Downing FOUR VCT plc Half-Yearly Report for the six months ended 30 September 2016 (correction)
The announcement released by Downing FOUR VCT plc entitled 'Half Yearly Results' on 5 December at 5:09pm incorrectly stated that the DP67 and DSO D Share dividends are proposed to be paid on 22 December 2016 to shareholders on the register at 2 December 2016.
The announcement should have shown the correct payment date of 6 January 2017 with a record date of 16 December 2016.
Also, the Investment Manager's Report for the DP2011 Low Carbon Share pool stated that the dividend paid during the period since the year end was 40.0p. It should have stated a dividend paid of 50.0p.
The remainder of the announcement is unchanged.
The full amended announcement is set out below.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 30 Sept 2016 31 March 30 Sept 2016 2015
pence pence pence
DSO B Share pool
Net asset value per DSO B Share 20.0 17.6 72.4
Net asset value per DSO C Share 0.1 0.1 0.1
Cumulative dividends per DSO B Share 91.5 91.5 32.5
Estimated performance incentive * (5.3) (4.8) (4.0) -------------- ---------- -------- Total return per DSO B Share and DSO C Share 106.3 104.4 101.0 -------------- ---------- --------
DSO D Share pool
Net asset value per DSO D Share 75.5 75.6 76.0
Cumulative dividends per DSO D Share 22.5 20.0 17.5 -------------- ---------- -------- Total return per DSO D Share 98.0 95.6 93.5 -------------- ---------- --------
DP67 Share pool
Net asset value per DP67 Share 63.9 60.4 62.9
Cumulative dividends per DP67 Share 25.8 23.8 21.8 -------------- ---------- -------- Total return per DP67 Share 89.7 84.2 84.7 -------------- ---------- --------
DP2011 General Share pool
Net asset value per DP2011 Gen Ord Share 25.0 75.1 78.9
Net asset value per DP2011 Gen A Share 30.3 5.9 6.1
Cumulative dividends per DP2011 Gen Ord 45.0 22.5 20.0 Share -------------- ---------- -------- Total return per DP2011 Gen Ord Share and 100.3 103.5 105.0 Gen A Share -------------- ---------- -------- Estimated Performance incentive (already 4.6 - - included above) *
DP2011 Structured Share pool
Net asset value per DP2011 Struc Ord Share 14.9 77.1 80.8
Net asset value per DP2011 Struc A Share 31.8 6.1 6.3
Cumulative dividends per DP2011 Struc Share 55.0 22.5 20.0 -------------- ---------- -------- Total return DP2011 Struc Ord Share and 101.7 105.7 107.1 Struc A Share -------------- ---------- -------- Estimated Performance incentive (already 4.8 - - included above) *
DP2011 Low Carbon Share pool
Net asset value per DP2011 Low Carbon Share 41.7 41.6 90.0
Cumulative dividends per DP2011 Low Carbon 73.9 73.9 21.4 Share
Estimated Performance incentive * (6.8) - - -------------- ---------- -------- Total return per DP2011 Low Carbon Share 108.8 115.5 111.4 -------------- ---------- --------
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT Introduction I am pleased to present the Company's Half Yearly Report for the six months ended 30 September 2016. The period has been notable for the outcome of the EU Referendum and, more recently, the US election result. These events have, however, had little impact on your Company and, in general, progress across the various share pools has continued to be satisfactory.
Share pools The Company now has six active share pools each with a different profile. This report includes sections covering each share pool; I will give a brief overview of each pool.
DSO B Share Pool The combined NAV of one DSO B Share and one DSO C Share stood at 20.1p at 30 September 2016, an increase of 2.4p per share or 13.8% over the period. Total Return now stands at 111.6p per share, compared to the cost for Shareholders who invested in the B Share offer, net of income tax relief, of 70.0p. Based on the current performance it is estimated that a performance fee equivalent to 5.3p per B Share may become payable to members of the management team when the task of returning funds to Shareholders is complete. This would result in a net Total Return of 106.3p. The pool is in the process of realising its remaining investments and we are optimistic that it will be in a position to declare a final distribution to shareholders early in the New Year.
DSO D Share Pool The DSO D Share NAV stood at 75.5p at 30 September 2016, an increase of 2.4p per share or 3.2% over the period, after adjusting for the dividends paid in the period of 2.5p. Total Return now stands at 98.0p per share, compared to the cost for Shareholders who invested in the D Share offer, net of income tax relief, of 70.0p.
The DSO D Share pool will seek to begin the process of realising its investments to return funds to investors in August 2017.
DP67 Share Pool The DP67 share pool arose from the merger with Downing Planned Exit VCT 6 plc and Downing Planned Exit VCT 7 plc. As at 30 September 2016, the NAV of the DP67 Shares stood at 63.9p per share.
This represents an increase of 5.5p (9.1%) (after adjusting for the dividend paid) over the period. Total Return for DP67 shareholders now stands at 89.7p per share.
The DP67 Share pool will be commencing the process of realising its investments to return funds to investors in 2018.
DP2011 General Share Pool Now that the Share Pool is in the process of returning funds to Shareholders, an estimate has been made of the performance incentive that may ultimately be paid to members of the management team were the remaining investments to be realised at current carrying value. This is achieved by the allocation of value to the DP2011 General A Shares from the DP2011 General Ordinary Shares.
After providing for an estimate performance incentive of 4.6p per DP2011 General Ordinary Share, as at 30 September 2016, the NAV of a combined holding of one DP2011 General Ordinary Share and one DP2011 General A Share stood at 55.3p per share. This represents an increase of 1.4p or 1.8% (after adjusting for the dividends paid) over the period before adjusting for the performance incentive.
Total Return for DP2011 General Shareholders now stands at 100.3p compared to the cost for Shareholders who invested in the original offer, net of income tax relief, of 70.0p.
The Share pool has started the task of realising its investments earlier this year and will make further distributions to Shareholders as this process progresses.
DP2011 Structured Share Pool As with the DP2011 General pool, an estimate has now been made of the performance incentive that may ultimately be paid to members of the management team were the remaining investments to exit at current carrying value.
After providing for an estimated performance incentive of 4.8p per DP2011 Structured Ordinary Share, as at 30 September 2016, the NAV of a combined holding of one DP2011 Structured Ordinary Share and one DP2011 Structured A Share stood at 46.7p per share. This represents an increase of 1.0p or 1.2% (after adjusting for the dividends paid) over the period, before adjusting for the performance incentive.
Total Return for DP2011 Structured Shareholders now stands at 101.7p compared to the cost for Shareholders who invested in the original offer, net of income tax relief, of 70.0p.
As with the DP2011 General Share Pool, the task of realising the investments has commenced and further distributions will be made to Shareholders as this process progresses.
DP2011 Low Carbon Share Pool As part of the merger Low Carbon Shareholders received 0.935 new DP2011 Low Carbon Ordinary Shares in the Company for every Low Carbon Ordinary Share they previously owned in the original company. This was done to rebase the cost of the original shares to 100p.
As with the other DP2011 share pools, we have now calculated the potential impact of performance fees. These are estimated to be amount to 6.8p per share if the remaining investments are sold at current carrying value.
After providing for these fees, the NAV of the DP2011 Low Carbon Shares as at 30 September 2016 was 34.9p per share. In terms of investment performance - i.e after adding back dividends and provisions for the performance fees - this represents an increase of 0.1p or 0.1%. Total Return for DP2011 Low Carbon Shareholders now stands at 108.8p compared to the equivalent cost for Shareholders who invested in the original offer, net of income tax relief, of 70.0p.
As with the other DP2011 share pools, the process of returning funds to investors commenced in 2016. In respect of the Low Carbon pool, the Manager is working on transactions to realise the remaining investments and we believe that a final distribution should be made to Shareholders in the first half of 2017.
DSO Ordinary Share Pool In August 2016, the DSO Ordinary Share and A Share classes were cancelled following the completion of the return of capital to shareholders earlier in the year.
Dividends In line with the usual policy, interim dividends will be paid as follows:
DSO D Shares 2.5p
DP67 Shares 2.0p
The interim dividends will be paid on 6 January 2017 to Shareholders on the register at 16 December 2016.
No dividends in respect of the other share pools are being declared at this time as they are in the process of realising investments and dividends will be declared as disposals are achieved.
Share buybacks The Company will buy DSO D Shares or DP67 Shares that become available in the market and will usually expect to do so at a price approximately equal to the latest NAV of the shares, subject to regulatory restrictions and other factors such as availability of liquid funds.
In respect of the other share pools that are in the process of returning funds to Shareholders the Board does not intend to buy in any of those shares as it is envisaged that the exit for these Shareholders will now be facilitated by way of distributions.
There were no shares purchased in the period ended 30 September 2016.
Future fundraising plans Although the Company has a number of share pools, each of them currently operates a planned exit strategy and, in time, each share pool will wind up.
The Board has given consideration to the future of the Company and, in conjunction with the Manager, is progressing plans to launch two new share pools with 'evergreen' investment strategies. One share pool with have a generalist focus and the other a healthcare/life sciences focus. The proposed new share pools should help to maintain the size of the Company as the existing pools wind up and enable the Company to keep running costs at a reasonable level for all Shareholders.
Naturally, full details will be sent to Shareholders when they are available.
Board As one of the original share pools has now wound up and others are in the process of winding up, the Directors have reviewed the composition of the Board. As a result, Mark Mathias and Robin Chamberlayne have decided to resign as directors, leaving the Company with a Board comprising three directors.
I would like to thank both Mark and Robin for their valuable contributions since the Company's launch as Downing Protected Opportunities VCT1 plc in 2009 and wish them every success in their other ventures.
Outlook Much of the Manager's focus over the remainder of the year will be on investment disposals from the share pools that are in the process of returning funds to Shareholders. Also some provisional plans will start to be developed for the pools that have not yet reached that stage.
Investment performance is generally satisfactory and the Manager will continue to closely monitor all investments to ensure that this remains the case, particularly the investments in the DSO D Share pool and DP67 Share pool, where we believe there are prospects for improved performance before the realisation process gets underway.
We believe that the proposed new fundraising mentioned above may provide Shareholders with an attractive new opportunity for a new VCT investment. The fundraising is expected to launch shortly and I will write to all Shareholders with full details at that time.
Lord Flight Chairman
INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT DSO B SHARE POOL
The DSO B Share pool continues to make progress with the process of realising the portfolio and expects to be in a position to return all remaining funds in the early part of 2017.
Portfolio Activity A number of investments were exited during the period to 30 September 2016, with four full disposals, two partial disposals and deferred consideration from previous disposals, which produced total proceeds of £1.7 million and a gain of £480,000.
At 30 September 2016, the pool held eight investments with a total valuation of £1.7 million. There were three minor valuation changes at the period end for Mosaic Spa and Health Clubs Limited, Fenkle Street LLP and Redmed Limited resulting in a net valuation reduction of £22,000. The carrying values adopted at the period end are consistent with the values at which we believe the investments can be realised.
The majority of investments have performed to plan although a small number which have underperformed historically are yet to fully recover.
Realisation plans There are exit plans in place for the remaining investments. The significant holdings in Westcountry Solar Solutions Limited and Avon Solar Energy Limited are expected to be sold in the first quarter of the next calendar year.
A number of exit options are being pursued for Mosaic Spa and Health Clubs Limited.
Results At 30 September the DSO B Share NAV stood at 20.0p and the DSO C Share NAV at 0.1p, giving a combined NAV of 20.1p.
Based on the performance to date, it is expected that performance hurdles will be met and a performance incentive fee will be payable to members of the management team. It is estimated that this fee might be equivalent to 5.3p per DSO B Share.
After adjusting for the fee, Total Return (NAV plus dividends to date) now stands at 106.3p for a combined holding of one DSO B Share and one DSO C Share. This represents a net increase of 1.9p over the period, equivalent to an increase of 10.7%.
Shareholdings should note that although the DSO C Shares currently have nominal value, meeting the performance hurdles will trigger a transfer of value from the DSO B Shares to the DSO C Shares.
Profit on ordinary activities after taxation for the period was £490,000, comprising revenue profit of £51,000 and capital profit of £439,000.
Outlook Exits from the remaining investments are being pursued and, it is expected that the next DSO B Share dividend will be declared when either all or most of the remaining investments have been realised. Timing is difficult to estimate as the realisations are dependent on third parties but we envisage this will be in the first quarter of 2017.
Downing LLP
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO DSO B SHARE POOL as at 30 September 2016
Unrealised % of gain/(loss) portfolio Cost Valuation in period by value
£000 £000 £000
Qualifying investments
Westcountry Solar Solutions Limited 500 500 - 12.1%
Mosaic Spa and Health Clubs Limited 692 441 (79) 10.7%
Avon Solar Energy Limited 420 435 - 10.6%
Redmed Limited 37 27 (6) 0.7%
Future Biogas (Reepham Road) Limited 633 - - 0.0%
Quadrate Spa Limited 276 - - 0.0% -------------------------------------- 2,558 1,403 (85) 34.1%
Non-qualifying investments
Fenkle Street LLP 154 340 63 8.2%
Camandale Limited 587 - - 0.0% -------------------------------------- 741 340 63 8.2%
Total 3,299 1,743 (22) 42.3% ------- -------------
Cash at bank and in hand 2,379 57.7%
----------- ---------- Total investments 4,122 100.0% ----------- ----------
*partially non-qualifying
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS DSO B SHARE POOL for the period ended 30 September 2016
Total gain against Realised gain Valuation at Disposal cost in period Disposals Cost 31/03/2016 proceeds
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Kidspace Holdings Limited 750 930 939 189 9
Quadrate Spa Limited 56 - 313 257 313
Future Biogas (Reepham Road) Limited 257 193 257 - 64
Future Biogas (SF) Limited 122 122 147 25 25
Redmed Limited 29 24 30 1 6
Camandale Limited 5 - 5 - 5
Deferred consideration
Liverpool Nurseries Limited - - 46 46 46
Kilmarnock Monkey Bar Limited - - 12 12 12
---------------------------------------------------------- Total 1,219 1,269 1,749 530 480 ----------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT DSO D SHARE POOL At 30 September 2016, the D Share pool was fully invested and held 14 Venture Capital investments with a value of £4.3 million and one Structured Product investment with a value of £593,000.
Portfolio activity Unquoted portfolio There was one disposal during the period. Pearce and Saunders Limited loan notes were redeemed at par.
Portfolio valuation Two small uplifts in value were recognised in the period for Merlin Renewables Limited and Lambridge Solar Limited, totalling £127,000.
Structured Product portfolio The Structured Product portfolio was valued at £593,000 as at 30 September 2016. During the period sales and redemptions realised £606,000 leaving one remaining investment in the portfolio which is due to mature next year.
The remaining investment increased in value by £21,000 over the period.
Results and net asset value At 30 September 2016, the NAV per DSO D Share stood at 75.5p per share; an increase of 2.4p per share (3.2%) since 31 March 2016 (after taking into account the 2.5p dividend paid during the period). The NAV plus cumulative dividends paid to date for one DSO D Share now totals 98.0p.
The gain on ordinary activities after taxation was £187,000, comprising a revenue profit of £31,000 and capital profit of £156,000.
Dividends A 2.5p dividend per DSO D Share will be paid on 6 January 2017 to shareholders on the register at 16 December 2016.
Outlook The focus now for the DSO D Share portfolio is now on close monitoring and support of the portfolio companies in order to maximise growth opportunities until the realisation process commences in 2017. Downing LLP
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO DSO D SHARE POOL as at 30 September 2016
Unrealised % of gain portfolio Cost Valuation in period by value
£000 £000 £000
Qualifying investments
Vulcan Renewables Limited 653 779 - 13.4%
Merlin Renewables Limited 500 575 75 9.9%
Goonhilly Earth Station Limited 570 570 - 9.8%
Lambridge Solar Limited 500 569 52 9.8%
Nightjar Sustainable Power Limited 485 485 - 8.3%
Apex Energy Limited 400 400 - 6.9%
City Falkirk Limited 562 236 - 4.1%
Fubar Stirling Limited 358 225 - 3.9%
Fresh Green Power Limited 200 200 - 3.4%
Pearce and Saunders Limited 300 192 - 3.3%
Green Energy Production UK Limited 100 100 - 1.7%
Cheers Dumbarton Limited 64 22 - 0.4%
Pearce and Saunders DevCo Limited 20 20 - 0.3%
Lochrise Limited 17 - - 0.0% ------------------------------------- 4,729 4,373 127 75.2%
Structured Product investments
HSBC 5.4% Dual Index Synthetic Zero 501 593 21 10.2% -------------------------------------
Total 5,230 4,966 148 85.4% ------- ------------
Cash at bank and in hand 860 14.6%
----------- ---------- Total investments 5,826 100.0% ----------- ----------
* partially non-qualifying
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS DSO D SHARE POOL for the period ended 30 September 2016
Total gain Valuation at Disposal against Realised Disposals Cost 31/03/2016 proceeds cost gain in period
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Full disposal
Pearce and Saunders 294 294 - - Limited 294
Structured Products
HSBC 7.1% Defensive 286 303 52 17 Worst Of Auto Call 251
Credit Suisse 7% 291 303 52 12 Defensive Worst Of Auto Call 251 ----------------------------------------------------------- 796 871 900 104 29 -----------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT DP67 SHARE POOL
The DP67 Share pool has been formed from the merger with Downing Planned Exit VCT 6 plc and Downing Planned Exit VCT 7 plc. These companies were sister companies which held identical investment portfolios.
Portfolio activity The DP67 pool now holds ten investments, of which Cadbury House Holdings Limited and Gatewales Limited represent the largest proportion of the pools net assets.
There were two qualifying additions to the portfolio during the period; £300,000 in Brownfields Limited which is seeking to develop small scale waste disposal projects; and £400,000 in Yamuna Renewables Limited which is working on an opportunity in the wood refinery sector.
Loan notes in Kidspace Holdings Limited and Hobblers Heath Limited, totalling £965,000 were redeemed at par during the period.
Portfolio valuation The DP67 portfolio continues to perform well and there were a number of uplifts in value during the period.
Gatewales Limited holds the right to share in the profit from a hotel development. The profit share has started to be paid out and a further uplift of £274,000 reflects the anticipated returns still due over the coming months.
Fenkle Street LLP and Snow Hill Developments LLP, both property development companies in Newcastle and Birmingham respectively, were uplifted by a total of £403,000.
These uplifts were offset in part by a value reduction of £82,000 on Oak Grove Renewables Limited, which continues to experience operating issues.
Net asset value and results At 30 September 2016, the NAV per DP67 Share stood at 63.9p per share; an increase of 5.5p per share (9.1%) since the year end (after taking into account the 2.0p dividend paid during the period). The NAV plus cumulative dividends paid to date for one DP67 Share now totals 89.7p.
The profit on ordinary activities after taxation for the period was £617,000, comprising a revenue profit of £137,000 and a capital profit of £480,000.
Dividends A 2.0p dividend per DP67 Share will be paid on 6 January 2017 to shareholders on the register at 16 December 2016.
Outlook We are reasonably pleased with the recent overall performance of the DP67 portfolio as is reflected in the recent uplifts in value. The portfolio is now almost fully invested and we will continue to monitor the existing portfolio to ensure that opportunities from growth are maximised.
Downing LLP
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO DP67 SHARE POOL as at 30 September 2016 Unrealised % of Original gain/(loss) portfolio cost Cost Valuation in period by value
£000 £000 £000 £000
Qualifying investments
Cadbury House Holdings Limited 1,206 1,409 1,613 - 22.1%
Gatewales Limited 1,194 564 1,123 274 15.4%
Oak Grove Renewables Limited 820 820 533 (82) 7.3%
Yamuna Energy Limited - 400 400 - 5.5%
Brownfields Limited - 300 300 - 4.1% -------------------------------------- 3,493 3,969 192 54.4%
Non-qualifying investments
Snow Hill Developments LLP 500 526 810 285 11.1%
Fenkle Street LLP 77 405 637 118 8.7%
London and City Shopping Centre - Limited 99 99 - 1.4%
Coast Constructors Limited 1,866 - - - 0.0%
Gara Rock Resort Limited 415 (previously Aminghurst Limited) - - - 0.0% -------------------------------------- 1,030 1,546 403 21.2%
Total 4,523 5,515 595 75.6% ------- -------------
Cash at bank and in hand 1,775 24.4%
----------- ---------- Total investments 7,290 100.0% ----------- ----------
* partially non-qualifying
'Original cost' refers to the cost of the investment by the original VCT 'Cost' reflects the values at which investments were transferred at the merger in July 2015
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS DP67 SHARE POOL for the period ended 30 September 2016
Additions £000
Qualifying investments
Brownfields Limited 300
Yamuna Energy Limited 400 ------- 700 -------
Total loss Valuation at Disposal against Realised Disposals Cost 31/03/2016* proceeds cost loss in period
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Full disposal
Qualifying investments
Kidspace Adventures 578 578 - - Holdings Limited 578
Hobblers Heath 387 387 - - Limited 387
Partial disposal
Non-qualifying investments
Snow Hill 642 550 (8) (92) Developments LLP 558 ---------------------------------------------------------- 1,523 1,607 1,515 (8) (92) ----------------------------------------------------------
*Being the date of the merger
INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT DP2011 GENERAL SHARE POOL
At 30 September 2016 the DP2011 General Share pool portfolio was valued at £7.3 million, comprising 10 fully or partly qualifying investments and a further 5 non-qualifying investments.
Following the five year anniversary this year, the pool paid the first substantial return of capital dividend during the period. We will look to seek appropriate exit strategies for the remainder of the portfolio to maximise returns to shareholders.
Portfolio activity Three full disposals were made during the period generating total proceeds of £3.2 million and gains of £80,000.
There were no additions as the portfolio is now in the planned exit phase.
Portfolio valuation The majority of the portfolio continues to perform in line with expectations, however there have been a number of adjustments to valuation at 30 September, resulting in an unrealised value decrease of £16,000.
The two biggest valuation movements were as follows: -
Snow Hill Developments LLP owns a long leasehold interest in the Holiday Inn Express Hotel in Birmingham. The value has been increased by £131,000 as visibility of future cash flows has improved.
Unfortunately, this was offset by a write down of £130,000 on Mosaic Spa and Health Club Limited, which is still suffering performance issues at the Shrewsbury site.
Net asset value and results At 30 September 2016, the DP2011 General Share NAV stood at 25.0p per share and the DP2011 General A Share NAV at 30.3p, giving a total NAV of 55.3p.
Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) now stands 100.3p, an increase of 1.4p (1.8%) since the year end, after accounting for the dividend paid during the period of 22.5p, but ignoring the estimated performance incentive that may be payable.
The profit on ordinary activities after taxation for the period was £188,000, comprising a revenue profit of £178,000 and a capital gain of £10,000.
Dividends During the period the DP2011 General pool made the first significant return of capital dividend payment of 22.5p, in line with the planned exit strategy.
We hope to make another substantial dividend payment to Shareholders in 2017, however the disposal process may take some time to complete.
Outlook The coming months will be focussed on realisations within the portfolio as well as continuing to monitor investments and maximising growth opportunities.
Downing LLP
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO DP2011 GENERAL SHARE POOL as at 30 September 2016
Unrealised % of Original gain/(loss) portfolio Cost Cost Valuation in period by value
£000 £000 £000 £000
Qualifying investments
Vulcan Renewables Limited 1,845 2,199 2,199 - 23.9%
Mosaic Spa and Health Clubs Limited* 1,238 1,147 825 (130) 9.0%
Westcountry Solar Solutions Limited 600 600 600 - 6.5%
Odysian (Holdings) Limited 857 873 591 - 6.4%
Wickham Solar Limited 472 550 575 25 6.2%
Avon Solar Energy Limited 505 505 523 - 5.7%
City Falkirk Limited 674 330 283 - 3.1%
Oak Grove Renewable Limited 400 400 275 (42) 3.0%
Fubar Stirling Limited 429 410 270 - 2.9%
Cheers Dumbarton Limited 76 27 27 - 0.3% -------------------------------------- 7,041 6,168 (147) 67.0%
Non-qualifying investments
Snow Hill Developments LLP 750 750 881 131 9.6%
London City Shopping Centre Limited 50 88 88 - 1.0%
Clean Electricity Limited 70 70 70 - 0.8%
UK Renewable Power Limited 55 55 55 0.6%
21st Century Energy Limited 22 22 22 - 0.2% -------------------------------------- 985 1,116 131 12.2%
Total 8,026 7,284 (16) 79.2% ------- -------------
Cash at bank and in hand 1,925 20.8%
----------- ---------- Total investments 9,209 100.0% ----------- ----------
* partially non-qualifying
'Original cost' refers to the cost of the investment by the original VCT 'Cost' reflects the values at which investments were transferred at the merger in July 2015
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS DP2011 GENERAL SHARE POOL for the period ended 30 September 2016
Total gain Valuation at Disposal against Realised Disposals Cost 31/03/2016 proceeds cost gain in period
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Full Disposal
Qualifying investments
Kidspace Adventures 1,384 1,398 47 14 Holdings Limited 1,351
Tooting Tram and 1,223 1,289 102 66 Social Limited* 1,187
Non-qualifying investments
Kidspace Adventures 539 539 - - Limited 539
----------------------------------------------------------- 3,077 3,146 3,226 149 80 -----------------------------------------------------------
*Partially non-qualifying
INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT DP2011 STRUCTURED SHARE POOL At 30 September 2016 the DP2011 Structured Share pool was fully invested with a portfolio value of £4.3 million, comprising 11 fully or partly qualifying investments.
Following the five year anniversary this year, the pool paid the first substantial return of capital dividend during the period. We will look to seek appropriate exit strategies for the remainder of the portfolio to maximise returns to shareholders.
Portfolio activity Unquoted investments Two full disposals were made during the period generating total proceeds of £1.6 million and gains of £53,000.
There were no additions as the portfolio is now in the planned exit phase.
Portfolio valuation The majority of the portfolio continues to perform in line with expectations, however there have been a number of adjustments to valuation at 30 September, resulting in an unrealised value decrease of £120,000.
Mosaic Spa and Health Club Limited, which is still suffering performance issues at the Shrewsbury site, was written down by £87,000.
Oak Grove Renewables Limited, which continues to experience operating issues was also written down by £58,000.
This was offset in part by an uplift of £25,000 on Wickham Solar, due to continued good performance of the solar farm in Lincolnshire.
Structured Product portfolio The remainder of the structured portfolio matured during the period, generating total proceeds of £1.4 million and gains of £30,000 (total gains of £282,000 over the cost to the original pool).
Net asset value and results At 30 September 2016, the DP2011 Structured Share NAV stood at 14.9p per share and the DP2011 Structured A Share NAV at 31.8p, giving a total NAV of 46.7p.
Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) now stands at 101.7p, an increase of 1.0p (1.2%) since the year end after taking into account the dividend paid during the period of 32.5p, but before adjusting for the estimated performance incentive that may become payable.
The profit on ordinary activities after taxation for the period was £61,000, comprising a revenue profit of £136,000 and a capital loss of £75,000.
Dividend During the period the DP2011 Structured pool made the first significant return of capital dividend payment of 32.5p, in line with the planned exit strategy.
We hope to make another substantial dividend payment to Shareholders in 2017, however the disposal process may take some time to complete.
Outlook The coming months will be focussed on realisations within the portfolio as well as continuing to monitor investments and maximising growth opportunities.
Downing LLP
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO DP2011 STRUCTURED SHARE POOL as at 30 September 2016
Unrealised % of Original (loss)/gain portfolio cost Cost Valuation in period by value
£000 £000 £000 £000
Qualifying investments
Vulcan Renewables Limited 1,091 1,305 1,305 - 24.1%
Wickham Solar Limited 472 550 575 25 10.6%
Mosaic Spa and Health Clubs 825 Limited* 685 470 (87) 8.7%
Westcountry Solar Solutions 400 Limited 400 400 - 7.4%
Odysian (Holdings) Limited 571 582 394 - 7.3%
Oak Grove Renewables Limited 545 545 375 (58) 6.9%
Avon Solar Energy Limited 336 336 348 - 6.4%
City Falkirk Limited 450 220 189 - 3.5%
Fubar Stirling Limited 286 273 180 - 3.3%
Cheers Dumbarton Limited 51 18 18 - 0.3%
Lochrise Limited 13 - - - 0.0% -------------------------------------- Total 4,914 4,254 (120) 78.5% ------- -------------
Cash at bank and in hand 1,155 21.5%
----------- ---------- Total investments 5,409 100.0% ----------- ----------
* partially non-qualifying
'Original cost' refers to the cost of the investment by the original VCT 'Cost' reflects the values at which investments were transferred at the merger in July 2015
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS DP2011 STRUCTURED SHARE POOL for the period ended 30 September 2016
Additions The entire DP2011 Structured portfolio was acquired during the merger in July 2015
Total gain Valuation at Disposal against Realised Disposals Cost 31/03/2016 proceeds cost gain in period
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Full disposal
Qualifying investments
Tooting Tram and 637 681 68 44 Social Limited 613
Kidspace Adventures 923 932 31 9 Holdings Limited 901
Non-qualifying investments
Structured Products
HSBC 7.1% Defensive 458 469 22 11 Worst Of Auto Call 447
Credit Suisse 7% 291 297 18 6 Defensive Worst Of Auto Call 279
Credit Suisse 10% 293 302 12 9 Defensive Worst Of Auto Call 290
RBS 6 Yr Dual Index 380 384 11 4 Synthetic Zero 10.16% 373 ----------------------------------------------------------- 2,903 2,982 3,065 162 83 -----------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT DP2011 LOW CARBON SHARE POOL
At 30 September 2016 the DP2011 Low Carbon Share pool was fully invested with a portfolio value of £2.9 million, comprising four fully qualifying investments.
Following the five year anniversary this year, the pool paid the first substantial return of capital dividend during the period.
Investment activity There was no movement in the portfolio during the period as we continue to finalise the exit plans for the remaining investments.
The portfolio is performing consistently with no further adjustments to value required.
Net asset value At 30 September 2016, the NAV per DP2011 Low Carbon Ordinary Share stood at 34.9p, net an estimated performance incentive fee of 6.8p per share.
Total Return (NAV plus cumulative dividends) is now 108.8p, an increase of 0.1p per share (0.1%) since the year end, after taking into account the 50.0p dividend paid during the period, but before adjusting for the estimated performance incentive fees that may become payable.
The gain on ordinary activities after taxation for the period was £5,000, comprising a revenue profit of £34,000 and a capital loss of £29,000.
Dividend Shortly after the year end the DP2011 Low Carbon pool made the first significant return of capital dividend payment of 50.0p, in line with the planned exit strategy.
Outlook We are in the process of finalising the exit plans for the remainder of the portfolio, and hope to make the final dividend payment to Shareholders in early 2017.
Downing LLP
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO DP2011 LOW CARBON SHARE POOL as at 30 September 2016
Unrealised % of Original gain portfolio Cost Cost Valuation in period by value
£000 £000 £000 £000
Qualifying investments
Progressive Power Generation 800 Limited 800 800 - 25.5%
UK Renewable Power Limited 780 780 780 - 24.8%
Clean Electricity Limited 780 710 710 - 22.6%
21st Century Energy Limited 600 708 708 - 22.5% ------------------------------------- Total 2,998 2,998 - 95.4% ------- ------------
Cash at bank and in hand 142 4.6%
----------- ---------- Total investments 3,140 100.0% ----------- ----------
'Original cost' refers to the cost of the investment by the original VCT 'Cost' reflects the values at which investments were transferred at the merger in July 2015
There were no disposals or additions during the period.
UNAUDITED INCOME STATEMENT for the six months ended 30 September 2016
Year Six months ended Six months ended ended 30 Sep 2016 30 Sep 2015 31 Mar 2016
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Total
Company Total £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Income 978 - 978 1,406 - 1,406 3,435
Gains on investments
- realised - 585 585 - 575 575 2,075
- unrealised - 580 580 - 127 127 (1,194) ----------------------- ------------------------ -------- 978 1,165 2,143 1,406 702 2,108 881
Investment management (778) fees (183) (184) (367) (160) (162) (322)
Other expenses (252) - (252) (283) - (283) (568)
----------------------- ------------------------ -------- Return on ordinary activities before tax 543 981 1,524 963 540 1,503 2,970
Tax on total comprehensive income (351) and ordinary activities 18 - 18 (129) - (129)
----------------------- ------------------------ -------- Return attributable to equity shareholders, being total comprehensive income for the year 561 981 1,542 834 540 1,374 2,619 ----------------------- ------------------------ --------
Return per DSO B 0.3p 2.2p 2.5p 1.2p 1.1p 2.3p 6.5p Share
Return per DSO C - - - - - - - Share
Return per DSO D 0.4p 2.0p 2.4p 0.9p (2.4p) (1.5p) 0.6p Share
Return per DP67 Share 1.2p 4.2p 5.4p - 2.8p 2.8p 2.3p
Return per DP2011 Gen 1.1p 0.1p 1.2p 0.8p (0.1p) 0.7p 0.2p Ordinary Share
Return per DP2011 Gen - - - - - - - A Share
Return per DP2011 1.3p (0.7p) 0.6p 0.7p (0.4p) 0.3p (0.1p) Struc Ordinary Share
Return per DP2011 - - - - - - - Struc A Share
Return per DP2011 Low 0.4p (0.4p) 0.0p 0.8p 0.6p 1.4p 5.6p Carbon Share
A Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses has not been prepared as all gains and losses are recognised in the Income Statement as noted above.
Year Six months ended Six months ended ended 30 Sep 2016 30 Sep 2015 31 Mar 2016
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Total
B Share pool £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Income 98 - 98 402 - 402 1,047
Gains/(losses) on investments
- realised - (22) (22) - 189 189 909
- unrealised - 480 480 - 91 91 (253) ----------------------- ----------------------- -------- 98 458 556 402 280 682 1,703
Investment management (19) (19) (38) (50) (50) (100) (194) fees
Other expenses (21) - (21) (84) - (84) (98)
----------------------- ----------------------- -------- Return on ordinary activities before 58 439 497 268 230 498 taxation 1,411
Taxation (7) - (7) (30) - (30) (116)
----------------------- ----------------------- -------- Return attributable to equity shareholders 51 439 490 238 230 468 1,295 ----------------------- ----------------------- --------
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Total
D Share pool £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Income 91 - 91 128 - 128 255
Gains/(losses) on investments
- realised - 148 148 - 12 12 80
- unrealised - 29 29 - (175) (175) (119) ----------------------- ----------------------- ------- 91 177 268 128 (163) (35) 216
Investment management (20) (21) (41) (22) (22) (44) (84) fees
Other expenses (37) - (37) (38) - (38) (81)
----------------------- ----------------------- ------- Return on ordinary activities before taxation 34 156 190 68 (185) (117) 51
Taxation (3) - (3) 3 - 3 (3)
----------------------- ----------------------- ------- Return attributable to equity shareholders 31 156 187 71 (185) (114) 48 ----------------------- ----------------------- -------
Six months ended Period from 21 July Period from 30 Sep 2016 30 Sep 2015 21 Jul 15 to 31 Mar 16
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Total
DP67 Share pool £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Income 211 - 211 47 - 47 204
Gains on investments
- realised - 595 595 - 277 277 (281)
- unrealised - (92) (92) - 43 43 482 ----------------------- ------------------------- ----------- 211 503 714 47 320 367 405
Investment (23) (23) (46) (11) (11) (22) (70) management fees
Other expenses (36) - (36) (33) - (33) (61)
----------------------- ------------------------- ----------- Return on ordinary activities before taxation 152 480 632 3 309 312 274
Taxation (15) - (15) - - - (15)
----------------------- ------------------------- ----------- Return attributable to equity shareholders 137 480 617 3 309 312 259 ----------------------- ------------------------- -----------
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Total
DP2011 General £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Share pool
Income 283 - 283 231 - 231 659
Gains on investments
- realised - (16) (16) - - - 386
- unrealised - 80 80 - 14 14 (657) ----------------------- ------------------------- ----------- 283 64 347 231 14 245 388
Investment (54) (54) (108) (26) (27) (53) (160) management fees
Other expenses (68) - (68) (48) - (48) (119)
----------------------- ------------------------- ----------- Return on ordinary 157 (13) 144 activities before taxation 161 10 171 109
Taxation 17 - 17 (26) - (26) (77)
----------------------- ------------------------- ----------- Return attributable to equity shareholders 178 10 188 131 (13) 118 32 ----------------------- ------------------------- -----------
Six months ended Period from 21 July Period from 30 Sep 2016 30 Sep 2015 21 Jul 15 to 31 Mar 16
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Total
DP2011 Structured £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Share pool
Income 218 - 218 134 - 134 429
Gains/(losses) on investments
- realised - (120) (120) - 5 5 (463)
- unrealised - 83 83 - (32) (32) 262 ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------- 218 (37) 181 134 (27) 107 228
Investment (38) (38) (76) (18) (19) (37) (112) management fees
Other expenses (53) - (53) (30) - (30) (78)
----------------------- ----------------------- ----------- Return on ordinary activities before 127 (75) 52 86 (46) 40 taxation 38
Taxation 9 - 9 (14) - (14) (48)
----------------------- ----------------------- ----------- Return attributable to equity shareholders 136 (75) 61 72 (46) 26 (10) ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Total
DP2011 Low Carbon £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Share pool
Income 77 - 77 108 - 108 353
Gains on investments
- realised - - - - - - 253
- unrealised - - - - 60 60 - ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------- 77 - 77 108 60 168 606
Investment (29) (29) (58) (13) (13) (26) (80) management fees
Other expenses (31) - (31) (20) - (20) (59)
----------------------- ----------------------- ----------- Return on ordinary activities before 17 (29) (12) 75 47 122 taxation 467
Taxation 17 - 17 (12) - (12) (43)
----------------------- ----------------------- ----------- Return attributable to equity shareholders 34 (29) 5 63 47 110 424 ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------
UNAUDITED SUMMARISED BALANCE SHEET as at 30 September 2016
30 Sep 2016 30 Sep 31 Mar 2015* 2016
DP2011 DP2011 DP2011 DSO B DSO D DP67 Gen Struc LC Share Share Share Share Share Share pool Pool pool pool pool pool Total Total Total
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Fixed assets
Investments 1,743 4,966 5,515 7,284 4,254 2,998 26,760 51,182 35,351
Current assets
Debtors 18 185 3 479 321 108 1,114 2,151 1,077
Cash at bank 2,379 860 1,775 1,925 1,155 142 8,236 11,404 9,533 and in hand -------------------------------------------------- ---------------- 2,397 1,045 1,778 2,404 1,476 250 9,350 13,555 10,610
Creditors: amounts falling due (126) (75) (112) (190) (139) (89) (731) (1,729) (879) within one year -------------------------------------------------- ----------------
Net current 2,271 970 1,666 2,214 1,337 161 8,619 11,826 9,731 assets
-------------------------------------------------- ---------------- Net assets 4,014 5,936 7,181 9,498 5,591 3,159 35,379 63,008 45,082
-------------------------------------------------- ----------------
Capital and reserves
Called up 50 8 11 34 24 8 135 161 161 share capital
Capital redemption 31 - - - - - 31 5 5 reserve
Share premium - - - - - - - 38,719 -
Special 3,693 6,659 5,592 9,177 5,498 2,653 33,272 22,163 reserve 44,441
Revaluation (1,742) (263) 993 (740) (660) - (2,412) (1,522) (2,645) reserve
Capital reserve - 1,711 (510) 355 466 346 253 2,621 1,467 1,949 realised
Revenue 271 42 230 561 383 245 1,732 2,015 reserve 1,171
Equity -------------------------------------------------- ---------------- Shareholders' 4,014 5,936 7,181 9,498 5,591 3,159 35,379 63,008 45,082 funds -------------------------------------------------- ----------------
B Share 20.0p - - - - - 72.4p 17.6p
C Share 0.1p - - - - - 0.1p 0.1p
D Share - 75.5p - - - - 76.0p 75.6p
DP67 Share - - 63.9p - - - 62.9p 60.4p
DP2011 Gen Ord - - - 25.0p - - 77.2p 75.1p Share
DP2011 Gen A - - - 30.3p - - 6.1p 5.9p Share
DP2011 Struc Ord - - - - 14.9p - 79.6p 77.1p Share
DP2011 Struc A - - - - 31.8p - 6.3p 6.1p Share
DP2011 Low - - - - - 41.7p 90.0p 91.6p Carbon Share
*The comparative balance sheet as at 31 March 2015 includes only the DSO Share Pools in existence at those dates.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the six months ended 30 September 2016
Capital Share Capital Share redemption Special premium Revaluation reserve Revenue capital reserve reserve account reserve realised reserve Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
For the six months ended 30 September 2016
At 31 March 161 5 44,441 - (2,645) 1,949 1,171 45,082 2016
Total - - - - 585 396 561 1,542 comprehensive income
Transactions with owners
Dividend paid - - - - - (11,196) - (11,196)
Transfer (26) 26 (11,120) - (352) 11,472 - - between reserves*
Purchase of - - (49) - - - - (49) own shares --------------------------------------------------------------------------- At 30 135 31 33,272 - (2,412) 2,621 1,732 35,379 September 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the year ended 31 March 2016
* 31 March 84 5 20,895 2,794 (1,544) 2,500 1,181 25,915 2015
Total - - - - (1,194) 1,686 2,127 2,619 comprehensive income
Issue of share capital on 77 - - 35,999 - - - 36,076 acquisition
Share premium - - 38,692 (38,692) - - - - cancellation
Transfer - - (15,056) - 93 15,531 (568) - between reserves*
Transactions with owners
Dividend paid - - - - - (17,768) (1,569) (19,337)
Purchase of - - (8) (30) - - - (38) own shares
Share issue - - (82) (71) - - - (153) costs --------------------------------------------------------------------------- At 31 March 161 5 44,441 - (2,645) 1,949 1,171 45,082 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNAUDITED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the six months ended 30 September 2016
30 Sep 2016 30 Sep 31 Mar 2015* 2016
DP2011 DP2011 DP2011 DSO B DSO D DP67 Gen Struc LC Share Share Share Share Share Share pool Pool pool pool pool pool Total Total Total
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Cash flows from operating activities
Return on ordinary activities before tax 491 190 632 171 52 (12) 1,524 1,503 2,970
(Gains)/losses on investments (458) (177) (503) (64) 37 - (1,165) (702) (881)
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 33 (22) 196 (87) (92) (63) (35) (1,023) 136
Increase/(decrease) in creditors (66) 19 4 24 15 7 3 204 (95) ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------ Cash inflow /(outflow) from operating activities - 10 329 44 12 (68) 327 (18) 2,130
Corporation tax paid (80) (13) (7) (12) (8) (14) (134) (304) (1,007) ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------ Net cash generated/(utilised) from operating activities (80) (3) 322 32 4 (82) 193 (322) 1,123 ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of (34,303) (4,404) investments - - (700) - - - (700)
Proceeds from disposal of 9,458 29,304 investments 1,749 900 1,515 3,226 3,065 - 10,455
Cash acquired in 33,730 2,581 merger - - - - - - - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash inflow from investing activities 1,749 900 815 3,226 3,065 - 9,755 8,885 27,481 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash inflow before financing 1,669 897 1,137 3,258 3,069 (82) 9,948 8,563 28,604
Cash flows from financing
Equity dividends - (196) (224) (3,519) (3,470) (3,787) (11,196) (197) (19,337) paid
Share issue costs - - - - - - - - (153)
Purchase of own - - (49) - - - (49) - (38) shares ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------ Net cash outflow from financing - (196) (273) (3,519) (3,470) (3,787) (11,245) (197) (19,528) ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Increase/(decrease) in cash 1,669 701 864 (261) (401) (3,869) (1,297) 8,366 9,076
Cash and cash equivalents at start of year 710 159 911 2,186 1,556 4,011 9,533 3,038 457 ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------ Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 2,379 860 1,775 1,925 1,155 142 8,236 11,404 9,533 ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Cash and cash equivalents comprise
Cash at bank and in hand 2,379 860 1,775 1,925 1,155 142 8,236 11,404 9,533 ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------ Total cash and cash equivalent 2,379 860 1,775 1,925 1,155 142 8,236 11,404 9,533 ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------
*Comparative cash flows include only the DSO Share Pools in existence at those dates.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. General Information Downing FOUR VCT plc ('the Company') is a Venture capital Trust established under the legislation introduced in the Finance Act 1995 and is domiciled in the United Kingdom and incorporated in England and Wales.
2. Basis of accounting The unaudited half-yearly financial results cover the six months to 30 September 2016 and have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2016, which were prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 ('FRS102') and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies' revised November 2014 ('SORP').
3. The Company has only one class of business and derives its income from investments made in shares, securities and bank deposits.
4. The comparative figures were in respect of the six months ended 30 September 2015 and the year ended 31 March 2016 respectively.
5. Net asset value per share at the period end has been calculated on the number of shares in issue at the period end as follows:
DSO B Shares 19,911,070 DP2011 General Shares 15,655,066
DSO C Shares 29,926,070 DP2011 General A Shares 18,453,789
DSO D Shares 7,867,247 DP2011 Structured Shares 10,678,725
DP67 Shares 11,239,785 DP2011 Structured A Shares 12,572,817
DP2011 Low Carbon Shares 7,575,419
6. Return per share for the period has been calculated on the average number of shares in issue in the period as follows:
DSO B Shares 19,911,070 DP2011 General Shares 15,655,066
DSO C Shares 29,926,070 DP2011 General A Shares 18,453,789
DSO D Shares 7,867,247 DP2011 Structured Shares 10,678,725
DP67 Shares 11,297,692 DP2011 Structured A Shares 12,572,817
DP2011 Low Carbon Shares 7,575,419
7. Dividends
Six months ended 30 September 2016
Revenue Capital Total
£000 £000 £000
Paid in period
DSO D Shares - 196 196 ----------- ----------- ---------
DP67 Shares - 224 224 ----------- ----------- ---------
DP2011 General Shares - 3,519 3,519 ----------- ----------- ---------
DP2011 Structured Shares - 3,470 3,470 ----------- ----------- ---------
DP2011 Low Carbon Shares - 3,787 3,787 ----------- ----------- ---------
8. Reserves
30 Sep 30 Sep 31 Mar 2016 2015 2016
£'000 £'000 £'000
Capital redemption reserve 31 5 5
Share premium account - 38,719 -
Special reserve 33,272 22,163 44,441
Capital reserve - realised (2,412) (1,522) (2,645)
Revaluation reserve 2,621 1,467 1,949
Revenue reserve 1,732 2,015 1,171
----------- ----------- ---------- Total reserves 35,244 62,847 44,921 ----------- ----------- ----------
The Revenue reserve, Special reserve and Capital reserve - realised are distributable reserves and are reduced by revaluation losses of £4.5 million. Distributable reserves at 30 September 2016 were £28.1 million.
8. The fair value of investments is determined using the detailed accounting policy as shown in the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016. The Company has categorised its financial instruments using the fair value hierarchy as follows:
Level a Reflects financial instruments quoted in an active market (quoted companies and fixed interest bonds); Level b Reflects financial instruments that have prices that are observable either directly or indirectly; and Level c i) Reflects financial instruments that use valuation techniques that are based on observable market data. ii) Reflects financial instruments that use valuation techniques that are not based on observable market data (investments in unquoted shares and loan note investments).
30 Sep 31 Mar Level a Level b Level c 2016 Level Level Level c 2016 (ii) a b (ii)
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Structured 593 - - 593 2,570 - - 2,570 Products
Unquoted - - 13,245 13,245 - - 17,512 17,512 loan notes
Unquoted - - 12,922 12,922 - - 15,269 15,269 equity ----------------------------------- ------------------------------ 593 - 26,167 26,760 2,570 - 32,781 35,351 ----------------------------------- ------------------------------
9. The unaudited financial statements set out herein do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and have not been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.
10. Risk and uncertainties Under the Disclosure and Transparency Directive, the Board is required in the Company's half-year results to report on the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company over the remainder of the financial year.
The Board has concluded that the key risks facing the Company over the remainder of the financial period are as follows:
(i) compliance risk of failure to maintain approval as a VCT; (ii) market, liquidity and counterparty risk associated with Structured Products; and (iii) investment risk associated with investing in small and immature businesses.
The Company's compliance with the VCT regulations is continually monitored by the Manager, who reports regularly to the Board on the current position. The Company also retains Robertson Hare LLP ('Robertson Hare') to provide regular reviews and advice in this area. Robertson Hare have confirmed that all relevant tests have been complied with for the period under review. The Board considers that this approach reduces the risk of a breach of the VCT regulations.
With this approach, the Board believes that these risks are reduced.
In order to make VCT qualifying investments, the Company has to invest in small businesses which are often immature. In addition, funds invested under the new VCT regulations in force from November 2015 provide greater restriction on, amongst other things, the age of the investments. It also has a limited period in which it must invest the majority of its funds. The Manager follows a rigorous process in vetting and careful structuring of new investments, including taking a charge over the assets of the business wherever possible and, after an investment is made, closely monitoring the business. The Board is satisfied that this approach reduces the investment risk described in (iii) above as far as is reasonably possible.
11. Going concern The Directors have reviewed the Company's financial resources at the period end and conclude that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks.
The Board confirms that it is satisfied that the Company has adequate resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the Board believes that the Company continues to be a going concern and that it is appropriate to apply the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
12. The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, the half-yearly financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the 'Statement: Half- Yearly Financial Reports' issued by the UK Accounting Standards Board and the half-yearly financial report includes a fair review of the information required by:
a. DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and
b. DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the entity during that period, and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.
Copies of the Half-Yearly Report will be sent to Shareholders shortly. Further copies can be obtained from the Company's registered office or can be downloaded from www.downing.co.uk.
PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE ARRANGEMENTS
Performance incentive arrangements are in place for the each share pool except the DP67 pool. The various schemes are summarised as follows:
DSO B Shares The performance incentive in respect of the DSO B Shares is facilitated by holdings of DSO C Shares that are held by members of the management team (who subscribed for A Shares at 0.1p per share). An incentive is due to management when the hurdle is met as follows: i. Shareholders receive total proceeds of at least 100p per DSO B Share/DSO C Share (excluding income tax relief); and ii. Shareholders achieve a tax-free compound return of at least 7% per annum (after allowing for income tax relief on investment).
After the above hurdle is met, management receive 3% of the proceeds on the first 100p of distributions and 20% thereafter. This is paid by dividends by virtue of the shareholdings of C Shares held by the management team.
The maximum performance incentive is limited to an amount equivalent to 1.25% of Net Assets attributable to DSO B Shares per annum. With a lower than usual ongoing management fee of 1.5%, the maximum management fees (including performance incentive) borne by investors is 2.75% of net assets per annum.
As at 30 September 2016, it is estimated that the performance fee that might ultimately be payable is 5.3p per DSO B Share.
DSO D Shares The Performance Incentive in respect of the DSO D Shares is structured as a simple fee when the hurdle is met. A fee is payable when: i. Shareholders receive total proceeds of at least 100p per DSO D Share (excluding income tax relief); and ii. Shareholders achieve a tax-free compound return of at least 7% per annum (after allowing for income tax relief on investment).
If the hurdle is met, the fee will be 3p per DSO D Share plus 20% of shareholder proceeds above 100p per D Share. The maximum performance fee is limited to 7p per D Share.
No estimate of the provision has been made as at 30 September 2016 as the share pool has not yet started to realise its investments.
DP2011 General Shares/ DP2011 Structured Shares The performance incentive in respect of the DP2011 General and DP2011 Structured pools by holdings of DP2011 General A Shares and DP2011 Structured DSO A Shares that are held by members of the management team (who subscribed for A Shares at 6.5p per share).
Once proceeds to Shareholders exceeds 70p per DP2011 General Ordinary Share/DP2011 Structured DSO Ordinary Share a performance incentive of 15% becomes due to members of the management team. No further incentive is paid to management once Shareholder proceeds exceed 120p per DP2011 General Ordinary Share/DP2011 Structured DSO Ordinary Share.
As at 30 September 2016, it been estimated that a performance incentive due to management in respect of the DP2011 General Share will be approximately 4.6p per DP2011 General Ordinary Share and 4.8p per DP2011 Structured A Share.
DP2011 Low Carbon Shares As no A Shares were issued in connection with the DP2011 Low Carbon Share pool, the performance incentive takes the form of an incentive fee payable to Downing LLP.
A fee will become payable equal to 15% of shareholder proceeds in excess of 70p per share. No further fees accrue after shareholder proceeds exceed 120p per share.
As at 30 September 2016, it been estimated that a performance incentive fee due in respect of the DP2011 Low Carbon Pool will be approximately equivalent to 6.75p per DP2011 Low Carbon Shares.
This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Downing FOUR VCT plc via GlobeNewswire
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