Final Results

Impax Environmental Markets PLC 25 March 2003 IMPAX ENVIRONMENTAL MARKETS PLC Announcement of Preliminary Results for the period from 7 January 2002 to 31 December 2002 CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT This is the first Annual Report of Impax Environmental Markets plc ('IEM') and I would like to start by welcoming shareholders to the Company. During the period the Company achieved its principal objective of creating a Portfolio of investments in companies set to benefit from rapid and sustained growth in cleaner or more efficient delivery of basic services of energy, water and waste. Although the collapse in equity markets in general and the prices of growth-oriented stocks in particular have led to a substantial fall in the Company's net asset value, the directors believe that the drivers of Environmental Markets remain strong, and that the Portfolio is well positioned for substantial long-term growth. Performance and Current Status During 2002, Environmental Markets companies typically reported solid financial results and good prospects. The average increase in the revenue of Portfolio companies over the year was 18%, while the attractions of the sector for larger companies were clearly demonstrated by the acquisition by General Electric of two of the Portfolio's holdings. Despite the favourable commercial environment, the Company's value has fallen. From the launch on 22 February 2002 until the end of the period, the net asset value ('NAV') fell 44.6% from 98.25p to 54.40p, while IEM's share price fell 54.2% from 100p to 45.75p. Although this result was in line with Environmental Markets companies in general, the sector has clearly underperformed global markets. Over the same time period the MSCI World Index fell by 25.6%. The weak performance of Environmental Markets stocks can be largely attributed to a de-rating of the sector, as investors have been unwilling to pay a premium for companies that are able to sustain above-average growth in revenues and earnings. In order to benefit from an eventual re-rating, the Portfolio is now concentrated on profitable companies, particularly those in the water and waste sectors, and has reduced its holdings in unprofitable companies, particularly those in the alternative energy sector. Financial results In line with their focus on capturing growth opportunities, most companies in the Portfolio are reinvesting free cash in the business and do not pay substantial dividends. As a consequence, the Company's revenue return for the period was low and after expenses and tax represented a loss of 0.03p per share. Therefore, the directors do not recommend payment of a dividend. Outlook The companies in which we have invested continue to report strong order books, and the news from the Environmental Markets sector is generally positive. Last month, for example, the government published the Energy White Paper, which reflected the Prime Minister's personal support for long-term goals for renewable energy production as far out as 2050. This followed the Chancellor's pre-Budget statement last November, in which he indicated a commitment to increase the UK Landfill Tax by more than 150% over the next ten years, thus strengthening the economic incentives to recycle waste. At the time of writing, the geopolitical situation is uncertain and there are concerns about the prospects for the global economy. In the short term, stock markets around the world are suffering from a dearth of buyers, and the Portfolio is unlikely to be immune from a downward drift in the price of equities. On 18 March 2003 the Company's NAV had fallen further to 47.36p while the share price had dropped to 40.75p. However, in the medium to long term, the directors believe that prospects for the Company remain strong, and that current valuations in the sector are attractive. Richard Bernays 25 March 2003 STATEMENT OF TOTAL RETURN For the period from 7 January 2002 to 31 December 2002 2002 Revenue Capital Total £'000 £'000 £'000 Loss on investments - realised - (5,991) (5,991) - unrealised - (15,642) (15,642) Income 316 - 316 Investment management fee (92) (277) (369) Other expenses (221) - (221) Return on ordinary activities before 3 (21,910) (21,907) taxation Taxation (18) - (18) Return on ordinary activities after (15) (21,910) (21,925) taxation Ordinary dividends payable - - - Transfer from reserves (15) (21,910) (21,925) Return per ordinary share (0.03)p (43.82)p (43.85)p BALANCE SHEET At 31 December 2002 2002 £'000 FIXED ASSETS Investments at market value 26,710 CURRENT ASSETS Income receivable 13 Taxation recoverable 16 Other debtors 9 Cash at bank and in hand 560 598 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Accrued liabilities (108) (108) NET CURRENT ASSETS 490 TOTAL NET ASSETS 27,200 CAPITAL AND RESERVES Share capital 5,000 Share premium account - Share purchase reserve 44,125 Realised capital reserve (6,268) Unrealised capital reserve (15,642) Revenue reserve (15) EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 27,200 Net assets per ordinary share 54.40p CASH FLOW STATEMENT For the period from 7 January 2002 to 31 December 2002 2002 £'000 NET CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES (222) FINANCIAL INVESTMENT Payments to acquire fixed asset investments (62,021) Receipts on disposal of fixed asset investments 13,882 Exchange gains & losses (204) NET CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES (48,343) NET CASH FLOW BEFORE FINANCING (48,565) FINANCING Issue of Share Capital (net of expenses) 49,125 NET CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING 49,125 INCREASE IN CASH 560 NOTES The revenue column on the Statement of Total Return is the profit and loss account of the Company. All revenue and capital items in the above statements derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued during the period. There are no comparatives as this is the Company's first period of operations. Returns per ordinary share are based on the weighted average of 50,000,000 ordinary shares in issue during the period from the commencement of the Company's business operations on 22 February 2002 to 31 December 2002. Net assets per ordinary share are based on 50,000,000 ordinary shares in issue at 31 December 2002. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for the Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies ('SORP'). Dividend The Company's revenue loss after tax and appropriations for the period amounted to £15,000. Therefore, the directors are not proposing that the Company will pay a final dividend. Financial information The financial information set out above does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the period ended 31 December 2002 as defined by section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The financial information for 2002 is derived from the statutory accounts for 2002, which will be delivered to the registrar of companies following the company's annual general meeting. 25 March 2003 Secretary and registered office: Cavendish Administration Limited Crusader House 145-157 St John Street London EC1V 4RU This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
UK 100

Latest directors dealings