Newsletter to Shareholders
August 11 2009 - 8:44AM
UK Regulatory
TIDMRUG
Renaissance US Growth Investment Trust PLC
July 2009 Newsletter
We have been updating you between the annual and interim reports using
newsletters. These are not intended to provide detailed financial information
as in formal reports, but rather to provide an overview of your Company's
activities during the previous quarter.
Net Asset Value
Your Company's net asset value at 31 July 2009 was 267.32 pence compared with
248.42 pence on 31 March 2009, a gain of 7.61% compared with a gain of 13.30%
in the Russell 2000. For the calendar year through the end of July, your
Company has a gain of 1.52% against a loss of 1.78% for the Russell 2000.
Portfolio Activity
During the last quarter, we completed the sale of A-Power Energy Systems
realising a gain. We also sold a small portion of our Bovie Medical Corporation
for a gain. We also wrote off the remaining value of eOriginal as it became
clear our securities had little value.
The portfolio reflects three main themes: first, a big participation in the
growth of China; second, several holdings in private companies which are valued
at cost and which are due to be listed at higher prices; and finally several of
our legacy holdings which are performing better. The value of our US listed
Chinese companies represent 37.6% of the portfolio value. The unlisted Chinese
companies represent 17.6% of the portfolio value. The total Chinese operating
companies represent approximately 55.2% of the portfolio value, and all the
companies are listed or scheduled to be listed in the US. We continue to see
rapid growth in China and feel confident that this allocation will serve your
Company well. As at 25 June, the Financial Times reported that 2009 GDP growth
rates were forecast as follows, Japan, -6.8%, Eurozone, -4.8%, US, -2.8% and
China, +7.7%.
According to the Wall Street Journal, China is expected to displace Japan this
year as the largest vehicle manufacturer. Naturally, the auto parts industry is
a beneficiary of the growth of the automobile manufacturing sector. Portfolio
holding Wonder Auto Technology, Inc. designs develops and manufactures
automotive electrical parts and engine accessories. For the three months ended
June, the stock was up as it continues to benefit from the auto sector growth.
For the quarter ended March, 2009, the company reported sales growth of 25.5%
year-over-year to $40.0 million and earnings growth of 29.7% compared to the
prior quarter. During our last meeting with management we learned more about a
new development agreement with a Korean auto company which makes specialised
electric vehicles. We are impressed with Wonder Auto's management team and its
commitment to enter into the electrical and hybrid vehicle markets.
SinoHub, Inc. (OTCBB: SIHI) was founded by Henry Cochran, an American, who
lives in China. The company provides supply chain management and vendor managed
inventory services to electronic product manufacturers and component suppliers
and distributors in China. The platform integrates an online supply chain
management software system, logistics service centers in distribution/
manufacturing cities and the various service teams with up to the minute market
knowledge of electronic supply and demand. The company's services include
import and export services, procurement and warehouse services and delivery
services. For the three months ended 31 March 2009, the company reported a very
impressive 83% increase in earnings on a 56% increase in revenues
year-over-year. Recently the volume of share trading has increased
substantially and the shares have appreciated by approximately 56% since the
end of June. The company is also in the process of listing on the American
Stock exchange with a view towards an eventual New York Stock Exchange listing.
This new listing, along with the company's strong operating results, should
dramatically improve visibility and thus liquidity in the shares.
Skystar Bio-Pharmaceutical engages in the development, manufacture and
distribution of vaccines and medicines for poultry, birds, livestock, and
domestic pets in the People's Republic of China and was a large gainer this
quarter. Weibing Lu is the CEO of Skystar. In 2002, Mr. Lu was named
Outstanding Entrepreneur of Xian Feed Industry. Skystar continues to innovate
and now has 173 products, up from 100 a year ago. The stock ran up as a result
of three factors: first, a reverse stock split; second, the stock transferred
from OTCBB to a NASDAQ listing; and third, a registered direct offering that
closed 1 July 2009. The fact that Skystar was able to raise $18 million in this
environment is a huge vote of confidence for the company. Management will now
be able to expand the production capacity in its two most profitable business
segments, both of which are currently at or near capacity. Thus, the company
should now be able to maintain its growth rate.
ChinaCast Education Corporation is a leading provider of for-profit post
secondary education and e-learning services in China. One of our largest
percentage gainers this quarter, it reported excellent first quarter results
ended March. Quarterly revenue increased 33% year-over-year with earnings
increasing 146% year-over-year. The company was also added to the Russell 3000
& Russell 2000 index which should increase its visibility among investors and
contribute to increase liquidity and shareholder value.
Cover-All Technologies Inc. provides software products and services for the
property and casualty insurance industry and, unlike the other companies
mentioned, is a US company whose main business is in the US. The company's
software products and services focus on the functions required to underwrite,
rate, quote, issue, print, bill and support the various lifecycle of insurance
policies. Recently Cover-All Technologies' My Insurance Center was described as
an industry leader in Celent's new report, "Policy Administration Systems for
Commercial Lines P/C Insurers US 2009" which is widely circulated in the
insurance industry. Cover-All reported its strongest year ever with net income
of $4.6 million up 270% from the last calendar year. The company has made
significant progress and has tremendous potential to make further progress in a
very large addressable market.
Conclusion
We believe 2009 will be a better year for our portfolio which should benefit
both from acquisition activity and the listing of several unlisted holdings.
These anticipated developments could create value above and beyond normal
market activity and we believe our discount to net asset value creates an
opportunity for investors.
Russell Cleveland, RENN Capital Group, Inc.
END
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