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REG - LMS Capital PLC - Final Results fo rthe Year Ended 31 December 2022

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RNS Number : 4889T  LMS Capital PLC  20 March 2023

 

 

20 March 2023

LMS CAPITAL PLC

Final Results for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

The Board of LMS Capital plc (the "Company") is pleased to announce the
Company's audited annual results for the year ended 31 December 2022.

 

Financial Summary

                                              31 December 2022  31 December 2021

 Net asset value                              £46.5m            £49.1m
 Cash available at year end                   £17.9m            £20.1m

 Portfolio gains/(losses)                     £-m               £3.8m
 Running costs                                (£1.7m)           (£1.8m)

 Net asset value per share (p)                57.7p             60.8p
 Dividends paid per share (p)                 0.925p                0.9p
 Dividends declared/recommended by Board (p)  0.925p            0.925p

 

2022 key points

Net Asset Value

·    The net asset value ("NAV") at 31 December 2022 was £46.5 million,
57.7 pence per share (31 December 2021: £49.1 million, 60.8 pence per share);
and

·    Adjusting for the impact of dividends to shareholders, the NAV over
the year decreased by a net £1.9 million, or 3.9%.

 

Portfolio gains and realisations

·    An increase in value of £2.2 million on the new energy investment,
Dacian Petroleum, was offset by an equal decrease in valuation on the mature
asset portfolio, leaving the value of the portfolio overall flat year on year.

·    New Investments - Energy

·    We are pleased with the performance of Dacian, the Romanian oil and
gas production company in which we invested in 2020. Completion of Dacian's
first acquisition occurred in November 2021, having been delayed by some 16
months whilst the necessary local regulatory approvals were obtained and
therefore 2022 was its first full year of operation. The company was
profitable and cash generative in its first year and we expect it to meet or
exceed the target investment returns.

 

·    Mature portfolio

·    The overall performance of the mature portfolio in 2022 was
significantly influenced by the impact of reductions in value arising in two
third-party managed fund positions, San Francisco Equity Partners and Eden
Ventures. The result is disappointing, in both cases the reductions relate to
the exit of the last remaining asset in the respective funds which are now
being wound up by their general partners.

 

Running costs

·    Running costs, including those incurred by subsidiaries, decreased by
5% to £1.7 million (2021: £1.8 million) reflecting continued focus on the
management of costs and the benefit of income from co-investment activity.
There were an additional £0.4 million of investment related costs (2021:
£0.3 million).

 

Dividends

·    A final dividend of 0.625 pence per share on the 2021 year was paid
in June 2022, and an interim dividend of 0.3 pence per share for the 2022 year
was paid in September 2022. A final dividend on the 2022 year of 0.625 pence
per share is recommended by the Board and will be proposed for approval by
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting.

 

Cash balances

·    Group cash balances at the year-end, including amounts held by
subsidiaries, were £17.9 million, representing 22.2 pence per share and 38.5%
of the NAV (2021: £20.1 million and 24.9 pence per share and 41.0% of the
NAV). The Company had no external debt.

 

Key themes for 2023

The Board recognises that 38.5% of the NAV is held in group cash balances and
is focussed on translating the ground-work that has been done in 2022, in
particular within real estate, into further new investment opportunities.

 

Dacian has had a successful first full year and having dealt with the
operational challenges of taking over the assets acquired is positioned in
2023 to accelerate the execution of its business plan to further increase
production. LMS will use its board position to support the Dacian team,
develop the opportunities for additional capital deployment within the
acquired Dacian portfolio, and more widely.

 

Robert Rayne, Chairman, commented:

"Although delayed in its execution, we are pleased to see Dacian's first year
of operation successfully behind it and now look forward to the delivery of
the business plan delivering growth in production levels through the extension
of life of its portfolio of production assets. As we enter 2023, we are
focused on bringing forward the real estate opportunities in our current
pipeline and expanding our energy portfolio."

 

The information contained within this announcement is deemed to constitute
inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No.
596/2014. Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information
is now considered to be in the public domain.

 

For further information please contact:

 

LMS Capital plc

Nick Friedlos, Managing Director

0207 935 3555

Chairman and Managing Director's Report

We are pleased to report our results for the year ended 31 December 2022 and
to provide an update on progress within the business.

 

The Board set out an approach, when the Company returned to self-management in
2020 based on investing in those sectors where the Company has a clear
competitive advantage - primarily energy and real estate - with the aim to
generate a return on equity, after running costs, of between 12% and 15% per
annum over the long term.

 

This remains the aim of our investment strategy.

 

We view the year as one of solid progress but also recognise that uninvested
cash is a drag on returns and appreciate the importance of translating our
work into new investments which will generate the longer term returns we are
targeting.

 

There are three elements to our business

 

Mature asset portfolio - 31 December 2022 NAV £20.8 million (25.8 pence per
share)

·    this comprises investments which originate from the Company's
strategy pre-2012. 91% of the value is held in four positions;

·    the investments are managed with a view to optimising the realisation
values;

·    the portfolio largely comprises positions managed by third-party
managers, with whom the Company maintains dialogue, although it does not
control decision making; and

·    there may be some liquidity from these assets in 2023, but the
expectation is that liquidity will primarily be in 2024 and 2025.

 

New Investments - Dacian: 31 December 2022 NAV £10.1 million (12.5 pence per
share)

·  Dacian was the Company's first new investment following its return to
self-management in early 2020. The investment was underwritten in August 2020
but only completed, following local Romanian regulatory approvals, in November
2021;

·    the year just ended therefore represents the first full year of
operation, which was profitable and cash generative;

·    entering 2023 the business is positioned to execute its business plan
to increase production; and

·    the Board expects this investment to deliver returns that meet or
exceed its target returns.

 

Cash less other net liabilities - 31 December 2022 NAV £15.6 million (19.1
pence per share)

·    the Group cash amounts to £17.9 million; and

·    other net liabilities amount to £2.3 million and relate mainly to
accruals for income taxes, historic carried interest liabilities for one
remaining asset and other sundry costs.

 

Deployment of capital

Investment themes

When the Company returned to self-management in 2020, the Board laid out a
strategy for the deployment of capital, making new investments in areas where
the Company has clear competitive advantage, through:

·    working with management teams we know well, who are respected in
their sector, experienced and with a track record of successful execution;

·    "hard to access" assets, typically at the smaller end of their
respective sectors, allowing more attractive acquisition pricing and giving
the opportunity for value creation through more intensive management; and

·    the opportunity to introduce co-investment capital alongside our own
balance sheet.

 

These areas are principally in energy and real estate. Other late-stage
private equity opportunities are considered and evaluated but at present are
not the primary focus.

 

We seek investments which not only meet our return criteria, but also give LMS
a "cornerstone" position in the underlying business, enabling us to influence
and benefit from future growth and capital raising.

 

The approach leads to a slower pace of deployment of capital, but the Board
continue to believe this is the right approach to create long term growth for
the Company and value for shareholders.

 

Real estate development

We continue to see opportunity in the creation of specialist use real estate.
During 2022, we have been working with our team to explore opportunities in
retirement living - a sector in which we believe there will be strong growth
in the coming years. The sector offers the opportunity to combine our real
estate skills with operational partners.

 

Real estate investment

We are developing a management and investment structure which will allow LMS
to invest in assets alongside co-investors and derive a return not just from
the underlying asset but also from the management platform.

 

Energy

The Company has a history of investing in the energy sector and has
connections with management teams that enable it to identify and execute on
opportunities not readily accessible to others.

 

In relation to carbon-based energy, we see the extension of life of existing
production assets and industrial infrastructure to reduce the carbon footprint
per barrel produced, as having a key and environmentally important role to
play in the world's transition away from carbon fuels over the next few
decades. We also see opportunities in renewable energy and in the businesses
that service the generation of that energy.

 

FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

 

Net Asset Value ("NAV") overview

The NAV of the Company at 31 December 2022 was £46.5 million, 57.7 pence per
share (31 December 2021 £49.1 million, 60.8 pence per share). This represents
a decrease of £2.6 million on the prior year and comprises:

·    net decrease on portfolio investments of £1.3 million which includes
net realised and unrealised portfolio losses;

·    increase of £1.3 million being accrued interest on Dacian;

·   net reduction of £1.9 million for other items including running costs,
taxation, the investment costs principally associated with developing real
estate deal opportunities and foreign exchange gains on non-portfolio assets;
and

·    reduction of £0.7 million for dividends paid to shareholders.

 

After adjusting for the 0.925 pence per share distributed as dividends during
2022, the NAV has shown a decrease on the year of 3.7%.

 

Mature Assets

This portfolio showed a net reduction in the year of £2.2 million. In part,
this movement reflects the unrealised effect of net "ups and downs" arising
from fluctuations in exchange rates (76% of the portfolio is US Dollar
denominated) and in the public market comparables used in the valuations.
£1.6 million of the reduction is due to write downs which reflect either
actual or imminent realisations of assets by third-party fund managers.

 

The four largest assets comprise 91% of the mature portfolio:

·    Medhost (NAV £5.7 million)- Co-investment, alongside Primus Capital,
in this US software company serving the mid-sized hospital market in America.
A mature business with strong and consistent revenues, earnings and cash
flows. The unrealised decrease in NAV for the year, excluding the impact of
foreign exchange gains, was £0.7 million, primarily as a result of changes in
the public market comparators;

·    Brockton Capital Fund I (NAV £6.0 million)- The remaining asset in
this real estate fund, of which the Company holds 16.7%, is a preferred debt
investment in a "Super Prime" residential development in Mayfair, central
London. During 2022, the fund has secured medium-term finance to allow
adequate time to sell the apartments. The investment, which is valued on a
discounted cash flow basis showed an unrealised increase in NAV for the year
of £0.5 million;

·    Opus Capital Venture Partners (NAV £5.3 million)- The Company holds
2.3% of this 2008 vintage US early-stage technology fund, managed by Opus
Capital Venture Partners. The fund life has now been exceeded, the manager is
no longer charging annual fees. The fund has two significant remaining
investments, both of which are cash generative and performing well. The
manager's expectation is that, subject to market conditions, an exit will be
sought in the reasonably near term, but meantime both assets continue to grow.
The unrealised increase in NAV during the year, excluding the impact of
foreign exchange gains was £0.8 million; and

·    Weber Capital Partners (NAV £2.0 million)- This US micro-cap stock
fund is managed by Weber Capital Partners with whom the Company has worked
closely for over 20 years. The theme is substantially but not exclusively
around technology and medical stocks. Historic returns have been excellent. To
31 December 2022, average rolling five year returns since 2006 and three-year
returns since 2002 have been 16.6% and 19.6% respectively. The NAV decrease on
this investment during 2022, excluding the impact of foreign exchange gains,
was £0.9 million, as a result of downward movements in the market price of
its quoted securities.

 

On other mature assets:

·    Elateral (NAV £0.6 million) - further working capital was invested
in Elateral during the year. The company has invested in its revenue growth
strategy, and has gained new business in the last three to six months. The
company's outsourced software development resources in Ukraine, Russia and
Belarus have been disrupted by the war, but it has successfully mitigated the
consequences through a restructuring of its development activities; and

·    ICU Eyewear (NAV £0.2 million), this investment is managed by San
Francisco Equity Partners (SFEP). In 2020 it produced a windfall profit from
its opportunistic move into distribution of PPE equipment, from which LMS
received distributions of £1.6 million. Since then, it has returned largely
to its core eyewear activity. The December 2022 valuation reduction of £1.5
million, excluding the impact of foreign exchange gains, reflects the
estimated proceeds from a sale that has completed since the year end. This is
a disappointing outcome and is the last asset managed by SFEP.

 

New Investments - Dacian

In 2021, LMS led the funding group which, including $9.1 million from LMS
itself, invested $14 million in Dacian, a newly formed Romanian oil and gas
production company formed to acquire and operate mature onshore energy
production assets.

 

With this investment, together with $6 million of external debt, Dacian was
able to make its first acquisition of on-shore oil and gas assets.

 

LMS' $9.1 million is structured principally as senior secured loan notes,
which are entitled to interest of 14% per annum gross before a withholding tax
of 10%. LMS' share of equity is 32%. The balance of the equity is held by LMS'
co-investors, 18%, and management 50%. Distributions to equity can only occur
once the senior loan notes and accrued coupon are fully repaid.

 

The rationale for the investment in Dacian was:

·    the business is operationally cash flow positive from day one;

·    a business focused on the extension of life of existing production
assets that has an environmentally important role to play in the world's
transition away from carbon fuels; and

·    it was evaluated and the investment decision taken on the basis of:

o  attractive entry pricing;

o  a founder team with extensive industry experience and a Romanian team with
prior knowledge of the assets being acquired;

o  a robust operating plan able to withstand volatility in energy prices;

o  the opportunity for gains through production enhancing technology that can
extend the productive life of mature assets; and

o  overall, the potential to meet and exceed LMS's target investment returns.

 

The investment was underwritten in August 2020 but then underwent a protracted
period obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals in Romania, and completion
only occurred in November 2021. The year just ended therefore is the first
full year of operation.

 

For the first six to nine months of operation backlog maintenance issues,
inherited at completion, caused mechanical breakdowns and interruptions
resulting in average production levels. These operational issues diverted
resources to reactive repairs and away from workover projects designed to
deliver long-term gains in production.

 

During the final quarter of the year, management's actions, in particular
securing an inventory of replacement components and additional maintenance
equipment, appear to have enabled production to be stabilised.

 

Notwithstanding the operational issues, workover projects added some 250
barrels of oil equivalent per day ("BOEPD") in 2022. Production in December
2022 exceeded 1,000 BOEPD and management plan during 2023 to build from this
base through workover projects and ongoing continued reactive and preventative
maintenance programs.

 

Revenues in 2022, based on the unaudited management accounts, were
approximately $32 million and the business was cash flow positive after
investing some $3 million in additional equipment and inventory.

 

We expect this investment to meet or exceed our target returns.

 

Liquidity - Cash less other net liabilities

Cash

Cash balances in the Company and its subsidiaries at 31 December 2022 were
£17.9 million (31 December 2021: £20.1 million).

 

Outflows during the year amounted to £2.7 million, this includes £1.7
million of running costs, £0.3 million of investment related costs, £0.7
million of dividend payments and £0.5 million of new capital invested in
Elateral.

 

Inflows were £0.5 million and include a £0.1 million distribution from
Brockton, £0.4 million redemption of Medhost preference shares, plus sundry
fund distributions.

 

Net Liabilities

Net liabilities of £2.3 million (31 December 2021: £1.9 million) consist
primarily of accruals for income taxes, historic carried interest liabilities
for one remaining asset and other sundry costs.

 

DIVIDEND POLICY

The Company paid £0.7 million in dividends during the year comprising a final
dividend for the year ended 31 December 2021 of 0.625 pence per share, paid on
23 June 2022 and an interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2022 of
0.3 pence per share paid on 12 September 2022.

 

A final dividend of 0.625 pence per share for the year ended 31 December 2022
is recommended by the Board. Subject to approval by shareholders at the AGM in
May 2023, the dividend will be paid to shareholders in early June 2023.

 

The dividend policy laid out by the Board in 2020 was to pay a dividend in
respect of each financial year equal to approximately 1.5% of the closing NAV
for that year. The proposed dividend for 2022 will amount to approximately
1.6% of closing NAV. Having regard to the Company's cash position and, whilst
the dividends currently exceed the net cash income, the Board is confident of
the Company's ability to generate future annual income and has therefore
continued the policy.

 

The Board's ambition is to increase the level of dividend and will keep the
current policy under review. The actual level of dividend each year will take
account of market conditions generally, the Company's financial position and
its distributable reserves.

 

DOUG MILLS

We operate with a small core team, a key member of which was Doug Mills who
oversaw our finance function and, given his background in the energy industry,
also supported the Dacian team. Doug passed away very suddenly and at a young
age on 20 September last year. We would like publicly to record our
appreciation for Doug's contribution to the business and for his friendship
and support as a colleague.

 

LOOKING FORWARD

The Company's objective is the preservation and creation of wealth for its
shareholders over the longer term. Its target is to deliver returns, net of
costs, of between 12% and 15% over the longer period.

 

Looking forward in 2023, our priorities are:

·    to bring to fruition the work that has been undertaken, particularly
with our real estate teams, to deploy new capital from our own balance sheet
in conjunction with our co-investors;

·    to support the Dacian team as it enters its second year of operation
with an emphasis on its workover program to increase production; and

·    to continue to manage the mature asset portfolio to optimise
realisation proceeds

 

We would like to express our appreciation for the support from our team and
from the network of people with whom we work on a regular basis. We would also
like to express our appreciation for the continued support of our
shareholders. We look forward to reporting progress to you during 2023.

 

 

Robert Rayne

Chairman

 

 

Nicholas Friedlos

Managing Director

 

17 March 2023

 

 

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT REVIEW

Introduction

During 2022, the Company's mature asset portfolio showed a net reduction in
value of £2.2 million (9.8%) as a result of underlying foreign exchange
gains, offset by reductions in the underlying values of the assets.  Dacian,
its first new investment, showed an increase in value £2.2 million (27.8%) as
a result of foreign exchange gains and accrued income. Portfolio realisations
totalled £0.4 million during 2022, primarily from the redemption of the
Medhost preference shares, funding the Company's overheads and follow-on
investment in Elateral.

 

Cash in the Group at 31 December 2022 was £17.9 million (31 December 2021:
£20.1 million), including £14.5 million held by the Company and £3.4
million held by subsidiaries. Inflows, as noted above were £0.4 million.
Significant outflows have been £0.7 million of dividend payments and £0.4
million invested in Elateral. Other net cash movements amount to an outflow of
£2.3 million, include £1.9 million of running costs and £0.4 million of
investment related costs.

 

Market background

There was optimism as we entered 2022, with the successful rollout of the
Covid-19 vaccine programme and the prospect of no further lockdown
restrictions however, Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 created
further uncertainty in the markets and resulted in a refugee and humanitarian
crisis in Europe.  International food and energy supplies were affected which
had a massive effect on global inflation. Later in the year, political factors
in the UK also created market uncertainty, resulting in sterling falling to a
record low against the US dollar.

 

Domestically, the outlook for 2023 looks uncertain. Interest rates have risen
to their highest in 14 years and inflation remains close to 10%, due in part
to the rapidly increasing energy prices seen throughout 2022.

 

The consequences of recent developments and the impact of macroeconomic and
domestic issues will continue to be monitored closely by the Board.

 

As reported last year, Elateral one of our direct investments was directly
impacted by events in Ukraine, where it had outsourced much of its software
development work. The company has successfully manged the consequences of that
disruption.

 

Performance review

 The movement in NAV during the year was as follows:  2022     2021
                                                      £'000    £'000
 Opening NAV                                          49,109   47,923
 (Loss)/profit on investments                         (1,305)  2,556
 Investment interest income                           1,274    1,241
 Advisory fee income                                  165      -
 Dividends                                            (747)    (727)
 Overheads and other net movements                    (1,955)  (1,884)
 Closing NAV                                          46,541   49,109

Cash realisations and new and follow-on investments from the portfolio were as
follows:

                                                Year ended

                                                31 December
                                                2022     2021
                                                £'000    £'000
 Proceeds from the sale of investments          2        -
 Proceeds from redemption of convertible debt   -        750
 Proceeds from redemption of preference shares  336      -
 Distributions from funds and loan repayments   97       1,916
 Total - gross cash realisations                435      2,666
 New and follow-on investments                  (428)    (7,153)
 Fund calls                                     (41)     (43)
 Total - net                                    (34)     (4,530)

Realisations of £0.4 million in 2022 include:

·    £0.1 million distribution from Brockton; and

·    proceeds of £0.3 million from Medhost for the redemption of the
preferred shares and accrued interest.

 

The new and follow-on investments relate to £0.4 million of additional equity
and working capital funding for Elateral, a UK direct investment.

 

The fund calls are primarily for SFEP management fees.

 

Below is a summary of the investment portfolio of the Company and its
subsidiaries, which reflects all investments held by the Group:

                              Year ended 31 December
                              2022                             2021
 Mature investment portfolio  UK       US       Total          UK       US       Total

                              £'000    £'000    £'000          £'000    £'000    £'000
 Quoted                       121      39       160            218      165      383
 Unquoted                     681      5,945    6,626          924      7,744    8,668
 Funds                        6,676    7,357    14,033         7,242    6,687    13,929
                              7,478    13,341   20,819         8,384    14,596   22,980

 

 New investment portfolio  UK       US       Total      UK       US       Total

                           £'000    £'000    £'000      £'000    £'000    £'000
 Quoted                    -        -        -          -        -        -
 Unquoted                  -        10,145   10,145     -        7,958    7,958
 Funds                     -        -        -          -        -        -
                           -        10,145   10,145     -        7,958    7,958
 Total investments         7,478    23,486   30,964     8,384    22,554   30,938

 

Basis of valuation:

Quoted investments

Quoted investments for which an active market exists are valued at the bid
price at the reporting date.

 

Unquoted direct investment

Unquoted direct investments for which there is no active market are valued
using the most appropriate valuation technique with regard to the stage and
nature of the investment. Valuation methods that may be used include:

·    investments in an established business are valued using revenue or
earnings multiples depending on the stage of development of the business and
the extent to which it is generating sustainable revenue or earnings;

·    investments in an established business which is generating
sustainable revenue or earnings but for which other valuation methods are not
appropriate are valued by calculating the discounted cash flow of future cash
flows;

·    investments in debt instruments or loan notes are determined on a
standalone basis, with the initial investment recorded at the price of the
transaction and subsequent adjustments to the valuation are considered for
changes in credit risk or market rates; and

·    convertible instruments are valued by disaggregating the convertible
feature from the debt instrument and valuing it using a Black-Scholes model.

 

Funds

Investments in managed funds are valued at fair value. The general partners of
the funds will provide periodic valuations on a fair value basis, the latest
available of which the Company will adopt provided it is satisfied that the
valuation methods used by the funds are not materially different from the
Company's valuation methods. Adjustments will be made to the fund valuation
where the Company believes there is evidence available for an alternative
valuation.

 

Performance of the investment portfolio

The return on investments for the year ended 31 December 2022 was as follows:

                                               Year ended 31 December
                                               2022                                                                 2021
                                               Realised gains/ (losses)  Unrealised gains/ (losses)                 Realised gains/ (losses)  Unrealised gains/ (losses)

                                                                                                     Total                                                                Total
 Asset type                                    £'000                     £'000                       £'000          £'000                     £'000                       £'000

 Quoted                                        (1)                       (220)                       (221)          -                         186                         186
 Unquoted                                      24                        (1,285)                     (1,261)        (5)                       (90)                        (95)
 Funds                                         -                         108                         108            -                         2,473                       2,473
                                               23                        (1,397)                     (1,374)        (5)                       2,569                       2,564
 Credit/(charge) for incentive plans                                                                 69                                                                   (9)
                                                                                                     (1,305)                                                              2,555
 Operating and similar income of subsidiaries                                                        1,081                                                                1,282
                                                                                                     (224)                                                                3,837

 

The Company operates carried interest arrangements in line with normal
practice in the private equity industry. The credit for incentive plans for
the Company is £30,000 and for subsidiaries a charge of £98,000 for carried
interest and other incentives relating to historic arrangements. The charge
for carried interest incentive plan is included in the net losses on
investments in the Income Statement.

 

Approximately 76% of the portfolio at 31 December 2022 is denominated in US
dollars (31 December 2021: 73%) and the above table includes the impact of
currency movements. In the year ended 31 December 2022, the weakening of
sterling against the US dollar over the year as a whole resulted in an
unrealised foreign currency gain of £2.74 million (2021: unrealised gain of
£0.02 million). As a common practice in private equity investment, it is the
Board's current policy not to hedge the Company's underlying non-sterling
investments.

 

Quoted investments

                                                     31 December
                                                     2022    2021
 Company                            Sector           £'000   £'000
 Tialis Essential IT plc            UK technology    121     218
  (formally IDE Group Holdings)     US energy        13      139

 Arsenal Digital Holdings Inc
 (formally Global Green Solutions)
 Others                             -                26      26
                                                     160     383

 

The net gains and losses on the quoted portfolio arose as follows:

                                               Year ended 31 December
 Gains/(losses), net                           2022          2021

                                               £'000         £'000
 Realised
 Tialis Essential IT plc                       (1)           -
                                               (1)           -
 Unrealised
 Tialis Essential IT plc                       (94)          100
 Arsenal Digital Holdings Inc                  (135)         78
 Other quoted holdings                         (2)           9
 Unrealised foreign currency gains / (losses)  11            (1)
                                               (220)         186
 Total net gains/(losses)                      (221)         186

 

Tialis Essential IT plc (formally IDE Group Holdings)

Having shown signs of recovery in 2021 following the Coronavirus pandemic, the
performance of Tialis Essential IT declined further during 2022, resulting in
a £0.1 million unrealised loss. In February 2023, the company announced that
it had completed the acquisition of three profitable partner contracts which
are expected to add around 50% to the revenues in 2023.

 

Unquoted investments

                                     31 December
                                     2022    2021
 Company            Sector           £'000   £'000
 Dacian             US energy        10,145  7,959
 Medhost Inc        US technology    5,673   5,997
 Elateral           UK technology    599     817
 ICU Eyewear        US consumer      232     1,746
 Tialis loan notes  UK technology    82      107
 Cresco             US consumer      40      -
                                     16,771  16,626

 Co-investments managed by SFEP

The net losses on the unquoted portfolio arose as follows:

                                    Year ended 31 December
                                    2022          2021
 Gains/(losses), net                £'000         £'000
 Realised
 Medhost                            24            -
 Northbridge                        -             (5)
                                    24            (5)
 Unrealised
 Tialis loan notes                  (25)          35
 Elateral                           (645)         21
 Medhost                            (691)         235
 YesTo                              -             (74)
 ICU Eyewear                        (1,778)       (313)
 Unrealised foreign currency gains  1,854         6
                                    (1,285)       (90)
 Total net losses                   (1,261)       (95)

Valuations are sensitive to changes in the following two inputs:

·    the operating performance of the individual businesses within the
portfolio; and

·    changes in the revenue and profitability multiples and transaction
prices of comparable businesses, which are used in the underlying
calculations.

 

Comments on individual companies are set out below.

 

Medhost

Medhost is a co-investment with funds of Primus Capital. The company operates
in a mature market and continues to be profitable and cash generative and is
performing in line with budgets. The Company relies on valuations provided by
Primus Capital which resulted in an unrealised loss of £0.7 million for 2022,
primarily as a result of changes in the public market comparators. In June
2022, the Medhost's preference shares were redeemed resulting in gross
proceeds of $460,000.

 

Elateral

Elateral was, as noted above, impacted by events in Ukraine and required
additional investment for working capital and to invest in a revenue growth
strategy. In the last quarter of the year, the company has won new revenue and
is now trading at or around breakeven. Whilst it is believed that there is
scope to grow the company and create value, until a longer period of sustained
growth can be demonstrated, a cautious view is taken on valuation.

 

ICU Eyewear

This business, managed by San Francisco Equity Partners Fund 3, was in an exit
process at year end and the valuation reflects the indicated outcome of that
process in at 31 December. The exit was concluded during February 2023. LMS
expects to receive its share of the proceeds by way of a distribution from the
fund in due course. The proceeds are likely to be slightly, but not materially
ahead of the valuation. This is a disappointing result. The business produced
a windfall profit from the sale of PPE equipment during the Covid pandemic,
from which LMS received £1.5 million. However, in its core business it has
not been able successfully to diversify its customer base - it is heavily
dependent on one customer with whom it has no long-term contract - and this
poor quality revenue stream, coupled with low profitability is reflected in
the poor outcome on exit.

 

Fund interests

                                                              31 December
                                                              2022    2021
 General partner                Sector                        £'000   £'000
 Brockton Capital Fund 1        UK real estate                6,036   5,635
 Opus Capital Venture Partners  US venture capital            5,275   3,948
 Weber Capital Partners         US micro-cap quoted stocks    2,046   2,644
 EMAC ILF                       UK                            341     733
 Simmons                        UK                            262     381
 Eden Ventures                  UK venture capital            37      494
 San Francisco Equity Partners  US consumer & technology      -       55
 Other interests                -                             36      39
                                                              14,033  13,929

 

The net gains on the Company's fund portfolio for the year ended 31 December
2022 were as follows:

                                         Year ended 31 December
 Gains/(losses), net                     2022          2021

                                         £'000         £'000
 Realised
 Other funds                             -             -
                                         -             -

 Unrealised
 Opus Capital Venture Partners           755           398
 Brockton Capital Fund I                 458           1,528
 Primus Capital Fund V                   (7)           5
 San Francisco Equity Partners ("SFEP")  (103)         (389)
 Simmons Parallel Energy                 (144)         53
 EMAC Illyrian Land Fund II              (419)         (56)
 Eden Ventures                           (457)         118
 Weber Capital Partners Fund 1           (855)         801
 Unrealised foreign currency gains       880           15
                                         108           2,473
 Total net gains                         108           2,473

 

San Francisco Equity Partners

SFEP Fund 1 no longer has significant assets and holds a small interest in
ICU, which has been sold as explained above. The general partner is in the
process of winding the fund up.

 

Other fund interests

·   Brockton Capital Fund I - The Company's investment represents its share
(via the Brockton Fund) of preferred debt investments in a Super Prime central
London residential development. The investment showed an increase in the
valuation of £0.5 million for 2022 due to unrealised gains from the unwinding
of the discount rate as the investment is valued on a discounted cash flow
basis;

·   Weber Capital - holds U.S. publicly traded micro-cap securities and
showed an unrealised loss of £0.9 million reflecting a decrease in the
underlying equity prices, partially offset by £0.3 million in foreign
exchange gains;

·    Opus Capital - a U.S. venture fund, showed an unrealised gain of
£0.8 million from valuation gains in its two main assets along with
unrealised foreign exchange gains of £0.6 million; and

·    Eden Ventures - Eden has now sold all of its assets and is in the
process of being wound up. The unrealised loss of £0.5 million reflects
primarily the decrease in value on sale of the last asset.

Costs

Running costs for the year were £1.7 million (2021: £1.8 million) and
investment related costs being support costs for real estate and co-investment
activities, were £0.4 million (2021: £0.3 million).

 

Taxation

The Group tax provision for the year, all of which arose in the subsidiaries,
is £0.4 million (2021: £0.1 million).  This includes £0.2 million of
withholding tax on our foreign sourced income.

 

Financial Resources and Commitments

At 31 December 2022 cash holdings, including cash in subsidiaries, were £17.9
million (31 December 2021: £20.1 million) and neither the Company nor any of
its subsidiaries had any external debt in either 2022 or 2021.

 

At 31 December 2022, subsidiary companies had commitments of £2.7 million (31
December 2021: £2.7 million) to meet outstanding capital calls from fund
interests.

 

 

LMS CAPITAL PLC

17 March 2023

 

 

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the
Financial Statements in accordance with UK adopted international accounting
standards and applicable law and regulations.

 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each
financial year.  Under that law the Directors are required to prepare the
Financial Statements in accordance with UK adopted international accounting
standards. Under company law the Directors must not approve the Financial
Statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of
the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company
for that period.

 

In preparing these Financial Statements, the Directors are required to:

·    select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

·    make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and
prudent;

·    state whether they have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted
international accounting standards, subject to any material departures
disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements;

·    prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it
is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business; and

·  prepare a Directors' Report, a Strategic Report and Directors'
Remuneration Report which comply with the requirements of the Companies Act
2006.

 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are
sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and
enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the Companies
Act 2006.

 

They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence
for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and
other irregularities. The Directors have ensured that the Annual Report and
Accounts, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced, and understandable and
provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the position and
performance, business model and strategy.

 

Website publication

The Directors are responsible for ensuring the annual report and the Financial
Statements are made available on a website.  Financial Statements are
published on the Company's website in accordance with legislation in the
United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial
statements, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions.  The
maintenance and integrity of the Company's website is the responsibility of
the Directors.  The Directors' responsibility also extends to the ongoing
integrity of the Financial Statements contained therein.

 

Directors' responsibilities pursuant to DTR4

 

The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge:

·    The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the
applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the
assets, liabilities, financial position and profit and loss of the Company.

·    The annual report includes a fair review of the development and
performance of the business and the financial position of the Company,
together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they
face.

 

 

Company Income Statement

For the year ended 31 December 2022

                                                    Year ended 31 December
                                                    2022          2021
                                             Notes  £'000         £'000
 Net (loss)/gain on investments              2      (224)         3,837
 Interest income                             3      189           23
 Other income                                       107           -
 Total gain on investments                          72            3,860
 Operating expenses                          4      (1,946)       (1,988)
 (Loss)/profit before tax                           (1,874)       1,872
 Taxation                                    7      -             -
 (Loss)/profit for the year                         (1,874)       1,872

 Attributable to:
 Equity shareholders                                (1,874)       1,872

 (Loss)/profit per ordinary share - basic    8      (2.3)p        2.3p
 (Loss)/profit per ordinary share - diluted  8      (2.3)p        2.3p

All activities of the Company are classed as continuing.

 

 

Company Statement of Other Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 December 2022

                                                     Year ended 31 December
                                                     2022          2021
                                                     £'000         £'000
 (Loss)/profit for the year                          (1,874)       1,872
 Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year      (1,874)       1,872
 Attributable to:
 Equity shareholders                                 (1,874)       1,872

 

 

Company Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 December 2022

                                              31 December
                                              2022         2021
                                       Notes  £'000        £'000
 Assets
 Non-current assets
 Right-of-use assets                   18     70           97
 Investments                           10     68,207       68,461
 Amounts receivable from subsidiaries  13     5,158        5,191
 Total non-current assets                     73,435       73,749

 Current assets
 Operating and other receivables       11     71           51
 Cash                                  12     14,542       14,518
 Total current assets                         14,613       14,569

 Total assets                                 88,048       88,318

 Liabilities
 Current liabilities
 Operating and other payables          14     (428)        (394)
 Amounts payable to subsidiaries       15     (41,032)     (38,740)
 Total current liabilities                    (41,460)     (39,134)

 Non-current liabilities
 Other long-term liabilities           14     (47)         (75)
 Total non-current liabilities                (47)         (75)

 Total liabilities                            (41,507)     (39,209)

 Net assets                                   46,541       49,109

 Equity
 Share capital                         16     8,073        8,073
 Share premium                                508          508
 Capital redemption reserve                   24,949       24,949
 Share-based equity                    17     128          75
 Retained earnings                            12,883       15,504
 Total equity shareholders' funds             46,541       49,109

 Net asset value per ordinary share    24        57.65p       60.83p

 

 

 

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 December 2022

                                                                         Capital     Share-

                                                       Share    Share    redemption  based     Retained  Total
                                                       capital  premium  reserve     equity    earnings  equity
                                                       £'000    £'000    £'000       £'000     £'000     £'000

 Balance at 1 January 2021                             8,073    508      24,949      34        14,359    47,923

 Comprehensive income for the year
 Profit for the year                                   -        -        -           -         1,872     1,872
 Equity after total comprehensive income for the year  8,073    508      24,949      34        16,231    49,795

 Contributions by and distributions to shareholders
 Share-based payments                                  -        -        -           41        -         41
 Dividends                                             -        -        -           -         (727)     (727)
 As at 31 December 2021                                8,073    508      24,949      75        15,504    49,109

 Comprehensive income for the year
 Loss for the year                                     -        -        -           -         (1,874)   (1,874)
 Equity after total comprehensive loss for the year    8,073    508      24,949      75        13,630    47,235

 Contributions by and distributions to shareholders
 Share-based payments                                  -        -        -           53        -         53
 Dividends                                             -        -        -           -         (747)     (747)
 As at 31 December 2022                                8,073    508      24,949      128       12,883    46,541

 

 

Company Cash Flow Statement

For the year ended 31 December 2022

                                                                Year ended 31 December
                                                                2022          2021
                                                         Notes  £'000         £'000
 Cash flows from operating activities
 (Loss)/profit before tax                                       (1,874)       1,872

 Adjustments for non-cash income and expense:
 Equity settled share-based payment                      17     53            41
 Depreciation on right-of-use assets                     18     27            28
 Interest expense on lease                               18     6             8
 Losses/(gains) on investments                            2     224           (3,837)
 Interest income                                         3      (189)         (23)
 Other Income                                                   (107)         -
 Adjustments to incentives plans                         2      30            1
 Exchange gains on cash balances                                (71)          (4)
                                                                (1,901)       (1,914)

 Change in operating assets and liabilities
 Decrease in operating and other receivables                    16            16
 Decrease/(increase) in operating and other payables            34            (23)
 Decrease in amounts receivable from subsidiaries               33            119
 Increase/(decrease) in amounts payable to subsidiaries         2,292         (7)
 Net cash from/(used in) operating activities                   474           (1,809)

 Cash flows from investing activities
 Interest received                                       3      152           23
 Other income received                                          107           -
 Proceeds from redemption of convertible debt            10     -             750
 Investment in subsidiaries                                     -             (75)
 Net cash from investing activities                             259           698

 Cash flows from financing activities
 Dividends paid                                          9      (747)         (727)
 Repayment of principal lease liabilities                18     (27)          (25)
 Repayment of lease interest                             18     (6)           (8)
 Net cash used in financing activities                          (780)         (760)

 Net decrease in cash                                           (47)          (1,871)
 Exchange gains on cash balances                                71            4
 Cash at the beginning of the year                       12     14,518        16,385
 Cash at the end of the year                                    14,542        14,518

 

Notes to the Financial Statements

 

1.        Principal accounting policies

 

Reporting entity

LMS Capital plc ("the Company") is domiciled in the United Kingdom. These
Financial Statements are presented in pounds sterling because that is the
currency of the principal economic environment of the Company's operations.

 

The Company was formed on 17 March 2006 and commenced operations on 9 June
2006 when it received the demerged investment division of London Merchant
Securities plc.

 

The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2022 and the year
ended 31 December 2021 does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts
for those years. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 have
been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The statutory accounts for the
year ended 31 December 2022 will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies
following the Company's Annual General Meeting.

 

The auditors' reports on the accounts for 31 December 2022 and 31 December
2021 were unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of
emphasis, and did not contain a statement under 498(2) or 498(3) of the
Companies Act 2006.

 

Basis of preparation

These Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 have been
prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standards.

 

LMS Capital plc adopted an amendment to IFRS 10 with effect from 11 January
2016, which exempts investment entities from presenting consolidated financial
statements. As a result, the Company is not required to produce consolidated
accounts and only presents the results of the Company.

 

The Financial Statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis
except for investments which are measured at fair value, with changes in fair
value recognised in the Income Statement.

 

The Company's business activities and financial position are set out in the
Strategic Report on pages 10 to 22 and in the Portfolio Management Review on
pages 23 to 29. In addition, note 19 to the financial information includes a
summary of the Company's financial risk management processes, details of its
financial instruments and its exposure to credit risk and liquidity risk.
Taking account of the financial resources available to it, the Directors
believe that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks
successfully. After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable
expectation that the Company has adequate resources for the foreseeable
future.

 

The Financial Statements are prepared on a going concern basis and the
Directors considered this and concluded that the use of the going concern
basis continued to be appropriate. The Company's business activities, together
with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and
financial position, are set out in the Strategic Report on pages 10 to 22 and
the Portfolio Management Review on pages 23 to 29. The Directors have carried
out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks and concluded that
they have a reasonable expectation that the Company will continue in operation
and meet its liabilities as they fall due over a three-year period from the
date of this report. This assessment included reviewing the liquidity
forecasts of the Company that include the flexibility in the dividend policy
and lack of any external debt, the significant cash balances on hand at 31
December 2022, the expected future expenditures and commitments and the latest
report on the investment portfolio. In preparing this liquidity forecast,
consideration has been given to the expected ongoing impact of the war in
Ukraine on the Company and the wider Group as well as the potential impact on
the underlying investee companies. The Directors have considered these factors
for a period not less than 12 months from the date of this report.

 

New and revised accounting standards and amendments effective for the current
period

New and revised accounting standards and amendments that are effective for
annual periods beginning 1 January 2022 which have been adopted for the first
time by the Company:

•     Annual Improvements 2018 - 2020: Amendments to IFRS 9 - Financial
instruments

•     Annual Improvements 2018 - 2020: Amendments to IFRS 16 - Leases

 

The adoption of the standards and amendments listed above did not have any
impact on the amounts recognised in prior periods and are not expected to
significantly affect the current or future periods.

 

These have been endorsed by the EU / adopted by the UK.

 

There are no other standards, amendments to standards or interpretations that
are effective for annual periods beginning on 1 January 2022 that have had a
material effect on the Company's Financial Statements.

 

New accounting standards, amendments and interpretations not yet effective,
and which have not been early adopted

Other standards and amendments that are effective for subsequent reporting
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023 and have not been early adopted
by the Company include:

•     Amendments to IAS 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements:
Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (Amendments to IAS 1)
(effective 1 January 2023).

•     Amendments to IAS 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements and
IFRS Practice Statement 2: Disclosure of Accounting policies (effective 1
January 2023).

•     Amendments to IAS 8 - Accounting policies, Changes in Accounting
Estimates and Errors: Definition of Accounting Estimates (effective 1 January
2023).

•     Amendments to IAS 12 - Income Taxes: Deferred Tax related to
Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction (effective 1 January
2023).

•     Amendments to IFRS 16 - Leases: Lease Liability in a Sale and
Leaseback (effective 1 January 2024).

 

These standards and amendments are not expected to have a significant impact
on the Financial Statements in the period of initial application and therefore
detailed disclosures have not been provided.

 

Amendment to IFRS 16 - Leases

IFRS 16 - Leases was issued in January 2016 and provides a single lessee
accounting model, requiring lessees to recognise assets and liabilities for
all leases unless the lease term is 12 months or less or the underlying asset
has a low value.

 

The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or
after 1 January 2024. Earlier application is permitted. If a seller-lessee
applies the amendments for an earlier period, it is required to disclose that
fact.

 

A seller-lessee applies the amendments retrospectively in accordance with IAS
8 to sale and leaseback transactions entered into after the date of initial
application, which is defined as the beginning of the annual reporting period
in which the entity first applied IFRS 16. A rent concession granted after the
reporting period is a non-adjusting event, as defined in IAS 10 - Events after
the Reporting Period, which is subject to disclosure in the Financial
Statements for the current reporting period, if material.

 

In June 2020, the Company entered into lease agreement with The Rayne
Foundation. The interest rate used by the Company is based on the incremental
borrowing rate of 6.5%.

 

IFRS 2 - Share-based payment

IFRS 2 - Share-based payment requires an entity to recognise equity-settled
share-based payments measured at fair value at the date of grant. The fair
value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments
is expensed over the vesting period, together with a corresponding increase in
other capital reserves, based upon the Company's estimate of the shares that
will eventually vest, which involves making assumptions about any performance
and service conditions over the vesting period. Non-vesting conditions and
market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of the options
granted. The vesting period is determined by the period of time the relevant
participant must remain in the Company's employment before the rights to the
shares transfer unconditionally to them. The total expense is recognised over
the vesting period, which is the period over which all the specified vesting
conditions are to be satisfied. At the end of each period, the Company revises
its estimates on the number of awards it expects to vest based on the service
conditions.

 

Any awards granted are to be settled by the issuance of equity are deemed to
be equity settled share-based payments, accounted for in accordance with IFRS
2 - Share-based payment.

 

Where the terms of an equity-settled transaction are modified, as a minimum,
an expense is recognised as if the terms had not been modified. In addition,
an expense is recognised for any increase in the value of the transaction as a
result of the modification, as measured at the date of modification.

Where an equity-settled transaction is cancelled, it is treated as if it had
vested on the date of the cancellation, and any expense not yet recognised for
the transaction is recognised immediately. However, if a new transaction is
substituted for the cancelled transaction and designated as a replacement
transaction on the date that it is granted, the cancelled and new transactions
are treated as if they were a modification of the original transaction, as
described in the previous paragraph.

 

Accounting for subsidiaries

The Directors have concluded that the Company has all the elements of control
as prescribed by IFRS 10 - Consolidated Financial Statements in relation to
all its subsidiaries and that the Company continues to satisfy the three
essential criteria to be regarded as an investment entity as defined in IFRS
10, IFRS 12 - Disclosure of lnterests in Other Entities and IAS 27 - Separate
Financial Statements. The three essential criteria are such that the entity
must:

•  obtain funds from one or more investors for the purpose of providing
these investors with professional investment management services;

•  commit to its investors that its business purpose is to invest its
funds solely for returns from capital appreciation, investment income or both;
and

•   measure and evaluate the performance of substantially all of its
investments on a fair value basis.

 

In satisfying the second essential criteria, the notion of an investment time
frame is critical. An investment entity should not hold its investments
indefinitely but should have an exit strategy for their realisation. Although
the Company has invested in equity interests that have an indefinite life, it
invests typically for a period of up to 10 years. In some cases, the period
may be longer, depending on the circumstances of the investment, however,
investments are not made with intention of indefinite hold. This is a common
approach in the private equity industry.

 

Subsidiaries are therefore measured at fair value through profit or loss, in
accordance with IFRS 13 - Fair Value Measurement and IFRS 9 - Financial
instruments.

 

The Company's subsidiaries, which are wholly - owned and over which it
exercises control, are listed in note 23.

 

Use of estimates and judgements

The preparation of the Financial Statements require management to make
judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of
accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income
and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and
underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis; revisions to
accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are
revised and in any future periods affected.

 

The areas involving significant judgements are:

·    valuation technique selected in estimating fair value of unquoted
investments -

note 10;

·    valuation technique selected in estimating fair value of investments
held in funds -

note 10; and

·    recognition of deferred tax asset for carried forward tax losses -
note 7 .

 

Use of estimates and judgements

The areas involving significant estimates are:

·    estimated inputs used in calculating fair value of unquoted
investments - note 10; and

·    estimated inputs used in calculating fair value of investments held
in funds - note 10.

 

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated. They are based on
historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future
events that may have financial impact on the entity and that are believed to
be reasonable under the circumstances.

 

Investments in subsidiaries

The Company's investments in subsidiaries are stated at fair value which is
considered to be the carrying value of the net assets of each subsidiary. On
disposal of such investments, the difference between net disposal proceeds and
the corresponding carrying amount is recognised in the Income Statement.

 

Valuation of investments

The Company and its subsidiaries manage their investments with a view to
profit from the receipt of dividends, interest income and increase in fair
value of equity investments which can be realised on sale. Therefore, all
quoted, unquoted and managed fund investments are designated at fair value
through profit or loss which can be realised on sale and carried in the
Statement of Financial Position at fair value.

 

Fair values have been determined in accordance with the International Private
Equity and Venture Capital Valuation ("IPEV") Guidelines. These guidelines
require the valuer to make judgments as to the most appropriate valuation
method to be used and the results of the valuations.

 

Each investment is reviewed individually with regard to the stage, nature and
circumstances of the investment and the most appropriate valuation method
selected. The valuation results are then reviewed and any amendment to the
carrying value of investments is made as considered appropriate.

 

Quoted investments

Quoted investments for which an active market exists are valued at the bid
price at the reporting date.

 

Unquoted direct investments

Unquoted direct investments for which there is no active market are valued
using the most appropriate valuation technique with regard to the stage and
nature of the investment. Valuation methods that may be used include:

·    investments in an established business are valued using revenue or
earnings multiples depending on the stage of development of the business and
the extent to which it is generating sustainable revenue or earnings;

·    investments in an established business which is generating
sustainable revenue or earnings but for which other valuation methods are not
appropriate are valued by calculating the discounted cash flow of future
revenue or earnings;

·    investments in debt instruments or loan notes are determined on a
standalone basis, with the initial investment recorded at the price of the
transaction and subsequent adjustments to the valuation are considered for
changes in credit risk or market rates;

·    convertible instruments are valued by disaggregating the convertible
feature from the debt instrument and valuing it using a Black-Scholes model;
and

·    the Company has adopted the IPEV guidelines issued in December 2022.

 

Funds

Investments in managed funds are valued at fair value. The general partners of
the funds will provide periodic valuations on a fair value basis, the latest
available of which the Company will adopt provided it is satisfied that the
valuation methods used by the funds are not materially different from the
Company's valuation methods. Adjustments will be made to the fund valuation
where the Company believes there is evidence available for an alternative
valuation.

 

Carried interest

The Company historically offered its executives, including Board executives,
the opportunity to participate in the returns from successful investments.  A
variety of incentive and carried interest arrangements were put in place
during the years up to and including 2011. No new schemes have been introduced
since. As is commonplace in the private equity industry, executives may, in
certain circumstances, retain their entitlement under such schemes after they
have left the employment of the Company. The liability under such incentive
schemes is accrued if its performance conditions, measured at the reporting
date, would be achieved if the remaining assets in that scheme were realised
at their fair value at the reporting date. An accrual is made equal to the
amount which the Company would have to pay to any remaining scheme
participants from a realisation of the reported value at the reporting date.

 

Foreign currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange at the
date of transaction. Monetary assets and monetary liabilities denominated in
foreign currencies at the reporting date are reported at the rates of exchange
prevailing at that date and exchange differences are included in the Income
Statement.

 

Right-of-use assets

Right-of-use assets are initially measured at the amount of the lease
liability. Subsequent to initial measurement, lease liabilities increase as a
result of interest charged at a constant rate on the balance outstanding and
are reduced for lease payments made.  Right-of-use assets are amortised on a
straight-line basis over the remaining term of the lease.

 

Intercompany receivables

The Company measured intercompany receivables and other receivables at fair
value less any expected credit losses. Expected credit losses are measured
through a loss allowance at an amount equal to:

·    the 12-month expected credit losses (expected credit losses from
possible default events within 12 months after the reporting date); or

·    full lifetime expected credit losses (expected credit losses from all
possible default events over the life of the financial instrument).

 

A loss allowance for full lifetime expected credit losses is required for
intercompany receivables and other receivables if the credit risk has
increased significantly since initial recognition.

 

Impairment losses on financial assets carried at amortised cost are reversed
in subsequent periods if the expected credit losses decrease.

 

Financial assets held at amortised cost

The Company recognises trade receivables as financial assets classified at
amortised cost. These are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequent to
initial recognition, these are measured at amortised cost, less any expected
credit losses.

 

Expected credit losses for these financial assets are measured using the
simplified approach to the credit loss model. Under the simplified credit loss
model approach, a provision is recognised based on the expectation of default
rates over the full lifetime of the financial assets without the need to
identify significant increases on credit risk on these assets.

 

Cash

Cash, for the purpose of the cash flow statement, comprises cash in hand only.

 

Financial liabilities

The Company's financial liabilities include operating and other payables.
These are initially recognised at fair value. Subsequent measurement is at
amortised cost using the effective interest method.

 

Dividend payable

Dividend distribution to the shareholders is recognised as a liability in
Financial Statements when approved at an annual general meeting by the
shareholders. Interim dividend approved during the year is recorded upon
payment.

 

Income

Gains and losses on investments

Realised and unrealised gains and losses on investments are recognised in the
Income Statement in the period in which they arise.

 

Interest income

Interest income is recognised as it accrues using the effective interest
method.

 

Dividend income

Dividend income is recognised on the date the Company's right to receive
payment is established.

 

Expenditure

Income tax expense

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is
recognised in the Income Statement except to the extent that it relates to
items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.

 

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year,
using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and
any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

 

Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet liability approach,
providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation
purposes. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be
applied to the temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that
have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. A deferred
tax asset is recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable
profits will be available against which temporary differences can be utilised.
Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the
extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be
realised.

 

Additional income taxes that arise from the distribution of dividends are
recognised at the same time as the liability to pay the related dividend is
recognised.

 

2.        Net gains/ losses on investments

Gains and losses on investments were as follows:

                                       Year ended 31 December

                                                                 2022                                  2021
 Investment portfolio of the Company   Realised                  Unrealised  Total       Realised      Unrealised      Total
 Asset type                            £'000                     £'000       £'000       £'000         £'000           £'000
 Unquoted                              -                         -           -           (5)           -               (5)
                                       -                         -           -           (5)           -               (5)
 Credit for incentive plans                                                  30                                        1
                                                                             30                                        (4)
 Investment portfolio of subsidiaries
 Asset type
 Quoted                                (1)                       (220)       (221)       -             186             186
 Unquoted                              24                        (1,285)     (1,261)     -             (90)            (90)
 Funds                                 -                         108         108         -             2,473           2,473
                                       23                        (1,397)     (1,374)     -             2,569           2,569
 Total                                 23                        (1,397)     (1,344)     (5)           2,569           2,565
 Credit/(charge) for incentive plans                                         39                                        (10)
                                                                             (1,305)                                   2,555
 Operating and similar income of subsidiaries*                                     1,081                                    1,282
                                                                             (224)                                     3,837

*Includes operating and legal costs and taxation charges of subsidiaries.

 

The Company operates carried interest arrangements in line with normal
practice in the private equity industry. The credit for incentive plans for
the Company is £30,000 (2021: £1,000) and other incentives relating to
historic arrangements. The charge for subsidiaries is included in the net
gains/ losses on investments in the Income Statement.

 

3.        Interest income

Interest income comprises of interest earned on bank deposits and on loan
investments.

 

4.        Operating expenses

Operating expenses comprise administrative expenses and include the
following:

 

                                                        Year ended 31 December
                                                        2022          2021
                                                        £'000         £'000
 Directors' remuneration (note 5)                       726           716
 Staff expenses (note 6)                                462           309
 Depreciation on right-of-use assets                    27            28
 Other administrative expenses                          670           752
 Foreign currency exchange differences                  (24)          130
 Auditor's remuneration
 Fees to Company auditor                                85            53
         - parent company                               67            35
         - interim review for LMS Capital plc           18            18
                                                        1,946         1,988

The audit fee comprises of £67,200 (2021: £34,500) for LMS Capital plc,
£18,250 (2021: £18,250) for the interim review. Audit fees for the
subsidiaries of £103,700 (2021: £72,500) were directly charged to
subsidiaries.

 

5.        Directors' Remuneration

                                                    Year ended 31 December
                                                    2022          2021
                                                    £'000         £'000
 Directors' remuneration                            584           570
 Directors' social security contributions           77            92
 Directors' other benefits                          65            54
                                                    726           716

 The highest paid Director was Nicholas Friedlos    367           349

 (2021 - Nicholas Friedlos)

The average number of Directors was as follows:

                              31 December 2022        31 December 2021
                              Male    Female  Total   Male      Female                Total
 Average number of Directors  5       -       5       5                 -             5
                              5       -       5           5             -                      5

 

6.        Staff Expenses

                                             Year ended 31 December
                                             2022          2021
                                             £'000         £'000
 Wages and salaries                          378           253
 Employers' social security contributions    54            30
 Employers' other benefits                   30            26
                                             462           309

 

Staff benefits includes pension and health insurance. These benefits are
recognised as expenses on an accrual basis as they are incurred.

 

The average number of staff was as follows:

                          2022  2021
 Average number of staff  4     5
                          4       5

 

7.        Taxation

                                                                                                           Year ended 31 December
                                                                                                           2022          2021
                                                                                                           £'000         £'000
 Current tax expense
 Current year                                                                                              -             -
 Total tax expense                                                                                         -             -
                                                                                                           Year ended 31 December

 Reconciliation of tax expense
                                                                                                           2022          2021
                                                                                                           £'000         £'000
 (Loss)/profit before tax                                                                                  (1,874)       1,872
 Corporation tax using the Company's domestic tax rate - 19% (2021: 19%)                                   (356)         356
 Fair value adjustments not currently taxed                                                                261           (486)
 Non-deductible income                                                                                     (214)         (214)
 Difference between taxable and accounting profit on disposal                                              -                29
 Capital allowances                                                                                        (3)           (3)
 Company relief                                                                                            476           406
 Deferred tax asset not recognised                                                                         85            155
 Group relief received                                                                                     (249)         (243)
 Total tax expense                                                                                         -                -

 

As at year end, there are cumulative potential deferred tax assets of £2.377
million (2021: £2.205 million) in relation to the Company's cumulative tax
losses of £9.510 million (2021: £8.819 million). It is uncertain when the
Company will generate sufficient taxable profits in the future to utilise
these amounts and therefore no deferred tax asset has been recognised in the
current or prior year.

 

8.        (Loss)/profit per ordinary share

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share, in accordance
with IAS 33, is based on the following data:

                                                                       Year ended 31 December
                                                                       2022          2021
                                                                       £'000         £'000
 (Loss)/profit
 (Loss)/profit for the purposes of (loss)/profit per share
 being net (loss)/profit attributable to equity holders of the parent  (1,874)       1,872

                                                                       Number        Number
 Number of shares
 Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the
 purposes of basic (loss)/profit per share                             80,727,450     80,727,450

 (Loss)/profit per share                                               Pence         Pence
 Basic                                                                 (2.3)         2.3
 Diluted                                                               (2.3)         2.3

 

The Company share awards issued will be dilutive if and when vested.

 

9.        Dividends paid

Dividends declared during the year ending 31 December 2022 are as follows.

                                    Dividend date   Payment Date       Dividend  Dividend

                                                                       £'000     per share

                                                                                 pence

 Final dividend payment for 2020    21 May 2021     14 June 2021       484       0.6000
 Interim dividend payment for 2021  13 August 2021  03 September 2021  243       0.3000
 Total as at 31 December 2021                                          727       0.9000

 

 Final dividend payment for 2021    27 May 2022     23 June 2022       505  0.6250
 Interim dividend payment for 2022  12 August 2022  12 September 2022  242  0.3000
 Total as at 31 December 2022                                          747  0.9250

 

A final dividend of 0.625p per share is recommended by the Board and, subject
to approval by shareholders at the AGM on 17 May 2023, will be paid out in
early June 2023.

 

10.     Investments

The Company's investments comprised the following:

                                       Year ended 31 December
                                       2022          2021
                                       £'000         £'000
 Total investments                     68,207        68,461
 These comprise:
 Investment portfolio of subsidiaries  30,964        30,938
 Other net assets of subsidiaries      37,243        37,523
                                       68,207        68,461

 

The carrying amounts of the subsidiaries' investment portfolios were as
follows:

                                       Year ended 31 December
                                       2022          2021
 Investment portfolio of subsidiaries  £'000         £'000

 Asset type
 Quoted                                160           383
 Unquoted                               16,771        16,626
 Funds                                 14,033        13,929
                                       30,964        30,938
 Other net assets of subsidiaries      37,243        37,523
                                       68,207        68,461

 

The movements in the investment portfolio were as follows:

                                       Quoted      Unquoted
                                       securities  securities  Funds   Total
                                       £'000       £'000       £'000   £'000
 Balance at 1 January 2021             197         10,138      11,858  22,193
 Purchases                             -           8,394       -       8,394
 Proceeds from disposal                -           (750)       -       (750)
 Distributions from partnerships       -           (1,586)     (445)   (2,031)
 Contribution to partnerships          -           115         43      158
 Fair value adjustments                186         (95)        2,473   2,564
 Reclassification of withholding tax*  -           410         -       410
 Balance at 31 December 2021           383         16,626      13,929  30,938

 

*As at 31 December 2020, unquoted securities investment fair value included a
provision for withholding tax on distributions. This distribution was received
in the first quarter of 2021 and the remaining estimated withholding tax
liability of £0.4 million was reclassified to current liabilities as at 31
December 2021.

 

                                  Quoted      Unquoted
                                  securities  securities  Funds   Total
                                  £'000       £'000       £'000   £'000
 Balance at 1 January 2022        383         16,626      13,929  30,938
 Accrued interest                 -           1,274       -       1,274
 Purchases                        -           427         -       427
 Proceeds from disposal           (2)         -           -       (2)
 Distributions from partnerships  -           (375)       (56)    (431)
 Contribution to partnerships     -           80          52      132
 Fair value adjustments           (221)       (1,261)     108     (1,374)
 Balance at 31 December 2022      160         16,771      14,033  30,964

 

The following table analyses investments carried at fair value at the end of
the year, by the level in the fair value hierarchy into which the fair value
measurement is categorised. The different levels have been defined as follows:

Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets;

Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are
observable for the asset, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly
(i.e., derived from prices); and

Level 3: inputs for the asset that are not based on observable market data
(unobservable inputs such as trading comparables and liquidity discounts).

 

Fair value measurements are based on observable and unobservable inputs.
Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while
unobservable inputs reflect the Company's view of market assumptions in the
absence of observable market information (see note 19 - Financial risk
management).

 

The Company's investments are analysed as follows:

                31 December
                2022    2021
                £'000   £'000
 Level 1        -       -
 Level 2        -       -
 Level 3        68,207  68,461
                68,207  68,461

 

Level 3 includes:

                                           31 December
                                           2022    2021
                                           £'000   £'000
 Investment portfolio of subsidiaries      30,964  30,938
 Other net assets of subsidiaries          37,243  37,523
                                           68,207  68,461

 

Investment portfolio of subsidiaries includes quoted investments of £160,000
(2021: £383,000).

There were no transfers between levels during the year ending 31 December
2022.

 

11.     Operating and other receivables

                                            31 December
                                            2022    2021
                                            £'000   £'000
 Other receivables and prepayments          71      51
                                            71      51

12.     Cash

                        31 December
                        2022    2021
                        £'000   £'000
 Bank balances          201     351
 Demand deposits        14,341  14,167
                        14,542  14,518

 

At 31 December 2022, the total Group's cash balance is £17.906 million (2021:
£20.113 million) which includes cash held in subsidiaries of £3.364 million
(2021: £5.595 million).

 

13.     Amounts receivable from subsidiaries

 

                                               31 December
                                               2022    2021
                                               £'000   £'000
 Amounts receivable from subsidiaries          5,158   5,191
                                               5,158   5,191

Amounts receivable from subsidiaries are intercompany loans repayable on
demand and are interest free.

 

14.     Operating and other payables

                                                      31 December
                                                      2022    2021
                                                      £'000   £'000
 Carried interest provision                           9       35
 Trade payables                                       41      43
 Other non-trade payables and accrued expenses        378     316
                                                      428     394
 Other long-term lease liabilities                    47      75
                                                      475     469

 

The Company operates carried interest arrangements in line with normal
practice in the private equity industry, calculated on the assumption that the
investment portfolio is realised at its year end carrying amount. As at 31
December 2022, £9,000 (2021: £35,000) has been accrued for in the Company
and £419,000 (2021: £438,000) has been accrued for in the subsidiaries.
Carried interest accrued for in the subsidiaries is included in the amounts
owing to subsidiaries on the Statement of Financial Position.

 

As at 31 December 2022, other non-trade payables and accrued expenses of
378,000 (2021: 316,000) includes current lease liability of 28,000 (2021:
26,000).

 

15.     Amounts payable to subsidiaries

                                          31 December
                                          2022    2021
                                          £'000   £'000
 Amounts payable to subsidiaries          41,032  38,740
                                          41,032  38,740

Amounts payable to subsidiaries are intercompany loans repayable on demand and
are interest free.

 

16.     Capital and reserves

Share capital

                                       2022        2022    2021               2021
 Ordinary shares                       Number      £'000   Number             £'000
 Balance at the beginning of the year  80,727,450  8,073       80,727,450     8,073
 Balance at the end of the year        80,727,450  8,073       80,727,450     8,073

 

The Company's ordinary shares have a nominal value of 10p per share and all
shares in issue are fully paid up.

 

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared
from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the
Company.

 

Share premium account

The Company's share premium account arose on the exercise of share options in
prior years.

 

Capital redemption reserve

The capital redemption reserve comprises the nominal value of shares purchased
by the Company out of its own profits and cancelled.

 

17.     Share awards

In 2020, the Company established a long-term incentive plan for the employees
of the Company. The plan grants the Board the authority to allot up to 1,000
VCP units with both performance and service conditions attached. The VCP units
can only be awarded at the end of the five-year vesting period, 30 June 2025,
if certain minimum performance conditions are met. These minimum performance
conditions include two performance targets over the measurement period,
including a minimum hurdle rate such that the annualised TSR over the
measurement period must be not less than 8% and a minimum share price of
52.8p. If the minimum performance targets are met, the amount that the plan
participants will receive will depend on the TSR performance of the Company
achieved over the five-year vesting period. The Board retains the right to
settle these awards in either shares or cash. As the Company does not have a
present obligation to settle in cash, the awards are all recognised as equity
settled share awards.

The first share awards were granted in 2020 with respect to the performance
year ended 31 December 2020. There were no share awards granted for the year
ending 31 December 2022 (2021: Nil).

 

 Grant date        Type of award  Number of shares awarded  Fair value/  Vesting conditions                                                          Final vesting date

                                                            share

 30 June 2020      Shares         500                       £418.44      Awards vest quarterly over five years provided the employee is still in     30 June 2025
                                                                         service of the Company.
 17 November 2020  Shares         125                       £393.63      Awards vest quarterly over five years provided the employee is still in     30 June 2025
                                                                         service of the Company.

The fair value of the option granted in 2020 has been estimated using the
Monte Carlo simulation. The principal assumption used in the calculation were
as follows:

                                      2020
 Share price at 30 June 2020          £ 0.328
 Share price at 17 November 2020      £ 0.299
 Exercise price                       -
 Expected life                        5 years
 Weighted average risk-free rate      (0.04%)
 Dividend yield                       2.0%

 

 

                                  Number of awards        Weighted average fair value per award
 Outstanding at 1 January 2021                    625                           £413.48
 Granted                                          -                             -
 Outstanding at 31 December 2021                  625                           £413.48
 Granted                                          -                             -
 Outstanding at 31 December 2022                  625                           £413.48

 

18.     Leases

Lease commitments

The Company leases rental office and information with regards to this lease is
outlined below:

 

 Rental lease asset                                       £'000
 Leased asset recognised under IFRS 16 at 1 January 2021  125
 Depreciation for the year                                (28)
 Balance at 31 December 2021                              97
 Depreciation for the year                                (27)
 Balance as at 31 December 2022                           70

 

 Rental lease liability                                   £'000
 Leased asset recognised under IFRS 16 at 1 January 2021  127
 Unwinding of the discount on lease liability             8
 Payments for lease                                       (33)
 Balance at 31 December 2021                              102
 Unwinding of the discount on lease liability             6
 Payments for lease                                       (33)
 Balance as at 31 December 2022                           75

 

19.     Financial risk management

Financial instruments by category

The following tables analyse the Company's financial assets and financial
liabilities in accordance with the categories of financial instruments in IFRS
9. Assets and liabilities outside the scope of IFRS 9 are not included in the
table below:

                                  31 December
                                  2022                            2021
                                  Fair                            Fair
                                  Value                           Value
                                  through    Measured at          through    Measured at
                                  profit or  amortised            profit or  amortised
                                  loss       cost         Total   loss       cost         Total
 Financial assets                 £'000      £'000        £'000   £'000      £'000        £'000
 Investments                      68,207     -            68,207  68,461     -            68,461
 Amounts receivable from          -          5,158        5,158   -          5,191        5,191

 subsidiaries
 Operating and other receivables  -          60           60      -          41           41
 Cash                             -          14,542       14,542  -          14,518       14,518
 Total                            68,207     19,760       87,967  68,461     19,750       88,211

 

                                  31 December
                                  2022                          2021
                                  Fair                          Fair
                                  Value      Measured           Value      Measured
                                  through    at                 through    at
                                  profit or  amortised          profit or  amortised
                                  loss       cost       Total   loss       cost       Total
 Financial liabilities            £'000      £'000      £'000   £'000      £'000      £'000
 Operating and other payables     -          400        400     -          367        367
 Amounts payable to subsidiaries  -          41,032     41,032  -          38,740     38,740
 Lease liabilities                -          75         75      -          102        102
 Total                            -          41,507     41,507  -          39,209     39,209

 

Intercompany payables to subsidiaries are all repayable on demand thus there
are no discounted contractual cash flows to present.

 

The Company has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial
instruments:

·    credit risk;

·    liquidity risk; and

·    market risk.

 

This note presents information about the Company's exposure to each of the
above risks, its policies for measuring and managing risk, and its management
of capital.

 

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of the financial loss to the Company if a counterparty
to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations and arises
principally from the Company's receivables and its cash.

                                                       31 December
                                                       2022    2021
                                                       £'000   £'000
 Amounts receivable from subsidiaries                  5,158   5,191
 Operating and other receivables                       60      41
 Cash                                                  14,542  14,518
                                                       19,760  19,750

 

The Company limits its credit risk exposure by only depositing funds with
highly rated institutions. Cash holdings at 31 December 2022 and 2021 were
held in institutions currently rated A or better by Standard and Poor. Given
these ratings, the Company does not expect any counterparty to fail to meet
its obligations and therefore, no allowance for impairment is made for bank
deposits.

 

The loss allowance as at 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021 was determined
as follows for trade receivables:

                              More than         More than         More than
                     Current  30 days past due  60 days past due  120 days past due  Total
 2022                £'000    £'000             £'000             £'000              £'000
 Expected loss rate  -        -                 -                 100%               -
 Other receivables   60       -                 -                 -                  60
 Total               60       -                 -                 -                  60

 

                              More than         More than         More than
                     Current  30 days past due  60 days past due  120 days past due  Total
 2021                £'000    £'000             £'000             £'000              £'000
 Expected loss rate  -        -                 -                 100%               -
 Other receivables   41       -                 -                 -                  41
 Total               41       -                 -                 -                  41

 

The Company recognised credit losses of the full value of receivable for trade
receivables not recovered after 4 months. As at 31 December 2022, the Company
does not have an outstanding trade receivable (2021: £nil).

 

For the year ending 31 December 2022, the Company did not witness significant
increase in the credit risk since the initial recognition of the outstanding
receivable from subsidiaries and other receivables, therefore, no expected
losses were recognised during the year (2021: £nil).

 

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its
financial obligations as they fall due. Its financing requirements are met
through a combination of liquidity from the sale of investments and the use of
cash resources.

The following table shows an analysis of the financial assets and financial
liabilities by remaining expected maturities as at 31 December 2022 and 31
December 2021.

 

Financial assets:

                                       Up to      3-12     1-5     Over      Total

                                       3 months   months   years   5 years
 2022                                  £'000      £'000    £'000   £'000     £'000
 Investment                            -          -        -       68,907    68,907
 Amounts receivable from subsidiaries  -          -        -       5,158     5,158
 Operating and other receivables       60         -        -       -         60
 Cash                                  14,542     -        -       -         14,542
 Total                                 14,602     -        -       74,065    88,667

 

                                       Up to      3-12     1-5     Over      Total

                                       3 months   months   years   5 years
 2021                                  £'000      £'000    £'000   £'000     £'000
 Investment                            -          -        -       68,461    68,461
 Amounts receivable from subsidiaries  -          -        -       5,191     5,191
 Operating and other receivables       41         -        -       -         41
 Cash                                  14,518     -        -       -         14,518
 Total                                 14,559     -        -       73,652    88,211

 

Financial liabilities:

                                 Up to      3-12     1-5     Over      Total

                                 3 months   months   years   5 years
 2022                            £'000      £'000    £'000   £'000     £'000
 Operating and other payables    400        -        -       -         400
 Amount payable to subsidiaries  41,032     -        -       -         41,032
 Lease liabilities               6          22       47      -         75
 Total                           41,438     22       47      -         41,507

 

 

                                 Up to      3-12     1-5     Over      Total

                                 3 months   months   years   5 years
 2021                            £'000      £'000    £'000   £'000     £'000
 Operating and other payables    367        -        -       -         367
 Amount payable to subsidiaries  38,740     -        -       -         38,740
 Lease liabilities               6          21       75      -         102
 Total                           39,113     21       75      -         39,209

 

In addition, some of the Company's subsidiaries have uncalled capital
commitments to funds of £2,674,000 (2021: £2,665,000) for which the timing
of payment is uncertain (see note 20).

 

Market risk

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices such as foreign exchange
rates, interest rates and equity prices will affect the Company's income or
the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The Company aims to manage
this risk within acceptable parameters while optimising the return.

 

Currency risk

The Company is exposed to currency risk on those of its investments which are
denominated in a currency other than the Company's functional currency which
is pounds sterling. The only other significant currency within the investment
portfolio is the US dollar; approximately 76% of the investment portfolio is
denominated in US dollars.

 

The Company does not hedge the currency exposure related to its investments.
The Company regards its exposure to exchange rate changes on the underlying
investment as part of its overall investment return and does not seek to
mitigate that risk through the use of financial derivatives.

 

The Company is exposed to translation currency risk on sales and purchases
which are denominated in a currency other than the Company's functional
currency. The currency in which these transactions are denominated is
principally US dollars.

 

The Company's exposure to foreign currency risk was as follows:

                                       31 December
                                       2022                      2021
                                       GBP       USD     Other   GBP       USD      Other
                                       £'000     £'000   £'000   £'000     £'000    £'000
 Investments                           44,118    23,486  603     44,794    22,554   1,113
 Amounts receivable from subsidiaries  5,157     1       -       5,172     11       8
 Right-of-use assets                   70        -       -       97        -        -
 Operating and other receivables       71        -       -       41        -        -
 Cash                                  14,228    314     -       14,018    500      -
 Operating and other payables          (440)     (35)    -       (434)     (35)     -
 Amount payable to subsidiaries        (41,014)  (18)    -       (31,597)  (7,143)  -
 Gross exposure                        22,190    23,748  603     32,091    15,887   1,121
 Forward exchange contracts            -         -       -       -         -        -
 Net exposure                          22,190    23,748  603     32,091    15,887   1,121

 

 The aggregate net foreign exchange profit recognised in profit or loss were:

                                                                               31 December
                                                                               2022    2021
                                                                               £'000   £'000
 Net foreign exchange profit on investment                                     2,769   21
 Net foreign exchange profit on non-investment                                 439      172
 Total net foreign exchange profit recognised in profit before income tax for  3,208    193
 the year

 

At 31 December 2022, the rate of exchange was USD $1.21 = £1.00 (2021: $1.35
= £1.00).

 

A 10% strengthening of the US dollar against the pound sterling would have
increased equity and increased profit by £2.6 million at 31 December 2022
(2021: increased equity and increased profit by £1.8 million). This assumes
that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant. A
weakening of the US dollar by 10% against the pound sterling would have
decreased equity and decreased the profit for the year by £2.2 million (2021:
decreased equity and decreased the profit for the year by £1.4 million). This
level of change is considered to be reasonable based on observations of
current conditions.

 

Interest rate risk

At the reporting date, the Company's cash is exposed to interest rate risk and
the sensitivity below is based on these amounts.

 

An increase of 100 basis points in interest rates at the reporting date would
have increased equity by £145,000 (2021: increase of £155,000) and increased
the profit for the year by £145,000 (2021: increased the profit £155,000). A
decrease of 100 basis points would have decreased equity and increased the
loss for the year by the same amounts. This level of change is considered to
be reasonable based on observations of current conditions.

 

Fair values

All items not held at fair value in the Statement of Financial Position have
fair values that approximate their carrying values.

 

Other market price risk

Equity price risk arises from equity securities held as part of the Company's
portfolio of investments. The Company's management of risk in its investment
portfolio focuses on diversification in terms of geography and sector, as well
as type and stage of investment.

 

The Company's investments comprise unquoted investments in its subsidiaries
and investments in quoted investments. The subsidiaries' investment portfolios
comprise investments in quoted and unquoted equity and debt instruments.
Quoted investments are quoted on the main stock exchanges in London and New
York. A proportion of the unquoted investments are held through funds managed
by external managers.

 

As is common practice in the venture and development capital industry, the
investments in unquoted companies are structured using a variety of
instruments including ordinary shares, preference shares and other shares
carrying special rights, options and warrants and debt instruments with and
without conversion rights. The investments are held for resale with a view to
the realisation of capital gains. Generally, the investments do not pay
significant income.

 

The significant unobservable inputs used at 31 December 2022 in measuring
investments categorised as level 3 in note 11 are considered below:

1.      Unquoted securities (carrying value £17 million) are valued
using the most appropriate valuation technique such as a revenue-based
approach, an earnings-based approach, or a discounted cash flow approach.
These investments are sensitive to both the overall market and industry
specific fluctuations that can impact multiples and comparable company
valuations. In most cases the valuation method uses inputs based on comparable
quoted companies for which the key unobservable inputs are:

·    EBITDA multiples of approximately five times dependent on the business
of each individual company, its performance and the sector in which it
operates;

·      revenue multiples in the range 0.30-1.5 times, also dependent on
attributes at individual investment level; and

·   discounts applied of up to 50%, to reflect the illiquidity of unquoted
companies compared to similar quoted companies. The discount used requires the
exercise of judgement taking into account factors specific to individual
investments such as size and rate of growth compared to other companies in the
sector.

·    Investments in funds (carrying value £14 million) are valued using
reports from the general partners of the fund interests with adjustments made
for calls, distributions and foreign currency movements since the date of the
report (if prior to 31 December 2022). The Company also carries out its own
review of individual funds and their portfolios to satisfy themselves that the
underlying valuation bases are consistent with the basis of valuation and
knowledge of the investments and the sectors in which they operate. However,
the degree of detail on valuations varies significantly by fund and, in
general, details of unobservable inputs used are not available.

 

Two of the Company's subsidiaries' underlying investments are valued using
discounted cash flow ("DCF") models.  The table below shows the effect on
profit / (loss) of increasing or decreasing the discount rate used on the
valuation on these investments. The base-case discount rate used is 30% and a
change to 20% or 40% is considered to be reasonable possible change for the
purpose of the sensitivity analysis.

                                                     31 December
                                                     2022     2021
                                                     £'000    £'000
 Effect of change in discount rate to 20%            1,643    1,059
 Effect of change in discount rate to 40%            (1,201)  (840)

 

The valuation of the investments in subsidiaries makes use of multiple
interdependent significant unobservable inputs and it is not meaningful to
sensitise variations of any one input on the value of the investment portfolio
as a whole. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing
basis, however, inputs are highly subjective. Changes in any one of the
variables, earnings or revenue multiples or illiquidity discounts could
potentially have a significant effect on the valuation.

 

The reported values of the level 3 investments would change, should there be a
change in the underlying assumptions and unobservable inputs driving these
values. The Company has performed a sensitivity analysis to assess the overall
impact of a 10% movement in these reported values of investments, on the
profit for the year. The effect on profit / (loss) is shown in the table
below:

 

                                                         31 December
                                                         2022     2021
                                                         £'000    £'000
 Effect of 10% decrease in investment value              (6,800)  (6,800)
 Effect of 10% increase in investment value              6,800    6,800

 

Capital management

The Company's total capital at 31 December 2022 was £47 million (2021: £49
million) comprising equity share capital and reserves. The Company had no
borrowings at 31 December 2022 (2021: £nil).

In order to meet the Company's capital management objectives, the Board
monitors and reviews the broad structure of the Company's capital on an
ongoing basis. This review includes:

·    Working capital requirements and follow-on investment capital for
portfolio investments, including calls from funds;

·    Capital available for new investments; and

·    The annual dividend policy and other possible distributions to
shareholders.

 

20.     Capital commitments

                                         31 December
                                         2022    2021
                                         £'000   £'000
 Outstanding commitments to funds        2,674   2,665

 

The outstanding capital commitments to funds comprise unpaid calls in respect
of funds where a subsidiary of the Company is a limited partner.

 

As of 31 December 2022, the Company has no other contingencies or commitments
to disclose (2021: £nil).

21.     Related party transaction

During the year, the Company paid rent of £32,780 (2021: £32,780) to The
Rayne Foundation. Robert Rayne is the Chairman of The Rayne Foundation.

 

22.     Subsequent events

There are no subsequent events that would materially affect the interpretation
of these Financial Statements.

 

23.     Subsidiaries

The Company's subsidiaries are as follows:

 Name                                     Country of incorporation  Holding %  Activity
 International Oilfield Services Limited  Bermuda                   100        Investment holding
 LMS Capital (Bermuda) Limited            Bermuda                   100        Investment holding
 LMS Capital Group Limited                England and Wales         100        Investment holding
 LMS Capital Holdings Limited             England and Wales         100        Investment holding
 Lioness Property Investments Limited     England and Wales         100        Investment holding
 Lion Property Investments Limited        England and Wales         100        Investment holding
 Lion Investments Limited                 England and Wales         100        Investment holding
 Lion Cub Property Investments Limited    England and Wales         100        Dormant
 Tiger Investments Limited                England and Wales         100        Investment holding
 LMS Tiger Investments (II) Limited       England and Wales         100        Investment holding
 Westpool Investment Trust Plc            England and Wales         100        Investment holding
 Cavera Limited                           England and Wales         100        Trading
 LMS Co-Invest Limited                    England and Wales         100        Trading

 

The registered office addresses of the Company's subsidiaries are as follows:

Subsidiaries incorporated in England and Wales: 3 Bromley Place, London,
United Kingdom, W1T 6DB.

Subsidiaries and partnerships incorporated in Bermuda: Clarendon House, 2
Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda.

 

24.     Net asset value per share

The net asset value per ordinary shares in issue are as follows:

                                           31 December
                                           2022        2021
 NAV (£'000)                               46,541      49,109
 Number of ordinary shares in issue        80,727,450  80,727,450
 NAV per share (in pence)                  57.65       60.83

 

 

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.   END  FR FIFEVVIIIFIV

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