The latest Investing Matters Podcast episode featuring financial educator and author Jared Dillian has been released. Listen here.

Less Ads, More Data, More Tools Register for FREE

Pin to quick picksNeptune-Calculus Income & Growth Regulatory News (NEP)

  • There is currently no data for NEP

Watchlists are a member only feature

Login to your account

Alerts are a premium feature

Login to your account

Final Results

20 Mar 2015 18:11

RNS Number : 1058I
Neptune-Calculus Income &Growth VCT
20 March 2015
 



Neptune-Calculus Income and Growth PLC Final Results for the year ended 31 December 2014

Financial highlights

Ordinary Shares

Year ended31 December2014

Return per share

6.1p

Net asset value per share

51.6p

Cumulative dividends paid to 31 December 2014

25.5p

Accumulated shareholder value

77.1p

Special interim dividend paid 10 March 2015

5.0p

Recommended final dividend

2.0p

Accumulated shareholder value represents net asset value per share plus cumulative dividends paid per share.

As at28 February2015

*

Unaudited net asset value per share†

52.3p

* Being the latest practicable date prior to publication.

† Including current year revenue.

 

 

 

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

The results for the year ended 31 December 2014 showed a considerable uplift in the net assets per Ordinary Share of 6.4 per cent to 51.6 pence. The main reason for this performance can be attributed to Waterfall Services Limited ("Waterfall") which was sold on 22 December 2014 generating a gain of approximately £1.3m, equivalent to approximately 12p per share, compared with the carrying value of £570,000 in the Company's half yearly report for the six months to 30 June 2014.

The movement also reflects the dividends of 3 pence per share that were paid to shareholders during 2014, bringing the total accumulated shareholder value (comprising net asset value per share plus cumulative dividends paid to 31 December 2014) to 77.1 pence per Ordinary Share. As mentioned below, a special dividend of 5p per share was paid on 10 March 2015 bringing cumulative dividends to date to 30.5p.

Investment performance (Qualifying Investments)

The Company continues to meet its requirements to qualify as a VCT. Our qualifying investments are managed by Calculus Capital Limited and are in a combination of unquoted and AIM companies.

During the year the Company sold a number of its investments. Waterfall was sold at a total return representing 5.3 times the Company's original investment and MicroEnergy Generation Services Limited ("MicroEnergy") redeemed £70,000 of its loan stock at par in February 2014. Several holdings carried at low valuations were also sold during the year and a small amount was received as a distribution from the administrator to Secure Electrans Limited.

The Company invested a further £25,000 in Dryden Human Capital Limited ("Dryden"), an international recruitment firm which specialises in the actuarial, insurance, compliance and wealth management markets in London and Hong Kong and also made available a loan facility of £135,000 to low carbon based building materials manufacturer, Limetec Limited ("Lime"). Unquoted portfolio investments held at 31 December 2013 increased in value by 27.0 per cent over the twelve months to 31 December 2014 (with sold investments valued at proceeds received). This performance is largely due to the sale of Waterfall mentioned above.

The overall value of the quoted portfolio, which is composed entirely of AIM companies, decreased by 18.3 per cent over the last twelve months on a like for like basis which was in line with the FTSE AIM All-Share Index which also fell 17.5 per cent over the year. The reduction is almost entirely attributable to the investment in EpiStem Holdings plc ("EpiStem") which saw its share price drop 15.6 per cent despite successfully completing its Genedrive® Indian clinical evaluation study in October 2014. The Board remains optimistic about EpiStem's prospects and attributes the fall in share price to market conditions. EpiStem is currently awaiting approval from the Indian regulator for a license to import and sell its first major infectious disease assay for TB, which is anticipated early in 2015.

A more detailed analysis of investment performance can be found in the Investment Manager's Review that follows this statement.

Investment performance (Non-Qualifying Investments)

Our non-qualifying investments comprise holdings in the Neptune Income Fund, the Neptune Quarterly Income Fund and liquidity funds. Our investments in the Neptune Income Fund decreased by 3.1 per cent and in the Neptune Quarterly Income Fund by 2.2 per cent over the year, compared to a decrease of 2.7 per cent in the FTSE 100 Index. During the year the Company sold £60,000 of its holding in the Neptune Income Fund and £60,000 of its holding in the Neptune Quarterly Income Fund to raise cash in order to pay the interim dividend.

Share buyback

No share buybacks were carried out during the year but in line with its policy of returning cash to shareholders, the Company may carry out limited share buybacks in the future if it considers it to be in the best of interests of all shareholders.

Dividends

The Company paid an interim dividend for 2014 of 1 penny per Ordinary Share in October 2014. The Company also paid the 2013 final dividend of 2 pence per share in June 2014. Since the year end, the company announced that it was returning some of the proceeds of the disposal of Waterfall to shareholders and declared a special dividend of 5p per share which was paid on 10 March 2015. The total dividends paid to an ordinary shareholder to date are 30.5p.

The directors are also pleased to propose a final dividend for 2014 of 2 pence per Ordinary Share which, subject to shareholder approval, will be payable on 5 June 2015 to shareholders on the register on 1 May 2015.

Outlook

The UK economy has improved over the past twelve months but public markets remain volatile and susceptible to economic shocks. The 2015 election provides uncertainty, but continuing GDP growth is forecast and the VCT is well positioned to benefit from the strong growth momentum.

 

Philip Stephens

Chairman

 

INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REVIEW (QUALIFYING INVESTMENTS)

Calculus Capital Limited manages the Company's qualifying portfolio.

Market commentary

The FTSE 100 fell by 2.7 per cent during 2014. It outperformed the AIM All-Share Index, which fell by 17.5 per cent over the same period.

Portfolio developments

At the year end, the portfolio of qualifying investments comprised 13 companies, made up of both unquoted and AIM stocks.

The quoted portfolio, which consists entirely of AIM companies, has shown an overall decrease in value for the year of 18.3 per cent. At 31 December 2014, the quoted portfolio was valued at £560,000 compared with £681,000 on a like for like basis as at 31 December 2013. The decrease can be mainly attributed to the fall in the AIM market. During the year the Company made no new quoted investments. The Company sold a small holding in Expansys at a discount to cost.

Personalised medicine and biotechnology company, EpiStem, announced in October 2014 that it successfully completed Genedrive® Indian clinical evaluation study and the regulatory submission with the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) of its first test for the diagnosis of Tuberculosis and Rifampicin antibiotic resistance (TB). The company is currently awaiting approval from the Indian regulator for a license to import and sell its first major infectious disease assay for TB, which is anticipated early in 2015. Genedrive's® advantage is its ability to deliver an industry leading speed to result, high levels of molecular accuracy and simplicity of use at low cost in remote/non laboratory-based settings, making it suitable for tackling disease in low-income countries and developing nations. India is the highest TB burden country in the world with World Health Organisation statistics for 2011 giving an estimated incidence figure of 2.2 million cases of TB for India out of a global incidence of 8.7 million cases. EpiStem's Indian distributor partner Xcelris Lab is preparing for the launch of its TB test which will then enable the company to develop rapid, mobile tests for other major diseases.

Infrastrata plc ("Infrastrata") is an independent petroleum exploration and gas storage company. The company has three key projects: exploration and gas storage in Northern Ireland, and exploration in Dorset. Significant unrisked P50 prospective resources of 450 million barrels have been identified at the Larne-Lough Neagh basin in Northern Ireland (PL1/10) in which InfraStrata has a 33 per cent per cent interest. Recent parliamentary discussions on the need to increase the UK's gas storage capacity are encouraging and although the oil price fell substantially in 2014, the medium term outlook for Infrastrata's exploration interests is positive.

Including the proceeds from the sale of investments during the year, the unquoted portfolio has shown an increase in value of 30.0 per cent: the unquoted portfolio was valued at £4,612,000 at 31 December 2014 compared with £3,560,000 at 31 December 2013. A new qualifying investment of £25,000 was made during the year in Dryden loan stock. The Company also made follow on investments of £135,000 in secured Lime loan stock. The section on unquoted portfolio companies in the Report and Accounts contains further information.

Waterfall, which provides catering services to the aged care and education markets, was sold on 22 December 2014 to a company owned by the existing management team and backed by LDC. The Company received cash proceeds for its equity holding of approximately £1.9m. The Company originally paid £50,129 for the equity in Waterfall and £450,000 for preference shares and loan stock which were redeemed in 2011 and 2013 respectively. This realisation results in total cash being received for equity, preference shares and loan stock (including dividends and interest) of approximately £2.6m by the Company over the life of the investment, representing 5.3 times the Company's original investment of £0.5m.

Dryden is headquartered in the UK and specialises in the actuarial, insurance and compliance recruitment sector across the UK, Europe and the Far East. The group has been through a period of significant change in the year. The company has appointed an Executive Chairman with extensive experience not only in recruitment, but also in change management and business improvement. A firm-wide recruitment and training programme is being initiated and new systems and processes are being put in place for the business to leverage. After a turbulent few years for the company, the business is now establishing a strong platform for growth. The company remains subject to the close attention of Calculus Capital Limited during this period of transformational change.

Human Race Group Limited ("Human Race") owns and operates over 60 events in triathlon, cycling, running, duathlon, aquathlon, and open water swimming for over 90,000 participants of all abilities and ages. This makes the business the largest owner and deliverer of mass participation events in the UK. The portfolio of events includes the London Winter Run, Windsor Triathlon, Wiggle Dragon Ride, Run or Dye series, Tour de Yorkshire Ride (alongside ASO), Cycletta, the Eton Triathlon Super Sprints, Kingston Breakfast Run, and an off Road Winter Series.

A greater emphasis is being put on the larger flagship events likely to attract maximum interest and drive growth through larger scale and profit. This is bearing fruit with the launch of the London Winter Run - the largest inaugural 10k run ever in the UK with 14,000 entries in year one. A roll out of the Winter Run concept is now planned throughout the UK and beyond. In addition, an exciting partnership is being forged with ASO (owners of the Tour de France) with a venture alongside the Tour de Yorkshire (a pro ride over 3 days) and the acquisition of a smaller established sportive called the Lionheart Ride. Other concepts are also being looked at for 2016.

Terrain Energy Limited ("Terrain") has interests in nine petroleum licences; Keddington, Kirklington, Dukes Wood and Burton on the Wolds in the East Midlands, Larne and an offshore licence to the north of Larne in Northern Ireland, Brockham in Surrey and Egmating and Starnberger See in Germany. Terrain is currently producing from wells at Keddington and Brockham. On average 70 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and 40,000 standard cubic feet of gas per day are being produced (gross). In late 2014 an exploration well was drilled on the Burton-on-the-Wolds licence which was unsuccessful although the licence still has shale potential. The company plans to drill an appraisal well at its Larne licence in 2015 and also drill sidetracks to increase production at its producing assets. The company has applied for another licence under the UK 14th Onshore licencing round. Terrain continues to acquire data on its licences in Bavaria with the intention to identify a potential drilling location for 2016. Although the oil price fell substantially in 2014, capacity is disappearing quickly from global oil supplies and we believe the medium to longer term outlook is supportive. Opportunities for acquiring interests at attractive prices in the current market may also exist.

In February 2014, the Company made available to low carbon based building materials manufacturer, Lime, a £100,000 loan facility to fund operational improvements and working capital. This loan facility was increased by £35,000 in July 2014. Negotiations are taking place to replace this facility with a qualifying loan note. 2014 was a challenging year for the company. Some management changes were implemented and a new turnaround specialist was put in place. Since his appointment, costs have been cut (including a renegotiation and reduction of rent), the sales force has been strengthened, margins have increased and management are now in a better position to bring the company into profitability in 2015.

MicroEnergy Generation Services Limited ("MicroEnergy") owns and operates a fleet of small onshore wind turbines (

Founded in the 1970's, Hampshire Cosmetics Limited ("Hampshire") is an established company which develops and manufactures a comprehensive range of products covering fragrances, body treatments, skincare and shampoos. The original investment was part of a turnaround led by an experienced management buy-in team. This has progressed well to date, with an improvement in revenue and profitability. In the year ahead the key objectives for the business are to grow and diversify further the revenue base. The company has identified additional opportunities for further product diversification which will be implemented during the coming year. A new acquisition was integrated into the group in 2014 and, while this process has taken longer than management initially planned, it is expected to make a significant contribution to profits and growth in the current year.

The holding of ordinary shares and preference shares in Triage were sold in July 2014 and £10,000 of its loan facility was repaid for a consideration slightly ahead of carrying value. The remaining loan facility will be repaid in two equal annual tranches in 2015 and 2016.

The Company maintained its holding in RMS Group Holdings Limited ("RMS") of 85,166 shares. RMS provides port services from six locations on the Humber Estuary, the UK's busiest trading estuary. The group's services cover shipping, stevedoring, storage/warehousing and support logistics for import and export cargoes moving between Northern Europe, the Baltic, Russia, the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean. In 2014, activity levels returned to pre-recession levels as UK economic growth continues and are expected to be exceeded in 2015.

Developments since the year end

Other than disclosed, there have been no developments since the year end.

 

John Glencross

Calculus Capital Limited

20 March 2015

 

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

The ten largest holdings by value are included below:

Cost

Valuation

Percentage

 

£

£

%

 

 

AIM investments (quoted equity)

 

EpiStem Holdings plc*

251,261

545,840

13.8%

 

Other AIM investments*

450,939

13,679

0.4%

 

Unquoted equity investments

0.0%

 

Terrain Energy Limited*

413,633

771,706

19.5%

 

RMS Group Holdings Limited

100,044

598,717

15.2%

 

Limetec Limited*

234,285

32,365

0.8%

 

Human Race Group Limited

100,000

100,000

2.5%

 

Hampshire Cosmetics Limited

25,000

27,950

0.7%

 

Dryden Human Capital Group Limited

100,000

37,500

1.0%

 

Other unquoted equity investments*

1,212,493

28,350

0.7%

 

Unquoted bonds

 

Human Race Group Limited loan stock

300,000

300,000

7.6%

 

Hampshire Cosmetics Limited loan stock

75,000

75,000

1.9%

 

Limetec Limited loan stock#

486,544

364,908

9.2%

 

Triage Holdings Limited loan stock Ω

64,280

64,280

1.6%

 

Dryden Human Capital Group Limited loan stock

25,000

25,000

0.6%

 

Other unquoted loan notes†

696,436

0

0.0%

 

Non-qualifying equity investments and loan stocks*†# Ω

(537,692)

(219,769)

(5.6%)

 

Total qualifying investments

3,997,223

2,765,526

69.9%

 

Quoted funds

 

Neptune Quarterly Income Fund Income Units

431,435

484,280

12.3%

 

Neptune Income Fund Income A Class

444,327

475,797

12.1%

 

Money market funds

3,150

3,150

0.1%

 

Non-qualifying equity investments and loan stock*†#

537,692

219,769

5.6%

 

Total non-qualifying investments

1,416,604

1,182,996

30.1%

 

Total investments

5,413,828

3,948,522

100.0%

 

 

* The valuations of certain investments include small purchases made which are non-qualifying investments. These cost £12,750 and are valued at £8,081.

# The valuation of Limetec Limited loan stock includes rolled up interest that is non-qualifying. This cost £16,544 and is valued at £12,408.

† The valuation of other unquoted loan notes includes rolled up interest for Heritage House Media Limited which is non-qualifying. This cost £309,118 and is valued at £nil.

The Triage Holdings Limited loan stock and £135,000 of the Limetec loan stock is non-qualifying.

 

UNQUOTED PORTFOLIO COMPANIES

The following unquoted investments are included in the investment portfolio at the balance sheet date. Further details of these companies are provided below:

RMS Group Holdings Limited Operator of Port Facilities

RMS is a Humberside based port operator, and provides customers with shipping, stevedoring and storage warehousing. The group also has a national logistics division.

 

Latest audited results (group):

£'000

£'000

Investment information:

£'000

 

 

Year ended 31 December

2013

2012

Total cost

100

Turnover

28,968

28,595

Income recognised in year

-

 

Profit after tax

1,080

1,559

Equity valuation

599

 

 

Net Assets

8,074

6,993

Voting rights

4.5 per cent

 

Valuation basis: Earnings Multiple

 

 

Terrain Energy Limited Oil and Gas Production

Terrain was established by Calculus Capital Limited in 2009 to develop a portfolio of onshore oil and gas producing assets in the UK.

 

Latest audited results:

£'000

£'000

Investment information:

£'000

 

 

Year ended 31 December

2013

2012

Total cost

414

Turnover

237

246

Income recognised in year

 

Pre-tax loss

768

66

Equity valuation

772

 

 

Net Assets

7,168

3,670

Voting rights

6.2 per cent

 

Valuation basis: Reserves multiple

 

 

Other funds managed by Calculus Capital Limited have invested in this company and have combined voting rights of 5.4 per cent.

Limetec Limited Construction

Lime is a leading provider of innovative and sustainable lime-based building materials based in Abingdon. Limetec offers low carbon mortars, renders & plasters and external & internal wall insulation to the mainstream construction industry. Through its subsidiary, HemBuild (formerly Hemp Technology), it also supplies sustainable, energy efficient hemp-based wall panels, which significantly reduce energy bills.

Latest results (group):

£'000

£'000

Investment information:

£'000

 

 

Year ended 31 October

2014

* 2013

*

Total cost

721

Turnover

6,079

5,254

Income recognised in year

-

 

Pre-tax loss

871

6,985

Equity valuation

32

 

 

Net Liabilities

150

584

Loan stock valuation

365

Valuation basis: Last investment price (July 2014)

Voting rights

1.7 per cent

 

 

 

* The Lime group accounts are not required to be audited. These figures are derived from an aggregation of the Limetec Limited, Hemcrete Projects Limited and HemBuild management accounts which are subject to finalisation.

 

MicroEnergy Generation Services Limited Renewable Energy

MicroEnergy is a company set up by Calculus Capital Limited in 2012 to acquire renewable, microgeneration facilities.

 

Latest audited results:

£'000

£'000

Investment information:

£'000

 

 

Period ended 31 March

2014

2013

Total cost

30

Turnover

212

117

Income recognised in year

-

 

Pre-tax loss

28

84

Equity valuation

28

 

 

Net Assets

2,714

2,739

Loan stock valuation

-

 

Valuation basis: Discounted cash flow

Voting rights

1.0 per cent

 

 

Hampshire Cosmetics Limited Cosmetics Manufacturing

Founded in the 1970s, Hampshire develops and manufactures a comprehensive range of products covering fragrances, body treatments, skincare and shampoos. 

Latest audited results (group):

£'000

£'000

Investment information:

£'000

 

 

Period ended 31 Dec

2013

2012

Total cost

100

Net Assets

2,592

1,773

Income recognised in year

6

 

Equity valuation

28

 

 

Loan stock valuation

75

Valuation basis: Comparable listed company analysis and precedent transaction multiple

Voting rights

0.9 per cent

 

 

 

Human Race Group Limited Mass Participation Sports

Human Race own and operate over 60 mass participation sports events including triathlon, cycling, running, duathlon, aquathlon and open water swimming.

 

Latest results (group):

£'000

£'000

Investment information:

£'000

 

 

Year ended 31 Dec

2013

2012

Total cost

400

Turnover

2,628

2,261

Income recognised in year

24

 

Pre-tax loss

495

487

Equity valuation

87

 

 

Net Assets

1,800

2,292

Loan stock valuation

300

 

Valuation basis: Sales multiple

Voting rights

1.9 per cent

 

Dryden Human Capital Limited Recruitment

Dryden is headquartered in the UK and specialises in the actuarial, insurance and compliance recruitment sector across UK, Europe and the Far East.

Latest results (group):

£'000

£'000

Investment information:

£'000

 

 

Year ended 31 Mar

2014

2013

Total cost

125

Turnover

2,278

3,959

-

 

Pre-tax loss

1,683

3,581

Equity valuation

38

 

 

Net liabilities

3,984

2,281

Loan stock valuation

25

 

Valuation basis: Sales multiple

Voting rights

3.7 per cent

 

Other funds managed by Calculus Capital Limited have invested in this company and have combined voting rights of 4.1 per cent.

STRATEGIC REPORT

This report has been prepared by the directors in accordance with the requirements of Section 414A of the Companies Act 2006. The Company's independent auditor is required by law to report on whether the information given within the strategic report is consistent with the financial statements.

Activities, status and investment objective

Neptune-Calculus Income and Growth VCT ("the Company") is a Venture Capital Trust listed on the London Stock Exchange. The principal activity of the Company is investing in unquoted or AIM traded companies in the UK with the objective of generating long term capital growth and tax free dividends for investors. The Company is managed as a VCT in order that shareholders may benefit from the tax reliefs available.

Business model

The Board of directors is responsible for the overall stewardship of the Company including investment, dividend, borrowing and purchase of own shares policies, corporate strategy and governance and risk management. All the directors are non-executive. The Board has appointed Calculus Capital Limited to manage its qualifying portfolio and to provide certain administrative services. Details of the management agreement are set out under "Management" in the Directors' Report. Calculus Capital Limited engages with companies invested in by the Company on corporate governance matters to encourage good practice. This includes engagement on significant social and environmental issues where these may impact shareholder value.

Investment and co-investment policies

The investment policy is to invest approximately 75 per cent of the Company's funds in a diversified portfolio of holdings in qualifying investments, whether unquoted or traded on AIM. Investments are made selectively across a diverse range of sectors in companies which have the potential to generate growth and enhance their value. The balance of approximately 25 per cent of the Company's funds can be invested in a combination of Neptune Income Funds, a portfolio of income generating UK quoted shares, and money market instruments.

The Company may co-invest with other funds managed and advised by Calculus Capital Limited. The allocation between different funds takes into account such factors as the funds available for investment and the time horizon of these funds, the size of a potential investment, and the existing sector exposure of the various funds.

Policy on qualifying investments

The qualifying investments in a particular company may be made in equity shares, loan stocks and/or preference shares where it is felt this would enhance shareholder return. It is intended that no one company shall represent more than 10 per cent of the portfolio and no sector shall represent more than 20 per cent of the total portfolio, in both cases at the date of investment. The Company's policy is not to invest in start-up or seed capital situations. To meet the requirements of a VCT qualifying investment, at least 10 per cent by value of the total investments in any one qualifying company must be in ordinary shares which carry no preferential rights. In addition, the companies in which qualifying investments are made must be UK companies that have no more than £15 million of gross assets at the time of investment (or £7 million if the funds being invested were raised after 5 April 2006).

VCT regulation

The Company's investment policy is designed to ensure that it continues to meet the requirements for approved VCT status. Amongst other conditions, the Company may not invest more than 15 per cent, by value at the time of investment, in a single company and must have at least 70 per cent by value of its investments throughout the period in shares or securities in qualifying holdings, of which 30 per cent by value must be ordinary shares which carry no preferential rights.

Borrowing powers

To give a degree of investment flexibility and to meet short term liquidity requirements, borrowing is permitted by the Company's Articles of a sum which does not exceed 10 per cent of the Company's share capital and reserves. The Company has not utilised these powers to date and does not plan to utilise this ability at the current time.

Principal risks and uncertainties and management of risk

The Company is exposed to a variety of risks and the principal risks identified by the Board are noted below.

Regulatory

The Company is required at all times to observe the conditions within the Income Tax Act 2007 for the maintenance of approved VCT status. This involves compliance with a number of tests which, if not met, could result in the loss of a number of tax reliefs which are currently available to both the Company and its shareholders under its VCT status. The tests are under continual review by Calculus Capital Limited, the administrator and (qualifying) investment manager of the Company. The Board keeps these matters under continual review through the provision of monthly management information and quarterly board meetings. The board has also retained the services of a VCT consultant to undertake an independent monitoring role.

Investment and liquidity risk

The majority of the Company's investments are in small and medium size companies as these meet the VCT qualifying holdings rules. These companies may not be publicly traded or freely marketable and realisations of such investments can be difficult and can take a considerable amount of time. They also, by their nature, tend to carry higher risk than a larger or longer established business. This risk is in part mitigated by diversifying the investments and maintaining around 25 per cent of the Company's portfolio in liquid assets to enable any short term cash requirements to be met.

Market price risk

In addition, the Company is subject to other price risk constituting uncertainty about the future prices of financial instruments held by the Company.

Credit risk

The Company has also invested in loan stocks and as a result is subject to credit risk.

Other risks

The majority of the loan stocks are fixed rate so the Board does not consider interest rate risk to be material. The Company has no exposure to foreign currency risk, nor does it have any interest bearing liabilities. Further comment is provided on the financial instruments risks of the Company in note 18 to the accounts.

The Board regularly reviews the risks the business faces and their potential impact on the Company. The Board monitors the Company's performance through the use of regular financial information and administrator and management reports.

Key performance indicators

The key performance indicators are those that communicate the financial performance and strength of the Company as a whole; these being principally the total return per Ordinary Share and net asset value per Ordinary Share. Further key performance indicators are those which show the Company's position in relation to the VCT tests which it is required to meet to maintain its VCT status.

In addition to the above, the Board considers performance against the Company's closest benchmark, the FTSE AIM All-share Index. The performance measures for the year are included in the Financial Highlights in the Report and Accounts.

Key strategic issues considered during the year

The key strategic issues considered during the year were:

The performance of the Company

The value and nature of investments made and realised during the year to ensure these were in accordance with the investment policy and/or whether any changes should be proposed to the investment policy.

The Investment Manager's Review (Qualifying Investments) provides commentary on the performance of the Company during the year.

The level of dividends paid and proposed

The Board considered the level of dividends to be proposed and the use of proceeds arising from the sale of one of the Company's investments.

Employees, environmental, human rights and community issues

The Company has no employees and the Board comprises entirely non-executive directors. Day-to-day management of the Company's business is delegated to the Investment Managers (details of the management agreement is set out in the Directors' Report) and the Company itself has no environmental, human rights, or community policies. In carrying out its activities and in relationships with suppliers, the Company aims to conduct itself responsibly, ethically and fairly.

Statement Regarding Annual Report and Accounts

The directors consider that taken as a whole, the Annual Report and Accounts is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy.

By order of the Board

Lesley Watkins

Company Secretary

20 March 2015

DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Financial Report and the Company's Accounts in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare accounts for each financial year. Under that law the directors have to prepare the accounts in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable laws). Under company law the directors must not approve the accounts unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs and profit or loss of the Company for that period. In preparing these accounts, the directors are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts;

• prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.

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 accounts and the Remuneration report 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. Under applicable law and regulations, the directors are also responsible for preparing a Strategic Report, Directors' Report, Directors' Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Statement that complies with that law and those regulations.

The directors are responsible for the integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of accounts may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

The accounts are published on the www.calculuscapital.com website, which is a website maintained by the Company's Investment Manager, Calculus Capital Limited. The maintenance and integrity of the website maintained by Calculus Capital Limited is, so far as it relates to the Company, the responsibility of Calculus Capital Limited. The work carried out by the auditor does not involve consideration of the maintenance and integrity of this website and accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that have occurred to the accounts since they were initially presented on the website. Visitors to the website need to be aware that legislation in the United Kingdom covering the preparation and dissemination of the accounts may differ from legislation in their own jurisdiction.

We confirm that, to the best of our knowledge: (a) the Accounts, prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and deficit of the Company; and (b) the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.

On behalf of the Board

Philip StephensChairman

20 March 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME STATEMENT

For the year ended 31 December 2014

 

Year ended31 December 2014

Year ended31 December 2013

 

Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

 

Note

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

Gains/(losses) oninvestments at fair value

8

-

788

788

-

(521)

(521)

 

 

Investment income

2

107

--

107

134

-

134

 

Investment management fee

3

(14)

(42)

(56)

(15)

(45)

(60)

 

Other expenses

4

(148)

--

(148)

(131)

-

(131)

 

(Deficit)/return on ordinary activitiesbefore taxation

(55)

746

691

(12)

(566)

(578)

 

Taxation on ordinary activities

5

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

(Deficit)/return attributable to Ordinary shareholders

(55)

746

691

(12)

(566)

(578)

 

(Deficit)/return per Ordinary Share

7

(0.49

)p 6.60

p 6.11

p (0.10

)p (5.00

)p (5.10)p

 

 

The total column is the profit and loss account of the Company. The revenue and capital columns are provided as supplementary information in accordance with the AIC SORP.

All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued in the year.

There is no statement of total recognised gains and losses as there were no other gains and losses.

The notes to the financial statements form an integral part of this statement.

 

 

RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS

For the year ended 31 December 2014

Share capital

Share premium

Special reserve

Capital redemption reserve

Capitalreserve

Revenue reserve

Total

 

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

For the year ended31 December 2014

 

1 January 2014

1,131

-

8,695

510

(4,851)

1

5,486

 

Net deficit after taxation for the year

-

-

-

-

746

(55)

691

 

Dividends paid

-

-

(339)

-

-

-

(339)

 

31 December 2014

1,131

-

8,356

510

(4,105)

(54)

5,838

 

For the year ended31 December 2013

 

1 January 2013

1,135

631

8,809

105

(4,285)

39

6,434

 

Shares issued

401

1,867

-

-

-

-

2,268

 

Share issue costs

-

(50)

-

-

-

-

(50)

 

Purchase of own shares

(405)

-

(2,233)

405

-

-

(2,233)

 

Net deficit after taxation for the year

-

-

-

-

(566)

(12)

(578)

 

Dividends paid

-

-

(314)

-

-

(26)

(340)

 

Share premium cancellation

-

(2,448)

2,448

-

-

-

-

 

Share premium cancellation costs

-

-

(15)

-

-

-

(15)

 

31 December 2013

1,131

-

8,695

510

(4,851)

1

5,486

 

 

The notes to the financial statements form an integral part of this statement.

 

 

BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 December 2014

Year ended

31 December2014

Year ended

31 December2013

 

 

Note

£'000

£'000

 

Fixed Assets

 

Investments at fair value through profit or loss

8

3,949

5,423

 

Current Assets

 

Debtors

10

21

23

 

Cash at bank

1,979

88

 

2,000

111

 

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

 

Creditors

11

(111)

(48)

 

Net Current Assets

1,889

63

 

Net Assets

5,838

5,486

 

Represented by:

 

CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES

 

Share capital

12

1,131

1,131

 

Special reserve

13

8,356

8,695

 

Capital redemption reserve

13

510

510

 

Capital reserve - other

13

(2,640)

(3,757)

 

Capital reserve - investment holding loss

13

(1,465)

(1,094)

 

Revenue reserve

13

(54)

1

 

Total Ordinary shareholders' funds

5,838

5,486

 

Net asset value per Ordinary Share

14

51.61

p

48.50

p

 

 

The notes to the financial statements form an integral part of this statement.

 

 

CASH FLOW STATEMENT

For the year ended 31 December 2014

Year ended31 December2014

Year ended31 December2013

 

 

Note

£'000

£'000

 

Operating activities

 

Investment income received

98

160

 

Investment management fees paid

-

(117)

 

Administration fees paid

-

(24)

 

Other cash payments

(130)

(113)

 

Net cash outflow from operating activities

15

(32)

(94)

 

Investing activities

 

Purchase of investments

(160)

(857)

 

Sale of investments

2,422

1,345

 

Net cash inflow from investing activities

2,262

488

 

Equity dividends paid

6

(339)

(340)

 

Financing

 

Purchase of own shares

-

(2,233)

 

Net proceeds of ordinary share issue

-

2,268

 

Share issue costs

-

(50)

 

Share premium cancellation costs

-

(15)

 

Net cash outflow from financing

-

(30)

 

Increase/(decrease) in cash for the year

16

1,891

24

 

 

The notes to the financial statements form an integral part of this statement.

 

 

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

1 Accounting Policies

Basis of accounting

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the valuation of investments at fair value, and in accordance with applicable UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The directors have prepared the accounts on a basis compliant with the recommendations of the Statement of Recommended Practice January 2009 ("the SORP") for Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts produced by the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC"). The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis.

Investments

As the Company's business is investing in financial assets with a view to profiting from their total return in the form of increases in fair value, investments are designated as at fair value through profit or loss on initial recognition in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 26 (FRS 26) Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and International Private Equity and Venture Capital ('IPEVC') guidelines. Fair value is the amount for which an asset can be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm's length transaction. The Company manages and evaluates the performance of these investments on a fair value basis in accordance with its investment strategy, and information about the investments is provided on this basis to the Board of directors.

Investments held at fair value through profit or loss are initially recognised at fair value, being the consideration given and excluding transaction or other dealing costs associated with the investment, which are expensed and included in the capital column of the Income Statement.

After initial recognition, investments, which are classified as at fair value through profit or loss, are measured at fair value. Gains or losses on investments classified as at fair value through profit or loss are recognised in the capital column of the Income Statement, and allocated to the capital reserve - other, and capital reserve - investment holding loss as appropriate.

Aggregate transaction and dealing costs included in disposals and additions are disclosed in note 8 to the accounts, as recommended by the SORP. All purchases and sales of quoted investments are accounted for on the trade date basis. All purchases and sales of unquoted investments are accounted for on the date that the sale and purchase agreement becomes unconditional.

For quoted investments, fair value is established by reference to bid, or last, market prices depending on the convention of the exchange on which the investment is quoted at the close of business on the balance sheet date.

Unquoted investments are valued using an appropriate valuation technique so as to establish what the transaction price would have been at the balance sheet date. Such investments are valued in accordance with the IPEVC guidelines. Primary indicators of fair value are derived from earnings or sales multiples, using discounted cash flows, recent arm's length market transactions by independent third parties, from net assets, or where appropriate, at cost for recent investments or the valuation as at the previous reporting date.

Premiums on loan stock investments and preference shares are accrued at fair value when the Company has the right to receive the premium and expects to do so.

Those venture capital investments that may be termed associated undertakings are not equity accounted for and are carried at fair value as determined by the directors in accordance with the Company's accounting policy, as required by FRS 9 "Associates and Joint Ventures", where venture capital entities hold investments as part of an investment portfolio.

Income

Dividends receivable on equity shares and on unquoted funds are recognised as income on the date on which the shares or units are marked as ex-dividend. Where no ex-dividend date is available, the income is recognised when the Company's right to receive it has been established.

Interest income on loan stock and dividends on preference shares are accrued on a daily basis. Provision is made against this income where recovery is doubtful.

 

Interest receivable from fixed income securities is recognised using the effective interest rate method.

Interest receivable on bank deposits is included in the accounts on an accruals basis.

Other income is credited to the revenue column of the Income Statement when the Company's right to receive the income is established.

Expenses

All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenses are charged through revenue in the Income Statement except as follows:

- costs which are incidental to the acquisition or disposal of an investment are taken to the capital column of the Income Statement;

- expenses are charged to the capital column in the Income Statement where a connection with the maintenance or enhancement of the value of the investments can be demonstrated. In this respect investment management fees have been allocated 75 per cent to the capital column and 25 per cent to the revenue column in the Income Statement, being in line with the Board's expected long-term split of returns, in the form of capital gains and revenue respectively, from the investment portfolio of the Company;

- expenses associated with the issue of shares are deducted from the Share premium account.

Capital reserve

Capital reserve - other

The following are accounted for in this reserve:

- gains and losses on disposal of investments;

- transaction costs which are incidental to the acquisition of investments;

- 75% of investment management fee expenses, together with the related tax effect, is charged to the capital column of the Income Statement in accordance with the above policies; and

- 100% of performance incentive fees.

Capital reserve - investment holding loss

The following are accounted for in this reserve:

- movements in the fair value of investments held at the year end.

Taxation

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future have occurred at the balance sheet date. This is subject to deferred tax assets only being recognised if it is considered more likely than not that there will be suitable profits from which the future reversals of the underlying timing differences can be deducted. Timing differences are differences between the Company's taxable profits and its results as stated in the accounts.

Deferred tax is measured at the average tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the timing differences are expected to reverse, based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is measured on a non-discounted basis.

No taxation liability arises on gains from sales of fixed asset investments by the Company by virtue of its venture capital trust status. However, the net revenue (excluding UK dividend income) accruing to the Company is liable to corporation tax at the prevailing rates.

Any tax relief obtained in respect of management fees allocated to capital is reflected in the capital reserve - other and a corresponding amount is charged against revenue. The relief is the amount by which corporation tax payable is reduced as a result of capital expenses.

 

Dividends

Dividends to shareholders are accounted for in the year in which they are paid or approved in general meetings. Dividends payable to equity shareholders are recognised in the Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders' Funds when they are paid, or have been approved by shareholders in the case of a final dividend and become a liability of the Company.

Share Buybacks

Where shares are purchased for cancellation, the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs, is deducted from distributable reserves. As required by the Companies Act 2006, the equivalent of the nominal value of shares cancelled is transferred to capital redemption reserve.

2 Income

Year ended31 December 2014

Year ended31 December 2013

 

 

£'000

 £'000

 

Income from quoted investments

 

UK dividend income

44

57

 

Unfranked investment income

-

1

 

44

58

 

Income from unquoted investments

 

Unfranked investment income

48

73

 

48

73

 

Other income

 

Redemption premium

15

3

 

Fees

-

-

 

15

3

 

 

Total income

107

134

 

Total income comprises

 

Dividends

44

58

 

Interest

48

73

 

Redemption premium

15

3

 

Fees

-

 

Total income

107

134

 

 

3 Investment management fee

Year ended31 December 2014

Year ended31 December 2013

 

Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 £'000

£'000

 

Investment management fee

20

61

81

24

71

95

 

 

Claw back of excess expenses

(6)

(19)

(25)

(9)

(26)

(35)

 

14

42

56

15

45

60

 

 

 

 

For the year ended 31 December 2014, Calculus Capital Limited waived £24,912 (2013: £34,716) of its fees. At 31 December 2014, there was £46,073 outstanding receivable from Calculus Capital Limited (31 December 2013: receivable from Calculus Capital Limited £11,202). Details of the terms and conditions of the investment management agreement are set out under "Management" in the Directors' Report.

4 Other expenses

Year ended31 December 2014

Year ended31 December 2013

 

 

£'000

£'000

 

Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of theCompany's individual accounts

22

23

 

Fees payable to the Company's auditor for other services:

-

-

 Tax compliance services

10

6

 

Directors' remuneration and social security contributions

28

28

 

 

Other expenses

88

74

 

148

131

 

 

Further details of directors' remuneration can be found in the Directors' Remuneration Report.

5 Taxation on ordinary activities

Year ended31 December 2014

Year ended31 December 2013

 

Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

UK Corporation Tax

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

(Deficit)/return on ordinary activities before taxation:

(55)

746

691

(12)

(566)

(578)

 

(Deficit)/return on ordinary activities multiplied by Corporation Tax at 21.50% (2013: 23.25%)

(12)

160

148

(3)

(131)

(134)

 

Effect of:

 

UK dividends not chargeable to tax

(10)

-

(10)

(13)

-

(13)

 

Non-taxable losses/(gains)

-

-

-

-

121

121

 

Excess expenses for the year

22

(160)

148

16

10

26

 

Total current tax charge

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

 

At 31 December 2014, the Company had £1,351,017 (31 December 2013: £1,210,181) of excess management expenses to carry forward against future taxable profits. The deferred tax asset of £270,203 (31 December 2013: £254,138) has not been recognised due to the fact that it is unlikely the excess management fees will be set off in the foreseeable future.

6 Dividends

Year ended31 December 2014

Year ended31 December 2013

 

 

£'000

 £'000

 

Declared and paid:

 

2013 Final dividend: 2.0p (2012: 2.0p) per Ordinary Share

226

227

 

2014 Interim dividend: 1.0p (2013: 1.0p) per Ordinary Share

113

113

 

339

340

 

Proposed:

 

2014 Final dividend: 2.0p (2013: 2.0p) per Ordinary Share

226

226

 

 

The Company paid a final dividend on 6 June 2014 of 2.0p per Ordinary Share (2013: 2.0p) and an interim dividend on 9 October 2014 of 1.0p per Ordinary Share (2013:1.0p). The directors are proposing a final dividend of 2p per Ordinary Share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2014 (2013: 2.0p). Subject to shareholder approval, this dividend will be paid on 5 June 2015 to shareholders on the register on 1 May 2015. The Company paid a special interim dividend on 10 March 2015 of 5.0p per Ordinary Share (2014: nil).

7 Basic and diluted earnings per share

Year ended31 December 2014

Year ended31 December 2013

 

 

£'000

 £'000

 

Declared and paid:

 

2013 Final dividend: 2.0p (2012: 2.0p) per Ordinary Share

226

227

 

2014 Interim dividend: 1.0p (2013: 1.0p) per Ordinary Share

113

113

 

339

340

 

Proposed:

 

2014 Final dividend: 2.0p (2013: 2.0p) per Ordinary Share

226

226

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings per Ordinary Share is based on the net revenue deficit on ordinary activities attributable to the Ordinary Shares of £55,000 (2013: £12,000) and on 11,311,329 (31 December 2013: 11,328,771) Ordinary Shares, being the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the year.

Basic and diluted capital deficit per Ordinary Share is based on the net capital return for the year of £746,000 (2013: £566,000) and on 11,311,329 (31 December 2013: 11,328,771) Ordinary Shares, being the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the year.

Basic and diluted total return per Ordinary Share is based on the total return on ordinary activities attributable to the Ordinary Shares of £691,000 (2013: £578,000) and on 11,311,329 (31 December 2013: 11,328,771) Ordinary Shares, being the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the year.

As the Company has not issued any convertible securities or share options, there is no dilutive effect on return per share.

8 Investments at fair value through profit or loss

Year Ended31 December 2014

Year Ended31 December 2013

 

£'000

 £'000

 

AIM investments

560

685

 

Quoted Neptune income funds

960

1,111

 

 

Unquoted and money market investments

2,429

3,627

 

3,949

5,423

 

 

£'000

£'000

 

Opening book cost

6,517

7,075

 

Opening investment holding losses

(1,094)

(704)

 

Opening valuation

5,423

6,371

 

Movements in the year:

 

Purchases at cost

160

865

 

Sales - proceeds

(2,422)

(1,284)

 

- realised gains/(losses) on sales

1,159

(139)

 

Movement in investment holding losses

(371)

(382)

 

Reallocation of RMS shares

-

(8)

 

Closing valuation

3,949

5,423

 

Closing book cost

5,414

6,517

 

Closing unrealised losses

(1,465)

(1,094)

 

Closing valuation

3,949

5,423

 

 

£'000

£'000

 

Gain/(loss) on disposal of investments

1,159

(139)

 

Movement in investment holding losses

(371)

(382)

 

Total gains/(losses) on investments

788

(521)

 

 

Note 18 to the accounts provides a detailed analysis of investments held at fair value through profit and loss in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 29 'Financial Instruments: Disclosures'.

9 Significant interests

The Company had the following interests of 3 per cent or more in the share capital of its portfolio companies:

Class of shares

Number held

Proportion of class held

Terrain Energy Limited

Ordinary £1

412,677

6.2%

Heritage House Media Limited*

A Ordinary Shares of 1p

147,369

21.1%

Heritage House Media Limited*

AA Ordinary Shares of 1p

1,955,934

19.6%

RMS Group Holdings Limited

Ordinary £1

85,166

4.5%

Dryden Human Capital Group Limited

B Ordinary of 5p

250,000

3.7%

 

 

 

 

10 Debtors

Year Ended31 December 2014

Year Ended31 December 2013

 

 

£'000

£'000

 

Accrued income

-

6

 

Other debtors and prepayments

21

17

 

21

23

 

 

11 Creditors - amounts falling due within one year

Year Ended31 December 2014

Year Ended31 December 2013

 

 

£'000

£'000

 

Accruals and other creditors

111

48

 

 

12 Called up share capital

Ordinary Shares

Issued and fully paid:

Year Ended31 December 2014

Year Ended31 December 2013

 

Ordinary Shares of 10p each

Number

£'000

Number

£'000

 

 

As at 1 January

11,311,329

1,131

11,351,880

1,135

 

Purchase of own shares

-

-

(4,052,635)

(405)

 

Shares issued

-

-

4,012,084

401

 

As at 31 December

11,311,329

1,131

11,311,329

1,131

 

 

13 Reserves

Specialreserve

Capitalredemptionreserve

Capitalreserve- other

Capitalreserve -investmentholdingloss

Revenue reserve

 

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

At 1 January 2014

8,695

510

(3,757)

(1,094)

1

 

Gains on sales

-

-

1,159

 

Movement in investment holding losses

-

-

-

(371)

-

 

Investment management fee charged to capital

-

-

(42)

-

-

 

Dividends paid

(339)

-

-

-

-

 

Retained net loss for the year

-

-

-

-

(55)

 

At 31 December 2014

8,356

510

(2,640)

(1,465)

(54)

 

The Special reserve was created to (i) create a distributable reserve which can be used by the Company to fund purchases of its own shares; (ii) to enable the Company to offset the effects of any future unrealised losses on future dividends payable in respect of shares; and (iii) since the Company revoked its status as an investment company, for any other purpose. The Company is therefore able to make distributions out of the aggregate of its Revenue reserve, Special reserve and Capital reserves, excluding any gains arising on the valuation of unquoted investments.

14 Net asset value per share

 

Year Ended31 December 2014

Year Ended31 December 2013

 

 

pence

pence

 

Ordinary Shares of 10p each

51.61

48.50

 

 

The basic and diluted net asset value per Ordinary Share is based on net assets (including current year revenue) of £5,838,033 (31 December 2013: £5,486,293) and on 11,311,329 (31 December 2013: 11,311,329) Ordinary Shares, being the number of Ordinary Shares in issue at the end of the year.

15 Reconciliation of net (deficit)/return before finance charges and taxation to net cash outflow from operating activities

Year ended31 December 2014

Year ended31 December 2013

 

 

£'000

£'000

 

Net (deficit)/return before finance charges and taxation

691

(578)

 

Net capital deficit/(return)

(745)

566

 

Decrease in debtors

2

12

 

(Decrease)/ increase in creditors

62

(49)

 

Investment management fee charged to capital

(42)

(45)

 

Net cash outflow from operating activities

(32)

(94)

 

 

 

16 Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds

 

Year ended31 December 2014

Year ended31 December 2013

 

 

£'000

£'000

 

Increase/(decrease) in cash in year

1,891

24

 

Net funds at beginning of year

88

64

 

Net funds at end of year

1,979

88

 

 

17 Financial commitments

At 31 December 2014 and 2013 the Company did not have any financial commitments which had not been accrued.

18 Analysis of financial assets and liabilities

The objective of the Company is to generate long term capital growth and tax free dividends for investors. The investment policy is to invest approximately 75 per cent of the Company's funds in a diversified portfolio of holdings in qualifying investments, whether unquoted or traded on AIM. Investments are made selectively across a diverse range of sectors in companies which have the potential to generate growth and enhance their value. The investments in a particular company may be made in loan stocks or preference shares as well as equity shares where it is felt this would enhance shareholder return. In accordance with the Company's risk averse approach, the Investment Manager will only invest when it believes it has identified the right investment opportunity. The balance of approximately 25 per cent of the Company's funds can be invested in a combination of Neptune income funds, a portfolio of similar income generating UK listed shares and money market instruments.

The ten largest holdings by value and the amounts invested in quoted equity, unquoted equity, unquoted bonds, unquoted preference shares, quoted funds and unquoted funds are set out in the Investment Portfolio, in the Report and Accounts.

The Company's financial instruments comprise securities, cash balances and debtors and creditors that arise from its operations.

The Company has no exposure to foreign currency risk.

The principal risks the Company faces in its portfolio management activities are:

- Market price risk

- Interest rate risk

- Liquidity risk

- Credit risk

The Investment Manager's policies for managing these risks are summarised below and have been applied throughout the year. The Board keeps the risks under continual review through the provision of monthly management information and quarterly board meetings.

(i) Market price risk

Market price risk arises from uncertainty about the future prices of financial instruments held in accordance with the Company's investment objectives. It represents the potential loss that the Company might suffer through holding market positions in the face of market movements. This risk is monitored by the Investment Manager on a regular basis and by the Board at meetings with the Investment Manager.

The Board reviews each investment purchase in the qualifying portfolio to ensure that any acquisition allows the Company to maintain an appropriate spread of other price risk and that it falls within the VCT qualifying criteria at the time of purchase. It considers the associated business risks of each investment. These include, but are not restricted to, the industry sector, management expertise and financial stability of each company.

The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge against market price risk. The maximum potential exposure to market price risk is the value of the investment portfolio as at 31 December 2014 of £3,949,000 (31 December 2013: £5,423,000).

The Board believes that the Company's assets are mainly exposed to market price risk, as the Company holds most of its assets in the form of investments in VCT qualifying small UK companies whose equity shares are either quoted or valued by reference to the share prices of quoted comparable companies and are thus subject to market movements. The Board considers that investments in loan stock and/or preference shares may also be sensitive to changes in quoted share prices as the value of these financial instruments can be determined with reference to the enterprise value of the investee company which may be based on the value of quoted comparable companies.

The table below shows the impact upon profit and net assets if there were to be a 10 per cent (31 December 2013: 10 per cent) movement in overall share prices, and assumes:

- that each of the sub categories of instruments (shares and loan stocks other than liquidity funds) held by the Company produces an overall movement of 10 per cent, and

- that the actual portfolio of investments held by the Company is perfectly correlated to this overall movement in share prices. Shareholders should however note that this level of correlation is highly unlikely in reality.

If overall share prices fell/rose by 10 per cent (2013: 10 per cent), with all other variables held constant:

Year Ended

31 December 2014Return andnet assets£'000

Year Ended

31 December 2013Return andnet assets£'000

 

 

(Decrease)/increase in return

(395)/395

(519)/519

 

(Decrease)/increase in net asset value per Ordinary Share

(3.49)p/3.49

p

(4.59)p/4.59

p

 

 

A decrease of £393,752 (31 December 2013: £519,380) in the net assets of the Company would have decreased investment management fees payable to the Investment Managers for the financial year under review by £13,809 (31 December 2013: £18,178). An increase of £393,752 (31 December 2013: 519,380) would have increased investment management fees payable by £13,809 (31 December 2013: £18,178).

The impact of a change of 10 per cent has been selected, as in current market conditions, an increase/(decrease) in the aggregate values of investments by 10 per cent is reasonably possible based on historical changes that have been observed.

(ii) Interest rate risk

Interest is earned on cash balances and money market funds and is linked to the banks' variable deposit rates. The Board does not consider interest rate risk to be material. Interest rate risk arising on loan stock instruments is not considered significant, as the main risks on these investments are credit risk and market price risk. The Company does not have any interest bearing liabilities.

As required by Financial Reporting Standard 29 'Financial Instruments: Disclosures' an analysis of financial assets and liabilities, which identifies the risk of the Company's holding of such items is provided. The Company's financial assets comprise equity and preference shares, loan stock, cash and debtors. The interest rate profile of the Company's financial assets is given in the table below:

 

 

Year Ended

31 December 2014

Year Ended

31 December 2013

 

Fair valueinterest raterisk

Cash flowinterest raterisk

Fair valueinterest raterisk

Cash flowinterest raterisk

 

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

 £'000

Loan stock

829

-

1,093

-

 

Money market funds

-

3

-

229

 

 

Cash

-

1,979

-

88

 

829

1,982

1,093

317

 

 

The variable rate is based on the banks' deposit rate, and applies to cash balances held and the money market funds. The benchmark rate which determines the interest payments received on interest bearing cash balances is the Bank of England base rate which was 0.5 per cent as at 31 December 2014 (31 December 2013: 0.5 per cent).

(iii) Liquidity risk

The investments the Company holds include AIM quoted securities where the liquidity is generally below that of securities listed/quoted on the main market and it also holds unquoted investments where there is no ready market for the securities. The ability of the Company to realise positions may therefore be restricted when there are no willing purchasers.

The Board, which monitors the Company's overall liquidity risk, seeks to ensure that an appropriate proportion of the Company's investment portfolio is invested in cash and readily realisable securities, which are sufficient to meet any funding commitments that may arise.

At 31 December 2014, the Company held £2,458,000 (31 December 2013: £1,427,000) in cash and readily realisable securities (including the investments in the Neptune Income and Neptune Quarterly Income Funds) to pay accounts payable and accrued expenses.

(iv) Credit risk

The failure of a counterparty to a transaction to discharge its obligations under that transaction could result in the Company suffering a loss. The Company manages this risk by ensuring that where an investment is made in an unquoted loan, it is made as part of the overall equity and debt package. The recoverability of the debt is assessed as part of the overall investment process and is then monitored on an ongoing basis by the Investment Manager who reports to the Board on any recoverability issues. It also ensures that cash at bank is held only with reputable banks with high quality external credit ratings. None of the Company's financial assets are secured by collateral or other credit enhancements. The total exposure to loan stocks and cash is set out above in the interest rate risk section.

All assets of the Company which are traded on a recognised exchange are held by Reyker Securities plc, the Company's custodian. The Board regularly monitors the Company's risk by reviewing assessments of the custodian submitted by the Investment Manager.

 

 

Fair value hierarchy

Investments held at fair value through profit and loss are valued in accordance with IPEVC guidelines as follows:

Valuation Methodology

Year ended31 December 2014

Year ended31 December 2013

 

 

£'000

£'000

 

Quoted market bid price

1,523

2,025

 

Expected recoverable amount

65

138

 

Discounted cash flow

28

103

 

Earnings multiple

599

1,859

 

Recent investment price

397

222

 

Sales multiple

462

387

 

Precedent transaction multiple

103

-

 

Reserves multiple

772

689

 

3,949

5,423

 

 

The valuation method used will be the most appropriate valuation methodology for an investment within its market, with regard to the financial health of the investment and the IPEVCA guidelines.

As required by Financial Reporting Standard 29 'Financial Instruments: Disclosures' (the Standard) an analysis of financial assets and liabilities, which identifies the risk of the Company's holding of such items is provided. The Standard requires an analysis of investments carried at fair value based on the reliability and significance of the information used to measure their fair value.

In order to provide further information on the valuation techniques used to measure assets carried at fair value, the measurement bases are categorised into a "fair value hierarchy" as follows:

- Quoted market prices in active markets - "Level 1"

Inputs to Level 1 fair values are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. An active market is one in which transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. The Company's investments in AIM quoted equities, money market funds and the quoted Neptune funds are classified within this category.

- Valued using models with significant observable market inputs - "Level 2"

Inputs to Level 2 fair values are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly. The Company has no investments classified within this category.

- Valued using models with significant unobservable market inputs - "Level 3"

Inputs to Level 3 fair values are unobservable inputs for the asset. Unobservable inputs may have been used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset at the measurement date (or market information for the inputs to any valuation models). As such, unobservable inputs reflect the assumptions the Company considers that market participants would use in pricing the asset. The Company's unquoted equities, preference shares and loan stock are classified within this category. As explained in note 1, unquoted investments are valued in accordance with the IPEVCA guidelines.

 

 

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or lossfor year ended 31 December 2014

 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

 

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

Equity investments

560

-

1,597

2,157

 

Fixed interest investments

-

-

829

829

 

Preference share investments

-

-

-

-

 

Money market funds

3

-

-

3

 

Quoted Neptune income funds

960

-

-

960

 

1,523

-

2,426

3,949

 

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or lossfor year ended 31 December 2013

 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

 

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

Equity investments

685

-

2,241

2,926

 

Fixed interest investments

-

-

1,093

1,093

 

Preference share investments

-

-

64

64

 

Money market funds

229

-

-

229

 

Quoted Neptune income funds

1,111

-

-

1,111

 

2,025

-

3,398

5,423

 

 

The table below shows movements in the assets measured at fair value based on Level 3 valuation techniques for which any significant input is not based on observable market data. During the year there were no transfers between levels 1, 2 or 3.

 

Level 3 financial assets at fair value through profit or lossfor year ended 31 December 2014

 

Equity investments

Preferenceshareinvestments

Fixedinterest investments

Total

 

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

Opening balance at 1 January 2014

2,241

64

1,093

3,398

 

Purchases

-

-

160

160

 

Sales

(568)

(64)

(106)

(738)

 

Total net losses recognisedin the Income Statement

(76)

(318)

(394)

 

Closing balance at 31 December 2014

1,597

-

829

2,426

 

 

Level 3 financial assets at fair value through profit or lossfor year end 31 December 2013

 

Equity investments

Preferenceshareinvestments

Fixedinterest investments*

Total

 

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

Opening balance at 1 January 2013

2,133

376

1,069

3,578

 

Purchases

133

-

432

565

 

Sales

-

-

(408)

(408)

 

Total net (losses)/gains recognisedin the Income Statement

(25)

(312)

-

(337)

 

Closing balance at 31 December 2013

2,241

64

1,093

3,398

 

 

* Included within the fixed interest investments was loan stock purchased by the Company's former wholly owned subsidiary Neptune-Calculus SPV Limited for £5,463, on which a loss of £nil was recognised in the Income Statement.

The Standard requires disclosure, by class of financial instruments, if the effect of changing one or more inputs to reasonably possible alternative assumptions would result in a significant change to the fair value measurement. The information used in determination of the fair value of Level 3 investments is chosen with reference to the specific underlying circumstances and position of the investee company. The portfolio has been reviewed and both downside and upside reasonable possible alternative assumptions have been identified and applied to the valuation of each of the unquoted investments. Applying the downside alternatives the value of the unquoted investment portfolio would be £163,000 (31 December 2013: £290,000) or 6.6 per cent (31 December 2013: 8.5 per cent) lower. Using the upside alternatives the value of the unquoted investment portfolio would be increased by £166,000 (31 December 2013: £306,000) or 6.7 per cent (31 December 2013: 9.0 per cent) higher.

Financial liabilities

The Company finances its operations through its issued share capital and existing reserves. The only financial liabilities of the Company are creditors all of which are sterling denominated and are due within one year. The creditors are disclosed in note 11. No interest is paid on these liabilities.

All assets and liabilities are carried at fair value.

Capital management policies and procedures

The Company's capital management objectives are to ensure that it will be able to continue as a going concern and to maximise the income and capital return to its Ordinary shareholders.

The Board, with the assistance of the Investment Manager monitors and reviews the broad structure of the Company's capital on an ongoing basis. This review includes the planned level of gearing, which takes account of the Manager's views on the market; the need for new issues of equity shares; and the extent to which revenue in excess of that which is required to be distributed should be retained. The capital of the Company is made up of called up share capital and reserves as detailed on the balance sheet in the Report and Accounts.

19 Transactions with the Investment Manager

The Company's qualifying investments are managed by Calculus Capital Limited. John Glencross, a director of the Company, has an interest in Calculus Capital Limited and is a director of Terrain Energy Limited. John Glencross was also a director of Limetec Limited from 1st January 2014 to 31st October 2014, when he resigned from the Board. The amounts paid to the Investment Manager are disclosed in note 3.

Calculus Capital Limited receives annual fees from Terrain Energy Limited for the provision of John Glencross as a director, as well as annual monitoring fees. Calculus Capital Limited also received a fee from Limetec Limited Group for the provision of John Glencross as a director until 31st October 2014. Calculus Capital Limited receives an annual monitoring fee from Limetec Limited, MicroEnergy Generation Services Limited, Hampshire Cosmetics Limited and Human Race Group Limited. Other funds under the management or advice of Calculus Capital Limited have also invested in Terrain Energy Limited, Limetec Limited, MicroEnergy Generation Services Limited, Hampshire Cosmetics Limited, Human Race Group Limited and Dryden Human Capital Group Limited. In the year ended 31 December 2014, the amount payable to Calculus Capital Limited which was attributable to the investment made by the Company was £2,640 (2013: £4,519) (excluding VAT) from Terrain Energy Limited, £5,780 (2013: £2,889) (excluding VAT) from Limetec Limited, £3,138 (2013: £3,295) from Human Race Group Limited, £699 (2013: £nil) for Hampshire Cosmetics Limited and £235 (2013: £674) (excluding VAT) from MicroEnergy Generation Services Limited. Calculus Capital Limited also receives fees relating to a directorship for Dryden Human Capital Limited. The amount which was attributable to the Company in 2014 was £2,874.78 (2013: £608) (excluding VAT).

In the year ended 31 December 2014, Calculus Capital Limited received no arrangement fees (2013: £nil) as a result of the Company's investment in Limetec Limited and no arrangement fees (2013: £nil) as a result of the Company's investment in Dryden Human Capital Group Limited.

As mentioned in the Directors' Report, the Company may co-invest with other funds managed and advised by Calculus Capital Limited. The allocation between different funds takes into account such factors as the funds available for investment and the time horizon of these funds, the size of a potential investment, and the existing sector exposure of the various funds.

20 Nature of financial Information

These are not full accounts in terms of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. Full audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2013 have been lodged with the Registrar of Companies. The Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2014 will be sent to shareholders shortly and will be available for inspection at 104 Park Street, London, W1K 6NF, the Company's registered office, and will be published on www.calculuscapital.com, a website maintained by the Company's Investment Manager, Calculus Capital Limited. The audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2014 contain an unqualified audit report.

 

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
FR SEEFWSFISEED
Date   Source Headline
12th Sep 20174:05 pmRNSGM Statement
31st Aug 201712:46 pmRNSGM Statement
4th Aug 20175:57 pmRNSFurther re merger
4th Aug 20175:57 pmRNSMerger and Offer for subscription
10th Jul 20179:06 amRNSResult of AGM
19th Jun 20177:00 amRNSStatement re Recommended Proposals for Merger
19th Jun 20177:00 amRNSStatement re Recommended Proposals for Merger
7th Jun 20179:23 amRNSDirector Declaration
25th Apr 20175:39 pmRNSDirectorate Change
24th Mar 20171:08 pmRNSdividend record date
21st Mar 20176:28 pmRNS2016 results and Annual Financial Report
20th Oct 20165:10 pmRNSNet Asset Value(s)
19th Aug 20163:35 pmRNSHalf-year Report
17th May 20165:25 pmRNSResult of AGM
12th May 20163:46 pmRNSTotal Voting Rights
18th Mar 20163:54 pmRNSTransaction in Own Shares
15th Mar 20166:01 pmRNSAnnual Financial Report
26th Feb 20162:28 pmRNSDisclosure of Home Member State
18th Dec 201511:23 amRNSDirector/PDMR Shareholding
13th Aug 20155:01 pmRNSHalf Yearly Report
19th May 20156:13 pmRNSResult of AGM
20th Mar 20156:11 pmRNSFinal Results
30th Jan 201511:32 amRNSDividend Declaration
22nd Dec 20143:15 pmRNSDisposal
14th Aug 20146:27 pmRNSHalf Yearly Report
23rd May 201412:19 pmRNSAGM Statement
8th May 201412:38 pmRNSInterim Management Statement
4th Apr 20145:30 pmRNSAnnual Information Update
31st Mar 20143:45 pmRNSFinal Results
19th Nov 20133:12 pmRNSInterim Management Statement
15th Aug 201312:59 pmRNSHalf Yearly Report - Replacement
15th Aug 201311:31 amRNSHalf Yearly Report
7th Jun 20132:29 pmRNSTransaction in Own Shares and results of EBB
30th May 20133:54 pmRNSResult of Meeting
16th May 201312:43 pmRNSInterim Management Statement
10th May 20131:13 pmRNSAnnual Information Update
28th Mar 20133:47 pmRNSEBB Top up offer and Notice of meeting
27th Mar 20135:21 pmRNSFinal Results
16th Nov 20129:45 amRNSInterim Management Statement
23rd Aug 20122:33 pmRNSHalf Yearly Report
6th Jun 20123:33 pmRNSResult of AGM
6th Jun 20123:28 pmRNSTotal Voting Rights
16th May 20126:04 pmRNSInterim Management Statement
22nd Mar 20123:26 pmRNSAnnual Information Update
22nd Mar 20122:59 pmRNSTransaction in Own Shares and Annual Report
15th Mar 20124:33 pmRNSFinal Results
18th Nov 20114:54 pmRNSInterim Management Statement
17th Aug 20113:23 pmRNSHalf Yearly Report
17th Aug 20112:34 pmRNSTotal Voting Rights
21st Jun 20112:14 pmRNSDirectorate Change

Due to London Stock Exchange licensing terms, we stipulate that you must be a private investor. We apologise for the inconvenience.

To access our Live RNS you must confirm you are a private investor by using the button below.

Login to your account

Don't have an account? Click here to register.

Quickpicks are a member only feature

Login to your account

Don't have an account? Click here to register.