Core Viewpoint - The Henderson Smaller Companies Investment Trust is preparing for its upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) and emphasizes the importance of shareholder participation in the continuation vote [2]. Group 1: AGM Details - The AGM is scheduled for 11:30 on Tuesday, October 7, at 201 Bishopsgate, with a Zoom option available for remote participation [2]. - Shareholders are encouraged to vote in favor of the continuation of the company [2]. Group 2: Financial Overview - The financial year ending May 31, 2025, was challenging due to a new labor government in the U.K. and its political and fiscal agenda [4]. - The company's net asset value declined by 5.1% during this period [4].

Core Viewpoint - Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd. (QRC) has provided an update on its investment portfolio, highlighting significant investments in Moxico Resources plc, Adriatic Metals plc, and IsoEnergy Ltd., along with a strong overall financial position and growth potential [1][6]. Investment Updates - QRC completed an additional US$20 million convertible debenture investment in Moxico Resources plc, bringing its total investment in Moxico to US$70 million, with an 11.0% coupon and a conversion price of GBP0.90 [2]. - Moxico's flagship asset, the Mimbula copper mine in Zambia, is expected to produce at an annual rate of 36,000 tonnes by year-end, with plans to expand to 58,000 tonnes per annum by the end of 2026 [3]. - QRC's investment in Adriatic Metals plc, initially US$20 million in a convertible debenture, is now valued at A$7.04 per share following its acquisition by Dundee Precious Metals Inc., with potential for a higher value if full allocation is granted [4]. - The conversion of a US$6 million debenture in IsoEnergy Ltd. into common shares was completed, with IsoEnergy shares currently trading at C$12.46, significantly above the conversion price of C$3.52 [5]. Financial Position - QRC holds a convertible debenture portfolio valued at US$223 million, earning an average coupon of 9.7%, with 75% of this portfolio currently in the money based on investee share prices [6]. - The company has a US$130 million equity investment portfolio and reports an all-time high net asset value, with annual interest income of US$22 million and a growing dividend, positioning it well for future growth [6]. Company Overview - QRC is a dividend-paying investment company focused on the global resource sector, investing in both privately held and publicly traded companies, with an emphasis on convertible debt securities and resource projects in politically stable regions [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted net operating loss of $40.8 million or $0.99 per share for Q4 2024, and a net loss from continuing operations of $92.7 million or $2.25 per share, largely attributed to retroactive reinsurance structures [22][23] - The investment portfolio generated $93.1 million of net investment income from continuing operations, a 10.8% increase over 2023 [8] - The accident year combined ratio for the E&S segment was 91.8%, while excluding legacy structure purchases, it would have been 89.3% [11][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The E&S business grew by 2% in Q4, but if excluding the excess casualty unit, growth would have been 11.2% across the remaining divisions [14] - The Specialty Admitted segment generated a combined ratio of 95.3% for Q4 and 92.2% for the full year, with underwriting profit growth of 68.6% over the prior year [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Submission growth reached 9% for Q4 2024, with record highs in new and renewal submissions over the last four years [9][40] - The company experienced a positive renewal rate change of 9% in 2024, reflecting strong market momentum [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on its insurance business following the divestiture of its Bermuda reinsurance operation and has executed several transactions to validate its balance sheet [7] - Plans for redomestication and improvements in technology and processes are expected to enhance organizational efficiency [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about profitability in 2024 while monitoring loss emergence as the accident year seasons [17] - The company anticipates a mid-teen operating return on tangible common equity for 2025, underpinned by a similar accident year loss ratio to 2024 [28] Other Important Information - The company completed a strategic review and reaffirmed its rating, which is expected to provide additional tailwinds into 2025 [42] - The company did not experience any net losses due to California wildfires and maintains a conservative property stance [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the trend looking like for submission growth in 2025? - Management noted an increase in submissions and healthy growth across several divisions, with a reported 9% submission growth for Q4 2024 [40][42] Question: Can you provide insights on the loss picks and trends? - Management indicated a slight increase in loss trends, particularly in excess casualty and general casualty, but overall loss trends remain in the low single-digit range for 2025 [44]