ICG Enterprise Trust Plc: Unaudited Interim Res...

ICG Enterprise Trust Plc: Unaudited Interim Results for the six months ended 31 July 2022

ICG Enterprise Trust plc
11 October 2022
Unaudited Interim Results for the six months ended 31 July 2022

DEFENSIVE GROWTH IN CHALLENGING MARKETS

Highlights

  • NAV per Share of 1,852p (31 January 2022: 1,690p)
  • NAV per Share Total Return of 10.9% in the period (H1 FY22: 11.1%), 24.2% over the last twelve months (‘LTM’)
  • Portfolio delivering strong performance: Portfolio Return on a Local Currency Basis of 7.4% (Sterling return 12.4%); 99.6% of Portfolio has a valuation date of 30 June 2022 or later
  • Realisation Proceeds of £106.8m, including £73.2m from 30 Full Exits at an average Uplift To Carrying Value of 25.2%
  • New Investments of £143.7m, including £30.1m direct and £49.2m in Secondary Investments, focussing on investments with enhanced downside protection
  • New Commitments to funds of £164.1m, including £65.9m to Secondary funds
  • Second quarter dividend of 7p per share, taking total dividends for the period to 14p (H1 FY22: 12p). Reaffirmed intended FY23 dividend of at least 30p per share, an increase of 11.1% on FY22
  • Long-term share buyback programme approved by the Board


Oliver Gardey
Head of Private Equity Fund Investments, ICG

Against a macroeconomic backdrop that became increasingly challenging, we are proud of the resilience of our investments during the first half of FY23. At 31 July 2022, NAV per Share stood at 1,852p, a NAV per Share Total Return of 10.9% for the period and 24.2% on an LTM basis.

Delivering defensive growth through economic cycles defines our approach at ICG Enterprise Trust: it shapes how we construct the Portfolio and evaluate potential investments, as well as how we allocate capital between reinvestments and shareholder distributions. We entered the financial year with a Portfolio aligned with this strategy and during the period it has delivered on our ambition, generating a 7.4% Portfolio Return on a Local Currency Basis.

Our investment team has reacted effectively to the evolving market dynamics, allocating capital in a disciplined fashion to opportunities that we believe offer attractive risk-adjusted returns in this environment, such as secondary portfolios, while also selectively making primary commitments to third party funds.

There are great opportunities to be captured by successfully navigating challenging markets. We believe that our clear investment strategy and flexible mandate, supported by the experience and network of our dedicated team, position us well to generate long-term value.

PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW

        Annualised
Performance to 31 July 2022 3 months 6 months 1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years  
               
NAV per Share Total Return 6.1% 10.9% 24.2% 18.6% 16.9% 14.5%  
Share Price Total Return 5.5% (1.6)% 10.0% 12.8% 12.2% 14.4%  
FTSE All-Share Index Total Return (1.2)% (0.1)% 5.5% 3.2% 4.0% 7.2%  
         
    Three months to: Six months to: 12 months to:
    31 Jul. 2022 31 Jul. 2021 31 Jul. 2022 31 Jul. 2021 31 Jul. 2022 31 Jul. 2021
Portfolio Return on a Local Currency Basis   5.1% 12.3% 7.4% 14.9% 21.9% 48.5%
NAV per Share Total Return   6.1% 9.3% 10.9% 11.1% 24.2% 37.5%
Realisation Proceeds   £58.0m £75.3m £106.8m £175.3m £265.0m £273.5m
Total New Investment   £84.6m £101.5m £143.7m £133.3m £314.1m £220.2m





ENQUIRIES

Investors and Analysts:

Oliver Gardey, Head of Private Equity Fund Investments, ICG: +44 (0) 20 3545 2000

Colm Walsh, Managing Director, Private Equity Fund Investments, ICG

Chris Hunt, Shareholder Relations, ICG

Livia Bridgman Baker, Shareholder Relations, ICG        

Media:

Clare Glynn, Corporate Communications, ICG: +44 (0) 20 3545 1395

Website:

www.icg-enterprise.co.uk

EVENTS

A presentation for investors and analysts will be held at 10:00 BST today. A link for the presentation can be found on the Results & Reports page of the Company website. A recording of the presentation will be made available on the Company website after the event.

Company timetable

Ex-dividend date: 17 November 2022

Record date: 18 November 2022

Payment of dividend: 02 December 2022

ABOUT ICG ENTERPRISE TRUST

ICG Enterprise Trust is a leading listed private equity investor focused on creating long-term growth by delivering consistently strong returns through selectively investing in profitable, cash-generative private companies, primarily in Europe and the US, while offering the added benefit to shareholders of daily liquidity.

We invest in companies directly as well as through funds managed by ICG and other leading private equity managers who focus on creating long-term value and building sustainable growth through active management and strategic change.

We have a long track record of delivering strong returns through a flexible mandate and highly selective approach that strikes the right balance between concentration and diversification, risk and reward.

NOTES

Included in this document are Alternative Performance Measures (“APM”). APM have been used if considered by the Board and the Manager to be the most relevant basis for shareholders in assessing the overall performance of the Company, and for comparing the performance of the Company to its peers and its previously reported results. The Glossary includes further details of APMs and reconciliations to International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) measures, where appropriate.

In the Chair’s Foreword, Manager’s Review and Supplementary Information, all performance figures are stated on a Total Return basis (i.e., including the effect of re-invested dividends). ICG Alternative Investment Limited, a regulated subsidiary of Intermediate Capital Group plc, acts as the Manager of the Company.

DISCLAIMER

This report may contain forward looking statements. These statements have been made by the directors in good faith based on the information available to them up to the time of their approval of this report and should be treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risk factors, underlying such forward-looking information. These written materials are not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. The issuer has not and does not intend to register any securities under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and does not intend to offer any securities to the public in the United States. No money, securities or other consideration from any person inside the United States is being solicited and, if sent in response to the information contained in these written materials, will not be accepted.

CHAIR’S FOREWORD

Our aim is to deliver attractive compounding returns across the cycle by identifying companies that have defensive growth characteristics. Our performance for the first six months of this financial year has delivered on that intention.

I am pleased to report that your Company’s NAV per Share Total Return during the period was 10.9% and at 31 July 2022 NAV stood at 1,852p per share. The Portfolio1 has performed strongly, recording a Portfolio Return on a Local Currency Basis of 7.4% for the six months to 31 July 2022.

Despite the strong Portfolio performance and NAV per Share Total Return, an ICG Enterprise Trust share generated a total share price return of (1.6)% during the period. As part of its ongoing focus on optimising the return that the Company delivers for its shareholders, the Board has resolved to commence a long-term programme of share buybacks. This programme will sit alongside the Company’s existing progressive dividend policy as a route to deliver returns to our shareholders. The Board believes the buyback programme demonstrates the Manager’s discipline around capital allocation; underlines the Board’s confidence in the long-term prospects of the Company, its cashflows and NAV; will enhance the NAV per share; and over time may reduce the volatility of the Company’s discount and increase its trading liquidity.

Your Board remains confident that ICG Enterprise Trust is well positioned to provide shareholders with access to the attractive long-term returns generated by investing in private companies, with the added benefit of daily liquidity. Our investment strategy is clear, our financial position is robust, and the underlying companies in which our Portfolio is invested are well-equipped to withstand the economic uncertainties we currently face. As evidenced by our buyback programme announced today, and our enhanced disclosure on the financial and operational performance of the top 30 companies within our Portfolio, we are committed to helping the market share our confidence in the long-term prospects of ICG Enterprise Trust.

Jane Tufnell

Chair

10 October 2022

MANAGER’S REVIEW

Alternative Performance Measures

The Board and the Manager monitor the financial performance of the Company on the basis of Alternative Performance Measures (APM), which are non-IFRS measures. The APM predominantly form the basis of the financial measures discussed in this review, which the Board believes assists shareholders in assessing their investment and the delivery of the investment strategy.

The Company holds certain investments in subsidiary entities. The substantive difference between APM and IFRS is the treatment of the assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries. The APM basis “looks through” these subsidiaries to the underlying assets and liabilities they hold, and it reports the investments as the Portfolio APM. Under IFRS, the Company and its subsidiaries are reported separately. The assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries are presented on the face of the IFRS balance sheet as a single carrying value. The same is true for the IFRS and APM basis of the Cash flow statement.

The following table sets out IFRS metrics and the APM equivalents:

IFRS APM
Investments £1,298.1m (January 2022: £1,123.7m) Portfolio

£1,353.7m (January 2022: £1,172.2m)

NAV £1,268.8m (January 2022: £1,158.0m)
 
Cash flows from the sale of portfolio investments

£18.2m (July 2021: £122.0m)

Total Proceeds £106.8m (July 2021: £184.7m)
Realisation Proceeds £106.8m (July 2021: £175.3m)
 
Cash flows related to the purchase of Portfolio investments £29.6m (July 2021: £82.2m) Total New Investment £143.7m (July 2021: £133.3m)

The Glossary on page 28 include definitions for all APM and, where appropriate, a reconciliation between APM and IFRS.

Our investment strategy

We focus on investing in buyouts of businesses that are profitable, cash generative and have defensive growth characteristics that we believe will deliver strong and resilient returns across economic cycles. There are a number of themes that contribute to a business having, in our view, such characteristics. These include (among others) attractive market positioning, providing mission-critical services to their clients and customers, ability to pass on price increases, and structurally high margins.

We take an active approach to portfolio construction, with a flexible mandate that enables us to deploy capital in primary, secondary and Direct Investments. Investments managed by ICG account for 29.2% of the Portfolio. We believe our investment strategy results in a differentiated portfolio with attractive growth characteristics. Our Portfolio composition is shown below:

Investment category 31 J uly  2022
£m
31 J uly  2022
% of Portfolio
31 J uly  2021
% of Portfolio
ICG-managed investments1 395.6 29.2% 26.9%
Third Party Direct Investments 243.8 18.0% 15.2%
Third Party Secondary Investments 65.8 4.9% 6.2%
High Conviction Investments 705.2 52.1% 48.3%
Third Party Primary Funds 648.5 47.9% 51.7%
Portfolio 1, 35 3.7 100% 100%
1 ICG-managed investments include Primary, Secondary and Direct Investments      

Geographically we focus on the developed markets of North America and Europe, including the UK, which have deep and mature private equity markets supported by a robust corporate governance framework. The geographic profile of the Portfolio is shown below:

Geography 31 July 2022
% of Portfolio 1
North America 45.4%
Europe 29.1%
UK 18.3%
Other 7.2%
Total 100%
1 Calculated by reference to the location of the headquarters of the underlying Portfolio companies on a value-weighted basis

Investment strategy in practice

Our focus on defensive growth has remained at the forefront of our investment decisions during the period. In a time of heightened macroeconomic uncertainty, we target investments with fewer unknown variables. This year we have identified a number of investment opportunities that can provide this. Firstly, leveraging ICG’s expertise in structured transactions, we made two Direct Investments during the period, both of which include contractual downside protection. Secondly, we have increased our allocation to Secondary Investments: in the secondary market, an investor is purchasing a more mature portfolio with clear visibility of the underlying assets which provides greater conviction in the financial profile of the investment. Finally, we have ensured that we will remain appropriately invested through the cycle by making commitments to high-quality Third Party managers with strong track records, which we expect to be invested over the coming 3-4 years.

Performance overview

Our growth during the period extends the track record of strong investment performance. Over the last five years, our Portfolio has generated an annualised Portfolio Return on a Local Currency Basis of 20.6% and 21.9% on an LTM basis. At 31 July 2022, our Portfolio was valued at £1,353.7m, which reflects a Portfolio Return on a Local Currency Basis in the first half of the financial year of 7.4% (H1 FY22: 14.9%).

Due to the geographic diversification of our Portfolio, the reported value is impacted by changes in foreign exchange rates. During the period, the Portfolio increased by £57.6m / 5.0% due to FX movements, driven primarily by US Dollar strengthening against Sterling. Including the positive FX impact, Portfolio growth during the period was 12.4%.

The net result for shareholders was that ICG Enterprise Trust generated a NAV per Share Total Return of 10.9% during H1 FY23, ending the period with a NAV per Share of 1,852p.

Movement in the Portfolio
£m
Six months to
31 J uly 202 2
Six months to
31 J uly 2021
Opening Portfolio 1,172.2 949.2
Total New Investments 143.7 133.3
Total Proceeds (106.8) (184.7)
Net (proceeds)/investments 36.9 (51.4)
Valuation movement1 87.0 141.6
Currency movement 57.6 (20.4)
Closing Portfolio 1,353.7 1,019.0
% Portfolio growth (local currency) 7. 4 % 14.9 %
% currency movement 5.0% (2.1)%
% Portfolio growth (Sterling) 12.4 % 12.8 %
Impact of (net cash)/net debt 0.2% (0.0)%
Expenses and other income (0.9)% (1.1)%
Co-investment Incentive Scheme Accrual (0.8)% (0.8)%
Impact of share buybacks and dividend reinvestment 0.0% 0.2%
NAV per S hare Total Return 10.9 % 11.1 %
1 99.6% of the Portfolio has a Valuation Date of 30 June 2022 or later (July 2021: 98.9%).

During the first half, High Conviction Investments generated a 9.2% Portfolio Return on a Local Currency Basis (H1 FY22: 9.6%). Within this, ICG LP Secondaries was the largest contributor to performance among fund investments. A number of Direct Investments also performed strongly during the period, including ECG and Endeavour Schools (driven by strong operational performance) and IRI (which completed its merger with NPD on 1 August 2022).

Third Party Funds generated a 5.7% Portfolio Return on a Local Currency Basis for the period (H1 FY22: 20.3%), driven by a strong performance of a number of funds including those managed by Bowmark, Graphite and Gridiron supported by a combination of underlying performance and signed Realisations

Performance of Portfolio companies
Our largest 30 underlying companies (“Top 30 companies”) represented 40.6% of the Portfolio by value at 31 July 2022 (31 January 2022: 39.0%). There were 3 new entrants to our Top 30 companies within the period: Newton (#17), EG Group (#27), and Travel Nurse Across America (#30). All of these were existing holdings in the Portfolio prior to the start of the financial year. The inclusion of Newton within the Top 30 is primarily a result of a new investment into the company during the period. More information on new investments made during the period can be found on page 8. The inclusion of EG Group and Travel Nurse in the Top 30 reflects a combination of Portfolio reweighting due to realisation activity and strong operational performance.

The Top 30 companies continued to deliver impressive operational performance during the period, reporting double-digit LTM revenue and EBITDA growth, along with some EBITDA margin expansion. The net leverage of the Portfolio companies has remained broadly in-line with levels at year-end.

Top 30 companies performance overview

31 July 2022 31 Jan uary 2022
LTM revenue growth1 27.5% 27.1%
LTM EBITDA growth1 26.3% 29.6%
LTM EBITDA margin2 27.0% 26.6%
Net Debt / EBITDA3 4.3x 4.3x
Enterprise Value / EBITDA3 14.5x 14.6x
Total % of Portfolio 40.6 % 39.0%
1 Growth rates exclude Ambassador Theatre Group (#11/30), for which prior year comparators are not meaningful
2 EBITDA margin excludes MoMo Online Mobile Services (#26/30) as EBITDA is not a relevant metric
3 Petsmart/Chewy (#1/30) and MoMo Online Mobile Services (#26/30)were excluded from this analysis, as EBITDA is not an appropriate valuation metric

More detailed disclosure on the financial and operating performance of the Portfolio can be found on page 13.

Quoted Companies

We do not actively invest in publicly quoted companies but gain listed investment exposure when IPOs are used as a route to exit an investment. In these cases, exit timing typically lies with the third party manager alongside whom we have invested.

At 31 July 2022, ICG Enterprise Trust’s exposure to quoted companies was valued at £119.1m, equivalent to 8.8% of the Portfolio value. The period saw broad-based selldowns across public equity markets, which impacted our quoted investments including our largest listed exposure, Chewy, whose share price fell 18.4% in local currency (USD) during the period. ICG Enterprise Trust’s investment in PetSmart (which includes Chewy) has delivered a strong return on investment for our shareholders and remains our largest underlying exposure. Across the Portfolio, local currency losses from declines in public market values were largely offset in sterling terms by positive FX gains.

At 31 July 2022 there was one quoted investment that individually accounted for 0.5% or more of the Portfolio value:

Company Ticker 31 July 2022
% of Portfolio value
Chewy (part of PetSmart)1 CHWY-US 3.4%
Other   5.4%
Total   8.8%
1 % of Portfolio value includes entire holding of PetSmart and Chewy. Majority of value is within Chewy  

Realisation activity

After a slower first quarter, we saw a number of larger realisations during the second quarter, resulting in Total Proceeds for the first half of £106.8m. There were 30 Full Exits of Portfolio holdings during the period, generating proceeds of £73.2m. Full Exits were completed at an average Multiple to Cost of 3.3x, and an average Uplift To Carrying Value of 25.2%. We believe that the ability to continue to sell assets at an uplift to NAV reflects the continuing demand for high quality assets and underpins our confidence in the valuation of our Portfolio. Partial exits generated Realisation Proceeds of £33.6m during the period.

The largest exit during the period was Random42, a scientific animation and digital media services company, which was realised via trade sale to a specialist medical communications company in June. The 10 largest underlying realisations in the period can be seen in the table below:

Investment Description Manager Country Proceeds
£m
Random42 Provider of medical animation and digital media services Graphite UK 5.6
proAlpha Provider of application software services ICG Germany 5.1
Park Holidays UK Operator of UK campsites and holiday parks ICG UK 4.9
Romans Provider of residential sales & letting services Bowmark UK 4.3
Pirum Systems

Provider of financial services technology Bowmark UK 4.2
Fortna Provider of logistics systems integration and warehouse execution software Thomas H. Lee US 4.1
Exterro Provider of information governance software Leeds Equity US 4.0
Refresco Holding Provider of global independent beverage solutions PAI Netherlands 3.7
The Instant Group Provider of property outsourcing services Bowmark UK 3.5
Etanco Manufacturer, designer and distributor of fixing/fastening systems ICG France 3.4
Total of 10 largest underlying realisations   42. 8

New investment activity

In total during the period, we invested £143.7m, of which £86.4m (60.1%) was in High Conviction Investments and £57.3m was Drawdowns from Third Party Funds.

Investment Category 6 months to 31 July 2022
Cost £m
% of n ew i nvestments
High Conviction Investments 86.4 60.1%
Drawdowns from Third Party Funds 57.3 39.9%
Total 14 3.7 100%

£64.4m of new investments during the period were Primary fund drawdowns, of which £57.3m was to Third Party managers and the remainder (£7.1m) was to ICG managed funds. On top of this, we made Secondary Investments of £49.2m and Direct Investments of £30.1m

Investment Category 6 months to 31 J uly  2022
Cost £m
6 months to 31 J uly  2022
% of new investments
Primary 64.4 44.8%
Secondary 49.2 34.2%
Direct 30.1 21.0%
Total 143.7 100%

During the period we completed two Direct Investments: Precisely (a £15.6m investment alongside Clearlake Capital and Insight Partners), and Newton (a £12.8m investment alongside ICG). Both transactions were structured with enhanced downside protection, and both represent co-investments into existing holdings, giving us deeper understanding of the underlying businesses. The balance of new Direct Investments is comprised of £1.7m of incremental drawdowns across 5 existing Direct Investments.

The 10 largest underlying new investments in the period were as follows:

Investment Description Manager Country Cost £ m 1
Precisely Provider of enterprise software Clearlake US 15.6
Newton Provider of management consulting services ICG UK 12.8
proAlpha II Provider of application software services ICG Germany 2.7
CeramTec Manufacturer of high performance ceramics BC Partners Germany 2.0
Vertical Supply Group Provider of technical equipment, tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE) Gridiron US 1.7
Arcaplanet Retailer of pet foods, accessories and health and grooming products Cinven Italy 1.5
Ufinet Operator of fibre network communications Cinven Brazil 1.5
Veonet European ophthalmological clinics PAI Germany 1.4
McAfee Associates Supplier of anti-virus software Permira US 1.3
Brooks Automation Provider of semiconductor manufacturing solutions Thomas H. Lee US 1.2
Top 10 largest underlying new investments  41. 7
1 Represents ICG Enterprise Trust's indirect investment (share of fund cost) plus any amounts paid for Co-investments in the period. 

Commitments

During the first half, we made new Commitments to funds of £164.1m. This includes commitments to two ICG-managed funds totalling £65.9m. Both of these were to funds focussed on Secondary Investments, as part of our strategic ambition to increase our exposure to the secondary market.

Commitments to Third Party Funds during the period totalled £98.2m. We maintained our diligence in identifying leading managers who complement our long-term strategic objectives, are committed to values aligned to our Responsible Investing framework, and have an investment approach that suits our defensive growth focus. A number of commitments were made to managers with whom we have longstanding relationships and who have a strong track record of offering us attractive co-investment opportunities, such as PAI and Gridiron. At the same time, we continued to originate new opportunities to work with leading managers, and during the period committed £8.0m to Thoma Bravo XV, a US-based manager focusing on global mid-market and large buyouts with a focus on subscription-based software businesses.

The breakdown of new Commitments to funds was as follows:

Fund Manager Focus Geograp hy Commitment during the period
ICG LP Secondaries Fund I ICG LP-led secondary transactions Europe/North America $60.0m (£45.5m)
ICG Ludgate Hill III ICG Secondary portfolio Europe/North America $25.0m (£20.4m)
PAI Europe VIII PAI Mid-market and large buyouts Europe €25.0m (£20.9m)
Advent X Advent Large buyouts Europe €20.0m (£16.8m)
Gridiron V Gridiron Mid-market buyouts North America $20.0m (£15.0m)
Permira VIII Permira Large buyouts Global €15.0m (£12.6m)
Bain Capital Europe VI Bain Capital Mid-market and large buyouts Europe €15.0m (£12.6m)
Thoma Bravo XV Thoma Bravo1 Mid-market and large buyouts Global $10.0m (£8.0m)
Bain Tech Opportunities II Bain Capital Mid-market buyouts North America $5.0m (£4.1m)
Hg Genesis X Hg Capital Mid-market buyouts Europe €5.0m (£4.2m)
Hg Saturn III Hg Capital Mid-market and large buyouts Europe $5.0m (£4.0m)
1 New manager relationship during the period

Balance sheet and financing

At 31 July 2022 we had a cash balance of £12.7m (31 January 2022: £41.3m) and total available liquidity of £173.9m. At 31 July 2022, the drawn debt was £39.1m (31 January 2022: £0.0m).

During the period, we increased the size of our Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF") to €240m (from €200m previously), in keeping with the Company’s higher net asset value. In addition, the maturity of the RCF was extended by one year to February 2026. The other key terms remain unchanged. The RCF is available for general corporate purposes, including short-term financing of investments such as the Drawdown of Commitments to funds. We do not intend to be geared other than for short-term working capital purposes.

  £m
Cash at 31 January 202 2 4 1 .3
Realisation Proceeds 106.8
Fund Disposals -
Third Party Fund Drawdowns (57.3)
High Conviction Investments (86.4)
Shareholder returns (15.1)
FX and other 23.4
Cash at 31 Jul y 202 2 12.7
Available undrawn debt facilities 161.2
Cash and undrawn debt facilities (total available liquidity) 173.9

At 31 July 2022 the Portfolio represented 106.7% of net assets (31 January 2022: 101.2%).

  31 J uly 202 2
£m
31 J anuary 202 2
£m
Portfolio 1,353.7 1,172.2
Cash 12.7 41.3
Co-investment Incentive Scheme Accrual (57.1) (49.1)
Other Net Liabilities1 (40.5) (6.4)
Net assets 1,268. 8 1,158 . 0
1 Other Net Liabilities include £39.1m of drawn debt.  

At 31 July 2022, we had Undrawn Commitments of £528.1m (31 January 2022: £418.6m) of which 17.9% (£94.6m) were to funds outside of their Investment Period.

  31 J uly 202 2
£m
31 January 2022
£m
Undrawn Commitments – funds in Investment Period 433.5 322.8
Undrawn Commitments – funds outside Investment Period 94.6 95.8
Total Undrawn Commitments 528.1 41 8.6
Total available liquidity (including facility) (173.9) (208.4)
Overcommitment (including facility) 354.2 210.2
Overcommitment % of net asset value 27.9 % 18 . 2 %

Our objective is to be fully invested through the cycle, while ensuring that we have sufficient liquidity to be able to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities as they arise. Drawdowns of commitments are funded from Total Proceeds and, where appropriate, the debt facility.

Dividend and share buyback

In line with ICG Enterprise Trust’s progressive dividend policy, the Board has declared a dividend of 7p per share in respect of the second quarter, taking total dividends for the period to 14p (H1 FY22: 12p). It remains the Board’s intention, in the absence of any unforeseen circumstances, to declare total dividends of at least 30p per share for the financial year, implying an increase of 11.1% on the previous financial year.

In addition, as part of its ongoing focus on optimising the return that the Company delivers for its shareholders, the Board has resolved to commence a long-term programme of share buybacks. This programme, effective as of this announcement, will sit alongside the Company’s existing progressive dividend policy and may be executed at any discount to NAV.

The Board believes the buyback programme demonstrates the Manager’s discipline around capital allocation; underlines the Board’s confidence in the long-term prospects of the Company, its cashflows and NAV; will enhance the NAV per share; and, over time, may positively influence the volatility of the Company’s discount and its trading liquidity.

The Board will review quarterly the size, impact and mandate of the buyback programme in conjunction with its advisers to help ensure it is working in the long-term interests of shareholders and in line with the objectives outlined above.

The Board retains absolute discretion as to the execution, pricing and timing of any share buybacks, subject to the conditions set out in the authority to execute share buybacks approved at the Company's 2022 annual general meeting. Any shares repurchased by the Company will be held in treasury. Any repurchase of shares will be announced no later than 7.30 a.m. on the business day following the calendar day on which the repurchase occurred.

Activity since the period end

Notable activity between 1 August 2022 and 31 August 2022 has included:

  • Realisation Proceeds of £45.2m
  • New investments of £9.4m, which included a new Direct Investment in Vistage Worldwide alongside Gridiron Capital
  • One new Fund Commitment of $20.0m

In September, ICG Enterprise Trust completed a Direct Investment of €14.9m into ECA Group.

Outlook

We remain alert to the evolving inflationary pressures and macroeconomic challenges that companies must navigate, as well as the ongoing volatility impacting certain foreign exchange rates . Importantly, the operating performance of our portfolio companies remains resilient thus far.

We have a high bar for executing transactions in today’s environment. We are particularly focussed on assessing risks around GDP-linked revenue, discretionary spending, and inflation, and identifying differentiated investments that can reduce the risk of unknown variables.

With our clear investment approach and flexible mandate executed by a dedicated and experienced investment team, we believe ICG Enterprise Trust remains well-positioned to implement its strategy in these uncertain market conditions.

ICG Private Equity Fund Investments Team

11 October 2022

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

This section presents supplementary information regarding the Portfolio (see Manager’s Review and the Glossary for further details and definitions).

Portfolio composition

We have a flexible mandate that enables us to deploy capital in primary, secondary and Direct Investments. Investments managed by ICG account for 29.2% of the Portfolio.

Investment Category 31 July 2022
£m
% of Portfolio
Primary 718.3 53.1%
Secondary 263.1 19.4%
Direct 372.3 27.5%
Total 1,353.7 100.0%

The Portfolio is actively managed and structured to strike a balance between both concentration, so that Direct Investments can meaningfully impact performance, and diversification, so that we are not overly exposed to the risks of individual portfolio companies or sectors. We also seek to ensure appropriate Portfolio diversification by vintage, by sector and by geography.

Portfolio by calendar year of investment % of value of underlying investments
31 July 2022
% of value of underlying investments
31 January 2022
2022 9.5% 0.1%
2021 27.2% 25.1%
2020 10.8% 12.3%
2019 14.2% 15.4%
2018 15.5% 17.9%
2017 6.9% 9.6%
2016 4.8% 5.9%
2015 4.9% 6.6%
2014 and older 6.2% 7.1%
Total   100.0% 100.0%


Portfolio by sector % of value of underlying investments
31 July 2022
% of value of underlying investments
31 January 2022
TMT 23.9% 24.1%
Consumer goods and services 19.6% 20.8%
Healthcare 14.7% 16.6%
Business services 11.7% 11.0%
Industrials 8.0% 8.3%
Financials 7.3% 5.5%
Education 5.9% 5.1%
Leisure 4.1% 3.9%
Other 4.8% 4.7%
Total 100.0% 100.0%


Portfolio by geography 1 % of value of underlying investments
31 July 2022
% of value of underlying investments
31 January 2022
North America 45.4% 41.4%
Europe 29.1% 32.1%
UK 18.3% 18.6%
Other 7.2% 7.9%
Total 100.0% 100.0%
1 Geographic exposure is calculated by reference to the location of the headquarters of the underlying Portfolio companies
Portfolio by fund currency 1 31 July
2022
£m
31 July
2022
%
31 January
2022
£m
31 January
2022
%
US Dollar 660.2 48.8% 508.7 43.4%
Euro 568.3 42.0% 558.5 47.6%
Sterling 125.2 9.2% 105.0 9.0%
Total 1,353.7 100.0 % 1,172.2 100.0%
1 Currency exposure by reference to the reporting currency of each fund .

Top 30 Portfolio Dashboard

The Top 30 underlying investments in the Portfolio (‘the Top 30’) represented 41.8% of the Portfolio value at 31 July 2022. The tables below provide enhanced disclosure on the dispersion of financial and operational performance among the Top 30 on a value-weighted basis.

Sector e xposure % of value of Top 30
31 July 2022
TMT 29.6%
Consumer goods and services 22.1%
Business services 15.9%
Healthcare 11.5%
Education 10.5%
Leisure 5.5%
Industrials 4.9%
Financials -
Total 100.0%


Geographic e xposure 1 % of value of Top 30
31 July 2022
North America

48.3%
Europe (ex-UK) 21.7%
UK & Other 30.0%
Total 100.0%
1 Geographic exposure is calculated by reference to the location of the headquarters of the underlying Portfolio companies


LTM r evenue g rowth % of value of Top 30
31 July 2022
<0% 7.5%
0-10% 17.4%
10-20% 30.6%
20-30% 20.4%
>30% 21.2%
n.a/n.m1 3.0%
Total     100 .0 %
n.a/n.m reflects Ambassador Theatre Group (#11/30), for which prior year comparators are not meaningful

Top 30 average LTM revenue growth: 27.5% (weighted average, based on contribution to Portfolio value at 31 July 2022; any exclusions from average calculation are detailed in the footnotes to the table).

LTM EBITDA g rowth % of value of Top 30
31 July 2022
<0% 18.1%
0-10% 31.1%
10-20% 15.8%
20-30% 11.6%
>30% 20.4%
n.a/n.m1 3.0%
Total     100 .0 %
n.a/n.m reflects Ambassador Theatre Group (#11/30), for which prior year comparators are not meaningful

 

Top 30 average LTM EBITDA growth: 26.3% (weighted average, based on contribution to Portfolio value at 31 July 2022; any exclusions from average calculation are detailed in the footnotes to the table).

LTM EBITDA m argin % of value of Top 30
31 July 2022
<10% 8.4%
10-20% 25.9%
20-30% 24.5%
30-40% 23.1%
>40% 16.4%
n.a/n.m1 1.8%
Total     100 .0 %
1 EBITDA margin excludes MoMo Online Mobile Services (#26/30) as EBITDA is not a relevant metric  

Top 30 average LTM EBITDA margin: 27.0% (weighted average, based on contribution to Portfolio value at 31 July 2022; any exclusions from average calculation are detailed in the footnotes to the table).

E V /EBITDA m ultiple % of value of Top 30
31 July 2022
0-10x 6.3%
10-12x 14.2%
12-13x 21.2%
13-15x 14.4%
15-17x 16.9%
17-20x 9.7%
>20x 7.2%
n.a/n.m1 10.2%
Total     100 .0 %
1 n.a/n.m reflects Petsmart/Chewy (#1/30) and MoMo Online Mobile Services (#26/30), for which EBITDA is not an appropriate valuation metric

Top 30 average EV/EBITDA multiple: 14.5x (weighted average, based on contribution to Portfolio value at 31 July 2022; any exclusions from average calculation are detailed in the footnotes to the table).

N et D ebt/ EBITDA m ultiple d ispersion % of value of Top 30
31 July 2022
<2x 10.1%
2-4x 23.7%
4-5x 26.9%
5-7x 15.6%
>7x 13.5%
n.a/n.m1 10.2%
Total     100 .0 %
1 n.a/n.m reflects Petsmart/Chewy (#1/30) and MoMo Online Mobile Services (#26/30), for which EBITDA is not an appropriate valuation metric

Top 30 average ND/EBITDA multiple: 4.3x (weighted average, based on contribution to Portfolio value at 31 July 2022; any exclusions from average calculation are detailed in the footnotes to the table).

Top 30 companies

The table below presents the 30 companies in which ICG Enterprise Trust had the largest investments by value at 31 July 2022.
The valuations are gross of underlying managers fees and Carried interest.

  Company Manager Year of investment Country Value as a % of Portfolio
1 PetSmart        
  Retailer of pet products and services BC Partners 2015 United States 3.4%
2 IRI        
  Provider of mission-critical data and predictive analytics to consumer goods manufacturers New Mountain 2018 United States 2.9%
3 Minimax        
  Supplier of fire protection systems and services ICG 2018 Germany 2.7%
4 Endeavor Schools        
  Provider of paid private schooling Leeds Equity 2018 United States 2.3%
5 Yudo        
  Designer and manufacturer of hot runner systems ICG 2017 / 2018 South Korea 2.0%
6 Leaf Home Solutions        
  Provider of home maintenance services Gridiron 2016 United States 1.9%
7 Precisely        
  Provider of enterprise software Clearlake 2021 /2022 United States 1.8%
8 Froneri        
  Manufacturer and distributor of ice cream products PAI 2013 / 2019 United Kingdom 1.7%
9 DOC Generici        
  Manufacturer of generic pharmaceutical products ICG 2019 Italy 1.7%
10 AML RightSource        
  Provider of compliance and regulatory services and solutions Gridiron 2020 United States 1.2%
11 Ambassador Theatre Group        
  Operator of theatres and ticketing platforms ICG / Providence 2021 United Kingdom 1.2%
12 Domus Vi        
  Operator of retirement homes ICG 2017 / 2021 France 1.2%
13 David Lloyd Leisure        
  Operator of premium health clubs TDR 2013 / 2020 United Kingdom 1.2%
14 DigiCert        
  Provider of enterprise internet security solutions ICG 2021 United States 1.2%
15 Curium Pharma        
  Supplier of nuclear medicine diagnostic pharmaceuticals ICG 2020 United Kingdom 1.1%
16 Visma        
  Provider of business management software and outsourcing services HgCapital / ICG 2017 / 2020 Norway 1.1%
17 Newton        
  Provider of management consulting services ICG 2021 / 2022 United Kingdom 1.1%
18 European Camping Group        
  Operator of premium campsites and holiday parks PAI 2021 France 1.1%
19 Ivanti        
  Provider of IT management solutions Charlesbank / ICG 2021 United States 1.1%
20 PSB Academy        
  Provider of private tertiary education ICG 2018 Singapore 1.0%
21 Crucial Learning        
  Provider of corporate training courses focused on communication skills and leadership development Leeds Equity 2019 United States 1.0%
22 Planet Payment        
  Provider of integrated payments services focused on hospitality and luxury retail Advent / Eurazeo 2021 Ireland 0.9%
23 Brooks Automation        
  Provider of semiconductor manufacturing solutions Thomas H. Lee 2021 / 2022 United States 0.9%
24 Class Valuation        
  Provider of residential mortgage appraisal management services Gridiron 2021 United States 0.8%
25 Davies Group        
  Specialty business process outsourcing service provider BC Partners 2021 United Kingdom 0.8%
26 MoMo Online Mobile Services        
  Operator of remittance and payment services via mobile e-wallet ICG 2019 Vietnam 0.7%
27 EG Group        
  Operator of petrol stations TDR 2014 United Kingdom 0.7%
28 RegEd        
  Provider of SaaS-based governance, risk and compliance enterprise software solutions Gryphon 2018 / 2019 United States 0.6%
29 AMEOS Group        
  Operator of private hospitals ICG 2021 Switzerland 0.6%
30 Travel Nurse Across America        
  Provider of travel nurse staffing services Gridiron 2016 United States 0.6%
  Total of the 30 largest underlying investments       4 0.6 %

The 30 largest fund investments
The table below presents the 30 largest funds by value at 31 July 2022. The valuations are net of underlying managers’ fees and Carried interest.

  Fund Year of commitment Country/ region Value £m Outstanding commitment £m
1 ICG Ludgate Hill I        
  Secondary portfolio 2021 Europe/North America 42.5 13.8
2 ICG Strategic Equit y Fund III        
  GP-led secondary transactions 2018 Global 35.5 11.0
3 Graphite Capital Partners VIII        
  Mid-market buyouts 2013 UK 36.2 4.4
4 ICG Europe VII        
  Mezzanine and equity in mid-market buyouts 2018 Europe 36.1 10.1
5 ICG LP Secondaries Fund I        
  LP-led secondary transactions 2023 Europe/North America 35.7 13.2
6 Gridiron Capital Fund III        
  Mid-market buyouts 2016 North America 32.4 4.3
7 CVC European Equity Partners VII        
  Large buyouts 2017 Europe/North America 29.6 2.1
8 CVC European Equity Partners VI        
  Large buyouts 2013 Europe/North America 27.1 2.1
9 PAI Strategic Partnerships        
  Mid-market and large buyouts 2019 Europe 22.8 0.6
10 Sixth Cinven Fund        
  Large buyouts 2016 Europe 22.2 1.3
11 ICG Ludgate Hill III        
  Secondary portfolio 2023 Europe/North America 21.7 -
12 Gridiron Capital Fund IV        
  Mid-market buyouts 2019 North America 21.6 2.8
13 BC European Capital IX        
  Large buyouts 2011 Europe/North America 21.1 0.7
14 Advent Global Private Equity IX        
  Large buyouts 2019 Europe/North America 18.8 3.8
15 Thomas H Lee Equity Fund VIII        
  Mid-market and large buyouts 2017 North America 18.3 3.6
16 Resolute IV        
  Mid-market buyouts 2018 North America 18.2 1.7
17 Oak Hill V        
  Mid-market buyouts 2019 North America 17.9 1.8
18 New Mountain Partners V        
  Mid-market buyouts 2017 North America 17.1 1.9
19 PAI Europe VII        
  Mid-market and large buyouts 2017 Europe 16.8 10.3
20 Advent Global Private Equity VIII        
  Large buyouts 2016 Europe/North America 16.4 -
21 BC European Capital X        
  Large buyouts 2016 Europe 16.4 2.5
22 TDR Capital III        
  Mid-market and large buyouts 2013 Europe 14.5 1.6
23 Gryphon V        
  Mid-market buyouts 2019 North America 14.3 1.9

24 ICG Ludgate Hill II        
  Secondary portfolio 2022 North America 14.2 5.7
25 AEA VII        
  Mid-market buyouts 2019 North America 13.6 4.1
26 ICG Augusta Partners Co-Investor        
  Secondary fund restructurings 2018 Global 13.6 18.9
27 Resolute II Continuation Fund        
  Secondary fund restructuring 2018 North America 13.1 2.2
28 Permira V        
  Large buyouts 2013 Europe/North America 12.6 0.4
29 Resolute V        
  Mid-market buy-outs 2021 North America 12.2 6.5
30 ICG Strategic Equity Fund IV        
  GP-led secondary transactions 2021 Global 12.1 18.6
  Total of the largest 30 fund investments     644.7 151.8
  Percentage of total investment Portfolio     47.6%  

Commitments analysis

The following tables reflect Commitments at 31 July 2022. Original foreign currency Commitments are translated at 31 July 2022 exchange rates.

Total Commitments Original
Commitment
£ m
Outstanding
Commitment
£ m
Average
Drawdown
%
% of
Commitments
Funds in Investment Period 886.7 433.5 51.1% 82.1%
Funds post Investment Period 670.0 94.6 85.9% 17.9%
Total 1, 556.7 528.1 6 6.1 % 100.0 %


Movement in outstanding Commitments 6 months to 31 July 2022
£m
As at 1 February 2022 418.6
New Fund Commitments 164.1
New Commitments relating to Co-investments 42.4
Drawdowns (143.7)
Commitments released from Fund Disposals -
Currency and other movements, including repayment of commitments which remain available to draw down 96.7
As at 31 J ul y 202 2 528.1

Commitments currency exposure

Outstanding Commitments 31 J ul y
202 2
£m
31 J ul y
202 2
%
31 January
202 2
£m
31 January
202 2
%
– Sterling 21.5 4.1% 28.7 6.8%
– Euro 256.7 48.6% 200.4 47.9%
– US Dollar 249.9 47.3% 189.5 45.3%
Total 528.1 100 % 418.6 100 %

Foreign exchange rates

  31 July 2022 s pot rate
GBP:EUR 1.1911
GBP:USD 1.2171


PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company are substantially the same as those disclosed in the Strategic Report and in the notes to the Financial Statements in the Company’s latest Annual Report for the year ended 31 January 2022 which was approved by the Board on 11 May 2022.

The Company considers its principal risks (as well as several underlying risks comprising each principal risk) in four categories:

Investment risks: the risk to performance resulting from ineffective or inappropriate investment selection, execution or monitoring.

External risks: the risk of failing to deliver the Company’s investment objective and strategic goals due to external factors beyond the Company’s control.

Operational risks: the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people or systems and external event, including regulatory risk.

Financial risks: the risks of adverse impact on the Company due to having insufficient resources to meet its obligations or counterparty failure and the impact any material movement in foreign exchange rates may have on underlying valuations.

A comprehensive risk assessment process is undertaken regularly to re-evaluate the impact and probability of each risk materialising and the strategic, financial and operational impact of the risk. Where the residual risk is determined to be outside of appetite, appropriate action is taken.

In addition to these, emerging risks are regularly considered to assess any potential impact on the Company and to
determine whether any actions are required. The Board also regularly considers the evolution of requirements and standards relating to ESG and responsible investing.

Related Party Transactions

There have been no material changes in the related party transactions described in the 31 January 2022 Annual Report.

Directors’ Responsibility Statement

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Interim Report, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

  • The condensed interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted IAS 34 Interim condensed financial statements and gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company;
  • The Chair’s Statement and Manager’s Review includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed interim financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and
  • The interim financial statements include a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.28R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the Company during that period, and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last Annual Report that could do so.

The Interim Report was approved by the Board and the above Directors’ Responsibility Statement was signed on its behalf by the Chair.

Jane Tufnell

Chair

10 October 2022

INTERIM CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Income statement



Half y ear to 31 J uly 202 2 (Unaudited)



Half y ear to 31 J uly 202 1
(Unaudited)

 
Notes Revenue
return
£’000

Capital return
£’000

Total



£’000

Revenue
return
£’000

Capital return

£’000

Total



£,000

 
Investment returns            
Income, gains and losses on investments 1,489 135,029 136,518 7,619 105,351 112,970
Deposit interest - - - 1 - 1
Other income - - - - - -
Foreign exchange gains and losses - 46 46 - (601) (601)
  1,489 135,075 136,564 7,620 104,750 112,370


Expenses
           
Investment management charges (814) (7,323) (8,137) (620) (5,586) (6,206)
Other expenses (1,115) (1,394) (2,509) (1,266) (1,094) (2,360)
  (1,929) (8,717) (10,646 ) (1,886 ) (6,680 ) (8,556 )
             
Profit/(loss) before tax (440) 126,358 125,918 5,734 98,070 103,804
Taxation 464 (464) - (45) 45 -
Profit/(loss) for the period 24 12 5 , 894 125,91 8 5,689 98,115 103,804


Attributable to:
           
Equity shareholders 24 12 5 , 894 125,91 8 5,689 98,115 103,804
Basic and diluted earnings per share     183.78     150.96

The columns headed ‘Total’ represent the income statement for the relevant financial years and the columns headed ‘Revenue return’ and ‘Capital return’ are supplementary information, in line with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts issued by the Association of Investment Companies. There is no Other Comprehensive Income.

The notes on pages 24 to 27 are an integral part of the interim condensed financial statements.

Balance sheet

 

Notes


31 July
202 2
(unaudited)



£’000


31 January
202 2
(audited)



£’000
Non-current assets      
Investments held at fair value 7 1,298,053 1,123,747


Current assets
     
Cash and cash equivalents   12,691 41,328
Receivables   2,682 2,205
    15,373 43,533


Current liabilities
     
Payables   5,537 9,303
Borrowings   39,066 -
    44,603 9,303
Net current assets / (liabilities)   (29,230) 34,230
Total assets less current liabilities   1,268,823 1,157,977



Capital and reserves
     
Share capital   7,292 7,292
Capital redemption reserve   2,112 2,112
Share Premium   12,936 12,936
Capital reserve   1,246,483 1,135,637
Revenue reserve   -
Total equity   1,268,823 1,157,977
Net Asset Value per Share (basic and diluted) 6 1,851.8p 1,690.1p

The notes on pages 24 to 27 are an integral part of the interim condensed financial statements.

Cash flow statement

 

Half year to
31 July 2022

(unaudited)
£’000


Half year to
31 July 2021
(unaudited)

£’000
Operating activities    
Sale of Portfolio investments 18,183 121,998
Purchase of Portfolio investments (29,644) (82,203)
Net cash flows to subsidiary investments (27,526) (43,512)
Interest income received from Portfolio investments 1,338 3,260
Dividend income received from Portfolio investments 151 4,359
Other income received - 1
Investment management charges paid (11,114) (2,915)
Other expenses paid (1,723) (2,990)
Net cash (outflow) from operating activities (50,335) (2,002)


Financing activities
   
Bank facility fee (2,018) (871)
Interest paid (332) (11)
Purchase of own shares into treasury - (2,679)
Credit Facility utilised 56,737 -
Credit Facility repaid (17,671) -
Equity dividends paid to shareholders (15,074) (9.628)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities 21,642 (13,189)
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (28,693 ) (15,191)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 41,328 45,143
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (28,693) (15,191)
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates 56 (603)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 12,691 29,349

The notes on pages 24 to 27 are an integral part of the interim condensed financial statements.

Statement of changes in equity

 

Share capital
£’0 00
Capital redemption
reserve
£’0 00


Share Premium
£’0 00


Capital
reserve
£’0 00


Revenue
reserve
£’0 00
Total
shareholders’
equity
£’0 00
Half year to 31 July 202 2
(unaudited)
Opening balance at 1 February 2022 7,292 2,112 12,936 1,135,637 - 1,157,977
Profit for the period and total
comprehensive income
125,896 24 125,920
Dividends paid (15,049) (24) (15,074)
Purchase of own shares into
treasury
- - -
Closing balance
at 31 J uly 2022
7,292 2,112 12,936 1,246, 484 - 1,268,82 3


 

Share capital
£’0 00
Capital redemption
reserve
£’0 00


Share Premium
£’0 00


Capital
reserve
£’0 00


Revenue
reserve
£’0 00
Total
shareholders’
equity
£’0 00
Half year to 31 July 202 1
(unaudited)
Opening balance at 1 February 2021 7,292 2,113 12,936 929,676 - 952,016
Profit for the period and total
comprehensive income


- - 98,115 5,689 103,804
Dividends paid - - (3,938) (5,689) (9,627)
Purchase of own shares into
Treasury

        
- - (2,679) - (2,679)
Closing balance
at 31 J uly 202 1
7,29 2 2, 113 12,936 1,021,174 - 1,043,514

The notes on pages 24 to 27 are an integral part of the interim condensed financial statements.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the period ended 31 July 2022

1.   General information

These interim condensed financial statements relate to ICG Enterprise Trust Plc (‘the Company’). ICG Enterprise Trust Plc is registered in England and Wales and is incorporated in the United Kingdom. The Company is domiciled in the United Kingdom and its registered office is Procession House, 55 Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 7JW. The Company’s objective is to provide long-term growth by investing in private companies managed by leading private equity managers.

2.   Financial information

The interim condensed financial statements are unaudited and do not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. Within the notes to the interim condensed financial statements, all current and comparative data covering the period to (or as at) 31 July 2022 is unaudited. Data given in respect of the year to 31 January 2022 is audited. The statutory accounts for the year to 31 January 2022 have been reported on by Ernst & Young LLP and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph, and (iii) did not contain any statements under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

3.   Basis of preparation

The interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted IAS 34 Interim financial Reporting (IAS 34) and on the basis of the accounting policies and methods of computation set out in the financial statements of the Company for the year to 31 January 2022.

The financial statements for the year to 31 January 2022 which were prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards (IAS) and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for investment trusts issued by the Association of Investment Companies in April 2021.

The Company comprises one operating segment which is also a reporting segment.

Going concern

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and on the historical cost basis of accounting, modified for the revaluation of certain assets at fair value. In making their going concern assessment, the Directors have considered the potential impact of principal risks on the Company’s business activities; the Company’s net cash position; the availability of the Company’s credit facility and compliance with its covenants; and the Company’s cash flow projections, in particular those arising from committed but undrawn commitments.

The Directors have concluded based on the above assessment that the preparation of the interim condensed financial statements on a going concern basis, to 31 October 2023, a period of more than 12 months from the signing of the interim condensed financial statements, continues to be appropriate.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Dividends

Half year to
31 J uly
2022
£’000
Half year to
31 July
2021
£’000
Third quarterly dividend in respect of prior year 6.0p per share (2021: 5.0p per share) 4,111 3,438
Final dividend in respect of year ended 31 January 2022: 9p per share (2021: 9.0p) 6, 1 67 6,189
First quarterly dividend in respect of year ended 31 January 2023: 7.0p per share (2022: 6.0p) 4, 796 -
Total 1 5 ,074 9,627

The Board has approved an interim dividend for the quarter to 30 April 2022 of 7.0p per share (totalling £4.8m) which has been paid on 22 July 2022 to shareholders on the register on 8 July 2022. The Board has proposed a second interim dividend of 7.0p per share in respect of the year ended 31 January 2023 which will be paid on 2 December 2022 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 18 November 2022.

5. Earnings per share

Earnings per share Half year to
31 J ul y
2022
Half year to
31 July
202 1
Revenue return per ordinary share 0.04p 8.27p
Capital return per ordinary share 183.74p 142.69p
Earnings per ordinary share (basic and diluted) 183.78p 150.96p
Weighted average number of shares 68,517,055 68,761,530

The earnings per share figures are based on the weighted average numbers of shares set out above.

At 31 July 2022, the Company held 4,395,945 shares in treasury (31 July 2021: 4,395,945) leaving 68,517,055 (31 July 2021: 68,517,055) shares outstanding, all of which have equal voting rights.

6. Net Asset Value per Share

The Net Asset Value per Share is calculated as the net assets attributable to shareholders of £1,268.8m (31 January 2022: £1,158.0m) and 68,517,055 (31 January 2022: 68,517,055) ordinary shares in issue at the period end. There were no potentially dilutive ordinary shares, such as options or warrants, at either year end. Calculated on both the basic and diluted basis, the Net Asset Value per Share was 1,851.8p (31 January 2022: 1,690.1p).

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7. Fair Value estimation

IFRS 13 requires disclosure of fair value measurements of financial instruments categorised according to the following fair    value measurement hierarchy:

  • 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 valuation techniques applied are described in note 1 of the annual financial statements. No investments were categorised as level 1 or level 2.

The Company has no direct exposure to Level 1 assets. The fair value of the Company’s investment in subsidiary undertakings includes the valuation of Level 1 assets held by the subsidiary undertakings.

The following tables present the assets that are measured at fair value at 31 July 2022 and 31 January 2022. The Company had no financial liabilities measured at fair value at those dates.

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total
31 July 202 2 £’000   £’000   £’000   £’000
Investments held at fair value              
Unquoted investments     238,718   238,718
Quoted investments     -   -
Subsidiary undertakings     1,059,335   1,059,335
Total investments held at fair value     1,298,053   1,298,053


  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total
31 January 202 2 £’000   £’000   £’000   £’000
Investments held at fair value              
Unquoted investments     202,009   202,009
Quoted investments        
Subsidiary undertakings     921,738   921,738
Total investments held at fair value     1,123,747   1,123,747

All quoted and unquoted investments are measured in accordance with IFRS 13.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7. Fair Value estimation (continued)

Investments in level 3 securities are in respect of ICG-managed funds, Third Party Funds and Direct Investments. These are held at fair value and are calculated using valuations provided by the underlying manager of the investment and reviewed by ICG, with adjustments made to the statements to take account of cash flow events occurring after the date of the manager’s valuation, such as realisations or liquidity adjustments. A 30% increase/(decrease) in the value of these assets (including those assets held within subsidiary undertakings) would result in a rise and fall in NAV of £384.8m and £(380.0)m or 29.7% and (29.3)% respectively (31 January 2022: rise and fall in NAV of £319.4m and £331.0m respectively or 27.6% and (28.6%)).

The following table presents the changes in level 3 instruments for the periods to 31 July 2022 and 31 January 2022.

  Half year to
31 July 2022
£’000
Half year to
31 July 2021
£’000
Opening Balance 1 February 1,123,747 871,860
Additions 57,170 82,203
Disposals (18,183) (85,911)
Gains and losses recognised in profit or loss 135,319 148,085
Closing balance 1,298,053 1,016,237

GLOSSARY

Term

Short form

Definition

Alternative Performance Measures

APMs

Alternative Performance Measures are a term defined by the European Securities and Markets Authority as “financial measures of historical or future performance, financial position, or cash flows, other than a financial measure defined or specified in the applicable financial reporting framework”.

APMs are used in this report if considered by the Board and the Manager to be the most relevant basis for shareholders in assessing the overall performance of the Company and for comparing the performance of the Company to its peers, taking into account industry practice.

Definitions and reconciliations to IFRS measures are provided in the main body of the report or in this Glossary, where appropriate.

Carried interest

Carried interest is equivalent to a performance fee. This represents a share of the profits that will accrue to the underlying private equity managers, after achievement of an agreed Preferred Return.

Cash drag

Cash drag is the negative impact on performance arising as a result of the allocation of a portion of the entity’s assets to cash.

Co-investment

Co-investment is a Direct Investment in a company alongside a private equity fund.

Co-investment Incentive Scheme Accrual

Co-investment Incentive Scheme Accrual represents the estimated value of interests in the Co-investment Incentive Scheme operated by the subsidiary partnerships of the Company.

Commitment

Commitment represents the amount of capital that each investor agrees to contribute to a fund or a specific investment.

Deployment

Please see ‘Total new investment’.

Direct Investments

An investment in a portfolio company held directly, not through a private equity fund. Direct Investments are typically co-investments with a private equity fund.

Discount

Discount arises when the Company’s shares trade at a price below the Company’s NAV per Share. In this circumstance, the price that an investor pays or receives for a share would be less than the value attributable to it by reference to the underlying assets. The Discount is the difference between the share price and the NAV, expressed as a percentage of the NAV. For example, if the NAV was 100p and the share price was 90p, the Discount would be 10%.

Drawdowns

Drawdowns are amounts invested by the Company when called by underlying managers in respect of an existing Commitment.

EBITDA

Stands for earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, which is a widely used performance measure in the private equity industry.

Enterprise Value

EV

Enterprise Value is the aggregate value of a company’s entire issued share capital and Net Debt.

Exclusion List

The Exclusion List defines the business activities which are excluded from investment.

FTSE All-Share Index Total Return

The change in the level of the FTSE All-Share Index, assuming that dividends are re- invested on the day that they are paid.

Full Exits

Full Exits are exit events (e.g., trade sale, sale by public offering, or sale to a financial buyer) following which the residual exposure to an underlying company is zero or immaterial; this does not include Fund Disposals. See ‘Fund Disposals’.

Fund Disposals

Fund Disposals are where the Company receives sales proceeds from the full or partial sale of a fund position within the secondary market.

General Partner

GP

The General Partner is the entity managing a private equity fund. This is commonly referred to as the manager.

Hedging

Hedging is an investment technique designed to offset a potential loss on one investment by purchasing a second investment that is expected to perform in the opposite way.

High Conviction Investments

High Conviction Investments comprise Direct Investments, as well as investments in ICG-managed funds and Secondary Investments.

Initial Public Offering

IPO

An Initial Public Offering is an offering by a company of its share capital to the public with a view to seeking an admission of its shares to a recognised stock exchange.

Internal Rate of

Return

IRR

Internal Rate of Return is a measure of the rate of return received by an investor in a fund. It is calculated from cash drawn from and returned to the investor, together with the residual value of the investment.

Investment Period

Investment Period is the period in which funds are able to make new investments under the terms of their fund agreements, typically up to five years after the initial Commitment.

Last Twelve Months

LTM

Last Twelve Months refers to the time frame of the immediately preceding 12 months in reference to a financial metricised to evaluate the Company’s performance.

Limited Partner

LP

The Limited Partner is an institution or individual who commits capital to a private equity fund established as a Limited Partnership. These funds are generally protected from legal actions and any losses beyond the original investment.

Limited Partnership

A Limited Partnership includes one or more General Partners, who have responsibility for managing the business of the partnership and have unlimited liability, and one or more Limited Partners, who do not participate in the operation of the partnership and whose liability is ordinarily capped at their capital and loan contribution to the partnership. In typical fund structures, the General Partner receives a priority share ahead of distributions to Limited Partners.

Net Asset Value

per Share

NAV per Share

Net Asset Value per Share is the value of the Company’s net assets attributable to one Ordinary share. It is calculated by dividing ‘shareholders’ funds’ by the total number of ordinary shares in issue. Shareholders’ funds are calculated by deducting current and long-term liabilities, and any provision for liabilities and charges, from the Company’s total assets.

Net Asset Value

per Share Total

Return

Net Asset Value per Share Total Return is the change in the Company’s Net Asset Value per Share, assuming that dividends are re- invested at the end of the quarter in which the dividend was paid.

Net Debt

Net Debt is calculated as the total short-term and long-term debt in a business, less cash and cash equivalents.

Ongoing Charges

Ongoing Charges are calculated in line with guidance issued by the Association of Investment Companies (‘AIC’) and capture management fees and expenses, excluding finance costs, incurred at the Company level only. The calculation does not include the expenses and management fees incurred by any underlying funds.

Other Net Liabilities

Other Net Liabilities at the aggregated Company level represent net other liabilities per the Company’s balance sheet. Net other liabilities per the balance sheet of the subsidiaries include amounts payable under the Co-investment Incentive Scheme Accrual.

Overcommitment

Overcommitment refers to where private equity fund investors make Commitments exceeding the amount of cash immediately available for investment. When determining the appropriate level of Overcommitment, careful consideration needs to be given to the rate at which Commitments might be drawn down, and the rate at which realisations will generate cash from the existing Portfolio to fund new investment.

Portfolio

Portfolio represents the aggregate of the investment Portfolios of the Company and of its subsidiary Limited Partnerships. This APM is consistent with the commentary in previous annual and interim reports. The Board and the Manager consider that disclosing our Portfolio assists shareholders in understanding the value and performance of the underlying investments selected by the Manager. It is shown before the Co-investment Incentive Scheme Accrual to avoid being distorted by certain funds and Direct Investments on which ICG Enterprise Trust Plc does not incur these costs (for example, on funds managed by ICG plc). Portfolio is related to the NAV, which is the value attributed to our shareholders, and which also incorporates the Co-investment Incentive Scheme Accrual as well as the value of cash and debt retained on our balance sheet.

The value of the Portfolio at 31 July 2022 is £1,353.7m (31 January 2022: £1,172.2m).

Portfolio (continued)

The closest equivalent amount reported on the balance sheet is ‘investments at fair value’. A reconciliation of these two measures along with other figures aggregated for the Company and its subsidiary Limited Partnerships is presented below:

31 July 2022 £m IFRS Balance sheet fair value Net assets

of subsidiary

limited

partnerships
Co-investment Incentive Scheme Accrual Total Company and subsidiary Limited Partnerships
Investments1 1,298.1 (1.5) 57.1 1,353.7
Cash 12.7 - - 12.7
Other Net Liabilities (41.9) 1.5 (57.1) (97.5)
Net assets 1,268.9 - - 1,268.9


31 January 2022 £m IFRS Balance sheet fair value Balances receivable from subsidiary Limited Partnerships Co-investment Incentive Scheme Accrual Total Company and subsidiary Limited Partnerships
Investments1 1,123.7 (0.6) 49.1 1,172.2
Cash 41.3 - - 41.3
Other Net Liabilities (7.1) 0.6 (49.1) (55.6)
Net assets 1,157.9 - - 1,157.9

1Investments as reported on the IFRS balance sheet at fair value comprise the total of assets held by the Company and the net asset value of the Company’s investments in the subsidiary Limited Partnerships.

Portfolio Return on a Local Currency Basis

Portfolio Return on a Local Currency Basis represents the change in the valuation of the Company’s Portfolio before the impact of currency movements and Co-investment Incentive Scheme Accrual. The Portfolio return of 7.4% is calculated as follows:

£m 31 July 2022 31 July 2021
Income, gains and losses on Investments 136.5 113.0
Foreign exchange gains and losses included in gains and losses on investments (60.6) 20.4
Incentive accrual valuation movement 11.1 8.2
Total gains on Portfolio investments excluding impact of foreign exchange 87.0 141.6
Opening Portfolio valuation 1,172.2 949.2
Portfolio Return on a Local Currency Basis 7.4% 14.9%

Term

Short form

Definition

Portfolio Return on a Local Currency Basis

(continued)

A reconciliation between the Portfolio Return on Local Currency Basis and NAV per Share Total Return is disclosed under ‘Total Return’.

Portfolio Company

Portfolio Company refers to an individual company in an investment portfolio.

Preferred Return

Preferred Return is the preferential rate of return on an individual investment or a portfolio of investments, which is typically 8% per annum.

Premium

Premium occurs when the share price is higher than the NAV and investors would therefore be paying more than the value attributable to the shares by reference to the underlying assets.

Quoted Company

A Quoted Company is any company whose shares are listed or traded on a recognised stock exchange.

Realisation Proceeds

Realisation Proceeds are amounts received in respect of underlying realisation activity from the Portfolio and exclude any inflows from the sale of fund positions via the secondary market.

Realisations - Multiple to Cost

Realisations - Multiple to Cost is the average return from Full Exits from the Portfolio in the period on a primary investment basis, weighted by cost.

£m 31 July 2022 31 July 2021
Realisation Proceeds from Full Exits in the year-to-date 73.2 143.6
Cost 32.5 52.0
Average return Multiple to Cost 3.3x 2.8x

Realisations – Uplift To Carrying Value

Realisations – Uplift To Carrying Value is the aggregate uplift on Full exits from the Portfolio in the period excluding publicly listed companies that were exited via sell downs of their shares.

£m 31 July 2022 31 July 2021
Realisation Proceeds from Full Exits in the year-to-date 73.2 97.2
Prior Carrying Value (at previous quarterly valuation prior to exit) 58.5 77.2
Realisations – Uplift To Carrying Value 25.2% 25.8%

Secondary Investments

Secondary Investments occur when existing private equity fund interests and Commitments are purchased from an investor seeking liquidity.

Share Price Total Return

Share Price Total Return is the change in the Company’s share price, assuming that dividends are re-invested on the day that they are paid.

Total New Investment

Total New Investment is the total of direct Co-investment and fund investment Drawdowns in respect of the Portfolio. In accordance with IFRS 10, the Company’s subsidiaries are deemed to be investment entities and are included in subsidiary investments within the financial statements.

Movements in the cash flow statement within the financial statements reconcile to the movement in the Portfolio as follows:

£m 31 July 2022 31 July 2021
Purchase of Portfolio investments per cash flow statement 29.6 82.2
Purchase of Portfolio investments within subsidiary investments 114.1 51.1
Total New Investment 143.7 133.3

Total Proceeds

Total Proceeds are amounts received by the Company in respect of the Portfolio, which may be in the form of capital proceeds or income such as interest or dividends. In accordance with IFRS 10, the Company’s subsidiaries are deemed to be investment entities and are included in subsidiary investments within the financial statements.

£m 31 July 2022 31 July 2021
Sale of Portfolio investments per cash flow statement 18.2 122.0
Sale of Portfolio investments, interest received, and dividends received within subsidiary investments 87.1 55.0
Interest income per cash flow statement 1.3 3.3
Dividend income per cash flow statement 0.2 4.4
Total Proceeds 106.8 184.7
Fund Disposals - 9.4
Realisation Proceeds 106.8 175.3

Total Return

Total Return is a performance measure that assumes the notional re-investment of dividends. This is a measure commonly used by the listed private equity sector and listed companies in general.

The table below sets out the share price and the Net Asset Value per Share growth figures for periods of one, three, five and ten years to the balance sheet date on an annualised Total Return basis:

Total Return performance in years to 31 July 2022 (annualised) 1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years
Net Asset Value per Share 24.2% 18.6% 16.9% 14.5%
Share price 10.0% 12.8% 12.2% 14.4%
FTSE All-Share Index 5.5% 3.2% 4.0% 7.2%

The table below shows the breakdown of the one-year Net Asset Value per Share Total Return for the period:

Change in NAV (% of opening NAV)         31 July 2022 31 July 2021
Portfolio Return on a Local Currency Basis 7.4% 14.9%
Currency movements on the Portfolio 5.0% (2.1%)
Portfolio return in sterling 12.4% 12.8%
Impact of (net cash)/net debt 0.2% (0.0%)
Impact of net portfolio movement on net asset value 12.6% 12.8%
Expenses and other income (0.9)% (1.1%)
Incentive accrual valuation movement (0.8)% (0.8%)
Increase in Net Asset Value per Share before buy backs 10.9% 10.9%
Impact of share buy backs & dividend reinvestment 0.0% 0.2%
Net Asset Value per Share Total Return 10.9% 11.1%

Undrawn Commitments

Undrawn Commitments are Commitments that have not yet been drawn down (please see ‘Drawdowns’).

Unquoted Company

An Unquoted Company is any company whose shares are not listed or traded on a recognised stock exchange.

Valuation Date

The date of the valuation report issued by the underlying manager.

Valuation Multiples

Valuation Multiples are earnings (EBITDA), or revenue multiples applied in determining the value of a business enterprise.


1 In the Chair’s Foreword, Manager’s Review and Supplementary Information, reference is made to the Portfolio. This is an APM.


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