Temple Bar Investment Trust

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My Approach to Investing

Summary

I focus my efforts on small and mid-sized companies searching for those where the growth prospects are not reflected in the share price. I am disciplined about the valuation I am prepared to pay; I don’t like to pay over 20x forecast earnings and favour companies that are paying a growing dividend and have a prospective dividend yield of at least 2.0%. I search for companies generating strong cash flow and if not having net cash, then debt levels that is low to moderate. Where possible I like to meet management and understand what makes them tick and if they have a decent stake in the business so much the better; our interests are aligned! I like companies that are beating expectations and earnings forecasts are being upgraded. Ultimately I am looking for the “double whammy” that comes from a re-rating and from faster than expected earnings growth. Having found a potential investment I look at the share price chart as it can help with timing; so often resistance and support levels work. I size a position based on my assessment of the potential Risk and Reward of the stock. I hold between 20 and 30 holdings, making use of investment trusts for overseas or thematic exposure.

The most important number to me is the return of the Portfolio! I try not to get too emotionally involved with individual companies; if I cut a holding and it immediately bounces, so be it. All that matters is the return of the Portfolio, each month, each year, each decade!

I invest principally in the UK

I invest mainly in UK stocks as that is where I have gained my experience. There are clearly opportunities to invest in overseas companies, and it is fair to say that it is now much easier to get the information you need. I think that for a private investor, such as myself, with limited time resources, it is better not to spread my net too wide. For me, it makes sense to focus my efforts on a market where I have experience and familiarity.

I focus on mid and small-sized companies

I focus on mid and small-sized companies but not exclusively.

The FTSE 100 Index comprises the largest 100 companies and by value accounts for around 70% of the UK market, The FTSE 250, (the next 250 companies) accounts for about 25% of the market by value, and the FTSE Small Cap, FTSE Fledgling and FTSE AIM, the remainder.

The table below shows the percentage returns over 1, 3, 5, and 10 years to 31st December 2020

My Approach to Investing

Summary

I focus my efforts on small and mid-sized companies searching for those where the growth prospects are not reflected in the share price. I am disciplined about the valuation I am prepared to pay; I don’t like to pay over 20x forecast earnings and favour companies that are paying a growing dividend and have a prospective dividend yield of at least 2.0%. I search for companies generating strong cash flow and if not having net cash, then debt levels that is low to moderate. Where possible I like to meet management and understand what makes them tick and if they have a decent stake in the business so much the better; our interests are aligned! I like companies that are beating expectations and earnings forecasts are being upgraded. Ultimately I am looking for the “double whammy” that comes from a re-rating and from faster than expected earnings growth. Having found a potential investment I look at the share price chart as it can help with timing; so often resistance and support levels work. I size a position based on my assessment of the potential Risk and Reward of the stock. I hold between 20 and 30 holdings, making use of investment trusts for overseas or thematic exposure.

The most important number to me is the return of the Portfolio! I try not to get too emotionally involved with individual companies; if I cut a holding and it immediately bounces, so be it. All that matters is the return of the Portfolio, each month, each year, each decade!

I invest principally in the UK

I invest mainly in UK stocks as that is where I have gained my experience. There are clearly opportunities to invest in overseas companies, and it is fair to say that it is now much easier to get the information you need. I think that for a private investor, such as myself, with limited time resources, it is better not to spread my net too wide. For me, it makes sense to focus my efforts on a market where I have experience and familiarity.

I focus on mid and small-sized companies

I focus on mid and small-sized companies but not exclusively.

The FTSE 100 Index comprises the largest 100 companies and by value accounts for around 70% of the UK market, The FTSE 250, (the next 250 companies) accounts for about 25% of the market by value, and the FTSE Small Cap, FTSE Fledgling and FTSE AIM, the remainder.

The table below shows the percentage returns over 1, 3, 5, and 10 years to 31st December 2020

ABOUT ME

I launched this website in January 2012 so that I could share with other investors how I manage my investment portfolio; the JIC Portfolio.

There is complete transparency with the current portfolio and all transactions shown. I explain all trades through my blog and hope the site provides food for thought to more experienced investors as well as helping those who are new to managing their own portfolios. I believe JohnsInvestmentChronicle is unique: There are plenty of “tipsters” who will remind you of the “good ones” and quietly forget the disasters; I do not have that luxury as the Portfolio is there for all to see, backed with real money; mine! I have to confront my mistakes and deal with them; there is no hiding place! Above all, this is a true expose of the trials and tribulations of a private investor!

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Funds' Portfolio Trade: I had a dream!

Funds' Portfolio Trade: I had a dream!

Funds' Portfolio Trade: I had a dream!

You might think I'm mad (and perhaps a bit sad!), but one night over the Christmas break, I dreamt that the US Dollar continued to weaken in 2026, and hit 1.50 against sterling. The chart below shows that so far in 2026, it looks like it is heading that way. I was also struck by John Auther's chart, showing how the cheapest markets in PE Ratio terms did best in 2025. The UK continues to be one of the cheapest markets. That, combined with further dollar weakness, could lead to

Jan 61 min read

Funds' Portfolio - Review of Positions (III)

Funds' Portfolio - Review of Positions (III)

Funds' Portfolio - Review of Positions (III)

The Funds' Portfolio is holding up well during the current government bond sell-off. The Portfolio is now up 18.2% this year, with the...

Sep 3, 20253 min read

Funds' Portfolio Trades - Some rebalancing

Funds' Portfolio Trades - Some rebalancing

Funds' Portfolio Trades - Some rebalancing

#jicportfoliotrades

Jan 29, 20241 min read

Adjustments to Funds' Portfolio - Increasing exposure to commodities

Adjustments to Funds' Portfolio - Increasing exposure to commodities

Adjustments to Funds' Portfolio - Increasing exposure to commodities

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Nov 10, 20221 min read

Temple Bar results and proposed 5 for 1 share split

Temple Bar results and proposed 5 for 1 share split

Temple Bar results and proposed 5 for 1 share split

Temple Bar Investment Trust (TMPL, FTSE Small Cap Index, Market Cap £764m, 1157p, 9.1% of Funds’ Portfolio, 10.0% target position)...

Mar 24, 20224 min read

Funds' Portfolio- Further shift to "Value"

Funds' Portfolio- Further shift to "Value"

Funds' Portfolio- Further shift to "Value"

#fundsportfoliotrade

Jan 26, 20222 min read

New Funds' Holding - Temple Bar Investment Trust

New Funds' Holding - Temple Bar Investment Trust

New Funds' Holding - Temple Bar Investment Trust

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Jan 12, 20222 min read

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