. General

United Global Telecoms Fund (the “Fund”) is a unit trust constituted by a Trust Deed dated 28 June 1999 between UOB Asset Management Ltd (the “Manager”) and HSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore) Limited (the “Trustee”). The Deed is governed by the laws of the Republic of Singapore.

The investment objective of the Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing mainly in securities of companies engaged in the development, production or distribution of communications services or communications technology in any part of the world.

Subscriptions and redemptions of the units are denominated in Singapore Dollar.

2. Significant accounting policies

(a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified by the revaluation of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Accounting Practice 7 “Reporting Framework for Unit Trusts” issued by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants.

(b) Recognition of income

Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established. Interest income is recognised on a time proportion basis using the effective interest method.

(c) Investments

Investments are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.

(i) Initial recognition

Purchase of investments are recognised on the trade date. Investments are recorded at fair value on initial recognition.

(ii) Subsequent measurement

Investments are subsequently carried at fair value. Net change in fair value on investments are included in the Statement of Total Return in the year in which they arise.

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2. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(c) Investments (continued)

(iii) Derecognition

Investments are derecognised on the trade date of disposal. The resultant realised gains and losses on the sales of investments are computed on the basis of the difference between the weighted average cost and selling price gross of transaction costs, and are taken up in the Statement of Total Return.

(d) Basis of valuation of investments

The fair value of financial assets and liabilities traded in active markets is based on quoted market prices at the close of trading on the reporting date. The quoted market price used for investments held by the Fund is the last traded market price for both financial assets and financial liabilities where the last traded price falls within the bid-ask spread. In circumstances where the last traded price is not within the bid-ask spread, the Manager will determine the point within the bid-ask spread that is most representative of fair value.

(e) Foreign currency translation

(i) Functional and presentation currency

The Fund’s investors are mainly from Singapore with the subscriptions and redemptions of the units denominated in Singapore Dollar.

The performance of the Fund is measured and reported to the investors in Singapore Dollar. The Manager considers the Singapore Dollar as the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Fund operates. The financial statements are presented in Singapore Dollar, which is the Fund’s functional and presentation currency.

(ii) Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the Statement of Total Return. Translation differences on non-monetary financial assets and liabilities such as equities are also recognised in the Statement of Total Return within the fair value net gain or loss on investments.

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2. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(f) Financial derivatives

Financial derivatives including forwards and swaps are entered into for the purposes of efficient portfolio management, tactical asset allocation or specific hedging of financial assets held as determined by the Manager and in accordance with the provision of the Trust Deed and the Code on Collective Investment Schemes.

Financial derivatives outstanding on the reporting date are valued at the forward rate or at the current market prices using the “mark-to-market” method, as applicable, and the resultant gains and losses are taken up in the Statement of Total Return.

(g) Expenses charged to the Fund

All direct expenses relating to the Fund are charged directly to the Statement of Total Return. In addition, certain expenses shared by all unit trusts managed by the Manager are allocated to each Fund based on the respective Fund’s net asset value.

(h) Distributions

The Manager has the absolute discretion to determine whether a distribution is to be made. In such an event, an appropriate amount will be transferred to a distribution account to be paid out on the distribution date. The amount shall not be treated a part of the property of the Fund. Distributions are accrued for at the reporting date if the necessary approvals have been obtained and a legal or constructive obligation has been created.

3. Income tax

2014 2013$ $

Overseas income tax 161,980 121,040

The Fund was granted the status of a Designated Unit Trust (“DUT”) in Singapore. Under the DUT Scheme, subject to certain conditions and reporting obligations being met, certain income of the DUT fund is not taxable in accordance with sections 35(12) and 35(12A) of the Income Tax Act. Such income includes:

(i) gains or profits derived from Singapore or elsewhere from the disposal of securities;

24



3. Income tax (continued)

(ii) interest (other than interest for which tax has been deducted under Section 45 of the Income Tax Act);

(iii) dividends derived from outside Singapore and received in Singapore;

(iv) gains or profits derived from foreign exchange transactions, transactions in futures contracts, transactions in interest rate or currency forwards, swaps or option contracts and transactions in forwards, swaps or option contracts relating to any securities or financial index;

(v) discount, prepayment fee, redemption premium and break cost from qualifying debt securities issued during the prescribed period; and

(vi) distributions from foreign unit trusts derived from outside Singapore and received in Singapore.

The overseas income tax represents tax withheld on a foreign sourced income.

4. Receivables

2014 2013$ $

Amounts receivable for creation of units - 41,000 Dividend receivable 56,813 53,592

56,813 94,592

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5. Payables

2014 2013$ $

Amounts payable for cancellation of units 53,642 56,019 Amount due to Manager 90,784 101,454 Amount due to Trustee 2,235 2,462 Other creditors and accrued expenses 20,650 20,050

167,311 179,985

6. Units in issue

During the year ended 31 December 2014 and 2013, the number of units issued, redeemed and outstanding were as follows:

2014 2013

Units at the beginning of the year 30,149,479 34,804,474 Units created 209,752 1,032,220 Units cancelled (4,887,165) (5,687,215)

Units at the end of the year 25,472,066 30,149,479

Net assets attributable to unitholders ($) 22,050,760 25,411,262

Net asset value per unit ($) 0.865 0.842

There is no difference between the net assets attributable to unitholders per financial statements and the net assets attributable to unitholders for issuing/redeeming of units.

7. Financial risk management

The Fund’s activities expose it to a variety of market risk (including currency risk, interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Fund’s overall risk management programme seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Fund’s financial performance. The Fund may use financial futures contracts, financial options contracts and/or currency forward contracts subject to the terms of the Prospectus to moderate certain risk exposures. Specific guidelines on exposures to individual securities and certain industries are in place for the Fund at any time as part of the overall financial risk management to reduce the Fund’s risk exposures.

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7. Financial risk management (continued)

The Fund’s assets principally consist of financial instruments such as equity investments and cash. They are held in accordance with the published investment policies of the Fund. The allocation of assets between the various types of investments is determined by the Manager to achieve their investment objectives.

(a) Market risk

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from uncertainty concerning movements in market prices and rates, including observable variables such as interest rates, credit spreads, exchange rates, and others that may be only indirectly observable such as volatilities and correlations. Market risk includes such factors as changes in economic environment, consumption pattern and investor’s expectation etc. which may have significant impact on the value of the investments. The Fund’s investments are substantially dependent on changes in market prices. The Fund’s investments are monitored by the Manager on a regular basis so as to assess changes in fundamentals and valuation. Although the Manager makes reasonable efforts in the choice of investments, events beyond reasonable control of the Manager could affect the prices of the underlying investments and hence the asset value of the Fund. Guidelines are set to reduce the Fund’s risk exposures to market volatility such as diversifying the portfolio by investing across various geographies, alternatively, the Fund may be hedged using derivative strategies.

(i) Foreign exchange risk

The Fund has monetary financial assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than Singapore Dollar and it may be affected favourably or unfavourably by exchange rate regulations or changes in the exchange rates between the Singapore Dollar and such other currencies. The Manager may at his discretion, implement a currency management strategy either to reduce currency volatility or to hedge the currency exposures of the Fund.

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(a) Market risk (continued)

(i) Foreign exchange risk (continued)

The table below summarises the Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies as of the end of the financial year.

As at 31 December 2014

SGD USD GBP EUR Others Total$ $ $ $ $ $

AssetsPortfolio of

investments 1,209,000 9,009,204 2,563,579 2,766,955 6,515,789 22,064,527 Receivables 21,080 - 33,673 - 2,060 56,813 Cash and bank

balances 90,427 4,510 - - 1,794 96,731

Total Assets 1,320,507 9,013,714 2,597,252 2,766,955 6,519,643 22,218,071

Liabilities Payables 167,311 - - - - 167,311

Total Liabilities 167,311 - - - - 167,311

Net currency exposure 1,153,196 9,013,714 2,597,252 2,766,955 6,519,643

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(i) Foreign exchange risk (continued)

As at 31 December 2013

SGD USD GBP EUR Others Total $ $ $ $ $ $

AssetsPortfolio of

investments - 10,837,425 3,459,776 2,682,718 8,156,728 25,136,647

Receivables 41,000 4,843 46,824 - 1,925 94,592

Cash and bank balances 291,483 68,411 98 - 16 360,008

Total Assets 332,483 10,910,679 3,506,698 2,682,718 8,158,669 25,591,247

Liabilities Payables 179,985 - - - - 179,985

Total Liabilities 179,985 - - - - 179,985

Net currency exposure 152,498 10,910,679 3,506,698 2,682,718 8,158,669

Investments, which is the significant item in the Statement of Financial Position is exposed to currency risk and other price risk. The other price risk sensitivity analysis includes the impact of currency risk on non-monetary investments. The Fund’s net financial assets comprise significantly non-monetary investments, hence currency risk sensitivity analysis has not been performed on the remaining financial assets.

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(ii) Price risk

Price risk is the risk of potential adverse changes to the value of financial investments because of changes in market conditions and volatility in security prices.

The table below summarises the impact of increases/decreases from the Fund’s underlying investments in equities on the Fund’s net assets attributable to unitholders at 31 December 2014 and 2013. The analysis is based on the assumption that the index components within the benchmark increased/decreased by a reasonable possible shift, with all other variables held constant and that the fair value of the Fund’s investments moved according to the historical correlation with the index.

2014 2013Benchmark component Net impact to

net assets attributable to

unitholders

Net impact tonet assets

attributable tounitholders

$ % $ %

MSCI ACWI Telecoms 3,927,486 20 5,127,876 20

(iii) Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates.

Other than cash balances, the Fund’s financial assets and liabilities are largely non-interest bearing. Hence, the Fund is not subjected to significant risk due to fluctuations in the prevailing levels of market interest rates.

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(b) Liquidity risk

The Fund is exposed to daily cash redemptions and disbursements for the settlements of purchases. The Manager therefore ensures that the Fund maintains sufficient cash and cash equivalents and that it is able to obtain cash from the sale of investments held to meet its liquidity requirements. Reasonable efforts will be taken to invest in securities which are traded in a relatively active market and which can be readily disposed of.

The Fund’s investments in listed securities are considered to be readily realisable as they are listed on established regional stock exchanges.

The table below analyses the Fund’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the Statement of Financial Position date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Balances due within 12 months equal their carrying balances, as the impact of discounting is not significant.

As at 31 December 2014Less than3 months

$

Payables 167,311

As at 31 December 2013Less than3 months

$

Payables 179,985

(c) Credit risk

The Fund takes on exposure to credit risk, which is the risk that a counterparty will be unable to pay amounts in full when due. The Fund’s credit risk is concentrated on cash and bank balances, and amounts or securities receivable on the sale and purchase of investments respectively. In order to mitigate exposure to credit risk, all transactions in listed securities are settled/paid for upon delivery and transacted with approved counterparties using an approved list of brokers that are regularly assessed and updated by the Manager.

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(c) Credit risk (continued)

The table below summarises the credit rating of banks and custodians in which the Fund’s assets are held as at 31 December 2014 and 2013.

The credit ratings are based on the Bank Financial Strength ratings published by the rating agency.

As at 31 December 2014Source of

Credit rating credit rating

BankState Street Bank & Trust Co. B- Moody'sUnited Overseas Bank Limited B Moody's

CustodianState Street Bank & Trust Co. B- Moody’s

As at 31 December 2013Source of

Credit rating credit rating

BankState Street Bank & Trust Co. B- Moody’sUnited Overseas Bank Limited B Moody’s

CustodianState Street Bank & Trust Co. B- Moody’s

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying amount of the financial assets.

(d) Capital Management

The Fund’s capital is represented by the net assets attributable to unitholders. The Fund strives to invest the subscriptions of redeemable participating units in investments that meet the Fund’s investment objectives while maintaining sufficient liquidity to meet unitholders’ redemptions.

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(e) Fair value estimation

The Fund classifies fair value measurements using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:

• Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1). • Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the

asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (Level 2).

• Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (Level 3).

The following table analyses within the fair value hierarchy the Fund’s financial assets and liabilities (by class) measured at fair value at 31 December 2014 and 2013:

As at 31 December 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total$ $ $ $

AssetsFinancial assets at fair value through profit or loss - Quoted equities 22,064,527 - - 22,064,527

As at 31 December 2013 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total$ $ $ $

AssetsFinancial assets at fair value through profit or loss - Quoted equities 25,136,647 - - 25,136,647

Investments whose values are based on quoted market prices in active markets, and therefore classified within Level 1, comprise active listed equities. The Fund does not adjust the quoted price for these instruments.

Except for cash and cash equivalents which are classified as Level 1, the Fund’s assets and liabilities not measured at fair value at 31 December 2014 and 2013 have been classified as Level 2. The carrying amounts of these assets and liabilities approximate their fair values as at the Statement of Financial Position date.

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8. Related party transactions

(a) The Manager and the Trustee of the Fund are UOB Asset Management Ltd and HSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore) Limited respectively. UOB Asset Management Ltd is a subsidiary of United Overseas Bank Limited and HSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore) Limited is a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings Plc.

Management and valuation fees are paid to the Manager, while trustee fee is paid to the Trustee and the registrar fee is paid to HSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore) Limited, a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings Plc. These fees paid or payable by the Fund shown in the Statement of Total Return and in the respective Notes to the Financial Statements are on terms set out in the Trust Deed. All other related party transactions are shown elsewhere in the financial statements.

(b) As at the end of the financial year, the Fund maintained the following account with a related party:

2014 2013$ $

United Overseas Bank LimitedBank balances 10,839 30,980

(c) The following transactions took place during the financial year between the Fund and United Overseas Bank Limited at terms agreed between the parties:

2014 2013$ $

Bank charges 30 30

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9. Financial ratios

2014 2013

Expense ratio 1 2.11% 2.01%Turnover ratio 2 35.93% 51.72%

1 The expense ratio has been computed based on the guidelines laid down by the Investment Management Association of Singapore (“IMAS”). The calculation of the expense ratio at 31 December 2014 was based on total operating expenses of $490,286 (2013: $481,844) divided by the average net asset value of $23,186,372 (2013: $23,918,901) for the year. The total operating expenses do not include (where applicable) brokerage and other transactions costs, performance fee, interest expense, distribution paid out to unitholders, foreign exchange gains/losses, front or back end loads arising from the purchase or sale of other funds and tax deducted at source or arising out of income received. The Fund does not pay any performance fee. The average net asset value is based on the daily balances.

2 The portfolio turnover ratio is calculated in accordance with the formula stated in the Code on Collective Investment Schemes. The calculation of the portfolio turnover ratio was based on the lower of the total value of purchases or sales of the underlying investments, being purchases of $8,329,745 (2013: purchases of $12,371,627) divided by the average daily net asset value of $23,186,372 (2013: $23,918,901).

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united global telecoms fund - uobam.com.sg · australia 517,907 2.35 ... (losses) on outstanding...

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