Final Results

RNS Number : 7035E
North Atlantic Smlr Co Inv Tst PLC
14 May 2013
 



North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc ("NASCIT")

Annual Financial Report for the year ended 31 January 2013

 

NASCIT is pleased to announce its audited results for the year ended 31 January 2013

 

 

31 January 2013 

%  change 

31 January  2012  

31 January 2011  

31 January 2010  

31 January  2009   

 

 







revenue

 







Gross income (£'000)

 

5,474 

     (14.9)

6,432 

2,341 

3,525 

4,285 

Net return after tax attributable to Shareholders of the Parent (£'000)

 

(494)

(3,628.6) 

14 

(849)

443 

538 

 

 







Basic return per Ordinary Share

 revenue

(3.46)p

(3,560.0) 

0.10p

(5.86)p

2.99p

  3.64p 

 

capital

324.45p

   510.7

(79.00)p

284.70p

289.45p

(372.41)p

assets

 







Total assets less current liabilities (£'000)

 

295,417 

17.9

250,490 

259,916 

219,613 

178,284 

Net asset value per 5p Ordinary Share:

 







 

Basic

1,865p

18.8

1,570p

1,664p

1,480p

1,204p

 

Diluted

1,677p

20.2

1,395p

1,459p

1,169p

944p

 

 







Mid-market price of the 5p Ordinary Shares at 31 January

 

1,316.0p

27.1

1,035.0p

1,146.0p

814.0p

618.5p

 

 







discount to diluted net asset value

 

21.5%


25.8%

21.5%

30.4%

34.5%

 

 














Indices and exchange rates

 







Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index

 

1,498.1 

14.1 

1312.4 

1,286.1 

1,073.9 

825.9 

Russell 2000 Index

 

902.1 

13.8 

792.8 

781.3 

602.0 

443.5 

US Dollar/Sterling exchange rate

 

1.5855 

0.5

1.5781 

1.6018 

1.6024 

1.4417 

Standard & Poor's 500 Composite

- Sterling adjusted

 

944.8 

13.4 

832.8 

803.1 

671.8 

568.0 

Russell 2000 - Sterling adjusted

 

568.9 

 13.1 

503.1 

487.9 

376.6 

305.1 

FTSE All-Share Index

 

3,287.4 

       12.1

2,932.9 

3,044.3 

2,660.5 

2,078.9 

 

 

 



 

Corporate summary

Introduction

North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc ("NASCIT") is an investment trust whose shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange.

objective and investment strategy

The objective of the Company is to provide capital appreciation through investment in a portfolio of smaller companies principally based in countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean. The Company invests in both listed and unlisted companies.

company's business

The Company is an investment company within the meaning of Section 833 of the Companies Act 2006 and its business is that of an investment trust. The business of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Consolidated Venture Finance Limited, is an investment dealing and holding company and its other subsidiary, Hampton Investment Properties Limited, is a property investment company.

risk

Investment in small companies is generally perceived to carry a greater risk than investment in large companies. This is reasonable when comparing individual companies, but is much less so when comparing the volatility of returns from a diversified portfolio of companies. The Board believe that the Company's portfolio is diversified although considerably less liquid than a portfolio of large-cap listed equities.

The Company has the ability to utilise gearing in the form of term loan facilities. Gearing has the effect of accentuating market falls and gains. Details of the Company's debt are shown in note 11 to the financial statements.

The Company outsources all of its main operational activities to recognised third party providers.

AIC

The Company is a member of the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC").

joint managers

The Joint Managers are Christopher Mills through Growth Financial Services Limited ("GFS") and Harwood Capital LLP. During the year, GFS was acquired by Harwood Capital Management Limited which is wholly owned by Christopher Mills.

company secretary

The Company Secretary is Bonita Guntrip ACIS, 6 Stratton Street, Mayfair, London W1J 8LD.

website

www.harwoodcapital.co.uk



 

Chairman's statement

The Company's fully diluted net asset value rose by 20.2% during the period under review, outperforming the Sterling adjusted Standard & Poor's Composite Index which rose by 13.4%.

 

The revenue account showed a loss after tax attributable to Shareholders of the Company of £494,000 (2012: profit of £14,000). Consistent with the Company's long standing policy, the Directors are not recommending the payment of a dividend (2012: nil).

 

No new purchases of our own Ordinary shares for cancellation were made during this year, although a resumption of share buy backs is likely if there are disposals of some of the major unquoted holdings this year.

A commentary on the performance of various parts of the portfolio can be found in the Investment Managers Report.

 

The rise in the stock market over the course of the last year has made it harder to find investments trading at significant discounts to the underlying value of their businesses. The problem is compounded by weak final demand in the United States and Europe.

 

Corporate profits growth now appears to be slowing as operating margins have now reached abnormally high levels and cannot be increased much further. The banking sector continues to recover in the United States while there is clear evidence that problems will persist in Europe for some years. Increased capital requirements, overpaid incompetent management and weak balance sheets have predictably constrained bank lending which has had a negative impact on consumer confidence and corporate investment.

 

Central banks continue to offset the fiscal and lending squeeze through further rounds of quantitative easing but fears over possible inflationary consequences and QE exit strategies are already putting upward pressure on long-term bond yields. Several of the major investments in the unquoted portfolio were revalued during the year on the basis of third party independent advice. It is expected that a number of these will be sold in the current year at prices in excess of the January 2013 valuation.

 

I am therefore hopeful that the current year will see a further advance to the Company's net asset value.

 

The Hon. Peregrine Moncreiffe Chairman

14 May 2013



Investment Managers' report

 

quoted portfolio

 

United States
No major new investments were made during the year whilst Interxion was sold and Seracare taken over.

 

United Kingdom
It is pleasing to note that Oryx International Growth Fund had a good year rising by just over 25%. Other investments that performed well include RPC, CVS Group and MJ Gleeson. Two new investments were made, Bioquell and Mecom, both of which have the potential to assist performance in the current year.

Finally, Guinness Peat Group's, performance was disappointing last year but made a good recovery and is expected to rise further as plans to liquidate the majority of the group and float Coats are completed.

 

unquoted portfolio

 

United Kingdom
No new investments were made during the period although a number are currently under consideration. AssetCo which caused significant problems in 2012, was refinanced and the Company's holding was converted into quoted shares in the Plc. The business is now negotiating the renewal of its contracts in Abu Dhabi whilst the Plc believes it has a very substantial claim for damages which it intends to pursue. Letchworth was sold during the year for a good profit. Forefront returned further cash to the Company and was written up reflecting a third party offer for a minority interest in the company. Trident Private Equity II is in the process of being liquidated at a good profit and Trident Private Equity III (TPE III) continues to make good progress.

Orthoproducts made good progress in securing long term contracts and is now in discussions with a number of interested parties who wish to acquire the company.

 

United Kingdom Property
Hampton Investment Properties was modestly written down during the year as yields continue to rise on industrial property leases. There are, however, signs this trend may be reversing and a number of properties are in negotiations to be sold above the 31 January 2013 valuation.

Merchant Properties had a good year assisted by rising rents as the portfolio reached its five year anniversary. The investors in the Fund are currently considering various alternatives and it is likely that the underlying investments will in part or whole be sold in the current year.

 

United States
No direct new investment was made during the year but TPE III acquired Utitec, a leading manufacturer of high precision parts, primarily for the medical industry. Since acquisition, the company has won a major new contract which will ultimately add a further 25% to sales.

Celsis continues to perform extremely well and currently has no net debt. A division of Celsis is currently for sale and should this prove successful the company will redeem all of our preference shares and still be left with the most profitable part of the business.

Bionostics had a reasonably good year and is also currently in discussions with a number of parties who are interested in acquring the business.

SINAV suffered from the very poor corn crop that significantly compressed profit margins. Notwithstanding this, the Group has remained EBITDA positive and cash flow positive. Furthermore, there are some signs that industry margins are recovering.

The regional bank portfolio also had a good year with all the banks now trading profitably and that trend is expected to continue into the current year.

Global Options continues to trade broadly in line with plan but is in discussions with a number of new clients which could add meaningfully to revenue and profits over the next two years.

Finally, Telos continues to perform well and in excess of budget. The investment was written up during the year but this revised valuation may be conservative in the case of a trade sale or IPO.

conclusion

Liquidity was increased during the year as investments were sold into rising prices. Further cash will be received if a number of trade sales are completed as anticipated. I am optimistic that we can continue the progress of the last year.

 

Christopher H B Mills Chief Executive & Investment Manager

14May 2013



Sector analysis of investments at fair value


United

United





States

Kingdom

Europe

Total

Total


31 January

31 January

31 January

31 January

31 January

equities, convertible securities & loan

2013

2013

2013

2013

2012

stocks as a % of total portfolio valuation

%

%

%

%

%

Investment Companies

-

19.7

-

19.7

20.0

Manufacturing

9.0

-

-

9.0

11.0

Real Estate

-

7.7

0.4

8.1

9.4

General Industrials

0.8

3.3

-

4.1

7.3

Health Care, Equipment & Services

8.4

7.0

-

15.4

9.8

Support Services

1.3

2.5

-

3.8

4.6

Transport

-

3.4

-

3.4

5.6

General Financials

4.4

-

-

4.4

5.1

Media

-

1.8

-

1.8

-

Industrial Engineering

-

3.5

-

3.5

3.1

Construction & Materials

-

8.2

-

8.2

5.8

Technology Hardware & Equipment

1.6

-

-

1.6

6.5

Travel & Leisure

-

1.3

-

1.3

0.8

Oil & Gas Producers

2.0

-

-

2.0

2.1

General Retailers

-

3.3

-

3.3

3.1

Financial Services

-

4.9

-

4.9

5.8


27.5

66.6

0.4

94.5

100.0

treasury bills

5.5

-

-

5.5

-

total at 31 January 2013

33.0

66.6

0.4

100.0


total at 31 January 2012

 30.1

69.4

0.5


100.0

 

The sector analysis excludes investments held by the subsidiary undertakings, Hampton Investment Properties Limited and Consolidated Venture Finance Limited.

 

Twenty largest investments

as at 31 January 2013

equities (including convertibles, loan stocks and related financing)

At fair value



£'000

Oryx International Growth Fund Limited*†

UK Listed

 25,654

Bionostics Holdings Limited

UK Unquoted

 23,150

Gleeson (MJ) Group

UK Listed

 19,646

Trident Private Equity Fund III LP

UK Unquoted

 18,576

Celsis AG

USA Unquoted

 15,638

Hampton Investment Properties Limited ††

UK Unquoted

 14,093

Guinness Peat Group**

UK Listed

 12,721

Bioquell

UK Listed

 9,900

AssetCo PLC

UK Listed

 9,056

BBA Aviation Group

UK Listed

 8,880

   ten largest investments


157,314

RPC Group PLC

UK Listed

 8,600

CVS Group PLC

UK Listed

 8,538

Orthoproducts Limited

UK Unquoted

 8,250

Nationwide Accident Repair Services PLC

UK Quoted on AIM

 6,550

Trident Private Equity Fund II LP

Cayman Islands Unquoted

 6,513

Merchant Properties Unit Trust

UK Unquoted

 5,865

Nastor Investments Limited

USA Unquoted

 5,125

Mecom Group

UK Listed

 4,600

Telos Corporation

USA Unquoted

 4,217

Essenden PLC

UK Listed

3,543

   twenty largest investments


       219,115

Aggregate of other investments at fair value


25,439



244,554

USA Treasury Bills


14,190

total value of investments and associates of the company


258,744

 

*incorporated in Guernsey.

**incorporated in New Zealand.

†Oryx is accounted for in the Group accounts as an Associate under the equity method of accounting. The valuation shown above is the Group's share of Oryx's net assets.

††Hampton Investment Properties Limited is accounted for in the Group accounts as a Subsidiary.

 

All other investments are valued at fair value.

 

Group report of the Directors

The Directors present their report to Shareholders (incorporating the Business Review) and the financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2013. Certain information that is required to be disclosed in this report has been provided in other sections of this Annual Report and accordingly, these are incorporated into this report by reference.

 

Business review

At 31 January 2013, the diluted net asset value ("NAV") per share was 1,677p (31 January 2012: 1,395p), an increase of 20.2% during the year, compared to an increase of 13.4% during the year in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index (Sterling adjusted).

 

A review of the performance of the Company's business during the year (as required by section 417 of the Companies Act 2006) is included in the Chairman's Statement and Investment Managers' Report, incorporated into this report by reference. The Company has had a good year, significantly outperforming its benchmark and several of the investments in the unquoted portfolio are up for sale so the Directors are hopeful that these transactions will complete shortly.

 

The Company has no employees and accordingly this business review does not contain any information regarding employees. As an investment trust, the Board do not believe that the Company's business has an impact on the environment and has not put into place any policies regarding social and community issues. The Board does not believe that this will change in the near future but, if it were to do so, they would immediately review these matters.

 

Results and dividends

The total net return after taxation for the financial year ended 31 January 2013 amounted to £45,512,000 (2012: loss after taxation £10,952,000). The Board does not propose a final dividend (2012: nil).

 

Investment policy

The objective of the Company is to provide capital appreciation through investment in a portfolio of smaller companies principally based in countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean. In order to achieve this objective, the Investment Manager must adhere to the following:

 

1. The maximum investment limit is 15% of the Company's investments in any one company at the time of the investment.

2. Gearing is limited to a maximum of 30% of net assets.

3. The Company invests on both sides of the Atlantic, with the weighting varying from time to time.

4. The Company will invest in unquoted securities as and when opportunities arise.

 

Investment approach

The Company invests in a diversified range of companies, both quoted and unquoted, on both sides of the Atlantic in accordance with the above Investment Policy.

Christopher Mills, the Company's Chief Executive and Investment Manager, is responsible for the construction of the portfolio and details of the principal investments are set out in the Annual Report. The top twenty largest

investments are listed above.

 

When analysing a potential investment, the Managers will employ a number of valuation techniques depending on their relevance to the particular investment. A key consideration when deciding on a potential investment would be the sustainability and growth of long term cashflow.

 

In respect of the unquoted portfolio, regular contact is maintained with the management of prospective and existing investments, as well as rigorous financial and business analysis of these companies. It is recognised that different types of business perform better than others depending on economic cycles and market conditions and this is reflected within the range of investments in the portfolio.

 

The Company's activities have not changed in the year ended 31 January 2013 and the Directors anticipate that the Company will continue to operate on the same basis during the current financial year.

 

Financial instruments

The financial instruments employed by the Company primarily comprise equity and loan stock investments, although it does hold cash and liquid instruments. Further details of the Company's risk management objectives and policies relating to the use of financial instruments can be found in note 17 to the financial statements.

 

Key performance indicators

The Directors regard the following as the key indicators pertaining to the Company's performance:

(i)    net asset value per ordinary share.

(ii)   share price return.

(iii)  performance against benchmark.

 

Future prospects

The Directors believe that the year ending 31 January 2014 will see further progress, especially from the unquoted portfolio where several of the investee companies are up for sale. While some of these remain uncertain, if all of these were to complete, it would have a significant positive impact on the Company's net asset value and liquidity.

 

Taxation status

In the opinion of the Directors, the Company has conducted its affairs during the period under review, and subsequently, so as to maintain its status as an investment trust for the purposes of Chapter 4 of Part 24 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. The Company has obtained written approval as an investment trust from HM Revenue and customs for all accounting periods up to the year ended 31 January 2012 and has made a successful application under Regulation 5 of the Investment Trust (Approved Company) (Tax) Regulations 2011 for investment trust status to apply to all accounting periods starting on or after 1 February 2012 subject to the Company continuing to meet the eligibility conditions contained in Section 1158 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 and the ongoing requirements outlined in Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the Regulations.

 

Share capital

The Company's issued share capital consists of 14,359,107 Ordinary Shares of 5p nominal value each. All shares hold equal rights with no restrictions and no shares carry special rights with regard to the control of the Company. There are no special rights attached to the shares in the event that the Company is wound up.

 

As at 31 January 2013, the Company had 1,554,927 units of Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock ("CULS") 2013 of 5p nominal value in issue. The final conversion opportunity for the CULS was on 30 April 2013 and the final conversion notice was posted to the Loan Stock holders on 22 March 2013 reminding them of their Conversion Rights and advising them of the procedure if they chose not to convert. 1,396,825 units of CULS were converted on 30 April 2013 by the stock holders. The remaining units are now in the hands of the Trustee, who has until 28 May 2013 to decide whether or not to convert them. The Company's issued share capital as at the date of this report consists of 15,755,932 Ordinary Shares of 5p nominal value each.

 

During the year, on 30 June 2012, 245,554 CULS units were converted into Ordinary shares of 5p each at the rate of one 5p Ordinary share for every units of 5p. No CULS were purchased for cancellation during the year.

 

Share valuations

On 31 January 2013, the middle market quotation and the diluted net asset value per 5p Ordinary Share were 1,316.0p and 1,677.0p respectively. The comparable figures at 31 January 2012 were 1,035.0p and 1,395.0p respectively.

 

Substantial shareholders

As at 31 January 2013, the following interests in the Ordinary Shares of the Company which exceed 3% of the issued share capital had been notified to the Company:


Number of

% of issued


Ordinary Shares

 share capital

C H B Mills

3,427,349

23.87

CG Asset Management Limited

1,208,627

8.42

Henderson Global Investors Limited

758,324

5.28

Findlay Park US Smaller Companies Fund Plc

595,000

4.14

J O Hambro Investment Management Limited

443,567

3.09

 

Since 31 January 2013, Harwood Holdco Limited, a company owned by Mr C H B Mills, has acquired a further 36,767 Ordinary shares of the Company as notified to the London Stock Exchange, taking his total holding to 3,464,116 Ordinary shares.

 

Directors

The biographical details for Directors currently in office are shown in the Annual Report.

 

The Company's Articles of Association require that Directors should submit themselves for election at the first Annual General Meeting following their appointment and thereafter for re-election at least every three years. However, the Company has adopted the requirements of the UK Corporate Governance Code in relation to the annual re-election of directors. Therefore, in accordance with provision B.7.1 of the UK Corporate Governance Code, all of the Directors will retire at the Annual General Meeting and being eligible, offer themselves up for re-election.

 

The Chairman and other members of the Board recommend that the Directors retiring be re-elected. The Chairman has confirmed that all Directors retiring have been subject to performance evaluation and as part of this evaluation the Chairman confirms that they continue to demonstrate commitment to their role and in his view continue to responsibly fulfil their functions. The rest of the Board have evaluated the performance of the Chairman and have confirmed that they are satisfied that his performance remains effective and that he has demonstrated commitment to his role and they therefore recommend his re-election at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. The Chairman has confirmed that he has no other significant commitments that would impact on his role as Chairman of the Company.

 

Directors' interests

The interests of the Directors as notified to the Company (beneficial unless otherwise stated) in the Ordinary Shares and Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock ("CULS") 2013 of the Company as at 31 January 2013 and 31 January 2012 were as follows:

 


        31 January 2013

          31 January 2012


5p Ordinary

Units of

5p Ordinary

Units of


Shares

CULS

Shares

CULS






P D E M Moncreiffe*

303,130

90,000

303,130

90,000

P D E M Moncreiffe (non-beneficial)

455

-

-

-

C H B Mills**

3,427,349

-

3,238,447

-

C H B Mills (non-beneficial)

306,000

-

200,000

-

K Siem***

-

-

-

-

C L A Irby

25,000

-

25,000

-

E F Gittes

111,400

-

100,000

-

 

* P D E M Moncreiffe's wife is a beneficiary of a trust which holds 6,500 units of CULS.

 

** C H B Mills has acquired a further 36,767 Ordinary Shares since 31 January 2013 via his wholly-owned company, Harwood Holdco Limited, as notified to the London Stock Exchange during February 2013.

 

*** Siem Capital International Limited, a company which is indirectly controlled by a trust of which Mr Siem and his family are potential beneficiaries, is ultimately interested in 145,000 Ordinary Shares and 2,000 units of CULS (2012: 145,000 Ordinary Shares and 2,000 units of CULS).

 

Details of Directors' remuneration and interests in Share Options are described in the Directors' Remuneration Report in the Annual Report.

 

Save as disclosed, there have been no changes to the above interests between 31 January 2013 and the date of this report.

 

 

Risk profile

During the year, the Board has reviewed the key risks that could affect the Company. The major financial risks associated with the Company are detailed in note 17 to the Financial Statements. Other risks that could affect the Company include:

 

(i)            Market risk: the performance of the investment portfolio against its benchmarks, the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index and the Russell 2000 Index, is closely monitored by the Board;

(ii)           Discount volatility: the Company's shares historically trade at a discount to its underlying net asset value. The Company has a share buyback programme in place to try to narrow this discount as far as possible and whereby any shares that it repurchases are cancelled;

(iii)          Regulatory risk: any breach of a number of regulations applicable to the Company, the UKLA's Listing Rules and the Companies Act could lead to a number of detrimental effects on the Company as well as reputational damage. The Audit Committee monitors compliance with these regulations in close alliance with the Joint Managers;

(iv)           (iv) Custodial and Banking risk: there is a risk that the custodians and banks used by the Company to hold assets and cash balances could fail and the Company's assets may not be returned. Associated with this is the additional risk of fraud or theft by employees of those third parties. The Board exercises monitoring through the Manager over the financial position of its custodial banks;

(v)            Credit risk/Counterparty risk: the Company holds preference shares in some investee companies and provides other forms of debt or loan guarantees where deemed necessary. There is a risk of those counterparties being unable to meet their obligations. The financial position and performance of those investee companies are continually monitored by the Manager and actions are taken to protect the Company's investment if needed.

Significant agreements

The Company is required to disclose details of any agreements that it considers to be essential to the business. Pursuant to the Management, Administration and Custody Agreement dated 7 January 1993, as amended by the Amendment and Restatement Agreement on 19 March 2002 novated in November 2003 to Harwood Capital LLP (previously North Atlantic Value LLP), the Joint Manager provides management and administration services to the Company. This is considered by the Board to be a significant agreement.

 

The Management, Administration and Custody Agreement continues unless thereafter terminated by either party on not less than four months' notice in writing or may be terminated forthwith as a result of a material breach of the agreement or the insolvency of either party. No compensation is payable on termination of the Agreement. The Board reviews the activities of both the Joint Manager and the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive carries out day-to-day investment decisions for and on behalf of the Company. As part of this review, the Board is satisfied that the continuing appointment of the Joint Manager, on the terms agreed, is in the best interests of Shareholders. Mr Mills has been Chief Executive of the Company since 1984 and the Board consider it is in the best interest of the Company for this arrangement to continue.

 

As part of this review, the Board has given consideration to the experience, skills and commitment of the Chief Executive in addition to the personnel, services and resources provided by Harwood Capital LLP, the Joint Manager. The Company's performance over the last year is described in the Chairman's Statement above. The Board considers that the arrangements between the Chief Executive and the Joint Managers continue to work well.

 

Related party transactions

Mr Mills, the Company's Chief Executive, is also Chief Executive Officer and a member of Harwood Capital LLP, Joint Manager to the Company. Mr Mills makes day-to-day investment decisions for the Company in his capacity as its Chief Executive and this position is distinct from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Manager. Mr Mills is a director of Growth Financial Services Limited ("GFS") which is a fully owned subsidiary of Harwood Capital Management Limited.

 

Pursuant to the Secondment Services Agreement between the Company, GFS and Mr Mills and the Management, Administration and Custody Agreement between the Company and Harwood Capital LLP, Mr Mills is responsible for the day-to-day investment decisions in conjunction with the Joint Manager, Harwood Capital LLP. The Secondment Services Agreement continues until terminated by the Company or GFS on not less than twelve months' notice. Details of the related party transactions and fees payable are disclosed in note 18 and in the Directors' Remuneration Report. The Investment Management Fees are disclosed in note 3. The Performance Fee payable to GFS is disclosed in the Directors' Remuneration Report in the Annual Report and note 3 of the financial statements. Mr Mills sits on the board of a number of companies in which the Company has, or has had in the past, an investment. He may receive a fee or options for his services in this respect. Please see note 18 for further details.

 

Siem Kapital AS, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Siem Industries Inc, of which Mr Siem is Chairman, and Harwood Capital LLP have a joint venture agreement relating to SINAV Limited, the vehicle that acquired GTL Resources Plc last year. SINAV Limited continues to be jointly held by Harwood Capital LLP (on behalf of the Company and other funds managed by Harwood Capital LLP) and Siem Kapital AS.

 

With the exception of the matters referred to above, during the year no Director was materially interested in any contract of significance (as defined by the UK Listing Authority Listing Rules) entered into by the Company.

 

Institutional investors - use of voting rights

The Chief Executive and the Joint Manager, in the absence of explicit instruction from the Board, are empowered to exercise discretion in the use of the Company's voting rights in respect of investments and to then report to the Board, where appropriate, regarding decisions taken. The Board have considered whether it was appropriate to adopt a voting policy and an investment policy with regard to social, ethical and environmental issues and concluded that it was not appropriate to change the existing arrangements.

 

Donations

The Company does not make any political or charitable donations.

 

Post balance sheet events

There have been no significant events since the balance sheet date.

 

Creditors' payment policy

It is the Company's policy to settle investment transactions according to the settlement periods operating for the relevant markets. For other creditors, it is the Company's policy to pay amounts due to them as and when they become due. All supplier invoices received by 31 January 2013 had been paid (31 January 2012 - all supplier invoices paid).

 

Soft commission

The Joint Manager receives indirect benefits for certain investment services in the form of soft commission as a result of an agreement with a broker. The value of services supplied may depend upon a minimum threshold of commissions or a percentage of such commissions arising on dealings in securities for all clients including the Company. The practice of best execution is not compromised by this arrangement.

 

Auditors

A resolution to reappoint KPMG Audit Plc as the Company's auditor and to authorise the Board to determine its remuneration will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

 

Going concern
The Company's assets comprise readily realisable securities which can be sold to meet funding commitments if necessary and it also has sufficient cash reserves so the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. They have, therefore, adopted the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements.

 

Additional disclosures

The following further information is disclosed in accordance with the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008:

 

·      The Company's capital structure and voting rights are summarised on in note 14;

 

·      Details of the substantial shareholders in the Company are listed earlier in this report;

 

·      The rules concerning the appointment and replacement of directors are contained in the Company's Articles of Association and are discussed in the Corporate Governance Statement in the Annual Report;

 

·      Amendment of the Company's Articles of Association and powers to issue on a pre-emptive basis or buy back the Company's shares requires a special resolution to be passed by the Shareholders;

 

·      There are no restrictions concerning the transfer of securities in the Company; no special rights with regard to control attached to securities; no agreements between holders of securities regarding their transfer known to the Company; no agreements which the Company is party to that might affect its control following a takeover bid; no agreements between the Company and its Directors concerning compensation for loss of office; and no qualifying third party indemnities in place.

 

Explanatory notes for the special business at the annual general meeting

The following resolutions (if passed) would allow the Board to issue Shares without first offering them to existing Shareholders. Although the Directors have no current intention of exercising either of the authorities (if renewed) to allot Shares or disapply pre-emption rights, they reserve the right to allot Shares at any time.

Resolution 9 - Ordinary Resolution-Renewal of Directors' authority to allot shares
The authority given to the Directors at the last Annual General Meeting to allot Shares expires at the conclusion of this year's meeting. Resolution 9 will renew the authority to allot the Company's Shares on similar terms. If Resolution 9 is passed the Directors will have the authority to allot Shares up to the aggregate nominal amount of £262,599 representing one third of the current issued share capital. This authority will expire at the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or, if earlier, 15 months after the passing of this resolution.

Resolution 10 - Special Resolution-Renewal of Directors' authority for the disapplication of pre-emption rights
The authority given to Directors to disapply pre-emption rights expires at the Annual General Meeting. Resolution 10 will renew the disapplication of pre-emption rights thereby authorising the Directors to allot equity securities for cash up to a maximum aggregate renewal amount of £39,389 representing 787,796 Ordinary Shares of 5p each, being equivalent to 5% of the current issued share capital, without first offering such securities to existing Shareholders.

Resolution 11 - Special Resolution - Authority to purchase the Company's own shares
The authority given to Directors to purchase the Company's Ordinary Shares in the market expires at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Resolution 11 seeks the authority of Shareholders to purchase a maximum of 1,575,593 Ordinary Shares representing 10% of the current issued share capital. The Directors intend to exercise this authority only when, in the light of market conditions prevailing at the time and taking into account investment opportunities, appropriate gearing levels and the overall financial position, they believe that the effect of such purchases will be to increase the underlying value per Ordinary Share having regard to the interests of Shareholders generally. Shares will not be bought at a price of less than 5 pence each being the nominal value of each share nor more than 5% above the average middle market quotation of the shares over the preceding five business days nor will they be purchased during periods when the Company would be prohibited from making such purchases. Purchases will be made within guidelines set by the Board and using available reserves. Ordinary Shares purchased will be cancelled and the number of shares in issue reduced accordingly.

 

Resolution 12 - Special Resolution-Notice of general meetings
The authority given to Directors at last year's Annual General Meeting to call general meetings (other than an Annual General Meeting) on 14 days' notice will expire at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Resolution 12 seeks renewal of such approval. The approval will be effective until the Company's next annual general meeting, when it is intended that a similar resolution will be proposed. The Company will also need to meet the requirements for electronic voting under the Directive before it can call a general meeting on 14 days' notice.

 

Resolution 13 - Special Resolution-To amend the Articles of Association to authorise the use of a laser seal for use on share certificates

Although many listed companies issue share certificates in uncertificated form, the Articles always provide for the ability to issue share certificates under common seal. The Company would like the ability to authenticate the share certificates by laser seal. The amendments to the Articles of Association, if approved, enable the Company to issue share certificates by laser seal and also provide that any signatures on share certificates need not be autographic but may be applied to the certificates by some mechanical or other means or may be printed on them or that the certificates need not be signed by any person if the board by resolution so approve.

 

The above resolutions are contained in the Notice of Annual General Meeting in the Annual Report.

 

Recommendation

The Board considers that resolutions 9 to 13 are likely to promote the success of the Company and are in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders as a whole. The Directors therefore unanimously recommend that you vote in favour of the resolutions as they intend to do in respect of their own beneficial holdings which amount in aggregate to 3,903,646 shares representing 24.78% of the voting rights of the Company.

 

By Order of the Board

Bonita Guntrip ACIS
Company Secretary
Registered Office:
6 Stratton Street
Mayfair
London
W1J 8LD

 

Registered No: 1091347

14 May 2013



Statement of Directors' responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 January 2013

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report, the Directors' Remuneration report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, the Directors have prepared the financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. Under company law, the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period.

 

In preparing those financial statements, the Directors are required to:

 

·      select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

·      make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

·      state whether IFRSs as adopted by the European Union have been followed; and

·      prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and the Group and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements and the Directors' Remuneration Report comply with the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

 

Under applicable law and regulations, the directors are also responsible for preparing a Directors' Report, Directors' Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Statement that complies with that law and those regulations.

 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the Company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

 

In so far as the Directors are aware:

 

·      there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditors are unaware; and

·      the Directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Auditors are aware of that information.

 

Each of the current Directors confirms that, to the best of their knowledge:

 

·      the Group financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Group; and

 

·      the Report of the Directors, incorporating the Chairman's Statement and Investment Manager's Report by reference, includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.

 

For and on behalf of the Board

The Hon. Peregrine Moncreiffe
Chairman

14 May 2013

 

 

Independent Auditor's report

to the members of North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc

We have audited the financial statements of North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc for the year ended 31 January 2013. 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 chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. 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 auditors' 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 Statement of Directors' Responsibilities, 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 (APB's) Ethical Standards for Auditors.

 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements

A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the Financial Reporting Council's web-site at www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate.

 

Opinion on financial statements

 

 In our opinion:

·      the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group and Parent Company's affairs as at 31 January 2013 and of the Group's return for the year then ended;

·      the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and

·      the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the companies act 2006

 In our opinion:

·      the part of the Directors' Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006;

·      the information given in the Report of the Directors for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

·      the information given in the Corporate Governance Statement in the Annual Report with respect to internal control and risk management systems in relation to the financial reporting processes and about share capital structures is consistent with the financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

 We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

·      adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

·      the Parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors' Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

·      certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

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

·      a corporate governance statement has not been prepared by the Company.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:

 

·      the Directors' statement in relation to going concern; and

 

·      the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Company's compliance with the nine provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review; and

·      certain elements of the report to Shareholders by the Board on Directors' remuneration.

 

Salim Tharani (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of KPMG Audit Plc, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants

15 Canada Square
London
E14 5GL

14 May 2013

 

Consolidated statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31 January  




2013 



2012




Revenue 

Capital  

Total  

Revenue  

Capital

Total  


Notes

£'000 

£'000  

£'000  

£'000  

£'000

£'000  

Income

2

5,474 

-  

5.474  

6,432 

-  

6,432  

Net gains/(losses) on investments at fair value

9

43,682 

43.682 

(11,158) 

(11,158) 

Net (losses)/gains on investment property

9

(1,507) 

(1,507) 

38  

38  

Currency exchange losses

9

(237) 

(237) 

(185) 

(185) 

total income


5,474 

41,938 

47,412 

6,432 

(11,305) 

(4,873) 

Expenses








    Investment management fee

3

(2,216)

(1,417) 

(3,633) 

(2,398)

(2) 

(2,400) 

    Other expenses

4

(2,028)

-  

(2,028) 

(2,565)

-  

(2,565) 

    Share based remuneration

5

(355)

-  

(355) 

(191)

-  

(191) 

Share of net return of associate

9

5,259

5,259

71  

71  

return before finance costs and taxation


875

45,780 

46,655 

1,278 

(11,236) 

(9,958) 









Finance costs

6

(951)

-  

(951) 

(994)

-  

(994) 









return before taxation


284 

(11,236) 

45,704 

284 

(11,236) 

(10,952) 









Taxation

7

(192) 

-  

(192) 

-  

-  

return for the year


(268)

45,780 

45,512 

284 

(11,236) 

(10,952) 









return attributable to:








    Equity holders of the Company


(494) 

46,261

45,767

14 

(11,110) 

(11,096)

    Non-controlling interest


226 

(481)  

(255)

270 

(126)  

144  



(268) 

45,780

45,512

284 

(11,236)  

(10,952) 









basic earnings per ordinary share

8

(3.46)p

324.45p

320.99p

0.10p

(79.00)p

(78.90)p

diluted earnings per ordinary share

8

(3.02)p

287.46p

284.44p

0.14p

(69.73)p

(69.59)p

The Group does not have any income or expense that is not included in the return for the year, and therefore the "return for the year" is also the "Total comprehensive income for the year", as defined in International Accounting Standard 1 (revised).

 

The total column of the statement is the Statement of Comprehensive Income of the Group. The supplementary revenue and capital columns are presented for information purposes as recommended by the Statement of Recommended Practice issued by the Association of Investment Companies.

 

All items in the above Statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued in the year. Hampton Investment Properties Limited was acquired on 31 January 2011. (see notes 1(c)).

 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies below.

 

The notes part of these financial statements.



Consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the year ended 31 January




Share

Share


Capital


Non



Share

CULS

options

premium

Capital

redemption

Revenue

controlling



capital

reserve

reserve

account

reserve

reserve

reserve

interest

Total

group

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000











2013










31 January 2012

706

14

420

1,301

221,880

74

(2,784)

6,933

228,544











Total comprehensive income for the year

-

-

-

-

46,261

-

(494)

(255)

45,512

Arising on conversion of CULS

12

(2)

-

-

-

-

-

-

10

Share options expenses

-

-

355

-

-

-

-

-

355

31 January 2013

718

12

775

1,301

268,141

74

(3,278)

6,678

274,421











     








 





Share

Share


Capital


Non



Share

CULS

options

premium

Capital

redemption

Revenue

controlling



capital

reserve

reserve

account

reserve

reserve

reserve

interest

Total


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000











2012










31 January 2011

703

15

229

1,301

234,377

69

(2,798)

7,856

241,752











Total comprehensive income for the year

-

-

-

-

(11,110)

-

14

144

(10,952)

Shares purchased for cancellation

(5)

-

-

-

(1,267)

5

-

-

(1,267)

Arising on conversion of CULS

8

(1)

-

-

-

-

-

-

7

Share options expenses

-

-

191

-

-

-

-

-

191

Settlement of outstanding share options

-

-

-

-

(120)

-

-

-

(120)

Reduction in non-controlling interest in subsidiary

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,067)

(1,067)

31 January 2012

706

14

420

1,301

221,880

74

(2,784)

6,933

228,544

 

* The total equity attributable to equity holders of the Company amounts to £268,000 (2012: £222,000).

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies below.

 

The notes part of these financial statements.

 

 

 

 

Company statement of changes in equity

for the year ended 31 January




Share

Share


Capital




Share

CULS

options

premium

Capital

redemption

Revenue



capital

reserve

reserve

account

reserve

reserve

reserve

Total

company

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000










2013









31 January 2012

706

14

420

1,301

222,172

74

(3,128)

221,559










Total comprehensive income for the year

-

-

-

-

46,254

-

(804)

45,450

Arising on conversion of CULS

12

(2)

-

-

-

-

-

10

Share options expenses

-

-

355

-

-

-

-

355

31 January 2013

718

12

775

1,301

268,426

74

(3,932)

267,374






















Share

Share


Capital




Share

CULS

options

premium

Capital

redemption

Revenue



capital

reserve

reserve

account

reserve

reserve

reserve

Total


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000










2012









31 January 2011

703

15

229

1,301

233,999

69

(2,420)

233,896










Total comprehensive income for the year

-

-

-

-

(10,440)

-

(708)

(11,148)

Shares purchased for cancellation

(5)

-

-

-

(1,267)

5

-

(1,267)

Arising on conversion of CULS

8

(1)

-

-

-

-

-

7

Share options expenses

-

-

191

-

-

-

-

191

Settlement of outstanding share options

-

-

-

-

(120)

-

-

(120)

31 January 2012

706

14

420

1,301

222,172

74

(3,128)

221,559

 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies below.

 

The notes form part of these financial statements.

 

Consolidated and Company balance sheets

as at 31 January



Group 

Group 

Company 

Company 



2013 

2012 

2013 

2012 


Notes

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

non current assets






Investments at fair value through profit or loss

9

218,997 

163,174 

258,744 

198,317 

Investment property

9

40,111 

41,654 

Investments accounted for using the equity method

9

25,654 

20,395 

Motor vehicles and equipment


29 

41 



284,791 

225,264 

258,744 

198,317 

current assets






Investments held by subsidiary companies for trading


498 

1,093 

Trade and other receivables

10

2,362 

1,835 

3,576 

2,630 

Cash and cash equivalents


9,462 

22,200 

6,964 

20,924 

Property under construction


1,170 

1,170 



13,492 

26,298 

10,540 

23,554 

total assets


298,283 

251,562 

269,284 

221,871 







current liabilities






Bank loans and overdrafts

11

CULS


(66)

(66)

Trade and other payables

12

(2,800)

(1,072)

(1,844)

(235)



(2,866)

(1,072)

(1,910)

(235)

total assets less current liabilities


295,417 

250,490 

267,374 

221,636 







non current liabilities






CULS

13

(77)

(77)

Bank loans

11

(20,996)

(21,869)



(20,996)

(21,946)

(77)

total liabilities


(23,862)

(23,018)

(1,910)

(312)

net assets


274,421 

228,544 

267,374

221,559 

 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies below.

The notes form part of these financial statements.

 

Consolidated and Company balance sheets

as at 31 January









Group 

Group 

Company 

Company 



2013 

2012 

2013 

2012 


Notes

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

represented by:






Share capital

14

706 

706 

706 

706 

Equity component of CULS


14 

14 

12 

14 

Share options reserve


775 

420 

775 

420 

Share premium account


1,301 

1,301 

1,301 

1,301 

Capital reserve


268,141 

221,880 

268,426

222,172 

Capital redemption reserve


74 

74 

74 

74 

Revenue reserve


(3,278)

(2,784)

(3,932)

(3,128)

total equity attributable to equity holders of the company

267,743 

233,896 

267,374 

233,896 

Non-controlling interest


6,678 

6,933 

total equity attributable to group


274,421 

228,544 

267,374 

221,559 







net asset value per ordinary share:






Basic

8

1,865p

1,570p



Diluted

8

1,677p

1,395p



 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies on below.

 

The notes form part of these financial statements.

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 14 May 2013 and
signed on its behalf by:

 

The Hon. Peregrine Moncreiffe, Chairman

Company Registered Number:
1091347

Consolidated cash flow statement

for the year ended 31 January

 






Notes

2013 

2012 

group


£'000 

£'000 

cash flows from operating activities




Investment income received


1,981

2,653 

Rental income received


2,877

3,098 

Bank deposit interest received


20

64 

Other income


366

1,064 

Sale of investments by dealing Subsidiary


126 

57 

Investment Manager's fees paid


(2,351)

(3,688)

Other cash payments


(2,482)

(4,661)

cash expended on operations

15

537

(1,413)

Bank interest paid


(943)

(995)

CULS interest paid


(8)

(9)

net cash outflow from operating activities


(414)

(2,417)





cash flows from investing activities




Purchases of investments


(75,317)

(81,690)

Sales of investments


64,070 

79,330 

Purchases of plant and equipment


-  

(55)

Sales of plant and equipment


-  

29 

net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities


(11,247)

(2,386)





cash flows from financing activities




Repayment of fixed term borrowings


(874)

(24,538)

Increase in fixed term borrowings


21,869 

Repurchase of ordinary shares for cancellation


(1,267)

Settlement of outstanding share options


(120)

net cash outflow from financing activities


(874)

(4,056)





(decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents for the year


(12,535)

(8,859)





cash and cash equivalents at the start of the year


22,200 

30,799 

Revaluation of foreign currency balances


(203) 

260 

cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

16

9,462 

22,200 

 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies below.

 

The notes form part of these financial statements.

 

Company cash flow statement

for the year ended 31 January






Notes

2013 

2012 

company


£'000 

£'000 

cash flows from operating activities




Investment income received


1,981 

2,653 

Bank deposit interest received


19

62 

Other income


154

225 

Investment Manager's fees paid


(2,351)

(3,688)

Other cash payments


(730)

(170)





cash expended from operations

15

(927)

(918)

Bank interest paid


(1)

(73)

CULS interest paid


(8)

(9)

net cash outflow from operating activities


(936)

(1,000)





cash flows from investing activities




Purchases of investments


(75,086)

(79,625)

Sales of investments


63,051

79,126 

net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities


(12,035)

(499)





cash flows from financing activities




Repayment of fixed term borrowings


(5,960)

Repurchase of ordinary shares for cancellation


(1,267)

Settlement of outstanding share options


(120) 

Purchase of equity instruments in subsidiary


(1,221)

Short-term loans net advanced by subsidiary


(785)

8,919 

net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities


(785)

351 

decrease in cash and cash equivalents for the year


(13,756)

(1,148)





cash and cash equivalents at the start of the year


20,924

21,812 

Revaluation of foreign currency balances


(204)

260 

cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

16

6,964

20,924 

 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies below.

 

The notes form part of these financial statements.

 

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 January

 

1 accounting policies

North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc ("NASCIT") is a Company incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. The consolidated Annual Report for the Group for the year ended 31 January 2013 comprises the results of the Company and its subsidiaries - Consolidated Venture Finance Limited and Hampton Investment Properties Limited (together referred to as the "Group").

 

new standards and interpretations not yet applied

IASB and IFRIC have issued and endorsed the following standards and interpretations, applicable to the Group, which are not yet effective for the year ended 31 January 2013 and have therefore not been applied in preparing these financial statements.

New/Revised International Financial Reporting Standards

Issued

Effective date for annual periods beginning on or after

IFRS 7*

Financial Instruments: Disclosures
 -Amendments enhancing disclosures about offsetting of financial assets and financial  liabilities

December 2011

1 January 2013 (and interim periods within those periods)

IFRS 7*

Financial Instruments: Disclosures
-Amendments requiring disclosures about the initial application of IFRS 9

December 2011

1 January 2015 (or otherwise when IFRS 9 is
first applied)

IFRS 9*

Financial Instruments
-Classification and measurement of financial  assets

Original issue November 2009

1 January 2015 (mandatory application date amended December 2011)

IFRS 9*

Financial Instruments
-Accounting for financial liabilities and de-recognition

Original issue October 2010

1 January 2015 (mandatory application date amended December 2011)

IFRS 10/
IFRS 12

Consolidated Financial Statements
-The amendments exempt an investment
entity from the requirement to consolidate
the investments that it controls. Instead, it accounts for these investments at fair value through profit or loss.

Original issue
May 2011

1 January 2014 (early adoption allowed)

IFRS 11

Joint Arrangements
-Part of a new suite of standards on consolidation and related standards, replacing the existing accounting for subsidiaries and joint ventures (now joint arrangements), and making limited amendments in relation to associates.

December 2012

1 January 2014

IFRS 13

Fair Value Measurement
-Replaces the guidance on fair value measurement in existing IFRS accounting literature with a single standard

Original issue
May 2011

1 January 2013

New/Revised International Accounting Standards

Revised

Effective Date

IAS 1

Presentation of Financial Statements
- Amendments to revise the way other comprehensive income is presented

June 2011

1 July 2012

IAS 27

Separate Financial Statements (2011)
-Amendments regarding the requirements for separate financial statements. Requirements for consolidated financial statements are now contained in IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial  Statements

May 2011

1 January 2014

IAS 28

Investments in Associates and Joint
Ventures (2011)
-Supersedes IAS 28 Investments in Associates. Prescribes accounting  for investments in associates and sets out the requirements for the application of the equity method when accounting for investments in associates and joint ventures

May 2011

1 January 2014

IAS 32

Financial Instruments: Presentation
-Amendments to application guidance on the offsetting of financial assets and financial  liabilities

December 2011

1 January 2014

 

The Directors do not anticipate that the initial adoption of the above standards, amendments and interpretations will have a material impact in future periods.

 

The Company will only adopt standards at the beginning of its financial year, therefore any standards or interpretations with an effective date after 1 February 2012 will not have been adopted.

 

* Standards yet to be endorsed.

 

(a) basis of preparation/statement of compliance

The consolidated annual financial statements of the Group and the annual financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), which comprise standards and interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Board and International Financial Accounting Standards and Standing Interpretation Committee, interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Committee that remain in effect and to the extent they have been adopted by the European Union. They have also been prepared in accordance with applicable requirements of England and Wales company law and reflect the following policies which have been adopted and applied consistently. The financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice ("SORP") for investment trust companies, except to any extent where it conflicts with IFRS.

 

(b) convention

The financial statements are presented in Sterling rounded to the nearest thousand. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, except for the measurement at fair value of investments and derivatives designated at fair value through profit or loss.

 

(c) basis of consolidation

Under IAS 27 a subsidiary is defined as an entity which is controlled by another entity. Therefore, the Group financial statements consolidate the financial statements of the Company, its wholly owned Subsidiary undertaking, Consolidated Venture Finance Limited and its 68.1% ownership of Hampton Investment Properties Limited, drawn up to 31 January 2013. The Company's 65.4% holding in Performance Chemical Company has not been consolidated on the grounds of immateriality.

Except as shown in (d) below, in accordance with IAS 28 (Investments in Associates), investments where the Company holds, directly or indirectly, more than 20% or more of the voting power of the investee, or otherwise has significant influence, are not accounted for as associates. Instead they are accounted for in the same way as other investments designated as at fair value through profit or loss.

In accordance with the exemptions given by s408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company has not presented its own Statement of Comprehensive Income. The amount of the Company's profit for the financial year dealt with in the accounts of the Group is £45,450,000 (2012 loss: £11,148,000).

 

(d) Oryx

NASCIT is in a position to exercise significant influence, but not control or joint control, through participation in the financial and operating policy decisions of Oryx. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control over these policies. Oryx has been accounted for as an associate as it is considered to be a long term holding of the Company.

The results and assets and liabilities of Oryx are incorporated in the consolidated accounts using the equity method of accounting. Oryx is carried in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at cost as adjusted by post-acquisition changes in the Group's share of the net assets of Oryx.

 

(e) segmental reporting

The Directors are of the opinion that the Group is engaged in a single segment of business, being investment business. The Group invests in smaller companies principally based in countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and in properties within the UK. A geographical analysis of the portfolio is shown earlier in this report.

 

(f) investments

All non current investments held by the Group, other than the investment in Oryx, are designated at 'fair value through profit or loss' on initial acquisition. Investments are initially recognised at fair value, being the value of the consideration given.

The Group's business is investing in financial assets and investment properties with a view to profiting from their total return in the form of income and capital growth. The portfolio of financial assets is managed and its performance evaluated on a fair value basis, in accordance with a documented investment strategy and information about the portfolio is provided internally on that basis to the Company's Board of Directors and other key management personnel.

After initial recognition, investments are measured at fair value, with investment holding gains and losses on investments recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and (apart from those on current asset investments) allocated to capital. Gains and losses on disposal are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and cost.

Investments are included in the Balance Sheet on the following basis:

 

(i)    quoted at market value on a recognised stock exchange
Securities quoted on recognised stock exchanges are valued at the market bid price and exchange rates ruling at the Balance Sheet date. With the exception of AIM quoted SETS stocks, which are valued using latest trade price, which is equivalent to the fair value.

(ii)   unlisted at market value
Treasury Bills are valued at fair value having been adjusted for movements in exchange rates between the dates of purchase and the year-end. Accrued income arising from them is included in debtors.

(iii)  unquoted at directors' estimate of fair value
Unquoted investments are valued in accordance with the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Association ("IPEVCA") guidelines. Their valuation incorporates all factors that market participants would consider in setting a price. The primary valuation techniques employed to value the unquoted investments are earnings multiples, recent transactions and the net asset basis. Valuations in local currency are translated into Sterling at the exchange rate ruling on the Balance Sheet date.

             Included within the Statement of Comprehensive Income as at 31 January 2013, is a gain of         £16,041,000 relative to the movement in the fair value of the unlisted investments valued using valuation  techniques.

 

(iv)   investment property
Investments in property are initially recognised at cost and then valued at fair value based on an independent professional valuation at the reporting date, with changes in fair value recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Disposals of investment property are recognised when contracts for sale have been exchanged and sales have been completed.

(v)    current asset investments
Investments held by the Subsidiary undertakings are classified as 'held for trading' and are valued at fair value in accordance with the policies set out in 1(f)(i) and 1(f)(iii) above for quoted and unquoted holdings respectively.

              Profits or losses on investments in the Subsidiary undertakings are taken to revenue.

 

(g) foreign currency

The currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates (the "functional currency") is pounds Sterling (Sterling), which is also the presentational currency of the Group. Transactions involving currencies other than Sterling are recorded at the exchange rate ruling on the transaction date. At each Balance Sheet date, monetary items and non-monetary assets and liabilities that are fair valued, which are denominated in foreign currencies, are retranslated at the closing rates of exchange.

Exchange differences arise on settlement of monetary items and from retranslating at the Balance Sheet date:

investments and other financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss; and

other monetary items are included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and allocated as capital if they are of a capital nature, or as revenue if they are of a revenue nature.

Exchange differences allocated as capital are included in the transfer to Capital Reserve.

(h) trade date accounting

All "regular way" purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on the "trade date" i.e. the day that the entity commits to purchase or sell the asset. Regular way purchases or sales are purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of the asset within a time frame generally established by regulation or convention in the market place.

 

(i) income

Dividends receivable on quoted equity shares are taken into account on the ex-dividend date. Where no ex-dividend date is quoted, they are brought into account when the Group's right to receive payment is established. Other investment income and interest receivable are included in the financial statements on an accruals basis. Dividends received from UK registered companies are accounted for net of imputed tax credits.

 

(j) expenses

All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis and are allocated wholly to revenue with the exception of Performance Fees which are allocated wholly to capital, as the fee is payable by reference to the capital performance of the Group and transaction costs which are also allocated to capital.

Finance costs: 100% of basic loans, borrowing cost and CULS are charged to revenue.

 

(k) share based payments

In accordance with IFRS 2: Share Based Payments, an expense is recognised in the financial statements relating to the value of share options awarded under the 2011 Executive Share Option Scheme to the Chief Executive and employees of Harwood Capital LLP.

The accounting charge is based on the fair value of each grant, measured at the grant date and is spread over the vesting period. The deemed expense over the vesting period is transferred to the Share Options Reserve.

 

(l) cash and cash equivalents

Cash in hand and at banks and short-term deposits which are held to maturity are carried at cost. Cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash in hand, demand deposits and short-term, highly liquid investments readily convertible to known amounts of cash and subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand, which form an integral part of the Group's cash management, are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the Cash Flow Statement.

 

(m) bank loans and borrowings

All bank loans and borrowings are initially recognised at cost, being the fair value of the consideration received, less issue costs where applicable. After initial recognition, all interest bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Any difference between cost and redemption value has been recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest rate basis.

 

(n) convertible unsecured loan stock (culs) 2013

The CULS comprise of an equity element and a debt element, rather than just being treated as debt. The equity element was identified when the CULS were issued and reduces when the CULS are bought back or exercised. A CULS Reserve has been created to recognise the equity component. The debt element also reduces when the CULS are bought back or exercised. If the CULS are exercised, Ordinary shares of 5p are issued as detailed in the notes to these financial statements.

 

(o) taxation

Tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Corporation tax is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in Equity, in which case it is recognised in Equity.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the Balance Sheet date and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. The tax effect of different items of expenditure is allocated between revenue and capital on the same basis as the particular item to which it relates, using the Company's marginal method of tax, as applied to those items allocated to revenue, for the accounting period.

Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the Balance Sheet date between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying amount for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the Balance Sheet date.

 

(p) share capital and reserves

Share Capital represents the nominal value of equity shares.

Equity component of CULS represents the equity component of convertible unsecured loan stock issued.

Share Options Reserve represents the expense of share based payments. The fair value of Share Options is measured at grant date and spread over the vesting period. The deemed expense is transferred to the Share Options Reserve.

Share Premium Account represents the excess over nominal value of the fair value of consideration received for equity shares, net of expenses of the share issue.

Capital Reserve represents realised and unrealised capital and exchange gains and losses on the disposal and revaluation of investments and of foreign currency items. In addition, performance fee costs are allocated to the Capital Reserve.

Revenue Reserve represents retained profits from the income derived from holding investment assets less the costs associated with running the Company.

 

2 income

 


Group 

Group 

Company 

Company 


2013 

2012 

2013 

2012 


£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

income from investments





UK dividend income

1,828 

2,643 

1,828 

2,643 

Unfranked investment income





- interest

157

(5)

157

(5)

- interest reinvested

117 

93 

117 

93 


2,102 

2,731 

2,102 

2,731 






other income





Interest receivable

174 

152 

173 

150 

Net dealing losses from Subsidiary trading

109

(523)

Net return from Subsidiary

316 

43 

Rental income

2,877

3,104 

Sundry income

212

968 

129 


3,372

3,701 

489 

322 

Total income

5,474 

6,432 

2,591

3,053 

total income comprises





Dividends

1,828

2,643 

1,828 

2,643 

Interest

448

240 

447 

238 

Rental income

2,877

3,104

Other income*

321

445 

316 

172 


5,474

6,432 

2,591

3,053 






income from investments





Listed UK

1,828

2,643 

1,828 

2,643 

Unlisted UK

29

74 

29 

74 

Other unlisted

245

14 

245 

14 


2,102

2,731 

2,102 

2,731 

 

* Includes net dealing gains/(losses) from Subsidiary trading.

 

3 investment management fee

(i)            Pursuant to the Secondment Services Agreement, described in the Group Report of the Directors  and the Directors' Remuneration Report in the Annual Report, Growth Financial Services Limited ("GFS") provides the services of Mr Mills as Chief Executive of the Company, who is responsible for day-to-day investment decisions. Mr Mills is a director of GFS. GFS was aquired by Harwood Capital Management Limited, during the year, which is wholly owned by Mr Mills. GFS is entitled to receive part of the investment management and related fees payable to GFS and Harwood Capital LLP as may be agreed between them from time to time.

(ii)           Pursuant to the terms of the Management, Administration and Custody Agreement, described on page 19 of the Group Report of the Directors, Harwood Capital LLP is entitled to receive a fee (the Annual Fee) in respect of each financial period equal to the difference between (a) 1% of Shareholders' Funds (as defined) on 31 January each year and (b) the amount payable to GFS referred to in note 3(i) above. This fee is payable quarterly in advance.

As set out in note 19, no formal arrangements exist to avoid double charging on investments managed or advised by Harwood Capital LLP.

(iii)          The Performance Fee, calculated annually to 31 January, is only payable if the investment portfolio outperforms the Sterling adjusted Standard & Poors' 500 Composite Index. It is calculated as 10% of the outperformance and paid as a percentage of Shareholders' Funds. It is limited to a maximum payment of 0.5% of Shareholders' Funds. The Performance Fee arrangements payable to GFS have been in place since 1984 when they were approved by Shareholders.

(iv)           In addition to the management fees disclosed in note 3(ii) above, Harwood Capital LLP is also paid an investment management related fee of £125,000 per annum (see note 4).

The amounts payable in the year in respect of investment management are as follows:

 


Group and Company

Group and Company



2013



2012



Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Annual fee

2,216

-

2,216

2,398

-

2,398

Performance Fee

-

1,344

1,344

-

-

-

Irrecoverable VAT thereon

-

73

73

-

2

2


2,216

1,417

3,633

2,398

2

2,400

 

At 31 January 2013, £111,000 was payable to the Joint Manager in respect of outstanding management fees (2012: £120,000). At 31 January 2013, £1,344,000 plus VAT was payable to GFS in respect of outstanding performance fees (2012: £nil).

 

4 other expenses

 


Group

Group

Company

Company


2013

2012

2013

2012


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Auditor's remuneration (see below)

44

51

44

51

Directors' fees*

100

113

100

113

Investment management related fee (see note 3)

125

125

125

125

Other expenses

1,759

2,276

546

811


2,028

2,565

815

1,100

 


Group

Group

Company

Company


2012

2012

2012

2012

auditors' remuneration

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Fees payable to the Company's Auditor for the audit of the financial statements:

41

47

41

47

Other services relating to taxation:

3

4

3

4


44

51

44

51

 

5  share based remuneration

 



2013



2012



Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Accounting charge for the year

355

-

355

191

-

191


355

-

355

191

-

191

 

A list of the Options in issue are shown below;

 







No. of


Cancelled

Grant of


No. of

options at

Year of

during

options during


options at

1 February 2012

grant

the year

the year

Price

31 January 2013







430,000

2011

-

-

1,467.71

430,00

-

2012

-

330,000

1,,396.24

30,000

 

 

Further details of Options are disclosed in note 14.

 

On 14 July 2011, C H B Mills (Mr Mills) was granted 420,000 share options under the NASCIT 2011 Executive Share Option Scheme at an exercise price of 1,467.71p per share. A further 10,000 options were granted to an eligible employee of Harwood Capital LLP. These options are exercisable providing the necessary performance requirements are met between 14 July 2014 and 14 July 2021.

 

On 9 July 2012, a further 30,000 options were granted to other eligible employees of Harwood Capital LLP at an exercise price of 1,396.24p. These options are exercisable (providing the necessary performance requirements are met between 9 July 2015 and 9 July 2022.)

 

The fair value of the share options is estimated at the respective grant date using a binominal lattice. The Board commissioned an independent third party to calculate the fair value of the share options under IFRS 2. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value are included in the table below:

 


2011 options

2012 options

Award date

14 July 2011

9 July 2012

Exercise price

1,467.71p

1,396.24p

Assumptions:

per annum

per annum

Future share price volatility

25.0%

20.0%

Future dividend yield

0.0%

0.0%

Future risk-free interest rate

1.2%

0.3%

Minimum gain threshold

33.0%

33.0%

Proportion of options exercised given minimum gain achieved

50.0%

50.0%

Share price^

1,097.00p

1,045.00p

 

^ Share price is the closing mid-market price on the day before the date of grant.

 

Based on the above assumptions:
-the fair value of the 2011 options has been calculated as 22.1% of the face value of the awards (based on the share price of 1,097.00p) giving a total fair value of £1,042,000

-the fair value of the 2012 options has been calculated as 15.0% of the face value of the awards (based on the share price of 1,045.00p) giving a total fair value of £47,000.

 

The accounting charge is based on the fair value of each grant, at the grant date and is spread over the vesting period, being 3 years from the date of grant assuming all necessary performance criteria are met. The deemed expense is transferred to the Share options reserve.

 

At the date of this report there were a total of 460,000 options in issue with an estimated fair value of £1.09m.

 

 

6 interest payable and similar charges

 


Group

Group

Company

Company


2013

2012

2013

2012


£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

 

On bank loans and overdrafts

943

985

1

63

Interest on CULS

8

9

8

9


951

994

9

72

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 taxation on ordinary activities

 


Group 

Group 

Company 

Company 


2013

2012 

2013

2012 


Total 

Total 

Total 

Total 


£'000 

 

£'000 

 

£'000 

 

£'000 

 

 UK Corporation tax rate 24%

192

-

-

-

 

The current taxation charge for the year is different from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 26% to 31 March 2012 and 24% from 1 April 201. The differences are explained below.


Group 

Group 

Company 

Company 


2013

2012 

2013

2012 


Total 

Total 

Total 

Total 


£'000 

 

£'000 

 

£'000 

 

£'000 

 

Total return on ordinary activities before taxation

45,704

(10,952)

45,450

(11,148)

Theoretical tax at UK Corporation tax rate of 24.333% (2012: 26.333%)

11,121

(2,884)

11,059

(2,935)

Effects of:





    Non taxable capital return

(11,140)

2,958 

(11,254)

2,749 

    UK dividends which are not taxable

(445)

(696)

(445)

(696)

    Increase in tax losses, disallowable expenses and offshore income gains






656

622 

640

882 

Actual current tax charge

192

-

 

Factors that may affect future tax charges:

As at 31 January 2013, the Group has tax losses of £42,923,000 (31 January 2012: £39,229,000) that are available to offset future taxable revenue, comprising excess management expenses of £31,106,000, a non-trade loan relationship deficit of £9,689,000 and a trade loss of £2,128,000 (31 January 2012: excess management expenses of £26,658,000, a non-trade loan relationship deficit of £10,127,000 and a trade loss of £2,444,000).  A deferred tax asset has not been recognised in respect of those losses as the Group is not expected to generate taxable income in the future in excess of the deductible expenses of future periods and, accordingly, it is unlikely that the Group will be able to reduce future tax liabilities through the use of those losses.

 

Of the Group tax losses, the Company has tax losses of £40,795,000 (31 January 2012: £36,785,000) that are available to offset future taxable revenue, comprising excess management expenses of £31,106,000, a non-trade loan relationship deficit of £9,689,000 and a trade loss of £nil (31 January 2012: excess management expenses of  £26,658,000, a non-trade loan relationship deficit of £10,127,000 and a trade loss of £nil).  A deferred tax asset has not been recognised in respect of those losses as the Company is not expected to generate taxable income in the future in excess of the deductible expenses of future periods and, accordingly, it is unlikely that the Company will be able to reduce future tax liabilities through the use of those losses.

 

The Company is exempt from corporation tax on capital gains provided it maintains its status as an investment trust under Chapter 4 of Part 24 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. Due to the Company's intention to continue to meet the conditions required to maintain its investment trust status, it has not provided for deferred tax on any capital gains or losses arising on the revaluation or disposal of investments.

 

8 return per ordinary share and net asset value per ordinary share

 

a)    Consolidated return per Ordinary Share:

 



Revenue



Capital



Total



*Net


Per

*Net


Per

*Net


Per


return

Ordinary

Share

return

Ordinary

Share

return

Ordinary

Share


£'000

Shares

pence

£'000

Shares

pence

£'000

Shares

pence

2013










Basic return per Share

(494)

14,258,470

(3.46)

46,261

14,258,470

324.45

45,767

14,258,470

320.99

CULS**

8

1,834,771


-

1,834,771


8

1,834,771


Diluted return per Share

(486)

16,093,241

(3.02)

46,261

16,093,241

287.46

45,775

16,093,241

284.44























Revenue



Capital



Total



*Net


Per

*Net


Per

*Net


Per


return

Ordinary

Share

return

Ordinary

Share

return

Ordinary

Share


£'000

Shares

pence

£'000

Shares

pence

£'000

Shares

pence

2012










Basic return per Share

14

14,062,899

0.10

(11,110)

14,062,899

(79.00)

(11,096)

14,062,899

(78.90)

CULS**

9

1,869,610


-

1,869,610


9

1,869,610


Diluted return per Share

23

15,932,509

0.14

(11,110)

15,932,509

(69.73)

(11,087)

15,932,509

(69.59)

 

Basic return per Ordinary Share has been calculated using the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the year.

*     Profit for the year.

**   CULS interest cost and excess of the total number of potential shares on CULS conversion over the number that could be issued at the average market price from the conversion proceeds, as calculated in accordance with IAS 33: Earnings per share.

 

                           b) Consolidated net asset value per Ordinary Share:

The consolidated net asset value per Ordinary Share calculated in accordance with the Articles of Association is as follows:

 




Net assets

Number of ordinary shares

         Net asset value per share

2013



£'000



Ordinary Shares

- Basic


267,743

14,359,107

1,865p


- Diluted


274,551

16,374,034

1,677p

 

 






 




Net assets

Number of ordinary shares

         Net asset value per share

2012



£'000



Ordinary Shares

- Basic


221,611

14,359,107

1,570p


- Diluted


228,000

16,344,034

1,395p

 

The diluted net asset value per Ordinary Share is calculated on the assumption that the outstanding 2013 CULS are fully converted at par and that all 460,000 (2012: 430,000) Share Options were exercised at the prevailing exercise prices, giving a total of 16,374,034 issued Ordinary Shares (2012: 16,344,034).

 

 

9 investments

                       a. Investments at fair value through profit or loss and investment property

 







Group

Group

Company

Company


2013

2012

2013

2012


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000






Quoted at fair value:





    United Kingdom

78,653

52,768

104,307

73,163

    Overseas

13,701

22,438

13,701

22,438






Total quoted investments

92,354

75,206

118,008

95,601

Treasury bills at fair value

14,190

-

14,190

-

Unlisted and loan stock at fair value

112,453

87,968

126,546

102,716

Investments at fair value through profit or loss

218,997

163,174

258,744

198,317

Investment property*

40,111

41,654

-

-

Total

259,108

204,828

258,744

198,317

 

* The Company holds the investment property through a subsidiary, Hampton Investment Properties Limited.

 


Listed 

AIM 

Unlisted 

Loan 

Treasury 

Investment 



equities 

quoted 

equities 

stocks 

Bills 

property 

Total 

group - 2013

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

analysis of investment portfolio movements








Opening bookcost as at 1 February 2012

71,212 

11,550 

61,072 

4,705 

35,429 

183,968 

Opening (depreciation)/appreciation on assets held

(7,432)

(125)

24,146 

(1,954)

6,225 

20,860 

opening valuation as at 1 February 2012

63,780 

11,425 

85,218 

2,751 

41,654 

204,828 









Movements in year:








Purchases at cost

18,368 

- 

5,518 

9,112

42,106 

198 

75,302 

Sales








    - proceeds

(25,116)

- 

(7,215)

(2,416)

(28,216)

(234)

(63,197)

    - realised gains/(losses) on sales

5,027 

- 

2,358 

(310) 

151

35 

7,261 

Increase/(decrease) in appreciation on assets held

13,266

5,604

16,869

568

149 

(1,542) 

34,914

closing valuation as at 31 January 2013

75,325

17,029

102,748 

9,705 

14,190

40,111 

259,108 

Closing bookcost as at 31 January 2013

69,491 

11,550 

61,733 

11,091 

14,041

35,428 

203,334 

Closing (depreciation)/appreciation on assets held

5,834

5,479

41,015 

(1,386)

149

4,683 

55,774 


75,325

17,029

102,748 

9,705

14,149

40,111 

259,108

 


Listed 

AIM 

Unlisted 

Loan 

Treasury 

Investment 



equities 

quoted 

equities 

stocks 

Bills 

property 

Total 

company - 2013

£'00

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

Opening bookcost as at 1 February 2012

81,693 

11,550 

70,909 

4,705 

-

168,857 

Opening appreciation/(depreciation) on assets held

2,482 

(125)

29,057 

(1,954)

-

29,460 

opening valuation as at 1 February 2012

84,175 

11,425 

99,966 

2,751 

-

198,317 

Movements in year:








Purchases at cost

18,368 

-

5,896

9,112

42,106 

-

75,482

Sales








    - proceeds

(25,116)

-

(7,215)

(2,416)

(28,216)

-

(62,693

    - realised gains/(losses) on sales

5,027 

-

2,153 

(310) 

151

-

7,021

(Decrease)/increase in appreciation on assets held

18,525

5,604

16,041

568

149 

-

40,887

closing valuation as at 31 January 2013

100,979 

17,029 

116,841 

9,705 

14,190

-

258,744 

Closing bookcost as at 31 January 2013

79,972 

11,550 

71,743 

11,091 

14,041

-

188,397 

Closing appreciation/(depreciation) on assets held

21,007 

5,479

45,098 

(1,386)

149

-

70,347 


100,979 

17,029

116,841 

9,705

14,149

-

258,744 


Listed 

AIM 

Unlisted 

Loan 

Treasury 

Investment 



equities 

quoted 

equities 

stocks 

Bills 

property 

Total 

group - 2012

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

analysis of investment portfolio movements








Opening bookcost as at 1 February 2011

39,142 

5,337 

70,821 

4,349 

25,476 

35,235 

180,360 

Opening (depreciation)/appreciation on assets held

(3,836)

6,802 

28,154 

(1,030)

(640)

6,320 

35,770 

opening valuation as at 1 February 2011

35,306 

12,139 

98,975*

3,319 

24,836 

41,555*

216,130 









Movements in year:








Transfers

- 

6,500 

(6,500)

- 

- 

- 

- 

Purchases at cost

43,450 

5,129 

8,819 

801 

21,351 

1,244 

80,794 

Sales








    - proceeds

(14,476)

(5,613)

(13,644)

(445)

(45,846)

(1,183)

(81,207)

    - realised (losses)/gains on sales

3,096 

197 

1,576 

- 

(981)

133 

4,021 

Increase/(decrease) in appreciation on assets held

(3,596)

(6,927)

(4,008)

(924)

640 

(95) 

(14,910)

closing valuation as at 31 January 2012

63,780 

11,425 

85,218 

2,751 

41,654 

204,828 

Closing bookcost as at 31 January 2012

71,212 

11,550 

61,072 

4,705 

- 

35,429 

183,968 

Closing (depreciation)/appreciation on assets held

(7,432)

(125)

24,146 

(1,954)

- 

6,225 

20,860 


63,780 

11,425 

85,218 

2,751 

41,654 

204,828 

 


Listed 

AIM 

Unlisted 

Loan 

Treasury 

Investment 



equities 

quoted 

equities 

stocks 

Bills 

property 

Total 

company - 2012

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

analysis of investment portfolio movements








Opening bookcost as at 1 February 2011

49,623 

5,337 

79,462 

4,349 

25,476 

-

164,247 

Opening (depreciation)/appreciation on assets held

6,007 

6,802 

32,385 

(1,030)

(640)

-

43,524 

opening valuation as at 1 February 2011

55,630 

12,139 

111,847 

3,319 

24,836 

-

207,771 









Movements in year:








Transfers

- 

6,500 

(6,500)

- 

-

-

- 

Purchases at cost

43,450 

5,129 

10,015 

801 

21,351 

-

80,746 

Sales

43,450 

5,129 

10,015 

801 

21,351 

-

80,746 

    - proceeds

(14,476)

(5,613)

(13,644)

(445)

(45,846)

-

(80,024)

    - realised (losses)/gains on sales

3,096 

197 

1,576 

- 

(981)

-

3,888 

Increase/(decrease) in appreciation on assets held

(3,525)

(6,927)

(3,328)

(924)

640 

-

(14,064)

closing valuation as at 31 January 2012

84,175 

11,425 

99,966 

2,751 

-

198,317 

Closing bookcost as at 31 January 2012

81,693 

11,550 

70,909 

4,705 

- 

-

168,857 

Closing (depreciation)/appreciation on assets held

2,482 

(125)

29,057 

(1,954)

- 

-

29,460 


84,175 

11,425 

99,966 

2,751 

-

198,317 

 


Group

Group


2013

2012


£'000

£'000

analysis of capital gains and losses



Gains on sales

7,226

3,888

Unrealised (losses)/gains

36,456

(14,815)

Movement in subsidiary

-

(154)


43,682

(11,081)

Losses on loan repayment

-

(174)

Movement in valuation of escrow

-

97

(losses)/gains on investments at fair value

43,682

(11,158)




Realised gains on investment property

35

133

Unrealised gains on investment property

(1,542)

(95)

gains on investment property

(1,507)

38




Unrealised gains

5,259

71

gains on equity accounted investments

5,259

71





2012

2012


£'000

£'000

Exchange losses on capital items

(31)

(329)

Exchange losses on escrow

(2)

(116)

Exchange gains on capital items and currency

(204)

260

exchange losses

(237)

(185)





2012

2012


£'000

£'000

portfolio analysis



Equity shares

177,952

138,223

Convertible preference securities

17,150

22,200

Fixed interest securities

9,705

2,751

Treasury Bills

14190

-

Investment properties

40,111

41,654


259,108

204,828

 

               b. subsidiary undertakings

 

At 31 January 2013 the Company has the following Subsidiaries:

 

Subsidiary

Principal activity

% equity held

Country of registration

Consolidated Venture Finance Limited*

Security trading

100.00%

England and Wales

Hampton Investment Properties Limited**

Property investment

68.10%

England and Wales

 

The Subsidiaries were active during the year.

 

* Directly held by the Company at a cost of less than £1,000.

** Directly held by the Company at a cost of £9,968,000. The subsidiary has been consolidated in the Group financial statements using financial information from its accounts at 31 January 2013.

 

          c. associates

In the Group accounts Oryx is recognised as an Associate and the results of that Company have been accounted for in the Group accounts as an Associate under the equity method of accounting and valued using the Net Asset Value at 31 January 2013 of that Company. Oryx is a separately quoted company and has a financial year end date of 31 March, therefore the statutory accounts are not available to consolidate.

 

At the date of this report, the Company held 7,106,284 Ordinary shares representing 37.82% of the total voting rights in Oryx.

 

The value of the investment in associate in the Consolidated Balance Sheet using the equity method is as follows:


2013

2012


£'000

£'000

Opening share of net assets at 1 February

Share of profit for the year

Closing share of net assets at 31 January

 

The figures used to value the Group's holding in Oryx have been extracted from the company's 31 January 2013 management accounts.

The following financial information for Oryx has been extracted from its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2012, being the latest available results and therefore do not have any bearing on the figures used to value Oryx as at 31 January 2013 and are presented for informational purposes only.

 


Total assets

Liabilities

Net assets

Total revenue

Net profit for the period

 

Oryx is traded on the London Stock Exchange. The value at bid price at 31 January 2013 was £19,542,000, based on the holding of 7,106,284 Ordinary shares priced at 2.75p per share.

 

d. significant holdings

At the year-end, the Group and Company held 20% or over of the aggregate nominal value of voting equity of the following companies, all of which are incorporated and registered in England and Wales, unless stated:

 



31 January

31 January



2012

2012



%

%





AssetCo PLC

- Ordinary Shares

23.9

23.9

Essenden PLC

- Ordinary Shares

21.4

21.4

Forefront Group Limited

- Ordinary Shares

23.1

23.1

Martley Limited (Jersey)

- Ordinary Shares

29.6

29.6

Nationwide Accident Repair Services PLC

- Ordinary Shares

23.2

23.2

Bionostics Holdings Limited

- Ordinary Shares

47.1

47.1

Orthoproducts Limited

- Ordinary Shares

40.0

40.0

Oryx International Growth Fund Limited (incorporated in Guernsey)

- Ordinary Shares

37.6

36.5

Performance Chemicals Company*

- Ordinary Shares

65.4

65.4

Trident Private Equity Fund III LP

- Ordinary Shares

32.7

32.7

 

* The Board has chosen not to consolidate this holding. See note 1(c) for further details.

 

e. investments in US Treasury Bills

At 31 January 2013, the Group held US Treasury Bills with a market value of £14,190,000 (2012: £nil).

 

f. transaction costs

During the year, the Group incurred total transaction costs of £163,000 (2012: £177,000) comprising £120,000 (2012: £155,000) and £43,000 (2012: £22,000) on purchases and sales of investments respectively. These amounts are included in gains on investments as disclosed in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

 

g. material disposals of unlisted investments in the year:

 






Carrying






value at






31 January

Security Name

Disposal Date

Proceeds

Bookcost

Gain/(loss)

2012



£'000

£'000

£'000 

£'000

Letchworth

May 2012

2,378

604

1,774

2,376

 

 

10 trade and other receivables:


Group

Group

Company

Company


2013

2012 

2013

2012 


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Amounts owed by Subsidiary

-

-

1,876

775

Amounts due from brokers

329

522

329

522

Accrued income

28

24

28

24

Other debtors

2,005

1,289

3,343

1,309


2,362

1,835

3,576

2,630

 

11 bank loans:


Group

Group

Company

Company


2013

2012 

2013

2012 


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

falling due in less than one year





Hampton Investment Property Limited





             bank loans*

20,996

21,869

-

-


20,996

21,869

-

-

 

* The bank loan is a five year facility with RBS which commenced on 2 February 2011 and is secured over the investment property. The loan bears interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 2.76%.

 

12 trade and other payables


Group

Group

Company

Company


2013

2012 

2013

2012 


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000






Other creditors and accruals

2,800

1,072

1,844

235


2,800

1,072

1,844

235

 

 

13 debenture loan - convertible unsecured loan stock (CULS) 2013

 


2013

2013 

2012 

2012 


No. of units 

£'000 

No. of units 

£'000 

group and company





Balance at beginning of year

1,800,481 

77

1,971,782 

84 

Converted during the year

(245,554)

(11)

(171,301)

(7)

Bought back in year

- 

- 

- 

- 

Balance at end of year

1,799,499 

66

1,800,481 

77 

 

 

The CULS include an equity component as well as debt. As explained in note 1.(p), the equity component is shown in the CULS Reserve.

 

The CULS were issued in units of 5p. The CULS units are redeemable at par on 31 May 2013, unless previously redeemed, purchased by the Company or converted at the option of the holder.

 

During the year ended 31 January 2013, 245,554 (2012: 171,301) CULS units were converted into Ordinary Shares of 5p each at the rate of one 5p Ordinary Share for every unit of 5p.

 

No CULS units were purchased for cancellation during the year (2012: nil).

 

The final conversion opportunity for the CULS was on 30th April 2013. The CULS were convertible into ordinary shares of 5p each at a rate of one 5p Ordinary Share for every unit of 5p. The final conversion notice was posted to the loan stock holders on 22 March 2013 reminding them of their conversion rights and advising them of the procedure if they chose not to convert. Holders of 1,396,825 CULS units opted to convert. These were converted on 30 April 2013. The remaining units are now in the hands of the Trustee, who has until 28 May 2013 to decide whether to compulsorily convert them.

 

14 share capital

 

 

2013 

2013 

2012 

2012 


Number 

£'000 

Number 

£'000 

- issued and fully paid: Ordinary Shares of 5p:





Balance at beginning of year

14,113,553 

706 

14,057,252 

703 

Conversion of CULS

245,554 

12 

171,301 

9 

Cancellation of shares

-

-

(115,000)

(6)

Balance at end of year

14,359,107 

718 

14,113,553 

706 

 

During the year, 245,554 (2012: 171,301) CULS units were converted into Ordinary Shares of 5p as detailed in note 13.

 

Since 31 January 2013, a total of nil Ordinary Shares have been purchased by the Company for cancellation. As at the date of this report, the Company's issued share capital consists of 15,755,932 Ordinary shares of 5p nominal value each.

 

There are contingent rights to subscribe for Ordinary Shares of 5p each pursuant to:

There are Options totalling 460,000 (2012: 430,000) remaining, details of which are given in the Directors' Remuneration Report in the Annual Report.

 

15  reconciliation of total return from ordinary activities before finance costs and taxation to cash expended from operations

 


Group 

Group 

Company 

Company 


2013

2012 

2013

2012 


£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 






Total gains /(losses) from ordinary activities before finance costs and taxation

46,655

(9,958)

40,200

(11,077)

(Gains)/losses on investments

(41,938) 

11,305 

(42,412)

10,439 

Share of net return of associate

(5,259)

(71)

- 

 

Share based remuneration

355

191 

355

191 

Provision for Subsidiary

- 

- 

(316)

(43)

Depreciation

12

(5)

- 

- 

Dividends and interest reinvested

(117)

(93)

(117)

(93)

(Increase)/decrease in debtors and accrued income

(723)

1,845 

(246) 

1,113 

Changes relating to investments of dealing Subsidiary

16

581 

- 

- 

Increase/(decrease) in creditors and accruals

1,536

(5,208)

1,609

(1,448)

Cash expended from operations

537

(1,413)

(927)

(918)

 

16 analysis of net cash and net debt

 


At



At

net cash

1 February

Cash 

Exchange

31 January


2012

flow 

movement

2013


£'000

£'000 

£'000

£'000

Group





Cash and cash equivalents

22,200

(12,535)

(203)

9,462

Company





Cash and cash equivalents

20,924

(13,756)

(204)

6,964












At



At

net debt

1 February

Cash 

Exchange

31 January


2012

flow 

movement

2013


£'000

£'000 

£'000

£'000

Group





Loans falling due in more than one year

21,869

(923) 

-

20,966


21,869

(923) 

-

20,966

Company





Loans falling due in less than one year

-

-

-

-

 

17 financial instruments and risk profile

During the year, the Board has undertaken a review of the risks facing the Company. An explanation of the Group's financial risk management objectives, policies and strategy can be found in the Group Report of the Directors above.

 

The Group's financial instruments comprise its investment portfolio, cash balances, derivatives contracts, borrowing facilities, loan stock and trade receivables and trade payables that arise directly from its operations. note 1 sets out the accounting policies, including criteria for recognition and the basis for measurement, applied to significant financial instruments (excluding cash at bank and bank loans) which are carried at fair value. Note 1 also includes the basis on which income and expenses arising from financial assets and liabilities are recognised.

 

To support its investment in unquoted companies, the Group may periodically agree to guarantee all or part of the borrowings of investee companies. Provision is made for any costs that may be incurred when the Directors consider it likely that the guarantee will crystallise.

 

The main risks arising from the Group's financial instruments are:

 

(i)            market price risk, including currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk;

(ii)           liquidity risk; and

(iii)          credit risk

 

The Company Secretary in close co-operation with the Board of Directors and the Joint Managers, co-ordinates the Group's risk management. The policies for managing each of these risks are summarised below and have been applied throughout the year.

 

(i) market price risk

The fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument held by the Group may fluctuate because of changes in market prices. This market risk comprises currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk. The Board of Directors reviews and agrees policies for managing these risks, which policies have remained substantially unchanged from those applying in the year ended 31 January 2012. The Joint Managers assess the exposure to market risk when making each investment decision and monitor the overall level of market risk on the whole of the investment portfolio on an ongoing basis.

 

currency risk

The Group's total return and net assets can be materially affected by currency translation movements as a significant proportion of the Group's assets are denominated in currencies other than Sterling, which is the Group's functional currency. It is not the Group's policy to hedge this risk on a continuing basis but the Group may, from time to time, match specific overseas investment with foreign currency borrowings. The Joint Managers seek, when deemed appropriate, to manage exposure to currency movements on borrowings by using forward foreign currency contracts as a hedge against potential foreign currency movements. At 31 January 2013, the Group had no open forward currency contracts (2012: none).

 

The revenue account is subject to currency fluctuation arising on overseas income. The Group does not hedge this currency risk.

 

Foreign currency exposure by currency of denomination:

 

group and company

 


                     31 January 2012


                     31 January 2012



Net

Total



Net 

Total 


Overseas 

monetary

currency


Overseas 

monetary 

currency 


investments

assets

exposure


investments

assets 

exposure 


£'000

£'000

£'000


£'000

£'000 

£'000 









US Dollar

82,427

6,713

89,140


60,023

13,086

73,109

New Zealand Dollar

12,721

468

12,721


11,521

-

11,521

Euro

1,027

-

1,027


995

-

995


96,175

7,181

103,356


72,539

13,086

85,625

 

 

Sensitivity analysis is based on the Group's monetary foreign currency financial instruments held at each balance sheet date. If Sterling had moved by 10% against all currencies, with all other variables constant, net assets would have moved by the amounts shown below. The analysis is shown on the same basis for 2012.

 


             31 January 2013


               31 January 2012


10%

10% 


10% 

10% 


weakening

Strengthening 


weakening 

strengthening 


£'000

£'000 


£'000 

£'000 







US Dollar

9,904

(8,104)


8,123

(6,646)

NZ Dollar

1,465

(1,199)


1,280

(1,047)

Euro

114

(93)


111

(90)


11,483

(9,396)


9,514

(7,783)

 

In the opinion of the Directors, the above sensitivity analyses are not representative of the year as a whole, since the level of exposure changes frequently as part of the currency risk management process used to meet the Group's objectives.

 

interest rate risk

 

Interest rate movements may affect;

·      the fair value of the investments in fixed interest rate securities (including unquoted loans);

·      the level of income receivable on cash deposits;

·      the fair value of the Company's issued CULS;

·      the interest payable on the Group's variable rate borrowings; and

·      the loan guarantee, and any amounts payable should the guarantee be called upon.

The possible effects on fair value and cash flows that could arise as a result of changes in interest rates are taken into account when making investment decisions and borrowing under the multi-currency loan facility.

 

The Board reviews on a regular basis the values of the fixed interest rate securities and the unquoted loans to companies in which private equity investment is made.

 

The Group finances part of its activities through borrowings at levels approved and monitored by the Board.

 

Movements in interest rates would not significantly affect net assets attributable to the Group's Shareholders and total profit.

 

term bank loans

The subsidiary undertaking, Hampton Investment Properties Limited, has a five year term loan with RBS which is secured over its investment property. The loan bears interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 2.76% and is repayable on 2 February 2016.

 

other price risk

Other price risks (i.e. changes in market prices other than those arising from currency risk or interest rate risk) may affect the value of the quoted and unquoted investments.

 

The Group's exposure to price risk comprises mainly movements in the value of the Group's investments. It should be noted that the prices of options tend to be more volatile than the prices of the underlying securities. As at the year-end, the spread of the Group's investment portfolio analysed by sector was as set above.

The Board of Directors manages the market price risks inherent in the investment portfolios by ensuring full and timely access to relevant investment information from the Joint Manager. The Board meets regularly and at each meeting reviews investment performance. The Board monitors the Joint Managers compliance with the Company's objectives and is directly responsible for investment strategy and asset allocation.

 

When appropriate, derivative contracts are used to hedge against the exposure to price risk.

 

The Group's exposure to other changes in market prices at 31 January 2013 on its quoted and unquoted investments and options on investments was as follows:

 



Restated




2012

2012

2013

2012


Group

Group

Company

Company


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss





- Non current investments at fair value through profit or loss

218,997

163,174

258,744

198,317

- Non current investment property

40,111

41,654

-

-

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and held for trading





- Current asset investments

498

1,093

-

-

 

 

The following table illustrates the sensitivity of the profit after taxation and net assets to an increase or decrease of 10% in the fair values of the Group's equities. This level of change is considered to be reasonably possible based on observation of current market conditions. The sensitivity analysis is based on the Group's equities and equity exposure through options at each Balance Sheet date, with all other variables held constant.

 


2012

2012


Increase in

Decrease in 

Increase in

Decrease in 


fair value

fair value 

fair value

fair value 


£'000

£'000 

£'000

£'000 

Increase/(decrease) in net assets

25,911

(25,911)

20,487

(20,487)

 

 

(ii) liquidity risk

This is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities.

 

The Group invests in equities and other investments that are readily realisable. It invests in property through the subsidiary Hampton Investment Properties Limited. As at 31 January 2013, the Group has a five year loan facility with RBS.

 

(iii) credit risk

The Group does not have any significant exposure to credit risk arising from any one individual party. Credit risk is spread across a number of counterparties, each having an immaterial effect on the Group's cash flows, should a default happen. The Company assesses the credit worthiness of its debtors from time to time to ensure they are neither past due or impaired.

 

The maximum exposure of the financial assets to credit risk at the Balance Sheet date was as follows:

 







2013

2012

2013

2012


Group

Group

Company

Company


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

financial assets neither past due or impaired





Fixed income securities

9,705

2,751

9,705

2,751

Preference shares

17,150

22,200

17,150

22,200

Treasury Bills

14,190

-

14,190

-

Accrued income and other debtors

1,079

1,085

1,079

1,085

Cash and cash equivalents

94,62

22,200

6,964

20,924


51,586

48,236

49,088

46,960

 

 

The maximum credit exposure of financial assets represents the carrying amount.
There are no financial assets that are past due or impaired.

 

commitments giving rise to credit risk

There are no commitments giving rise to credit risk as at 31 January 2013.

 

fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities

The fair value for each class of financial assets and liabilities of the Group, compared with the corresponding amount in the Balance Sheet was as follows (trade receivables and trade payables, are excluded from the comparison, as their carrying amounts are a reasonable approximation of their fair value).

 

 

 

 


                31 January 2013

                31 January 2012




Balance


Balance


Fair value

Sheet value

Fair value

Sheet value

financial assets

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss





- Non current assets

218,997

218,997

163,174

163,174

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss  and held for trading





- Current asset investments

1,498

1,498

1,093

1,093

Loans and receivables





- Cash and cash equivalents

9,462

9,462

22,200

22,200


228,957

228,957

186,467

186,467












              31 January 2013

              31 January 2012




Balance 


Balance 


Fair value 

Sheet  value 

Fair value 

Sheet  value 

financial liabilities

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

Other financial liabilities





- Hampton term loans

(20,996)

(20,996)

(21,869)

(21,869)

- CULS

(66)

(66)

(77)

(77)


(21,062)

(21,062)

(21,946)

(21,946)







              31 January 2013

31 January 2012



Balance 


Balance 


Fair value 

Sheet  value 

Fair value 

Sheet  value 

maturing dates of financial liabilities

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

Maturity within one year

(66)

(66)

- 

- 

Maturity 2-3 years

- 

- 

(77)

(77)

Maturity 3-5 years

(20,996)

(20,996)

(21,869)

(21,869)


(21,062)

(21,062)

(21,946)

(21,946)

 

 

fair values are derived as follows:

 

- Where assets and liabilities are denominated in a foreign currency, they are converted into Sterling using year-end rates of exchange.

- Financial assets (non current and held for trading) - as set out in the accounting policies in note 1.

- Cash and cash equivalents, bank overdraft and bank loans - at face value of the account.

- The Company's CULS - at the face value of the financial liability element of remaining CULS in issue.

 

The Company adopted the amendment to IFRS 7, effective 1 January 2009. This requires the Company to classify fair value measurements using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:

 

·      Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1).

 

An active market is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume on an ongoing basis such that quoted prices reflect prices at which an orderly transaction would take place between market participants at the measurement date. Quoted prices provided by external pricing services, brokers and vendors are included in Level 1, if they reflect actual and regularly occurring market transactions on an arms length basis.

 

·      Level 2 - 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 3 - Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

 

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 from investments actively traded in organised financial markets, fair value is generally determined by reference to Stock Exchange quoted market bid prices at the close of business on the Balance Sheet date, without adjustment for transaction costs necessary to realise the asset.

 

The table below sets out fair value measurements of financial assets in accordance with the IFRS 7 fair value hierarchy system:

financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

group

 

At 31 January 2013






Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Equity investments

195,102

89,471

1,460

104,171

Fixed interest investments

23,895

14,190

-

9,705

Total

218,997

103,661

1,460

113,876






At 31 January 2012






Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Equity investments

160,423

75,205

-

85,218

Fixed interest investments

2,751

-

-

2,751

Total

163,174

75,205

-

87,969

 

financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

company

 

At 31 January 2013






Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Equity investments

234,849

115,125

1,460

118,264

Fixed interest investments

23,895

14,190

-

9,705

Total

258,744

129,315

1,460

127,969






At 31 January 2012






Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3


£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Equity investments

195,566

95,600

-

99,966

Fixed interest investments

2,751

-

-

2,751

Total

198,317

95,600

-

102,717

 

A reconciliation of fair value measurements in Level 3 is set out below.

 

level 3 financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

group

 

At 31 January 2013




Fixed 



Equity 

interest 


Total 

investments 

investments 


£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

Opening Balance

87,969 

85,218 

2,751 

Purchases

14,835 

5,723 

9,112 

Sales

(9,631)

(7,215)

(2,416)

Transfers from Level 3*

1,423

1,423

- 

Total gains or (losses) included in gains on investments in the Statement of Comprehensive Income:




- on assets sold

1,843 

1,576 

(310)

- on assets held at the end of the year

17,437

16,869

568

Closing balance

113,876

104,171 

9,705

 

level 3 financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

company

 

At 31 January 2013

 




Fixed 



Equity 

interest 


Total 

investments 

investments 


£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

Opening Balance

115,166 

99,966 

2,751 

Purchases

15,008 

5,896

9,112 

Sales

(9,631)

(7,215)

(2,416)

Transfers from Level 3*

1,423

1,423

- 

Total gains or losses included in gains on investments in the Statement of Comprehensive Income:




- on assets sold

1,843

2,153

(310)

- on assets held at the end of the year

16,609

16,041

568

Closing balance

127,969 

118,264 

9,705

 

 

*The transfer into Level 3 relates to a holding that was listed (in Level 1) in the prior year but there is no evidence of an active market during the year.

 

capital management policies and procedures


The Company's capital management objectives are:

 

- to ensure that the Company will be able to continue as a going concern, and
- to maximise the income and capital return to its equity Shareholders through an appropriate
 balance of equity capital and debt. The policy is that gearing should not exceed 30% of net assets.

 

The Company's capital at 31 January comprises:

 


2013

2012


£'000

£'000

Debt



CULS

66

77

Equity



Equity share capital

718

706

Retained earnings and other reserves

266,656

220,853


267,440

221,636

Debt as a % of net assets

0.00%

0.00%

The Board, with the assistance of the Joint Managers monitor and reviews the broad structure of the Company's capital on an ongoing basis. This review includes:
- the planned level of gearing, which takes account of the Joint Managers' views on the market;
- the need to buy back equity Shares for cancellation, which takes account of the difference between
   the net asset value per share and the Share price (i.e. the level of share price discount or premium);
- the need for new issues of equity Shares; and
- the extent to which revenue in excess of that which is required to be distributed should be retained.

 

The Company's objectives, policies and processes for managing capital are unchanged from the preceding accounting period.

 

18 related party transactions

The Joint Manager, Harwood Capital LLP, is regarded as a related party of the Company and acts as Investment Manager or Investment Adviser of the following companies in which the Company has an investment and from which companies the Joint Manager receives fees or other incentives for its services. The amounts payable to the Joint Manager are disclosed in note 3. The relationships between the Company, its Directors and the Joint Managers are disclosed in the Group Report of the Directors above.

 

The relevant companies and the annual fees receivable as derived from the last audited accounts are:

 


Services

Fees

Oryx International Growth Fund Limited

Investment Advisory

£616,000

Trident Private Equity II LP

Investment Advisory

£331,000

 

The General Partner's profit share in respect of Trident Private Equity III LP was £1,563,000.

 

Christopher Mills is Chief Executive Officer and a member of Harwood Capital LLP.

 

As discussed previously on page 3, Kristian Siem is chairman of Siem Industries Inc. One of Siem Industries Inc's indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, Siem Kapital AS, entered into a joint venture agreement with Harwood Capital LLP to establish SINAV Limited specifically for the purpose of acquiring GTL Resources Plc. The

Company has an investment in SINAV Limited.

 

disclosure of interests

Christopher Mills, the Chief Executive and Investment Manager is also a director of Oryx International Growth Fund Limited (Oryx).

 

Harwood Capital LLP is investment manager to Oryx and investment adviser to Trident Private Equity II LP and Trident Private Equity III LP and receives fees from them.

 

Christopher Mills is also a director of the following companies in which the Company has an investment or may have had in the year and/or from which he may receive fees or hold options or shares: Sunlink Health Systems Inc, Bionostics Holdings Limited, Hampton Investment Properties, Izodia PLC, Second London American Trust PLC (in members' voluntary liquidation), Oryx, Glass America, Inc, Progeny, Inc, Global Options, Celsis International Limited and MJ Gleeson PLC. Employees of the Joint Manager may hold options over shares in investee companies. A total of £206,000 in directors fees from these companies was received by Christopher Mills during the year under review.

 

No formal arrangements exist to avoid double charging on investments held by the Company which are also managed or advised by Christopher Mills (Chief Executive) and/or the Joint Manager. Members and private clients of the Joint Manager and its associates (excluding Christopher Mills) hold 414,993 shares in the Company (2012: 130,393).

 

Members, employees, institutional clients and private clients of the Joint Manager, Harwood Capital LLP may co-invest in the same investments as the Company.

 

The Hon. Peregrine Moncreiffe is a director of Crendon Industrial, in which the Company has an interest, and receives a fee of £5,000 per annum for his services.

 

From time to time Directors may co-invest in the same investments as the Company.

 

transaction with other companies in the group.

At 31 January 2013 amounts due from the Consolidated Venture Finance Limited (CVF) were £1,876,000 (2012: £775,000). Amounts due from Hampton Investment Properties Limited were £nil (2012: £480,000).

 

19 commitments and contingent liabilities

(i)    Pursuant to an agreement executed in December 2009, the Company pledged its shares held in Glass America Inc for the benefit of Deerpath Funding LP as security against a term loan and revolving credit facility amounting to a total of $7,750,000 granted to Glass America. The pledgers in turn receive the benefit of the credit facilities.

(ii)  
The Company has also committed to invest £25.5m in Trident Private Equity Fund III over the forthcoming months, of which £16.5m has been drawn down to date.

 

Copies of the Annual Report for the year ended 31 January 2013 will shortly be available from the Company Secretary, Bonita Guntrip (ACIS), 6 Stratton Street, London W1J 8LD and from the Company's website www.harwoodcapital.co.uk

 

 

 

 


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