British Smlr Comp 2 - Annual Financial Report
21/03/2022 13:15
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RNS Number : 4700F British Smaller Companies VCT2 Plc 21 March 2022
British Smaller Companies VCT2 plc
Annual Financial Report Announcement
for the year ended 31 December 2021
British Smaller Companies VCT2 plc (the "Company") today announces its audited
results for the year ended 31 December 2021.
HIGHLIGHTS
· 26.4 per cent return on opening net assets.
· Total Return increased by 14.5p to 139.5p per share.
· Net asset value at 31 December 2021 of 61.5 pence per share
(2020: 55.0 pence per share).
· Realisations of investments and loan repayments generated total
proceeds of £11.7 million in the year, a gain of £5.3 million over the
opening carrying value and £7.7 million over cost.
· Total dividends paid during the year ended 31 December 2021 of
8.0 pence per share (2020: 3.5 pence per share).
· Total cumulative dividends paid since inception of 78.0 pence per
ordinary share at 31 December 2021 (2020: 70.0 pence per ordinary share).
· Three new investments and seven follow-on investments totalling
£6.1 million completed during the year.
· 6.8 million raised in fully subscribed March 2021 offer. A
further £24.2 million raised in fully subscribed September 2021 offer, with
shares allotted shortly after the year-end.
· The Board is declaring an interim dividend of 1.5p per share in
respect of the year ending 31 December 2022. The dividend will be paid on 6
May 2022 to shareholders on the register on 1 April 2022.
Chairman's Statement
In my third annual statement I am pleased to report that, despite the
prevailing pandemic and post Brexit fallout, the resilience and growth of the
portfolio that was seen in the latter part of 2020 has continued throughout
2021. The weighting towards business-to-business services emphasising
technology-enabled solutions, data management, analytics, protection and
migration continues to benefit from the accelerated trends that the pandemic
has provided. Meanwhile the more retail and leisure focused companies have
proven themselves adept at flexing their businesses and adapting to an ever
changing landscape, with many now emerging in a more focused and streamlined
guise to capture their customers' return to the market.
This progress is reflected in the performance of the Company in the year to 31
December 2021, with positive valuation growth in the period. This means that
over the two years since the outbreak of the pandemic, the Company has seen a
total return of 32.2 per cent on the net asset value of 55.2 pence per share
at 31 December 2019.
I and my fellow Board members were pleased to see this shared by our
investors, and were delighted to close the Company's fundraising after just
seven weeks, with funds allotted shortly after the end of the financial
year. We thank you for your ongoing support of the Company.
Financial Performance
In 2021, the Company delivered a 14.5 pence per ordinary share increase in
Total Return, which is equivalent to 26.4 per cent of the opening net asset
value at 31 December 2020. Total Return is now 139.5 pence per ordinary share.
This was driven by the portfolio, which generated a return of £26.0 million,
53.0 per cent over its opening value, of which £5.3 million was realised and
£20.7 million unrealised. New and follow-on investments totalling £6.1
million were completed.
Realisations in the Year
Realisations of investments generated total proceeds of £10.3 million, a gain
of £5.3 million over the opening carrying value and £8.0 million over the
original cost. There were three significant realisations in the year: Deep
Secure in July 2021; the partial realisation of Matillion in October 2021; and
Tissuemed in December 2021. Additional proceeds of £1.4 million were
generated from loan repayments.
The Deep Secure exit generated capital proceeds of £3.3 million, delivering a
realised gain of £2.8 million above cost, an uplift of £1.3 million on the
carrying value at the beginning of the year. Including income, the total
return from this investment was £3.9 million over a 12 year holding period,
producing an internal rate of return of 23 per cent and a multiple of 7.7x
cost.
The Company realised 20 per cent of its investment in Matillion as part of its
Series E funding round. The proceeds from this partial exit were £5.9
million, which represents an uplift on the carrying value at the beginning of
the year of £3.4 million and a return to date of 3.3x the total cost of the
Company's investment. The value of the Company's residual investment in
Matillion is £25.1 million. This is an outstanding outcome to date, in a
company which continues to experience fast growth.
The Tissuemed exit generated capital proceeds of £0.6 million delivering a
realised gain of £0.5 million above cost, an uplift of £0.5 million on the
carrying value at the beginning of the year. Including income, the total
return from this investment was £0.6 million over a 16 year holding period,
producing an internal rate of return of 18 per cent and a multiple of 13.1x
cost.
New Investments
Three new investments were made in the year, totalling £3.4 million. In our
continued support of the portfolio, seven companies received follow-on funding
in the year, totalling £2.7 million in aggregate. The new investments are:
Investment Sector
Outpost Visual effects for film and TV
Vuealta Business planning software and services
Vypr Cloud-based data validation platform
Financial Results
During the year, the Board paid interim dividends of 8.0 pence per ordinary
share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2021, bringing the cumulative
dividends paid to 31 December 2021 to 78.0 pence per ordinary share.
The movement in net asset value ("NAV") per ordinary share and the dividends
paid are set out in the table below:
Pence per ordinary share £000
NAV at 31 December 2020 55.0 70,929
Increase in portfolio value 14.6 20,702
Gain on disposal of investments 3.8 5,342
Gain arising from the portfolio 18.4 26,044
Net operating costs (0.8) (1,248)
Incentive fee (3.1) (4,407)
Issue/(buy-back) of new shares - 7,072
Total Return in year 14.5 27,461
NAV before the payment of dividends 69.5 98,390
Dividends paid (8.0) (11,015)
NAV at 31 December 2021 61.5 87,375
Cumulative dividends paid 78.0
Total Return: at 31 December 2021 139.5
at 31 December 2020 125.0
The charts on page 12 of the annual report show in greater detail the movement
in Total Return and Net Asset Value over time.
The investments held at the beginning of the financial year, amounting to
£49.1 million, delivered a return over the year of £26.0 million.
The current portfolio's net valuation increased by £20.7 million. Within
this there were valuation gains of £24.5 million, offset by £3.8 million of
downward movements.
As anticipated by the impact of the changes to VCT regulations in 2015, the
composition of the portfolio continues to evolve towards younger, higher
growth companies which are reinvesting earnings for further growth. This,
along with the ongoing realisation of earlier, more income-focused
investments, results in the ongoing reduction of the Company's income.
During the year, income was £0.7 million, compared to £0.8 million
(excluding the exceptional £1.9 million dividend received from ACC Aviation)
in the previous financial year and £1.1 million in 2019. This trend is
expected to continue as the proportion of new investments continues to grow.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at 12:00 noon on 13
June 2022 at 33 St James Square, London SW1Y 4JS. Full details of the agenda
for this meeting are included in the Notice of the Annual General Meeting on
page 91 of the annual report.
Dividends
Dividends paid in the year totalled 8.0 pence per ordinary share. These
comprised interim dividends of 8.0 pence per ordinary share for the year ended
31 December 2021. Cumulative dividends paid as at 31 December 2021 were 78.0
pence per ordinary share.
An interim dividend for the year ending 31 December 2022 of 1.5 pence per
ordinary share will be paid on 6 May 2022, to shareholders on the register at
1 April 2022.
Dividend Re-investment Scheme ("DRIS")
Your Company operates a DRIS, which gives shareholders the opportunity to
re-invest any cash dividends and is open to all shareholders, including those
who invested under the recent offers. The main advantages of the DRIS are:
1 the dividends remain tax free; and
2 any DRIS investment attracts income tax relief at
the rate of 30 per cent.
For the financial year ended 31 December 2021, £2.3 million was re-invested
by way of the DRIS, from overall dividend proceeds of £11.0 million.
Liquidity and Fundraising
The Company announced a new share offer on 2 February 2021, alongside British
Smaller Companies VCT plc, with the intention of raising up to £7.05 million.
The related allotment took place on 11 March 2021, following which the Company
received net proceeds of £6.8 million.
At 31 December 2021 the Company's cash reserves of £21.2 million represented
24.3 per cent of net assets.
Having previously assessed its expected cash requirements the Company
announced a new share offer on 22 September 2021, alongside British Smaller
Companies VCT plc, with the intention of raising up to £60 million, in
aggregate which included an over-allotment facility of £20 million, in
aggregate. This was fully subscribed and closed on 12 November 2021. The
related allotment of 40,224,521 ordinary shares took place post year-end, on 7
January 2022, following which the Company received net proceeds of £24.2
million.
Share Premium Cancellation
Following shareholder approval at a General Meeting, the Company, subject to
the sanction of the High Court, is cancelling the balance of its Share
Premium, £44.3 million, which will be transferred to the Capital Reserve.
This will give the Company greater flexibility to continue to pay regular
dividends to shareholders and to provide its periodic offer to buy back shares
from shareholders. As set out on page 63 of the annual report this will become
available for distribution, if approved, at various times over the period to 1
January 2026.
Shareholder Relations
The electronic communications policy continues to be a success, with 82 per
cent of shareholders now receiving communications in this way. Documents
such as the annual report are published on the website http://www.bscfunds.com
(http://www.bscfunds.com) rather than by post, saving on printing costs, as
well as being more environmentally friendly.
The Company's website, http://www.bscfunds.com (http://www.bscfunds.com) , is
refreshed on a regular basis and provides a comprehensive level of information
in what I hope is a user-friendly format.
In 2021, we again had to change our plans for the Investor Workshops,
subsequently holding two webinars in conjunction with British Smaller
Companies VCT plc, on 25 June 2021 and 9 December 2021.
We are pleased to announce the return of an in-person Investor Workshop, to be
held jointly with British Smaller Companies VCT plc on 29 June 2022 at 1 Great
George Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3AA. After the success of the
webinars over the past couple of years, we will also continue providing these
once per year, with the next event planned for December 2022.
Post Balance Sheet Events
As noted above, the Company allotted a successful £24.2 million fundraising
on 7 January 2022.
Ukraine
During the build up to and subsequent to the recent invasion of Ukraine by
Russia, we have been closely monitoring the impact of the war on our
portfolio. There is minimal direct impact, which has principally been in a
small number of cases where portfolio company software development teams have
been based in Ukraine. From a business perspective, continuity of supply and
service has been secured, although we are aware of a small number of
developers who we believe are directly caught in the conflict and our thoughts
are with them and all those suffering the humanitarian impact of the war.
Outlook
There's little doubt that current market conditions are not straightforward.
Many companies are currently navigating challenges from supply chain
inflation, a highly competitive market for hiring talent as well as political
challenges, both domestically and overseas. However, as we have seen through
the pandemic the value of having the right management teams in place, and the
right supportive advisers at their side, provides confidence that the
portfolio has the capacity to chart a path through the current conditions and
achieve success.
Thanks to investors' continued support, the Company is well positioned to both
continue to support the existing portfolio and to continue to seek out the
most promising new opportunities to augment the portfolio. I look forward to
updating investors on this progress later in the year.
Peter Waller
Chairman
Objectives and Key Policies
The Company's objective is to maximise Total Return and provide investors with
a long-term tax free dividend yield whilst maintaining the Company's status as
a venture capital trust.
Investment Policy
The investment strategy of the Company is to invest in UK businesses across a
broad range of sectors that blends a mix of businesses operating in
established and emerging industries that offer opportunities in the
application and development of innovation in their products and services.
These investments will all meet the definition of a Qualifying Investment and
be primarily in unquoted UK companies. It is anticipated that the majority of
these businesses will be re-investing their profits for growth and the
investments will comprise mainly equity investments.
The Company seeks to build a broad portfolio of investments in early stage
companies focussed on growth with the aim of spreading the maturity profiles
and maximising return as well as ensuring compliance with the VCT guidelines
in this regard.
Borrowing
The Company does not borrow and has no borrowing facilities, choosing to fund
investments from its own resources.
Co-investment
British Smaller Companies VCT2 plc and British Smaller Companies VCT plc
(together "the VCTs") typically co-invest in investments, allocating such
investments 40 per cent to the Company and 60 per cent to British Smaller
Companies VCT plc. However, the Board of the Company has discretion as to
whether or not to take up its allocation; where British Smaller Companies VCT
plc does not take its allocation, the Board may opt to increase the Company's
allocation in such opportunities.
The VCTs may invest alongside co-investment funds managed by YFM, the Manager
of the VCTs. The VCTs have first choice on the initial £4.5 million of all
equity investment opportunities meeting the VCT qualifying criteria. Amounts
above £4.5 million are allocated two thirds to the VCTs and one third to
YFM's co-investment funds.
Asset Mix
Cash which is pending investment in VCT-qualifying securities is primarily
held in interest bearing instant access and short-notice bank accounts.
Remuneration Policy
The Company's policy on the remuneration of its directors, all of whom are
non-executive, can be found on page 49 of the annual report.
Other Key Policies
Details of the Company's policies on the payment of dividends, the DRIS and
the buy-back of shares are given on page 1 of the annual report. In addition
to these the Company's anti-bribery and environmental and social
responsibilities policies can be found on page 36 of the annual report.
Processes and Operations
The Manager is responsible for the sourcing and screening of investment
opportunities, carrying out suitable due diligence investigations and making
submissions to the Board regarding potential investments. Post investment, the
Manager intensively works with the businesses and management teams in which
the Company is invested, monitoring progress, effecting change and, where
applicable, redefining strategies with a view to maximising values through
structured exit processes.
The Board approves all investment and divestment decisions, save in that new
investments up to £250,000 in companies whose securities are traded on a
regulated stock exchange and where the decision is required urgently, in which
case the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if appropriate, may act in
consultation with the Manager.
The Board regularly monitors the performance of the portfolio and the
investment requirements set by the relevant VCT legislation. Reports are
received from the Manager regarding the trading and financial position of each
investee company and senior members of the Manager regularly attend the
Company's Board meetings. Monitoring reports are also received each quarter
from the Manager on compliance with VCT regulations so that the Board can
monitor that the Venture Capital Trust status of the Company is maintained and
take corrective action if appropriate. Monitoring reports carrying out an
independent review of this compliance are received twice a year.
The Board reviews the terms of YFM Private Equity Limited's appointment as
Manager at least annually.
YFM Private Equity Limited has performed investment advisory, management,
administrative and secretarial services for the Company since its inception on
28 November 2000. The principal terms of the agreement under which these
services are performed are set out in note 3.
In the opinion of the directors, the continuing appointment of YFM Private
Equity Limited as Manager is in the interests of the shareholders as a whole,
in view of its experience in managing venture capital trusts and in making,
managing and exiting investments of the kind falling within the Company's
investment policies.
Key Performance Indicators
Total Return, calculated by reference to the cumulative dividends paid plus net asset value (excluding tax reliefs received by shareholders), is the primary measure of performance in the VCT industry.
Total Return (as at 31 December)
The chart on page 12 of the annual report shows how the Total Return of your
Company has developed over the last ten years.
The evaluation of comparative success of the Company's Total Return is by way
of reference to the Share Price Total Return for an index of generalist VCTs
which are members of the AIC (based on figures provided by Morningstar). This
is the Company's stated benchmark index. A comparison and explanation of the
calculation of this return is shown in the Directors' Remuneration Report on
page 51 of the annual report.
Total Return with DRIS (as at 31 December)
The chart on page 12 of the annual report illustrates the Total Return
(excluding tax reliefs received by shareholders) for investors who subscribed
to the first fundraising in 2000/01 who have re-invested their dividends.
Shareholder Returns
The Board considers Total Return to be the primary measure of shareholder
value. The table below shows the cumulative dividends, the Total Return on
each fundraising round per ordinary share and the IRR if a shareholder had not
opted to participate in the Company's DRIS. The cumulative dividend, total
return and IRR figures in this table exclude the benefits of all tax reliefs.
Year of issue Offer price (1) NAV at 31 December 2021 Cumulative dividends paid since fundraising Total Return to date(2) IRR(3)
Pence Pence Pence Pence %
2001 100.0 61.5 78.0 139.5 2.1%
2002 100.0 61.5 78.0 139.5 2.3%
2010 77.3 61.5 56.0 117.5 4.9%
2011 70.3 61.5 52.0 113.5 6.1%
2012 70.5 61.5 48.0 109.5 6.1%
2013 68.0 61.5 43.5 105.0 6.6%
2014 68.0 61.5 39.0 100.5 6.5%
2015 65.0 61.5 34.5 96.0 7.4%
2016 63.0 61.5 30.0 91.5 7.7%
2017 62.2 61.5 25.5 87.0 8.3%
2018 59.4 61.5 22.5 84.0 10.9%
2019 56.3 61.5 14.5 76.0 12.5%
Notes
1( )The offer price for the relevant
year excluding the benefit of income tax relief available to investors at the
time of the offer.
2( )Total Return to date is cumulative
dividends paid plus the 31 December 2021 net asset value in pence per ordinary
share. This is an Alternative Performance Measure.
3( )IRR is the unaudited annual rate
of return that equates the offer price at the date of the original investment,
with the value of subsequent dividends plus the 31 December 2021 net asset
value per ordinary share. This excludes the benefit of any initial tax relief.
Set out on page 13 of the annual report is the average annual annualised
investment rate of return over 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 years to 31 December 2021.
The average annual investment rate of return is calculated with reference to
the cumulative dividends paid in the period plus the unaudited NAV at 31
December 2021.
Expenses
Ongoing Charges
The Ongoing Charges figure, as calculated in line with the AIC recommended
methodology, is used by the Board to monitor expenses. This figure shows
shareholders the costs of the Company's recurring operational expenses,
expressed as a percentage of the average net asset value. Whilst based on
historical information, this provides an indication of the likely level of
costs that will be incurred in managing the Company in the future.
Year to 31 December 2021 Year to 31 December 2020 (%)
(%)
Ongoing Charges figure* 2.16 2.45
* Alternative Performance Measure
Expenses Cap
The total costs incurred by the Company in the year (excluding any performance
related fees, trail commission payable to financial intermediaries and VAT) is
capped at 2.9 per cent of the total net asset value as at the relevant year
end. The treatment of costs in excess of the cap is described in note 3.
There was no breach of the expenses cap in the current or prior year.
Compliance with VCT Legislative Tests
A principal risk facing the Company is the retention of its VCT qualifying
status. The Board receives regular reports on compliance with the VCT
legislative tests from its Manager. In addition, the Board receives formal
reports from its VCT Status Adviser (Philip Hare & Associates LLP) twice a
year. The Board can confirm that during the period, all of the VCT legislative
tests have been met.
Under Chapter 3 Part 6 of the Income Tax Act 2007, in addition to the
requirement for a VCT's ordinary share capital to be listed in the Official
List on a European regulated market throughout the period, there are further
specific tests that VCTs must meet following the initial three year
provisional period.
Income Test
The Company's income in the period must be derived wholly or mainly (70 per
cent) from shares or securities.
Retained Income Test
The Company must not retain more than 15 per cent of its income from shares
and securities.
Qualifying Investments Test
At least 80 per cent by value of the Company's investments must be represented
throughout the period by shares or securities comprised in Qualifying
Investments of investee companies.
For shares issued in accounting periods beginning on or after 6 April 2018, at
least 30 per cent of those share issues must be invested in Qualifying
Investments of investee companies by the anniversary of the accounting period
in which those shares are issued.
Eligible Shares Test
At least 70 per cent of the Company's Qualifying Investments must be
represented throughout the period by holdings of non-preferential shares.
Investments made before 6 April 2018 from funds raised before 6 April 2011 are
excluded from this requirement.
At least 10 per cent of the Company's total investment in each Qualifying
Investment must be in eligible shares.
In addition, monies are not permitted to be used to finance buy-outs or
otherwise to acquire existing businesses or shares.
Investment Limits
There is an annual limit for each investee company which provides that they
may not raise more than £5 million of state aided investment (including from
VCTs) in the 12 months ending on the date of each investment (£10 million for
Knowledge Intensive Companies).
There is also a lifetime limit that a business may not raise more than £12
million of state aided investment (including from VCTs); the limit for
Knowledge Intensive companies is £20 million.
Maximum Single Investment Test
The value of any one investment must not, at any time in the period, represent
more than 15 per cent of the Company's total investment value. This is
calculated at the time of investment and updated should there be further
additions; as such, it cannot be breached passively.
The Board can confirm that during the period, all of the VCT legislative tests
set out above have been met, where required.
Further restrictions placed on VCTs are:
Dividends from Cancelled Share Premium
The Finance Act 2014 introduced a restriction with respect to the use of
monies in respect of VCTs. In particular, no dividends can be paid out of
cancelled share premium arising from shares allotted on or after 6 April 2014
until at least three full financial years have elapsed from the date of
allotment.
The Company is cancelling, subject to the approval of the High Court, the
balance of its Share Premium, £44.3 million, which will be transferred to the
Capital Reserve. As set out on page 63 of the annual report, this will become
available for distribution, if approved, at various times over the period to 1
January 2026.
Other
No more than seven years can have elapsed since the first commercial sale
achieved by the business (ten years in the case of a Knowledge Intensive
Company), unless:
a. the business has previously received an investment from a source that
has received state aid; or
b. the investment comprises more than 50 per cent of the average of the
previous five years' turnover and the funds are to be used in the business to
fund growth into new product markets and/or new geographies.
Wherever possible, the Company self-assures that an investment is a Qualifying
Investment, subject to the receipt of professional advice.
Portfolio Composition
Portfolio Structure
The broad range of the investment portfolio is illustrated on page 16 of the
annual report with 62 per cent of the portfolio valuation being held for more
than five years, whilst 85 per cent is held at cost or above. 21 per cent of
the portfolio value is held in loans and preference shares, although loans now
account for only 5 per cent of the value.
Portfolio Diversity
Also included on page 17 of the annual report is a profile of the investment
portfolio by investments made before and after the VCT rule changes in 2015,
and the break down by industry sector.
Investment Review
The portfolio delivered a strong performance in the year, with a return of £26.0 million on the opening value of £49.1 million.
The Portfolio
£70.0 million Fair value of the portfolio (2020: £49.1 million)
22 Number of portfolio companies with a value of more than £0.5 million (2020: 19)
£0.7 million Income from the portfolio (2020: £0.8 million*)
£6.1 million Level of investment (2020: £4.0 million)
£26.0 million Return from portfolio (2020: £5.2 million*)
*excluding exceptional dividend of £1.9 million received from ACC Aviation
The portfolio has performed well during the period, adding £25.9 million of
value on the opening fair value of £49.1 million. The composition of
investments continues to show its dynamism, with £6.2 million invested in the
period and cash proceeds of £11.2 million received.
Table A £million
Portfolio
Opening fair value at 1 January 2021 49.1
Additions 6.2
Disposal proceeds* (11.2)
Valuation movement 25.9
Closing fair value at 31 December 2021 70.0
*excluding deferred consideration
At 31 December 2021 the investment portfolio was valued at £70.0 million,
representing 80.1 per cent of net assets (69.2 per cent at 31 December
2020). Cash and fixed term deposits at 31 December 2021 of £21.2 million
represented 24.3 per cent of net assets (29.6 per cent at 31 December 2020).
Fair value changes
The ongoing portfolio delivered a value gain of £20.7 million in the year.
While Matillion continues to be a significant driver of value, it is pleasing
to see the fair value increases arising across a range of companies, including
tech-focused businesses such as Force24 and Elucidat, as well as companies
benefiting from the ongoing post-pandemic recovery of the retail sector, such
as Tonkotsu and Frescobol.
Some decreases in value have been seen; Arraco and Arcus Global have both
struggled somewhat over the past 12 months, but we continue to work closely
with the companies' management teams to navigate their current challenges.
A further £5.2 million of value arose from investments which were realised in
the year, including the partial realisation of Matillion (£3.4 million), Deep
Secure (£1.3 million) and Tissuemed (£0.5 million).
Table B
Investment Portfolio £million %
Gain in fair value 20.7 80
Gain on disposal over opening value 5.2 20
Valuation movement above 25.9 100
Deferred proceeds received in respect of assets previously disposed of 0.1 -
Gain arising from the portfolio 26.0 100
Other Significant Investment Movements
Investments
During the year ended 31 December 2021, the Company completed ten investments,
totalling £6.1 million. This comprised three new investments of £3.4 million
and seven follow-on investments of £2.7 million. The analysis of these
investments is shown in Table C. The case study on page 24 of the annual
report gives more information on the investment in Outpost.
Table C
Investments
Investments made
Company New Follow-on Total
£million £million £million
Vuealta 1.4 - 1.4
Outpost 1.0 - 1.0
Vypr 1.0 - 1.0
Wooshii - 1.0 1.0
SharpCloud - 0.8 0.8
Sipsynergy - 0.3 0.3
Other follow-on investments - 0.6 0.6
Invested in the year 3.4 2.7 6.1
Capitalised income 0.1
Total additions in the year 6.2
Disposal of Investments
During the year to 31 December 2021 the Company received proceeds from
disposals and repayments of loans of £11.7 million, a gain of £5.3 million
over the opening carrying value and £7.7 million over cost. This included the
very successful realisation of Deep Secure and the partial realisation of
Matillion. The Company's investment in Friska was disposed of for nil
proceeds; the investment had been fully written down in previous periods.
Further details are given in the Chairman's statement above.
Table D
Disposal of Investments Net proceeds from sale of investments Opening value 31 December 2020 Gain on opening value
£million £million £million
Total investment disposals 11.7 6.4 5.3
Further analysis of all investments sold in the year can be found in note 7.
Portfolio Composition
As at 31 December 2021 the portfolio was valued at £70.0 million, comprising
wholly of unquoted investments. An analysis of the movements in the year is
shown in note 7.
The portfolio has 22 investments valued above £0.5 million (2020: 19), with
the single largest investment, Matillion, representing 28.7 per cent of the
net asset value.
The charts on pages 16 and 17 of the annual report show the diversity of the
portfolio, splitting it by industry sector, age of investment, investment
instrument and the valuation compared to cost.
Valuation Policy
Unquoted investments are valued in accordance with both IFRS 13 'Fair Value
Measurement' and International Private Equity and Venture Capital Guidelines,
December 2018 edition (IPEV Guidelines).
Initially, at the first quarter-end following investment, investments are
valued at the price of the funding round; following this, the valuation
switches to a new primary basis for all subsequent periods.
The valuation methodology applied depends upon the facts and circumstances of
each individual investment. This may be with reference to revenue multiples,
earnings multiples, net assets, discounted cash flows or calibrated from the
price of the most recent investment.
The full valuation policy is set out in note 1 on pages 66 and 67 of the
annual report.
Table E shows the value of investments within each valuation category as at 31
December 2021; no investments are currently valued using discounted cash flow
methodologies.
With continued investment in earlier stage businesses that are investing for
growth, an increasing proportion of valuations are based on revenue multiples.
Table E 2021 2020
Valuation Policy Valuation % of portfolio by value % of portfolio by value
£million
Revenue multiple 54.6 78 60
Earnings multiple 13.4 19 29
Net assets, reviewed for change in fair value 1.9 3 4
Cost or price of recent investment, reviewed for change in fair value 0.1 - 7
Total 70.0 100 100
Sustainable Investment and Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") Management
The Company backs small UK businesses to help them to grow and produce strong
financial returns for shareholders with the additional aim of building better
businesses that are ultimately more sustainable.
In order to deliver more sustainable businesses, and to meet its commitments
under the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), the Manager has
continued to develop its processes in this area. The Manager's approach is
based on the belief that good businesses:
▪ Grow our economy
▪ Improve our society
▪ Value their people
▪ Protect the environment
These aims are consistent with the Company's financial aims because businesses
which improve in these areas also strengthen their resilience and value
creation potential through their increased attractiveness to customers,
employees, suppliers and eventual future owners and investors.
Sustainable Investment Principles
This set of principles guides the Manager's investment process:
▪ To seek to understand the ESG related impacts and potential impacts of
investments, aiming to grow and enhance positive impacts and to avoid, reduce
or minimise any negative impacts over an investment's lifetime, leaving them
overall better businesses.
▪ To play a positive role in the investor, business and wider communities
by promoting good practice in ESG management, and by being transparent in the
way that investments are made and how the Manager behaves.
▪ To increase focus on the challenge of climate change both as it may be
affected by our investments, and as it may impact on them and their resilience
to possible climate change scenarios.
▪ To show leadership by managing the Manager's own business' ESG impacts
to the best of their ability.
▪ To be a proactive signatory to the PRI and to integrate its principles
into the Manager's business practices.
In line with the PRI the Manager has developed processes to help the portfolio
businesses to be better in each of these spheres, by assessing them in terms
of creating positive impacts and outcomes and preventing or minimising
negative ones.
The Manager has more recently developed and integrated its ESG management
processes, which are:
Pre-investment Phase:
Structured processes at the pre-investment stage to identify areas of
potential ESG improvement as part of the due diligence and pre-investment
deliberations. Appropriate data is collected and assessed on each business
against ESG criteria at the point of investment as a benchmark against which
to evaluate future progress.
Portfolio Phase:
For those investments made since 2020, based on the data collected at the
point of investment at the start of the portfolio phase, bespoke areas for
improvement are agreed with each management team together with consequent
objectives and targets. A similar process has been applied to the significant
majority of investments made prior to 2020. Improvements are then measured
and recorded against a set of ESG criteria using the Manager's bespoke ESG
framework, refreshing targets annually and placing focus on any new issues as
they become more material in the management of the company and in meeting the
expectations of its stakeholders.
Reporting:
Annual reports will be produced, using the Manager's ESG framework for
consistency, recording the relevant initiatives, impacts and ESG KPI
performance of each company and providing an overview of progress across the
Manager's portfolios.
Note that Investment Companies are not eligible for reporting under the Task
Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD); and the Company does
not use more than 40,000kWh of energy and therefore is not required to report
on its energy usage within Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting
regulations.
ESG Performance Data and Reporting
ESG KPI data analysis
The Manager has developed its ESG KPI data collation process. They have
established a data set reflecting the above ESG themes and a means of
collecting this to make year on year comparisons for each company and across
all of its portfolios. Where possible baseline data has been collected from
the date of investment with a view to showing where the Manager's support has
made a difference during the hold period to the reporting date.
Annual company specific ESG performance progress report
The reviews that the Manager has been conducting enabled the identification of
relative strengths and weaknesses and agreement of programmes of action with
each business.
In 2021 the Manager has moved to recording annual updates and agreed actions
in a more visual and detailed report on both qualitative and quantitative
aspects of each company's progress. As well as using this for portfolio
reporting to investors it will be used as an engagement tool with the senior
management teams of each company.
2021 ESG KPI Report for Investments held in YFM's VCT funds
Growing our economy
▪ £31.3 million of R&D investment during 2021
▪ £37.8 million of export sales achieved in 2021
Improving our society
▪ 95 per cent of companies were independently chaired in 2021
▪ 40 per cent of companies had female directors on boards, with 25 per
cent having a female CEO
▪ 25 per cent of businesses had a designated board member with
responsibility for improving ESG issues
Valuing our people
▪ 30 per cent of the portfolio workforce was female in 2021
▪ 866 new jobs were created from date of investment to 2021
▪ 65 per cent had mental wellbeing programmes in place and 55 per cent
held regular employee engagement surveys
▪ Over 22,000 hours of training was given to employees
Protecting our environment
▪ 60 per cent of companies had active carbon reduction strategies (up from
15 per cent at investment)
▪ 25 per cent offset all or a defined portion of their carbon impact
▪ But only 15 per cent formally measure their carbon footprint
Summary and Outlook
It has been pleasing to see the continued positive progression of the
portfolio during the year, both from the continued growth of the Company's
technology-enabled and software-focused investments, but also from the
recovery of businesses which were heavily impacted by the pandemic.
We continue to help all of our companies navigate a fluid economic
environment, with many facing obstacles relating to inflation, hiring of
talent and an ever-changing political landscape.
Despite these challenges, we continue to see a strong pipeline of potential
investments in a range of growth companies, as well as opportunities to
further support the continued growth of the current portfolio. We thank
investors for their ongoing support from the Company's January 2022
fundraising, and are looking forward to putting the funds raised to work.
David Hall
YFM Private Equity Limited
Portfolio Summary at 31 December 2021
Name of company Date of initial investment Location Industry Sector Current cost Valuation at 31 December 2021 Proceeds to date Realised & unrealised value to date*
£000 £000 £000 £000
Matillion Limited Nov-16 Manchester Data & Analytics 1,456 25,050 5,946 30,996
Springboard Research Holdings Limited Oct-14 Milton Keynes Data & Analytics 1,881 3,959 120 4,079
Intelligent Office UK (IO Outsourcing Limited t/a Intelligent Office) May-14 Alloa Business Services 1,956 3,163 - 3,163
Wooshii Limited May-19 London New Media 2,440 3,162 - 3,162
Unbiased EC1 Limited Dec-19 London Software Applications 1,964 3,082 - 3,082
SharpCloud Software Limited Oct-19 London Data & Analytics 2,271 2,927 - 2,927
Elucidat Ltd May-19 Brighton Software Applications 1,800 2,926 - 2,926
Force24 Ltd Nov-20 Leeds Software Applications 1,600 2,773 - 2,773
ACC Aviation Group Limited** Nov-14 Reigate Business Services 145 2,450 1,233 3,683
KeTech Enterprises Limited Nov-15 Nottingham Data & Analytics 10 1,976 1,775 3,751
Investment companies Apr-15 - - 2,500 1,895 - 1,895
DisplayPlan Holdings Limited Jan-12 Stevenage New Media 70 1,891 820 2,711
Ncam Technologies Limited Mar-18 London New Media 1,675 1,636 87 1,723
Outpost VFX Limited Feb-21 Bournemouth New Media 1,000 1,614 - 1,614
Sipsynergy (via Hosted Network Services Limited) Jun-16 Hampshire Software Applications 1,636 1,561 - 1,561
Tonkotsu Limited Jun-19 London Retail & Brands 1,592 1,520 - 1,520
Vuealta Group Limited Sep-21 London Software Applications 1,399 1,491 - 1,491
Vypr Validation Technologies Limited Jan-21 Manchester Data & Analytics 1,000 1,386 - 1,386
Arcus Global Limited May-18 Cambridge Software Applications 2,050 1,324 - 1,324
Frescobol Carioca Ltd Mar-19 London Retail & Brands 1,200 1,148 - 1,148
Traveltek Group Holdings Limited Oct-16 East Kilbride Software Applications 1,163 983 - 983
Panintelligence (via Paninsight Limited) Nov-19 Leeds Data & Analytics 1,000 750 - 750
e2E Engineering Limited Sep-17 Welwyn Garden City Business Services 600 688 - 688
Other investments below £0.5 million 9,629 664 5,384 6,048
Total investments 42,037 70,019 15,365 85,384
Full disposals to date 37,885 - 56,000 56,000
Total portfolio 79,922 70,019 71,365 141,384
* represents proceeds received to date plus the unrealised valuation at 31
December 2021
** additional ordinary dividends of £1.93 million have also been received
Summary of Portfolio Movement since 31 December 2020
Name of Company Investment valuation at 31 December 2020 Disposal proceeds Additions including capitalised income Valuation gains including profits / (losses) on disposal Investment valuation at 31 December 2021
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Matillion Limited 12,695 (5,946) - 18,301 25,050
Force24 Ltd 1,600 - - 1,173 2,773
Tonkotsu Limited 605 - - 915 1,520
Elucidat Limited 2,031 - - 895 2,926
Frescobol Carioca Ltd 326 - - 822 1,148
Outpost VFX Limited - - 1,000 614 1,614
Wooshii Limited 1,566 - 1,000 596 3,162
SharpCloud Software Limited 1,544 - 811 572 2,927
Unbiased EC1 Limited 2,512 - - 570 3,082
Vypr Validation Technologies Limited - - 1,000 386 1,386
e2E Engineering Limited 434 - - 254 688
Traveltek Group Holdings Limited 808 - - 175 983
Sipsynergy (via Hosted Network Services Ltd) 1,113 - 327 121 1,561
Vuealta Group Limited - - 1,399 92 1,491
Ncam Technologies Limited 1,476 (87) 175 72 1,636
Other investments £0.5 million and below 109 - 160 41 310
Panintelligence (via Paninsight Limited) 1,000 - - (250) 750
Arcus Global Limited 2,160 - 100 (936) 1,324
Arraco Global Markets Limited 1,500 - 120 (1,620) -
Investments made after November 2015 31,479 (6,033) 6,092 22,793 54,331
Deep-Secure Ltd 1,966 (3,279) - 1,313 -
Springboard Research Holdings Limited 2,678 - 59 1,222 3,959
KeTech Enterprises Limited 2,601 (1,275) - 650 1,976
Displayplan Holdings Limited 1,267 - - 624 1,891
Tissuemed Limited 65 (599) - 534 -
Intelligent Office UK (IO Outsourcing Limited t/a Intelligent Office) 3,156 - - 7 3,163
ACC Aviation Group Limited 2,993 - - (543) 2,450
Other investments £0.5 million and below 2,910 - - (661) 2,249
Investments made prior to November 2015 17,636 (5,153) 59 3,146 15,688
Total investments 49,115 (11,186) 6,151 25,939 70,019
Portfolio
The top 10 investments had a combined value of £51.5 million, 73.6 per cent
of the total portfolio.
Risk Factors
The Board carries out a regular review of the risk environment in which the Company operates. The emerging and principal risks and uncertainties identified by the Board and techniques used to mitigate these risks are set out in this section.
The Covid-19 pandemic and the current conflict in Ukraine created heightened
uncertainty for the Company, but the Board do not consider that it is has
changed the nature of the principal risks. The Board considers that the
present processes for mitigating those risks remain appropriate.
The Board seeks to mitigate its emerging and principal risks by setting
policy, regularly reviewing performance and monitoring progress and
compliance. In the mitigation and management of these risks, the Board
rigorously applies the principles detailed in section 4: "Audit, Risk and
Internal Control" of The UK Corporate Governance Code issued by the Financial
Reporting Council in July 2018. Details of the Company's internal controls are
contained in the Corporate Governance Internal Control section on pages 47 and
48 of the annual report and further information on exposure to risks,
including those associated with financial instruments, can be found in note
16a of the financial statements.
Loss of Approval as a VCT
Risk - The Company must comply with Chapter 3 Part 6 of the Income Tax Act
2007, which allows it to be exempted from corporation tax on capital gains.
Any breach of these rules may lead to the Company losing its approval as a
VCT, which would result in qualifying shareholders who have not held their
shares for the designated holding period having to repay the income tax relief
they obtained, while future dividends paid by the Company would be subject to
tax. The Company would also lose its exemption from corporation tax on capital
gains.
Mitigation - One of the Key Performance Indicators monitored by the Company is
the compliance with legislative tests. These tests are closely monitored by
the Manager on an ongoing basis and regularly reported to and reviewed by the
Board. The Company also makes use of external experts, who review the
Company's compliance with VCT rules on a regular basis. Details of how the
Company manages these requirements can be found under the heading "Compliance
with VCT Legislative Tests" above.
Economic
Risk - Events such as recession and interest rate fluctuations could affect
investee companies' performance and valuations.
Mitigation - As well as the response to the 'Investment and Strategic' risk
below, the Company has a clear investment policy (summarised above) and a
diversified portfolio operating in a range of sectors. The Manager actively
monitors investee company performance, which provides quality information for
monthly reviews of the portfolio. The Manager ensures that the portfolio has
plans to manage the impact of economic risk.
Investment and Strategic
Risk - Inappropriate strategy, poor asset allocation or consistently weak
stock allocation may lead to underperformance and poor returns to
shareholders. The quality of enquiries, investments, investee company
management teams and monitoring, and the risk of not identifying investee
company difficulties may lead to underperformance by the Company and poor
returns to shareholders.
Mitigation - The Board reviews strategy annually. At each of the Board
meetings, the directors review the appropriateness of the Company's objectives
and stated strategy in response to changes in the operating environment and
peer group activity.
The Manager carries out due diligence on potential investee companies and
their management teams and utilises external reports where appropriate to
assess the viability of investee businesses before investing. Wherever
possible, a non-executive director will be appointed to the board of the
investee company on behalf of the Company.
Regulatory
Risk - The Company is required to comply with the Companies Act 2006, the
rules of the UK Listing Authority, the Financial Conduct Authority's
Prospectus Rules and UK adopted international accounting standards; it is also
subject to the AIFMD EU Exit Regulations. Breach of any of these might lead to
suspension of the Company's Stock Exchange listing, financial penalties or a
qualified audit report.
Mitigation - The Manager and the Company Secretary have procedures in place to
ensure recurring Listing Rules requirements are met and actively consult with
brokers, solicitors and external compliance advisers as appropriate.
The Manager ensures that it hires suitably qualified members of staff who are
experienced with regulatory requirements and relevant accounting standards.
The key controls around regulatory compliance are explained on pages 47 and 48
of the annual report.
Reputational
Risk - Inadequate or failed controls might result in breaches of regulations
or loss of shareholder trust.
Mitigation - The Board is comprised of directors with suitable experience and
qualifications who report annually to the shareholders on their independence.
The Manager is well-respected, with a proven track record. It has a formal
recruitment process to employ experienced investment staff. Allocation rules
relating to co-investments with other funds managed by the Manager have been
agreed between the Manager and the Company. Advice is sought from external
advisors where required. Both the Company and the Manager maintain appropriate
insurances.
Operational
Risk - Failure of the Manager's and administrator's accounting systems or
disruption to its business might lead to an inability to provide accurate
reporting and monitoring.
Mitigation - The Manager has a documented business continuity plan, which
provides for back-up services in the event of a system breakdown. The
Manager's systems are protected against viruses and other cyber-attacks. The
Manager implemented its business continuity plan through the Covid-19 pandemic
with no loss of service.
Cyber/IT
Risk - Inadequate IT systems and controls might lead to business interruption,
the inability of the Manager to provide accurate reporting and monitoring or
the loss of Company records.
Mitigation - The Manager has in place significant cybersecurity controls,
including two factor authentication, email protection software, monitored
firewalls and regularly updated electronic devices. The Manager is Cyber
Essentials Plus certified. Staff at the Manager regularly receive training
in relation to their cybersecurity obligations.
Climate
Risk - The Company, the Manager and the portfolio companies may fail to
positively contribute towards, and adapt to, the global transition towards
decarbonisation, which could result in regulatory breaches, reduced investor
and/or employee attraction and the reduced ability of portfolio companies to
attract lending to fund their growth.
Mitigation - In 2021, the Manager published its first Sustainable Investment
Report, detailing the steps it has taken in this area to date. The Manager
is a signatory of the UN's Principles for Responsible Investment; it has
published its Sustainable Investment Principles; and has rewritten its Ethical
Policy. Its investment process now includes a set of over 50 thematic ESG
KPIs, with which it is now tracking its portfolio over time across four key
areas: Improve our Society; Protect our Environment; Grow our Economy; and
Value our People. Further details can be found on pages 21 to 23 of the annual
report.
Financial
Risk - Inadequate controls might lead to misappropriation of assets.
Inappropriate accounting policies might lead to misreporting or breaches of
regulations.
Mitigation - The Company's internal control and risk management processes are
described on pages 47 and 48 of the annual report.
Market/Liquidity
Risk - Lack of liquidity in both the venture capital and public markets.
By their nature, investments in unquoted companies involve a higher degree of
risk than investments in companies trading on public markets. In particular,
smaller companies often have limited product lines, markets or financial
resources; they may be dependent on a smaller number of key individuals.
For quoted companies, the fact that a share is traded on the public market
does not guarantee its liquidity. The spread between the buying and selling
price of such shares may be wide and thus the price used for valuation may not
be achievable. In addition, smaller companies' shares are often less liquid
than larger companies, bringing with it potential difficulties in acquiring,
valuing and disposing of such stock.
Mitigation - Overall liquidity risks are monitored on an ongoing basis by the
Manager and on a quarterly basis by the Board.
The Company's valuation methodology takes account of potential liquidity
restrictions in the markets in which it invests.
For any publicly listed investments, accounting standards require an ongoing
assessment of the liquidity of the stock.
The Manager regularly reviews its exit plans for investee companies to allow
the assets to be optimised to identify a willing buyer. As part of a planned
exit, the assistance of a third party adviser will normally be sought, with a
view to identifying the largest number of possible purchasers.
Other Matters
Section 172 Statement
This Section 172 Statement should be read in conjunction with the other
contents of the Strategic Report, on pages 6 to 36 of the annual report.
Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 requires that a director must act in the
way that they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the
success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole, and in doing
so have regard (amongst other matters) to:
> The likely consequences of any decision in the long term;
> The interests of the company's employees;
> The need to foster the company's business relationships with
suppliers, customers and others;
> The impact of the company's operations on the community and the
environment;
> The desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high
standards of business conduct; and
> The need to act fairly as between members of the company.
The Company takes a number of steps to understand the views of investors and
other key stakeholders and considers these, along with the matters set out
above, in Board discussions and decision making.
Key Stakeholders
As an investment company with no employees, the Company's key stakeholders are
its investors, its service providers and its portfolio companies.
Investors
The Board engages and communicates with shareholders in a variety of ways.
The Company encourages shareholders to attend its Annual General Meeting
(AGM), but unfortunately the 2021 AGM had to be held as a "closed" meeting due
to the restrictions on social gatherings at the time. It was not possible to
hold the AGM electronically because such general meetings were not yet
permitted by the Company's Articles of Association and the legislation
permitting electronic general meetings had not been passed at the time. A
resolution was presented and passed at the 2021 AGM to allow electronic
general meetings to be held in future.
Along with British Smaller Companies VCT plc, the Company normally holds an
annual Investor Workshop, which is always well attended. As with the 2021
AGM, it was not possible to hold this in its normal format, so two online
workshops were held, in June 2021 and December 2021, which were attended by
almost 200 shareholders. The Manager also carried out a shareholder survey
during 2021.
Maintaining the Company's status as a VCT is critical to meeting the Company's
objective to maximise Total Return and provide investors with an attractive
long-term tax-free dividend yield. The Company receives regular reports on
this issue from the Manager and has taken various steps in the year to ensure
that the relevant tests are met.
The Board also aims for investors to continue to have tax efficient
opportunities to invest in the Company, and to generate tax-free returns from
both capital appreciation and ongoing dividends.
After carefully considering its funding needs, the Company announced a
non-prospectus offer to raise up to £7.1 million on 2 February 2021. At the
same time, the Company issued an unaudited net asset value per ordinary share
as at 31 December 2020, following the material increase in the final quarter
of 2020. The related allotment took place on 11 March 2021 following which
your Company received net proceeds of £6.8 million.
On 22 September 2021, the Company issued a prospectus, alongside British
Smaller Companies VCT plc, to raise up to £60 million in aggregate for the
2021/22 tax year. The related allotment took place on 7 January 2022,
following which the Company received net proceeds of £24.2 million.
During the year the Board kept its arrangements for dividends, share buy-backs
and the dividend re-investment scheme under constant review. Along with
normal dividends totalling 3.0 pence per ordinary share, a special dividend of
5.0 pence per ordinary share was paid in November 2021, following the partial
realisation of the Company's investment in Matillion.
Manager
The Company's most important service provider is its Manager. There is
regular contact with the Manager, and members of the Manager's board attend
all of the Company's Board meetings. There is also an annual strategy
meeting with the Manager, alongside the board of British Smaller Companies VCT
plc.
The Manager maintains strong relationships with relevant media publications
and a wide range of distributors for the Company's shares, including wealth
managers, independent financial advisers and execution-only brokers. RAM
Capital acts as a promoter of the Company's shares to smaller distributors.
The Company is a member of the Association of Investment Companies which
promotes the interests of investment companies, including VCTs. The Manager
is a founder member of the Venture Capital Trust Association, which promotes
the interests of VCTs in a variety of ways.
Portfolio Companies
The Company holds minority investments in its portfolio companies and has
delegated the management of the portfolio to the Manager. The Manager
provides the Board with regular updates on the performance of each portfolio
company at least quarterly and the Board is made aware of all major issues.
The Manager has a dedicated Portfolio team to assist the portfolio companies
with the challenges that they face as fast-growing companies. The Manager
promotes ongoing, sustainable growth within the businesses; this often
involves improving systems and processes, as well as significant job creation.
The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the Manager's ongoing commitment to support
its portfolio companies. At the start of the pandemic, the Manager put in
place weekly monitoring reviews, as well as providing the portfolio with
regular updates on the availability of government funding initiatives. Cash
flow forecasts were kept under constant review and additional funding was
provided where appropriate.
Employees
The Company has no employees. The Board is composed of one female
non-executive director and two male non-executive directors. For a review of
the policies used when appointing directors to the Board of the Company,
please refer to the Directors' Remuneration Report on pages 49 to 51 of the
annual report.
Environment and Community
The Company seeks to ensure that its business is conducted in a manner that is
responsible to the environment. The management and administration of the
Company is undertaken by the Manager, YFM Private Equity Limited, who
recognises the importance of its environmental responsibilities and has signed
up to the United Nations' Principles for Responsible Investment.
More details of the work that the Manager has done in this area are set out on
pages 21 to 23 of the annual report. Its Sustainable Investment Policy can
be found at www.yfmep.com/who-we-are/our_impact/
(http://www.yfmep.com/who-we-are/our_impact/) .
Business Conduct
The Company has a zero tolerance approach to bribery. The following is a
summary of its policy:
> It is the Company's policy to conduct all of its business in an
honest and ethical manner. The Company is committed to acting professionally,
fairly and with integrity in all its business dealings and relationships;
> The directors of the Company, the Manager and any other service
providers must not promise, offer, give, request, agree to receive or accept
financial or other advantage in return for favourable treatment, to influence
a business outcome or gain any business advantage on behalf of the Company or
encourage others to do so;
> The Company has communicated its anti-bribery policy to the Manager
and its other service providers and, in turn, the Manager ensures that
portfolio companies implement appropriate policies of their own; and
> The Manager has its own Anti-Bribery and Anti-Slavery policies and
ensures that portfolio companies adopt a similar policy.
Peter Waller
Chairman
Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2021
2021 2020
Notes
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Gain on disposal of investments 7 - 5,342 5,342 - 1,669 1,669
Gains on investments held at fair value 7 - 20,702 20,702 - 1,615 1,615
Gain arising from the portfolio - 26,044 26,044 - 3,284 3,284
Income 2 661 - 661 2,752 - 2,752
Total income 661 26,044 26,705 2,752 3,284 6,036
Administrative expenses:
Manager's fee (374) (1,118) (1,492) (301) (903) (1,204)
Incentive fee - (4,407) (4,407) - - -
Other expenses (417) - (417) (581) - (581)
3 (791) (5,525) (6,316) (882) (903) (1,785)
(Loss) profit before taxation (130) 20,519 20,389 1,870 2,381 4,251
Taxation 4 - - - - - -
(Loss) profit for the year (130) 20,519 20,389 1,870 2,381 4,251
Total comprehensive (expense) income for the year (130) 20,519 20,389 1,870 2,381 4,251
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per ordinary share 6 (0.09p) 14.80p 14.71p 1.44p 1.83p 3.27p
The accompanying notes on pages 65 to 90 of the annual report are an integral
part of these financial statements.
The Total column of this statement represents the Company's Statement of
Comprehensive Income, prepared in accordance with UK adopted international
accounting standards. The supplementary Revenue and Capital columns are
prepared under the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Financial Statements of
Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts' (issued in April 2021 -
"SORP") published by the AIC.
Balance Sheet
At 31 December 2021
Notes 2021 2020
£000 £000
ASSETS
Non-current assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 7 70,019 49,115
Accrued income and other assets 493 444
70,512 49,559
Current assets
Accrued income and other assets 217 511
Current asset investments 1,988 1,988
Cash and cash equivalents 19,201 19,002
21,406 21,501
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (4,543) (131)
Net current assets 16,863 21,370
Net assets 87,375 70,929
Shareholders' equity
Share capital 15,808 14,133
Share premium account 24,122 16,735
Capital redemption reserve 88 88
Other reserves 2 2
Merger reserve 5,525 5,525
Capital reserve 12,818 22,461
Investment holding gains and losses reserve 7 28,009 9,254
Revenue reserve 1,003 2,731
Total shareholders' equity 87,375 70,929
Net asset value per ordinary share 8 61.5p 55.0p
The accompanying notes on pages 65 to 90 of the annual report are an integral
part of these financial statements.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board
of Directors and were signed on its behalf on 21 March 2022.
Peter Waller
Chairman
Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Share capital Share premium account Other reserves* Capital reserve Investment holding gains and losses reserve Revenue reserve Total equity
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Balance at 31 December 2019 14,041 16,436 5,615 25,223 9,948 1,070 72,333
Revenue return for the year - - - - - 1,870 1,870
Expenses charged to capital - - - (903) - - (903)
Investment holding gain on investments held at fair value - - - - 1,615 - 1,615
Realisation of investments in the year - - - 1,669 - - 1,669
Total comprehensive income for the year - - - 766 1,615 1,870 4,251
Issue of shares - DRIS 92 319 - - - - 411
Issue costs ** - (20) - - - - (20)
Purchase of own shares - - - (1,508) - - (1,508)
Dividends - - - (4,329) - (209) (4,538)
Total transactions with owners 92 299 - (5,837) - (209) (5,655)
Realisation of prior year investment holding gains - - - 2,309 (2,309) - -
Balance at 31 December 2020 14,133 16,735 5,615 22,461 9,254 2,731 70,929
Revenue return for the year - - - - - (130) (130)
Expenses charged to capital - - - (5,525) - - (5,525)
Investment holding gain on investments held at fair value - - - - 20,702 - 20,702
Realisation of investments in the year - - - 5,342 - - 5,342
Total comprehensive (expense) income for the year - - - (183) 20,702 (130) 20,389
Issue of share capital 1,276 5,774 - - - - 7,050
Issue of shares - DRIS 399 1,851 - - - - 2,250
Issue costs ** - (238) - (48) - - (286)
Purchase of own shares - - - (1,942) - - (1,942)
Dividends - - - (9,456) - (1,559) (11,015)
Total transactions with owners 1,675 7,387 - (11,446) - (1,559) (3,943)
Realisation of prior year investment holding gains - - - 1,986 (1,947) (39) -
Balance at 31 December 2021 15,808 24,122 5,615 12,818 28,009 1,003 87,375
The accompanying notes on pages 65 to 90 are an integral part of these
financial statements.
Reserves available for distribution
Under the Companies Act 2006 the capital reserve and the revenue reserve are
distributable reserves. The table below shows amounts that are available for
distribution.
Capital reserve Revenue reserve Total
£000 £000 £000
Distributable reserves as shown above 12,818 1,003 13,821
Less: income not yet distributable - (968) (968)
Reserves available for distribution*** 12,818 35 12,853
* Other reserves include the capital redemption reserve, the
merger reserve and the other reserve, which are non-distributable. The other
reserve was created upon the exercise of warrants, the capital redemption
reserve was created for the purchase and cancellation of own shares, and the
merger reserve was created on the merger with British Smaller Technologies
Company VCT plc.
** Issue costs include both fundraising costs and costs
incurred from the Company's DRIS.
*** Following the circulation of the Annual Report to shareholders.
The merger reserve was created to account for the difference between the
nominal and fair value of shares issued as consideration for the acquisition
of the assets and liabilities of British Smaller Technology Companies VCT plc.
The reserve was created after meeting the criteria under section 131 of the
Companies Act 1985 and the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 for merger
relief. The merger reserve is a non-distributable reserve.
The capital reserve and revenue reserve are both distributable reserves. The
reserves total £13,821,000, representing a decrease of £11,371,000 during
the year. The directors also take into account the level of the investment
holding gains and losses reserve and the future requirements of the Company
when determining the level of dividend payments.
Of the potentially distributable reserves of £13,821,000 shown above,
£968,000 relates to income not yet distributable.
The Company held a General Meeting on 25 February 2022, at which shareholders
approved the cancellation of the Company's share premium account, subject to
the sanction of the High Court. If approved, total share premium cancelled
(including that arising from the fundraising allotment on 7 January 2022) will
be available for distribution from the following dates:
£000
Once relevant accounts incorporating the share premium cancellation have been 4,351
filed
1 January 2023 12,085
1 January 2024 299
1 January 2025 7,387
Share premium account at 31 December 2021 24,122
1 January 2026 20,193
Cancelled share premium not yet distributable 44,315
Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Notes 2021 2020
£000 £000
Net cash (outflow) inflow from operating activities (1,419) 938
Cash flows generated from (used in) investing activities
Purchase of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 7 (6,092) (3,997)
Proceeds from sale of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 7 11,182 5,772
Deferred consideration 7 471 -
Net cash inflow from investing activities 5,561 1,775
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities
Issue of ordinary shares 7,050 -
Costs of ordinary share issues* (286) (20)
Purchase of own ordinary shares (1,942) (1,508)
Dividends paid 5 (8,765) (4,127)
Net cash outflow from financing activities (3,943) (5,655)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 199 (2,942)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 19,002 21,944
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 9 19,201 19,002
*Issue costs include both fundraising costs and expenses incurred from the
Company's DRIS
Reconciliation of Profit before Taxation to Net Cash (Outflow) Inflow from
Operating Activities
2021 2020
£000 £000
Profit before taxation 20,389 4,251
Increase (decrease) in trade and other payables 4,412 (35)
(Increase) decrease in accrued income and other assets (117) 65
Gain on disposal of investments (5,342) (1,669)
Gains on investments held at fair value (20,702) (1,615)
Capitalised income (59) (59)
Net cash (outflow) inflow from operating activities (1,419) 938
The accompanying notes on pages 65 to 90 of the annual report are an integral
part of these financial statements.
Notes to the Financial Statements
1. Principal Accounting Policies
Basis of Preparation
The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis and in accordance
with UK adopted international accounting standards. The directors' assessment
of going concern is set out in the Director's Report on page 38 of the annual
report.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis as
modified by the measurement of investments at fair value through profit or
loss.
The accounts have been prepared in compliance with the recommendations set out
in the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Financial Statements of Investment
Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts' issued by the Association of
Investment Companies (issued in April 2021 - "SORP") to the extent that they
do not conflict with International Accounting Standards in conformity with the
Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with UK adopted
international accounting standards (IFRSs) and interpretations in force at the
reporting date. New standards coming into force during the year have not had
a material impact on these financial statements.
The Company has carried out an assessment of accounting standards, amendments
and interpretations that have been issued by the IASB and that are effective
for the current reporting period. The Company has determined that the
transitional effects of the standards do not have a material impact.
The financial statements are presented in sterling and all values are rounded
to the nearest thousand (£000), except where stated.
Financial Assets held at Fair Value through Profit or Loss - Investments
Financial assets designated as at fair value through profit or loss ("FVPL")
at inception are those that are managed and whose performance is evaluated on
a fair value basis, in accordance with the documented investment strategy of
the Company. Information about these financial assets is provided internally
on a fair value basis to the Company's key management. The Company's
investment strategy is to invest cash resources in venture capital investments
as part of the Company's long-term capital growth strategy. Consequently, all
investments are classified as held at fair value through profit or loss.
All investments are measured at fair value on the whole unit of account basis
with gains and losses arising from changes in fair value being included in the
Statement of Comprehensive Income as gains or losses on investments held at
fair value.
Transaction costs on purchases are expensed immediately through profit or
loss.
Redemption premiums are designed to protect the value of the Company's
investment. These are accrued daily on an effective rate basis and included
within the capital valuation of the investment (and thus classified under
"Gains on investments held at fair value" in the Statement of Comprehensive
Income).
Although the Company holds more than 20 per cent of the equity of certain
companies, it is considered that the investments are held as part of the
investment portfolio, and their value to the Company lies in their marketable
value as part of that portfolio. These investments are therefore not accounted
for using equity accounting, as permitted by IAS 28 'Investments in
associates' and IFRS 11 'Joint arrangements' which give exemptions from equity
accounting for venture capital organisations.
Under IFRS 10 "Consolidated Financial Statements", control is presumed to
exist when the Company has power over an investee (whether or not used in
practice); exposure or rights; to variable returns from that investee, and
ability to use that power to affect the reporting entities returns from the
investees. The Company does not hold more than 50 per cent of the equity of
any of the companies within the portfolio. The Company does not control any
of the companies held as part of the investment portfolio. It is not
considered that any of the holdings represent investments in subsidiary
undertakings.
Valuation of Investments
Unquoted investments are valued in accordance with IFRS 13 "Fair Value
Measurement" and using the International Private Equity and Venture Capital
Valuation Guidelines ("the IPEV Guidelines") updated in December 2018. A
detailed explanation of the valuation policies of the Company is included
below.
Initial Measurement
The best estimate of the initial fair value of an unquoted investment is the
cost of the investment. Unless there are indications that this is
inappropriate, an unquoted investment will be held at this value within the
first three months of investment.
Subsequent Measurement
Based on the IPEV Guidelines we have identified six of the most widely used
valuation methodologies for unquoted investments. The Guidelines advocate
that the best valuation methodologies are those that draw on external,
objective market-based data in order to derive a fair value.
Unquoted Investments
> Revenue multiples. An appropriate multiple, given the risk profile
and revenue growth prospects of the underlying company, is applied to the
revenue of the company. The multiple is adjusted to reflect any risk
associated with lack of marketability and to take account of the differences
between the investee company and the benchmark company or companies used to
derive the multiple.
> Earnings multiple. An appropriate multiple, given the risk profile
and earnings growth prospects of the underlying company, is applied to the
maintainable earnings of the company. The multiple is adjusted to reflect any
risk associated with lack of marketability and to take account of the
differences between the investee company and the benchmark company or
companies used to derive the multiple.
> Net assets. The value of the business is derived by using
appropriate measures to value the assets and liabilities of the investee
company.
> Discounted cash flows of the underlying business. The present value
of the underlying business is derived by using reasonable assumptions and
estimations of expected future cash flows and the terminal value, and
discounted by applying the appropriate risk-adjusted rate that quantifies the
risk inherent in the company.
> Discounted cash flows from the investment. Under this method, the
discounted cash flow concept is applied to the expected cash flows from the
investment itself rather than the underlying business as a whole.
> Price of recent investment. This may represent the most appropriate
basis where a significant amount of new investment has been made by an
independent third party. This is adjusted, if necessary, for factors relevant
to the background of the specific investment such as preference rights and
will be benchmarked against other valuation techniques. In line with the
IPEV Guidelines the price of recent investment will usually only be used for
the initial period following the round and after this an alternative basis
will be found.
Due to the significant subjectivity involved, discounted cash flows are only
likely to be reliable as the main basis of estimating fair value in limited
situations. Their main use is to support valuations derived using other
methodologies and for assessing reductions in fair value.
One of the valuation methods described above is used to derive the gross
attributable enterprise value of the company. This value is then apportioned
appropriately to reflect the respective debt and equity instruments in the
event of a sale at that level at the reporting date.
Quoted Investments
Quoted investments are valued at active market bid price. An active market is
defined as one where transactions take place regularly with sufficient volume
and frequency to determine price on an ongoing basis.
Income
Dividends and interest are received from financial assets measured at fair
value through profit or loss and are recognised on the same basis in the
Statement of Comprehensive Income. This includes interest and preference
dividends rolled up and/or payable at redemption. Interest income is also
received on cash, cash equivalents and cash deposits. Dividend income on
unquoted equity shares is recognised at the time when the right to the income
is established.
Expenses
Expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenses are charged
through the Revenue column of the Statement of Comprehensive Income, except
for the Manager's fee and incentive fees. Of the Manager's fees, 75 per cent
are allocated to the Capital column of the Statement of Comprehensive Income,
to the extent that these relate to an enhancement in the value of the
investments and in line with the Board's expectation that over the long term
75 per cent of the Company's investment returns will be in the form of capital
gains.
Tax relief is allocated to the Capital Reserve using a marginal basis.
Incentive Fee
The incentive fee is accounted for on an accruals basis. As further detailed
in note 3, the incentive fee is calculated as 20 per cent of the amount by
which the cumulative dividends per ordinary share paid as at the last business
day in December in any year, plus the average of the Company's middle market
price per ordinary share on the five dealing days prior to that day, exceeds
the Hurdle (as defined in note 3), multiplied by the number of ordinary shares
issued and the ordinary shares under option. At the end of each reporting
period, an accrual is recognised based upon the cumulative dividends per
ordinary share paid to the reporting date, plus the average of the Company's
middle market price per ordinary share on the five dealing days prior to the
reporting date. The incentive fee is charged wholly through the Capital
column.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash at hand as this meets the definition in
IAS 7 'Statement of cash flows' of a short term highly liquid investment that
is readily convertible into known amounts of cash and subject to insignificant
risk of change in value.
Balances held in fixed term deposits are not classified as cash and cash
equivalents, unless they are due for maturity within three months, as they do
not meet the definition in IAS 7 'Statement of cash flows' of short-term
highly liquid investments.
Cash flows classified as "operating activities" for the purposes of the
Statement of Cash Flows are those arising from the Revenue column of the
Income Statement, together with the items in the Capital column that do not
fall to be easily classified under the headings for "Investing Activities"
given by IAS 7 'Statement of cash flows', being Manager's and incentive fees
payable to the Manager. The capital cash flows relating to acquisition and
disposal of investments are presented under "investing activities" in the
Statement of Cash Flows in line with both the requirements of IAS 7 and the
positioning given to these headings by general practice in the industry.
Share Capital and Reserves
Share Capital
This reserve contains the nominal value of all shares allotted under offers
for subscription.
Share Premium Account
This reserve contains the excess of gross proceeds less issue costs over the
nominal value of shares allotted under offers for subscription, to the extent
that it has not been cancelled.
Capital Redemption Reserve
The nominal value of shares bought back and cancelled is held in this reserve,
so that the Company's capital is maintained.
Capital Reserve
The following are included within this reserve:
> Gains and losses on realisation of investments;
> Realised losses upon permanent diminution in value of investments;
> 75 per cent of the Manager's fee expense, together with the related
taxation effect to this reserve in accordance with the policy on expenses in
note 1 of the financial statements;
> Incentive fee payable to the Manager;
> Capital dividends paid to shareholders;
> Purchase and holding of the Company's own shares; and
> Credits arising from the cancellation of any share premium account.
Investment Holding Gains and Losses Reserve
Increases and decreases in the valuation of investments held at the year-end
are accounted for in this reserve, except to the extent that the diminution is
deemed permanent.
Revenue Reserve
This reserve includes all income from investments along with any costs
associated with the running of the Company - less 75 per cent of the Manager's
fee expense as detailed in the Capital Reserve above.
Taxation
Due to the Company's status as a venture capital trust and the continued
intention to meet the conditions required to comply with Chapter 3 Part 6 of
the Income Tax Act 2007, no provision for taxation is required in respect of
any realised or unrealised appreciation of the Company's investments which
arises. Deferred tax is recognised on all temporary differences that have
originated, but not reversed, by the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that they are regarded
as recoverable. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are
expected to apply when the asset is realised. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are not discounted.
Dividends Payable
Dividends payable are recognised only when an obligation exists. Interim and
special dividends are recognised when paid and final dividends are recognised
when approved by shareholders in general meetings.
Segmental Reporting
In accordance with IFRS 8 'Operating segments' and the criteria for
aggregating reportable segments, segmental reporting has been determined by
the directors based upon the reports reviewed by the Board. The directors are
of the opinion that the Company has engaged in a single operating segment -
investing in equity and debt securities within the United Kingdom - and
therefore no reportable segmental analysis is provided.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting practice requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management's best
knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results may ultimately
differ from those estimates. The estimates and assumptions that have a
significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of
assets and liabilities within the next financial year are those used to
determine the fair value of investments at fair value through profit or loss,
as disclosed in note 7 to the financial statements.
The fair value of investments at fair value through profit or loss is
determined by using valuation techniques. As explained above, the Board uses
its judgement to select from a variety of methods and makes assumptions that
are mainly based on market conditions at each balance sheet date. The Board
does not consider that there is any particular impact of climate change that
would materially affect the estimate of fair value.
2. Income
2021 2020
£000 £000
Dividends from unquoted companies* 328 2,237
Interest on loans to unquoted companies 273 391
Income from investments held at fair value through profit or loss 601 2,628
Interest on bank deposits 60 124
661 2,752
* 2020 includes an ordinary dividend of £1.93 million received from ACC
Aviation
3. Administrative Expenses
2021 2020
£000 £000
Manager's fee 1,492 1,204
Administration fee 70 69
1,562 1,273
Incentive fee 4,407 -
Other expenses:
Directors' remuneration 96 105
General expenses 63 71
Listing and registrar fees 55 56
Auditor's remuneration - audit fees (excluding irrecoverable VAT) 41 35
Printing 34 33
Trail commission 33 60
Irrecoverable VAT 25 30
6,316 1,663
Fair value movement related to credit risk - 122
6,316 1,785
Ongoing charges figure 2.16% 2.45%
Directors' remuneration comprises only short term benefits including social
security contributions of £8,000 (2020: £9,000).
The directors are the Company's only key management personnel.
No fees are payable to the auditor in respect of other services (2020: £nil),
apart from costs of £12,000 (2020: £nil) for audit-related assurance
services which were charged to the share premium account.
YFM Private Equity Limited has acted as Manager and performed administrative
and secretarial duties for the Company under an agreement dated 28 November
2000, superseded by an agreement dated 31 October 2005 and as varied by
agreements dated 8 December 2010, 26 October 2011, 16 November 2012, 17
October 2014, 7 August 2015 and 13 November 2019 (the "IA"). The agreement
may be terminated by not less than twelve months' notice given by either party
at any time. Under an Investment Agreement dated 13 November 2019, YFM
Private Equity Limited was appointed as the Company's Alternative Investment
Fund Manager. As a result, the Company was de-registered by the Financial
Conduct Authority as a Small Registered Alternative Fund Manager on 24 March
2020 and responsibility for the custody of the Company's investments passed to
YFM Private Equity Limited on that date.
The key features of the agreement are:
· YFM Private Equity Limited receives a Manager's fee, payable
quarterly in advance, calculated at half-yearly intervals as at 30 June and 31
December. The fee is allocated between capital and revenue as described in
note 1;
· The annual Manager's fee payable to the Manager is 1.0 per cent on
all surplus cash, defined as all cash above £10 million, unless the Hurdle
has been met triggering an incentive payment in which case the amount
determined to be surplus will be the excess over £5 million. The annual fee
on all other assets is 2.0 per cent of net assets per annum. Based on the
Company's net assets at 31 December 2021 of £87,375,000, cash of £21,189,000
at that date, and the incentive payment for the year ended 31 December 2021
being made prior to 30 June 2022 this equates to approximately £1,611,000 per
annum;
· YFM Private Equity Limited shall bear the annual operating costs of
the Company (including the Manager's fee set out above but excluding any
payment of the performance incentive fee, details of which are set out below
and excluding VAT and trail commissions) to the extent that those costs exceed
2.9 per cent of the net asset value of the Company; and
· Under the IA YFM Private Equity Limited also provides
administrative and secretarial services to the Company for a fee of £46,000
per annum plus annual adjustments to reflect movements in the Retail Prices
Index. This fee is charged fully to revenue, and totalled £70,000 for the
year ended 31 December 2021 (2020: £69,000).
When the Company makes investments into its unquoted portfolio, the Manager
charges that investee an advisory fee. With effect from 1 October 2013, if
the average of relevant fees exceeds 3.0 per cent of the total invested into
new portfolio companies and 2.0 per cent into follow-on investments over the
Company's financial year, this excess will be rebated to the Company. As at 31
December 2021, the Company was due a rebate from the Manager of £nil (2020:
£nil).
Monitoring and directors' fees the Manager receives from the investee
companies are limited to a maximum of £40,000 (excluding VAT) per annum per
company.
The total remuneration payable to YFM Private Equity Limited under the IA in
the year was £1,562,000 (2020: £1,273,000).
Under the IA, YFM Private Equity Limited is entitled to receive fees from
investee companies in respect of the provision of non-executive directors and
other advisory services. YFM Private Equity Limited is responsible for paying
the due diligence and other costs incurred in connection with proposed
investments which for whatever reason do not proceed to completion. In the
year ended 31 December 2021 the fees receivable by YFM Private Equity Limited
from investee companies which were attributable to advisory and directors' and
monitoring fees amounted to £1,235,000 (2020: £1,009,000) of which £113,000
(2020: £93,000) was borne by the Company.
Under the Subscription Rights Agreement dated 23 November 2001 between the
Company, YFM Private Equity Limited and Chord Capital Limited ("Chord"
formerly Generics Asset Management Limited), as amended by an agreement
between those parties dated 31 October 2005, YFM Private Equity Limited and
Chord have a performance-related incentive, structured so as to entitle them
to an amount equivalent to 20 per cent of the amount by which the cumulative
dividends per ordinary share paid as at the last business day in December in
any year, plus the average of the middle market price per ordinary share on
the five dealing days prior to that day, exceeds 120 pence per ordinary share,
multiplied by the number of ordinary shares issued and the ordinary shares
under option (if any) (the "Hurdle"). Under the terms of the Subscription
Rights Agreement, once the Hurdle has been exceeded it is reset at that value
going forward, which becomes the new Hurdle. Any subsequent exercise of these
rights will only occur once the new Hurdle has been exceeded. The subscription
rights are exercisable in the ratio 95:5 between the Manager and Chord Capital
Limited.
By a Deed of Assignment dated 19 December 2003 (together with a supplemental
agreement dated 5 October 2005), the benefit of the YFM Private Equity Limited
subscription right was assigned to YFM Private Equity Limited Carried Interest
Trust (the "Trust"), an employee benefit trust formed for the benefit of
certain employees of YFM Private Equity Limited and associated companies.
Pursuant to a deed of variation dated 16 November 2012 between the Company,
the trustees of the Trust and Chord, the Subscription Rights Agreement was
varied so that the subscription rights will be exercisable in the ratio of
95:5 between the trustees of the Trust and Chord. Pursuant to a deed of
variation dated 5 August 2014 the Subscription Rights Agreement was varied so
that the recipient was changed from the Trust to YFM Private Equity Limited.
Pursuant to a deed of variation dated 13 November 2019 the Subscription Rights
Agreement was varied so that the recipients can elect to receive the incentive
in the form of shares or cash.
As at 31 December 2021 the total of cumulative cash dividends paid and
mid-market price was 135.5 pence per ordinary share. Consequently the Hurdle
was exceeded and a performance related incentive of £4,407,000 is payable.
The Hurdle for the year ending 31 December 2022 is reset at 135.5 pence per
ordinary share.
If the IA is terminated the beneficiaries of the Incentive Agreement will
continue to be entitled to the Incentive Payment. The Incentive Payment will
be modified so as to entitle the recipients to an Incentive Payment that is
fair, having regard to all the circumstances.
Under the terms of the offer launched with British Smaller Companies VCT plc
on 2 February 2021, YFM Private Equity Limited was entitled to 2.5 per cent of
gross subscriptions, less the cost of re-investment of intermediary
commission. The net amount to be paid to YFM Private Equity Limited under
this offer amounted to £176,000.
Under the terms of the offer launched with British Smaller Companies VCT plc
on 22 September 2021, YFM Private Equity Limited was entitled to 3.0 per cent
of gross subscriptions, (3.5 per cent for Applications received from
Applicants who did not invest their money through a financial intermediary
advisor and invested directly into the Company) less the cost of re-investment
of intermediary commission. The net amount to be paid to YFM Private Equity
Limited under this offer amounted to £744,000.
The details of directors' remuneration are set out in the Directors'
Remuneration Report on page 50 of the annual report under the heading
"Directors' Remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2021 (audited)".
4. Taxation
2021 2020
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
(Loss) profit before taxation (130) 20,519 20,389 1,870 2,381 4,251
(Loss) profit before taxation multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax (25) 3,899 3,874 355 453 808
in UK of 19% (2020 :19%)
Effect of:
UK dividends received (62) - (62) (412) - (412)
Non-taxable profits on investments - (4,948) (4,948) - (624) (624)
Deferred tax not recognised 87 1,049 1,136 57 171 228
Tax charge - - - - - -
The Company has no provided or unprovided deferred tax liability in either
year.
Deferred tax assets of £3,072,000 (2020: £1,198,000) calculated at 25%
(2020: 19%) in respect of unrelieved management expenses (£12.29 million as
at 31 December 2021 and £6.31 million as at 31 December 2020) have not been
recognised as the directors do not currently believe that it is probable that
sufficient taxable profits will be available against which assets can be
recovered.
Due to the Company's status as a venture capital trust and the continued
intention to meet with the conditions required to comply with Section 274 of
the Income Tax Act 2007, the Company has not provided for deferred tax on any
capital gains or losses arising on the revaluation or realisation of
investments.
5. Dividends
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the period to 31
December:
2021 2020
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2021 of 1.5p (2020: 2.0p) per - 1,934 1,934 189 2,409 2,598
ordinary share
Second interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2021 of 1.5p (2020: 1,559 544 2,103 20 1,920 1,940
1.5p per ordinary share)
Third interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2021 of 5.0p per - 6,978 6,978 - - -
ordinary share
1,559 9,456 11,015 209 4,329 4,538
Shares allotted under DRIS (2,250) (411)
Dividends paid in Statement of Cash Flows 8,765 4,127
The first interim dividend of 1.5 pence per ordinary share was paid on 5 March
2021 to shareholders on the register as at 5 February 2021.
The second interim dividend of 1.5 pence per ordinary share was paid on 25
October 2021 to shareholders on the register as at 24 September 2021.
The third interim dividend of 5.0 pence per ordinary share was paid on 16
November 2021 to shareholders on the register as at 15 October 2021.
An interim dividend of 1.5 pence per ordinary share in respect of the year
ending 31 December 2022, amounting to approximately £2,700,000, will be paid
on 6 May 2022. This dividend was not recognised in the year ended 31 December
2021 as the obligation did not exist at the balance sheet date.
6. Basic and diluted earnings per share
The basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share is based on the profit after
tax attributable to shareholders of £20,389,000 (2020: £4,251,000) and
138,592,343 (2020: 129,987,842) ordinary shares being the weighted average
number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.
The basic and diluted revenue (loss) earnings per ordinary share is based on
the revenue (loss) profit for the year attributable to shareholders of
£130,000 (2020: profit of £1,870,000) and 138,592,343 (2020: 129,987,842)
ordinary shares being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
during the year.
The basic and diluted capital earnings per ordinary share is based on the
capital profit for the year attributable to shareholders of £20,519,000
(2020: £2,381,000) and 138,592,343 (2020: 129,987,842) ordinary shares being
the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.
During the year the Company allotted 3,995,494 new ordinary shares in respect
of its DRIS and 12,756,951 new ordinary shares from the fundraising.
The Company has also repurchased 3,553,337 of its own shares in the year, and
these shares are held in the capital reserve. The total of 15,929,774
treasury shares has been excluded in calculating the weighted average number
of ordinary shares for the period. The Company has no securities that would
have a dilutive effect and hence basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share
are the same.
The Company has no potentially dilutive shares and consequently, basic and
diluted earnings per ordinary share are equivalent in both the year ended 31
December 2021 and 31 December 2020.
7. Financial Assets at Fair Value though Profit or Loss
- Investments
IFRS 13, in respect of financial instruments that are measured in the balance
sheet at fair value, requires disclosure of fair value measurements by level
of the following fair value measurement hierarchy:
Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets is based on
quoted market prices at the balance sheet date. A market is defined as a
market in which transactions for the asset or liability take place with
sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing
basis. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Company
is the current bid price. These instruments are included in level 1 and
comprise AIM quoted investments and other fixed income securities classified
as held at fair value through profit or loss. The Company held no such
instruments in the current or prior year.
Level 2: the fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an
active market is determined by using valuation techniques. These valuation
techniques maximise the use of observable market data where it is available
and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates. If all
significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the
instrument is included in level 2. The Company held no such instruments in the
current or prior year.
Level 3: the fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an
active market (for example, investments in unquoted companies) is determined
by using valuation techniques such as revenue or earnings multiples. If one
or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the
instrument is included in level 3. All of the Company's investments fall into
this category at 31 December 2021.
Each investment is reviewed at least quarterly to ensure that it has not
ceased to meet the criteria of the level in which it is included at the
beginning of each accounting period. The change in fair value for the current
and previous year is recognised through profit or loss.
There have been no transfers between these classifications in either period.
All items held at fair value through profit or loss were designated as such
upon initial recognition.
Valuation of Investments
Full details of the methods used by the Company are set out in note 1 of these
financial statements. Where investments are held in quoted stocks, fair value
is set at the market bid price.
Movements in investments at fair value through profit or loss during the year
to 31 December 2021 are summarised as follows:
IFRS 13 measurement classification Level 3
Unquoted
Investments
£000
Opening cost 39,891
Opening investment holding gain 9,224
Opening fair value at 1 January 2021 49,115
Additions at cost 6,092
Capitalised income 59
Disposal proceeds (11,186)
Net profit on disposal* 5,237
Change in fair value 20,539
Foreign exchange gain 163
Closing fair value at 31 December 2021 70,019
Closing cost 42,037
Closing investment holding gain** 27,982
Closing fair value at 31 December 2021 70,019
* The net profit on disposal in the table above is £5,237,000 whereas that
shown in the Statement of Comprehensive income is £5,342,000. The difference
comprises deferred proceeds of £105,000 in respect of assets which have been
disposed of in prior years and are not included in the portfolio at 1 January
2021 (see below).
**Following the merger between the Company and British Smaller Technologies
Company VCT plc a total of £975,000 of negative goodwill was recognised in
the investment holding gains and losses reserve in respect of the investments
acquired. The relevant amount per investment is realised at the point of
disposal to the capital reserve. At 31 December 2021 a total of £27,000
(2020: £30,000) was held on investments yet to be realised in the investment
holdings gains and losses reserve.
The following disposals took place in the year:
Net proceeds from sale Cost Opening carrying value as at 1 January 2021 Profit (loss) on disposal
£000 £000 £000 £000
Unquoted investments:
Matillion Limited 5,946 321 2,539 3,407
Deep-Secure Ltd 3,279 500 1,966 1,313
KeTech Enterprises Limited 1,275 1,490 1,292 (17)
Tissuemed Limited 599 48 65 534
Ncam Technologies Limited 87 87 87 -
Macro Art Holdings Limited - 159 - -
Friska Limited - 1,400 - -
Total from unquoted investments 11,186 4,005 5,949 5,237
Deferred proceeds
Business Collaborator Limited 300 - 300 -
Bagel Nash Group Limited 100 - 66 34
Ness (Holdings) Limited 71 - - 71
Deferred proceeds received 471 - 366 105
Total proceeds received* 11,657 4,005 6,315 5,342
* The total from disposals in the year in the table above is £11,657,000
whereas that shown in the Statement of Cash Flows is £11,653,000. The
difference comprises proceeds of £4,000 which were received after the year
end.
8. Basic and Diluted Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share
The basic and diluted net asset value per ordinary share is calculated on
attributable assets of £87,375,000 (2020: £70,929,000) and 142,155,199
(2020: 128,956,091) ordinary shares in issue at the year end.
The treasury shares have been excluded in calculating the number of ordinary
shares in issue at 31 December 2021.
The Company has no potentially dilutive shares and consequently, basic and
diluted net asset values per ordinary share are equivalent in both the years
ended 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2020.
9. Total Return per Ordinary Share
The Total Return per ordinary share is calculated on cumulative dividends paid
of 78.0 pence per ordinary share (2020: 70.0 pence per ordinary share) plus
the net asset value as calculated per note 8.
10. Financial Commitments
There are no financial commitments at 31 December 2021 or 31 December 2020.
11. Events after the Balance Sheet Date
The Company announced a new share offer on 22 September 2021, alongside
British Smaller Companies VCT plc, with the intention of raising up to £40
million, in aggregate with an over-allotment facility of £20 million, in
aggregate. This was fully subscribed and closed on 12 November 2021. The
related allotment of 40,224,521 ordinary shares took place post year-end, on 7
January 2022, following which the Company received net proceeds of £24.2
million.
12. Annual Report and Accounts
Copies of the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 will
shortly be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will be available
to the public for viewing online at
https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism
(https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism) . They can also
shortly be viewed on the Company's website at http://www.bscfunds.com
(http://www.bscfunds.com) . Hard copies of the statutory accounts for the
year to 31 December 2021 will be distributed by post or electronically to
shareholders and will thereafter be available to members of the public from
the Company's registered office.
13. Directors
The directors of the Company are Mr P Waller, Ms B Anderson and Mr R McDowell.
14. Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at 12:00 noon on 13
June 2022 at 33 St James Square, London, SW1Y 4JS.
15. Interim Dividend for the Year Ending 31 December 2022.
The directors are pleased to announce the payment of an interim dividend for
the year ending 31 December 2022 of 1.5 pence per ordinary share ("Interim
Dividend").
The Interim Dividend will be paid on 6 May 2022 to those shareholders on the
Company's register at the close of business on 1 April 2022. The ex-dividend
date will be 31 March 2022.
The directors are not proposing a final dividend for the year ended 31
December 2021.
16. Dividend Re-investment Scheme
The Company operates a dividend re-investment scheme ("DRIS"). The latest
date for receipt of DRIS elections so as to participate in the DRIS in respect
of the Interim Dividend is the close of business on 19 April 2022.
17. Inside Information
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to
constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations
(EU No. 596/2014). Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory
Information Service this inside information is now considered to be in the
public domain.
For further information, please contact:
David Hall YFM Private
Equity Limited Tel: 0113 244
1000
Alex Collins Panmure Gordon
(UK) Limited Tel: 0207 886 2767
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. END FR BKDBPBBKDPNB
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