Final Results

RNS Number : 2965G
JZ Capital Partners Ltd
06 May 2014
 



 

 

JZ CAPITAL PARTNERS LIMITED (the "Company" or "JZCP")

(a closed-end investment company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 48761)

 

ANNUAL RESULTS FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2014

6 May 2014

 

~ Well positioned to capitalise on attractive investment opportunities

focusing on long-term NAV growth ~

 

JZ Capital Partners, the London listed private equity fund which invests in high-quality US and European micro cap companies, announces its annual results for the twelve month period ended 28 February 2014.

 

Results Highlights

 

·      NAV Total Return of 8.8% including:

Distribution of  US$0.30 per share (FY 28/2/13: US$0.29 per share), implying a dividend yield of 4% (as at 28/2/14) 

Pre-dividend NAV per share growth of 8.8% to US$10.55 (28/2/13: US$9.69)

Post-dividend NAV growth of 5.8% to US$666 million (28/2/13: US$630 million)

·      NAV growth in 19 of the last 20 quarters

Portfolio Highlights

 

·      Significant investment activity with US$150.1 million invested across the US micro cap (US$29.7 million), European micro cap (US$45.1 million) and real estate portfolios (US$75.2 million). 

·      US$72.7 million of proceeds, primarily from the realisation of two investments including the sale of Horsbugh and Scott, and the refinancing of certain Industrial Services Solutions debt.

·      New industry vertical - Logistics Solutions - added to core US micro cap portfolio

 

·      US micro cap portfolio generated EBITDA growth of 31% over the period, on a combined basis

 

·      At the end of the period, the portfolio consisted of 50 companies across 10 industries

 

 

Outlook

·      Positive outlook - improving macro-economic indicators, specialist sector focus and balance sheet strength provide the Company with attractive investment opportunities across all three portfolios

David Zalaznick, JZCP's Founder and Investment Adviser, said: "The Company has had another year of sustained NAV growth driven by strong earnings performance from our core US and European micro cap portfolios and steady progress with our maturing real estate assets in Brooklyn.

 

Our differentiated micro cap strategy, distinct industry verticals and proprietary network continue to provide attractive investment and realisation opportunities for the Company. Early signs of an economic recovery in our core regions of the United States and Europe will further support our ability to generate long-term growth for our shareholders and we approach the next twelve months with confidence."

 

David Macfarlane, Chairman of JZCP, said: "It has been another year of significant progress for the Company, in the first full year following the implementation of several strategic initiatives. The Investment Adviser's disciplined approach to micro cap investing has delivered another period of steady NAV growth and the Company remains well positioned in an improving macro-economic environment.

 

The Board's confidence in the outlook is reflected in the declaration of a dividend of US$0.30 per share, in line with the policy of distributing 3% of NAV per annum."

 

Presentation details:

 

There will be an analyst and investor presentation to discuss JZCP's recent financial performance and portfolio developments at midday on 6 May 2014 at FTI Consulting, 200 Aldersgate, Aldersgate Street, London EC1A 4HD. It can be accessed by dialing +44 (0)20 3427 1912 (UK) or +1 646 254 3360 (US) with the participant access code 3971962.

 

A playback facility will be available two hours after the conference call concludes. This facility may be accessed by dialing +44 (0)20 3427 0598 (UK) or +1 347 366 9565 (US) with the participant access code 3971962.

 

 

For further information:                                                                                                                                               

Ed Berry / Kit Dunford                                                             +44 (0)20 3727 1046 / 1143

FTI Consulting

 

David Zalaznick                                                                       +1 212 572 0800

Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc.

 

Andrew Maiden                                                                      +44 (0) 1481 745368

JZ Capital Partners

 

About JZCP

JZCP is a London and Channel Islands listed private equity fund which invests in high quality US and European micro cap companies. Its objective is to achieve a superior overall return comprised of a current yield and significant capital appreciation. JZCP receives investment advice from Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc. ("JZAI") which is led by David Zalaznick and Jay Jordan. They have worked together for 30 years and are supported by teams of investment professionals in New York, Chicago, London and Madrid. JZAI's experts work with the existing management of micro cap companies to help build better businesses, create value and deliver strong returns for investors. JZCP also invests in mezzanine loans, first and second lien investments and other publicly traded securities.


For more information please visit
www.jzcp.com.

 

The financial information set out below does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the year ended 28 February 2014. All figures are based on the audited financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2014.

 

The announcement is prepared on the same basis as will be set out in the audited financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2014.

 

The annual report and audited financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2014 will shortly be posted to shareholders and will also be available on the company website:  www.jzcp.com.

 

Chairman's Statement

 

I am pleased to report the results of JZ Capital Partners ("JZCP" or the "Company") for the twelve month period ended 28 February 2014.

 

Performance

 

It has been another twelve months of positive NAV growth for the Company in its first full year since the implementation of several strategic initiatives designed to broaden the shareholder base, build on the Company's core micro cap investment strategy and lay the foundation for long-term growth.

 

The Company's differentiated micro cap strategy has continued to provide attractive investment and realisation opportunities in its core geographies, while increased economic optimism and signs of recovery in the US and Eurozone have provided a more stable macro-economic backdrop.

 

Central bank stimulus during the first half of the year paved the way for a strong equity rally as investors increased their appetite for risk. While the US economy grew at a slower annualised pace than the third quarter's 4.1% rate, the final six months of the year delivered the strongest second half since 2003, boosted by exports, consumer spending and business investment. The Eurozone and one of our core markets, Spain, emerged from a two-year recession, with export growth and companies becoming more confident, while ratings agencies raised their outlook for Spain on signs of economic improvement.

 

Uncertainty across global markets, particularly in developing countries leading up to and in the aftermath of the US Federal Reserve's tapering announcement, partially offset some of the strong equity gains. The end of the fiscal year was dominated by political turmoil in Ukraine and with the outcome still uncertain, the conflict continues to weigh heavily on the surer footing that the global economy had built during the year.

 

Against this economic backdrop, the Company delivered another year of steady NAV growth, driven by a positive performance across the underlying portfolio. The Company's NAV (including dividends paid) grew 8.8% to US$10.55, from US$9.69 (FY12). This marks the 19th quarter of positive NAV growth out of the last 20 quarterly periods, reflecting the quality of the Company's portfolio and unrivalled micro cap expertise of JZAI, the Investment Adviser. 

 

Portfolio update

 

There has been significant investment activity during the year with the Company putting US$150.1 million to work across the three main portfolios - US micro cap, European micro cap and real estate, which represent 51% 28% and 17% of NAV respectively. 

 

Operationally, the underlying portfolio continues to deliver, with US micro cap businesses generating increased EBIDTA of 21 per cent over the period, on a combined basis. This has been achieved through the strong operational focus of the experienced industry professional responsible for each of the US micro cap industry 'verticals'.


The Board has been particularly pleased with the micro cap investments which remain the Company's strategic focus and main driver of NAV growth. We have introduced a new vertical this year, Logistics Solutions, focusing on companies in the specialised transport and logistics industry. The first investment in this vertical was a 30.5% acquisition in Priority Express, offering same-day express delivery services to laboratories, hospitals and health systems and pharmaceutical organisations.

 

Our exposure to the European micro cap sector continues to complement and diversify the US micro cap portfolio and is a strategically important segment of the business. The Board is pleased with the significant progress within the European micro cap portfolio which now consists of seven investments in Spain, one UK-based company and one German company, representing an increase of US$77.4 million. The Company continues to explore attractive investment opportunities in Europe through its investment in the EuroMicrocap Fund, 2010 LP.

 

The Investment Adviser's disciplined and opportunistic approach to value investing continues to lead to a healthy investment pipeline in the real estate sector, where it replicates its proven micro cap strategy of buying businesses at reasonable values in conjunction with excellent management teams.

 

The Company invested 66.7 million to acquire interests in 13 retail and residential properties in rapidly growing areas in Brooklyn to bring the total number of properties in which the Company is interested within the real estate portfolio to 19.

 

The Company is making steady progress in establishing a new, previously announced asset management business in the US that will address the growing demand from endowments and pension funds for fiduciary management services. We look forward to updating the market on the progress of these investments later in the year.

 

Realisations  

 

There have been two significant realisations generating most of the US$72.7 million received during 2013. The Company realised its investment in Horsburgh and Scott, a manufacturer of large diameter gears for US$38.6 million. It was purchased in 2007 and earned a multiple of capital invested of 1.8x and an IRR of 13%. The Company also refinanced US$26.4 million of JZCP-held investments in the Industrial Services Solutions ("ISS") vertical with a senior debt facility.

 

Distributions

 

In accordance with their policy of distributing 3 per cent of NAV per annum in two equal instalments, the Directors declared a second Dividend of 16 cents per share for the six months ended 28 February 2014, compared to 15 cents for the period ended 28 February 2013. Having already paid a first interim dividend of 14.5 cents, this implies an annualised yield as at 28 February 2014 of 4%.

 

NAV Discount

 

Against this positive background and performance, the discount to NAV at which JZCP's shares stand in the market is disappointing. The Directors' view remains that, while all available options are regularly assessed, the conventional discount control devices have no long-term effect for a listed private equity company and that the solution to the issue lies in a clear explanation of strategy and transparent reporting, coupled with continued outstanding performance. We strive to achieve high standards of reporting and we are confident that performance will be delivered, noting particularly, the interest through their own substantial investment in JZCP that our Investment Adviser, JZAI, have in delivering that.


Outlook

 

We approach the next twelve months with confidence and a continued commitment to providing superior returns for our shareholders, through both capital and income appreciation.

 

The Board is encouraged by a pipeline of high quality potential investments in the US, particularly through the verticals, and quality existing and prospective investments in Europe. Positive macroeconomic indicators and a strong balance sheet means the Company is well positioned to capitalise on attractive investment opportunities in its core markets. The Company will continue to focus on long-term NAV growth and preserving shareholder value.

 

Special business at AGM

Shareholders will note that at current value, JZCP's European investments constitute approximately 23.3% of its total portfolio. Under JZCP's existing investment policy, the proportion of the Company's gross assets which it is permitted to invest in businesses outside the United States is limited to 30%.

 

This situation arises as a result of the continuing availability of outstanding investment opportunities in Europe and the success of the investments that we have already made. In these circumstances the Directors seek shareholders authority to increase this proportion to 40% and an ordinary resolution to this effect will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting. Whilst there is immediate pressure on the ceiling, the maturity of parts of the European portfolio is such that realisations might be expected, although the Directors would in the light of opportunities currently available, expect a continued significant commitment to investment in Europe.

 

The Board is also seeking an authority from shareholders to allot ordinary shares for cash on a non pre-emptive basis equivalent to up to 10% of its issued share ordinary share capital. The Board is considering methods of raising additional capital and this would allow it greater flexibility to do so. The Board would not raise capital at a discount to NAV.

 

David Macfarlane

Chairman

2 May 2014

 

Report of the Directors

 

The Directors present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of JZ Capital Partners Limited (the "Company") for the year ended 28 February 2014.

 

Principal activities

JZ Capital Partners Limited is a closed-ended investment company with limited liability which was incorporated in Guernsey on 14 April 2008 under The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 1994. The Company is subject to The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. The Company's Share Capital consists of Ordinary shares and Zero Dividend Preference ("ZDP") shares. The Ordinary and ZDP shares were admitted to the official list of the London Stock Exchange ("LSE") on 27 June 2008.

 

The Company's objective is to create a portfolio of investments in businesses primarily in the United States, providing a superior overall return comprised of a current yield and significant capital appreciation. The Company's present strategies include investments in micro cap buyouts, mezzanine loans (sometimes with equity participations) and high yield securities, senior secured debt and second lien loans, real estate and other debt and equity opportunities, including distressed debt and structured financings, derivatives and opportunistic purchases of publicly traded securities.

 

The Company's Ordinary shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange's Specialist Fund Market and the Company is also listed on the Channel Islands Securities Exchange ("CISE").

 

Business review

The total profit attributable to Ordinary shareholders for the year ended 28 February 2014 was US$55,454,000 (year ended 28 February 2013: profit of US$35,850,000). The revenue return for the year was US$29,178,000 (year ended 28 February 2013: US$27,113,000), after charging directors fees and administrative expenses of US$2,486,000 (year ended 28 February 2013: US$2,785,000) and Investment Adviser's base fee of US$11,220,000 (year ended 28 February 2013: US$10,707,000). The revenue return for the year includes a write back of an income incentive of US$4,411,000 charged against the revenue return for the year ended 29 February 2012. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Company at the year end was US$666,456,000 (28 February 2013: US$630,182,000) equal to US$10.25 (28 February 2013: US$9.69) per Ordinary share.

 

For the year ended 28 February 2014, the Company had US$7,296,000 of cash outflows resulting from operating activities (year ended 28 February 2013: inflows of US$2,196,000).

 

A review of the Company's activities and performance is detailed in the Chairman's Statement and the Investment Adviser's Report. The valuation of the listed and unlisted investments is detailed below.

 

Dividends

It is the Board's policy to distribute an amount equivalent to 3% of the Company's net assets in the form of dividends.

 

For the year ended 28 February 2014 an interim dividend of 14.5 cents per Ordinary share (total US$9,427,698) was declared by the Board on 16 October 2013 and paid on 13 October 2013.

 

A second interim dividend of 16 cents per Ordinary share (total US$10,402,978) was declared by the Board on 2 May 2014.

 

Directors

The Directors listed below are all non-executive and, with the exception of Christopher Waldron, who was appointed to the Board on 21 October 2013, have served on the Board throughout the year and were in office at the end of the year and subsequent to the date of this report.

 

David Macfarlane (Chairman)

Patrick Firth

James Jordan

Tanja Tibaldi

Christoper Waldron

 

All Directors are independent.

 

Annual General Meeting

The Company's Annual General Meeting is due to be held on 19 June 2014.

 

Share capital and purchase of own shares

Details of the ZDP shares and the Ordinary shares can be found in Notes 17 and 18. During the year the Company did not buy back any of its own shares.

 

The beneficial interests of the Directors in the Ordinary shares of the Company are shown below:

 





Number of




Ordinary shares


Number of





Ordinary shares




purchased/


Ordinary shares





1 March 2013




(sold)


28 February 2014

David Macfarlane



50,000




            -


50,000

James Jordan



30,000




            -


30,000

Tanja Tibaldi



2,000




            -


2,000

Patrick Firth



                  -




     4,000


4,000

Christopher Waldron



                  -




     2,000


2,000
















82,000




     6,000


88,000

 

None of the Directors held any interest in the Zero Dividend Preference Shares during the year. There have been no changes in the Directors' interests between 28 February 2014 and the date of this report.

 

Discount management programme

The Directors review the share price in relation to Net Asset Value on a regular basis and determine whether to take any action to manage the discount. For additional information refer to Note 19 of the Financial Statements.

 

Substantial shareholders

As at 28 February 2014 and at the date of this report the Company has been notified in accordance with applicable listing rules of the following interests in the Ordinary share capital of the Company:

 


As at 28 February 2014


As at 30 April 2014


Ordinary


% of Ordinary


Ordinary

% of Ordinary


shares


shares


shares

shares

Edgewater Growth Capital Partners

13,494,037


20.75%


13,494,037

20.75%

John. W. Jordan

7,719,240


11.87%


7,719,240

11.87%

David. W. Zalaznick

7,717,377


11.87%


7,717,377

11.87%

Rothschild Wealth Management

5,609,498


8.63%


5,527,429

8.50%

Third Avenue Management LLC

5,076,656


7.81%


5,076,656

7.81%

Abrams Capital Management L.P.

4,914,389


7.56%


4,914,389

7.56%

Leucadia Financial Corporation

4,527,563


6.96%


4,527,563

6.96%

 

The percentage of Ordinary shares shown above represents the ownership of voting rights at the year end, before weighting for votes on Directors.

 

It is the responsibility of the shareholders to notify the Company of any change to their shareholdings when it reaches 3% of shares in issue and any change which moves up or down through any whole percentage figure above 3%.

 

Ongoing charges

Ongoing charges for the years ended 28 February 2014 and 28 February 2013 have been prepared in accordance with the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC") recommended methodology. The Ongoing charges for the year ended 28 February 2014 were 2.14 per cent. (28 February 2013: 2.22 per cent.) excluding incentive fees and 3.54 per cent. including incentive fees (28 February 2013: 3.69 per cent.).

 

Principal risks and uncertainties

As an investment fund, our principal risks are those that are associated with our investment portfolio. Given the nature of the portfolio, the principal risks are associated with the financial and operating performance of the underlying investments, along with market risk associated with the publicly-listed equities.

 

Statement of Directors' responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ("IFRS") and the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and its profit or loss for that period.  International Accounting Standard 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements requires that financial statements present fairly for each financial period the Company's financial position, financial performance and cash flows. This requires the faithful representation of the effects of transactions, other events and conditions in accordance with the definitions and recognition criteria for assets, liabilities, income and expenses set out in the International Accounting Standards Board's "Framework for the preparation and presentation of financial statements". In virtually all circumstances a fair presentation will be achieved by compliance with all applicable International Financial Reporting Standards.

 

In preparing Financial Statements the Directors are required to:

 

* ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the Memorandum & Articles of Incorporation and IFRS;

 

* select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;

 

* present information including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable

  Information

 

* make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

 

* prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will

  continue in business; and

* provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements of IFRS is insufficient to enable users to

  understand the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the Company's financial position and financial

  performance.

 

The Directors confirm that they have complied with these requirements in preparing the Financial Statements.

 

Responsibility statement of the Directors in respect of the Financial Statements

 

Each of the Directors confirms to the best of each person's knowledge and belief that:

 

(a)   The Annual Report and Accounts have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and give a true and fair view of the financial position and profit of the Company as at and for the year ended 28 February 2014.

 

(b)   The Annual Report includes information detailed in the Chairman's Report, Investment Adviser's, Investment Manager's and Directors' Reports, Audit Committee Report and Notes to the Annual Financial Statements required by:

 

(i)             DTR 4.1.8 and DTR 4.1.9 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being a fair review of the development and performance of the Company business and the position of the Company together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company; and

 

(ii)            DTR 4.1.11 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred since the end of the financial year and the likely future development of the Company.

 

Directors' statement

So far as each of the Directors is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditor is unaware, and each Director has taken all the steps they ought to have taken as a Director to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditor is aware of that information. In the opinion of the Board, the Annual Report and Accounts taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the information necessary to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy.

 

Approved by the Board of Directors and agreed on behalf of the Board on 2 May 2014.

 

David Macfarlane                                                                                                

Chairman

                                                                                                               

Patrick Firth

Director

 

Audit Committee Report

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

On the following pages, we present the Audit Committee's Report for 2014, setting out the responsibilities of the Audit Committee and its key activities in 2013/2014. The Audit Committee has reviewed the Company's financial reporting, the independence and effectiveness of the external auditor and the internal control and risk management systems of the Company's service providers. In order to assist the Audit Committee in discharging these responsibilities, regular reports are received and reviewed from the Investment Manager, Administrator and external auditor. Following its review of the independence and effectiveness of the Company's external auditors, the Audit Committee has recommended to the Board that Ernst & Young LLP be reappointed as auditor, which the Board has submitted for approval to the Company's Members.

 

A member of the Audit Committee will continue to be available at each Annual General Meeting to respond to any shareholder questions on the activities of the Audit Committee.

 

Responsibilities

The terms of reference of the Audit Committee include the requirement to:

•       monitor the integrity of the published Financial Statements of the Company

•       review and report to the Board on the significant issues and judgements made in the preparation of the Company's published Financial Statements, (having regard to matters communicated by the external auditors) and other financial information

•       monitor and review the quality and effectiveness of the external auditors and their independence

•       consider and make recommendations to the Board on the appointment, reappointment, replacement and remuneration of the Company's external auditor

•       review the Company's procedures for prevention, detection and reporting of fraud, bribery and corruption

•       monitor and review the internal control and risk management systems of the service providers

•       consider and make representations to the Board regarding Directors' remuneration.

 

The Audit Committee's full terms of reference can be viewed on the Company's website www.JZCP.com.

 

Key activities of the Audit Committee

The following sections discuss the assessments made by the Audit Committee during the period:

 

Financial Reporting:

The Audit Committee's review of the Annual Financial Statements focused on the following significant areas:

 

Valuation of investments:

The fair value of the Company's unlisted securities at 28 February 2014 was US$654,209,000 accounting for substantially all of the net assets of the Company. The Committee has concentrated on ensuring the Investment Manager has applied appropriate valuation methodologies to these investments in producing the net asset value of the Company.

 

Members of the Audit Committee meet the Investment Adviser at least annually to discuss the valuation process. The Committee gains comfort in the valuations produced by reviewing the methodologies used. The valuations were challenged and approved by the Audit Committee in a recent visit to the Investment Adviser. The Audit Committee has thus satisfied itself that the valuation techniques are appropriate and accurate.

 

Ownership of investments:

The Audit Committee considered the ownership of the investments  held by the Company as at 28 February 2014 to be substantiated from confirmations  provided by the Investment Manager,  Custodian and Administrator. Following a review of the presentations and reports from the Administrator and consulting where necessary with the external auditor, the Audit Committee is satisfied that the Company duly owns its investments which are correctly stated in the Annual Report and Accounts.

 

NAV based fees

The Board has identified that there is a risk that management and incentives fees which are calculated based on the NAV of the Company could potentially be misstated if there were to be an error in the calculation of the NAV. However, as each monthly NAV calculation is approved by the Investment Adviser and the year end NAV has been audited, the Board are satisfied that the fees have been correctly calculated as stated in the Annual Report and Accounts.

 

The external auditor reported to the Audit Committee that no material misstatements were found in the course of their work. Furthermore, the Investment Manager and Administrator confirmed to the Audit Committee that they were not aware of any material misstatements including matters relating to financial statement presentation. The Audit Committee confirms that it is satisfied that the external auditor has fulfilled its responsibilities with diligence and professional scepticism. The Audit Committee advised the Board that this annual report and accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable.

 

During the year the Audit Committee considered the early adoption of the 'Investment Entities' amendment to IFRS10. The amendment was endorsed by the European Union on 21 November 2013 and as such was formally early adopted by the Company for the preparation of these Financial Statements.

 

Risk Management:

The Audit Committee continued to consider the process for managing the risk of the Company and its service providers. Risk management procedures for the Company, as detailed in the Company's risk assessment matrix, were reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee. There were no issues noted during the year.

 

Fraud, Bribery and Corruption:

The Audit Committee continues to monitor the fraud, bribery and corruption policies of the Company. The Board receives a confirmation from all service providers that there have been no instances of fraud or bribery.

 

The external auditor

Independence, objectivity and fees:

The independence and objectivity of the external auditor is reviewed by the Audit Committee which also reviews the terms under which the external auditor is appointed to perform non-audit services. The Audit Committee has established pre-approval policies and procedures for the engagement of the auditor to provide non-audit and assurance services.

 

These are that the external auditors may not provide a service which:

places them in a position to audit their own work

creates a mutuality of interest

results in the external auditor developing close relationships with service providers of the Company

results in the external auditor functioning as a manager or employee of the Company

puts the external auditor in the role of advocate of the Company

 

As a general rule, the Company does not utilise external auditors for internal audit purposes, secondments or valuation advice. Services which are in the nature of audit, such as tax compliance, tax structuring, private letter rulings, accounting advice, quarterly reviews and disclosure advice are normally permitted but will be pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

 

The following table summarises the remuneration paid to Ernst & Young LLP and to other Ernst & Young LLP member firms for audit services during the year ended 28 February 2014.

 

 








01.03.13









to 28.02.14

Ernst & Young LLP







 - Annual audit







£107,500

 - Auditor's interim review






£25,500

Other Ernst & Young LLP affiliates






 - Passive Foreign Investment Company tax services




$65,000

 

In line with the policies and procedures above, the Audit Committee does not consider that the provision of these non-audit services, which comprised determining whether the Company is a passive foreign investment company as defined by the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, to be a threat to the objectivity and independence of the external auditor.

 

Performance and effectiveness:

During the period, when considering the effectiveness of the external auditor, the Audit Committee has taken into account the following factors:-

the audit plan presented to them before each audit;

the post audit report including variations from the original plan;

changes in audit personnel;

the external auditor's own internal procedures to identify threats to independence; and

feedback received from both the Investment Adviser and Administrator.

 

The Audit Committee reviewed and challenged the audit plan and the post audit report of the external auditor and concluded that the audit plan sufficiently identified audit risks and that the post audit report indicated that the audit risks were sufficiently addressed and that there were no variations from the audit plan. The Audit Committee considered reports from the external auditor on their procedures to identify threats to independence and concluded that the procedures were sufficient to identify potential threats to independence.

 

There were no significant adverse findings from this evaluation.

 

The Audit Committee has examined the scope and results of the audit, its cost effectiveness and the independence and objectivity of the external auditor and considers Ernst & Young LLP, as external auditor, to be independent of the Company.

 

Reappointment of external auditor:

Consequent to this review process, the Audit Committee has recommended to the Board that a resolution be put to the 2014 Annual General Meeting for the reappointment of Ernst & Young LLP as external auditor. The Board has accepted this recommendation.

 

Internal control and risk management systems

Additional work performed by the Audit Committee in the areas of internal control and risk management are disclosed below.

 

The Audit Committee has also reviewed the need for an internal audit function. The Audit Committee has decided that the systems and procedures employed by the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, including the Administrator's internal audit function, provide sufficient assurance that a sound system of internal control, which safeguards the Company's assets, is maintained. An internal audit function specific to the Company is therefore considered unnecessary.

 

In finalising the Annual Report and Accounts for recommendation to the Board for approval, the Audit Committee has satisfied itself that the Annual Report and Accounts taken as a whole are fair, balanced and understandable.

 

The Audit Committee Report was approved by the Board on 2 May 2014 and signed on behalf by:

 

Patrick Firth

Chairman, Audit Committee

 

Investment Adviser's Report

 

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

 

We are pleased to report that JZCP's pre-dividend NAV grew 8.8 per cent in the fiscal year ended 28 February 2014, from US$9.69 as of 1 March 2013 to US$10.55 as of 28 February 2014, continuing JZCP's trend in NAV growth seen in every year since our recapitalisation in 2009. The steady NAV growth was again underpinned by positive performance from the underlying assets across the various portfolios. Post-dividend NAV increased 5.8 per cent during the same period, taking into account US$0.30 in dividend distributions made over the past year. 2014 marks the second full year of our new dividend policy of distributing 3 percent of NAV in semi-annual payments; at our stock price as of 31 March 2014, the implied dividend yield was 4.0 per cent.

 

JZCP had an active investment period for the fiscal year ended 28 February 2014, putting US$150.1 million to work across our three primary portfolios - US micro cap, European micro cap and real estate. During the same period, we received US$72.7 million in proceeds from realisations, primarily through asset sales and the refinancing of JZCP-held debt.

 

JZCP's underlying portfolio companies performed well on an operating basis during the fiscal year ended 28 February 2014. On a combined basis, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA") of all our US micro cap businesses increased 31% per cent over that period though a decent portion of the growth came from one co-investment.

 

As of 28 February 2014, our US micro cap portfolio was valued at 7.3x EBITDA, after applying an average 27 per cent marketability discount.  The underlying leverage senior to JZCP's position in our U.S. micro cap portfolio grew from 1.0x to 1.8x EBITDA, as certain of our portfolio companies demonstrated an ability to support greater leverage. Consistent with our value oriented investment philosophy, we acquired our US micro cap portfolio at a combined 5.9x EBITDA. Additionally, despite a very pricey acquisition market, we paid just 5.5x EBITDA on average for US micro cap acquisitions made during the year ended 28 February 2014.

 

Our European micro cap portfolio, currently consisting of seven Spanish companies, one UK-based company and one German company, was valued at a combined 7.3x EBITDA multiple at 28 February 2014, after a 30 per cent marketability discount.  European acquisition multiples are lower than their U.S. counterparts; for acquisitions made during the year ended 28 February 2014, we paid, in cash, 3.1x EBITDA. The European micro cap portfolio has very little debt senior to JZCP's position, under 2.0x EBITDA.

 

We had two significant realisations in the most recent fiscal year. The first involves one of our US micro cap investments, Horsburgh and Scott, a manufacturer of large diameter gears, which we acquired in November 2007. In March 2013, we sold Horsburgh and Scott, realising cumulative proceeds of US$38.6 million on our US$21.8 million investment, for a 1.8x multiple of capital invested and a 13 per cent IRR. Given that we had been writing this investment up over time, there was a negligible effect on NAV.

 

We also refinanced US$26.3 million of JZCP-held investments in our Industrial Services Solutions ("ISS") vertical with a senior debt facility, as these businesses demonstrated they could prudently support increased third-party leverage.

 

Investing in micro cap companies has historically been the main driver of NAV growth and will continue to be so. We continue to be active in our five established business sectors, or "verticals," (Industrial Services Solution ("ISS"), Sensors Solutions, Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management, Water Services, and Testing Services) and we are excited to have introduced a new vertical this year, Logistics Solutions.

 

Individual verticals are managed by an experienced industry professional, who is involved in both making acquisitions and helping each business grow organically and through synergies with other portfolio companies. For these activities, we invest with Edgewater Growth Capital Partners; together, we take a majority position in all of our verticals. We are also growing our micro cap portfolio by co-investing with other well-known US buyout firms whose operational focus in buying and managing small businesses overlaps with ours.

 

We are now approaching our third year of investing in the real estate sector; specifically, redevelopment of properties in gentrifying neighbourhoods in Brooklyn, NY. We are applying the same disciplined approach to these investments that we have always used; buying properties at reasonable values (non-auction) in partnerships with a management team that can add considerable value.

 

Our newly established asset management business in the US is also taking firm root, and will address the growing demand from endowments, foundations and corporate pension funds for fiduciary management services.

 

NAV Growth

For the fiscal year ended 28 February 2014, JZCP's NAV increased from US$9.69 per share to US$10.55, an 8.8 per cent increase (before the US$0.30 of dividends paid in the period). The chart below details the changes in NAV on a per share basis:

 

Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share as of 28 February 2013





$9.69










+ Change in Private Investments








       0.70










+ Change in Public Investments








       0.23










+ Income from Investments








       0.48










+ Escrows received








       0.03










- ZDP Dividend Accrual








      (0.11)










- Fees and Expenses








      (0.35)










+/- Other








      (0.12)










Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share (before dividends)






$10.55

- Dividends Paid








      (0.30)










Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share as of 28 February 2014





 $10.25










 

The US$0.70 increase in the value of our private investments is primarily due to an increase in earnings of the underlying entities. The US micro cap portfolio contributed US$0.17 to this increase, primarily due to increased earnings at: Milestone Aviation Group, the helicopter leasing business (US$0.07); our water vertical (US$0.05); our sensors vertical (US$0.06); Nationwide Studios (US$0.04); and Justrite Manufacturing, an industrial safety co-investment (US$0.04).  Offsetting these increases were decreases in (a) Healthcare Products Holdings, our power wheelchair company (US$0.10), as lower Medicare-sponsored prices hurt earnings and (b) MEDS Holdings, our healthcare revenue cycle management business (US$0.03), which was hurt by since-rectified management issues. 

 

The European micro cap portfolio increased US$0.50, spurred by a US$0.63 increase in Factor Energia, our Spanish energy reseller, due to both increased earnings and a multiple increase. Grupo Ombuds, our personal and commercial security business, increased US$0.02 following the successful repositioning of its business. Offsetting these increases were write-downs at (a) gold reseller Oro Direct (US$0.13), hurt by falling gold prices and a government mandated investigation into the gold resale industry, and (b) Xacom (US$0.04), which was affected by delayed shipments of new products, although those shipments have begun again.  

 

We have increased the value of one of the Fulton Mall real estate properties by US$.03, given positive movement in comparable properties values.

 

Safety Insurance, the only listed equity investment of material size, increased US$0.16.

 

Returns

The chart below summarises the cumulative total NAV returns and total shareholder returns for the most recent three-month period, fiscal year and four-year period following our refinancing and restructuring in June 2009.

 



As at


Since


Since


Since












28/02/2014


30/11/2013


28/02/2013


28/02/2010










Share Price (in GBP)


£4.45


£4.45


£5.00


£2.73










Dividends paid (in US Cents)


              -  


             -  


 $0.30


$1.00










Total Shareholders' return


              -  


0%


-7%


86%










NAV per share (in USD)


$10.25


$9.94


$9.69


$7.04










NAV total returns


              -  


3%


9%


60%










NAV to market price discount


27%


27%


22%


41%

Despite our rarely selling an investment for less than its carrying value, the market continues to undervalue our assets; as of 28 February 2014, our stock traded at a 27 per cent discount to NAV, compared to 22 per cent a year ago.

Portfolio Summary

Our portfolio is well diversified across 50 businesses and 10 industries, and continues to become more diversified geographically as we grow our European portfolio. Given the tough investing market from 2008 to 2011, it is not surprising that 70 per cent of our portfolio is less than three years old.

Below is a summary of JZCP's assets at 28 February 2014 as compared to 28 February 2013. As you will note, both our European micro cap portfolio and our real estate portfolio increased by US$79.3 million, due to the acquisition activity described below.



Number of







Investments


28/02/2014


28/02/2013



as at 28/02/2014


US$'000


US$'000

US micro cap portfolio


35


    341,561


     342,567

European investments


9


    186,781


     107,463

Real estate portfolio


10


    112,296


      30,860

Other portfolio


6


      13,571


      22,374

Total private investments


60


    654,209


     503,264








Listed equity


2


      65,423


      55,069

Listed corporate bonds


1


      16,415


      26,450

Bank debt


1


      11,810


      11,690

UK treasury gilts


 -


      43,292


      31,809

Cash


 -


      11,372


     102,740

Total Listed Investments (including cash)


4


    148,312


     227,758

 

Note that we have continued our program of holding highly rated listed corporate bonds as a means of earning an enhanced return on our cash. Currently, Goldman Sachs is the sole obligor of these bonds, which mature in January 2017. During the fiscal year ended 28 February 2014, as in previous periods, we purchased UK Gilts with an eye toward the 2016 maturity date of our ZDPs.

 

US micro cap portfolio

 

As mentioned, we have written this portfolio up by US$0.17, led by increased earnings at a number of our portfolio companies.

 

New US investments - verticals

Our activity during the period focused on ensuring the efficient operation of our most recent investments, coupled with selected high-quality new investments.

 

We added to our five existing industry sectors by starting a new vertical, Logistics Solutions, to be managed by Bruce Parker. Bruce built his career managing various transportation and logistics companies, including serving as an officer of Ryder System, Inc. and United Airlines as well as CEO of AirNet Systems, Inc. Our first investment in this vertical was Priority Express, which provides same-day express delivery services to reference laboratories, hospitals and health systems, pharmacy organisations and various other companies located primarily in the greater Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley regions of Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey and southern New York. The company provides both scheduled courier services as well as on-demand delivery. We invested US$8.0 million in 10 per cent senior notes and US$4.4 million in preferred equity. Post-close, JZCP owns 30.5 per cent of the combined entity on a fully-diluted basis.

 

We purchased Amerimex, an addition to our Industrial Services Solutions vertical managed by Jim Rogers, a former GE senior manager. Amerimex specialises in new and remanufactured alternating current ("AC") traction motors, new blowers and remanufactured direct current ("DC") traction motors for application in oil & gas (traditional drilling and hydraulic fracturing), marine and dredging industries. The company also repairs industrial AC and DC motors for a broad range of applications. JZCP invested US$4.1 million in 10 per cent PIK preferred equity. In addition to the preferred equity provided by the sponsors, a US$10.0 million term loan was provided by a third-party financing institution. Post-close, JZCP owns 30.6 per cent of the combined entity on a fully-diluted basis.

 

Post period (March 2014), we purchased Premier Safety, an add-on acquisition to Argus-Hazco, our industrial hygiene equipment supplier and lessor of our Testing Holdings vertical. This small acquisition helps expand Argus' geographic footprint into Pittsburgh, PA and its surrounding areas. Premier has developed a reputation as a quality provider of both products and services. JZCP assisted in the purchase of this business by investing in US$1.7 million of senior notes, already owning 30.5 per cent of Premier Safety though our existing holding company.

 

Recently, we purchased MedFin, our second investment in the healthcare revenue cycle management vertical.  MedFin is based in Sarasota, FL and has an office in Kolkata, India. The company specialises exclusively in billing, practice management and outsourcing services for anesthesiology physician and nurse groups and ambulatory surgery centers ("ASCs"). The company's anesthesiology and nurse group clients contract with healthcare facilities (hospitals and ASCs) to provide anesthesia services and outsource their billing and practice management operations to MedFin. ASC clients own and operate the surgery centers that contract with or employ the anesthesiologists/nurses. ASC clients choose to outsource their practice management or billing operations to MedFin. Investing US$3.8 million in debt and US$3.3 million in stock, both directly and through the Bolder Healthcare Solutions holding entity, JZCP owns approximately 28 per cent of MedFin.

 

European micro cap portfolio

 

JZCP is investing in the European micro cap sector through its 75 per cent ownership of the European Microcap Fund ("EMC"). Exposure to the European micro cap sector continues to complement and diversify JZCP's existing US micro cap portfolio. As you may recall, EMC has offices in London and Madrid and an outstanding team with over ten years of investment experience in European micro cap deals. As of 28 February 2014, EMC has made seven investments in Spain, one investment in the UK and one investment in Germany, which combined represent 28 per cent of total NAV.

 

As mentioned previously, Factor Energia, our Spanish energy reseller, led the increase in the European micro cap portfolio (US$0.50).

 

New European investments 

In the fiscal year ending 28 February 2014, we made four investments into the European micro cap portfolio.

 

One World Packaging is a business we spun out of a larger, traditional packaging company in Spain. One World Packaging manufactures disposable trays for the food service industry in Spain and throughout Europe. This proprietary product is unique in that it outperforms plastic and is biodegradable. The company plans to sell the product to large food manufacturers and distributors in European countries which value environmentally friendly and sustainable products. EMC purchased 70 per cent of One World Packaging for €5.0 million in April 2013 and will support the company's development.

 

EMC co-invested £9.5 million to acquire 36 per cent of the Winn Group, a successful UK legal services firm specialising in personal injury cases and claims management. The Winn Group also provides replacement car hire, credit repair advice and medical treatment services. Founded in 2002, the Winn Group employs nearly 300 people in Newcastle and is well positioned to benefit from the rapid consolidation of the personal injury sector in the UK due to its efficient business model. EMC's investment will further enhance the Winn Group's strong growth trajectory.

 

EMC also invested €7.7 million to acquire 25.2 per cent of Fidor Bank, an innovative and fast growing online German bank.  Founded in 2003, Fidor Bank is one of the only banks in Europe to allow customers to transfer money through social media.  Additionally, Fidor Bank provides deposit and savings accounts, foreign exchange transactions, credit cards and crowd-funding, which enables small businesses to secure financing from individual lenders. The bank's deposit book in the year to 31 December 2013 increased from €156 million to €201 million, while its lending portfolio grew from €90 million to €150 million. As of December 31, 2013, Fidor Bank had 250,000 customers and is listed on the Open Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

 

EMC invested €10.5 million, alongside Avenue Capital Group, in a newly created vehicle, Toro Finance, which will provide short-term receivables financing to the suppliers of major Spanish companies. In addition, JZCP is participating with Avenue Capital Group in current pay securities on top of the capital structure. To date, JZCP has lent about €8.0 million and anticipates another €8.0 million to be funded this year. Toro Finance will draw on the track record of JZCP's European advisers who have worked with businesses on the continent for more than a decade. Toro Finance will also benefit from Avenue Capital Group's expertise investing in finance companies globally and strong presence in Europe, having invested more than €11.0 billion throughout the continent over the past 10 years. JZCP's total US$31 million commitment will, together with Toro Finance's management, purchase 50 per cent of Toro Finance's equity. The venture is off to a fast start and we look forward to continuing to report our progress.

 

Real estate portfolio

Our careful, value approach to investing has led to some exciting opportunities in the real estate sector. It is important to note that we are applying the same disciplined approach to these investments as we have always used in our micro cap portfolio; buying entities at reasonable prices in conjunction with excellent management teams. We are purchasing these properties through the JZCP Realty Fund.

 

Starting in April 2012, we began assembling a portfolio of properties, both retail and residential, in Brooklyn, a borough of New York City that has experienced rapid gentrification in certain neighbourhoods. The management team we are backing is RedSky Capital, a Brooklyn-based real estate and development and management company.

 

On its own, Brooklyn would be the fourth largest city in the United States, and demographic projections suggest that significant growth is anticipated in the next ten years. It has 2.5 million people, approximately the same size as Chicago in terms of population.

 

Brooklyn is in the early stages of a renaissance where areas that have been historically industrial, low-income and/or artist communities are beginning to see seismic population changes, fuelled by an influx of young and affluent ex-Manhattan residents in search of more space and a trendier community that embraces a relaxed, artistic and young lifestyle.

 

In the fiscal year ended 28 February 2014, JZCP, together with RedSky acquired 13 properties. Since we began investing with RedSky in April 2012, we have acquired, a total of 19 properties. The current capitalisation of the existing portfolio is approximately US$400 million, with US$176 million in total equity, of which US$100 million was funded by separate JZ REIT entities. The properties are located in the Williamsburg, Flatbush, Greenpoint and the Fulton Mall areas of Brooklyn.

 

The first acquired property is almost a square block on Bedford Avenue, in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn; JZCP's investment is US$16.5 million.  This retail/residential building is in a premier location of an area that is in the biggest and most valuable retail redevelopment in Northern Brooklyn. Renovation is currently taking place.

 

The second acquired property  involved a JZCP investment of US$3.5 million in the Flatbush area, across the street from the entrance to the newly opened US$1.2 billion Barclays Center, a 20,000 person arena in Brooklyn, home to the NBA franchise Brooklyn Nets. The Barclays Center has been the focus of a newly revitalised neighbourhood in the center of Brooklyn. Our team plans to renovate the building and build an additional floor and premium signage and lease it to a sports retailer.

 

The third investment, with a total investment by JZCP of US$14.5 million, is an assemblage of three contiguous properties on the Fulton Mall area, the third largest retail centre in New York City and second only to Times Square in terms of transit density. Our plans are to raze these buildings and rebuild, alongside City Point, a large mall anchored by Target.

 

We paid US$12.1 million for three properties on Flatbush Avenue, for both retail and residential use. Near the Barclays Center, these properties are well situated to take advantage of the influx of higher-end shoppers and residents in part driven by the Barclays Center's success.

 

JZCP invested US$8.2 million for two mixed use development properties on Driggs Avenue, which is adjacent to Bedford Avenue, where our first Williamsburg property is located. We plan on developing these properties and renting to a national retailer looking to create a footprint in this up-and-coming area of Brooklyn.

 

We invested US$32.8 million to acquire a 49 per cent interest in a development site on the Greenpoint waterfront in Brooklyn. The site allows for development of 652,000 square feet of residential and retail space, and includes a pier which acts as the Greenpoint terminal location for the East River Ferry. In conjunction with our partner, we plan on partnering with a large New York City development firm to build a residential tower on the site, containing both market rate and affordable housing, as well as 100,000 square feet of retail space.

 

Finally, we invested US$15.3 million to purchase several properties in Williamsburg, again nearby to the first property we purchased, with an eye to redevelop and re-tenant the retail and residential properties into a Class A mixed use area.

 

Other assets

We have made great strides toward launching a new portfolio company, Spruceview Capital Partners, an asset management business. As previously reported, we have recruited as our management partners, Richard Sabo (CEO) and David Russ (CIO). Most recently, Richard Sabo served as Chief Investment Officer of Global Pension and Retirement Plans at JPMorgan as well as a member of the firm's executive committee. David Russ brings with him an impressive track record as Chief Investment Officer of Dartmouth College's endowment, as well as having senior investment roles at Stanford University and the Regents of the University of California.  Richard and David are complemented by a team of 10 senior investment, business development, legal and operations professionals. We will target smaller endowments, foundations, family offices and corporate pension funds that are not large enough to afford a world class team of investment professionals; this type of asset management business is known as an "outsourced CIO/Endowment model". We are excited to be working with Richard, David and their team, and will report more on this business as it develops.

 

Significant realisations

We had two significant realisations in the fiscal year ended 28 February 2014. The first involves one of our US micro cap investments, Horsburgh and Scott, a manufacturer of large diameter gears, which we acquired in November 2007. In March 2013, we sold Horsburgh and Scott, realising cumulative proceeds of US$38.6 million on our US$21.8 million investment, for a 1.8x multiple of capital invested and a 13 per cent IRR. Given that we had been writing this investment up over time, there was a negligible effect on NAV.

 

We also refinanced US$26.3 million of JZCP-held investments in our Industrial Services Solutions ("ISS") vertical with a senior debt facility, as these businesses demonstrated they could prudently support increased third party leverage.

 

Outlook

We are opportunistic, value oriented investors (i.e. we like to buy things that we hope have more intrinsic value and growth prospects than we have to pay in cash), an approach that has been tried and tested over the years.  JZCP has experienced long term NAV growth using this model of value investing. In addition, JZCP's strong balance sheet positions us well to take advantage of investment opportunities on an immediate basis. We look forward to continuing to put your (and our) money to work in a diverse portfolio of reasonably priced assets.

 

As always, thank you for your confidence in our investment strategy. Please feel free to contact us with any ideas that might be beneficial to JZCP.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc.

 

Investment Review - Verticals

 

The primary US micro cap investment strategy is to invest in well researched industry sectors, or "verticals". We purchase similar companies in the relevant vertical, integrating them as appropriate, and selling the resulting larger company as one entity. This strategy has served us well over the years. Each of these verticals are managed by a seasoned industry executive whose responsibilities include managing, integrating and growing their respective vertical. We set out below details of four of these verticals:

 

Industrial Services Solutions

Industrial Services Solutions ("ISS") is currently a combination of nine acquired businesses in the industrial maintenance, repair and service industry, focusing primarily on industrial rotating equipment.  Most of the maintenance and repair work is performed at and/or from any of the 20 sites across the country.

 

The idea for this investment is to acquire and manage these non-discretionary activities that are typically non-cyclical.  In addition, the increasing complexity of the equipment in industrial settings, along with the declining maintenance staff at these plants, should encourage growth in ISS' customers' needs.  This large and very fragmented industry is well suited for a build-up in this sector.

Nine companies were purchased for a total purchase price of $123.7 million; JZCP's cost of these investments was $32.4 million, representing 41% of the preferred stock in these entities, and an average of 32% the common stock.  These investments are currently valued at $34.9 million, as significant management upgrades have only partially achieved their anticipated benefits.  Due to the management initiatives, proforma EBITDA has grown from $16 million in 2010 to $22.9 million in 2013.

ISS is managed by Jim Rogers, a seasoned industry executive, having held several senior management positions at GE for 26 years.  His last position at GE was CEO of GE Industrial Controls.  His leadership, ideas and oversight have been critical in creating value for ISS.

Testing Vertical

Testing Services Holdings is a business consisting of (1) laboratory testing services, and (2) sales and distribution of laboratory testing equipment.  Recent EBITDA has grown for these businesses, from $15.4 million in 2012 to $20.0 million in 2013.  JZCP currently has $44.6 million invested in these entities.

 

The laboratory businesses can be broken out into 2 major components: Environmental Testing, and Industrial Hygiene.  The environmental segment includes testing soil and groundwater for contaminants, under the Accutest name.  Accutest has made four laboratory acquisitions to date.

 

The Industrial Hygiene segment consists of four acquisitions under the Galson name.  These businesses collect sample from industrial setting via on-person badges, which are then sent to a Galson lab for analysis.

 

The sales and distribution segment is managed under the Argus-Hazco platform, with two additional acquisitions made to expand Argus' geographic footprint.  It is a renter and reseller of equipment and instruments necessary to ensure worker safety.

 

These businesses are led by Phil Rooney, a seasoned executive with experience in a variety of industries, with a focus on environmental businesses. Phil played a major role in achieving a commendable return on Mid-America Recycling, one of our more successful realisations. He formerly served as president of ServiceMaster and Waste Management

 

Water Services Vertical

Triwater Holdings is our vertical in the $500 billion water sector.  To date, we have focused on two areas in this very fragmented market:  water infrastructure and water treatment.

 

Water infrastructure businesses have been created to deal with the ageing and deteriorating infrastructure in the United States.  Leaking underground pipes for potable water create significant waste, while leaking underground sewer pipes create a significant health hazard.  The companies in this area we have so far (LMK Technologies and Perma-Liner) address this second issue by sealing underground sewer pipes without digging, attractive for a variety of practical and cost concerns.  We hope to add to the two current investments in this sector with manhole liners, sewer cleaning, etc.

 

The current water treatment business consists of three companies (Nashville Chemical, Klenzoid and Eldon) which sell and distribute chemicals for (1) industrial plants' boilers, etc and (2) outside plant use (e.g. "fracking").  This extremely fragmented business is ready for consolidation.

 

Pro forma EBITDA for these businesses has grown from $8.6 million in 2010, to $11.8 million in 2013.  We purchased these five businesses for a total of $51.3 million, with JZCP supplying $19.8 million of capital in the form of debt, which we plan on refinancing shortly) and equity.  JZCP's equity position is $13.8 million. JZCP's position is currently valued at $42.2 million.

 

This vertical is managed by Mike Reardon, an executive with over 25 years of experience in the water business, most recently as President and COO of Culligan International, a leader in commercial Consumer water treatment programs and products.

 

Logistics Services Vertical

JZCP's newest vertical involves businesses in the same day/next day delivery services sector.  This vertical consists of Priority Express, a provider of same-day express courier services to reference laboratories, hospitals and health systems, pharmacy organisations and various other companies located in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.  The Company provides both scheduled courier services as well as on-demand courier services.  We plan on making further acquisitions in contiguous regions, as well as establishing other "beachheads' around the country.

 

This vertical is managed by Bruce Parker, who has significant experience managing air and ground based logistics businesses. His experience includes senior management positions at Ryder Systems, United Airlines and American Airlines

 

JZCP has $13.3 million invested in this business, which had EBITDA of $4.2 million in 2013.  We have a very active pipeline to add to this vertical.

 

Investment Review - Major Holdings

 

The investments listed represent the top ten investments in terms of valuation (excluding investments in vertical structures):

 

FACTOR ENERGIA S.A.

 

Headquarters: Barcelona, Spain

Sector: Energy Supplier

 

Factor Energia  is an energy distribution business in Spain, which resells electricity to smaller and medium-sized companies, a recently deregulated part of the energy sector.  It purchases electricity on the spot market, and sells to its customers for a fixed or variable price, depending on the relevant contract.

 






Cost


Valuation






28/02/2014


28/02/2014






US$'000


US$'000









Common stock





          11,648


           92,235

























Year ended 31 December 2013 Sales







 €422.0 million

Year ended 31 December 2013 Adjusted EBITDA







 €14.2 million

 

SAFETY INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

 

Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Sector: Property and Casualty Insurance

 

Safety Insurance Group, Inc., which is listed on NASDAQ (NASDAQ: SAFT), provides personal property and casualty insurance focused exclusively on the Massachusetts market. The Company's principal product line is private passenger automobile insurance. In addition, Safety Insurance offers commercial automobile, homeowners, dwelling fire, umbrella and business owning policies.

 






Cost


Valuation






28.02.2014


28.02.2014






US$'000


US$'000









Common stock




            6,816


           64,521

















Year ended 31 December 2013 Sales







 US$745.3 million

Year ended 31 December 2013 Adjusted EBITDA







 US$87.8 million

 

GREENPOINT

 

Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA

Sector: Real Estate

 

This investment represents a 49 per cent interest in a development site on the Greenpoint waterfront section in Brooklyn.  The site allows for development of 652,000 square feet of residential and retail space, and includes a pier which acts as the Greenpoint terminal location for the East River Ferry. 

 




Cost


Valuation




28.02.2014


28.02.2014




US$'000


US$'000







Portfolio investment of JZ Realty Fund



          32,750


           32,750







 

GRUPO OMBUDS S.A.

 

Headquarters: Madrid, Spain

Sector: Private Security

 

Grupo Ombuds is a provider of security, surveillance and facility services to the public sector and blue chip clients in Spain.

 






Cost


Valuation






28/02/2014


28/02/2014






 US$'000


 US$'000









Loans





          17,156


           19,651

Common stock





          13,950


           11,360














          31,106


           31,011

















Year ended 31 December 2013 Sales







 €76.9 million

Year ended 31 December 2013 Adjusted EBITDA







 €4.3 million

 

DENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

 

Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Sector: Healthcare Equipment and Services

 

Dental Holdings Corporation is the parent of Dental Services Group ("DSG"). DSG is an operator of laboratories which manufacture oral appliances for dentists and dental centres. It runs both full service labs and "sale and delivery" sites in the United States, Canada and Mexico, making it one of the largest companies of its kind.

 






Cost


Valuation






28.02.2014


28.02.2014






US$'000


US$'000









15% Senior Notes





            7,500


           12,017

12.5% Senior Notes





            8,404


           14,233

8% Preferred Stock





            6,713


             4,000

10% Preferred Stock





            4,950


                  -  

Common stock




                37


                  -  






















          27,604


           30,250

















Year ended 31 December 2013 Sales







 US$78.4 million

Year ended 31 December 2013 Adjusted EBITDA







 US$ 2.6 million

 

AMPTEK, INC.

 

Headquarters: Bedford, Massachusetts, USA

Sector: Non-destructive testing

 

Amptek, Inc. ("Amptek") designs and manufactures instrumentation used in numerous non-destructive testing and elemental analysis applications. Amptek's instruments are typically used both in the field and within laboratory settings to quickly and easily identify the composition of materials using Amptek's industry-leading x-ray detectors. Amptek is the largest manufacturer of detectors in the world that utilise the x-ray flourescence method.

 






Cost


Valuation






28.02.2014


28.02.2014






US$'000


US$'000









7% Preferred stock





          13,877


           16,233

Common stock




                31


             8,900














          13,908


           25,133

















Year ended 31 December 2013 Sales







 US$29.2 million

Year ended 31 December 2013 Adjusted EBITDA







 US$13.1 million

 

MILESTONE AVIATION GROUP, INC.    

 

Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland

Sector: Financial Services

 

Milestone is a global aircraft leasing company focused on helicopters and private jets, providing aircraft owners and operators 100% financing on new, pre-owned and sale-leaseback transactions.

 






Cost


Valuation






28.02.2014


28.02.2014






US$'000


US$'000









9% Preferred Stock





          15,137


           18,763

Common stock




                 -  


             4,800














          15,137


           23,563

















Year ended 31 December 2013 Sales







 US$162.8 million

Year ended 31 December 2013 Adjusted EBITDA







 US$137.0 million

 

TORO FINANCE

 

Headquarters: Madrid, Spain

Sector: Financial Services

 

Toro Finance is a provider of short-term receivables financing to the suppliers of major Spanish companies.

 






Cost


Valuation






28/02/2014


28/02/2014






 US$'000


 US$'000









Loans





          10,996


           11,178

Common stock





          10,500


           10,877














          21,496


           22,055









 

MEDPLAST/UPG HOLDINGS

 

Headquarters: Tempe, Arizona, USA

Sector: Medical/industrial plastic injection moulding

 

Medplast designs, engineers and produces precision custom moulded thermoplastic, rubber and elastomer components and moulds for the healthcare and pharmaceutical and consumer/industrial markets. UPG Holdings operates as a manufacturer of precision plastic products for electronics, automotive, industrial, medical, datacentre and consumer markets.

 






Cost


Valuation






28.02.2014


28.02.2014






US$'000


US$'000









14.5% Subordinated Notes





            9,800


           10,379

7% Preferred Stock





            7,304


             8,406

Common stock





               879


             1,875





























          17,983


           20,660

















Year ended 31 December 2013 Sales







 US$268.1 million

Year ended 31 December 2013 Adjusted EBITDA







 US$29.1 million

 

SALTER LABS, INC.

 

Headquarters: Arvin, California, USA

Sector: Respiratory medical products

 

Salter Labs is a leading manufacturer of disposable oxygen delivery and respiratory therapy products in the multi-billion dollar home medical and acute care markets. Salter develops, manufactures and sells single-use, disposable products, primarily for respiratory therapies

 






Cost


Valuation






28.02.2014


28.02.2014






US$'000


US$'000









15% Subordinated Notes





            5,880


             6,646

10% Preferred Stock





          13,268


             8,700

Common stock





                15


                  -  






















          19,163


           15,346

















Trailing 12 month period ended 31 December 2013 Sales




 US$72.3 million

Trailing 12 month period ended 31 December 2013 Adjusted EBITDA




 US$11.4 million

 

Directors' Remuneration Report

 

The Directors' remuneration report has been prepared on behalf of the Directors in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code ("the Code") as issued by the UK Listing Authority.

 

The Company's policy in regard to Directors' remuneration is to ensure that the Company maintains a competitive fee structure in order to recruit, retain and motivate non-executive Directors of excellent quality in the overall interests of shareholders.

 

Remuneration policy

 

The Directors do not consider it necessary for the Company to establish a separate Remuneration Committee. All of the matters recommended by the Code that would be delegated to such a committee are considered by the Board as a whole.

 

It is the responsibility of the Board as a whole to determine and approve the Directors' fees, following a recommendation from the Chairman who will have given the matter proper consideration, having regard to the level of fees payable to non-executive Directors in the industry generally, the role that individual Directors fulfil in respect of Board and Committee responsibilities and the time committed to the Company's affairs. The Chairman's remuneration is decided separately and is approved by the Board as a whole.

 

During the year Mr Firth's fees were increased to US$70,000 per annum to reflect the increasing time commitment as chairman of the audit committee.

 

The Company's Articles state that Directors' remuneration payable in any accounting year shall not exceed in the aggregate an annual sum of US$650,000. Each Director is also entitled to reimbursement of their reasonable expenses. There are no commission or profit sharing arrangements between the Company and the Directors. Similarly, none of the Directors is entitled to pension, retirement or similar benefits. No element of the Directors' remuneration is performance related.

 

The remuneration policy set out above is the one applied for the year ended 28 February 2014 and is not expected to change in the foreseeable future.

 

Directors' and Officers' liability insurance cover is maintained by the Company on behalf of the Directors.

 

Remuneration for qualifying services








Fees for services to the Company for the year to 28 February 2014


Fees for services to the Company for the year to 28 February 2013










US$  


US$  

David Macfarlane (Chairman)



                          140,000


                         140,000

Patrick Firth *



                            61,616


                           60,000

James Jordan



                            60,000


                           60,000

Tanja Tibaldi



                            60,000


                           60,000

David Allison **



                              5,300


                           60,000

Christopher Waldron ***



                            21,371


                                  -  










                          348,287


                         380,000

 

The amounts payable to Directors as shown above were for services as non-executive Directors.

 

No Director has a service contract with the Company, nor are any such contracts proposed.

 

* Patrick Firth's Directors fee was increased to $70,000 effective 1 January 2014. The above figure has been pro-rated to reflect the increase.

 

** David Allison served as a Director until his death on 26 April 2013.

 

*** Christopher Waldron was appointed to the Board on 21 October 2013.

 

Directors' term of appointment

 

Each Director retires from office at the third annual general meeting after his appointment or (as the case may be) the general meeting at which he was last reappointed and is eligible for reappointment.

 

The Directors were appointed as non-executive Directors by letters issued in April 2008 which state that their appointment and any subsequent termination or retirement shall be subject to three-months' notice from either party in accordance with the Articles. Each Director's appointment letter provides that, upon the termination of his/her appointment, that he/she must resign in writing and all records remain the property of the Company. The Directors' appointments can be terminated in accordance with the Articles and without compensation. There is no notice period specified in the Articles for the removal of Directors. The Articles provide that the office of director shall be terminated by, among other things: (a) written resignation; (b) unauthorised absences from board meetings for six months or more; (c) unanimous written request of the other directors; and (d) an ordinary resolution of the Company.

 

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors on 2 May 2014 by:

 

David Macfarlane                                                                                                

Chairman

                                                                                                               

Patrick Firth

Director

 

Corporate Governance

 

Introduction

The Board of JZ Capital Partners Limited has considered the principles and recommendations of the AIC Code of Corporate Governance published in October 2010 (the "AIC Guide"). The AIC Code, as explained by the AIC Guide, addresses all the principles set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code, as well as setting out additional principles and recommendations on issues that are of specific relevance to JZ Capital Partners Limited.

 

The Company is a member of the Association of Investment Companies (the "AIC") and by complying with the AIC Code of Corporate Governance ("AIC Code") is deemed to comply with both the UK and Guernsey Codes of Corporate Governance.

 

The Board considers that reporting against the principles and recommendations of the AIC Code, and by reference to the AIC Guide (which incorporates the UK Corporate Governance Code), will provide better information to shareholders. To ensure ongoing compliance with these principles the Board receives and reviews a report from the Corporate Secretary, at each quarterly meeting, identifying how the Company is in compliance and identifying any changes that might be necessary.

 

Throughout the accounting period the Company has complied with the recommendations of the AIC Code and thus the relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code, except as set out below.

 

The UK Corporate Governance code includes provisions relating to:

 

- the role of the chief executive

- executive directors remuneration

- the need for an internal audit function

- whistle blowing policy

 

For the reasons set out in the AIC guide, and as explained in the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Board considers these provisions are not relevant to the position of JZ Capital Partners Limited, being an externally managed investment company. The Company has therefore not reported further in respect of these provisions. The Directors are non-executive and the Company does not have employees, hence no whistle blowing policy is required. However the Directors have satisfied themselves that the Company's service providers have appropriate whistle blowing policies and procedures and have received confirmation from the service providers that nothing has arisen under those policies and procedures which should be brought to the attention of the Board.

 

Guernsey Code of Corporate Governance

The Guernsey Financial Services Commission's (GFSC) "Finance Sector Code of Corporate Governance" (Guernsey Code) came into effect on 1 January 2012. The introduction to the Guernsey Code states that companies which report against the UK Corporate Governance Code or the AIC's Code of Corporate Governance are deemed to meet the Guernsey Code.

 

The Board

Corporate Governance of JZCP is monitored by the Board which at the end of the year comprised five Directors, all of whom are non-executive. Biographical details of the Board members at the date of signing these Financial Statements are shown later in these accounts and their interests in the shares of JZCP are shown in the Report of the Directors. The Directors' biographies highlight their wide range of business experience.

 

The Board considers that all of the Directors are independent of the Investment Adviser. The Board considers the Directors are free from any business or other relationship that could materially interfere with the exercise of their independent judgment. The Board reviews the independence of the Directors at least annually.

 

Proceedings of the Board

The Directors have overall responsibility for the Company's activities and the determination of its investment policy and strategy. The Company has entered into an investment advisory and management agreement with its Investment Adviser, JZAI, pursuant to which, subject to the overall supervision of the Directors, the Investment Adviser acts as the investment manager to the Company and manages the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Company in pursuit of the investment objective of the Company and in accordance with the investment policies and investment guidelines from time to time of the Company and any investment limits and restrictions notified by the Directors (following consultation with the investment adviser). Within its strategic responsibilities the Board regularly considers corporate strategy as well as dividend policy, the policy on share buy backs and corporate governance issues.

 

The Directors meet at least quarterly to direct and supervise the Company's affairs. This includes reviewing the investment strategy, risk profile and performance of the Company and the performance of the Company's functionaries, and monitoring compliance with the Company's objectives. The Directors hold regular meetings to review the Investment Adviser's investment decisions and valuations and to decide if the levels of gearing within the investment portfolio are appropriate. The Directors deem it appropriate to review the valuations on a quarterly basis.

 

Continuing terms of Investment Adviser agreement

In the opinion of the Directors, the continuing appointment of the Investment Adviser on the terms agreed continues to be in the interests of Shareholders. In reaching its conclusion the Board considers the Investment Adviser's investment strategy and performance.

 

Supply of information

The Chairman ensures that all Directors are properly briefed on issues arising at Board meetings. The Company's advisers provide the Board with appropriate and timely information in order that the Board may reach proper decisions. Directors can, if necessary, obtain independent professional advice at the Company's expense.

 

Directors' training

The Board is provided with information concerning changes to the regulatory or statutory regimes as they may affect the Company, and are offered the opportunity to attend courses or seminars on such changes, or other relevant matters. An induction programme is available for any future Director appointments.

 

Chairman and senior independent Director

The Chairman is a non-executive Director, together with the rest of the Board. There is no executive Director position within the Company. Day-to-day management of the Company's affairs has been delegated to the Administrator. The Board has considered whether a senior independent Director should be appointed. However, as the Board comprises entirely non-executive Directors, the appointment of a senior independent Director for the time being, is not considered necessary. Any of the non-executive Directors are available to shareholders if they have concerns which cannot be resolved through discussion with the Chairman.

 

Board diversity

The Board has also given careful consideration to the recommendations of the Davies Report on women on boards and as recommended in that report has reviewed its composition and believes that it has available an appropriate range of skills and experience. In order to extend its diversity, the Board is committed to implementing the recommendations of the Davies Report, if possible within the timescales proposed in the Davies Report, and to that end will ensure that women candidates are considered when appointments to the Board are under consideration - as indeed has always been its practice.

 

Re-election of Directors

The principle set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code is that Directors should submit themselves for re- election at regular intervals and at least every three years, and in any event as soon as it is practical after their initial appointment to the Board. It is a further requirement that non-executive Directors are appointed for a specific period.

 

The Letters of Appointment of the non-executive Directors suggest that it is appropriate for Directors to retire and be nominated for re-election after three years of service, subject to the recommendation of the General Meeting. The Nominations Committee met on 2 May 2014 and it was decided Mr Firth and Ms Tibaldi would put themselves forward for re-election at the 2014 Annual General Meeting. David Macfarlane and James Jordan were re-elected to the Board at the 2013 Annual General Meeting. A resolution will be tabled to ratify the appointment of Christopher Waldron to the Board.

 

The Board's evaluation

The Board, Audit Committee, and Nomination Committee undertake an evaluation of their own performance and that of individual Directors on an annual basis. In order to review their effectiveness, the Board and its Committees carry out a process of formal self-appraisal. The Board and Committees consider how they function as a whole and also review the individual performance of its members. This process is conducted by the respective Chairman reviewing each member's performance, contribution and commitment to the Company. The Board as a whole reviews the performance of the Chairman. Each Board member is also required to submit details of training they have undertaken on an annual basis.

 

The results of the evaluation process concluded the Board was functioning effectively and the Board and its committees provided a suitable mix of skills and experience.

 

Board Committees

In accordance with the AIC Code, the Board has established an Audit Committee and a Nomination Committee, in each case with formally delegated duties and responsibilities within written terms of reference. The identity of each of the chairmen of the committees referred to below are reviewed on an annual basis. The Board has decided that the entire Board should fulfil the role of the Audit and Nomination committees. The terms of reference of the committees are kept under review and can be viewed on the Company's website www.jzcp.com.

 

Nomination Committee

In accordance with the Code, the Company has established a Nomination Committee. The main role of the committee is to propose candidates for election to the Board of Directors, including the Chairman. The Nomination Committee takes into consideration the Code's rules on independence of the Board in relation to the Company, its senior management and major shareholders. The nomination committee is chaired by David Macfarlane, and each of the other Directors is also a member. The members of the committee are independent of the Investment Adviser. The Nomination Committee has responsibility for considering the size, structure and composition of the Board, retirements and appointments of additional and replacement Directors and making appropriate recommendations to the Board. This responsibility was exercised in 2013, when Christopher Waldron was appointed to the Board following an extensive selection process.

 

Due to the nature of the Company being a listed investment company investing in private equity with an international shareholder base, the Company needs Directors with a broad range of financial experience. For this reason, Directors believe that it is more appropriate to use their own contacts as a source of suitable candidates as no one external consultancy or advertising source is likely to be in a position to identify suitable candidates.

 

The final decision with regard to appointments always rests with the Board and all such appointments are subject to confirmation by shareholders.

 

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is chaired by Patrick Firth. All the other Directors are members. Members of the Committee are independent of the Company's external auditors and the Investment Adviser. The Audit Committee meets at least twice a year and meets the external auditors at least twice a year. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Company's relationship with the external auditors, including making recommendations to the Board on the appointment of the external auditors and their remuneration. The Committee also considers the nature, scope and results of the auditors' work and reviews, and develops and implements policies on the supply of any non-audit services that are to be provided by the external auditors.

 

Management Engagement Committee

The Company currently does not have a separate Management Engagement committee. The recommended functions and responsibilities of such a committee are exercised by the full board each member of which is unassociated with the Investment Advisers.

 

Remuneration Committee

In view of its non-executive and independent nature, the Board considers that it is not appropriate for there to be a separate Remuneration Committee as prescribed by the AIC Code. The process for agreeing the non-executive Directors' fees is set out in the Directors' Remuneration Report.

 

Board and Committee meeting attendance

The number of formal meetings of the Board and its committees held during the year and the attendance of individual Directors at these meetings was as follows:

 



Number of meetings



Board

Ad Hoc

Other

Audit



Main

Meetings

Committee

Committee

Total number of meetings


5

2

-

2

David Macfarlane


5

-

-

2

Patrick Firth


5

2

-

2

James Jordan


5

-

-

1

Tanja Tibaldi


5

-

-

2

Christopher Waldron*


1

1

-

-

 

The main Board meetings are held to agree the Company's valuation of its investments, agree the Company's financial statements and discuss and agree other strategic issues. Other meetings are held when required to agree board decisions on ad-hoc issues.

 

* Appointed 21 October 2013

 

Internal Controls

Responsibility for the establishment and maintenance of an appropriate system of internal control rests with the Board and to achieve this a process has been established which seeks to:

- review the risks faced by the Company and the controls in place to address those risks

- identify and report changes in the risk environment

- identify and report changes in the operational controls

- identify and report on the effectiveness of controls and errors arising

- ensure no override of controls by its service providers, the Manager and Administrator.

A report is tabled and discussed at each Board meeting setting out the risks identified, their potential impact, the controls in place to mitigate them, the residual risk assessment and any exceptions identified during the period under review. The Board considers the current activities of the company and external factors and amends the risk reporting accordingly.

The Board also receives confirmation from the Administrator of its accreditation under the SOC1 report.

Further reports are received and reviewed from the Administrator in respect of compliance, London Stock Exchange continuing obligations and other matters.

Going Concern                                                                    

The Directors consider the Company has adequate financial resources, in view of its holding in cash and cash equivalents and liquid investments and the income streams deriving from its investments and believe that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks successfully to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and that it is appropriate to prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis.

                                                                               

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act                                                                            

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ("FATCA") became effective on 1 January 2013. The legislation is aimed at determining the ownership of US assets in foreign accounts and improving US tax compliance with respect to those assets. The States of Guernsey has entered into an intergovernmental agreement ("IGA") with US Treasury in order to facilitate the requirements under FATCA. The Board is monitoring the implementation with the assistance of its professional advisers.

 

Inter-Governmental Agreements                                                   

The States of Guernsey have signed an intergovernmental agreement with the UK ("UK-Guernsey IGA") under which potentially mandatory disclosure requirements may be required in respect of Shareholders who have a UK connection. The Board is monitoring implementation of the UK-Guernsey IGA with the assistance of its professional advisers.                                                                         

 

Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive                                                                       

The Company does not expect to be required to comply with the AIFM Directive except to the extent that it may be required to satisfy certain provisions of the AIFM Directive in order to permit the marketing of the Company's shares in EEA Member States. In this circumstance the relevant regime remains the national private placement arrangements in the relevant EEA Member State into which the fund is marketed. Compliance with the Directive may result in increased reporting requirements, possible changes to the governance structure of the Company and additional disclosure in the financial statements. The Company will consult with its professional advisors to minimise this impact where possible.                             

                                               

Relations with shareholders                                                                           

The Directors believe that the maintenance of good relations with both institutional and retail shareholders is important for the long term prospects of the Company. It therefore seeks active engagement with investors, bearing in mind the duties regarding equal treatment of shareholders and the dissemination of inside information. The Board receives feedback on shareholder views from its Corporate Broker and Investment Adviser, and is circulated with Broker reports on the Company.

 

The Directors believe that the Annual General Meeting, a meeting for all shareholders, is the key point in the year when the Board of Directors accounts to all shareholders for the performance of the Company. It therefore encourages all shareholders to attend, and all Directors are present unless unusual circumstances prevail.                                                                           

                                                                                                                                               

The Directors believe that the Company policy of reporting to shareholders as soon as possible after the Company's year end and the holding of the Annual General Meeting at the earliest opportunity is valuable.                                                                                                                        

The Company also provides an Interim Report and Accounts in accordance with IAS 34 and Interim Management statements for the quarterly periods in line with the requirements of the EU Transparency Directive.               

 

Independent Auditors' Report

 

We have audited the financial statements of JZ Capital Partners Limited (the "Company") for the year ended 28 February 2014 which comprise the Investment Portfolio, the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Statement of Financial Position, the Statement of Changes in Equity, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes 1 to 33. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

 

This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Section 262 of the Companies (Guernsey) Law 2008.  Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

 

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors

As explained more fully in the Directors' Responsibilities Statement, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board's Ethical Standards for Auditors.

 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements

An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Company's circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the annual report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

 

Opinion on financial statements

 

In our opinion the financial statements:







give a true and fair view of the state of the Company's affairs as at 28 February 2014 and of its profit for the year then ended;





have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union; and





have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies (Guernsey) Law 2008.

 

Our assessment of risks of material misstatement

 

We identified the following risks of material misstatement that we believed would have the greatest impact on our overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team:

 

valuation of the Company's non-publicly traded investments;







existence and ownership of the Company's investments; and







calculation of management and incentive fees.

 

Our application of materiality

 

We apply the concept of materiality to the individual account or balance level through our determination of performance materiality, which is set to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds materiality.

 

We determined materiality for the Company to be $13.3 million, which is 2% of total equity. This provided a basis for determining the nature, timing and extent of risk assessment procedures, identifying and assessing the risk of material misstatement and determining the nature, timing and extent of further audit procedures.

 

On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment of the Company's overall control environment, our judgement was that overall performance materiality (i.e. our tolerance for misstatement in an individual account or balance) for the Company should be 75% of materiality, namely $9.9 million. Our objective in adopting this approach was to ensure that total uncorrected and undetected audit differences in all accounts did not exceed our materiality level.

 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of $0.67 million, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

 

An overview of the scope of our audit

 

Our response to the risks identified above was as follows;

 

we considered the appropriateness of the valuation techniques applied to unlisted investments by testing the arithmetical accuracy of calculations in the valuation models, and obtained evidence to corroborate the inputs into the valuation models.







we obtained independent confirmations directly from the underlying investee companies and agreed them to the books and records of the Company;







we obtained independent confirmation from the custodian of the Company's publicly traded investments and agreed this to the records of the Company; and







we reviewed the management and incentive fee calculations for clerical accuracy and consistency with agreements. We also reviewed the reasonableness of the inputs used in the incentive fee calculations and considered the risk of management overriding internal controls.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

 

Under the ISAs (UK and Ireland), we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, information in the annual report is:

 

materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial statements; or





apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Company acquired in the course of performing our audit; or





is otherwise misleading.

 

In particular we are required to consider whether we have identified any inconsistencies between our knowledge acquired during the audit and the Directors' statement that they consider the annual report is fair, balanced and understandable and whether the annual report appropriately discloses those matters that we communicated to the audit committee which we consider should have been disclosed.

 

Under the Companies (Guernsey) Law 2008 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

 

proper accounting records have not been kept; or







the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or







we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit

 

Christopher James Matthews, FCA

for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP

Guernsey, Channel Islands

2 May 2014

 

Notes:

1.     The maintenance and integrity of the JZ Capital Partners Limited web site is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially presented on the web site.

 

2.     Legislation in Guernsey governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

 

Investment Portfolio

 














Carrying Value








Including






Historical


Accrued Interest

Percentage of net assets




Book


28 February




cost*


2014

Company


Industry

US$'000


US$'000


%









US Micro Cap Portfolio
















US Micro Cap Verticals
















Industrial Service Solutions


Industrial Services






INDUSTRIAL SERVICES SOLUTIONS ("ISS")               
A combination of nine acquired businesses in the industrial maintenance, repair and service industry.



        33,174


          34,916


5.2









Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management


Healthcare Services & Equipment













MEDS HOLDINGS, INC.
An outsourced provider of patient benefit eligibility, enrolment and revenue recovery services to hospitals and health systems. Meds Holdings is a subsidiary of Bolder Healthcare Solutions, LLC



        14,439


          13,784


2.1

BHS PHYSICIAN
An outsourced provider specialising in billing, practice management and outsourcing services for anesthesiology physician and nurse groups and ambulatory surgery centers. BHS Physician Services, Inc. is a subsidiary of Bolder Healthcare Solutions, LLC.



         7,035


           7,035


1.1









Sensors Solutions


Sensors & Instrumentation






AMPTEK, INC.
Designer and manufacturer of instrumentation used in numerous non-destructive testing and elemental analysis applications. Amptek, Inc. is a subsidiary of Sensors Solutions Holdings                                      



        13,908


          25,133


3.8

NIELSEN-KELLERMAN
Designer and manufacturer of weather, wind and timing measurement instruments and devices. Nielsen-Kellerman is a subsidiary of Sensors Solutions Holdings



         2,614


           5,546


0.8









Testing Services


Testing Services & Equipment













ACCUTEST HOLDINGS, INC.                               
Provider of environmental testing laboratories to the US market



        33,516


          32,039


4.8

ARGUS GROUP HOLDINGS
Sells, rents and services safety and testing equipment to a variety of industries. Argus Group Holdings is a subsidiary of Testing Services Holdings



         8,381


          10,114


1.5

GALSON LABORATORIES
Provider of analytical air testing services as well as industrial hygiene rental equipment. Galson Laboratories is a subsidiary of Testing Services Holdings



         2,671


           9,235


1.4









Logistics Solutions


Industrial Investment Firms






PRIORITY EXPRESS, LLC
Provider of same day express courier services to various companies located in North Eastern USA. Priority Express is a subsidiary of US Logistics, LLC



        13,296


          13,805


2.1









Water Services


Water Treatment & Infrastructure













TWH INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRIES, INC.
Environmental infrastructure company that provides technology to facilitate repair of underground pipes and other infrastructure. TWH Infrastructure Industries, Inc., which owns LMK Enterprises and Perma-Liner Industries, is a subsidiary of Triwater Holdings



        15,651


          18,558


2.8

TWH WATER TREATMENT INDUSTRIES, INC.
Provider of water treatment supplies and services. TWH Water Treatment Industries, Inc., which owns Nashville Chemical & Equipment and Klenzoid Canada Company / Eldon Water, Inc., is a subsidiary of Triwater Holdings



        18,404


          23,654


3.5

















Total US Micro Cap Verticals



     163,089


       193,819


29.1

 

 

US Micro Cap Co-investments








JUSTRITE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Manufacture of industrial safety products


Specialised Equipment Manufacturers

         6,068


          10,370


1.6

MEDPLAST/UPG HOLDINGS                             
Manufacturer of plastic medical components


Industrial Engineering

        17,983


          20,660


3.1

MILESTONE AVIATION GROUP, INC.
Finance provider for helicopter and private jet owners


Specialty Finance

        15,137


          23,563


3.5

NEW VITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Direct-to-consumer provider of nutritional supplements and personal care products


Personal Care Products

         3,280


           6,242


0.9

VITALYST
Provider of outsourced IT support and training services


Strategic Workforce Solutions

         9,020


           7,301


1.1

SALTER LABS, INC.
Developer and manufacturer of respiratory medical products and equipment for the homecare, hospital, and sleep disorder markets   


Healthcare Services & Equipment

        19,163


          15,346


2.3

SUZO HAPP GROUP                                        
Designer, manufacturer and distributor of components for the global gaming, amusement and industrial markets


Specialised Equipment Manufacturers

         5,509


           7,209


1.1




















       76,160


         90,691


13.6

 

US Micro Cap Other
















BOLDER INDUSTRIAL PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS                                
Acquiror of companies providing mission critical inspection services for a variety of industries



            208


              210


             -

ISS#1, LLC
Manufacturer of industrial gears


Industrial Engineering

              31


                31


             -

CHINA DENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.                        
Acquirer of China-based dental laboratories                                                                        


Industrial Investment Firms

         1,375


           1,840


0.3

DENTAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION
Operator of dental laboratories


Healthcare Services & Equipment

        27,604


          30,205


4.5

HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS HOLDINGS, INC.***   
Designer and manufacturer of motorised vehicles


Healthcare Services & Equipment

        17,638


          14,541


2.2

MODC, LLC
Acquiror of speciality retail companies located in the centre of shopping malls


Specialty Retail

            208


              210


             -

NATIONWIDE STUDIOS, INC.                         
Processer of digital photos for preschoolers


House, Leisure & Personal Goods

        16,132


           9,211


1.4

NTT ACQUISITION CORP.***
Provider of technical education and training


Education & Training

            894


                -  


             -

TIGER INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC.***
Provider of temporary staff and computer training


Strategic Workforce Solutions

            400


              300


             -

US SANITATION, LLC
Acquirer of janitorial and sanitorial product distributors and related chemical manufacturers and blenders


Industrial Investment Firms

            425


              502


0.1

























Total US Micro Cap Other



        64,915


          57,050


8.5

























Total US Micro Cap Portfolio



      304,164


        341,560


51.2









European Micro Cap Portfolio








EUROMICROCAP FUND 2010, LP
Acquirer of Europe-based micro cap companies


European Microcap

        93,463


        150,115


22.5

DOCOUT, S.L.                                                    
Provider of digitalisation, document processing and storage services


Document Processing

         2,777


           3,212


0.5

GRUPO OMBUDS                                              
Provider of personal security and asset protection


Private Security

        17,156


          19,651


2.9

TORO FINANCE
Provides short term receivables finance to the suppliers of major Spanish companies


Financial General

        10,996


          11,178


1.7

XACOM COMUNICACIONES SL                                                           
Supplier of telecom products and technologies


Telecom

         2,055


           2,625


0.4

















Total European Micro Cap Portfolio



     126,447


       186,781


28.0

 

Mezzanine Portfolio








GED HOLDINGS, INC.                                   
Manufacturer of windows


Construction & Materials

         6,100


              305


             -

METPAR INDUSTRIES, INC.                             
Manufacturer of restroom partitions


Construction & Materials

         7,754


              751


0.1

PETCO ANIMAL SUPPLIES, INC.
Retailer of pet food, supplies and services


Animal Supplies

         1,237


           2,650


0.3

















Total Mezzanine Porfolio



       15,091


           3,706


0.4









Bank Debt: Second Lien Portfolio








DEKKO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Distributor of electrical sub-components


Electronic & Electrical Equipment

        11,368


          11,810


1.8

















Total Bank Debt



       11,368


         11,810


1.8









Listed Investments








Equities








SAFETY INSURANCE GROUP, INC.***
Provider of automobile insurance


Insurance

         6,816


          64,521


9.7

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.***
Vocational training in the automotive and marine fields


Education & Training

              15


              902


0.1

















Total Listed Equity Investments



         6,831


         65,423


9.8

















UK Gilts








UK treasury 2% - maturity 22.01.2016


Financial General

        40,732


          43,292


6.5

















Total UK Gilts



       40,732


         43,292


6.5









Corporate Bonds








Goldman Sachs, 03.22.2016


Financial General

        16,590


          16,415


2.6

















Total Corporate Bonds



       16,590


         16,415


2.6









Real Estate








JZCP REALTY**
Facilitates JZCP's investment in US real estate


Real Estate

      107,595


        112,792


17.0

















Total Real Estate Investments



     107,595


       112,792


17.0









Other








BSM ENGENHARIA S.A.
Brazilian-based provider of supply chain logistics, infrastructure services and equipment rental


Logistics

         6,115


           5,050


0.8

SPRUCEVIEW CAPITAL, LLC
Asset management company that primarily manages smaller endowments and pension funds


Financial General

         3,917


           3,917


0.6

JZ INTERNATIONAL, LLC***
Fund of European LBO investments


Financial General

            660


           1,620


0.2

















Total Other



       10,692


         10,587


1.6

























Total - Portfolio



      639,510


        792,366


      118.9









Zero Dividend Preference shares





(107,201)


(16.1)









Cash and other net assets



 


(18,709)


(2.8)

























Net assets attributable to Ordinary shares





        666,456


      100.0

















 

*Original book cost incurred by JZEP/JZCP adjusted for subsequent transactions. The book cost represents cash outflows and excludes PIK investments.

 

** JZCP owns 100% of the shares and voting rights of JZCP Realty Fund, Ltd.

 

*** Legacy Investments. Legacy investments are excluded from the calculation of capital and income incentive fees.

 

Mezzanine Portfolio includes common stock with a carrying value of US$2,713,000. These investments are classified as Investments at fair value through profit or loss.

 

Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 28 February 2014

 



Year ended 28 February 2014


Year ended 28 February 2013



Revenue


Capital


Total


Revenue


Capital


Total




return


return




return


return





Notes

US$'000


US$'000


US$'000


US$'000


US$'000


US$'000
















Income




























Net gain on investments at fair value through profit or loss

      6

            -


     55,408


      55,408


              -


   13,886


       13,886
















(Net impairment)/net write back of impairments on loans and receivables

      7

            -


          (77)


           (77)


              -


     1,025


        1,025






























Realisations from investments held in escrow accounts


            -


       2,233


        2,233


              -


     7,528


        7,528
















Net foreign currency exchange (losses)/gains


            -


      (9,980)


       (9,980)


              -


     3,915


        3,915
















Investment income

      8

    39,184


              -


      39,184


     41,343


            -


       41,343
















Bank and deposit interest


        130


              -


           130


         393


            -


           393




























































   39,314


     47,584


      86,898


    41,736


   26,354


      68,090
















Expenses














Investment Adviser's base fee

    10

(11,220)


              -


     (11,220)


(10,707)


            -


      (10,707)


Investment Adviser's incentive fee

    10

     4,411


(13,819)


       (9,408)


              -


(9,030)


       (9,030)


Directors' remuneration

    10

       (348)


              -


          (348)


        (380)


            -


          (380)


Administrative expenses

    10

(2,138)


              -


       (2,138)


(2,405)


            -


       (2,405)


Share class restructuring costs

    10

            -


              -


               -


              -


    (1,580)


       (1,580)
































(9,295)


(13,819)


(23,114)


(13,492)


(10,610)


(24,102)
















Operating profit


30,019


33,765


63,784


28,244


15,744


43,988
















Finance costs














Finance costs in respect of Zero Dividend Preference shares

      9

            -


(7,489)


       (7,489)


              -


(7,007)


       (7,007)






























Profit before taxation


30,019


26,276


56,295


28,244


8,737


36,981
















Withholding taxes

    11

(841)


              -


(841)


(1,131)


            -


(1,131)












































Profit for the year


29,178


26,276


55,454


27,113


8,737


35,850












































Weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue during year

    18




65,018,607





65,018,607
















Basic and diluted profit per Ordinary share using the weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue during the year


44.88c


40.41c


85.29c


41.70c


13.44c


55.14c


 

All items in the above statement are derived from continuing operations.




























The profit for the year is attributable to the Ordinary shareholders of the Company.


























The format of the Income Statement follows the recommendations of the AIC Statement of Recommended Practice.
















The "Total" column of this statement represents the Company's Statement of Comprehensive Income, prepared in accordance with IFRS



There was no comprehensive income other than the profit for the year.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.









 

Statement of Financial Position

As at 28 February 2014

 




28 February


28 February




2014


2013


 Notes


US$'000


US$'000







Assets






Non-current assets






Investments at fair value through profit or loss

 12


        791,366


       619,517

Investments classified as loans and receivables

 12


            1,000


           8,765
















        792,366


       628,282







Current assets






Cash, cash equivalents and cash held on deposit

 13


          11,372


       102,740

Other receivables

 14


               517


              552
















          11,889


       103,292







Total assets



        804,255


       731,574



















Liabilities






Current liabilities






Investment Adviser's base fee



               848


              715

Investment Adviser's incentive fee



            9,408


           9,030

Directors' remuneration



                63


               62

Other payables

 15


            2,440


           1,746
















          12,759


         11,553







Non-current liabilities






Loan payable

 16


          17,839


                  -

Zero Dividend Preference shares

 17


        107,201


         89,839
















        125,040


         89,839



















Total liabilities



        137,799


       101,392













Equity






Share capital account

 20


        149,269


       149,269

Distributable reserve

 20


        353,528


       353,528

Capital reserve

 20


          76,788


         50,512

Revenue reserve

 20


          86,871


         76,873



















Total equity



        666,456


       630,182



















Total liabilities and equity



        804,255


       731,574










 



Number of Ordinary shares in issue at year end

 18


    65,018,607


   65,018,607







Net asset value per Ordinary share



US$ 10.25


US$ 9.69

 

These audited financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 2 May 2014. They were signed on its behalf by:

 

David Macfarlane                                                                                                

Chairman

                                                                                                               

Patrick Firth

Director

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 28 February 2014

 



Share








Capital

Distributable

Capital Reserve

Revenue


 



Account

Reserve

Realised

Unrealised

Reserve

Total


Notes

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000









Balance as at 1 March 2013


149,269

353,528

92,834

(42,322)

76,873

630,182

















(Loss)/profit for the year


            -

              -

(6,924)

33,200

29,178

55,454









Dividends paid

30

            -

              -

          -

            -

 (19,180)

  (19,180)

































Balance at 28 February 2014


149,269

353,528

85,910

(9,122)

86,871

666,456

















 




 













Share









Capital

Distributable

Capital Reserve

Revenue





Account

Reserve

Realised

Unrealised

Reserve

Total




US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000










Balance at 1 March 2012



  149,269

    353,528

  68,107

   (26,332)

  70,890

615,462










Profit/(loss) for the year



            -

              -

  24,727

   (15,990)

27,113

35,850










Dividends paid



            -

              -

          -

            -

(21,130)

(21,130)




























Balance at 28 February 2013



  149,269

    353,528

  92,834

   (42,322)

  76,873

 630,182



















 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 28 February 2014




1 March 2013 to


1 March 2012 to




28 February


28 February




2014


2013



 Notes

US$'000


US$'000







Operating activities











Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities

  25

          (7,296)


2,196







Cash outflow for purchase of investments


(195,526)


(253,923)







Cash outflow for capital calls by the EuroMicrocap Fund 2010, LP


(31,035)


         (13,275)







Cash inflow from deposits with maturity greater than 3 months


                  -


7,968







Cash inflow from repayment and disposal of investments


143,830


186,391



















Net cash outflow before financing activities


        (90,027)


         (70,643)







Financing activity











Dividends paid to shareholders

  30

(19,180)


(21,130)







Movement in loan payable

  16

17,839


                  -



















Net cash outflow from financing activities


          (1,341)


         (21,130)



















Decrease in cash and cash equivalents


        (91,368)


         (91,773)

























Reconciliation of net cash flow to movements in cash and cash equivalents




Cash and cash equivalents at 1 March


102,740


194,513

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents as above


        (91,368)


         (91,773)













Cash and cash equivalents at year end


11,372


102,740













 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

Notes to the Financial Statements

1. General Information

JZ Capital Partners Limited (the "Company") is a Guernsey domiciled closed-ended investment company which was incorporated in Guernsey on 14 April 2008 under The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 1994. The Company is now subject to The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. The Company's Share Capital consists of Ordinary shares and Zero Dividend Preference ("ZDP") shares. The Ordinary shares and ZDP shares were admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange's Specialist Fund Market ("SFM") and were admitted to listing on the Channel Islands Securities Exchange ("CISE") on 31 July 2012.

The Company is classed as an authorised fund under The Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 1987.

The Company's corporate objective is to create a portfolio of investments in businesses primarily in the United States, providing a superior overall return comprised of a current yield and significant capital appreciation. The Company's present strategies include investments in micro cap buyouts, mezzanine loans (sometimes with equity participations) and high yield securities, senior secured debt and second lien loans, real estate and other debt and equity opportunities, including distressed debt and structured financings, derivatives and opportunistic purchase of publicly traded securities.

The Company has no direct employees. For its services the Investment Adviser receives a management fee and is also entitled to performance related fees (note 9). The Company has no ownership interest in the Investment Adviser. During the year under review the Company was administered by Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited.

The financial statements are presented in US$'000 except where otherwise indicated.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the audited annual financial statements have been consistently applied during the year, unless otherwise stated.

Statement of Compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ("IFRS"), which comprise standards and interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and International Accounting Standards ("IAS") and Standing Interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Committee ("IASC") that remain in effect, and have been adopted by the European Union, together with applicable legal and regulatory requirements of Guernsey Law, the SFM and the CISE.

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost or amortised cost basis, modified by the revaluation of financial instruments designated at fair value through profit or loss upon initial recognition.  The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates. The financial statements follow the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC") Statement of Recommended Practice ("SORP") issued on 21 January 2009.

 

Changes in accounting policy and disclosures

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year, except that the Company has adopted the following:

 

(i) Standards, amendments and interpretations effective during the year

 

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements. IFRS 10 establishes a single control model that applies to all entities including special purpose entities. The changes introduced by IFRS 10 require management to exercise significant judgement to determine which entities are controlled, and therefore, are required to be consolidated by a parent.  Investment Entities (Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27) was issued on 31 October 2012 and provides an exception to the consolidation requirements of IFRS 10.  The amendment requires that investment entities measure subsidiaries at fair value through profit or loss, rather than consolidate them.  This standard becomes effective on 1 January 2014 but as the Company meets the definition of an investment entity, the Company has early adopted to allow it to apply the provisions at the same time they first apply the rest of IFRS 10. The Company's interim report at 31 August 2013 was prepared on a consolidated basis. At the date the interim report and financial statements were issued, the European Union had yet to endorse the 'Investment Entities' amendment to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27.

Retrospective amendment is required following the early adoption of the 'Investment Entities' amendment to IFRS10. Therefore the presentation of relevant comparative figures has been amended.

Associates have now been included in investments at fair value through profit or loss, as the carrying value assessed through the equity method is equivalent to the fair value classified as investments at fair value through profit or loss.

 

IFRS 12 Disclosure of Involvement with Other Entities. IFRS 12 includes all of the disclosures that were previously in IAS 27 related to consolidated financial statements, as well as all of the disclosures that were previously included in IAS 31 and IAS 28. These disclosures relate to an entity's interests in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates and structured entities. A number of new disclosures are also required as presented in note 12.

 

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement. IFRS 13 establishes a single source of guidance under IFRS for all fair value measurements. IFRS 13 does not change when an entity is required to use fair value, but rather provides guidance on how to measure fair value under IFRS when fair value is required or permitted. IFRS 13 also requires additional disclosures which are presented in note 4.

 

IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements. As a consequence of the new IFRS 10 and IFRS 12, what remains of IAS 27 is limited to accounting for subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities, and associates in separate financial statements. The Company does not present separate financial statements.

 

IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures. As a consequence of the new IFRS 11 and IFRS 12. IAS 28 has been renamed IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, and describes the application of the equity method to investments in joint ventures in addition to associates. The Company has elected for an exemption from the IAS 28 equity method and values its investment in associate at fair value through profit or loss.

 

Retrospective restatement is required following the exemption from IAS 28. Therefore the presentation of relevant comparative figures has been restated.

 

(ii) Standards, amendments and interpretations that are not effective and are not expected to have material impact on the financial position or performance of the Company

 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement. The adoption of the first phase of IFRS 9 (tentatively effective for periods beginning on after 1 January 2018) may have an effect on the classification and measurement of the Company's financial assets, but will potentially have no impact on classification and measurements of financial liabilities.

 

Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Amendments to IAS 32. These amendments clarify the meaning of "currently has a legally enforceable right to set-off". The amendments also clarify the application of the IAS 32 offsetting criteria to settlement systems (such as central clearing house systems) which apply gross settlement mechanisms that are not simultaneous. These amendments are not expected to impact the Company's financial position or performance and become effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014.

 

There are certain other current standards, amendments and interpretations that are not relevant to the Company's operations.

 

Assessment as investment entity

 

Entities that meet the definition of an investment entity within IFRS 10 are required to measure their subsidiaries at fair value through profit or loss rather than consolidate them. The criteria which define an investment entity are, as follows:

 

• An entity that obtains funds from one or more investors for the purpose of providing those investors with investment services

 

• An entity that commits to its investors that its business purpose is to invest funds solely for returns from capital appreciation, investment income or both

 

• An entity that measures and evaluates the performance of substantially all of its investments on a fair value basis

 

The Company has a wide range of investors; through its Investment Adviser management services it enables investors to access private equity, real estate and similar investments.

 

The Company's objective to provide a "superior overall return comprised of a current yield and significant capital appreciation" is consistent with that of an investment entity. The Company has clearly defined exit strategies for each of its investment classes, these strategies are again consistent with an investment entity.

 

In determining the fair value of unlisted investments JZCP follows the principals of The International Private Equity and Venture Capital Association ("IPEVCA") Valuation Guidelines. The Valuation Guidelines have been prepared with the goal that Fair Value measurements derived when using these Valuation Guidelines are compliant with IFRS.

 

The Board of JZCP evaluates the performance of unlisted investments quarterly on a fair value basis. Listed investments are recorded at Fair Value in accordance with IFRS being the last traded market price where this price falls within the bid-ask spread. In circumstances where the last traded price is not within the bid-ask spread, the Board determines the point within the bid-ask spread that is most representative of fair value in accordance with IFRS 13.

 

The Board has also concluded that the Company meets the additional characteristics of an investment entity, in that it has more than one investment; the investments are predominantly in the form of equities and similar securities; it has more than one investor and its investors are not related parties.

 

Going concern

A fundamental principle of the preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS is the assumption that an entity will continue in existence as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations and the realisation of assets and settlement of liabilities occurring in the ordinary course of business.

 

The Directors consider the Company has adequate financial resources, in view of its holding in cash and cash equivalents and liquid investments and the income streams deriving from its investments and believe that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks successfully to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis.

 

Functional and presentational currency

Items included in the financial statements of the Company are measured in the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates (the "functional currency"). The functional currency of the Company as determined in accordance with IFRS is the US Dollar because this is the currency that best reflects the economic substance of the underlying events and circumstances of the Company. The financial statements are presented in US Dollars, as the Company has chosen the US Dollar as its presentation currency.

 

Foreign exchange

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated into the functional currency at the rate of exchange ruling at the end of the reporting period date. Transactions in foreign currencies during the course of the period are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at reporting period end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities and non-monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Foreign exchange gains and losses on financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recognised together with other changes in the fair value. Net foreign exchange gains or losses on monetary financial assets and liabilities other than those classified as at fair value through profit or loss are included in the line item 'Net foreign currency exchange gains'.

 

Financial assets and financial liabilities

(a) Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

(i) Classification

The Company classifies its investments in listed investments, investments in first and second lien debt securities, other equity opportunities and other investments within its Micro Cap and Real Estate portfolios as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. These financial assets are designated by the Board of Directors as at fair value through profit or loss at inception.

 

Financial assets and financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss at inception are those that are managed and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with the Company's investment strategy as documented in its prospectus and includes those investments over which the Company has significant influence except for the investment in the Associate (see (c) below). Information about these financial assets and financial liabilities are evaluated by the management of the Company on a fair value basis together with other relevant financial information.

 

(ii) Recognition / derecognition

Purchases and sales of investments are recognised on the trade date - the date on which the Company commits to purchase or sell the investment. Investments are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.

 

Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are initially recognised at fair value. Transaction costs are expensed in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Subsequent to initial recognition, all financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value. Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of the 'financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss' category are presented in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the period in which they arise.

 

Dividend income from financial assets at fair value through profit or loss is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income within investment income when the Company's right to receive payment is established.

 

Realised surpluses and deficits on the partial sale of investments are arrived at by deducting the average cost of such investments from the sales proceeds. 

 

(iii) Fair value estimation

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as publicly traded securities) is based on quoted market prices at the Statement of Financial Position date. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Company is the bid price.

 

Unquoted preferred shares, micro cap loans, unquoted equities and equity related securities investments are typically valued by reference to their enterprise value, which is generally calculated by applying an appropriate multiple to the last twelve months' earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA"). In determining the multiple, the Directors consider inter alia, where practical, the multiples used in recent transactions in comparable unquoted companies, previous valuation multiples used and where appropriate, multiples of comparable publicly traded companies. In accordance with IPEVCA guidelines, a marketability discount is applied which reflects the discount that in the opinion of the Directors, market participants would apply in a transaction in the investment in question.

 

Traded loans including first and second lien term securities are valued by reference to the last indicative bid price from recognised market makers. These investments are classified in the Statement of Financial Position as Investments at fair value through profit or loss.

 

(b) Loans and receivables

 

(i) Classification

The Company classifies unquoted senior subordinated debt within Mezzanine investments as loans and receivables.  Investments are generally accounted for at amortised cost using the effective interest method except where there is deemed to be impairment in value which indicates that a provision should be made.

 

(ii) Recognition / derecognition

Purchases and sales of investments are recognised on the trade date - the date on which the Company commits to purchase or sell the investment. Investments are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.

 

(iii) Measurement

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset or a financial liability and of allocating the interest income or interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument or, when appropriate, a shorter period to the net carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability. When calculating the effective interest rate, the Company estimates cash flows considering all contractual terms of the financial instrument but does not consider future credit losses. The calculation includes all fees paid or received between parties to the contract that are an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and all other premiums or discounts.

 

(iv) Impairment

The Company assesses at each reporting date whether the loans and receivables are impaired. Evidence of impairment may include indications that the counterparty is experiencing significant financial difficulty, default or delinquency in interest or principal payments, the probability that they will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation and where observable data indicates that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows, such as changes in arrears or economic conditions that correlate with defaults. If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has occurred, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the net present value of expected cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.

 

The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account and the amount of the loss is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as net impairments on loans and receivables.

 

Impaired debts together with the associated allowance are written off when there is no realistic prospect of future recovery and all collateral has been realised or has been transferred to the Company. If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the estimated impairment loss increases or decreases because of an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is increased or reduced by adjusting the allowance account. If a previous write-off is later recovered, the recovery is credited to net impairments/write back of impairments on loans and receivables.

 

(c) Investment in an associate

An associate is an entity in which the Company has significant influence. An entity is regarded as a subsidiary only if the Company has control over its strategic, operating and financial policies and intends to hold the investment on a long-term basis for the purpose of securing a contribution to the Company's activities.

 

In accordance with the exemption within IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, the Company does not account for its investment in EuroMicrocap Fund 2010, LP (the "Partnership") using the equity method. Instead, the Company has elected to measure its investment in its associate at fair value through profit or loss.

 

The Directors have determined that although the Company has over 50% economic partnership interest in the Partnership, it does not have the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the partnership. Such powers are vested with the General Partner. However the Company does have significant influence over the Partnership.

 

(d) Investment in a subsidiary

JZCP owns 100% of the shares and voting rights of JZCP Realty Fund, Ltd through which JZCP holds its interests in real estate. As the Company has elected to early adopt the "Investment Entities" amendment to IFRS 10 and the Board has concluded that it meets the criteria of an investment entity, its investment in JZCP Realty Fund, Ltd is carried at fair value through profit or loss.

 

(e) Cash on deposit

Cash on deposit comprise bank deposits with an original maturity of three months or more.

 

(f) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise bank balances and cash held by the Company including short-term bank deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. Cash also includes amounts held in interest-bearing overnight accounts.

 

(g) Other receivables and payables

Other receivables do not carry any interest and are short-term in nature and are accordingly stated at their nominal value as reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts. Other payables are not interest-bearing and are stated at their nominal value.

 

(h) Financial liabilities and equity

Financial liabilities and equity are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Company after deducting all of its liabilities. Financial liabilities and equity are recorded at the amount of proceeds received, net of issue costs. Ordinary shares are regarded as equity.

 

(i) Zero dividend preference ("ZDP") shares

In accordance with International Accounting Standard 32 - 'Financial Instruments: Presentation', ZDP shares have been disclosed as a financial liability as the shares are redeemable at a fixed date and holders are entitled to a fixed return. ZDP shares are recorded at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

 

Income

Interest income for all interest bearing financial instruments is included on an accruals basis using the effective interest method. Dividend income is recognised when the Company's right to receive payment is established. When there is reasonable doubt that income due to be received will actually be received, such income is not accrued until it is clear that its receipt is probable. Where following an accrual of income, receipt becomes doubtful, the accrual is either fully or partly written off until the reasonable doubt is removed.

 

Expenses

Investment Adviser's basic fees are allocated to revenue. The Company also provides for a Capital Gains Incentive fee based on net unrealised investments gains. 

 

Expenses which are deemed to be incurred wholly in connection with the maintenance or enhancement of the value of the investments are charged to realised capital reserve. All other expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis and are presented as revenue items.

 

Finance costs

Finance costs are interest expenses in respect of the ZDP shares and loans payable and are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income using the effective interest rate method.

 

Escrow accounts

Where investments are disposed of, the consideration given may include contractual terms requiring that a percentage of the consideration is held in an escrow account pending resolution of any indemnifiable claims that may arise and as such the value of these escrow amounts is not immediately known. The Company records gains realised on investments held in escrow in the Statement of Comprehensive Income following confirmation that any such indemnifiable claims have been resolved and none is expected in the future.

 

3. Segment information

The Investment Manager is responsible for allocating resources available to the Company in accordance with the overall business strategies as set out in the Investment Guidelines of the Company. The Company has been organised into the following segments:

 

• Portfolio of US micro cap investments

• Portfolio of European micro cap investments

• Portfolio of Mezzanine investments

• Portfolio of Bank debt

• Portfolio of Listed investments

• Portfolio of Real Estate investments

• Portfolio of Other investments

 

The investment objective of each segment is to achieve consistent medium-term returns from the investments in each segment while safeguarding capital by investing in a diversified portfolio.

 

Investment in corporate bonds, money market funds and treasury gilts are not considered part of any individual segment and have therefore been excluded from this segmental analysis.

 

For the year ended 28 February 2014

 





Micro Cap

Micro Cap

Mezzanine

Bank

Listed

Real

Other

Total

 





US

European

Portfolio

Debt

Investments

Estate

Investments


 





US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

 













 

Interest revenue



   31,210

     2,124

        215

       1,307

              -

         495

             -

     35,351

 

Dividend revenue




            -

            -

            -

              -

       2,804

             -

             -

       2,804

 

Net gain/(loss) on investments at fair value through profit or loss



3,659

32,744

        176

              -

     10,354

      4,701

(675)

     50,959

 

Impairments on loans and receivables



            -

            -

        (77)

              -

              -

             -

             -

          (77)

 

Investment Adviser's base fee

(4,765)

(2,605)

(52)

(165)

(1,753)

(1,573)

(149)

    (11,062)

 

Investment Adviser's capital incentive fee1


(10,411)

            -

     2,284

              -

              -

             -

             -

      (8,127)

 













Total segmental operating profit




 19,693

   32,263

     2,546

       1,142

     11,405

      3,623

        (824)

     69,848

 

Year ended 28 February 2013

 





Micro Cap

Micro Cap

Mezzanine

Bank

Listed

Real

Other

Total





US

European

Portfolio

Debt

Investments

Estate

Investments






US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000













Interest revenue




   29,131

     1,607

     2,223

       2,290

              -

             -

             -

     35,251

Dividend revenue




            -

            -

     1,023

              -

       3,771

             -

           29

       4,823

Other revenue




            -

            -

            -

          189

              -

             -

             -

         189

Net gain/(loss) on investments at fair value through profit or loss



    (2,768)

     4,142

     1,704

       1,817

8,481

             -

        (681)

     12,695

Impairments on loans and receivables



            -

            -

1,025

              -

              -

             -

             -

       1,025

Investment Adviser's base fee

    (5,014)

    (1,573)

       (163)

         (172)

         (813)

        (452)

        (162)

      (8,349)

Investment Adviser's capital incentive fee1


    (1,329)

            -

       (812)

              -

      (6,280)

             -

        (609)

      (9,030)













Total segmental operating profit




20,020

4,176

5,000

4,124

5,159

(452)

(1,423)

36,604

 

1The capital incentive fee is allocated across segments where a realised or unrealised gain or loss has occurred. Segments with realised or unrealised losses are allocated a credit pro rata to the size of the loss and segments with realised or unrealised gains are allocated a charge pro rata to the size of the gain.

 

At 28 February 2014

 



Micro Cap

Micro Cap

Mezzanine

Bank

Listed

Real

Other

Total



US

European

Portfolio

Debt

Investments

Estate

Investments




US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

Investments at fair value through profit or loss

341,560

186,781

2,706

11,810

65,423

   112,792

10,587

731,659

Investments classified as loans and receivables

            -

            -

1,000

              -

              -

             -

             -

1,000

Other receivables


            -

            -

            -

              -

          486

             -

             -

         486

Other payables and accrued expenses


  (10,771)

      (197)

     2,280

           (12)

      (1,136)

        (119)

          (11)

      (9,966)











Total segmental net assets


330,789

186,584

5,986

11,798

64,773

112,673

10,576

723,179

 

At 28 February 2013

 



Micro Cap

Micro Cap

Mezzanine

Bank

Listed

Real

Other

Total



US

European

Portfolio

Debt

Investments

Estate

Investments




US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

Investments at fair value through profit or loss

342,566

107,463

2,530

11,690

55,069

    30,860

11,080

561,258

Investments classified as loans and receivables

            -

            -

8,765

              -

              -

             -

             -

8,765

Other receivables


            -

            -

            -

              -

          486

             -

             -

486

Other payables and accrued expenses


    (1,664)

      (105)

       (823)

           (11)

      (7,338)

             -

             -

(9,941)











Total segmental net assets


340,902

107,358

10,472

11,679

48,217

30,860

11,080

560,568

 

Certain income and expenditure is not considered part of the performance of an individual segment. This includes net foreign exchange gains, interest on cash, finance costs, custodian and administration fees, directors' fees and other general expenses.

 











Year ended



Year ended











28/02/2014



28/02/2013











US$ '000



US$ '000















Net reportable segment profit








     69,848



     36,604

Net gains on treasury gilts and corporate bonds



       4,449



       1,194

Realised gains on investments held in escrow accounts



       2,233



       7,528

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)








      (9,980)



3,915

Interest on treasury gilts and corporate bonds





       1,029



       1,077

Interest on cash










          130



         393

Fees payable to investment adviser based on non segmental assets

      (1,439)



      (2,358)

Expenses not attributable to segments







      (2,486)



(2,785)

Share class restructuring costs







              -



      (1,580)





























Operating profit







     63,784



     43,988















 

Other receivables and prepayments are not considered to be part of individual segment assets. Certain liabilities are not considered to be part of the net assets of an individual segment. These include custodian and administration fees payable, Directors' fees payable and Other payables and accrued expenses.

 

The following table provides a reconciliation between total net segment assets and total net assets.

 









28/02/2014



28/02/2013









US$ '000



US$ '000













Total net segmental assets







    723,179



   560,568













Non segmental assets and liabilities:









Treasury gilts








     43,292



     31,809

Floating rate notes








     16,415



     26,450

Cash and cash equivalents





     11,372



   102,740

Loans payable








    (17,839)



              -

Other receivables and prepayments




            31



           66

Zero Dividend Preference Shares





   (107,201)



    (89,839)

Other payables and accrued expenses





      (2,793)



      (1,612)

























Total non segmental net assets





    (56,723)



     69,614





































Total net assets








666,456



630,182













 

4. Fair value of financial instruments

 

The Company classifies fair value measurements of its financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The financial assets valued at fair value through profit or loss are analysed in a fair value hierarchy based on the following levels:

















• Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1).




• Those involving 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).

• Those involving inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (level 3).

















The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorised in its entirety is determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For this purpose, the significance of an input is assessed against the fair value measurement in its entirety. If a fair value measurement uses observable inputs that require significant adjustment based on unobservable inputs, that measurement is a level 3 measurement. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgement, considering factors specific to the asset or liability.

















The determination of what constitutes 'observable' requires significant judgement by the Company. The Company considers observable data to be that market data that is readily available, regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable, not proprietary, and provided by independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant market.

















The following table shows financial instruments recognised at fair value, analysed between those whose fair value is based on:

 

Financial assets at 28 February 2014

 










Level 1


Level 2


Level 3


Total










US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss at inception:

























Listed Securities









125,130


                  -


              -


125,130

Bank debt









                        -


                  -


11,810


11,810

Mezzanine portfolio









                        -


                  -


2,706


2,706

US Micro Cap portfolio









                        -


                  -


341,560


341,560

European Micro Cap portfolio








                        -


                  -


186,781


186,781

Real Estate portfolio









                        -


                  -


112,792


112,792

Other









                        -


                  -


10,587


10,587










































125,130


                  -


666,236


791,366

















 

Financial assets at 28 February 2013

 










Level 1


Level 2


Level 3


Total










US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss at inception:

























Listed Securities









113,328


                  -


              -


113,328

Bank debt









                        -


                  -


     11,690


11,690

Mezzanine portfolio









                        -


                  -


2,529


2,529

US Micro Cap portfolio









                        -


                  -


342,567


342,567

European Micro Cap portfolio








                        -


                  -


107,463


107,463

Real Estate portfolio









                        -


                  -


30,860


30,860

Other









                        -


                  -


11,080


11,080










































113,328


                -  


506,189


619,517

















 

Transfers between levels

 

There were no transfers between the levels of hierarchy of financial assets recognised at fair value within the year ended 28 February 2014 and 28 February 2013.

 

Valuation techniques

In valuing investments in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, the Directors follow a number of general principles as detailed in the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Association ("IPEVCA") guidelines.

 

When fair values of listed equity and debt securities at the reporting date are based on quoted market prices or binding dealer price quotations (bid prices for long positions), without any deduction for transaction costs, the instruments are included within Level 1 of the hierarchy.

 

The fair value of bank debt which is derived from unobservable data is classified as Level 3.

 

Investments for which there are no active markets are valued according to one of the following methods:

 

Real Estate

 

JZCP makes its Real Estate investments through a wholly-owned subsidiary, which in turn owns interests in various residential, commercial, and development real estate properties. The net asset value of the subsidiary is used for the measurement of fair value. The underlying fair value of JZCP's Real Estate holdings, however, is represented by the properties themselves.

 

The Company's Investment Adviser and Board review the fair value methods and measurement of the underlying properties on a quarterly basis. The fair value techniques used in the underlying valuations are:

 

- Use of comparable market values per square foot of properties in recent transactions in the vicinity in which the property is located, and in similar condition, of the relevant property, multiplied by the property's square footage.

 

- Discounted Cash Flow ("DCF") analysis, using the relevant rental stream, less expenses, for future periods, discounted at a Market Capitalization ("MC") rate, or interest rate.

 

- Relevant rental stream less expenses divided by the market capitalization rate; this method approximates the enterprise value construct used for non-real estate assets.

 

For each of the above techniques third party debt is deducted to arrive at fair value.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainties of real estate valuation, the values reflected in the financial statements may differ significantly from the values that would be determined by negotiation between parties in a sales transaction and those differences could be material.

 

Mezzanine loans

Investments are generally valued at amortised cost except where there is deemed to be impairment in value which indicates that a provision should be made. Mezzanine loans are classified in the Statement of Financial Position as loans and receivables and are accounted for at amortised cost using the effective interest method less accumulated impairment allowances in accordance with IFRS.

 

The Company assesses at each reporting date whether a financial asset or group of financial assets classified as loans and receivables is impaired. Evidence of impairment may include indications that the debtor or a group of debtors is experiencing significant financial difficulty, default or delinquency in interest or principal payments, the probability that they will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation and where observable data indicates that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows, such as changes in arrears or economic conditions that correlate with defaults. If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the net present value of expected cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.

 

Unquoted preferred shares, micro cap loans, unquoted equities and equity related securities

Unquoted preferred shares, micro cap loans, unquoted equities and equity related securities investments are classified in the Statement of Financial Position as Investments at fair value through profit or loss. These investments are typically valued by reference to their enterprise value, which is generally calculated by applying an appropriate multiple to the last twelve months' earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA").  In determining the multiple, the Directors consider inter alia, where practical, the multiples used in recent transactions in comparable unquoted companies, previous valuation multiples used and where appropriate, multiples of comparable publicly traded companies.  In accordance with IPEVCA guidelines, a marketability discount is applied which reflects the discount that in the opinion of the Directors, market participants would apply in a transaction in the investment in question.

 

In respect of unquoted preferred shares and micro cap loans the Company values these investments by reference to the attributable enterprise value as the exit strategy in respect to these investments would be a one tranche disposal together with the equity component. The fair value of the investment is determined by reference to the attributable enterprise value (this is calculated by a multiple of EBITDA reduced by senior debt and marketability discount) covering the aggregate of the unquoted equity, unquoted preferred shares and debt instruments invested in the underlying company. The increase of the fair value of the aggregate investment is reflected through the unquoted equity component of the investment and a decrease in the fair value is reflected across all financial instruments invested in an underlying company.

 

Quantitative information of significant unobservable inputs and sensitivity analysis to significant changes in unobservable inputs within Level 3 hierarchy

 

The significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement catergorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy together with a quantitative sensitivity as at 28 February 2014 are shown below:

 



Value

Valuation

Unobservable

Range

Sensitivity

Effect on Fair Value



28.2.2014

Technique

input

(weighted average)

 used*






US$'000


















US Micro cap investments


  287,792

EBITDA Multiple

Average EBITDA Multiple of Peers

5.0x - 9.0x (7.2x)

0.5x / -0.5x

(21,426)


     19,256

US Micro cap investments



EBITDA Multiple

Discount to Average Multiple

0% - 40% (25%)

5.0% / -5.0%

(28,087)


     23,893











US Micro cap investments (1)

    23,563

Multiple of Book Value

Multiple of Book Value

1.5x

0.25x / -0.25x

(3,293)


       3,293











US Micro cap investments (2)

    30,205

Revenue Multiple

Revenue Multiple

0.4x

0.1x / -0.1x

(6,169)


       5,103











European Micro cap investments

  186,781

EBITDA Multiple

Average EBITDA Multiple of Peers

5.4x - 9.0x (7.3x)

0.5x / -0.5x

(11,010)


     11,010

European Micro cap investments


EBITDA Multiple

Discount to Average Multiple

25% - 48% (33%)

5.0% / -5.0%

(9,730)


       9,825











Mezzanine investments


     2,706

EBITDA Multiple

Average EBITDA Multiple of Peers

5.0x - 8.0x (7.0x)

0.5x / -0.5x

(342)


          342

Mezzanine investments



EBITDA Multiple

Discount to Average Multiple

10%

5.0% / -5.0%

(256)


          256











Bank debt


    11,810

EBITDA Multiple

Average EBITDA Multiple of Peers

6.0x

0.5x / -0.5x

            -  


            -  











Real estate (3)


  112,792

DCF Model / Income Approach

Discount Rate

10%

+ 1% / - 1%

(3,745)


       3,922











Other investments


    10,587

EBITDA Multiple

Average EBITDA Multiple of Peers

7.5x

0.5x / -0.5x

(447)


          447





Discount to Average Multiple

25%

5.0% / -5.0%

(379)


          379

 

(1) Milestone Aviation valued using a different valuation method

(2) Dental Holdings valued using a different valuation method

(3) The Fair Value of JZCP's investment in financial interests in Real Estate, is measured as JZCP's percentage interest in the value of the underlying properties. The Directors consider the discount rate used, applied to the DCF, when valuing the properties as the most significant unobservable input affecting the measurement of fair value.

* The sensitivity analysis refers to a percentage amount added or deducted from the input and the effect this has on the fair value.

 

The following table shows a reconciliation of all movements in the fair value of financial instruments categorised within Level 3 between the beginning and the end of the reporting period.

 

At 28 February 2014

 



Bank

Mezzanine

US Micro

Euro Micro

Real





Debt

Portfolio

Cap Portfolio

Cap Portfolio

Estate

Other

Total



US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000










At 1 March 2013


    11,690

        2,529

            342,566

             107,463

         30,861

     11,080

   506,189

Purchases


            -

               -

             63,370

               45,172

         76,933

       1,750

   187,225

PIK adjusted for fair value


        130

             50

             25,386

                        -

                  -

              -

     25,566

Proceeds from investments repaid or sold

            -

               -

(92,142)

                        -

             (198)

      (1,568)

    (93,908)

Net gains and losses recognised in statement of comprehensive income


             99

               3,659

               32,774

           4,701

         (675)

     40,558

Movement in accrued interest recognised in statement of comprehensive income

         (10)

             28

              (1,279)

                 1,372

              495

              -

          606



















At 28 February 2014


    11,810

        2,706

            341,560

             186,781

        112,792

     10,587

   666,236





















 









Bank

Mezzanine

US Micro

Euro Micro

Real





Debt

Portfolio

Cap Portfolio

Cap Portfolio

Estate

Other

Total



US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000










At 1 March 2012


    12,971

        5,658

            204,583

               85,129

                  -

       2,384

   310,725

Purchases


            -

               -

            128,392

               13,275

         30,861

       9,361

   181,889

PIK adjusted for fair value


        535

               -

             20,684

                 5,993

                  -


     27,212

Proceeds from investments repaid or sold

    (1,808)

       (4,309)

(10,341)

                (2,125)

                  -

              -

    (18,583)

Net gains and losses recognised in statement of comprehensive income


        1,704

              (2,738)

                 4,142

                  -

         (665)

       2,443

Investment gains on warrants held at nil value

            -

          (518)

                      -

                        -

                  -

              -

         (518)

Movement in accrued interest recognised in statement of comprehensive income

(8)

(6)

1,986

1,049

                  -

              -

3,021



















At 28 February 2013


11,690

2,529

342,566

107,463

         30,861

11,080

506,189










 

The following table details the revenues and net gains included within the statement of comprehensive income for investments classified at Level 3 which were held during the year.

 

At 28 February 2014


Bank

Mezzanine

US Micro

Euro Micro

Real





Debt

Portfolio

Cap Portfolio

Cap Portfolio

Estate

Other

Total



US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000










Interest and other revenue


     1,307

           215

             31,210

                 2,124

              495

              -

35,351

Net gain/(loss) on investments at fair value through profit or loss

            -

             99

               3,659

               32,774

           4,701

         (675)

40,558





















1,307

314

34,869

34,898

           5,196

(675)

75,909



















At 28 February 2013


Bank

Mezzanine

US Micro

Euro Micro

Real





Debt

Portfolio

Cap Portfolio

Cap Portfolio

Estate

Other

Total



US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000










Interest and other revenue


2,479

        3,246

29,134

1,607

                  -

            -  

36,466

Net gain/(loss) on investments at fair value through profit or loss

            -

        1,704

(2,738)

(200)

                  -

         (665)

(1,899)





















2,479

4,950

26,396

1,407

                  -

(665)

34,567










For the investments measured at Level 3 at the reporting date, the Company adjusted the default rate, and discount rate assumptions within a range of reasonably possible alternatives. The extent of the adjustment varied according to the characteristics of each security.                                                                                                                                                

The potential effect of using reasonably possible alternative assumptions for valuing financial instruments classified as Level 3 at the reporting date would reduce the fair value by up to US$84,884,000 (28 February 2013: US$9,840,000) or increase the fair value by US$77,726,000 (28 February 2013:US$10,430,000).                                                                                           

The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities measured at amortised cost are determined as follows:                             

The fair value of the Zero Dividend Preference shares is deemed to be their quoted market price. As at 28 February 2014 the ask price was £3.36 (28 February 2013: £3.24 per share) the total fair value of the ZDP shares was US$116,599,000 (28 February 2013: US$90,005,000) which is US$9,398,000 higher (28 February 2013: US$166,000 higher) than the liability recorded in the Statement of Financial Position.                                                                                                                                               

The carrying amounts of loans and receivables are recorded at amortised cost using the effective interest method in the financial statements. The fair value of loans and receivables at 28 February 2014 was US$1,000,000 (28 February 2013: US$7,834,000).                                                                                                                                                                                  

The carrying amounts of trade receivables and trade payables are deemed to be their fair value due to their short term nature.

 

5. Critical Accounting Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

 

The following are the key assumptions and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year:

 

Fair value of investments at fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL")

Certain investments are classified as FVTPL, and valued accordingly, as disclosed in Note 2. The key source of estimation uncertainty is on the valuation of unquoted equities and equity-related securities.

 

In reaching its valuation of the unquoted equities and equity-related securities the key judgements the Board has to make relate to the selection of the multiples and the discount factors used in the valuation models.

 

Loans and receivables

Certain investments are classified as Loans and Receivables, and valued accordingly, as disclosed in Note 2. The key estimation is the impairment review and the key assumptions are as disclosed in Note 2.

 

Investment in associate

The policies applied in accounting for the Company's associate require significant judgement. Full details are disclosed in Note 2c.

 

Assessment as an investment entity

The Board has concluded that the Company meets the definition of an investment entity and as such, does not consolidate its subsidiary but rather values it at fair value through profit or loss as described in note 2.

 

6.

Net gains on investments at fair value through profit or loss













Year ended


Year ended









28/02/2014


28/02/2013









US$ '000


US$ '000



































Net movement in unrealised gains/(losses) in the year




55,009


         4,593













Proceeds from investments realised







136,247


185,577


Cost of investments realised







(131,978)


(158,074)


Realised gains (proceeds less cost to JZCP)






4,269


27,503













Total gains in prior periods now realised






(3,870)


(18,210)
























Total net realised gains in the year







         399


         9,293














































Net gain on investments in the year







    55,408


       13,886























 

7.

Net write back of impairments/(impairments on) loans and receivables













Year ended


Year ended










28/02/2014


28/02/2013










US$ '000


US$ '000














Net (impairments on)/ write back of impairments on loans and receivables



          (77)


            211














Proceeds from investments previously written off







             -


            814


Proceeds from investments repaid








      7,584


       15,226


Cost of investments repaid








     (7,584)


      (15,226)


























Net realised gain








             -


814






































Net (impairments on)/write back of impairments on loans and receivables



(77)


1,025













 

8. Investment income

 







Year ended


Year ended







28/02/2014


28/02/2013







US$ '000


US$ '000










Income from investments classified as FVTPL





38,969


39,129

Income from investments classified as loans and receivables



215


2,214

























39,184


41,343










 

Income for the year ended 28 February 2014

 



Preferred

Loan note

Other

Other



Dividends

Dividends

PIK


Cash

Interest

Income

Total


US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000


US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000










US micro cap portfolio

               -

  15,213

     9,272


    6,725

          -

             -

       31,210

European micro cap portfolio

               -

           -

     1,569


       555

          -

             -

         2,124

Mezzanine portfolio

               -

           -

          77


       138

          -

             -

            215

Bank debt

               -

           -

            -


           -

   1,307

             -

         1,307

Listed investments

        2,804

           -

            -


           -

          -

             -

         2,804

Treasury gilts and corporate bonds

               -

           -

            -


           -

   1,029

             -

         1,029

Real estate

               -

           -

        495


           -

          -

             -

            495









                -


        2,804

  15,213

   11,413


    7,418

   2,336

             -

       39,184

 

Income for the year ended 28 February 2013

 



Preferred

Loan note

Other

Other



Dividends

Dividends

PIK


Cash

Interest

Income

Total


US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000


US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000



















US micro cap portfolio

               -

  13,353

     8,887


    6,891

          -

            3

       29,134

European micro cap portfolio

               -

           -

     1,075


       532

          -

             -

         1,607

Mezzanine portfolio

        1,023

          9

        195


    2,019

          -

             -

         3,246

Bank debt

               -

           -

            -


           -

   2,290

         189

         2,479

Listed investments

        3,771

           -

            -


           -

          -

             -

         3,771

Treasury gilts and corporate bonds

               -

           -

            -


           -

   1,077

             -

         1,077

Other

               -

           -

            -


           -

          -

           29

              29




















        4,794

  13,362

   10,157


    9,442

   3,367

         221

       41,343










 

Interest on unlisted investments totalling US$12,035,000 (year ended 29 February 2013: US$9,575,000) has not been recognised in accordance with the Company's accounting and valuation policy.

 

9. Finance costs

Finance costs arising are allocated to the statement of comprehensive income using the effective interest rate method. The rights and entitlements of the ZDP shares, which are accounted for at amortised cost are described in Note 17.

 

10. Expenses






Year ended


Year ended






28/02/2014


28/02/2013






US$ '000


US$ '000









Investment Adviser's base fee





11,220


10,707

Investment Adviser's incentive fee





9,408


9,030

Directors' remuneration





348


380






















20,976


20,117









Administrative expenses:








  Legal and professional fees





870


1,086

  Other expenses





557


565

  Accounting, secretarial and administration fees


324


451

  Auditors' remuneration





216


190

  Auditors' remuneration - non-audit fees



108


65

  Custodian fees





63


48






















2,138


2,405









Other:








  Share class restructuring costs





                     -  


                1,580

































Total expenses





23,114


24,102









 

Directors fees

 

The Chairman is entitled to a  fee of US$140,000 per annum. As from 1 January 2014, the Chairman of the Audit Committee is entitled to a fee of US$70,000 per annum, all other directors are entitled to a fee of US$60,000. For the year ended 28 February 2014 total Directors' fees included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income were US$348,000 (year ended 28 February 2013: US$380,000), of this amount US$63,000 was outstanding at the year end (28 February 2013: US$62,000).

 

Investment Advisory and Performance fees

 

The Company entered into the amended and restated investment advisory and management agreement with Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc. (the "Investment Adviser") on 23 December 2010 (the "Advisory Agreement").

 

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser is entitled to a base management fee and to an incentive fee. The base management fee is an amount equal to 1.5 per cent. per annum of the average total assets under management of the Company less those assets identified by the Company as being excluded from the base management fee, under the terms of the agreement. The base management fee is payable quarterly in arrears; the agreement provides that payments in advance on account of the base management fee will be made.

 

For the year ended 28 February 2014, total investment advisory and management expenses, based on the average total assets of the Company, were included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income of US$11,220,000 (year ended 28 February 2013: US$10,707,000). Of this amount US$848,000 (28 February 2013: US$715,000) was outstanding at the year end.

 

The incentive fee has two parts. The first part is calculated by reference to the net investment income of the Company ("Income Incentive fee") and is payable quarterly in arrears provided that the net investment income for the quarter exceeds 2 per cent of the average of the net asset value of the Company for that quarter (the "hurdle") (8 per cent. annualised). The fee is an amount equal to (a) 100 per cent of that proportion of the net investment income for the quarter as exceeds the hurdle, up to an amount equal to a hurdle of 2.5%, and (b) 20 per cent. of the net investment income of the Company above a hurdle of 2.5% in any quarter. Investments categorised as legacy investments and other assets identified by the Company as being excluded are excluded from the calculation of the fee. A true-up calculation is also prepared at the end of each financial year to determine if further fees are payable to the investment adviser or if any amounts are recoverable from future income incentive fees.

 

For the years ended 28 February 2014 and 2013 there was no income incentive fee.

 

The second part of the incentive fee is calculated by reference to the net realised capital gains ("Capital Gains Incentive fee") of the Company and is equal to: 20 per cent. of the realised capital gains of the Company for each financial year less all realised capital losses of the Company for the year less (b) the aggregate of all previous capital gains incentive fees paid by the Company to the Investment Adviser. The capital gains incentive is payable in arrears within 90 days of the fiscal year end. Investments categorised as legacy investments and assets of the Euro Microcap Fund 2010, LP are excluded from the calculation of the fee.

 

For the purpose of calculating incentive fees cumulative preferred dividends received on the disposal of an investment are treated as a capital return rather than a receipt of income.

A capital gains incentive fee based on realised gains during the year ended 28 February 2014 of US$3,115,000 is payable to the Investment Adviser. The Company also provides for a capital gains incentive fee based on unrealised gains. For the year ended 28 February 2014 a provision of US$3,503,000 (28 February 2013: nil) has been included.

In 2012, an income incentive fee of US$4,411,000 was paid to the Investment Advisor on the basis that net investment income for the quarter ended 30 November 2011 exceeded the hurdle rate of 2% (8% per annum), the income incentive fee was shown as a contingent asset in the Company's financial statements for the years ended 29 February 2012 and 28 February 2013 as the annual hurdle for the year ended 29 February 2012 had not been exceeded. A re-interpretation in the current period of the Advisory Agreement resulted in cumulative preferred dividends being treated as capital rather than income for the purpose of the incentive fee calculations. Retrospective amendment to the fees resulted in the write back this year of the US$4,411,000 and additional capital incentive fees payable to the Investment Adviser of US$7,201,000 on prior year realisations.

Total incentive fees payable to the Investment Adviser within 90 days of the year ended total US$5,907,000.

The Advisory agreement may be terminated by the Company or the Investment Advisor upon not less than two and one-half years' (i.e. 913 days') prior notice (or such lesser period as may be agreed by the Company and Investment Adviser). 

Administration fees

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited was appointed as Administrator to the Company on 1 September 2012. The Administrator is entitled to a fee payable quarterly in arrears. Fees payable to the Administrator are fixed for the three years from the date of appointment and are then subsequently subject to an annual fee review.

 

Custodian fees

HSBC Bank (USA) N.A, (the "Custodian") was appointed on 12 May 2008 under a custodian agreement. The Custodian is entitled to receive an annual fee of US$2,000 and a transaction fee of US$50 per transaction. For the year ended 28 February 2014 total Custodian expenses of US$63,000 (28 February 2013: US$48,000) were included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income  of which US$16,000 (28 February 2013: US$7,000) was outstanding at the year end and is included within Other Payables.

 

Auditors remuneration

All of the auditors remuneration relates to the annual audit and half year review report. During the year ended 28 February 2014, professional fees of US$65,000 were paid to Ernst & Young for taxation services (28 February 2013: $65,000).

 

11. Taxation

For both 2014 and 2013 the Company applied for and was granted exempt status for Guernsey tax purposes under the terms of The Income Tax (Zero 10) (Guernsey) Law, 2007.

 

For the year ended 28 February 2014 the Company incurred withholding tax of US$841,000 (28 February 2013: US$1,131,000) on dividend income from listed investments. 

 

12. Investments  

Categories of financial instruments






Listed


Unlisted


Carrying Value







28/02/2014


28/02/2014


28/02/2014







US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000













Fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)




    125,130


            666,236


            791,366


Loans and receivables





               -


                1,000


                1,000





























    125,130


            667,236


            792,366








































Listed


Unlisted


Total







28/02/2014


28/02/2014


28/02/2014







US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000


Book cost at 1 March 2013





102,384


541,869


644,253


Purchases in year





39,336


156,190


195,526


Capital calls during year





               -


31,035


31,035


Payment in kind ("PIK")





               -


25,566


25,566


Proceeds from investments disposed/realised



     (42,366)


(101,464)


(143,830)


Realised gains on disposal





        1,026


3,243


4,269
























Book cost at 28 February 2014





100,380


656,439


756,819


Unrealised gains at 28 February 2014



24,655


1,271


25,926


Accrued interest at 28 February 2014




            95


                9,526


                9,621
























Carrying value at 28 February 2014





    125,130


            667,236


            792,366





























Listed


Unlisted


Carrying Value







28/02/2013


28/02/2013


28/02/2013







US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000













Fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)




113,328


506,189


619,517


Loans and receivables





               -


8,765


8,765





























113,328


514,954


628,282








































Listed


Unlisted


Total







28/02/2013


28/02/2013


28/02/2013







US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000


Book cost at 1 March 2012





132,577


381,086


513,663


Purchases in year





79,316


174,607


253,923


Capital calls during year





               -


13,275


13,275


Payment in kind ("PIK")





               -


21,466


21,466


Proceeds from investments disposed/realised



(129,934)


(56,457)


(186,391)


Realised gains on disposal





20,425


7,892


28,317
























Book cost at 28 February 2013





102,384


541,869


644,253


Unrealised gains/(losses) at 28 February 2013



10,877


(36,016)


(25,139)


Accrued interest at 28 February 2013




67


9,101


9,168
























Carrying value at 28 February 2013





113,328


514,954


628,282













The above book cost is the cost to JZCP equating to the transfer value as at 1 July 2008 upon the liquidation of JZEP and adjusted for subsequent transactions.                                                                                                                                          

The cost of PIK investments is deemed to be interest not received in cash but settled by the issue of further securities when that interest has been recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.     

 

Investment in associate

 

As at 28 February 2014, the Company had a direct investment in the following associate:























Entity

Place of incorporation


Principal activity


% Interest





















EuroMicrocap Fund 2010, LP

Cayman



Acquiror of Europe-based microcap companies


75%

                               

The Company has elected for an exemption from the IAS 28 equity method. Therefore the Company values its associate at fair value through profit or loss.

 








28/02/2014


28/02/2013








US$ '000


US$ '000











EuroMicrocap Fund 2010, LP







            150,115


113,297





















Investment in associate at fair value






            150,115


113,297











               

The Company may have ownership that is above 20% in other investments but does not have significant influence,  therefore these are not classified as associates.

 

Restrictions

There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the associate to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends, or repayment of loans or advances. However, the company has not received any funds from the associate.

 

Investment in subsidiary

As at 28 February 2014, the Company had a direct investment in the following subsidiary:

 






28/02/2014


28/02/2013






US$ '000


US$ '000









JZCP Realty Fund, Ltd





112,792


30,860









Investment in subsidiaries at fair value




112,792


30,860









 

The Company meets the definition of an investment entity. Therefore, it does not consolidate its subsidiaries but rather recognises them as investments at fair value through profit or loss.

 

Unconsolidated subsidiaries



Place of incorporation


% Interest

















JZCP Realty Fund, Ltd



Cayman




100%









The above subsidiary controls the following subsidiaries:













Entity



Place of incorporation


% Interest

















JZ REIT Fund Metropolitan, LLC



Delaware, USA




99%

JZCP Loan Metropolitan Corp



Delaware, USA




100%

JZ REIT Fund 1, LLC



Delaware, USA




99%

JZCP Loan 1 Corp



Delaware, USA




100%

JZ REIT Fund Flatbush Portfolio, LLC


Delaware, USA




99%

JZCP Loan Flatbush Portfolio Corp


Delaware, USA




100%

JZ REIT Fund Flatbush, LLC



Delaware, USA




99%

JZCP Loan Flatbush Corp



Delaware, USA




100%

JZ REIT Fund Fulton, LLC



Delaware, USA




99%

JZCP Loan Fulton Corp



Delaware, USA




100%

JZCP Loan Greenpoint Corp.



Delaware, USA




99%

JZ REIT Fund Greenpoint, LLC



Delaware, USA




100%

 

Restrictions

The Company receives income in the form of interest from its investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries, and there are no significant restrictions on the transfer of funds from these entities to the Company.

 

Support

The Company has no contractual commitments  to provide any financial or other support to its unconsolidated subsidiaries.

 

13. Cash and cash equivalents

 








28/02/2014


28/02/2013








US$ '000


US$ '000











Cash at bank







              11,372


39,612

Money Market Funds







                       -


55,497

Cash held on deposit with maturity of less than 3 months




                       -


7,631































Cash, cash equivalents and cash held on deposits




              11,372


102,740











 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise bank balances and cash held by the Company including short-term bank deposits and investments in money market funds with an original maturity of three months or less. In the prior year cash held on deposit had a maturity date of greater than 3 months. The carrying value of these assets approximates to their fair value.

 

14. Other receivables

 








28/02/2014


28/02/2013








US$ '000


US$ '000











Accrued dividend income on listed investments





                   486


                   486

Other receivables and prepayments






                    31


                    66




























                   517


552











 

15. Other payables

 






28/02/2014


28/02/2013






US$ '000


US$ '000









Provision for tax on dividends received not withheld at source


                1,004


1,004

Structured forward currency contract




                   721


                       -

Legal fees





                   250


250

Fees due to administrator





                   115


174

Other expenses





                   186


201

Auditors' remuneration





                   147


110

Custody fees





                    16


7






















                2,440


1,746









 

16. Loan payable

 







28/02/2014


28/02/2013







US$ '000


US$ '000

Loan payable






              17,839


                     -  

























              17,839


                     -  










 

At 28 February 2014, the Company had a loan facility with Deutsche Bank allowing the Company to draw down a total of US$52.0 million. At the year end the loan outstanding was US$17.8 million and a further US$34.2 million was available to draw down. The loan is secured by the Company's investments in corporate bonds and UK Gilts, the total value of assets held as collateral at 28 February 2014 was US$59.6 million. The interest rate for the loan is charged at 30 day Libor +75 basis points.

The carrying value of the loans approximates to fair value and would be designated as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

17. Zero Dividend Preference ("ZDP") shares

 







28/02/2014

28/02/2013







US$ '000

US$ '000









ZDP shares issued 22 June 2009








Amortised cost at 1 March

89,839

87,281

Finance costs allocated to statement of comprehensive income

7,489

7,007

Unrealised currency loss/(gain) to the Company on translation during the year

9,873

               (4,449)

















Amortised cost at year end

107,201

89,839

















Total number of ZDP shares in issue

20,707,141

20,707,141









 

ZDP shares were issued on 22 June 2009 at a price of 215.80 pence and are designed to provide a pre-determined final capital entitlement of 369.84 pence on 22 June 2016 which ranks behind the Company's creditors but in priority to the capital entitlements of the Ordinary shares. The ZDP shares carry no entitlement to income and the whole of their return will therefore take the form of capital. The capital appreciation of approximately 8% per annum is calculated monthly. In certain circumstances, ZDP shares carry the right to vote at general meetings of the Company as detailed in the Company's Memorandum of Articles and Incorporation. Issue costs are deducted from the cost of the liability and allocated to the statement of comprehensive income over the life of the ZDP shares.

 

18. Share Capital

 

Authorised Capital
















Unlimited number of ordinary shares of no par value.













Ordinary shares - Issued Capital





28/02/2014


28/02/2013






Number of shares


Number of shares









Balance at 1 March




        65,018,607


        37,319,238

Converted from Limited Voting Ordinary shares



                       -


        27,699,369

















Total ordinary shares in issue





        65,018,607


        65,018,607

















Limited Voting Ordinary shares - Issued Capital










28/02/2014


28/02/2013






Number of shares


Number of shares









Balance at 1 March




                       -


27,699,369

Converted to Ordinary shares





                       -


(27,699,369)

















Total limited voting ordinary shares in issue



                       -


                       -

















Total shares in issue





65,018,607


65,018,607

 

On 31 July 2012 the Company announced the cancellation of the listing of its Ordinary shares on the premium segment of the Official List and trading on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities. Subsequently the Company's shares were admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange's Specialist Fund Market. The Company also announced the admission to listing on the Channel Islands Securities Exchange.

 

The Ordinary shares carry a right to receive the profits of the Company available for distribution by dividend and resolved to be distributed by way of dividend to be made at such time as determined by the Directors.

 

In addition to receiving the income distributed, the Ordinary shares are entitled to the net assets of the Company on a winding up, after all liabilities have been settled and the entitlement of the ZDP shares have been met. In addition, holders of Ordinary shares will be entitled on a winding up to receive any accumulated but unpaid revenue reserves of the Company, subject to all creditors having been paid out in full but in priority to the entitlements of the ZDP shares. Any distribution of revenue reserves on a winding up is currently expected to be made by way of a final special dividend prior to the Company's eventual liquidation.

 

Holders of Ordinary shares have the rights to receive notice of, to attend and to vote at all general meetings of the Company.

 

19. Capital management

 

The Company's capital is represented by the Ordinary shares and ZDP shares.

 

As a result of the ability to issue, repurchase and resell shares, the capital of the Company can vary. The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements and has no restrictions on the issue, repurchase or resale of its shares.

The Company's objectives for managing capital are:

•  To invest the capital in investments meeting the description, risk exposure and expected return indicated in its prospectus.        

•  To achieve consistent returns while safeguarding capital by investing in a diversified portfolio.     

•  To maintain sufficient liquidity to meet the expenses of the Company.

•  To maintain sufficient size to make the operation of the Company cost-efficient.

The Company continues to keep under review opportunities to buy back Ordinary or ZDP shares.

The Company monitors capital by analysing the NAV per share over time and tracking the discount to the Company's share price. It also monitors the performance of the existing investments to identify opportunities for exiting at a reasonable return to the shareholders.

 

20. Reserves

 

Capital raised on formation of Company

The Royal Court of Guernsey granted that on the admission of the Company's shares to the official list and to trading on the London Stock Exchange's market, the amount credited to the share premium account of the Company immediately following the admission of such shares be cancelled and any surplus thereby created accrue to the Company's distributable reserves to be used for all purposes permitted by the Companies Law, including the purchase of shares and the payment of dividends.

 

Capital raised on issue of new shares

Subsequent amounts raised by the issue of new shares, net of issue costs, are credited to the share capital account.

 

Distributable reserves

Subject to satisfaction of the solvency test, all of the Company's capital and reserves are distributable in accordance with The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.

 

Summary of reserves attributable to Ordinary shareholders














28/02/2014


28/02/2013









US$ '000


US$ '000












Distributable reserve



353,528


353,528

Share capital account



149,269


149,269

Capital reserve



76,788


50,512

Revenue reserve



86,871


76,873































666,456


630,182












 

There was no movement in the Company's share capital account and distributable reserve for the years ended 28 February 2014 and 2013.

 

Capital reserve

All surpluses arising from the realisation or revaluation of investments and all other capital profits and accretions of capital are credited to the Capital reserve. Any loss arising from the realisation or revaluation of investments or any expense, loss or liability classified as capital in nature may be debited to the Capital reserve.

 






Capital reserve



















Realised


Unrealised


Total








28/02/2014


28/02/2014


28/02/2014








US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000














At 1 March 2013

92,834


     (42,322)


50,512


Net gains on investments

4,291


51,117


55,408


Net gains on foreign currency exchange



371


     (10,428)


(10,057)


Realised gains on investments held in escrow accounts



2,233


               -


2,233


Expenses charged to capital



(13,819)


               -


     (13,819)


Finance costs in respect of Zero Dividend Preference Shares



              -


       (7,489)


       (7,489)
















At 28 February 2014

85,910


       (9,122)


76,788














 









Capital reserve









Realised


Unrealised


Total









28/02/2013


28/02/2013


28/02/2013









US$ '000


 US$ '000


 US$ '000














At 1 March 2012



68,107


(26,332)


41,775

Net gains on investments



28,389


(13,478)


14,911

Net gains/(losses) on foreign currency exchange





         (580)


4,495


3,915

Realised gains on investments held in escrow accounts





7,528


              -


7,528

Expenses charged to capital





(10,610)


              -


(10,610)

Finance costs in respect of Zero Dividend Preference shares





              -


(7,007)


(7,007)

















At 28 February 2013



92,834


(42,322)


50,512



























Revenue reserve





28/02/2014


28/02/2013











US$ '000


US$ '000














At 1 March







76,873


70,890

Profit for the year attributable to revenue





29,178


27,113

Dividend paid





(19,180)


(21,130)



























At 28 February





86,871


76,873



























 

21. Financial Instruments

 

Strategy in using financial instruments

The Company's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, fair value interest rate risk, cash flow interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk.  The Company's overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Company's financial performance.

 

Categories of financial instruments

 









Carrying


Carrying









Value


Value









28/02/2014


28/02/2013









US$ '000


US$ '000












Financial assets











Fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)







791,366


619,517

Loans and receivables








1,000


8,765

Other receivables








517


552

Cash and cash equivalents








11,372


102,740























Total assets








804,255


731,574























Financial liabilities











Valued at amortised cost











Loan payable








(17,839)


             -  

Zero Dividend Preference ("ZDP") shares







(107,201)


     (89,839)

Trade payables








(12,759)


(11,553)























Total liabilities








(137,799)


(101,392)












Loans and receivables presented above represent mezzanine loans.

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost presented above represent ZDP shares, loans payable and trade payables as detailed in the statement of financial position.

 

22. Financial risk and management objectives and policies

 

Introduction

The Company's objective in managing risk is the creation and protection of shareholder value. Risk is inherent in the Company's activities, but it is managed through a process of ongoing identification, measurement and monitoring, subject to risk limits and other controls. The process of risk management is critical to the Company's continuing profitability. The Company is exposed to market risk (which includes currency risk, interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk arising from the financial instruments it holds.

 

Risk management structure

The Company's Investment Adviser is responsible for identifying and controlling risks. The Directors supervise the Investment Adviser and are ultimately responsible for the overall risk management approach within the Company.

 

Risk mitigation

The Company's prospectus sets out its overall business strategies, its tolerance for risk and its general risk management philosophy. The Company may use derivatives and other instruments for trading purposes and in connection with its risk management activities.

 

Market risk

Market risk is defined as "the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in variables such as equity price, interest rate and foreign currency rate".

 

Market price risk

The Company's investments are subject to normal market fluctuations and there can be no assurance that no depreciation in the value of those investments will occur. There can be no guarantee that any realisation of an investment will be on a basis which necessarily reflects the Company's valuation of that investment for the purposes of calculating the Net Asset Value of the Shares.

Changes in industry conditions, competition, political and diplomatic events, tax, environmental and other laws and other factors, whether affecting the United States alone or other countries and regions more widely, can substantially and either adversely or favourably affect the value of the securities in which the Company invests and, therefore, the Company's performance and prospects.

The Company's market price risk is managed through diversification of the investment portfolio across various sectors. The Investment Adviser considers each investment purchase to ensure that an acquisition will enable the Company to continue to have an appropriate spread of market risk and that an appropriate risk/reward profile is maintained.

Equity price risk is the risk of unfavourable changes in the fair values of equity investments as a result of changes in the value of individual shares. The equity price risk exposure arises from the Company's investments in equity securities. The company has two listed equity investments valued at US$65,423,000 (28 February 2013: two investments valued at US$55,069,000) which are listed on the NASDAQ, and NYSE.

A 10% increase/decrease in the carrying value of listed investments at 28 February 2014 would increase/decrease the net assets attributable to shareholders by US$6,542,000 (28 February 2013: US$5,507,000).

The Company does not generally invest in liquid equity investments and the current portfolio of the listed equity investments result from the successful flotation of unlisted investments.

Management's best estimate of the effect on the net assets attributable to shareholders and on the profit for the year due to a reasonably possible change in equity indices, with all other variables held constant is indicated in the table below. In practice, the actual trading results may differ from the sensitivity analysis below and the difference could be material. An equivalent decrease in each of the indices shown below would have resulted in an equivalent, but opposite, impact.    

Equity price risk (listed investments)

 

The table below analyses the Company's concentration of equity price risk by industrial distribution:

 







Percentage of Equity Securities

Industry












28/02/2014

28/02/2013

Property and Casualty Insurance




98.6%

98.6%

Education and Training Services




1.4%

1.4%























100.0%

100.0%









 

The Company has certain financial instruments (common stock private investments) that are recorded at fair value using valuation techniques such as earnings multiple model derived either from acquisition/purchase information or observable market data from comparable companies. In some cases an adjustment is made to the acquisition/purchase multiple to reflect the underlying growth of the investment. These are adjusted to reflect counter party credit risk and limitations in the model.

 

Equity price risk (unlisted investments)

For the financial instruments whose fair value is estimated using valuation techniques with no market observable inputs, the net unrealised amount recorded in the statement of comprehensive income in the year due to changes in the inputs amounts to gains of US$47,604,000 (28 February 2013: losses of  US$2,558,000).

 

Sensitivity analysis relating to changes in unobservable inputs and the effect on the fair value of Equity and other unlisted investments is found in Note 4 of these financial statements.

 

Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk arises from the possibility that changes in interest rates will affect future cash flows or the fair values of financial instruments. It has not been the Company's policy to use derivative instruments to mitigate interest rate risk, as the Investment Adviser believes that the effectiveness of such instruments does not justify the costs involved.

 

The table below summarises the Company's exposure to interest rate risks:

 





Non interest




Fixed rate

Floating rate

bearing

Total



28/02/2014

28/02/2014

28/02/2014

28/02/2014



US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000







Investments at fair value through profit or loss

601,341

      11,810

         178,215

791,366

Loans and receivables


1,000

               -

                   -

1,000

Other receivables and prepayments


                  -

               -

517

517

Cash and cash equivalents


                  -

      11,372

                   -

           11,372

Loan payable


                  -

     (17,839)

                   -

(17,839)

Zero Dividend Preference shares


(107,201)

               -

                   -

(107,201)

Other payables


                  -

               -

          (12,759)

(12,759)













Total net assets


495,140

5,343

165,973

666,456























Non interest




Fixed rate

Floating rate

bearing

Total



28/02/2013

28/02/2013

28/02/2013

28/02/2013



US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000







Investments at fair value through profit or loss

526,308

38,140

55,069

619,517

Loans and receivables


8,765

               -

                   -

8,765

Cash held on deposit (maturity date > 3 months)

                  -

               -

               552

552

Cash and cash equivalents


                  -

     102,740

                   -

         102,740

Zero Dividend Preference shares


        (89,839)

               -

                   -

(89,839)

Other payables


                  -

               -

          (11,553)

(11,553)













Total net assets


445,234

140,880

44,068

630,182







The income receivable by the Company is not subject to significant amounts of risk due to fluctuations in the prevailing levels of market interest rates. However, whilst the income received from fixed rate securities is unaffected by changes in interest rates, the investments are subject to risk in the movement of fair value. The Investment Adviser considers the risk in the movement of fair value as a result of changes in the market interest rate for fixed rate securities to be insignificant, hence no sensitivity analysis is provided.

 

Of the money held on deposit, US$11,372,000 (28 February 2013: US$47,243,000) earns interest at variable rates and the income may rise and fall depending on changes to interest rates.

 

The sensitivity of the bank debt's market value is not influenced by a change in prevailing interest rates, because they are floating rate instruments. The market value of bank debt is influenced by factors such as the performance of the issuer and bank liquidity.

 

The data below demonstrates the sensitivity of the Company's profit/(loss) for the year to a reasonably possible change in interest rates, with all other variables held constant.

 

The sensitivity of the profit on interest received on cash and cash equivalents is the effect of the assumed changes in the daily interest rates throughout the year to 28 February 2014 and year ended 28 February 2013, on accounts where cash is held:

 

The sensitivity of the profit for the year on investment income received on bank debt is the effect of the assumed changes in the 3 month Libor on which the interest paid was derived.

Change in basis points Increase/(decrease)

Sensitivity of interest income Increase/(decrease) receivable on cash and cash equivalents

Sensitivity of investment income Increase/(decrease) receivable on bank debt




28/02/2014




28/02/2013




28/02/2014




28/02/2013




US$ '000




US$ '000




US$ '000




US$ '000

















+25 / -25



106/(106)


167/(167)




30/(30)




45/(45)

















+100 / -100



424/(130)


666/(200)




119/(119)




182/(182)

The following table analyses the Company's interest rate exposure in terms of the assets and liabilities maturity dates.

 

28/02/2014

0-3 months

4-12 months

1-2 years

2-5 years

More than 5 years

No maturity date

Non- interest bearing

Total


US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000










Cash and cash equivalents

11,372

                 -  

                -  

                 -  

               -  

                 -  

                   -  

11,372

Financial asset at fair value through profit or loss

       11,810

38,328

58,560

108,015

11,855

179,517

383,281

791,366

Loans and receivables

                 -  

                 -  

                -  

                 -  

               -  

1,000

                   -  

1,000

Loan payable

                 -  

                 -  

                -  

      (17,839)

               -  

                 -  

                   -  

(17,839)

Zero Dividend Preference Shares

                 -  

                 -  

                -  

(107,201)

               -  

                 -  

                   -  

(107,201)

Other receivables / payables

                 -  

                 -  

                -  

                 -  

               -  

                 -  

(12,242)

(12,242)




















23,182

38,328

58,560

(17,025)

11,855

180,517

371,039

666,456










 

28/02/2013










US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000










Cash and cash equivalents

102,740

                 -  

                -  

                 -  

               -  

                 -  

                   -  

102,740

Financial asset at fair value through profit or loss

                 -  

16,686

37,581

131,564

21,886

11,267

400,533

619,517

Loans and receivables

                 -  

                 -  

                -  

8,515

               -  

              250

                   -  

8,765

Zero Dividend Preference Shares

                 -  

                 -  

                -  

(89,839)

               -  

                 -  

                   -  

(89,839)

Other receivables / payables

                 -  

                 -  

                -  

                 -  

               -  

                 -  

(11,001)

(11,001)




















102,740

16,686

37,581

50,240

21,886

11,517

389,532

630,182










 

The Investment Adviser monitors the Company's overall interest sensitivity on a regular basis by reference to prevailing interest rates and the level of the Company's cash balances. The Company has not used derivatives to mitigate the impact of changes in interest rates.

 

Credit risk

 

The Company takes on exposures to credit risk, which is the risk that a counterparty to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss to the Company by failing to discharge an obligation. These credit exposures exist within investment classified as FVTPL, debt investments, loans and receivables and cash & cash equivalents.

 

They may arise, for example, from a decline in the financial condition of a counterparty, from entering into derivative contracts under which counterparties have obligations to make payments to the Company. As the Company's credit exposure increases, it could have an adverse effect on the Company's business and profitability if material unexpected credit losses were to occur.

 

In the event of any default on the Company's loan investments by a counterparty, the Company will bear a risk of loss of principal and accrued interest of the investment, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's income and potential to pay dividends to Shareholders and to redeem the ZDP Shares.

 

In accordance with the Company's policy, the Investment Adviser monitors the Company's exposure to credit risk on a regular basis, by reviewing the financial statements, budgets and forecasts of underlying investee companies.

 

The table below analyses the Company's maximum exposure to credit risk. The maximum exposure is shown gross at the reporting date.

 










Total




Total










28/02/2014




28/02/2013










US$ '000




US$ '000















Bank Debt







11,810




11,690

Mezzanine Debt







3,706




11,294

US Micro Cap Debt







341,560




342,567

European Micro Cap Debt







186,781




107,463

Cash and cash equivalents







11,372




102,740

Accrued dividend income







486




486






































555,715




576,240





























 

A proportion of Micro Cap and Mezzanine debt held does not entitle the Company to interest payment in cash. This interest is capitalised (PIK) and as a result has substantial credit risk as there is no return to the Company until the loan plus all the interest, is repaid in full. Of the US$215,000 (28 February 2013: US$2,214,000) interest that was recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income on investments classified as loans and receivables during the year US$77,000 (28 February 2013: US$195,000) was receivable in the form of PIK Investments. There is no collateral held in respect of Mezzanine debt forming the loans and receivables.

 

An impairment review is performed by the Investment Adviser on an investment by investment basis every quarter.

 

During the year ended 28 February 2014 there was an increase in the allowance for impairment in respect of loans and receivables of US$77,000 (28 February 2013: write back of impairment of US$211,000). Total impairment of loans and receivables at 28 February 2014 was US$7,176,000 (28 February 2013: US$ 7,099,000)

 

Mezzanine investments typically have no or a limited trading market and therefore such investments will be illiquid, and as such the Company's ability to sell them in the short term may be limited.

 

The Investment Adviser closely monitors the creditworthiness of mezzanine debt counterparties and other loans and receivables and upon unfavourable change, may seek to terminate the agreement or to obtain collateral. The creditworthiness is monitored by the reviewing of quarterly covenant agreements and by the Investment Adviser having board representation on a significant number of these investees.

 

Bank debt designated at fair value through profit or loss

 

As at 28 February 2014 and 28 February 2013, the Company's only investment in Bank Debt was Dekko Technologies LLC, a private company whose debt was neither listed or credit rated.

 

The following table analyses the concentration of credit risk in the Company's debt portfolio by industrial distribution.

 






28/02/2014


28/02/2013






 US$ '000


 US$ '000

Healthcare Services & Equipment





31%


25%

Financial General





14%


21%

Water Treatment / Infrastructure





11%


9%

Private Security





10%


                 -  

Support Services





9%


9%

Electronic & Electrical Equipment





6%


5%

Industrial Engineering





5%


6%

House, Leisure & Personal Goods





4%


3%

Logistics





4%


                 -  

Real Estate





2%


                 -  

Document Processing





2%


                 -  

Telecom





2%


                 -  

Industrial Services





             -  


22%






               -


                   -














100%


100%

 

The table below analyses the Company's cash and cash equivalents and cash deposits by rating agency category.

 




Credit ratings








Standard & Poor's Outlook

Fitch LT Issuer Default Rating


28/02/2014


28/02/2013







US$ '000


US$ '000

Cash deposits









HSBC Bank USA NA



 Negative

 AA-


               -


Deutsche Bank



 Negative

 A+


               -


         47,843

























               -


          55,497



















Cash and cash equivalents









HSBC Bank USA NA



 Negative

 AA-


       10,832


29,661

Deutsche Bank



 Negative

 A+


           498


17,524

Northern Trust (Guernsey) Limited



 Stable

 AA-


             42


58

























       11,372


47,243



















 

Bankruptcy or insolvency of the Banks may cause the Company's rights with respect to these assets to be delayed or limited.  The Investment Adviser monitors risk by reviewing the credit rating of the Bank. If credit quality deteriorates, the Investment Adviser may move the holdings to another bank. 

 

Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity risk is defined as the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities. Liquidity risk arises because of the possibility that the Company could be required to pay its liabilities earlier than expected.

 

Many of the Company's investments are private equity, mezzanine loans and other unlisted investments. By their nature, these investments will generally be of a long term and illiquid nature and there may be no readily available market for sale of these investments. 

 

The closed-ended nature of the Company enables the Investment Advisor to manage the risk of illiquid investments. The Directors review liquidity reports and consider how best to utilise the funds generated to maximise income.

 

There are no restrictions on the saleability of the listed investments.

 

The Company has outstanding investment commitments at the year end of US$73,995,000 (2013: US$40,032,000) see Note 26. The Company manages liquidity levels to ensure these obligations can be met.

 

The table below analyses the Company's financial liabilities into relevant maturity groups based on the remaining period at the reporting date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts in the table are not discounted to the net present value of the future cash outflows as it is not considered significant.

 

At 28 February 2014

Less than 1 month


2-12 months


1-5 years


>5 years


No stated maturity


US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000





















Loan payable

              -


                 -


         17,839


               -


                   -

Other payables

12,759


                 -


                  -


               -


                   -

Zero Dividend Preference shares

              -


                 -


       128,342


               -


                   -






















12,759


                 -


       146,181


               -


                   -































At 28 February 2013

Less than 1 month


2-12 months


1-5 years


>5 years


No stated maturity


US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000





















Other payables

11,553


                 -


                  -


               -


                   -

Zero Dividend Preference shares

              -


                 -


116,252


               -


                   -






















11,553


                 -


116,252


               -


                   -





















 

The Company has a capital requirement to pay ZDP shareholders a pre determined final capital entitlement of 369.84 pence on 22 June 2016. As at 28 February 2014 the liability to the ZDP shareholders amounted to US$107,201,000 (28 February 2013: US$89,839,000).

 

Currency risk

 

Currency risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in foreign exchange rates.

 

Zero dividend preference shares are denominated in Sterling. The Company has an obligation to redeem the ZDP shareholders on 22 June 2016. The total liability on the redemption date, 22 June 2016, will be GBP76,583,969. The Company currently has no hedge to manage this risk to Sterling.

 

The following table sets out the Company's exposure by currency to foreign currency risk.

 

At 28 February 2014


US dollar

Euro

Sterling

Total



28/02/2014

28/02/2014

28/02/2014

28/02/2014



US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

Assets






Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

561,293

       186,781

43,292

791,366

Loans and receivables


1,000

                -  

             -  

1,000

Other receivables


486

                -  

31

517

Cash and cash equivalents


9,584

923

865

11,372













Total assets


572,363

       187,704

44,188

804,255







Liabilities






Loan payable


17,839

                -  

             -  

17,839

Zero Dividend Preference shares


               -  

                -  

107,201

107,201

Other payables


12,759

                -  

             -  

12,759













Total liabilities


30,598

                -  

107,201

137,799

























Net currency exposure


541,765

187,704

(63,013)

666,456













 

The Company has entered into a Structured Forward Currency Contract.  If the US$/€ exchange rate reaches the trigger rate of 1.4, the Company will buy €13,000,000 at a cost of US$16,900,000.

 

At 28 February 2013


US dollar

Euro

Sterling

Total



28/02/2013

28/02/2013

28/02/2013

28/02/2013



US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

Assets






Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

       482,435

       105,273

       31,809

         619,517

Loans and receivables


          8,765

                -  

             -  

            8,765

Other receivables


             486

                -  

             66

               552

Cash and cash equivalents


92,202

1,435

9,103

102,740









583,888

106,708

40,978

731,574

Total assets












Liabilities






Zero Dividend Preference shares


               -  

                -  

89,839

89,839

Other payables


11,411

                -  

142

11,553

Bank overdraft














11,411

                -  

89,981

101,392

Total liabilities






























Net currency exposure


572,477

106,708

(49,003)

630,182













 

23. Basic and Diluted Earnings per share

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing the earnings for the period by the weighted average number of Ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

 

For the years ended 28 February 2014 and 28 February 2013 the weighted average number of Ordinary shares (including Limited voting ordinary shares) outstanding during the year was 65,018,607.

 

24. Net Asset Value Per Share

 

The net asset value per Ordinary share of US$10.25 (28 February 2013: US$9.69) is based on the net assets at the year end of US$666,454,000 (28 February 2013: US$630,182,000) and on 65,018,607 (28 February 2013: 65,018,607) Ordinary shares, being the number of Ordinary shares in issue at the year end.

 

25. Notes to the Cash Flow Statement

 

Reconciliation of the profit for the year to net cash from operating activities

 







Year ended

Year ended







28/02/2014

28/02/2013







US$ '000

US$ '000









Profit for the year






55,454

35,850

Decrease/(increase) in other receivables






35

(94)

Increase in other payables






1,206

2,891

Net movement in unrealised gains on investments






(54,935)

(4,875)

Net impairments on/(write back) of impairments on loans and receivables



77

(211)

Adjustment for foreign currency exchange gains/(losses) on ZDP Shares

9,873

(4,449)

Realised gain on investments






(476)

(9,896)

Increase in accrued interest on investments and adjustment for PIK interest



(26,019)

(24,027)

Finance costs in respect of Zero Dividend Preference shares

7,489

7,007

















Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities






(7,296)

2,196

















 

Investment income received during the year




Year ended

Year ended





28/02/2014

28/02/2013





US$ '000

US$ '000







Interest on investments




       10,215

         11,125

Dividends from listed investments




         2,804

           3,690

Bank interest




           130

              393

Other income




                -

              189

















       13,149

15,397













 

Purchases and sales of investments are considered to be operating activities of the Company, given its purpose, rather than investing activities. The cash flows arising from these activities are shown in the Cash Flow Statement.

 

26. Commitments

At 28 February 2014 JZCP had the following financial commitments outstanding in relation to fund investments:

 






Year ended

Year ended






28/02/2014

28/02/2013






US$ '000

US$ '000








EuroMicrocap Fund 2010, LP (related party)





45,287

20,072

Constituent Capital Management, LLC





11,083

12,833

Toro Finance (€8,000,000)





11,049

                  -

Acon AEP Co-Invest (Suzo), LP





4,491

5,042

Grua, LP





2,085

2,085




















73,995

40,032















 

In October 2013, the capital commitment of the EuroMicrocap Fund 2010, L.P was increased by US$75,000,000 to US$185,000,000. JZCP's 75% share of the total capital commitment as at 28 February 2014 was US$138,750,000 (28 February 2013: US$82,500,000) of which US$45,287,000 (28 February 2013: US$20,072,000) remained available for call at the year end.

 

27. Related Party Transactions

 

In 2007, JZEP invested US$250,000 in ETX Holdings, Inc. which was a spin off from Jordan Auto Aftermarket Holdings, Inc., a former co-investment with The Jordan Company. The investment was subsequently transferred to JZCP as part of the in specie transfer dated 1 July 2008. A further US$142,000 has subsequently been invested in ETX Holdings, Inc.  The investments were sold/repaid during the year ended 28 February 2014.  Aggregate proceeds of disposals totalled US$675,000, the value of these investments at 28 February 2013 were US$671,000.

 

At 28 February 2014, JZCP has invested US$93,463,000 (28 February 2013: US$62,248,000) in the EuroMicrocap Fund 2010 LP ("The Europe Fund"). At 28 February 2014 the investment was valued at US$148,230,000 (28 February 2013: US$87,567,000). The Europe Fund is managed by JZ International LLC ("JZI"), an affiliate of JZAI, JZCP's investment manager. JZAI and JZI were each founded by David Zalaznick and Jay Jordan.

 

The Company has invested with The Resolute Fund, which is managed by The Jordan Company, a company in which David Zalaznick and Jay Jordan are Managing Principals. Investments held by the Company and The Resolute Fund included: Kinetek, Inc.; TAL International Group, Inc.; TTS, LLC.  The investments were sold/repaid during the year ended 28 February 2013.  Aggregate proceeds of disposals totalled US$76,576,000, the value of these investments at 29 February 2012 were US$71,154,000.

 

The Company has invested with Fund A, a Limited Partnership in a number of US micro cap buyouts. Fund A is managed by JZAI. At 28 February 2014, the total amount of these co-investments was US$161,675,296 (28 February 2013: US$117,700,275) of the total amount of the co-investment US$132,004,623 (28 February 2013: US$96,099,904) was invested by the Company and US$29,670,673 (28 February 2013:US$21,600,371) was invested by Fund A. 

 

Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc. ("JZAI"), a US based company, provides advisory services to the board of Directors of the Company in exchange for management fees, paid quarterly. Fees paid by the Company to the Investment Adviser are detailed in Note 10.

 

During the year ended 28 February 2014, the Company retained Ashurst LLP, a UK based law firm. David Macfarlane was a former Senior Corporate Partner at Ashurst until 2002.

 

The Directors' remuneration is disclosed in Note 10.

 

28. Controlling Party

 

The issued shares of the Company are owned by a number of parties, and therefore, in the opinion of the Directors, there is no ultimate controlling party of the Company, as defined by IAS 24 - Related Party Disclosures.

 

29. Contingent assets

 

Amounts held in escrow accounts

 

Investments have been disposed by the Company, of which the consideration given included contractual terms requiring that a percentage was held in an escrow account pending resolution of any indemnifiable claims that may arise. At 28 February 2014 the Company has assessed that the fair value of these escrow accounts are nil as it is not reasonably probable that they will be realised by the Company.

 

As at 28 February 2014, the Company had the following contingent assets held in escrow accounts which had not been recognised as assets of the Company:

 

Company





 






28/02/2014

28/02/2013






US$'000

US$'000








Advanced Chemistry & Technology, Inc.





1,613

1,613

Wound Care Solutions, Llc





1,421

1,573

GHW (G&H Wire)





883

2,609

N&B Industries, Inc.





776

776

ETX Holdings, Inc.





185

                  -

Dantom Systems, Inc.





15

15

Recycled Holdings Corporation





                -

1,300

Apparel Ventures, Inc.





                -

428




















4,893

8,314















 

During the year ended 28 February 2014 net proceeds of US$2,233,000 (28 February 2013: US$7,528,000) were realised relating to the escrow accounts of the Company.

 

30. Dividends paid and proposed

 

In accordance with the Company's dividend policy, it is the Directors' intention for the year ending 28 February 2014 and thereafter to distribute approximately 3% of the Company's net assets in the form of dividends paid in US dollars (Shareholders can elect to receive dividends in Sterling). Prior to the new policy, the Directors have distributed substantially all of the Company's net cash income (after expenses) in the form of dividends.

 

A second interim dividend for the year ended 28 February 2013 of 15.0 cents per Ordinary share (total US$9,752,791) was paid on 14 June 2013.

 

For the year ended 28 February 2014 an interim dividend of 14.5 cents per Ordinary share (total US$9,427,698) was paid on 15 October 2013.

 

A second interim dividend for the year ended 28 February 2014 of 16.0 cents per Ordinary share (total US$10,402,978) will be paid on 6 June 2014.

 

31. Financial Highlights

The following table presents performance information derived from the financial statements.

 







28/02/2014







US$








Net asset value per share at the beginning of the year






9.69








Performance during the year (per share):







Net investment income






0.23

Incentive fee






(0.21)

Net realised and unrealised gains






0.90

Finance costs






(0.41)








Total return






0.51















Net asset value per share at the end of the year






10.20








Total Return






5.26%








Net investment income to average net assets excluding incentive fee





4.57%

Operating expenses to average net assets






         (2.27%)

Incentive fees to average net assets






         (2.15%)

Operating expenses to average net assets including incentive fee





         (4.42%)








Finance costs






         (4.15%)

 

32. US GAAP reconciliation

 

The Company's financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS, which in certain respects differ from the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("US GAAP").  It is the opinion of the Directors that these differences are not material and therefore no reconciliation between IFRS and US GAAP has been presented.

 

33. Subsequent events

 

These financial statements were approved for issuance by the Board on 2 May 2014. Subsequent events have been evaluated until this date.

 

A second interim dividend for the year ended 28 February 2014 of 16.0 cents per Ordinary share (total US$10,402,978) will be paid on 6 June 2014.

 

Company Advisers

Investment Adviser                                                                               US Bankers


The Investment Adviser to JZ Capital Partners Limited("JZCP")               HSBC Bank USA NA
is Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc., ("JZAI")                                             452 Fifth Avenue 

a company beneficially owned by John (Jay) W Jordan II and          New York NY 10018     

David W Zalaznick. The company was formed for the purpose              (Also provides custodian services to
 of advising the Board of JZCP on investments in leveraged                   JZ Capital Partners Limited under the terms of  
 
securities, primarily related to private equity transactions.                      a Custody Agreement).
JZAI has offices in New York and Chicago.


 

 


Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc.                                                           PO Box 71

9 West, 57th Street                                                                                    Trafalgar Court

NewYork NY 10019                                                                                  Les Banques

                                                                              St Peter Port

Registered Office                                                                                   Guernsey GY1 3DA

PO Box 255

Trafalgar Court                                                                                           Independent Auditor

Les Banques                                                                                          Ernst & Young LLP

St Peter Port                                                                                            PO Box 9

Guernsey GY1 3QL                                                                                Royal Chambers

St Julian's Avenue JZ Capital Partners Limited is registered in Guernsey                       St Peter Port Number 48761                                                                                                       Guernsey GY1 4AF

 

Administrator, Registrar and Secretary                                            UK Solicitors 

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services                        Ashurst LLP     

(Guernsey) Limited                                                                                     Broadwalk House

PO Box 255                                                                                                5 Appold Street

Trafalgar Court                                                                                           London EC2A 2HA

Les Banques

St Peter Port                                                                                               US Lawyers

Guernsey GY1 3QL                                                                                   Monge Law Firm, PLLC

333 West Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202

UK Transfer and Paying Agent

Equiniti Limited                                                                                            Mayer Brown LLP

Aspect House                                                                                            214 North Tryon Street

Spencer Road                                                                                            Suite 3800

Lancing                                                                                                       Charlotte NC 28202

West Sussex BN99 62X

Winston& Strawn LLP 35 West Wacker Drive Chicago IL 60601-9703

 

Guernsey Lawyers

Mourant Ozannes

P.OBox 186

1 Le Marchant Street St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 4HP

 

Financial Adviser and Broker JP Morgan Cazenove Limited 20 Moorgate

London EC2R 6DA

 

Board of Directors

 

David Macfarlane (Chairman)1

Mr Macfarlane was appointed to the Board of JZCP in April 2008 as Chairman and a non-executive Director. Until 2002 he was a Senior Corporate Partner at Ashurst. He was a non-executive Director of the Platinum Investment Trust Plc from 2002 until January 2007. He has recently been appointed Chairman of Rex Bionics plc.

Patrick Firth2

Mr Firth was appointed to the Board of JZCP in April 2008. He is also a Director of a number of offshore funds and management companies, including BH Credit Catalysts Limited, ICG-Longbow Senior Secured UK Property Debt Investments Limited and Riverstone Energy Limited. He is Chairman of GLI Finance Limited.  He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. He is a resident of Guernsey.

 

James Jordan

Mr. Jordan is a private investor who was appointed to the Board of JZCP in 2008. He is a director of the First Eagle family of mutual funds, and of Alpha Andromeda Investment Trust Company, S.A.. Until 30 June 2005, he was the Managing Director of Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder Advisers, LLC, a privately owned investment bank and asset management firm; and until 25 July 2013, he was a non-executive director of Leucadia National Corporation. He is a Trustee and Vice Chairman of the World Monuments Fund, and serves on the Chairman's Council of Conservation International. Mr Jordan also joined the Board of Riverstone Energy Limited during the year.

 

Tanja Tibaldi

Ms Tibaldi was appointed to the Board of JZCP in April 2008. She was on the board of JZ Equity Partners Plc from January 2005 until the company's liquidation on 1 July 2008. She was Managing Director at Fairway Investment Partners, a Swiss asset management company where she was responsible for the Group's marketing and co-managed two fund of funds. Previously shew as an executive at the Swiss Stock Exchange and currently serves on the board of several private companies. 

Christopher Waldron

Mr Waldron was appointed to the Board of JZCP in October 2013. He is a Director of a number of Guernsey funds and investment companies including GBD Limited, Multi Manager Investment Programmes PCC Limited and BH Credit Catalysts Limited. An experienced investment manager, he was Chief Executive Officer of the Edmond de Rothschild companies in Guernsey until January 2013 and he remains a consultant to the Edmond de Rothschild Group. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and a Guernsey resident.

 

 

1Chairman of the nominations committeeof which all Directors are members.

2Chairman of the audit committee of which all Directors are members.

 

Listing

JZCP Ordinary and Zero Dividend Preference shares are listed on the Official List of the Financial Services Authority of the UK, and are admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange Specialist fund market for listed securities. The ticker symbols are "JZCP" and "JZCN" respectively.

The prices of the Ordinary and Zero Dividend Preference shares are shown in the Financial Times under "Investment Companies - Ordinary Income Shares" and "Investment Companies - Zero Dividend Preference Shares" as "JZ Capital" respectively. 

Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Custody Rules

The Company has complied with the requirements of the SEC Custody Rules within these Financial Statements. These requirements include the Investment Portfolio falling within the remit of the annual audit, disclosure of the Company's Financial Highlights, as disclosed in Note 30, and a reconciliation of the accounts prepared under IFRS to US GAAP, as discussed in Note 31.

 

Financial diary

Annual General Meeting                                                                       19 June 2014

Interim report for the six months to 31 August 2014                        23 October 2014

In accordance with the Transparency Directive JZCP will be issuing an Interim Management Statement for the quarters ending 31 May 2014 and 30 November 2014. These Statements will be sent to the market via RNS within six weeks from the end of the appropriate quarter, and will be posted on JZCP's website at the same time, or soon thereafter.

Payment of dividends

Cash dividends will be sent by cheque to the first-named shareholder on the register of members at their registered address, together with a tax voucher. At shareholders' request, where they have elected to receive dividend proceeds in GBP Sterling, the dividend may instead be paid direct into the shareholder's bank account through the Bankers' Automated Clearing System. Payments will be paid in US dollars unless the shareholder elects to receive the dividend in Sterling. Existing elections can be changed by contacting the Company's Transfer and Paying Agent, Equiniti Limited on +44 (0) 121 415 7047.

 

Share dealing

Investors wishing to buy or sell shares in the Company may do so through a stockbroker. Most banks also offer this service.

Internet address

The Company: www.jzcp.com

 

ISIN/SEDOL numbers

The ISIN code/SEDOL (Stock Exchange Daily Official List) numbers of the Company's Ordinary shares are BB00B403HK58/B403HK5 and the numbers of the Zero Dividend Preference shares are GG00B40B7X85/B40B7X8.

Share register enquiries

The Company's UK Transfer and Paying Agent, Equiniti Limited, maintains the share registers. In event of queries regarding your holding, please contact the Registrar on 0871 384 2265, calls to this number cost 8p per minute from a BT landline, other providers' costs may vary. Lines are open 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday to Friday, If calling from overseas +44 (0) 121 415 7047 or access their website at www.equiniti.com . Changes of name or address must be notified in writing to the Transfer and Paying Agent.
 

Nominee share code

Where notification has been provided in advance, the Company will arrange for copies of shareholder communications to be provided to the operators of nominee accounts. Nominee investors may attend general meetings and speak at meetings when invited to do so by the Chairman.

 

 

Documents available for inspection

The following documents will be available at the registered office of the Company during usual business hours on any weekday until the date of the Annual General Meeting and at the place of the meeting for a period of fifteen minutes prior to and during the meeting:

(a) the Register of Directors' Interests in the share capital of the Company;

(b) the Articles of Incorporation of the Company; and

(c) the terms of appointment of the Directors.

 

Warning to shareholders - Boiler Room Scams

In recent years, many companies have become aware that their shareholders have been targeted by unauthorised overseas-based brokers selling what turn out to be non-existent or high risk shares, or expressing a wish to buy their shares. If you are offered, for example, unsolicited investment advice, discounted JZCP shares or a premium price for the JZCP shares you own, you should take these steps before handing over any money:

Make sure you get the correct name of the person or organisation

• Check that they are properly authorised by the FCA before getting involved by visiting http://www.fca.org.uk/firms/systems-reporting/register

Report the matter to the FCA by calling 0800 111 6768

If the calls persist, hang up

More detailed information on this can be found on the Money Advice Service website www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

 

US Investors

General

The Company's Articles contain provisions allowing the Directors to decline to register a person as a holder of any class of ordinary shares or other securities of the Company or to require the transfer of those securities (including by way of a disposal effected by the Company itself) if they believe that the person:

(A) is a "US person" (as defined in Regulation S under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended) and not a "qualified purchaser" (as defined in the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended);

(B) is a "Benefit Plan Investor" (as described under "Prohibition on Benefit Plan Investors and Restrictions on Non-ERISA Plan" below); or

(C) is, or is related to, a citizen or resident of the United States, a US partnership, a US corporation or a certain type of estate or trust and that ownership of any class of ordinary shares or any other equity securities of the Company by the person would materially increase the risk that the Company could be or become a "controlled foreign corporation" (as described under "US Tax Matters" below").

In addition, the Directors may require any holder of any class of ordinary shares or other securities of the Company to show to their satisfaction whether or not the holder is a person described in paragraphs (A), (B) or (C) above.

US Securities Laws

The Company (a) is not subject to the reporting requirements of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and does not intend to become subject to such reporting requirements and (b) is not registered as an investment company under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and investors in the Company are not subject to the protections provided by the 1940 Act.


Prohibition on Benefit Plan Investors and Restrictions on Non-ERISA Plans

Investment in the Company by "Benefit Plan Investors" is prohibited so that the assets of the Company will not be deemed to constitute "plan assets" of a "Benefit Plan Investor". The term "Benefit Plan Investor" shall have the meaning contained in Section 3(42) of the US Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), and includes (a) an "employee benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA that is subject to Part 4 of Title I of ERISA;(b) a "plan" described in Section 4975(e)(1) of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), that is subject to Section 4975 of the Code; and (c) an entity whose underlying assets include "plan assets" by reason of an employee benefit plans or a plan's investment in such entity. For purposes of the foregoing, a "Benefit Plan Investor" does not include a governmental plan (as defined in Section 3(32) of ERISA), a non-US plan (as defined in Section 4(b)(4)of ERISA) or a church plan (as defined in Section 3(33) of ERISA) that has not elected to be subject to ERISA.

Each purchaser and subsequent transferee of any class of ordinary shares (or any other class of equity interest in the Company) will be required to represent, warrant and covenant, or will be deemed to have represented, warranted and covenanted that it is not, and is not acting on behalf of or with the assets of a,  Benefit Plan Investor to acquire such ordinary shares (or any other class of equity interest in the Company).

Under the Articles, the directors have the power to require the sale or transfer of the Company's securities in order to avoid the assets of the Company being treated as "plan assets" for the purposes of ERISA.

The fiduciary provisions of pension codes applicable to governmental plans, non-US plans or other employee benefit plans or retirement arrangements that are not subject to ERISA (collectively, "Non-ERISA Plans") may impose limitations on investment in the Company. Fiduciaries of Non-ERISA Plans, in consultation with their advisors, should consider, to the extent applicable, the impact of such fiduciary rules and regulations on an investment in the Company. Among other considerations, the fiduciary of a Non-ERISA Plan should take into account the composition of the Non-ERISA Plan's portfolio with respect to diversification; the cash flow needs of the Non-ERISA Plan and the effects thereon of the illiquidity of the investment; the economic terms of the Non- ERISA Plan's investment in the Company; the Non-ERISA Plan's funding objectives; the tax effects of the investment and the tax and other risks associated with the investment; the fact that the investors in the Company are expected to consist of a diverse group of investors (including taxable, tax-exempt, domestic and foreign entities) and the fact that the management of the Company will not take the particular objectives of any investors or class of investors into account.

Prohibition on Benefit Plan Investors and Restrictions on Non-ERISA Plans (continued)

Non-ERISA Plan fiduciaries should also take into account the fact that, while the Company's board of directors and its investment advisor will have certain general fiduciary duties to the Company, the board and the investment advisor will not have any direct fiduciary relationship with or duty to any investor, either with respect to its investment in Shares or with respect to the management and investment of the assets of the Company. Similarly, it is intended that the assets of the Company will not be considered plan assets of any Non-ERISA Plan or be subject to any fiduciary or investment restrictions that may exist under pension codes specifically applicable to such Non-ERISA Plans. Each Non-ERISA Plan will be required to acknowledge and agree in connection with its investment in any securities to the foregoing status of the Company, the board and the investment advisor that there is no rule, regulation or requirement applicable to such investor that is inconsistent with the foregoing description of the Company, the board and the investment advisor.

Each purchaser or transferee that is a Non-ERISA Plan will be deemed to have represented, warranted and covenanted as follows:

(a) The Non-ERISA Plan is not a Benefit Plan Investor;

(b) The decision to commit assets of the Non-ERISA Plan for investment in the Company was made by fiduciaries independent of the Company, the Board, the Investment Advisor and any of their respective agents, representatives or affiliates, which fiduciaries (i) are duly authorized to make such investment decision and have not relied on any advice or recommendations of the Company, the Board, the Investment Advisor or any of their respective agents, representatives or affiliates and (ii) in consultation with their advisers, have carefully considered the impact of any applicable federal, state or local law on an investment in the Company;

(c) None of the Company, the Board, the Investment Advisor orany of their respective agents, representatives or affiliates has exercised any discretionary authority or control with respect to the Non-ERISA Plan's investment in the Company, nor has the Company, the Board, the Investment Advisor or any of their respective agents, representatives or affiliates rendered individualized investment advice to the Non-ERISA Plan based upon the Non-ERISA Plan's investment policies or strategies, overall portfolio composition or diversification with respect to its commitment to invest in the Company and the investment program thereunder; and

(d) It acknowledges and agrees that it is intended that the Company will not hold plan assets of the Non-ERISA Plan and that none of the Company, the Board, the Investment Advisor or any of their respective agents, representatives or affiliates will be acting as a fiduciary to the Non-ERISA Plan under any applicable federal, state or local law governing the Non- ERISA Plan, with respect to either (i) the Non-ERISA Plan's purchase or retention of its investment in the Company or (ii) the management or operation of the business or assets of the Company. It also confirms that there is no rule, regulation, or requirement applicable to such purchaser or transferee that is inconsistent with the foregoing description of the Company, the Board and the Investment Advisor.

US Tax Matters

This discussion does not constitute tax advice and is not intended to be a substitute for tax advice and planning. Prospective holders of the Company's securities must consult their own tax advisers concerning the US federal, state and local income tax and estate tax consequences in their particular situations of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of any of the Company's securities, as well as any consequences under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

The Company's directors are entitled to decline to register a person as, or to require such person to cease to be, a holder of any class of ordinary shares or other equity securities of the Company if they believe that: such person is, or is related to, a citizen or resident of the United States, a US partnership, a US corporation or a certain type of estate or trust and that ownership of any class of ordinary shares or any other equity securities of the Company by such person would materially increase the risk that the Company could be or become a "controlled foreign corporation" (a "CFC").

In general, a foreign corporation is treated as a "CFC" only if its "US shareholders" collectively own more than 50% of the total combined voting power or total value of the corporation's stock. A "US shareholder" means any US person who owns, directly or indirectly through foreign entities, or is considered to own (by application of certain constructive ownership rules), 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of a foreign corporation, such as the Company.

There is a risk that the Company will decline to register a person as, or to require such person to cease to be, a holder of the Company's the Company if the Company could be or become a CFC. The Company's treatment as a CFC could have adverse tax consequences for US taxpayers.

The Company is expected to be treated as a "passive foreign investment company" ("PFIC"). The Company's treatment as a PFIC is likely to have adverse tax consequences for US taxpayers.

The taxation of a US taxpayer's investment in the Company's securities is highly complex. Prospective holders of the Company's securities must consult their own tax advisers concerning the US federal, state and local income tax and estate tax consequences in their particular situations of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of any of the Company's securities, as well as any consequences under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

 

 

 

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
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