Investment Co. Regulatory News (INV)

The Investment Company plc

Final Results for year ended 31st March 2012

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Chairman's Statement

Ordinary shareholders will already be aware that the twelve months of our trading year to 31 March 2012 has been something of a rollercoaster in stock market prices. At the time of my Interim Statement, I reported to you that the net asset value per share had fallen from 318.24p at 31 March 2011 to 249.59p at 30 September 2011. Furthermore most of this decline had been seen in the three months since the end of June when our reported net asset value was 311.02p. Your Board is therefore expecting ordinary shareholders to be pleased with the announcement I am now making that the net asset value at 31March 2012 is 315.98p.

Shareholders should find the reconciliation table set out below helpful in understanding how the NAV has changed during the year to 31 March 2012.

We commented in our Interim Management Statement, issued on 22February, that following a significant recovery in the price of the ordinary shares of Lloyds Banking Group (which had risen over 60% from a low of 22p in November to 36p in early February) the market price of the Enhanced Capital Notes had begun to reflect that trend. Following the first quarter's figures for the Bank, announced since our year end, your Board feels justified in continuing to anchor our investment portfolio in this group of securities.

The Revenue in the first half of the year was almost exactly the same as in the six months to 30 September 2010. It can be seen clearly therefore in these full year figures that there has been some exceptional revenue receipts in the second half since total income is some £300,000 ahead of last year. This is almost entirely accounted for by the receipt of many years of accrued preference dividends on our holdings of Associated British Engineering. We were involved in the negotiations which led to a Capital Reorganisation at that company and we agreed to accept ordinary shares in lieu of preference dividend arrears and to convert the nominal value of the 7% preference shares into a short-dated 6% Loan Note. Since this Note is repayable at par at any time at the option of the issuing company and is compulsorily repayable within three years we accepted this conversion from a stock which had failed to pay a dividend for nine years. The 8% preference shares were redeemed for cash at par plus the nine years of arrears.

Settlement of the arrears of dividend on the 7% preference shares by way of the issue of ordinary shares resulted in the company becoming the owner of more than 10% of the equity of Associated British Engineering. Your Board was able to sell just over half of this holding at the notional issue price with the result that we now hold just under 5% of the equity of that company in addition to the Loan Notes and together these investments amount to our seventh largest holding, 3.6% of our total portfolio.

Since the year-end it has been announced that we have sold, subject to Regulatory, approval our entire holding of Fiske plc ordinary shares. At 31March this holding was valued at 5.24% of our portfolio but has been sold at a premium of 33 % to its then market price so we have realised a profit of almost 10% on our book value and added 11.9p per ordinary share to the net asset value. We were approached by an Executive Director of Fiske who has also served as our Company Secretary, James Harrison and were pleased to enter into negotiations which have released us (at a satisfactory price) from a somewhat unmarketable investment but ensures that we continue to remain on excellent terms with a company that has provided secretarial and administrative services to us for some time.

Because of the exceptional nature of the increase in income arising in this year your Directors have resolved to declare a final dividend of 4p on the ordinary shares (4p in 2011) which maintains the increased payment that was declared for the previous year and will result in the participating preference shareholders receiving the same dividend of 4.5p on 1 October that they received last year. The ordinary dividend will be paid on 13 July 2012 to shareholders on the register on 22 June 2012. The ordinary shares will be quoted ex-dividend on 20 June 2012. Retained earnings will restore to our distributable reserves part of the drawings made upon them between 2006 and 2009.

Your Directors are aware of the shrinking constituency of securities which have formed the portfolio of your company for many years and continue to investigate developments which might mitigate dependence on the fewer and fewer investment opportunities. Meanwhile it is their expectation that the fortunes of your company should remain on a somewhat steadier course than has been our recent experience.

Sir David Thomson Bt.

Chairman

21 May 2012

Directors' report

Principal activities and review of the business

The directors present to the Members the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2012, which incorporate the consolidated results of The Investment Company plc ("the Company") and its subsidiary undertakings ("the Group").

Review of the Business

The principal activity of the Company is investment in preference shares and prior charge securities with a view to achieving a high rate of income and capital growth over the medium term. A full review of the activities of the Company and its subsidiaries in the year under review is given in the Chairman's Statement.

The Company owns Abport Limited, an investment dealing company, and New Centurion Trust Limited, an investment company.

Results and Dividends

A final dividend of 4p (2011 Final: 4p) per ordinary share will be paid, subject to shareholders' approval, on 13 July 2012, which together with the interim dividend of 2p (2011: 2p) makes a total of 6p (2011: 6p) for the year. Half-yearly dividends have been paid on the Participating Preference Shares of 4.5p on 1 October 2011 (2010: 4.25p) and of 3.5p on 1 April 2012 (2011: 3.5p).

The consolidated net asset value per ordinary share at 31 March 2012, before deducting the proposed final ordinary dividend, was 315.96 p per share (2011: 318.24p).

The consolidated balance sheet shows net assets at 31 March 2012 of £8,397,621 and the Company's balance sheet shows net assets of £11,365,437. The difference relates to the cost of non-voting shares in the Company held by New Centurion Trust Limited, which are shown as a reduction in shareholders' funds in the consolidated balance sheet, the post acquisition results of the Company's subsidiaries and an historic charge for amortised goodwill. A reconciliation of the differences in the balance sheets is given in note 18 to the accounts.

Strategy and investment policy

The Group's objective is to achieve attractive and sustainable growth in Earnings per Share and Net Asset Value principally through investment in preference shares and prior charge securities. The Board seeks to achieve this objective through investment in a diversified portfolio of holdings such that no investment, at the time it is made, results in more than 20% of the portfolio being in the securities of any one company or issuer. In addition, the board seeks to ensure that the portfolio is substantially invested into preference shares and prior charge securities, with no more than 10% of the portfolio invested in ordinary shares, with the portfolio being, subject to special circumstances, predominantly in sterling denominated instruments of United Kingdom-based issuers.

The Group's structure has given rise to a high level of gearing. This has been reduced in both absolute and relative terms during the year following the redemption of a number of the Group's long term holdings. It is the board's long-term objective to reduce the Group's gearing to at least a level such that the cost thereof is, together with any ordinary dividends, met out of current revenue.

Future Developments

All investments will be reviewed in the context of changing economic conditions. The directors consider that the general policies adopted over the last few years should be as successful in the future as they have been in the past. Despite the rougher economic seas in which our country finds itself today the present Board of directors are confident that the Group's portfolio of investments is well placed to weather the storm.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The management of the business and the execution of the Group's strategy are subject to a number of risks. The key business risks affecting the Group are:

(i) Investment decisions: the performance of the Group's portfolio is dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to the quality of initial investment decisions and the strategy and timing of sales;

(ii) Investment valuations: the valuation of the Group's portfolio and opportunities for realisations depend to some extent on stock market conditions and interest rates; and

(iii) Macro-economic environment for preference shares and prior charge securities: the environment for issuing of new preference shares and prior charge securities determines whether new issues become available, thus affecting the choice and scope of investment opportunities for the Group.

Further information is set out in note 23 to the accounts.

Environmental impact

The Directors consider that there is no material environmental impact arising from the Group's activities.

Social and community issues

This review does not contain any information pertaining to social and community issues.

Key performance indicators

During the year the Earnings per Ordinary Share on the revenue account increased from 10.36p to 24.23p whilst the Net Asset Value per Ordinary share decreased from 318.24p to 315.96p.

Going Concern

The directors believe that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements as the assets of the Group consist mainly of securities which are readily realisable. The directors are of the opinion that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and accordingly have continued to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Share Capital

At the year end, the Company's authorised and issued share capital consisted of:

Interest in own shares

On 7 March 2005 the Company acquired the entire issued share capital of its then parent company, New Centurion Trust Limited. As a result of the transaction the Company holds indirectly 1,717,565 ordinary shares of 50p each in itself. These shares have been re-designated as non-voting shares. The dividends payable on these shares have been waived.

The Company holds 32,500 ordinary shares in treasury. These were purchased during the year to 31 March 2010 and are designated as non-voting shares whilst so held.

Substantial interests

At the date of approval of the financial statements the following interests of three percent or more of the issued Ordinary share capital had been notified to the Company:

Taxation Status

The directors are of the opinion that the Company is not a close company.

Rights and obligations attaching to each class of share

The Ordinary Shares entitle the holders to receive all ordinary dividends and all remaining assets on a winding up, after the Participating Preference Shares have been satisfied in full.

The non-voting ordinary shares, held by New Centurion Trust Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, rank pari passu with the existing ordinary shares except that they do not have a right to vote at General Meetings of the Company. The treasury shares held by the Company have been treated likewise.

The participating preference shares entitle the holders, in priority to the payment of any dividend to the holders of all or any other shares in the capital of the company, to a fixed net cash cumulative dividend at the rate of 7p per share per annum. In addition, holders are entitled to a participating dividend at the rate of 25% of any dividends paid on the Ordinary Shares in excess of 2p per share for any year, subject to a maximum participating dividend in respect of any year of 3p net per share. On any return of capital holders are entitled to the payment of a premium of 50p per share. The shares also confer voting rights in certain circumstances.

Restrictions on the transfer of shares

The Directors may, in their absolute discretion and without assigning any ground or reason therefor, decline to register any transfer of any share (not being a fully paid share) to a person of whom they shall not approve. They may also decline to register any transfer of any share (including a fully paid share) on which the Company has a lien or in respect of which the shareholder is in default in complying with a notice under Section 793 of the Companies Act 2006.

The Directors are not aware of any agreements between shareholders that may result in restrictions on the transfer of securities or voting rights. The Directors are not aware of any other restrictions on the transfer of shares in the Company other than certain restrictions that may from time to time be imposed by laws and regulations (for example, insider trading laws).

Amendments to Articles of Association

The amendment of the Company's Articles of Association is governed by relevant statutes. The Articles may be amended by special resolution of the shareholders in general meeting.

Corporate Governance

The Group is committed to high standards of corporate governance and to the principles of good governance set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code (the "Code"). The Directors have reviewed the detailed principles and recommendations actioned in the Code and believe that, to the extent that they are relevant to the Group's business, they have complied with the provisions of the Code during the year ended 31 March 2012 and that the Group's current practice is, in all material aspects, consistent with the principles of the Code.

The Board confirms that, to the best of its knowledge and understanding, the Group has complied throughout the accounting period with all the relevant provisions as set out in section 1 of the Combined Code.

The Board also confirms that, to the best of its knowledge and understanding, procedures were in place to meet the requirements of the Code relating to internal controls throughout the year under review. However, no formal policy or procedures have been documented as the directors do not consider that such practice is appropriate for the Group.

Board of Directors

With the exception of Mr Stephen Cockburn who is Managing Director and is responsible for the investment management, the Board consists of independent non-executive directors. In particular the balance of executive and non-executive directors has been designed to ensure the independence of the Board. The Board is responsible for all matters of direction and control of the Group, including its investment policy, and no one individual has unfettered powers of decision. The directors review at regular meetings the Group's investments and all other important issues to ensure that control is maintained over the Group's affairs.

The directors meet at regular Board meetings held at least once a quarter. Additional meetings and telephone meetings are arranged as necessary. During the year ended 31 March 2012 the number of full and scheduled Board meetings and Committee meetings attended by each director was as follows:

Committees of the Board

The Group has appointed a number of committees to monitor specific operations. However given its size, the Board does not believe that there is a requirement to establish a Nominations Committee.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee comprises Philip Lovegrove and Sir David Thomson, both of whom are non-executive directors of the Company. The Committee is chaired by Philip Lovegrove and met on two occasions last year to review and approve the Group's Annual Report and Accounts and the Interim Financial Statement.

The primary responsibilities of the Audit Committee are to review the effectiveness of the internal control environment of the Group; to monitor adherence to best practice in corporate governance; to make recommendations to the Board in relation to the re-appointment of the Auditors and to approve their remuneration and terms of engagement; to review and monitor the Auditors' independence and objectivity and the effectiveness of the audit process and provide a forum through which the Group's Auditors report to the Board. The Audit Committee also has responsibility for monitoring the integrity of the financial statements and accounting policies of the Group; and receiving reports from the compliance officer of the Administrator. Committee members consider that individually and collectively they are appropriately experienced to fulfil the role required. The Audit Committee has formal written terms of reference.

Saffery Champness, the Group's Auditors, attend the meeting of the Audit Committee to approve the Annual Report and have direct access to Committee members. A member of the Audit Committee will be present at the Annual General Meeting to deal with any questions relating to the accounts.

Due to the management structure of the Group no policy or procedures exist for staff to raise concerns concerning any matters of financial reporting.

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee comprises all the independent non-executive directors. During the year, Sir David Thomson chaired the committee which has been formally constituted to determine and approve directors' fees. Directors' fees are determined following proper consideration of the role that individual directors fulfil in respect of Board and Committee responsibilities and the time committed to the Group's affairs, having regard to the industry generally.

Detailed information on the remuneration arrangements for the directors of the Company can be found in the Directors' Remuneration Report set out below and in note 3 to the financial statements.

Performance evaluation

The Chairman has confirmed that all Directors have been subject to performance evaluation and as part of this evaluation the Chairman confirms that they continue to demonstrate commitment to their role and in his view to responsibly fulfil their functions.

Independent professional advice

The Board has formalised arrangements under which the directors, in the furtherance of their duties, may seek independent professional advice at the Group's expense.

Chairman and Senior Independent Director

The Chairman, Sir David Thomson, is deemed by his fellow independent Board members to be independent and to have no conflicting relationships. Sir David Thomson is Chairman of S.A. Meacock & Company Limited and a director of Through Transport Mutual Insurance Association Ltd. He considers himself to have sufficient time to commit to the Group's affairs.

Given the size and nature of the Board it is not considered appropriate to appoint a senior independent director and this is non-compliant with Code (provision A.1.2). Stephen Cockburn is the Company's Managing Director, and therefore the roles of the Chairman and Managing Director are separated.

Directors' independence

The Board has reviewed the independent status of its individual directors and the Board as a whole.

Stephen Cockburn is the Managing Director of the Company, and is therefore considered not to be independent under the terms of the Code.

The Code (provision B.1.1) requires that this report should identify each non-executive director the Board considers to be independent in character and judgement and whether there are relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect, or could appear to affect, the director's judgement.

The Board has considered the fact that Peter Allen has served on the Board since 1996. The AIC's Code of Corporate Governance recognises that, in the context of an investment company, long service need not compromise independence and the Directors are satisfied that it has not done so in the case of Mr Allen because of his active participation in the preference share market independently of the Group. In the case of Miss Webb, the Board has considered not only her length of service on the Board, but also her substantial holdings of shares and loan notes of the Group. Given this combination of factors the Board recognises that she would not, technically, be regarded as independent under the terms of the Code. Nevertheless the other directors believe that she continues to bring to the Board the benefit of her independent judgement.

In the Board's opinion Sir David Thomson and Philip Lovegrove are also considered to be independent in both character and judgement. Accordingly, four of the five Board members are independent, thus the majority of the Board is comprised of independent non-executive directors.

Under the Articles of Association, all directors with the exception of the Managing Director are subject to periodic retirement and re-election by shareholders. In order to comply with the Code, and the Articles of Association, the directors have adopted a policy providing for all non-executive directors to submit themselves for re-election at least every three years. A resolution to re-elect Sir David Thomson is contained within the notice of the Annual General Meeting on page 39. The other Board members recommend that shareholders vote for his re-election as they believe that his skills, knowledge and overall performances are of continued benefit to the Group. All directors have actively contributed in meetings throughout the year.

Shareholders are invited to consider the information set out herein on an individual basis, before voting on the re-election of the directors.

The information about the directors, which appears on page 1, demonstrates the wide range of skills and experience they bring to the Board.

Statement of Directors' responsibilities in respect of the financial statements

The directors are responsible for preparing this report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable United Kingdom law and regulations and those International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted by the European Union. Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial period which present fairly the financial position of the Company and of the Group and the financial performance and cash flows of the Company and of the Group for that period.

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

·; select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

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

·; present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable information;

·; state whether applicable IFRSs have been followed, 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 Group and Company will continue in business; and

·; provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRSs is insufficient to enable users to understand the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the entity's financial position and financial performance.

The Directors confirm that they have complied with the above requirements when preparing the financial statements and that the Chairman's Statement and the Directors' Report include a fair review of the performance and the development of the Group together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties faced.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and of the Group and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulations. The Directors are responsible for ensuring that the Directors' report and other information in the annual report is prepared in accordance with Company law in the United Kingdom. They are also responsible for ensuring that the annual report includes information required by the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority. They also have responsibility for safeguarding the assets of the Group and for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Relations with shareholders

Communication with shareholders is given a high priority by the Board and the directors are available to enter into dialogue with shareholders. All shareholders are encouraged to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting during which the Board is available to discuss issues affecting the Group.

Board responsibilities and relationship with service providers

The Board is responsible for the determination and implementation of the Group's investment policy and for monitoring compliance with the Group's objectives. Some of the Group's main functions have been subcontracted to service providers, engaged under separate legal agreements. At each Board meeting the directors follow a formal agenda, which is circulated in advance by the Company Secretary. The Board's main roles are to create value for shareholders and to approve the Group's strategic objectives. Specific responsibilities of the Board include: reviewing the Group's investments, asset allocation, gearing policy, cash management, investment outlook and revenue forecasts.

The Board has contractually delegated to Fiske plc (the "Administrator") all day to day accounting and company secretarial duties as well as the administration and safe custody of its investments. The Administrator prepares management accounts, valuations of investments, statements of transactions and forecasts of cash surpluses or requirements which are provided in advance of all regular meetings of the Board (which are held at least four times a year). Mr Cockburn, as Managing Director, presents these documents at the meetings to allow the Board as a whole to assess the Group's activities and review its performance.

The Board considers, at each meeting, future strategy with regard to the investment criteria to be followed by the Group, including criteria concerning risk. The Board may seek independent advice regarding any proposed investments of an unusual nature, such as investments in unquoted securities. No formal review of the Group's system of internal control has been undertaken during the year.

The Administrator, being regulated by the Financial Services Authority under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, continually reviews its own compliance procedures in accordance with the financial, safe custody, conduct of business and other rules to which it is subject.

Management of the Group's assets is conducted by the Managing Director who has discretion to manage the assets of the Group in accordance with the Group's objectives and policies. At each Board meeting, the Managing Director presents verbal and written reports covering the activity, portfolio and investment performance over the preceding period. Ongoing communication with the other members of the Board is maintained between formal meetings.

The directors are responsible to the shareholders for the overall management of the Group and may exercise all the powers of the Company subject to the provisions of relevant statutes, the Company's Memorandum and Articles of Association and any directions given by special resolution of the shareholders. In particular the Articles of Association empower the directors to issue and buy back ordinary and preference shares, which powers are exercisable in accordance with authorities approved from time to time by shareholders in general meeting. At the Annual General Meeting in August 2011, shareholders renewed the directors' authority to allot Ordinary Shares of 50p each and Participating Preference Shares of 50p each on behalf of the Company subject to the limits set out in those resolutions. Details of the authorities which the directors will be seeking at the Annual General Meeting to be held in July 2012 are set out in the Notice of Meeting on page 39.

The Articles of Association also specifically empower the directors to exercise the Company's powers to borrow money and to mortgage or charge the Company's assets and any uncalled capital and to issue debentures and other securities, subject to the limits set out in the Articles.

Creditor payment policy

The Group's policy is to pay suppliers by return of post. As a result, there were no trade creditors payable at the year end (2011: £nil).

Internal Control Statement

This statement is made in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency rules and section C of the Code.

Given the size of the Group, an internal audit department is considered unnecessary, although this need is reviewed annually.

The key procedures that have been established with a view to providing effective internal controls are as follows:

·; Investment management is provided by the Managing Director. The Board is responsible for setting the overall investment policy and monitors the action of the Managing Director at regular Board meetings.

·; The provision of administration, accounting, custody of assets and company secretarial duties is the responsibility of the Administrator.

·; The non-executive directors of the Company clearly define the duties and responsibilities of their agents and advisers in the terms of their contracts. The appointment of agents and advisers is conducted by the Board after consideration of the quality of the parties involved; the Board monitors their ongoing performance and contractual arrangements.

·; Mandates for authorisation of investment transactions and expense payments are set by the Board.

Statement of disclosure to auditors

So far as each of the directors is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Group's auditors are unaware and each of the directors believes that all steps have been taken that ought to have been taken to make them aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Group's auditors have been made aware of that information.

Auditors

The directors review the terms of reference for the auditors and obtain written confirmation that the firm has complied with its relevant ethical guidance on ensuring independence. Saffery Champness provide audit services to the Company and Group as well as corporation tax compliance services. The Board reviews the level of their fees to ensure they remain competitive and to ensure no conflicts of interest arise.

Directors and their Share Interests

The Directors who held office in the period up to the date of approval of these accounts and their beneficial interests in the Company's issued share capital at the period end were:

There have been other no changes in the above interests since 31 March 2012.

Sir David Thomson retires and, being eligible, offers himself for re-election at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Directors' remuneration report

The Board has prepared this report, in accordance with section 421 of the Companies Act 2006, which applies to companies quoted on the Official List of the London Stock Exchange. The law requires your Company's auditors to audit certain disclosures provided. Where disclosures have been audited, they are indicated as such.

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee is chaired by Sir David Thomson and consists of the non-executive directors.

Policy on Directors' fees

The Board's policy is that the remuneration of the directors should reflect the experience of the Board as a whole, and is determined with reference to comparable financial organisations and appointments. It is intended that this policy will continue for the current year to 31 March 2013. Directors' fees are determined within the limits set out in the Company's Articles of Association, and they are not normally eligible for bonuses, pension benefits, share options, long-term incentive schemes or other benefits.

Director's service contract

The terms of appointment provide that each of the non-executive directors shall retire and be subject to election at the first Annual General Meeting after their appointment, and not less than every three years thereafter. The service contract of the Managing Director and the agreement for the provision of administration and accommodation services by Fiske plc, in which Mr Cockburn is deemed to be interested as a non-executive director and shareholder of Fiske plc, are available for inspection by shareholders at the place of the AGM of the Company during the meeting and for 15 minutes beforehand.

The service contract of the Managing Director, entered into in January 2005, may be terminated by the Company by not less than 12 months written notice, and provides that in the event of such termination, compensation shall be limited to Mr Cockburn's entitlement to receive his salary until the expiry of such notice period. The service contract provides that his annual remuneration as Managing Director shall be £50,000 in addition to his Directors' fee, currently £14,000. Mr Cockburn volunteered a 50% reduction in his managing director's salary from 1 September 2008. On 31 March 2012, an accrual was made in the sum of £25,000 in respect of the re-instatement of his salary entitlement, as he has not felt it appropriate for payment of the former salary to be re-instated during the year.

The Managing Director is not, under the Articles, required to submit himself for re-election as a Director of the Company at any time.

Performance graph of Total Shareholder Return

The directors do not normally receive any performance-related remuneration and there are no comparable indices against which the Group feels able to measure itself. Consequently, it has not prepared a graph showing total shareholder return.

Directors' emoluments for the year ended 31 March 2012 (audited)

The directors who served during the year received the following emoluments in the form of fees and salaries:

None of the directors has any other entitlement to remuneration for their services to the Company save as mentioned above.

Directors' interests in contracts

Details of directors' interests in contracts are shown in Note 21 to the financial statements. Other than those transactions, none of the directors has or has had any interest in any transaction which is or was unusual in nature or conditions or significant to the business of the Group and which was effected by the Group during the year. At the date of this report, there are no outstanding loans by the Company or its subsidiaries to any director.

Annual General Meeting

Notice of the Annual General Meeting, which is to be held at the offices of Fiske plc, 3rd Floor, Salisbury House, London Wall, London, EC2M 5QS at 12.30pm on 12 July 2012 is set out on pages 39 and 40. In addition to routine business, resolutions will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting to grant the Directors authority to allot shares and provide a limited dis-application of pre-emption rights. The approval of these resolutions will allow the directors flexibility in managing the Company.

Saffery Champness are willing to remain in office and a resolution for their reappointment will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.

Consolidated Income Statement

For the year ended 31 March 2012

Consolidated Statement of comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 March 2012

The notes on pages 22 to 36 form part of these financial statements.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 March 2012

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 March 2012

The notes on pages 22 to 36 form part of these financial statements.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

At 31 March 2012

Company Number: 4205

Company Balance Sheet

At 31 March 2012

Company Number: 4205

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

For the year ended 31 March 2012

Notes on the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

For the year ended 31 March 2012

Company Cash Flow Statement

For the year ended 31 March 2012

Notes on the Company Cash Flow Statement

For the year ended 31 March 2012

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2012

1 Accounting policies

The summarised consolidated financial statements have been extracted from the Annual Report which includes the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2012, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). The auditor's report on those consolidated financial statements was unqualified.

The group financial statements comprise the financial statements of The Investment Company Plc and its subsidiaries made up to 31 March 2012.

The results of operations of subsidiary undertakings are included in the consolidated financial statements as from the date of acquisition, which is the date on which control of the acquired subsidiary is effectively transferred to the buyer. The results of operations of subsidiary undertakings disposed of are included in the consolidated income statement until the date of disposal, which is the date on which the parent ceases to have control of the subsidiary undertaking. Intragroup balances and intragroup transactions and resulting unrealised profits are eliminated in full.

Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Current tax

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax

Deferred tax is recognised on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences, and deferred tax assets are generally recognised for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which those deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences associated with such investments and interests are only recognised to the extent that it is probable that there will be sufficient taxable profits against which to utilise the benefits of the temporary differences and they are expected to reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the liability is settled or the asset realised, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Group expects, at the reporting date, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Current and deferred tax for the period

Current and deferred tax are recognised as an expense or income in profit or loss, except when they relate to items credited or debited directly to equity, in which case the tax is also recognised directly in equity, or where they arise from the initial accounting for a business combination. In the case of a business combination, the tax effect is taken into account in calculating goodwill or determining the excess of the acquirer's interest in the net fair value of the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities over cost.

The participating preference shares entitle the holders, in priority to the payment of any dividend to the holders of all or any other shares in the capital of the company, to a fixed net cash cumulative dividend at the rate of 7p per share per annum. In addition, holders are entitled to a participating dividend at the rate of 25% of any dividends paid on the Ordinary Shares in excess of 2p per share for any year, subject to a maximum participating dividend in respect of any year of 3p net per share.

On any return of capital holders are entitled to the payment of a premium of 50p per share. The shares also confer voting rights in certain circumstances.

The participating preference shares are disclosed as non-current liabilities in accordance with IAS 32 (Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation).

Ordinary dividends are accounted for in the period in which they are declared in accordance with IAS 10. Preference dividends have two dividend elements, the fixed net cash cumulative dividend and the participating dividend. The fixed net cash cumulative element accrues evenly on a daily basis throughout the period. The dividend payable on 1 April 2012 has therefore been treated as a charge against revenue for the year to 31 March 2012. The participating dividend element is accounted for in the period in which the dividend is declared and is treated in the same way as the Ordinary dividend upon which its calculation is based.

Revenue includes dividends and interest from investments which, on or before the balance sheet date, become receivable. Deposit interest receivable, expenses and interest payable are accounted for on an accruals basis. Where, before recognition of dividend income is due, there is any reasonable doubt that a return will actually be received, for example as a consequence of the investee company lacking distributable reserves, the recognition of the return is deferred until the doubt is removed.

The Group calculates both basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share in accordance with IAS 33 "Earnings Per Share". Under IAS 33, basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Earnings are adjusted for the participating element of preference share dividends.

The Group makes estimates and assumptions regarding the future. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstance. In the future, actual experience may deviate from these estimates and assumptions. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing material adjustment to carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year lie primarily in investments, their fair value and any impairment review.

IAS 39 requires investment funds to measure assets listed on a recognised Stock Exchange at current bid prices whereas under UK GAAP these assets had been previously measured at current middle market prices. The directors are of the opinion that the bid valuation is 1% lower than the mid valuation due to the nature of the assets concerned and this treatment is reflected in the investment valuation at the year end.

All investments held as non-current assets are shown in the consolidated balance sheet at valuation and all purchase and sale of investments are accounted for at trade date. Impairments of available for sale assets are taken to the income statement as required by paragraphs 55(b) and 67 of IAS 39 "Financial Instruments: Recognition and measurement." Such loss is transferred from the profit and loss reserve to the capital reserve in accordance with the Company's articles of association. Other differences between book cost and valuation are taken to the revaluation reserve. Profits and losses on the realisation of investments held as non-current assets are taken to profit and loss.

The Group determines the fair value of financial instruments that are not quoted, based on estimates using present values or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows. Where market prices are not readily available, fair value is either based on estimates obtained from independent experts or quoted market prices of comparable instruments. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison with independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realised immediately.

At each balance sheet date, a review is carried out to assess whether there is any objective evidence that the Group's available for sale financial assets have become impaired. Where such evidence exists, the amount of any impairment loss is recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement. Any excess of the impairment loss over the amount previously recognised in equity is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

If, in a subsequent period, the fair value of available for sale financial assets increase and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised in profit or loss, the impairment loss is reversed and the amount of the reversal is recognised in profit or loss.

The following standards, amendments to existing standards and interpretations relevant to the Group's activities have been published and are mandatory for the Group's accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2012 or later periods but the Group has not adopted them early:

IFRS 3 Business Combinations - Amendments to transition requirements for contingent consideration from a business combination that occurred before the effective date of the revised IFRS. Also clarification on the measurement of non controlling interests and additional guidance provided on un-replaced and voluntarily replaced share-based payment awards.

IFRS 7 Financial Instruments - Disclosures - Amendments clarify the intended interaction between qualitative and quantitative disclosures of the nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments and removed some disclosure items which were seen to be superfluous or misleading; require additional disclosure on transfer transactions of financial assets, including the possible effects of any residual risks that the transferring entity retains. The amendments also require additional disclosures if a disproportionate amount of transfer transactions are undertaken around the end of a reporting period.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments - New standard that forms the first part of a three part project to replace IAS 39.

IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements - Clarification of statement of changes in equity.

IAS 12 Income Taxes - Rebuttable presumption introduced that an investment property will be recovered in its entirety through sale.

IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates - Consequential amendments from changes to IAS 27.

IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures - Simplification of the disclosure requirements for governmental-related entities and clarification of the definition of a related party.

IAS 27 Consolidated and separate Financial Statements - Transition requirements for amendments arising as a result of IAS 27.

IAS 28 Investments in Associates - Consequential amendments arising from amendments to IAS 27.

IAS 31 Interest in Joint Ventures - Consequential amendments arising from amendments to IAS 27.

IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting - Clarification of disclosure requirements around significant events and transactions including financial instruments.

IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes - Clarification on the intended meaning of the term "fair value" in respect of award credits.

The directors anticipate that the adoption of these standards, amendments to existing standards and interpretations in future periods will have no material financial impact on the financial statements of the Group or the Company.

2 Total income