Chrysalis VCT plc
Final results for the year ended 31 October 2012
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
| 31 Oct 2012 pence | 31 Oct 2011 pence | ||
| Ordinary Shares | |||
| Net asset value per share ("NAV") | 84.50 | 84.90 | |
| Cumulative dividends paid per share since launch * | 35.70 | 31.45 | |
| Total Return | 120.20 | 116.35 | |
| (Net asset value per share plus cumulative dividends) | |||
| Dividends in respect of financial year | |||
| Interim dividend per share | 1.75 | 1.50 | |
| Final proposed dividend per share | 3.25 | 2.50 | |
| 5.00 | 4.00 | ||
| * Excludes final proposed dividend |
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
- Significant increase in dividend to 5.0p for 2012
- Return for the year tops £1 million for the third year running
- 4.5% increase in net asset value over last year
- Total return on 80p investment now at 120.2p
- Tax saving opportunity from S.R.R.P. launch
There is a business axiom which says that the real test of a good business is not how well it performs in good times, but how successful it is when times are bad.
If they apply that test to Chrysalis, I believe our shareholders should give the Fund high marks for the results we have achieved since the economic crisis set in - and I am pleased to announce we have delivered another very respectable set of numbers for the year ending October 2012.
As result I am delighted to announce that our already strong dividend record will be further enhanced with the payment of a final payment of 3.25p which takes the dividend for the full year to 5.0p, and taking the total dividends paid since launch to 38.95p.
This dividend exceeds the returns made during the financial year itself, but the Directors are confident that your portfolio is strong and set to deliver funds from exits and therefore this level of dividend is justified.
Portfolio
Following the worsening news from the High Street, shareholders will be pleased that our portfolio includes a new on-line retail business, Internet Fusion, which has developed a decent track record on the internet since it was founded a few years ago by a group of young businessmen. We have provided expansion capital for this profitable, growing company to increase its stock-holding capacity as it expands the retail sectors it covers. Existing portfolio company MyTime Media Holdings (formerly MyHobbyStore Holding) has this year significantly increased its e-commerce activities in the hobbies sector using funds we provided the previous year. A financial advantage for both these companies is that they can base their web operations away from high-cost retail premises - in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire respectively - to gain extra advantage over shop-based operators.
However, we remain resolutely generalist with our focus firmly on the quality and prospects of each business as well as the calibre of its management. Thus we are pleased to be backing emerging sushi restaurant concept K10 City Sushi, with proven management and based initially in the City of London.
At the year end, the Company held a portfolio of 30 investments, valued at £19.7 million. The Fund made five investments during the period under review - three of which were in portfolio companies and two in new ones. It is an important tenet of our investment policy that we look on each investment as an on-going relationship and not just a one-off transaction. With bank lending still stuck in bottom gear, many smaller companies find it very difficult to secure debt to expand. Chrysalis is happy to step into this gap, where the transaction makes sense for both parties and follow-on investments have outnumbered new deals.
Much of the year's activity for our investment managers has focussed on possible exits and we had expected some return of cash from the portfolio by the year end. Like everything in these curious times, the exit process is less predictable than in the past, but one exit is partly complete and will return funds during 2013.
I would like to thank the executives of our wholly-owned Fund Management subsidiary - Managing Director Chris Kay and Director Robert Wilson - for their hard work on the portfolio during the year.
Further commentary on portfolio activity, together with a detailed schedule of the investments can be found in the Investment Management report and Review of Investments.
Cash
We continue to be well funded. In fact, with the lower than usual level of new investment and the expected in-flow of funds from potential exits, the Board has decided that we can raid the till a little to pay out a dividend for the year in excess of our earnings. Shareholders continue to give us good support and we know they are dividend focussed, particularly when so many other investment classes are not producing such good yields. We believe we will be left with sufficient funds to continue to develop the business and produce good returns.
Our total dividend pay-out for the year will be £1.5 million. On top of this, we have bought in 421,276 shares during the year at cost of £208,000.
Share realisation and reinvestment programme and top up offer
In common with much of the VCT industry, Chrysalis is announcing a Share Realisation and Reinvestment Programme ("SRRP") which enables shareholders to take new shares in exchange for their existing holding. This requires no extra cash commitment from shareholders, but it does create a substantial tax credit on the transaction (30%) which can be off-set against tax on earnings. Attractively, our scheme offers two closing dates - one in this tax year and the other at the start of the next. Shareholders can choose which year to tax the tax credit, or can split their acceptance between the two years in any ratio which gives them the most personal advantage.
You may wish to know that all Chrysalis directors are planning to participate in this programme.
In conjunction with this, the Company is also launching a top-up offer for 2.5 million shares, available to all shareholders and members of the public, again across the two tax years.
Both share issues will be at a price of approximately 103% of the most recently published net asset value on the 28 March 2013, the closing date of both offers.
The scheme is approved by HMRC. Full details are being mailed to all shareholders. Shares which you wish to process through the scheme need to be registered in your own name, rather than a nominee.
Management of the Fund
Shareholders will already be aware that our Fund Management operating costs are low compared with the VCT industry in general, at 1.6% of net assets. This is essentially due to the self-managed structure we employ. The Directors keep this policy under regular review, but we remain convinced that it not only represents exceptional value, but also gives shareholders access to a steady supply of good investments.
Our wholly-owned Fund Management subsidiary does not seek profits for itself and has no interests other than managing your investments efficiently and cost-effectively. It may not be the norm in the VCT sector, but it works for us - and delivers the result we want.
Fixed income securities
The Company also holds a portfolio of fixed income securities, which were valued at £1.7 million at the year end and comprised mainly of gilt-edged securities. Additionally, £2.0 million is held in a fixed rate deposit bank account (shown as a current investment), which matured in December 2012.
Net asset value, results and dividend
It is pleasing to report that the Company's net asset value ("NAV") per share at 31 October 2012 was 84.5p, an increase of 3.8p or 4.5% over the year (after adjusting for dividends paid during the year).
The return on activities after taxation for the year was £1.0 million (2011: £1.3 million), comprising a revenue return of £383,000 and a capital return of £629,000.
The Company paid an interim dividend of 1.75p per share on 31 July 2012. Subject to Shareholder approval at the forthcoming AGM, your Board is proposing to pay a final dividend of 3.25p per share on 30 April 2013 to Shareholders on the register at 12 April 2013.
Share buybacks
The Company has maintained its policy of making ad hoc share purchases occasionally during the year.
If shares are offered to the Company via its brokers, Nplus1 Singer Capital Markets, a decision on whether to buy is taken on a case-by-case basis whether to buy and at what price.
In the past share purchases by third parties in the market were negligible, but as the attractions of our dividend policy and the strength of the portfolio has become more widely known, more and more shares are being taken up by secondary investors . We welcome these new shareholders.
Due to the "close period" rules, which apply to Chrysalis as a listed investment trust, there are limited occasions on which the Fund can enter the market and buy shares. The Directors feel that, in general, our resources are better applied to the dividend payments - from which all shareholders benefit directly - than to share buy-backs. We will continue to consider ad hoc purchases when shares are offered, but we are pleased that the market is also providing liquidity for those who wish to sell.
During the year, the Company repurchased 421,276 Ordinary Shares for an aggregate consideration of £208,000 and these shares were cancelled, thus enhancing the value of the remaining shares. Shareholders should also be advised that the three Board members purchased, in total, 45,000 shares in July 2012.
Directors
During the year the Fund has again had the benefit of wise and committed Directors and I have greatly appreciated the support and counsel of my colleagues Julie Baddeley and Martin Knight. At the forthcoming AGM I am delighted that Julie has agreed to stand again for election. I hope Shareholders recognise, as I certainly do, her considerable knowledge of both the Fund and of corporate governance in general and agree with me that it would be greatly to our advantage to retain her services.
Annual General Meeting
The forthcoming AGM will be held at 10 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EN at 10:00 am on 14 March 2013. Notice of the meeting is at the end of this document.
Immediately afterwards on the same day at the same venue there will be an additional General Meeting to approve the Share Realisation Reinvestment Scheme I mentioned previously.
Conclusion
Good progress has been made in the year and total return on an original 80p investment (after tax relief) is now 120.2p.
For the coming year I can promise the same degree of enthusiasm and dedication from the Directors, Executives, support staff and advisers that the Fund has enjoyed previously. It would be very welcome if we experience a kinder business environment in the immediate future, but whatever the economy throws our way, I believe we are well placed to cope with it.
Peter Harkness
Chairman
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT REPORT
It is pleasing to report that despite operating in a very low growth economy our portfolio has performed sufficiently well such that total overall return for shareholders is over £1 million for the third consecutive year. All that profit and more (£1.4 million) has been returned to Shareholders during the year by way of dividends and share buybacks.
Five investments were made during the year totaling £1.15 million. One of which was a small (£50,000) attempted rescue into AerialCell which unfortunately did not survive and one was a participation in the demerger of Zappar Ltd from VEEMEE Ltd. So now we have a direct investment in a potentially very exciting technology company. We also provided £300,000 to Livvakt Ltd, the property developer, to enable it to continue to grow its business.
There were two new companies added to the portfolio. The first is K10 City Sushi which operates a successful Sushi restaurant in The City of London and has ambitious expansion plans. We have invested alongside Ian Neill who has had a glittering career in the sector and was described by The Times as the "godfather of casual dining." K10's second restaurant opens in February.
The second new company is Internet Fusion Ltd where we invested £700,000 to fund the expansion of this fast growing e-commerce distributor of leisure and sportswear products. Sales at the company grew by 50% over the year and are forecast to do the same during 2013.
Due to the continuing retrenchment by the clearing banks transactions seem few and far between and consequently we have not seen any exits this year with the only return of cash coming from some loan repayments. A number of portfolio companies have had serious sale discussions but lack of finance for the proposed purchaser has meant that an acceptable price has not been achieved. Two of our companies namely British International Holdings ("BIH") and Escape Studios have however successfully sold operating divisions towards the end of the financial year and we expect to be receiving some substantial cash sums when both their reorganizations are completed.
Turning to the operating performance of the portfolio it has generally been a good year. Our top 12 investments account for 90% of the value of the venture capital portfolio and of these 11 are trading profitably and 9 of those are showing year on year improvements. The only loss maker is BIH which as mentioned above is effectively winding itself up by selling off its various divisions. We reported last year that profits had declined at Wessex Advanced Switching Products our biggest investment. I am pleased to be able to report that the company has reversed that trend and is confident about prospects for 2013.
The lack of exits and the return of cash to our Shareholders has meant that despite relatively low levels of investment our overall effective cash balance (including fixed interest investments) has fallen from £7.7 million to £5.4 million at the year end. The proposed final dividend will cost nearly another £1.0 million and as previously reported whilst it remains difficult for small and medium sized companies to obtain bank funding we consider it prudent to keep aside 20% (£3.9 million) of the value of our venture capital portfolio in order that we have sufficient resources to support our companies if required.
We do however anticipate some realisations this year although now more than ever no deal is certain until it is actually done and looking forward to this year we are cautiously optimistic that 2013 will be a better year for the economy than 2012. Hence hopefully the majority of our investee companies will continue to prosper. However the recent collapse of several high profile retail chains does show that trading is still tough.
Chrysalis VCT Management Limited
REVIEW OF INVESTMENTS
Portfolio of investments
The following investments, all of which are incorporated in England and Wales, were held at 31 October 2012:
| Cost | Valuation | Valuation movement in year | % of portfolio by value | |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | ||
| Top ten venture capital investments | ||||
| Wessex Advanced Switching Products Limited | 704 | 2,563 | 346 | 10.2% |
| Locale Enterprises Limited | 1,338 | 2,077 | (13) | 8.3% |
| British International Holdings Limited | 908 | 1,919 | (71) | 7.6% |
| Precision Dental Laboratories Limited | 1,910 | 1,843 | 206 | 7.4% |
| Knowledge Pool Group Limited | 1,000 | 1,614 | 614 | 6.4% |
| Escape Studios Limited | 750 | 1,605 | 2 | 6.4% |
| MyTime Media Holdings Limited (formerly MyHobbyStore Holding Limited) | 750 | 1,482 | 246 | 5.9% |
| Ensign Communication Holdings Limited | 292 | 1,296 | (349) | 5.2% |
| VEEMEE Limited | 500 | 1,019 | 202 | 4.1% |
| Triaster Ltd | 703 | 1,009 | 170 | 4.0% |
| 8,855 | 16,427 | 1,353 | 65.5% | |
| Other venture capital investments | ||||
| Autocue Group Limited | 500 | 731 | 231 | 2.9% |
| Internet Fusion Limited | 700 | 700 | - | 2.8% |
| London Italian Restaurants Limited | 1,000 | 547 | (328) | 2.2% |
| Livvakt Limited | 550 | 412 | (138) | 1.7% |
| Life's Kitchen Limited | 300 | 303 | 3 | 1.2% |
| Rhino Sport & Leisure Limited | 166 | 149 | 74 | 0.6% |
| Zappar Limited | - | 125 | 125 | 0.5% |
| Cashfac plc | - | 101 | 51 | 0.4% |
| K10 City Sushi Limited | 100 | 100 | - | 0.4% |
| The Mission Marketing Group plc * | 150 | 35 | 16 | 0.1% |
| Best of the Best plc * | 81 | 26 | 5 | 0.1% |
| Aerialcell Limited | 350 | 25 | (325) | 0.1% |
| ILX Group plc * | 100 | 16 | (16) | 0.1% |
| The Kellan Group plc * | 320 | 9 | (1) | - |
| Art VPS Limited | 358 | - | - | - |
| G-Crypt Limited | 305 | - | (152) | - |
| IX Group Limited | 250 | - | - | - |
| Kids Safteynet Limited | 637 | - | - | - |
| Planet Sport Holdings Limited | 263 | - | - | - |
| Real Time Logistic Solutions Limited | 55 | - | - | - |
| 6,185 | 3,279 | (455) | 13.1% | |
| Fixed income securities | ||||
| United Kingdom 1% Gilt 07/09/2017 | 1,235 | 1,240 | 5 | 5.0% |
| United Kingdom 2.25% Gilt 07/03/2014 | 415 | 431 | (5) | 1.7% |
| S&W Investment Funds Cash Fund | 10 | 10 | - | - |
| 1,660 | 1,681 | - | 6.7% | |
| | ||||
| | 16,700 | 21,387 | 898 | 85.3% |
| | ||||
Cash at bank and in hand | 1,690 | 6.7% | ||
| | ||||
Royal Bank of Scotland plc 3.41% 2012 deposit | 2,000 | 8.0% | ||
| | ||||
Total investments | 25,077 | 100.0% |
All investments are unquoted unless otherwise stated.
* Quoted on AIM
Investment movements for the year ended 31 October 2012
Additions
| £'000 | |
| New investments | |
| Internet Fusion Limited | 700 |
| K10 City Sushi Limited | 100 |
| Follow-on investments | |
| Aerialcell Limited | 50 |
| Livvakt Limited | 300 |
| 1,150 | |
| Fixed income securities | |
| S&W Investment Funds Cash Fund | 150 |
| United Kingdom 1% Gilt 07/09/2017 | 1,235 |
| 1,385 | |
| Total investments | 2,535 |
Disposals
| Cost | MV at 01/11/11* | Proceeds | Profit vs cost | Realised gain/ (loss) | |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| Venture capital disposals | |||||
| Tender offer | |||||
| Best of the Best plc | 16 | 4 | 16 | - | 12 |
| Loan note redemptions | |||||
| Precision Dental Laboratories Limited | 200 | 200 | 200 | - | - |
| Triaster Limited | 55 | 55 | 55 | - | - |
| 271 | 259 | 271 | - | 12 | |
| Fixed income securities | |||||
| S&W Investment Funds Cash Fund | 140 | 140 | 140 | - | - |
| United Kingdom 2.25% Gilt 07/03/2014 | 1,412 | 1,486 | 1,474 | 62 | (12) |
| United Kingdom 2.75% Gilt 22/01/2015 | 1,032 | 1,043 | 1,043 | 11 | - |
| United Kingdom 2% Gilt 22/01/2016 | 929 | 994 | 1,010 | 81 | 16 |
| 3,513 | 3,663 | 3,667 | 154 | 4 | |
| Total | 3,784 | 3,922 | 3,938 | 154 | 16 |
* Adjusted for purchases in the year where applicable
Directors' responsibilities statement
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Report of the Directors, the Directors' Remuneration Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. They are also responsible for ensuring that the annual report includes information required by the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, the Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- make 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 financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements 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, to disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of the financial statements and other information included in annual reports may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Statement as to disclosure of information to the Auditor
The Directors in office at the date of this report have confirmed, as far as they are aware, that there is no relevant audit information of which the Auditor is unaware. Each of the Directors has confirmed that they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as Directors in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that it has been communicated to the Auditor.
INCOME STATEMENT for the year ended 31 October 2012
| | 2012 | 2011 | |||||
| | |||||||
| | Revenue | Capital | Total | Revenue | Capital | Total | |
| | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| Income | 765 | - | 765 | 781 | - | 781 | |
| | |||||||
| Gains on investments | - | 914 | 914 | - | 1,207 | 1,207 | |
| 765 | 914 | 1,679 | 781 | 1,207 | 1,988 | ||
| Investment management fees | (104) | (310) | (414) | (106) | (317) | (423) | |
| Performance incentive fees | - | (1) | (1) | - | (27) | (27) | |
| Other expenses | (219) | (33) | (252) | (270) | (1) | (271) | |
| Return on ordinary activities before tax | 442 | 570 | 1,012 | 405 | 862 | 1,267 | |
| Tax on ordinary activities | (59) | 59 | - | (59) | 59 | - | |
| Return attributable to equity shareholders | 383 | 629 | 1,012 | 346 | 921 | 1,267 | |
| Basic and diluted return per share | 1.3p | 2.1p | 3.4p | 1.1p | 3.0p | 4.1p |
All Revenue and Capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued during the year. The total column within the Income Statement represents the profit and loss account of the Company.
A Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses has not been prepared as all gains and losses are recognised in the Income Statement as shown above.
Other than revaluation movements arising on investments held at fair value through profit or loss account, there were no differences between the return as stated above and historical cost.
RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS
for the year ended 31 October 2012
| | 2012 | 2011 |
| | £'000 | £'000 |
| Opening Shareholders' funds | 25,640 | 25,638 |
| Purchase of own shares | (208) | (346) |
| Total recognised gains for the year | 1,012 | 1,267 |
| Dividends paid | (1,276) | (919) |
| Closing Shareholders' funds | 25,168 | 25,640 |
BALANCE SHEET at 31 October 2012
| 2012 | 2011 | |||
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| Fixed assets | ||||
| Investments | 21,387 | 21,876 | ||
| Current assets | ||||
| Debtors | 190 | 222 | ||
| Current investments | 2,000 | 2,000 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 1,690 | 1,680 | ||
| 3,880 | 3,902 | |||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | (99) | (138) | ||
| Net current assets | 3,781 | 3,764 | ||
| Net assets | 25,168 | 25,640 | ||
Capital and reserves | ||||
| Called up share capital | 298 | 302 | ||
| Capital redemption reserve | 89 | 85 | ||
| Share premium | 1,064 | 1,064 | ||
| Merger reserve | 2,104 | 2,128 | ||
| Special reserve | 3,653 | 6,377 | ||
| Capital reserve - realised | 10,138 | 10,897 | ||
| Capital reserve - unrealised | 7,104 | 3,927 | ||
| Revenue reserve | 718 | 860 | ||
| Total equity shareholders' funds | 25,168 | 25,640 | ||
| Net asset value per share | 84.5p | 84.9p | ||
CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the year ended 31 October 2012
2012 | 2011 | ||
| | |||
£'000 | £'000 | ||
| Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities | 55 | (14) | |
| Taxation | - | - | |
| Capital expenditure | |||
| Payments to acquire investments | (2,535) | (3,579) | |
| Receipts from sale of investments | 3,938 | 5,063 | |
| Net cash inflow from capital expenditure | 1,403 | 1,484 | |
| Equity dividends paid | (1,276) | (919) | |
| Net cash inflow before financing | 182 | 551 | |
| Financing | |||
| Purchase of own shares | (172) | (334) | |
| Net cash outflow from financing | (172) | (334) | |
| Increase in cash | 10 | 217 |
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS for the year ended 31 October 2012
1. Accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The Company has prepared its financial statements under UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts" January 2009 ("SORP").
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention except for certain financial instruments measured at fair value and on the basis that it is not required to prepare consolidated accounts as explained in note 9. The Company's accounts therefore present information about it as an individual undertaking rather than as a group undertaking.
The Company implements new Financial Reporting Standards issued by the Accounting Standards Board when required.
Presentation of Income Statement
In order to better reflect the activities of a venture capital trust and in accordance with the SORP, supplementary information which analyses the Income Statement between items of a revenue and capital nature has been presented alongside the Income Statement. The net revenue is the measure the Directors believe appropriate in assessing the Company's compliance with certain requirements set out in Part 6 of the Income Tax Act 2007.
Fixed asset investments
Investments are designated as "fair value through profit or loss" assets, upon acquisition, due to investments being managed and performance evaluated on a fair value basis. A financial asset is designated within this category if it is both acquired and managed, with a view to selling after a period of time, in accordance with the Company's documented investment policy. The fair value of an investment upon acquisition is deemed to be cost. Thereafter, investments are measured at fair value in accordance with the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines ("IPEV") together with FRS26.
Fixed income investments and investments quoted on AIM are measured using bid prices in accordance with the IPEV.
For unquoted instruments, fair value is established using the IPEV. The valuation methodologies for unquoted entities used by the IPEV to ascertain the fair value of an investment are as follows:
* Price of recent investment;
* Multiples;
* Net assets;
* Discounted cash flows or earnings (of underlying business);
* Discounted cash flows (from the investment); and
* Industry valuation benchmarks.
The methodology applied takes account of the nature, facts and circumstances of the individual investment and uses reasonable data, market inputs, assumptions and estimates in order to ascertain fair value.
Where an investee company has gone into receivership, liquidation, or administration (where there is little likelihood of recovery), the loss on the investment, although not physically disposed of, is treated as being realised. Permanent impairments in the value of investments are deemed to be realised losses and held within the Capital Reserve - Realised.
Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included in the Income Statement for the year as a capital item and transaction costs on acquisition or disposal of the investment expensed.
It is not the Company's policy to exercise controlling influence over investee companies. Therefore, the results of these companies are not incorporated into the Income Statement except to the extent of any income accrued. This is in accordance with the SORP that does not require portfolio investments to be accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
Current asset investments
Current asset investments comprise amounts held on a fixed term deposit at a banking institution and are valued at par.
Income
Dividend income from investments is recognised when the Shareholders' rights to receive payment have been established, normally the ex-dividend date.
Interest income is accrued on a timely basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable and only where there is reasonable certainty of collection.
Expenses
All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. In respect of the analysis between revenue and capital items presented within the Income Statement, all expenses have been presented as revenue items except as follows:
* Expenses which are incidental to the acquisition of an investment are deducted as a capital item.
* Expenses which are incidental to the disposal of an investment are deducted from the disposal proceeds of the investment.
* Expenses are split and presented partly as capital items where a connection with the maintenance or enhancement of the value of the investments held can be demonstrated. The Company has adopted the policy of allocating investment management fees, 75% to capital and 25% to revenue as permitted by the SORP. The allocation is in line with the Board's expectation of long term returns from the Company's investments in the form of capital gains and income respectively.
* Performance incentive fees arising from the disposal of investments are deducted as a capital item.
Taxation
The tax effects on different items in the Income Statement are allocated between capital and revenue on the same basis as the particular item to which they relate using the Company's effective rate of tax for the accounting period.
Due to the Company's status as a Venture Capital Trust and the continued intention to meet the conditions required to comply with Part 6 of the Income Tax Act 2007, no provision for taxation is required in respect of any realised or unrealised appreciation of the Company's investments which arises.
Deferred taxation is not discounted and is provided in full on timing differences that result in an obligation at the balance sheet date to pay more tax, or a right to pay less tax, at a future date, at rates expected to apply when they crystallise based on current tax rates and law. Timing differences arise from the inclusion of items of income and expenditure in taxation computations in periods different from those in which they are included in the accounts.
Other debtors and other creditors
Other debtors (including accrued income) and other creditors are included within the accounts at amortised cost.
2. Basic and diluted return per share
| 2012 | 2011 | ||
| Return per share based on: | |||
| Net revenue return for the financial year (£'000) | 383 | 346 | |
| Capital return per share based on: | |||
| Net capital gain for the financial year (£'000) | 629 | 921 | |
| Weighted average number of shares in issue | 30,023,505 | 30,655,950 |
As the Company has not issued any convertible securities or share options, there is no dilutive effect on return per share. The return per share disclosed therefore represents both basic and diluted return per share.
3. Basic and diluted net asset value per Ordinary Share
| Shares in issue | 2012 Net asset value | 2011 Net asset value | ||||||||
| 2012 | 2011 | Pence per share | £'000 | Pence per share | £'000 | |||||
| Ordinary Shares | 29,791,021 | 30,212,297 | 84.5p | 25,168 | 84.9p | 25,640 | ||||
As the Company has not issued any convertible securities or share options, there is no dilutive effect on net asset per share. The net asset value per share disclosed therefore represents both basic and diluted return per share.
4. Principal risks
The Company's investment activities expose the Company to a number of risks associated with financial instruments and the sectors in which the Company invests. The principal financial risks arising from the Company's operations are:
* Investment risks;
* Credit risk; and
* Liquidity risk.
The Board regularly reviews these risks and the policies in place for managing them. There have been no significant changes to the nature of the risks that the Company is exposed to over the year and there have also been no significant changes to the policies for managing those risks during the year.
The risk management policies used by the Company in respect of the principal financial risks and a review of the financial instruments held at the year-end are provided below:
Investment risks
As a VCT, the Company is exposed to investment risks in the form of potential losses and gains that may arise on the investments it holds in accordance with its investment policy. The management of these investment risks is a fundamental part of investment activities undertaken by Chrysalis VCT Management Limited and overseen by the Board. The Manager monitors investments through regular contact with management of investee companies, regular review of management accounts and other financial information and attendance at investee company board meetings. This enables the Manager to manage the investment risk in respect of individual investments. Investment risk is also mitigated by holding a diversified portfolio spread across various business sectors and asset classes.
The key investment risks to which the Company is exposed are:
* Investment price risk; and
* Interest rate risk.
The Company has undertaken sensitivity analysis on its financial instruments, split into the relevant component parts, taking into consideration the economic climate at the time of review in order to ascertain the appropriate risk allocation.
Investment price risk
Market price risk arises from uncertainty about the future prices and valuations of financial instruments held in accordance with the Company's investment objectives. It represents the potential loss that the Company might suffer through market price movements in respect of quoted investments and also changes in the fair value of unquoted investments that it holds.
Interest rate risk
The Company accepts exposure to interest rate risk on floating-rate financial assets through the effect of changes in prevailing interest rates. The Company receives interest on its cash deposits at a rate agreed with its bankers and on liquidity funds at rates based on the underlying investments. Investments in loan stock and fixed interest investments attract interest predominately at fixed rates. A summary of the interest rate profile of the Company's investments is shown below.
Interest rate risk profile of financial assets and financial liabilities
There are three levels of interest which are attributable to the financial instruments as follows:
* "Fixed rate" assets represent investments with predetermined yield targets and comprise fixed interest and loan note investments.
* "Floating rate" assets predominantly bear interest at rates linked to Bank of England base rate and comprise cash at bank.
* "No interest rate" assets do not attract interest and comprise equity investments, loans and receivables (excluding cash at bank) and other financial liabilities.
The Company monitors the level of income received from fixed, floating and non interest rate assets and, if appropriate, may make adjustments to the allocation between the categories, in particular, should this be required to ensure compliance with the VCT regulations.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty to a financial instrument is unable to discharge a commitment to the Company made under that instrument. The Company is exposed to credit risk through its holdings of loan stock in investee companies, investments in liquidity funds, cash deposits and debtors.
The Manager manages credit risk in respect of loan stock with a similar approach as described under Investment risks above. In addition the credit risk is partially mitigated by registering floating charges over the assets of certain investee companies. The strength of this security in each case is dependent on the nature of the investee company's business and its identifiable assets. The level of security is a key means of managing credit risk. Similarly, the management of credit risk associated interest, dividends and other receivables is covered within the investment management procedures.
Cash is mainly held by Bank of Scotland plc, which is an A-rated financial institution and ultimately part-owned by the UK Government. Consequently, the Directors consider that the risk profile associated with cash deposits is low.
There have been no changes in fair value during the year that can be directly attributable to changes in credit risk.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company encounters difficulties in meeting obligations associated with its financial liabilities. Liquidity risk may also arise from either the inability to sell financial instruments when required at their fair values or from the inability to generate cash inflows as required. The Company usually has a relatively low level of creditors (2012: £99,000, 2011: £138,000) and has no borrowings. The Company always holds sufficient levels of funds as cash and readily realisable investments in order to meet expenses and other cash outflows as they arise. For these reasons, the Board believes that the Company's exposure to liquidity risk is minimal.
The Company's liquidity risk is managed by the Chrysalis VCT Management Limited in line with guidance agreed with the Board and is reviewed by the Board at regular intervals.
5. Related party transactions
Chrysalis VCT Management Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary, provides investment management services to the Company for a fee of 1.65% of net assets per annum. During the period, £414,000 (2011: £423,000) was paid to Chrysalis VCT Management Limited in respect of these fees. No amounts were outstanding at the year end.
A performance incentive fee is payable quarterly to Chrysalis VCT Management Limited (with effect from 1 May 2006) based on realisations from all investments excluding quoted loan notes, redemptions of loan notes in the normal course of business and other treasury functions. The performance incentive fee is the greater of 1% of the cash proceeds of any exit or 5% of the gain to the Company after all exit costs for investments made after 30 April 2004 reduced to 2.5% of investments made prior to 30 April 2004. During the year performance incentive fees of £1,000 (2011: £27,000) were due to Chrysalis VCT Management Limited. At the year end, £Nil was outstanding (2011: £1,000).
Peter Harkness holds a position of significant influence within MyTime Media Holdings Limited (formerly MyHobbyStore Holding Limited, an investment held by the Company, and therefore abstains from discussions surrounding the valuation of the company. Details of the investment, including cost, valuation and income received during the year are shown within the Annual Report.
ANNOUNCEMENT BASED ON AUDITED ACCOUNTS
The financial information set out in this announcement does not constitute the Company's statutory financial statements in accordance with section 434 Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 October 2012, but has been extracted from the statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2012, which were approved by the Board of Directors on 31 January 2013 and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's Annual General Meeting. The Independent Auditor's Report on those financial statements was unqualified and did not contain any emphasis of matter nor statements under s498(2) and (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 October 2011 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and received an Independent Auditors report which was unqualified and did not contain any emphasis of matter nor statements under s 498(2) and (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
A copy of the full annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2012 will be printed and posted to shareholders shortly. Copies will also be available to the public at the registered office of the Company at 10 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EN and will be available for download from www.downing.co.uk.