Downing THREE VCT plc : Half-yearly report


DOWNING THREE VCT PLC

HALF YEARLY REPORT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2014

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

'C' Share pool 30 Jun
2014
31 Dec
2013
31 Jul
2013
Pence Pence Pence
Net asset value per 'C' Share 91.3 90.7 93.1
Net asset value per 'A' Share 0.1 0.1 0.1
Cumulative distributions per 'C' Share 25.0 22.5 20.0
Total return per 'C' Share and 'A' Share 116.4 113.3 113.2

'D' Share pool 30 Jun
2014
31 Dec
2013
31 Jul
2013
Pence Pence Pence
Net asset value per 'D' Share 75.9 76.9 79.0
Net asset value per 'E' Share 0.1 0.1 0.1
Cumulative distributions per 'D' Share 20.0 17.5 15.0
Total return per 'D' Share and 'E' Share 96.0 94.5 94.1

'F' Share pool 30 Jun
2014
31 Dec
2013
31 Jul
2013
Pence Pence Pence
Net asset value per 'F' Share 77.5 79.9 83.9
Cumulative distributions per 'F' Share 12.5 10.0 7.5
Total return per 'F' Share 90.0 89.9 91.4

'H' Share pool 30 Jun
2014
Initial
Pence Pence
Net asset value per 'H' Share 99.6 100.0

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Introduction
I am pleased to present the Half-Yearly Report for the six months ended 30 June 2014. Investment performance throughout the period has been generally satisfactory, with the strongest results coming from the more mature portfolios that are starting to approach their planned exit date.

Fundraising
The Company launched the 'H' Share Offer for Subscription in December 2013 and has raised proceeds of £12.3 million to date. This further increases the size of the Company which helps to keep running costs at a low level for all Shareholders. The task of building the 'H' Share investment portfolio has now commenced.

Net asset values and overview
'C' Share pool
At 30 June 2014, the net asset value ("NAV") for a combined holding of one 'C' Share and one 'A' Share was 91.4p, an increase of 3.1p (3.4%) over the period. Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) is now 116.4p for a combined holding. This compares to the original cost, net of income tax relief, of 70p per share.

The fifth anniversary of the close of the 'C' Share fundraising offer falls in September 2014 and the process of disposing of investments in order to return funds to 'C' Shareholders can then begin. The Manager is already progressing a number of transactions which may lead to exits from a significant proportion of the portfolio. The exact timing of when exits will be achieved is difficult to predict, but we are optimistic that the Company will be in a position to make a significant return of capital payment to 'C' Shareholders in early 2015.

'D' Share pool
At 30 June 2014, the net asset value ("NAV") for a combined holding of one 'D' Share and one 'E' Share was 76.0p, an increase of 1.5p (2.0%) over the period. Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) is now 96.0p for a combined holding, compared to the original cost, net of income tax relief, of 70p per share.

The initial five year period for 'D' Shareholders comes to an end in April 2015, when the task of realising the 'D' Share investments will commence. As plans are less well developed than for the 'C' Share pool, it is more difficult to make estimates about when capital might be returned to 'D' Shareholders, but the Board believes it is realistic to expect the first major payment to be made during 2015.

'F' Share pool
At 30 June 2014, the net asset value ("NAV") for a holding of one 'F' Share was 77.5p, an increase of 0.1p (0.1%) over the period. Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) is now 90.0p, compared to the original cost, net of income tax relief, of 70p per share.

The task of building the qualifying 'F' Share portfolio is now close to completion. It is expected that a small number of additional qualifying investments will be made and, if necessary, will be funded by disposals from the non-qualifying investments currently held. The exit process for the 'F' Share pool is not due to commence until 2018.

'H' Share pool
The 'H' Share net asset value stood at 99.6p per share as at 30 June 2014, compared to the initial NAV of 100.0p. The small deficit arises from holding a large proportion of funds as cash during the fundraising period. We expect this "cash drag" to reduce as the funds become invested.

The Share pool made its first investment during the period and has made a second one since the period end.

A full review for each share pool is covered in the specific Investment Manager's Reports on pages 3 to 12.

Dividends
In line with the Company's stated policies, interim dividends will be paid as follows:

'D' Shares              2.5p per share
'F' Shares               2.5p per share

A dividend of 5.0p per share will be paid in respect of the 'H' Shares being the first dividend for the share class.

Each of the above dividends will be paid on 12 December 2014 to Shareholders on the register at 21 November 2014.

In respect of the 'C' Shares, the Board has decided not to declare the usual dividend at this time, but will monitor the investment disposals from the 'C' Share pool over the coming month and intends to make a significant distribution early in 2015.

Share buybacks
The Company has a general policy of buying in its own shares that become available in the market for cancellation. No shares were purchased in the six month period to 30 June 2014.

The current policy is that the Company will buy 'D' Shares and 'E' Shares at approximately a 10% discount to the latest published NAV and 'F' Shares and 'H' Shares at a nil discount.

Now that the 'C' Share pool is approaching the time when capital will start to be returned to Shareholders, the Board is unlikely to support any further buybacks of 'C' and 'A' Shares. The Board believes that the fairest way to manage liquid funds during this process is to keep realisation proceeds intact and distribute them to all 'C' Shareholders by way of dividends rather than utilising some funds on share buybacks. For this same reason, the Board also expects to cease supporting 'D' Share buybacks in March 2015.

Outlook
With the share pools at different stages in their lives, the Investment Manager will be have a number of different tasks over the remainder of the year.

The exit process for the 'C' Share pool is may provide some challenges but early indications are that there is a good chance that the task can be completed effectively and reasonably quickly. Potential plans for the exits from 'D' Share pool investments are also likely to be developed later in the period.

The task of continuing to build the investment portfolio will continue for the 'F' Share and 'H' Share pool, whilst close monitoring of all existing investments will remain a high priority. 

The next Annual Report is expected to be published in April 2015. Prior to that I expect to communicate with 'C' Shareholders about the first return of capital payment.

Michael Robinson
Chairman

INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT
'C' SHARE POOL

Investment activity and performance
The main task of investing the 'C' Share pool fund was completed some time ago and so investment activity during the period was limited.  An opportunity to invest further funds in three existing investments to repay bank debt was taken with a further £300,000 being invested in East Dulwich Tavern Limited, £225,000 in Atlantic Dogstar Limited and £125,000 in Westow House Limited.

The majority of the 'C' Share pool investments have performed in line with expectations over the period, with no change in valuation. However, there have been several valuation adjustments which resulted in a net valuation increase of £154,000.

An increase in value of £55,000 in Future Biogas (SF) Limited was recognised to reflect the fact that the operational issues that were initially experienced have now been resolved and performance has significantly improved.

Westow House Limited owns the Westow House, a pub in Crystal Palace, South London. A £50,000 increase in the valuation was recognised at the period end to reflect the continued performance beyond the original business plan.

Atlantic Dogstar Limited owns two pubs in London: The Dogstar in Brixton and The Clapton Hart in Clapton. The Dogstar's performance, in particular, has supported an increase in value of £33,000.

There were also several smaller uplifts including: £13,000 on Vermont Developments Limited; and £3,000 on East Dulwich Tavern Limited.

Details of the 'C' Share pool portfolio and investment activity during the period are shown in the following pages.

Net asset value
At 30 June 2014, the net asset value ("NAV") for a combined holding of one 'C' Share and one 'A' Share was 91.4p, an increase of 3.1p (3.4%) over the period. Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) is now 116.4p for a combined holding.

Results
The profit on ordinary activities for the 'C' Shares, after taxation, for the period was £220,000, comprising a revenue profit of £66,000 and a capital profit of £154,000.

Outlook
Our focus with the 'C' Share portfolio has now turned to exits and a significant number of realisations plans are being progressed. We are optimistic that investment exits can be achieved in a timely manner and at values equal to or in excess of current carrying value.

Although it will take some time to exit from all investments, we are working on plans that should result in a number of exits by the end of the year such that the Company will be in a position to pay a significant distribution early in 2015.

Downing LLP

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
'C' SHARE POOL
as at 30 June 2014

Cost
Valuation
Unrealised
gain in
period
% of
portfolio
by value
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
 
Qualifying investments
 
Atlantic Dogstar Limited 663 986 33
14.8%
Future Biogas (SF) Limited* 697 786 55
11.8%
East Dulwich Tavern Limited 644 709 3
10.7%
Westow House Limited 429 602 50
9.1%
Domestic Solar Limited 500 560 -
8.4%
Redmed Limited 350 451 -
6.8%
Quadrate Spa Limited* 363 363 -
5.5%
Quadrate Catering Limited 330 359 -
5.4%
The 3D Pub Co Limited 267 227 -
3.4%
Ecossol Limited 250 212 -
3.2%
Mosaic Spa and Health Clubs Limited* 125 105 -
1.6%
Chapel Street Food and Beverage Limited 50 13 -
0.2%
Chapel Street Services Limited 50 13 -
0.2%
 
Non-qualifying investments
 
Hoole Hall Country Club Holdings Limited 581 581 -
8.8%
The Thames Club Limited 500 500 -
7.5%
Honeycombe Pubs VCT Limited 188 66 -
1.0%
Vermont Developments Limited 25 38 13
0.6%
Chapel Street Hotel Limited 2 1 -
0.0%
 
6,014 6,572 154
99.0%
 
Cash at bank and in hand 70
1.0%
 
Total 6,642
100%

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS
'C' SHARE POOL
for the six months ended 30 June 2014

Additions
£'000
Qualifying investments
East Dulwich Tavern Limited 300
Atlantic Dogstar Limited 225
Westow House Limited 125
Total 650

*    Partially qualifying investment

INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT
'D' SHARE POOL

Investment activity and performance
The 'D' Share pool has already completed its main investment phase and accordingly no new qualifying investments were made during the period.

The majority of the 'D' Share pool investments have performed in line with expectations over the period, with no change in valuation. There have, however, been a small number of adjustments which have resulted in total valuation increase of £55,000.

Kidspace Adventures Holdings Limited is the holding company of Kidspace Adventures Limited which owns three children's play centres. Continued good performance at all three sites has resulted in an increase in value of £40,000.

The valuation of Slopingtactic Limited was increased by £30,000. The company is the owner and operator of the Lamb and Lion freehold public house in York.  The business has performed consistently ahead of projections.

Continued good yields from the solar arrays owned by Progressive Energies Limited, a domestic solar installer and operator, has supported an increase in valuation of £10,000.

On the negative side, a £14,000 reduction in value was recognised for Liverpool Nurseries (Holdings) Limited as the business is performing a little behind budget. A small reduction of £11,000 was also made in the value of Camandale Limited, the owner of The Riverbank pub in Kilmarnock, Scotland, which continues to struggle to perform.

Details of the 'D' Share pool portfolio and investment activity during the period are shown in the following pages.

Net asset value
At 30 June 2014, the net asset value ("NAV") for a combined holding of one 'D' Share and one 'E' Share was 76.0p, an increase of 1.5p (2.0%) over the period. Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) is now 96.0p for a combined holding.

Results and dividend
The profit on ordinary activities for the 'D' Shares, after taxation, for the period was £150,000 comprising a revenue profit of £95,000 and a capital profit of £55,000.

The Company will pay an interim dividend of 2.5p per 'D' Share, on 12 December 2014, to 'D' Shareholders on the register at 21 November 2014.

Outlook
After some early setbacks, the 'D' Share portfolio is now making progress. We believe there is potential for further growth ahead of 2015, when the pool will seek to start realising its investments in order to return funds to Shareholders.

Downing LLP

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
'D' SHARE POOL
as at 30 June 2014

Cost
Valuation
Unrealised
gain/(loss)
in period
% of
portfolio
by value
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
 
Qualifying investments
 
Future Biogas (Reepham Road) Limited 842 842 -
10.9%
Quadrate Spa Limited* 496 496 -
6.4%
Quadrate Catering Limited 441 481 -
6.2%
Kidspace Adventures Holdings Limited 375 449 40
5.8%
Domestic Solar Limited 400 448 -
5.8%
Alpha Schools (Holdings) Limited 367 402 -
5.2%
Mosaic Spa and Health Clubs Limited* 475 387 -
5.0%
Liverpool Nurseries (Holdings) Limited 435 386 (14)
5.0%
Green Electricity Generation Limited 250 303 -
3.9%
Westcountry Solar Solutions Limited 250 250 -
3.2%
West Tower Property Limited 250 250 -
3.2%
Slopingtactic Limited 195 225 30
2.9%
Ecossol Limited 250 212 -
2.8%
Avon Solar Energy Limited 210 210 -
2.7%
Progressive Energies Limited 170 180 10
2.3%
Ridgeway Pub Company Limited 136 126 -
1.6%
Camandale Limited* 516 47 (11)
0.6%
 
Non-qualifying investments
 
Aminghurst Limited 1,650 1,650 -
21.4%
Fenkle Street LLP 122 122 -
1.6%
Commercial Street Hotel Limited 100 100 -
1.3%
Kilmarnock Monkey Bar Limited 42 42 -
0.6%
 
7,972 7,608 55
98.4%
 
Cash at bank and in hand 92
1.6%
 
Total 7,700
100%

*    Partially qualifying investment

INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT
'F' SHARE POOL

Investment activity and performance
The 'F' Share pool continued building its qualifying portfolio during the period and completed two new qualifying investments Details of the new qualifying investments are as follows:

£760,000 was invested in Goonhilly Earth Station Limited in January 2014. The company operates a large satellite communications site in Cornwall. The investment provided funding to allow the Company to secure a long lease on its site and will now develop a space science centre.

In March 2014, the 'F' Share pool invested £378,000 in Grasshopper 2007 Limited. The company operates The Grasshopper Inn, a public house near Westerham, Kent, which is run as a traditional pub, restaurant and wedding venue.

The majority of the 'F' Share pool investments have performed in line with expectations over the period and continue to be valued at original cost, however, there have been two adjustments.

Kidspace Adventures Holdings Limited is the holding company of Kidspace Adventures Limited which owns three children's play centres. Continued good performance at all three sites has resulted in an increase in value of £26,000.

City Falkirk Limited, which owns a large nightclub in Falkirk, Scotland, has struggled to deliver the anticipated trading performance since it was first acquired in March 2012. A further reduction of £38,000 was made to the value during the period.

In total, the portfolio produced net unrealised capital losses of £12,000 in the period.

Details of the 'F' Share pool portfolio and investment activity during the period are shown in the following pages.

Net asset value
At 30 June 2014, the net asset value ("NAV") for a holding of one 'F' Share was 77.5p, an increase of 0.1p (0.1%) over the period. Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) is now 90.0p.

Results and dividend
The return on ordinary activities for the 'F' Shares, after taxation, for the period was £14,000, comprising a revenue profit of £26,000 and a capital loss of £12,000.

The company will pay an interim dividend of 2.5p per 'F' Share, on 12 December 2014 to 'F' Shareholders on the register at 21 November 2014.

Outlook
The 'F' Share portfolio is still at a relatively early stage, but has suffered from some initial setbacks which have been disappointing. We are seeking to identify further good quality qualifying investments to utilise remaining funds and produce a portfolio with good potential for growth over the next three or so years before the commencement of the exit process.

Downing LLP

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
'F' SHARE POOL
as at 30 June 2014

Cost
Valuation
Unrealised
gain/(loss)
in period
% of
Portfolio
by value
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
 
Qualifying investments
 
 Goonhilly Earth Station Limited 760 760 -
9.0%
 Tor Solar PV Limited 680 680 -
8.1%
 Pearce and Saunders Limited * 644 644 -
7.0%
 Vulcan Renewables Limited 588 588 -
7.6%
 Grasshopper 2007 Limited 378 378 -
4.5%
 Kidspace Adventures Holdings Limited 250 299 26
3.5%
 Augusta Pub Company Limited 290 290 -
3.4%
 Fubar Stirling Limited 268 268 -
3.2%
 Redmed Limited 250 250 -
3.0%
 City Falkirk Limited 421 206 (38)
2.5%
 Fresh Green Power Limited 200 200 -
2.4%
 Pabulum Pubs Limited 200 200 -
2.4%
 Green Energy Production UK Limited 100 100 -
1.2%
 Cheers Dumbarton Limited 48 17 -
0.2%
 Lochrise Limited 13 - -
0.0%
 
Non-qualifying investments
 
 Aminghurst Limited 1,110 1,110 -
13.2%
 Pub People Limited 500 500 -
5.9%
 Baron House Developments LLP 481 481 -
5.7%
 Hoole Hall Hotel Limited 265 265 -
3.1%
 Dominions House Limited 107 107 -
1.3%
 3D Pub Co Limited 55 55 -
0.7%
 London City Shopping Centre Limited  43 43 -
0.5%
 Redmed Limited 26 26 -
0.3%
 Southampton Hotel Developments Limited 300 - -
0.0%
 
7,977 7,467 (12)
88.7%
 
Cash at bank and in hand 959
11.3%
 
Total 8,426
100.0%

*    Partially qualifying investment

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS
'F' SHARE POOL
as at 30 June 2014

Additions
£'000
Qualifying investments
Goonhilly Earth Station Limited 760
Grasshopper 2007 Limited 378
Non-qualifying investments
London City Shopping Centre Limited 43
Total 1,181

Disposals
Cost
Market
value at 01/01/14
Disposal
proceeds
Gain
against
cost
Total
realised
gain
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Non-qualifying investments
Retallack 98 98 98 - -
98 98 98 - -

INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT
'H' SHARE POOL

Fundraising
The 'H' Share fundraising launched in December 2013 and up to the date of this report has raised £12.3 million. 10,695,855 'H' Shares were allotted in the period at an average price of 103.9p per share.

The offer has been extended and is now scheduled to close on 30 September 2014. We expect the final pool size to be of the order of £13 million which is a satisfactory size to allow a portfolio to be built with a good spread of investments.

Investment activity
With the fundraising offer still open, it is obviously early days for the 'H' Share pool, however some initial non-qualifying investments have been completed.

The first investment was a non-qualifying secured loan of £525,000 in April 2014 in Future Biogas (SF) Limited. The company owns and operates a 1.4MW self-contained biogas plant in Norfolk.

In July, the share pool made a second non-qualifying secured loan investment of £420,000 to Ludlow Management Limited, secured by a charge over The Springhill pub in Wolverhampton.

We are currently progressing a number of new investment opportunities and expect several of these to complete during the rest of the year.

Net asset value
At 30 June 2014, the net asset value per 'H' Share was 99.6p, a decrease of 0.4p on the initial price resulting from the initial "cash drag" from holding uninvested funds.

Results and dividend
The loss on ordinary activities for the 'H' Shares, after taxation, for the period was £44,000, being wholly related to Revenue.

The company will pay an interim dividend of 5.0p per 'H' Share, on 12 December 2014, to 'H' Shareholders on the register at 21 November 2014.

Outlook
The task of building the 'H' Share portfolio will get fully underway during the next six months. We have a good pipeline of potential investment opportunities from which we expect to be able to build a solid qualifying portfolio with good potential for growth over the next five years. This will be complimented with non-qualifying investments that will provide additional yield before the new funds are utilised in qualifying investments. We expect to be very active to this end over the remainder of the year.

Downing LLP

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
'H' SHARE POOL
as at 30 June 2014

Cost
Valuation
Unrealised
gain
in period
% of
portfolio
by value
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
Non-qualifying investments
 
Future Biogas (SF) Limited 525 525 -
4.7%
 
525 525 -
 
 
Cash at bank and in hand 10,607
95.3%
 
Total 11,132
100%

The above investment was an addition during the period

UNAUDITED SUMMARISED BALANCE SHEET
as at 30 June 2014

30 Jun 2014 31 Jul
2013
31 Dec
2013

 

'C'
Shares
'D'
Shares
'F' Shares 'H' Shares Total Total Total

 

£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000

 

Fixed assets
Unquoted investments 6,572 7,608 7,467 525 22,172 20,095 19,718
Current assets
Debtors 59 100 99 14 272 281 169
Cash at bank and in hand 70 92 959 10,607 11,728 3,678 3,254
129 192 1,058 10,621 12,000 3,959 3,423
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (155) (211) (138) (64) (568) (407) (304)
Net current assets/(liabilities) (26) (19) 920 10,557 11,432 3,552 3,119
Net assets 6,546 7,589 8,387 11,082 33,604 23,647 22,837
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 17 25 11 11 64 54 54
Share capital to be issued - - - 431 431 - -
Capital redemption reserve 106 - - - 106 106 106
Special reserve 5,762 7,811 9,889 - 23,462 13,957 14,001
Share premium account - - - 10,685 10,685 10,160 10,160
Revaluation reserve 557 (366) (511) - (320) (200) (517)
Capital reserve - realised - - (1,033) - (1,033) (710) (1,033)
Revenue reserve 104 119 31 (45) 209 280 66
Total equity shareholders' funds 6,546 7,589 8,387 11,082 33,604 23,647 22,837
Basic and diluted net asset value per:
'C' Share 91.3p 93.1p 90.7p
'A' Share 0.1p 0.1p 0.1p
'D' Share 75.9p 79.0p 76.9p
'E' Share 0.1p 0.1p 0.1p
'F' Share 77.5p 83.9p 79.9p
'H' Share 99.6p n/a n/a

RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS

 

30 June 2014 31 Jul
2013
31 Dec
2013

 

'C'
Shares
'D'
Shares
'F'
Shares
'H'
Shares
Total Total Total

 

£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000

 

Opening Shareholders' funds 6,505 7,688 8,644 - 22,837 24,347 24,347
Issue of shares - - - 11,117 11,117 - -
Share issue costs - - - (422) (422) - -
Purchase of own shares - - - - - (11) (11)
Total recognised gains/(losses) for the period 220 150 14 (44) 340 10 (99)
Share capital to be issued - - - 431 431 - -
Dividends (179) (249) (271) - (699) (699) (1,400)
Closing Shareholders' funds 6,546 7,589 8,387 11,082 33,604 23,647 22,837

INCOME STATEMENT
for the six months ended 30 June 2014

Company Total

Six months ended
31 Jun 2014
Six months ended
31 Jul 2013
 
Period to
31 Dec
2013
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Income 657 - 657 643 - 643 1,066
Gains/(losses) on investments
- realised - - - - - - 24
- unrealised - 197 197 - (258) (258) (486)
657 197 854 643 (258) 385 604
Investment management fees (270) - (270) (186) - (186) (334)
Other expenses (173) - (173) (110) - (110) (241)
Return/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 214 197 411 347 (258) 89 29
Taxation (71) - (71) (79) - (79) (128)
Return/(loss) attributable to equity shareholders 143 197 340 268 (258) 10 (99)
Return per 'C' Share 0.9p 2.2p 3.1p 1.6p (0.7p) 0.9p 1.1p
Return per 'A' Share - - - - - - -
Return per 'D' Share 1.0p 0.5p 1.5p 1.4p 0.2p 1.6p 2.1p
Return per 'E' Share - - - - - - -
Return per 'F' Share 0.2p (0.1p) 0.1p 0.1p (2.2p) (2.1p) (3.6p)
Return per 'H' Share (0.8p) - (0.8p) n/a n/a n/a n/a

A Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses has not been prepared as all gains/losses are recognised in the Income Statement as noted above.

INCOME STATEMENT
for the six months ended 30 June 2014

'C' Shares Six months ended
30 Jun 2014
Six months ended
31 Jul 2013
Period
 to
31 Dec
2013
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Income 168 - 168 220 - 220 351
Gains/(losses) on investments
- realised - - - - - - 24
- unrealised - 154 154 - (49) (49) (76)
168 154 322 220 (49) 171 299
Investment management fees (44) - (44) (46) - (46) (82)
Other expenses (38) - (38) (31) - (31) (93)
Return/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 86 154 240 143 (49) 94 124
Taxation (20) - (20) (30) - (30) (49)
Return/(loss) attributable to equity shareholders 66 154 220 113 (49) 64 75

'D' Shares Six months ended
30 Jun 2014
Six months ended
31 Jul 2013
Period to
31 Dec
2013
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Income 221 - 221 274 - 274 458
Gains/(losses) on investments
- realised - - - - - - -
- unrealised - 55 55 - 25 25 (6)
221 55 276 274 25 299 452
Investment management fees (53) - (53) (54) - (54) (98)
Other expenses (41) - (41) (36) - (36) (68)
Return on ordinary activities before taxation 127 55 182 184 25 209 286
Taxation (32) - (32) (42) - (42) (71)
Return attributable to equity shareholders 95 55 150 142 25 167 215

INCOME STATEMENT
for the six months ended 30 June 2014

'F' Shares Six months ended
30 Jun 2014
Six months ended
31 Jul 2013
Period to
31 Dec
2013
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Income 232 - 232 149 - 149 257
Losses on investments
- realised - - - - - - -
- unrealised - (12) (12) - (234) (234) (404)
232 (12) 220 149 (234) (85) (147)
Investment management fees (107) - (107) (86) - (86) (154)
Other expenses (78) - (78) (43) - (43) (80)
Return/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 47 (12) 35 20 (234) (214) (381)
Taxation (21) - (21) (7) - (7) (8)
Return/(loss) attributable to equity shareholders 26 (12) 14 13 (234) (221) (389)

'H' Shares Six months ended
30 Jun 2014
Six months ended
31 Jul 2013
Period to
31 Dec
2013
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Income 36 - 36 - - - -
Losses on investments
- realised - - - - - - -
- unrealised - - - - - - -
36 - 36 - - - -
Investment management fees (66) - (66) - - - -
Other expenses (16) - (16) - - - -
(Loss)/return on ordinary activities before taxation (46) - (46) - - - -
Taxation 2 - 2 - - - -
(Loss)/return attributable to equity shareholders (44) - (44) - - - -

UNAUDITED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
for the six months ended 30 June 2014

 

30 Jun 2014 31 Jul 2013 31 Dec 2013
'C'
Shares
'D'
Shares
'F'
Shares
'H'
Shares
Total Total Total
Note £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Net cash inflow from operating activities 1 90 169 41 6 306 351 612
Taxation
Corporation tax paid - - - - - - (157)
Capital expenditure
Purchase of investments (650) - (1,181) (525) (2,356) (1,432) (2,376)
Sale of investments - - 98 - 98 1,688 2,805
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from capital expenditure (650) - (1,083) (525) (2,258) 256 429
Equity dividends paid (179) (250) (271) - (700) (699) (1,400)
Net cash (outflow) before financing (739) (81) (1,313) (519) (2,652) (92) (516)
Financing
Proceeds from share issue - - - 11,117 11,117 - -
Share issue costs - - - (422) (422) - -
Purchase of own shares - - - - - (11) (11)
Share capital to be issued - - - 431 431 - -
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing - - - 11,126 11,126 (11) (11)
Increase/(decrease) in cash
   2
2 (739) (81) (1,313) 10,607 8,474 (103) (527)

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
for the six months ended 30 June 2014

 

 

30 Jun 2014 31 Jul 2013 31 Dec 2013

 

'C'
Shares
'D'
Shares
'F'
Shares
'H'
Shares
Total Total Total

 

£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
1 Cash inflow from operating activities and returns on investments
Return on ordinary activities before taxation 240 182 35 (46) 441 89 29
Losses/(gains) on investments (154) (55) 12 - (197) 258 462
(Increase)/decrease in other debtors (35) (7) (45) (14) (101) 39 150
Increase/(decrease) in other creditors 6 8 (4) 6 16 (47) (5)
Increase/(decrease) in amount due to subsidiary undertaking 33 41 43 60 177 12 (24)
Net cash inflow from operating activities 90 169 41 6 306 351 612
2 Analysis of net funds
Beginning of period 809 173 2,272 - 3,254 3,781 3,781
Net cash inflow/(outflow) (739) (81) (1,313) 10,607 8,474 (103) (527)
End of period 70 92 959 10,607 11,728 3,678 3,254

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.    The unaudited half-yearly results cover the six months to 30 June 2014 and have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts" revised January 2009 and in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the statutory accounts for the 11 month period ended 31 December 2013, which were prepared under UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

2.    All revenue and capital items in the Income Statement derive from continuing operations.

3.    The Company has only one class of business and derives its income from investments made in shares, securities and bank deposits.

4.    The comparative figures are in respect of the six month period ended 31 July 2013 and the 11 month period ended 31 December 2013 respectively.

5.    Dividends

Six months ended
30 June 2014
Period to
31 Dec
2013
Per share Revenue Capital Total Total
Paid in period pence £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
'C' Shares
P/E Dec 2013 Final 2.5p - 179 179 -
P/E Dec 2013 Interim 2.5p - - - 180
Y/E Jan 2013 Final 2.5p - - - 179
- 179 179 359
'D' Shares
P/E Dec 2013 Final 2.5p - 249 249 -
P/E Dec 2013 Interim 2.5p - - - 250
Y/E Jan 2013 Final 2.5p - - - 250
- 249 249 500
'F' Shares
P/E Dec 2013 Final 2.5p - 271 271 -
P/E Dec 2013 Interim 2.5p - - - 271
Y/E Jan 2013 Final 2.5p - - - 270
- 271 271 541

No dividends have been paid or declared in respect of the 'A' Shares or 'E' Shares.

6.    Basic and diluted return per share

 

Weighted average
number of
shares in issue
Revenue
(loss)/return
Capital
return/(loss)
£'000 Per
share
£'000 Per
share

'C' Shares

7,158,326 66 0.9p 154 2.2p

'A' Shares

10,750,064 - - - -

'D' Shares

9,979,109 95 1.0p 55 0.5p

'E' Shares

14,994,862 - - - -

'F' Shares

10,821,660 26 0.2p (12) (0.1p)

'H' Shares

5,830,590 (44) (0.8p) - -

 

143 197

7.    Net asset value per share

 

Shares in issue Net asset value
per share £'000

 

 

'C' Shares

7,158,326

91.3p 6,535

'A' Shares

10,750,064

0.1p 11

'D' Shares

9,979,109

75.9p 7,574

'E' Shares

14,994,862

0.1p 15

'F' Shares

10,821,660

77.5p 8,387

'H' Shares

10,695,855

99.6p 11,082

 

 

33,604

8.    Reserves

Capital
redemption
reserve
Share premium reserve Special reserve Revenue reserve Capital
reserve
- realised
Revaluation
reserve
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
At 1 January 2014 106 10,160 14,001 66 (1,033) (517)
Issue new shares - 11,107 - - - -
Share issue costs - (422) - - - -
Cancel Share premium - (10,160) 10,160 - - -
Net gain on investments - - - - - 197
Dividends paid - - - - (699) -
Transfer between reserves - - (699) - 699 -
Retained revenue - - - 143 - -
At 30 June 2014 106 10,685 23,462 209 (1,033) (320)

On 26 March 2014, the share premium account that had arisen from the issue of the 'F' Shares was cancelled following the granting of court approval.  The Special reserve, Capital reserve - realised and Revenue reserve are all distributable reserves. The Revaluation reserve includes losses of £1,805,000 which are included in the calculation of distributable reserves. Total distributable reserves are £21,972,000 (£11,588,000 at 31 December 2014).

9.    The unaudited condensed financial statements set out herein do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and have not been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The figures for the 11 month period ended 31 December 2013 have been extracted from the financial statements for that year, which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies; the Auditor's report on those financial statements was unqualified.

10. The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, the half-yearly financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the "Statement: Half-Yearly Financial Reports" issued by the UK Accounting Standards Board and the half-yearly financial report includes a fair review of the information required by:

a)     DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

b)    DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the entity during that period, and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.

11. Risks and uncertainties
Under the Disclosure and Transparency Directive, the Board is required, in the Company's half-yearly results, to report on principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company over the remainder of the financial year.

The Board concluded that the key risks facing the Company over the remainder of the financial period are as follows:

  1. Compliance risk of failure to maintain approval as a VCT; and
  2. Investment risk associated with investing in small and immature businesses.

The Company's compliance with the VCT regulations is continually monitored by the Manager, who reports regularly to the Board on the current position. The Company has also appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers to provide regular reviews and advice in this area.

In order to make VCT qualifying investments, the Company has to invest in small businesses which are often immature. It also has a limited period in which it must invest the majority of its funds. The Manager follows a rigorous process in vetting and careful structuring of new investments, including taking a charge over the assets of the business wherever possible and, after an investment is made, closely monitoring the business.

The Board is satisfied that these approaches provide satisfactory management of the key risks.

12. Going concern
The Directors have reviewed the Company's financial resources at the period end and conclude that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks.

The Board confirms that it is satisfied that the Company has adequate resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the Board believes that the Company continues to be a going concern and that it is appropriate to apply the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

13. Copies of the unaudited half-yearly report will be sent to Shareholders shortly. Further copies can be obtained from the Company's registered office or will be available for download from www.downing.co.uk.