Here you’ll find definitions of terms used on the AIC site. Enter the term you want to search for in the box, or click on the letter it begins with.

5 A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P R S T U V W Y Z

The London Stock Exchange’s international market for smaller growing companies.

A meeting held once a year where shareholders can find out how their company is doing, ask questions of the directors and vote on key issues.

A report prepared by a company each year after its year end. It sets out what the company does, how it has performed over the year and its financial position.

The annual accounts will normally cover 12 months, but can be for a shorter or longer period. They typically include:

  • a financial summary
  • a Chairman’s statement covering issues such as performance, dividends, the company’s use of gearing etc.
  • a review by the fund manager of how the portfolio has performed, any changes that have been made and its prospects for the future
  • a corporate governance statement
  • a detailed set of financial statements

See also interim accounts and half yearly report

Anything owned or controlled that has value. For investment companies, this might include shares and securities, property, cash etc.