Interim Results

Electra Private Equity PLC 05 June 2007 EMBARGOED UNTIL 07:00 AM, TUESDAY 5 JUNE 2007 ELECTRA PRIVATE EQUITY PLC Announcement of Interim Results for six months ended 31 March 2007 • Continued growth in net asset value - up 17.2% over six months to 1,811p per share at 31 March 2007 - unaudited net asset value per share at 31 May 2007 of 1,822p • Total return to shareholders of 18.3% for the six months • Return on Equity of 15% annualised over five years to 31 March 2007 • Share price outperformance relative to the FTSE All-Share Index over short and medium term - up 16.9% over six months (up 160.8% over five years) versus Index which rose 7.6% over six months (rose 28.4% over five years) • Investment portfolio valued at £568m at 31 March 2007, an increase of 65% over 12 months • During the six months Electra made on-market purchases of its own shares for cancellation at an aggregate cost of £18 million Commenting on the Interim Results, Sir Brian Williamson, Chairman, said: 'The six months have provided a sound start to Electra's return to full investment of its capital resources. These results demonstrate Electra's solid performance over both the short and medium term.' For further information: Sir Brian Williamson, Chairman, Electra Private Equity PLC 020 7306 3883 Hugh Mumford, Managing Partner, Electra Partners LLP 020 7214 4200 Nick Miles, M: Communications 020 7153 1535 Net Asset Value Per Share 31 March 2007 30 September 2006 31 May 2007 Net asset value per share 1,811p 1,545p 1,822p Increase since 30 September 2006 17.2% Increase in FTSE All-Share Index 7.6% since 30 September 2006 Return on Equity comprises Total 'Profit on Ordinary Activities after Taxation' divided by opening 'Total Equity Shareholders' Funds' calculated on an annualised basis (as these terms are used in the Report and Accounts of Electra for the year ended 30 September 2006). The unaudited net asset value per share at 31 May 2007 was calculated on the basis of the net asset value at 31 March 2007 adjusted to reflect the purchases and sales of investments, currency movements and bid values on that day in respect of listed investments. These adjustments exclude the investments in Moser Baer and Zensar which were treated as unlisted investments at 31 March and 31 May 2007. The figures and financial information in respect of the year ended 30 September 2006 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and included the Auditors' Report which was unqualified and did not contain a statement under either section 237(2) or section 237(3) of the Companies Act 1985. A copy of the Chairman's Statement, Investment Manager's Review and the Interim Announcement are attached. Chairman's Statement The significant progress achieved by Electra during the year ended 30 September 2006 has continued for the six months to 31 March 2007, with strong growth in net asset value and a good share price performance. Over the six months the net asset value per share increased by 17.2% from 1,545p to 1,811p. Over the same period the share price increased by 16.9%, while the FTSE All-Share Index increased by 7.6%. Inclusive of the special dividend of 17p per share paid in March 2007, Electra achieved a total return to shareholders of 18.3% for the six months. Very satisfactory though these results are, Electra's performance over the medium term is particularly pleasing and the net asset value per share increased by 105% over the five years to 31 March 2007. Over the same period, Electra achieved a return on equity of 15% on an annualised basis, while the share price rose by 161% and the FTSE All-Share Index increased by 28%. Electra was the winner of the Investment Trusts Magazine award for 'Best Private Equity Trust' of 2006, having produced a return which was more than four times the average return of the other 18 constituents of the Private Equity sector in the year. Investment Strategy During 2006 the Board undertook a thorough review of Electra's market, its investment strategy and the relationship with its Investment Manager, including its contractual and compensation arrangements. In October 2006 shareholders approved Electra's return to full investment of its capital resources in private equity and the appointment of the independently owned Electra Partners LLP as its Investment Manager. Electra Partners' senior management team has worked together since 1992 and has in aggregate, over 80 years' experience in the private equity markets. Since 2005 Electra Partners has recruited a further five investment professionals. Electra Partners' experienced finance, compliance, property investment, portfolio management and marketing teams support the investment professionals. In implementing Electra's investment strategy, Electra Partners is typically targeting investments at a cost of £25-70 million in companies with an enterprise value of £70-200 million. Investments are sought in companies which have a meaningful part of their business or management team based in the UK, although opportunities will be taken to invest additionally elsewhere in Western Europe. The emphasis is on investments where it is possible for Electra Partners, sometimes in conjunction with like-minded investors, to establish and deliver the portfolio company's strategy, direct the appointment and development of its management team and control the realisation process from the investment. Investment Activity Since shareholders gave approval for Electra's return to full investment, Electra Partners has quickly developed a strong dealflow, although it is adopting a cautious approach to new investment and, in appropriate cases, will structure transactions to include financial instruments which will give greater protection in a more demanding economic environment. The private equity market remains very active, particularly at the larger end where a number of major transactions are being contemplated. In Electra's targeted deal size the market was very competitive during the six months, although £89 million was successfully invested and there were outstanding commitments to invest in new portfolio companies and private equity funds of £162 million at 31 March 2007. At 31 March 2007, Electra had a net liquid assets position of £170 million compared to £238 million at 30 September 2006. Future changes to this position will relate directly to the timing of new investments and future portfolio realisations. After achieving realisations of £257 million in the year ended 30 September 2006, the Board had anticipated that the level of realisations would begin to fall as the age profile of the portfolio changed. During the six months under review, sale proceeds amounted to £41 million, significantly less than the £81 million received in the six months ended 30 September 2006. However, since 31 March 2007 Electra has announced the conditional sale of its investment in Capital Safety Group which, if completed, will substantially increase realisation proceeds for the year. Full details of the investment activity are included in the Investment Manager's Report. Board of Directors Colette Bowe and Lucinda Webber were appointed as Non-Executive Directors of Electra with effect from 1 March 2007 and the Board is already benefiting from their wide and varied experience. These are the first two of three Non-Executive appointments which the Board intends to make. The process to select a further Non-Executive Director is still ongoing and I anticipate that once this has been completed there will be a short period of transition after which some of the existing Directors will retire from the Board. On-Market Purchases of Shares for Cancellation At the Extraordinary General Meeting held in October 2006 shareholders gave authority to continue the on-market share buy-back programme. In deciding when to buy-back shares, the Board will take account of the prospective returns on prevailing investment opportunities and the discount at which the shares trade to their net asset value. The Directors will only use this authority when it is judged there will be an increase in net asset value and be in the best interest of shareholders generally. During the six months ended 31 March 2007, Electra made on-market purchases of 1.22 million shares at an aggregate cost of £18 million representing an average price of 1,469p per share. Outlook The six months have provided a sound start to Electra's return to full investment of its capital resources and the team at Electra Partners has once again delivered a strong investment performance. Electra is now in a position to continue to create shareholder value for both private and institutional investors. Sir Brian Williamson 4 June 2007 Investment Portfolio Analysis Summary of Changes to Investment Portfolio + Six months ended 31 March 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 Opening Valuation 380,159 353,274 Investments 89,047 59,871 Realisations (41,280) (176,297) Net capital increase 132,746 106,847 Closing valuation 560,672 343,695 + The above investment portfolio at 31 March excludes accrued income (2007: £7,450,000; 2006: £776,000) and investments in floating rate notes (2007: £329,273,000; 2006: £391,759,000). In the six months to 31 March 2007, Electra's net asset value per share increased from 1,545p per share to 1,811p per share, an increase of 17.2%. This performance resulted from the continuing good progress of the investment portfolio and in particular the exceptional increase in value of the investment in Capital Safety Group. As in the previous financial period, the net asset value performance resulted primarily from realised gains and from the increase in value of investments valued with a listed price. The net increase in valuation of unlisted investments resulting from the Directors' valuation process accounted for less than 15% of the net asset value performance. During the six month period, the investment rate continued its upward trend with total new investment of £89 million. Realisations decreased as expected to a total of £41 million. The net investment of £48 million combined with the capital appreciation during the period of £133 million led to a significant increase in the value of the investment portfolio from £380 million to £561 million at 31 March 2007. The emphasis on investment continues to be in the UK and Europe. At 31 March 2007, 81% of the investment portfolio was based there with the remainder invested 12% in USA and 7% in Asia. Current Operations and Outlook Following approval at the Extraordinary General Meeting in October 2006, all restrictions on the level of investment by Electra were removed. Partly as a result of this change, investment continued its upward trend in the period under review. This is expected to continue for the balance of the financial year. The market for new investment remains extremely competitive and identifying transactions with appropriate potential remains challenging. The level of current dealflow is, however, encouraging and with Electra's flexible approach in terms of sector, ownership and type of investment instrument, suitable new investments are being located at a satisfactory rate. Investment Portfolio Review New Investments In the six month period, investments totalled £89 million compared to £60 million in the corresponding period of the previous year. This almost 50% increase in the rate of investment reflects, in part, the change in investment strategy of Electra. New investments included the buyout of Lil-lets Group in which Electra invested £26 million, Safeland - £9.4 million, TCR Capital - £19.6 million and Locatel - £9.9 million. In addition a further £5.0 million was invested in Leiner to purchase the interest of another shareholder and £20.3 million was drawn down under commitments to private equity funds. Lil-lets is the second largest brand in the UK tampon market and the market leader in South Africa. The company also sells a range of complimentary products. The £78 million buyout was completed in December with Electra investing £26 million and the balance funded mainly by borrowings. The investment of £19.6 million in TCR Capital consisted of the purchase of limited partnership interests in a French private equity fund which held five unquoted investments. One of these investments was subsequently realised resulting in the return of £8.1 million to Electra. Safeland invests in property suitable for use as low cost flexible workspace occupied on short term licenses. During the period, Safeland purchased £28 million of properties which were financed with equity of £9.4 million provided by Electra. Locatel, purchased in a €77 million buyout, is Europe's leading supplier of interactive multi-media solutions for the hotel and healthcare industries. In April Electra announced the completion of its investment of £34 million in the £75 million buyout of Nuaire, a leading UK manufacturer of ventilation systems. Realisations Realisation proceeds for the six month period amounted to £41 million, a significant reduction from recent periods reflecting the fact that many of the more mature investments have now been realised or refinanced. Shortly after the period end proceeds from realisations were increased by the receipt of £17 million from Freightliner through repayment of the shareholder loan. Furthermore, in May, Electra announced the sale of Capital Safety Group which, subject to competition clearance, will provide gross proceeds to Electra of circa £112 million, subject to exchange rates ruling at the date of completion. Together, these two further realisations will bring the total amount realised in the year to date to an amount in excess of £170 million. Performance During the six month period, the investment portfolio achieved net capital appreciation of £133 million, a percentage increase of 35%. This significant increase resulted primarily from gains realised on the sale or anticipated sale of investments. Such gains accounted for 77% of the net capital appreciation. Investments valued against a quoted price accounted for a further 8% while the increase in unrealised appreciation on unlisted investments accounted for the balance of 14%. As detailed above, the most significant value increase related to the investment in Capital Safety which was revalued in line with the potential proceeds of sale, completion of which is expected in June. At 31 March 2007, the investment was valued at £110 million giving rise to an uplift over the 30 September 2006 valuation of £86 million. Consolidated Income Statement (unaudited) For the six months ended 31 2007 2006 March Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Net gains on investments 16,599 100,519 117,118 11,107 100,578 111,685 Profits/(losses) on revaluation of foreign - 4,937 4,937 - (3,121) (3,121) currencies 16,599 105,456 122,055 11,107 97,457 108,564 Other income 642 - 642 2,310 - 2,310 Priority profit share paid to (5,626) - (5,626) (5,310) - (5,310) general partners Other expenses (1,409) (816) (2,225) (768) - (768) Net Profit before Finance Costs and Taxation 10,206 104,640 114,846 7,339 97,457 104,796 Finance costs (4,819) - (4,819) (3,611) - (3,611) Profit on Ordinary Activities before 5,387 104,640 110,027 3,728 97,457 101,185 Taxation Taxation Expenses (3,293) - (3,293) (2,449) - (2,449) Profit on Ordinary Activities 2,094 104,640 106,734 1,279 97,457 98,736 after Taxation Attributable to Equity 2,094 104,640 106,734 1,279 97,457 98,736 Shareholders Basic and Diluted Earnings per 5.50p 275.02p 280.52p 2.96p 225.92p 228.88p Ordinary Share The Total column of this statement represents the Group's Income Statement prepared in accordance with IFRS and the Companies Act 1985. The supplementary Revenue and Capital columns are both prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies. The amounts dealt with in the Consolidated Income Statement are all derived from continuing activities. 2007 2006 Number of Ordinary Shares in issue at 31 March 37,502,687 40,722,687 +------------------------------+--------+-------+--------+-------+-------+-----+ |Special Dividends Paid | | | 2007| | | 2006| | | | | | | | | |Total paid (£'000) | | | 6,375| | |8,592| | | | | 17p| | | 20p| |Per share | | | | | | | +------------------------------+--------+-------+--------+-------+-------+-----+ Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (unaudited) For the six months ended 31 March 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 Total equity at 1 October 598,292 520,883 Adoption of IAS 39 * - 1,239 Profit after taxation 106,734 98,736 Special dividend + (6,375) (8,592) Exchange differences arising on (1,320) 1,026 consolidation Repurchase of own shares (18,045) (36,080) Total Equity at 31 March 679,286 577,212 * Opening balance at 1 October 2005 has been restated for IAS 39 such that listed investments have been valued at bid rather than mid price and marketability discounts have not been applied. + Special dividend paid of 17p (2006: 20p) per share after share buy-backs of 1,000,000 ordinary shares on 18 December 2006, 120,000 ordinary shares on 19 December 2006 and 100,000 ordinary shares on 15 January 2007 (2006: 550,000 ordinary shares on 6 February 2006). Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited) As at 31 March 2007 As at 30 Sept 2006 As at 31 March 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Non-Current Assets Investments held at fair value: Unlisted and listed 568,122 386,033 344,471 Floating rate notes 329,273 394,201 391,759 897,395 780,234 736,230 Current Assets Debtors 1,577 1,481 5,895 Cash and cash equivalents 14,242 9,875 19,735 15,819 11,356 25,630 Current Liabilities Trade and other payables 13,759 15,591 10,795 Net Current Assets/ Liabilities 2,060 (4,235) 14,835 Total Assets less Current 899,455 775,999 751,065 Liabilities Bank loans 173,724 165,823 160,311 725,731 610,176 590,754 Provision for liabilities and 46,445 11,884 13,542 charges Net Assets 679,286 598,292 577,212 Capital and Reserves Called-up share capital 9,376 9,681 10,181 Share premium 24,147 24,147 24,147 Capital redemption reserve 33,899 33,594 33,094 Translation reserve (2,287) (967) 2,016 Realised capital profits 632,414 645,621 623,742 Unrealised capital losses (37,178) (136,980) (131,828) Revenue reserves 18,915 23,196 15,860 669,910 588,611 567,031 Total Equity Shareholders' 679,286 598,292 577,212 Funds Net asset value per ordinary 1,811.30p 1,545.07p 1,417.42p share Ordinary Shares in issue 37,502,687 38,722,687 40,722,687 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (unaudited) For the six months ended 31 March 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Operating Activities Purchases of investments (87,571) (216,100) Amounts paid under incentive (1,170) (8,189) schemes Sales of investments 105,577 214,589 Dividend and distributions 1,424 8,110 received Other investment income received 13,373 12,832 Interest income received 494 1,428 Other income received 148 882 Expenses paid (9,281) (6,093) Taxation paid (2,225) - Net Cash Inflow from Operating 20,769 7,459 Activities Financing Activities Bank loans drawn 76,243 56,680 Bank loans repaid (63,000) (56,680) Repurchase of own shares (18,045) (36,080) Loans advanced - (1,993) Finance costs (4,646) (3,611) Dividend paid (6,375) (8,592) Other finance costs (173) - Net Cash Outflow from Financing (15,996) (50,276) Activities Changes in cash and cash 4,772 (42,817) equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 1 9,875 62,610 October Translation difference (405) (58) Cash and cash equivalents at 31 14,242 19,735 March END This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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