TIDMLEF

RNS Number : 5924V

Ludgate Environmental Fund Limited

31 January 2017

Ludgate Environmental Fund Limited (the "Company")

Interim Results for the six months ended 31 December 2016

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

I am pleased to report to shareholders on the performance of Ludgate Environmental Fund Limited ("LEF") in the half year ending 31st December 2016.

Financial Review

The net asset value of LEF on 31st December 2016 was GBP11,597,310 (31 December 2015: GBP24,488,092), equivalent to 21.70 (31 December 2015: 45.90) pence per share. A net loss of GBP2,490,436 was recorded for the six months ended 31 December 2016 (six months ended 31 December 2015: GBP7,824,771). At the end of the period the cash balance was GBP1,637,633 (30th June 2016: GBP1,697,615).

J. Shakeshaft

Chairman

For further information contact:

   Ludgate Environmental Fund Limited                             +44 (0) 1534 609034 

John Shakeshaft, Chairman

   Ludgate Investments Limited                                            +44 (0) 20 3478 1000 

Gijs Voskamp

   Panmure Gordon (Broker, Nomad)                                  +44 (0) 20 7886 2713 

Paul Fincham

 
 BALANCE SHEET 
 
 AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2016 
 
                                                             Unaudited          Audited         Unaudited 
                                                              interim           annual           interim 
                                                             financial         financial        financial 
                                                            statements        statements       statements 
                                                             31st Dec          30th Jun         31st Dec 
                                              Notes              16                16               15 
 ASSETS                                                         GBP               GBP              GBP 
 Non-current assets 
 Financial assets at fair 
  value through profit or loss                7,20             10,195,502        11,589,558      23,376,158 
 
 Current assets 
 Derivatives at fair value 
  through profit or loss                       7,8                 11,779            52,549         478,050 
 Loan receivable                                9                       -                 -         319,672 
 Other assets                                  10                 195,691           864,357          21,893 
 Cash and cash equivalents                     11               1,637,633         1,697,615         402,584 
 
                                                                1,845,103         2,614,521       1,222,199 
                                                         ----------------  ----------------  -------------- 
 TOTAL ASSETS                                                  12,040,605        14,204,079      24,598,357 
                                                         ----------------  ----------------  -------------- 
 
 LIABILITIES 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                      12                 443,295           116,333         110,265 
 
 TOTAL LIABILITIES                                                443,295           116,333         110,265 
                                                         ----------------  ----------------  -------------- 
 NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE 
  TO EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS                                       11,597,310        14,087,746      24,488,092 
                                                         ----------------  ----------------  -------------- 
 
 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
 Ordinary shares                               13              56,018,480        56,018,480      56,018,480 
 Reserves (deficit)                                         ( 44,421,170)     ( 41,930,734)   ( 31,530,388) 
 
                                                               11,597,310        14,087,746      24,488,092 
                                                         ================  ================  ============== 
 
 Net asset value per ordinary 
  share outstanding                                                  0.22              0.26            0.46 
 
 These interim financial statements were approved and authorised 
  for issue by the Board of Directors on the 30 day of January 
  2017 and were signed on its behalf by Director, David R. Pirouet. 
 
 
 
 
 
 STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
 
 FOR THE PERIOD 1ST JULY 2016 TO 31ST DECEMBER 2016 
 
 
                                                     Unaudited            Audited       Unaudited 
                                                      interim             annual         interim 
                                                     financial           financial      financial 
                                                     statements         statements      statements 
                                                      1st Jul             1st Jul        1st Jul 
                                                         16                  15             15 
                                                         to                 to              to 
                                                      31st Dec           30th Jun        31st Dec 
                                            Notes        16                  16             15 
 INCOME:                                                GBP                 GBP            GBP 
 Net gain on foreign 
  exchange                                                 6,537                   -              - 
 Deposit interest income                                     307               1,147            418 
 Loan note interest income                                     -             170,830        928,994 
 Dividend income                                               -             306,347        306,347 
 Other income                                                  -             145,539              - 
 
                                                           6,844             623,863      1,235,759 
                                                   -------------      --------------  ------------- 
 
 EXPENSES: 
 Net loss on financial 
  assets and derivatives 
  at fair value through 
  profit or loss                             7,8       1,795,292          16,977,324      7,560,198 
 Net loss on foreign 
  exchange                                                     -               2,338          2,338 
 Administration and accountancy 
 fees                                                    107,938             216,624        108,077 
 Adviser fees                                17          129,630             507,664        296,682 
 Audit fees                                   4           16,060              22,145         11,145 
 Directors' fees and 
  expenses                                    4           58,208             114,603         56,659 
 Legal fees                                              215,000              30,617          6,776 
 Professional fees                                       171,347             160,119         44,318 
 Provision against interest 
  receivable                                  9                -             170,830        928,994 
 Withholding tax                                               -              39,557         39,557 
 Miscellaneous fees                                        3,805              73,701          5,786 
 
                                                       2,497,280          18,315,522      9,060,530 
                                                   -------------      --------------  ------------- 
 TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE 
  LOSS                                              ( 2,490,436)       ( 17,691,659)   ( 7,824,771) 
                                                   =============      ==============  ============= 
 
 Loss per ordinary share                      6          ( 0.05)             ( 0.33)        ( 0.15) 
 
 
 
 
 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
 
 FOR THE PERIOD 1ST JULY 2016 TO 31ST DECEMBER 2016 
 
                                                                                           Total net 
                                                                                              assets 
                                                                                        attributable 
                                                            Ordinary        Reserves       to equity 
                                              Notes           Shares       (deficit)    shareholders 
                                                     ---------------  --------------  -------------- 
                                                           GBP              GBP             GBP 
 FOR THE PERIODED 31ST 
 DECEMBER 2016 
 
 Opening balance as at 
  1st July 2016                                           56,018,480   ( 41,930,734)      14,087,746 
 
 Total comprehensive loss                                          -    ( 2,490,436)    ( 2,490,436) 
 
 Closing balance as at 
  31st December 2016                           13         56,018,480   ( 44,421,170)      11,597,310 
                                                     ===============  ==============  ============== 
 
 FOR THE YEARED 30TH 
  JUNE 2016 
 
 Opening balance as at 
  1st July 2015                                           56,018,480   ( 23,705,617)      32,312,863 
 
 Total comprehensive loss                                          -   ( 17,691,659)   ( 17,691,659) 
 
 Dividends paid to equity 
  shareholders                                  5                  -      ( 533,458)      ( 533,458) 
 
 Closing balance as at 
  30th June 2016                               13         56,018,480   ( 41,930,734)      14,087,746 
                                                     ===============  ==============  ============== 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 
 
 FOR THE PERIOD 1ST JULY 2016 TO 31ST DECEMBER 2016 
 
                                                          Unaudited       Audited        Unaudited 
                                                           interim        annual          Interim 
                                                          financial      financial       financial 
                                                          statements    statements      Statements 
                                                           1st Jul        1st Jul         1st Jul 
                                                              16             15              15 
                                                              to            to              to 
                                                           31st Dec      30th Jun        31st Dec 
                                              Notes           16             16              15 
                                                             GBP            GBP             GBP 
 
 Cash flows from operating 
  activities                                   16         ( 387,690)    ( 1,137,598)      ( 706,626) 
                                                         -----------  --------------  -------------- 
 
 Cash flows from investing 
  activities 
 Purchase of investments                        7                  -      ( 620,351)      ( 604,813) 
 Proceeds from sale of investments              7            321,171       2,497,368         542,041 
 Loan note interest and 
  dividends received                                               -         306,347         306,347 
 Loan finance repaid                            9                  -         319,672               - 
 
                                                             321,171       2,503,036         243,575 
                                                         -----------  --------------  -------------- 
 
 Cash flows from financing 
  activities 
 Dividends paid to equity 
  shareholders                                  5                  -      ( 533,458)               - 
 
 
 
   Net increase / (decrease) in 
   cash and cash equivalents                               ( 66,519)         831,980      ( 463,051) 
 
 Effects from changes in 
  exchange rates on cash 
  and cash equivalents                                         6,537        ( 2,338)        ( 2,338) 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at beginning of the period 
  / year                                                   1,697,615         867,973         867,973 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at end of the period / 
  year                                         11          1,637,633       1,697,615         402,584 
                                                         ===========  ==============  ============== 
 
 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD 1ST JULY 2016 TO 31ST DECEMBER 2016

1. REPORTING ENTITY

The Company was registered as a public company on 7th June 2007 with registered number 97690 under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. The Company joined the Alternative Investment Market ("AIM") on 2nd August 2007. The registered office of the Company is Lime Grove House, Green Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 2ST.

The Company was incorporated with a life of approximately eight years from admission to AIM, expiring on 30th June 2015 (the "Proposed Wind-up Date"). On 12th August 2014, the Directors recommended to the shareholders to extend the Wind-up Date until 30th June 2018 and this was subsequently approved by the shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting on 1st September 2014.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a) Basis of preparation

The unaudited interim financial information included in the half-year report for the six months ended 31st December 2016, has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 "Interim Financial Reporting". It does not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements. The half-year report should be read in conjunction with the annual report and audited financial statements for the year ended 30th June 2016, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRSs") as adopted by European Union ("EU"). The extra column of comparatives for the half-year ended 31st December 2015 in the balance sheet is an AIM requirement, and notes to these accounts are not required.

The more significant policies are set out below:

New Accounting Standards, amendments to existing Accounting Standards and/or interpretations of existing Accounting Standards (separately or together, "New Accounting Requirements") adopted during the period

In the opinion of the Directors, there are no mandatory new standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards that are effective for the first time for the financial year beginning 1st January 2016 that would be expected to have a material impact on the Company.

Non-mandatory New Accounting Requirements not yet adopted

The following applicable New Accounting Requirements have been issued. However, these New Accounting Requirements are not yet mandatory and have not yet been adopted by the Company. All other non-mandatory New Accounting Requirements are either not yet permitted to be adopted, or would have no material effect on the reported performance, financial position, or disclosures of the Company and consequently have neither been adopted, nor listed.

IFRS 9, "Financial Instruments"

IFRS 9 addresses the recognition, classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. It is the IASB's intention that IFRS 9 will replace IAS 39 in its entirety. The IASB has adopted a phased approach to completion of the overall standard. When the first phase was published in November 2009, IFRS 9 addressed only the classification and measurement of financial assets. In October 2010, requirements for the classification and measurement of financial liabilities were published. The phases covering impairment methodology and hedge accounting are scheduled for completion prior to the mandatory effective date.

IFRS 9 requires financial assets to be classified into two measurement categories: (i) those measured at fair value; and, (ii) those measured at amortised cost. The determination is made at initial recognition. The classification depends on the entity's business model for managing its financial instruments and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the instrument. For financial liabilities, the standard retains most of the IAS 39 requirements. The main change is that, in cases where the fair value option is taken for financial liabilities, the part of a fair value change due to changes in an entity's own credit risk is recorded in other comprehensive income rather than the income statement, unless this creates an accounting mismatch.

The standard is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2018. Early adoption is permitted, subject to EU endorsement.

b) Basis of measurement

These financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis as modified by the revaluation of financial assets and liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss. The policies have been consistently applied to both periods presented.

Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss and derivatives at fair value though profit and loss are measured at fair value and changes therein are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. Information about significant areas of estimation, uncertainty and critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised within the financial statements are included in note 2 Section (o) 'Determination of fair values'.

c) Functional and presentation currency

These financial statements are presented in sterling, which is the Company's functional and presentation currency.

d) Use of estimates and judgements

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU requires the Board to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. These estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

e) Foreign currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies, other than sterling, are translated at the foreign currency exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to sterling at the foreign currency closing exchange rate ruling at the balance sheet date. Foreign currency exchange differences arising on translation and realised gains and losses on disposals or settlements of monetary assets and liabilities are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are measured at fair value are translated to sterling at the foreign currency exchange rates ruling at the dates that the values were determined. Foreign currency differences arising on retranslation are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

f) Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially recognised on the Company's balance sheet when the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions of a given instrument.

Purchases and sales of financial instruments are recognised on the trade date. Gains and losses are recognised from that date.

Financial assets cease to be recognised when the contractual rights to cash flows from the assets expire or the Company transfers the financial assets and substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. Financial liabilities cease to be recognised when the liabilities are extinguished.

Financial instruments comprise investments in equity and debt securities, warrants, loans receivable, trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, trade and other payables and performance fees retained.

Financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition financial instruments are measured as described below.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

An instrument is classified at fair value through profit or loss if it is held for trading or designated as such upon initial recognition. The Company has designated its investment holdings as at fair value through profit or loss as permitted by International Accounting Standard 39 "Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement." These financial assets are designated on the basis that they form part of a group of financial assets which are managed and have their performance evaluated on a fair value basis. Upon initial recognition attributable transaction costs are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income when incurred. Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value, and changes therein are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

Derivatives at fair value through profit or loss

The warrants held by the Company are classified as derivative financial instruments held for trading. Therefore they are recognised at fair value, with realised and unrealised gains and losses being recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. The derivatives are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from it have expired or the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market, other than:

a) those that the Company intends to sell immediately or in the short-term, which are classified as held for trading, and those that the entity upon initial recognition designates as at fair value through profit or loss;

b) those that the Company upon initial recognition designates as available for sale; or

c) those for which the holder may not recover substantially all of its initial investment, other than because of credit deterioration.

Loans and receivables are initially recognised at fair value, which is the cash consideration to originate or purchase the loan including any transaction costs and measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less provision for impairment. Impairment provisions are recognised when there is objective evidence that the Company will be unable to collect all of the amounts due under the terms of the receivable. The Company's loans and receivables comprise loans receivable, other receivables and cash and cash equivalents.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash comprises fixed deposits, cash balances and call deposits with banks. Cash equivalents are short-term highly-liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash, are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, and are held for the purpose of meeting short-term cash commitments rather than for investment or other purposes.

Financial liabilities

All liabilities are classified as other financial liabilities and are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Ordinary shares

Financial instruments issued by the Company are treated as equity only to the extent that they do not meet the definition of a financial liability.

The Ordinary Shares of the Company are treated as equity as they entitled the shareholder to a pro rata share of the Company's net assets in the event of the Company's liquidation.

g) Provisions

A provision is recognised if, as a result of a past event, the Company has a legal or constructive obligation that can be reliably estimated, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to that liability.

h) Revenue and expenses

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is possible that economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably measured. Expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis.

i) Finance income and expenses

Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested (including debt securities at fair value through profit or loss), interest income and loan interest income. Interest income and loan interest income are recognised as they accrue in the statement of comprehensive income, using the effective interest rate method. Dividend income is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income on the date the Company's right to receive payments is established which is usually the ex-dividend date.

Finance expenses comprise interest expense on borrowings and unwinding of discounts on provisions.

Foreign currency gains and losses are reported in the statement of comprehensive income on a net basis.

j) Earnings per share ("EPS") and net asset value ("NAV") per share

The Company presents basic EPS and NAV data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the comprehensive income attributable to equity shareholders from operations by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period. (For further details see note 6). NAV per equity share is calculated by dividing net assets attributable to equity shareholders by the number of equity shares outstanding at the period end.

k) Transaction costs

Expenses incurred by the Company that are directly attributable to the offering of new shares have been taken to statement of changes in equity.

l) Taxation

Profits arising in the Company are subject to Jersey Income Tax, currently at the rate of 0%.

The Company is registered under the Reporting Fund regime Regulation 51 of The Offshore Fund (Tax) Regulations 2009 in the United Kingdom effective 1st July 2009.

m) Dividends payable

Dividends payable to ordinary shareholders are accounted for when a legal obligation arises.

Dividends payable, if any, on ordinary shares are recognised in the statement of changes in equity.

n) Offsetting

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported within assets and liabilities where there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

o) Determination of fair value

A number of the Company's accounting policies and disclosures require the determination of fair value for the financial assets and liabilities. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer liability in an ordinary transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair values have been determined for disclosure purposes based on the following methods. When applicable, further information about the assumptions made in determining fair values is disclosed in the notes specific to that asset or liability.

Financial assets for which quoted closing prices are available from a third party in a liquid market are valued on the basis of quoted bid prices. Where there are no available quoted prices the fair values will be determined in accordance with International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines ("IPEVCV" Guidelines) as amended from time to time.

The fair value of financial assets traded in active markets are based on quoted market prices at the close of trading on the balance sheet date. The Company adopted IFRS 13, "Fair value measurement", where the last traded market price for financial assets has been utilised and such last traded price falls within the bid-ask spread.

Unquoted equities and unquoted securities are valued using a variety of methods as follows:

- Rapid Action Packaging Limited Ordinary Shares have been valued based on an EBITDA multiple in line with market multiples. This metric has been discounted to reflect Rapid Action Packaging Limited's unlisted status.

- STX Services B.V. Ordinary Shares have been valued based on a multiple of profit before tax for the period / year in line with market multiples. This metric has been discounted to reflect STX Services B.V.'s unlisted status.

- Tamar Energy Limited Ordinary Shares have been valued based on a multiple of the forecast normalised EBITDA for its current financial year.

- Micropelt GmbH Ordinary Shares have been valued at zero following its shareholders' decision not to fund the company further and the company being placed into liquidation.

- Micropatent B.V. Ordinary Shares have been valued based on estimated realisable value which is a 50% discount to cost as the company is not cash generative as yet.

Investments are made in companies that may be subject to a high degree of operating and financial risk. The values assigned to investments are based upon available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realised. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuations, estimated carrying values may differ significantly from the values that would have been realised had a ready market for the investments existed, and these differences could be material.

The fair value of financial liabilities is calculated based on the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the balance sheet date.

The fair value of derivatives at fair value through profit or loss is derived using the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model.

p) Investment entity

The Directors do not believe that the Company has the power to exercise control over the investments, as set out in the provisions of paragraph 12 of International Accounting Standard 27 (Consolidated Financial Statements and Accounting for Investments in Subsidiaries), or under the Standard Interpretations Committee pronouncement Number 12 (SIC 12 - Consolidation: Special Purpose Entities). The Directors have arrived at this opinion because the Company in any of its investments:

- does not hold a controlling stake;

- does not have the power to govern the financial and operating policies;

- does not have the power to remove the majority of the members of the Board of Directors; and

- does not have the power to cast the majority of votes at meetings of the Board of Directors.

q) Associates

Associates are all entities over which the Company has significant influence but not control, generally accompanying a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights.

As the Company operates as a venture capital organisation it uses the scope exemption of IAS 28 'Investment in Associates' and designates upon initial recognition some investments that would otherwise be equity accounted as investments at fair value through profit or loss with subsequent changes in fair value recognised in the statement of comprehensive income in the period of the change.

r) Segment reporting

An operating segment is a component of the Company that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses. The Directors perform regular reviews of the operating results of the Company and make decisions using financial information at the entity level only. Accordingly, the Directors believe that the Company has only one reportable operating segment.

The Directors are responsible for ensuring that the Company carries out business activities in line with the transaction documents. They may delegate some or all of the day to day management of the business, including the decisions to purchase and sell securities, to other parties both internal and external to the Company. The decisions of such parties are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure compliance with the policies and legal responsibilities of the Directors. Therefore, the Directors retain full responsibility as to the major allocation decisions of the Company.

3. PERFORMANCE FEES RETAINED AND PAYABLE

 
                                Period      Period ended 
                                 ended 
                               31st Dec       31st Dec 
                                  16             15 
                                 GBP            GBP 
  Performance fees                  nil              nil 
   payable 
                              =========    ============= 
 

Performance fees are payable to the Adviser with reference to the increase in adjusted net asset value per share over the course of each performance period. The Adviser becomes entitled to receive a performance fee if the following conditions are met:

a) The adjusted net asset value per share at the end of the performance period exceeds the Performance Hurdle. The Performance Hurdle is an amount equal to the placing price increased at a rate of 8% per annum on a compounded basis up to the end of the relevant performance period; and

b) The adjusted net asset value per share at the end of the performance period exceeds the High Watermark. The High Watermark is the highest previously recorded adjusted net asset value per share at the end of a performance period for which a performance fee was last earned.

If the above conditions are met the Adviser is entitled to receive a fee equal to 20% of the amount by which the adjusted net asset value exceeds the higher of (i) the performance hurdle and (ii) the relevant High Watermark multiplied by the time-weighted average number of shares in issue since the end of the last performance period for which a performance fee was earned.

The conditions for payment of performance fees were not met for the performance period ended 31st December 2016 and year ended 30th June 2016.

20% of any performance fees earned by the Adviser shall be retained and deposited in a Reserve Account (see note 11).

On 1st September 2014 the shareholders approved revised performance fee arrangements for the Investment Adviser, which took effect from 1st July 2014:

- the Advisory fee is calculated at 2% of the Company's Net Asset Value, payable quarterly and any future distributions will no longer be added back for the purposes of the calculation; and

- the basis of the calculation of the performance fee has been reset to 30th June 2014 and is payable to the Adviser if certain conditions are attained.

4. EXPENSES

AUDITOR'S FEES

 
                        Period ended   Period ended 
                          31st Dec       31st Dec 
                             16             15 
                            GBP            GBP 
 Audit fees                   16,060         11,145 
 Non-audit fees                    -          4,730 
 
                              16,060         15,875 
                       =============  ============= 
 

DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION AND INTERESTS

 
                               Period    Period ended 
                                ended 
                              31st Dec     31st Dec 
                                 16           15 
                                GBP          GBP 
  Directors' fees               55,000         55,000 
  Directors' expenses            3,208          1,659 
 
                                58,208         56,659 
                             =========  ============= 
 

The details of the Directors' remuneration are as follows:

 
                                    Period    Period ended 
                                     ended 
                                   31st Dec     31st Dec 
                                      16           15 
                                     GBP          GBP 
  J. Shakeshaft (Chairman)           30,000         30,000 
  R. Green                           12,500         12,500 
  D. Pirouet                         12,500         12,500 
 
                                     55,000         55,000 
                                  =========  ============= 
 

As at the balance sheet date, the following Ordinary Shares of the Company were held by the Directors, the Directors of the Adviser, the Investment Adviser and the Principals of the Investment Adviser.

 
                                              Ordinary 
                                                Shares 
 31ST DECEMBER 2016 
 Directors 
      J. Shakeshaft                            110,000 
  Investment Adviser and related 
   principals 
      Ludgate Investments 
       Limited                     *            664,000 
      Ocean Capital Holding 
       II BV                       **         5,839,798 
 
 
 
                                              Ordinary 
                                                Shares 
 30TH JUNE 2016 
 Directors 
      J. Shakeshaft                            110,000 
  Investment Adviser and related 
   principals 
      Ludgate Investments 
       Limited                     *            664,000 
      N. Meir                      *             50,500 
      N. Pople                     *             50,000 
      Ocean Capital Holding 
       II BV                       **         5,839,798 
 

Principals of Ludgate Investments Limited include Directors and senior management.

* As at 30(th) June 2016, Ocean Capital Investments BV (an entity related to Ocean Capital Holdings II BV), N. Meir and N. Pople have an interest in Ludgate Investments Limited. N. Meir was re-appointed as director of Ludgate Investments Limited on 2(nd) September 2015. N. Meir and N. Pople left Ludgate Investments Limited and Ludgate Capital Limited on 6(th) October 2016.

** Ocean Capital Investments BV (an entity related to Ocean Capital Holding II BV) is a company in which G. Voskamp and J. Voskamp, both directors of Ludgate Investments Limited, have 80% and 20% shareholdings, respectively.

5. DIVIDS

No interim dividend or special dividend was paid during this period (for the six months ended 31st December 2015: GBPnil).

6. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The calculation of the basic and diluted loss per share is based on the following information:

 
                                                       Period         Period 
                                                        ended          ended 
                                                      31st Dec       31st Dec 
                                                         16             15 
                                                        GBP            GBP 
 Total comprehensive loss                           ( 2,490,436)   ( 7,824,771) 
                                                   =============  ============= 
 
 Weighted average number of ordinary 
 shares for the purposes of basic earnings 
 per share                                            53,345,782     53,345,782 
                                                   =============  ============= 
 
                                                        GBP            GBP 
 Basic and diluted loss per ordinary 
  share                                                  ( 0.05)        ( 0.15) 
 
 

7. FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

 
 Investments:                               Period ended     Year ended 
                                              31st Dec        30th Jun 
                                                  16             16 
                                                 GBP            GBP 
 Opening cost of investments                   39,244,266     48,652,004 
 
 Purchases / (disposals) during the 
  period / year: 
 
 Additional investments 
  acquired                                              -        400,351 
 
 Investments sold                            ( 1,083,931)   ( 9,808,089) 
 
 Investments now dissolved                  ( 19,844,196)              - 
 
 Closing cost of investments                   18,316,139     39,244,266 
                                           ==============  ============= 
 
 
                                            Period ended    Year ended 
                                              31st Dec       30th Jun 
                                                 16              16 
                                                GBP             GBP 
 Opening fair value 
  of investments                              11,589,558      31,183,825 
 
 Purchases / (disposals) during the 
  period / year: 
 
 Additional investments 
  acquired                                             -         400,351 
 
 Proceeds on disposal                          (321,171)     (3,426,740) 
 
 Realised gain/(loss) 
  on disposal                                     80,385       (443,185) 
 
 Fair value movement                         (1,153,270)   ( 16,124,693) 
 
 Closing fair value of investments            10,195,502      11,589,558 
                                           =============  ============== 
 

Further details of the investments held can be found in note 20 to these financial statements.

IFRS 13 requires the Company to classify fair value measurements using a three level fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:

Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 - Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorised in its entirety is determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For this purpose, the significance of an input is assessed against the fair value measurement in its entirety. If a fair value measurement uses observable inputs that require significant adjustment based on unobservable inputs, that measurement is a Level 3 measurement. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgement, considering factors specific to the asset or liability.

The determination of what constitutes 'observable' requires significant judgement by the Company. The Company considers observable data to comprise market data that is readily available, regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable, not proprietary, and provided by independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant market.

The following tables analyse within the fair value hierarchy the Company's financial assets measured at fair value at 31st December 2016 and 30th June 2016.

 
 31st December 2016          Level    Level    Level 3      Total 
                               1        2 
                              GBP      GBP       GBP         GBP 
 Financial assets 
  at fair value through 
  profit or loss            470,398       -   9,725,104   10,195,502 
                           ========  ======  ==========  =========== 
 
 Derivatives at fair 
  value through profit 
  or loss                         -       -      11,779       11,779 
                           ========  ======  ==========  =========== 
 
 
 30th June 2016 
 
 Financial assets 
  at fair value through 
  profit or loss            740,896   -   10,848,662   11,589,558 
                           ========      ===========  =========== 
 
 Derivatives at fair 
  value through profit 
  or loss                         -   -       52,549       52,549 
                           ========      ===========  =========== 
 

Financial assets whose values are based on quoted market prices in active markets, and therefore classified within Level 1, include mainly actively listed equities. The Company does not adjust the quoted market price for these.

Financial assets that trade in markets that are not considered to be active but are valued based on quoted market prices, dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources supported by observable inputs are classified within Level 2. Level 2 includes mainly convertible bonds. As Level 2 bonds are not traded in an active market, valuations are based on an option valuation method which was carried out by an independent broker.

Financial assets classified within Level 3 have significant unobservable inputs, as they trade infrequently. Level 3 includes equities and convertible loan notes. As the observable prices are not available for these equities and convertible loan notes, the Company has used valuation methods as described in note 2 (o) 'Determination of fair value'.

Level 3 valuations are reviewed on a quarterly basis by the Company's Investment Adviser, Ludgate Investments Limited ("LIL"), who report to the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. The Investment Adviser considers the appropriateness of the valuation model inputs, as well as the valuation result using various valuation methods and techniques generally recognised as standard within the industry. In selecting the most appropriate valuation model, the Investment Adviser performs back testing and considers which model's results have historically aligned most closely to actual market transactions.

The Level 3 unquoted equities amounted to GBP9,725,104 (for the year ended 30th June 2016: GBP10,848,662) and the Company substantially utilises comparable trading multiples in arriving at the valuation. LIL determines comparable public companies (peers) based on industry, size, developmental stage and strategy. LIL then calculates a trading multiple for each comparable company identified. The multiple is calculated by dividing the enterprise value of the comparable company by its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA). The trading multiple for the investee company is then discounted for considerations such as illiquidity and differences between the comparable companies based on company-specific facts and circumstances. The Company has also previously utilised net realisable values and discounted cash flow techniques. On determining the discount rate, regard is given to risk rates, the specific risks of the investment and evidence of the recent transaction.

The Level 3 unquoted securities amounted to GBPnil (for the year ended 30th June 2016: GBPnil) and the Company valued these instruments at cost.

31st December 2016

 
                                                                                             Reasonable 
                                                                                               possible 
                  Fair value                                                   Weighted           shift      Change in 
                     at 31st                                                    average   +/- (absolute      valuation 
 Description        Dec 2016     Valuation technique      Unobservable inputs     input          value)            +/- 
=============  =============  =======================  ======================  ========  ==============  ============= 
                     GBP                                                                                       GBP 
                                                           Profit before 
 Unquoted                         Comparable trading      tax multiple and       4.0x -                       457,052/ 
  equities         9,213,172           multiples           EBITDA multiple         6.5x              5%      (457,052) 
               =============  =======================  ======================  ========  ==============  ============= 
                                     Valuation of 
                                 existing operational                                                       (314,913)/ 
                     479,413            assets            EBITDA multiple          8.0x              5%        314,913 
               =============  =======================  ======================  ========  ==============  ============= 
                      32,519     Estimated realisable      Not applicable             -               -              - 
                                         value 
               =============  =======================  ======================  ========  ==============  ============= 
 

30th June 2016

 
                                                                                     Reasonable 
                                                                                       possible 
                    Fair value                                         Weighted           shift              Change in 
                       at 30th       Valuation           Unobservable   average   +/- (absolute              valuation 
 Description          Jun 2016       technique              inputs        input          value)                    +/- 
=============  ===============  ================  ===================  ========  ==============  ===================== 
                      GBP                                                                                  GBP 
                                    Comparable       Profit before 
 Unquoted                             trading       tax multiple and     6.0x -                               537,658/ 
  equities          10,651,037       multiples      EBITDA multiple        7.0x              5%              (537,658) 
               ===============  ================  ===================  ========  ==============  ===================== 
                                   Valuation of 
                                     existing 
                                    operational                                                             (349,814)/ 
                       146,814        assets        EBITDA multiple        9.0x              5%                349,814 
               ===============  ================  ===================  ========  ==============  ===================== 
                        50,811       Estimated      Not applicable            -               -                      - 
                                    realisable 
                                       value 
               ===============  ================  ===================  ========  ==============  ===================== 
 

The change in valuation disclosed in the above table shows the direction an increase or decrease in the respective input variables would have on the valuation result. For unquoted equities, increases in the profit before tax multiple, EBITDA multiple, net asset value and estimated value would each lead to an increase in fair value. However, an increase in cost of capital would lead to a decrease in fair value. For unquoted securities, increases in estimated value would lead to an increase in fair value.

No interrelationships between unobservable inputs used in the Company's valuation of its Level 3 unquoted equities have been identified.

Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are deemed to have occurred at the beginning of the reporting period.

The movement in Level 3 financial assets for the period ended 31st December 2016 and year ended 30th June 2016 by class of financial assets were as follows:

 
                                               Unquoted      Unquoted 
 31st December 2016             Derivatives     equities     securities      Total 
                                    GBP           GBP           GBP           GBP 
 Opening balance                     52,549    10,848,662             -    10,901,211 
 
 Total gains / (losses) 
  (realised/unrealised) 
  included in the statement 
  of comprehensive income         ( 40,770)   (1,123,558)             -   (1,164,328) 
 
 
 Closing balance                     11,779     9,725,104             -     9,736,883 
                               ============  ============  ============  ============ 
 
 
                                                Unquoted       Unquoted 
   30th June 2016               Derivatives     equities      securities       Total 
                                    GBP           GBP            GBP            GBP 
 Opening balance                    387,809     26,455,068      3,020,000     29,862,877 
 
 Total gains / (losses) 
  (realised/unrealised) 
  included in the statement 
  of comprehensive income        ( 335,260)   (15,484,543)     ( 589,781)   (16,409,584) 
 
 Purchases and issuances                  -         75,351        325,000        400,351 
 
 Sales and settlements                    -     ( 197,214)   ( 2,755,219)   ( 2,952,433) 
 
 Closing balance                     52,549     10,848,662              -     10,901,211 
                               ============  =============  =============  ============= 
 

For unquoted equities, if the multiple used or the recent market transaction price used in the valuation had increased by 5%, this would have resulted in an increase in value of GBP143,765 (for the year ended 30th June 2016: GBP190,385). A decrease of 5% would have resulted in a decrease in value of GBP143,765 (for the year ended 30th June 2016: GBP190,385).

Title of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss is held by the following parties:

 
                                         31st Dec     30th Jun 
                                            16           16 
                                           GBP          GBP 
  Computer Share (Australia)                     -            - 
  Panmure Gordon & Co                      470,398      740,896 
  State Street (Jersey) Limited          9,725,104   10,848,662 
 
                                        10,195,502   11,589,558 
                                       ===========  =========== 
 

8. DERIVATIVES AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

 
                                                    31st Dec   30th Jun 
                                                       16         16 
                                                      GBP        GBP 
 Rapid Action Packaging Limited - 3,368 
 warrants (30th June 2016: 3,368 warrants)            11,779     52,549 
                                                   =========  ========= 
 

9. LOAN RECEIVABLE

 
                                31st Dec     30th Jun 
                                   16           16 
                                  GBP          GBP 
 Current: 
 Ignis Wick Limited                    -            - 
                               =========    ========= 
 

The Company entered into a Loan Agreement with Ignis Wick Limited to fund the development costs of the Wick project up to GBP779,000. The loan is unsecured, repayable on demand and bears interest at 10% per annum. As at 31(st) December 2015, GBP319,672 was drawn. This loan was repaid on 6th January 2016 as part of the initial consideration received on the sale of Ignis Wick Limited.

10. OTHER ASSETS

 
                                                 31st Dec   30th Jun 
                                                    16         16 
                                                   GBP        GBP 
  Prepayments and other receivables                22,142      9,171 
  Current asset investment at fair value 
  through profit or loss                          173,549    855,186 
 
                                                  195,691    864,357 
                                                =========  ========= 
 

11. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 
                                                31st Dec    30th Jun 
                                                    16          16 
                                                   GBP         GBP 
 Panmure Gordon & Co                                  358      20,367 
 Royal Bank of Scotland International - 
 current account (GBP)                                 89         124 
 State Street Bank and Trust Company            1,317,959   1,358,021 
 
 Cash held on fixed term deposit: 
 Fixed term deposits held with Barclays 
 (GBP)                                            319,227     319,103 
 
                                                1,637,633   1,697,615 
                                               ==========  ========== 
 

The Company has permission to borrow sums equivalent to 25% of the net asset value in accordance with its Articles of Association. At the balance sheet date, no such facility had been entered into (30th June 2016: GBPnil). The Board has taken care to minimise the credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents.

12. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

 
                                               31st Dec   30th Jun 
                                                  16         16 
                                                 GBP        GBP 
 Administration and accountancy fees             51,250     51,250 
  Professional fees 
   payable                                      368,029     35,000 
  Audit fees payable                             11,000     17,030 
  Directors' fees and expenses payable           12,500     12,500 
  Other creditors                                   516        553 
 
                                                443,295    116,333 
                                              =========  ========= 
 

All expenses are payable on presentation of an invoice.

13. STATED CAPITAL ACCOUNT

 
                                                   31st Dec      30th Jun 
                                                       16            16 
  AUTHORISED: 
  Ordinary Shares of no par value each             Unlimited     Unlimited 
 

The authorised stated capital of the Company comprises an unlimited number of voting, Ordinary Shares which are neither redeemable nor convertible and which have no par value.

 
                                     No. of        No. of       No. of 
                                    Ordinary      Investor     Manager 
                                     Shares       Warrants     Warrants 
 
  Opening balance at 1st           53,345,782            -            - 
   July 2016 
 
  Closing balance at 31st          53,345,782            -            - 
   December 2016 
                                  ===========    =========    ========= 
 
   Opening balance at 1st          53,345,782            -            - 
    July 2015 
 
   Closing balance at 30th         53,345,782            -            - 
    June 2016 
                                  ===========    =========    ========= 
 
 

Two Ordinary Shares of GBP1.00 each were issued on incorporation. The initial public offering ("IPO") of Ordinary Shares on 2nd August 2007 was priced at GBP1.00 per share. Subscribers for the Ordinary Shares received one investor warrant for every four Ordinary Shares subscribed. At 31st October 2012, these warrants expired.

A second placing of shares occurred on 22nd February 2008. 2,673,509 Ordinary Shares of no par value were issued at a price of GBP1.12 per share. On 10th November 2008 a further issue of 16,557,807 Ordinary Shares were placed at a price of GBP1.09 per share. On 5th August 2010 a further issue of 10,293,365 Ordinary Shares were placed at a price of GBP0.97 per share. No warrants were attached to these shares issued subsequent to the IPO. The Ordinary Shares and investor warrants are listed and traded on AIM. The manager warrants are not listed.

The Ordinary Shares carry the right to vote at general meetings, dividends and the surplus assets of the Company on winding-up. All holders of the Ordinary Shares have the same voting rights.

During the period, the Company did not repurchase any of its shares.

 
                            31st Dec     30th Jun 
                               16           16 
                              GBP          GBP 
  Opening balance          56,018,480   56,018,480 
 
   Closing balance         56,018,480   56,018,480 
                          ===========  =========== 
 

14. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Geographical information

The Company's country of domicile is Jersey, Channel Islands. All of the Company's revenues are generated from outside the Company's country of domicile. Detailed geographical information is disclosed in note 15 under "concentration risk".

Sources of income

The Company's sources of net income were interest and dividends from financial assets and deposits. The majority of the income during the period was derived from fixed term deposits and translation of foreign currencies.

15. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The Board of Directors is responsible for the establishment and oversight of the Company's risk management framework. Policies are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by the Company, to set appropriate risk limits and controls and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. These are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the Company's activities.

The Company maintains positions in a variety of financial instruments dictated by its investment management strategy. The Company's investment portfolio comprises quoted and unquoted equity investments, unquoted securities and cash which the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period (subject to the life of the Company). Asset allocation is determined by the Board who manages the distribution of the assets to achieve the investment objectives.

The nature and extent of the financial instruments outstanding at the balance sheet date and the risk management policies employed by the Company are discussed below.

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices, will affect the Company's income and or the value of its holdings in financial instruments. The Adviser is responsible for monitoring, measuring and reporting market risk.

The Company's exposure to market risk comes mainly from movements in the value of its investments.

The Company's strategy on the management of investment risk is driven by the Company's investment objective. The Company's investment objective is to deliver to investors a significant level of capital growth in the medium to long-term by building a diverse portfolio of investments in cleantech companies. The Company's market risk is managed by the Adviser in accordance with the policies and procedures in place.

The Company seeks to achieve its investment objective and minimise investment risk through the identification of appropriate technologies and companies within the cleantech sector using a rigorous review and selection process; by adding value to companies in the portfolio through active support at all stages of their growth and by focusing on maximising returns for shareholders by assisting companies in achieving an appropriate and timely exit.

Potential investments are screened to ensure that investments comply with the investment criteria, as described in the Admission Document and described in the Investment Policy. A full review and due diligence are undertaken before a potential investment can be submitted for approval by the Screening Committee and the Adviser.

Monitoring of the portfolio is carried out on a quarterly basis by the Adviser who reviews the investments against technology developments, commercial progress, financial and trading results including management accounts, management assessment, market intelligence and anticipated planning and exit. Investment risk is also reviewed at the time of any investment proposal, the publication of the net asset values and any capital raising.

The Company's overall market positions are reviewed quarterly by the Board of Directors. Details of the Company's investment portfolio composition as at the balance sheet date are disclosed in note 20 to these financial statements.

As assets are sold in accordance with the investment policy and expected winding up date, the portfolio will become less diversified and market risks possibly increase.

Interest Rate Risk

To the extent the Company incurs indebtedness, changes in interest rates can affect the Company's net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on interest-bearing assets and the interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Changes in the level of interest rates can also affect, among other things, the Company's ability to acquire loans and investments, the value of its investments and the Company's ability to realise gains from the settlement of such assets. Interest rate risk is mitigated by a policy of holding diversified instruments with varied counterparties.

The majority of the Company's financial assets are fixed rate or non-interest bearing and all of the Company's financial liabilities are non-interest bearing. Therefore, the Directors believe that the Company's exposure to interest rate risk is minimal. Any excess cash and cash equivalents are invested in fixed term deposits with maturities of 12 months or less. Investments in debt securities are in fixed rate instruments and therefore the Company has limited exposure to prevailing interest rates.

Any adverse movement in interest rates would negatively affect the return on cash deposits over time. The amount of cash held on fixed term deposits is expected to reduce over the forthcoming years in accordance with the Company's stated investment objectives.

Interest rate sensitivity

IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures ("IFRS 7") requires a sensitivity analysis for each type of risk to which the entity is exposed at the balance sheet date, showing how the profit or loss and equity would have been affected by changes in the relevant risk variable that are reasonably possible.

The majority of the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities are non-interest bearing or fixed rate. During the period, the Company's interest income from fixed deposits was GBP307 (period ended

31st December 2015: GBP418) of which GBPnil (30th June 2016: GBPnil) is outstanding at the end of the period. Had interest rates been 50 basis points higher throughout the period the Company would have decreased its loss by GBP8,188 (period ended 31st December 2015: GBP2,013), with a corresponding increase had interest rates been 50 basis points lower by GBP8,188 (period ended 31st December 2015: GBP2,013).

Currency Risk

The Company may invest in financial instruments and enter into transactions that are denominated in currencies other than its functional currency, sterling. Consequently the Company is exposed to risk that the exchange rate of its functional currency relative to other foreign currencies may change in a manner that has an adverse effect on the value of that portion of the Company's assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than sterling.

The Company's policy is to accept a limited amount of currency risk within the portfolio. It does not hedge either the fair value of its foreign currency investments nor the cashflows, if any, arising from such investments. Any gain or loss, recognised as a result of the Company's investment and valuation policies is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. When the Company has entered into a definitive contract to purchase or sell securities denominated in foreign currency it purchases forward contracts; any ineffectiveness in this hedging would also be recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. The Company's overall currency risk and exposure is monitored on a quarterly basis by the Board of Directors. The Directors intend to keep this policy under quarterly review as the portfolio becomes more fully invested. The Directors further consider that investment in currencies is a separate asset class and not as such part of the normal trading business of the Company.

As at the balance sheet date the Company had the following currency risk exposure:

 
                                                                        31st Dec    30th Jun 
                                                                            16          16 
   Financial assets at fair value through 
    profit or loss                                                         GBP         GBP 
   Unquoted equities and securities denominated 
   in EUR                                                               2,990,979   4,238,087 
   Quoted equities denominated in AUD                                     296,089     463,685 
 
                                                                        3,287,068   4,701,772 
                                                                       ==========  ========== 
 
 

Currency sensitivity

As at 31st December 2016 if GBP had strengthened against the EUR by 5%, with all other variables held constant, the loss for the period as per the statement of comprehensive income would have increased and the net assets of the Company would have decreased by GBP142,428 (year ended 30th June 2016: increase in loss for the year and decrease in net assets of GBP201,814). A 5% weakening of GBP against the EUR would have resulted in a decrease in the loss for the period as per the statement of comprehensive income and an increase in net assets of the Company of GBP157,420 (year ended 30th June 2016: decrease in loss for the year and increase in net assets of GBP223,057), with all other variables held constant.

As at 31st December 2016 if GBP had strengthened against the AUD by 5%, with all other variables held constant, the loss for the period as per the statement of comprehensive income would have increased and the net assets of the Company would have decreased by GBP14,099 (year ended 30th June 2016: increase in loss for the year and decrease in net assets of GBP22,080). A 5% weakening of GBP against the AUD would have resulted in a decrease in the loss for the period as per the statement of comprehensive income and an increase in the net assets of the Company of GBP15,584 (year ended 30th June 2016: decrease in loss for the year and increase in net assets of GBP24,404), with all other variables held constant.

The movement in foreign exchange, excluding foreign exchange movements on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss which are reflected in the statement of comprehensive income as part of losses or gains on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, for the period ended 31st December 2016 was a gain of GBP6,537 (31st December 2015: loss GBP2,338). This movement has been largely caused by the variance in the EUR:GBP exchange rate during the period on deposits held in EUR. The EUR:GBP exchange rate moved from 1.192 as at 1st July 2016 to 1.1715 as at 31st December 2016.

Other price risk

Market price risk is the risk that the value of an instrument will fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices (other than those arising due to currency risk or interest rate risk) whether caused by factors specific to an individual investment, its issuer or all factors affecting all instruments traded in the market. As the majority of the Company's financial instruments are held at fair value with changes in fair value being recognised in the statement of comprehensive income, all changes in market conditions will directly affect the profit for the period and the Company's net assets. Price risk is monitored and reviewed by the Directors on a quarterly basis, at any valuation event and at each investment committee meeting, whichever is the more frequent.

Risk is mitigated in a thematic portfolio diversified by securities, assets, geography and industrial sector. No single investment can account for more than 15% of ungeared NAV at the time of investment. No single investment held for short-term trading can be more than GBP750,000. The following table breaks down the investment assets held by the Company:

 
                                                   31st Dec     30th Jun 
                                                      16           16 
 
                                                  Percentage   Percentage 
   Financial assets at fair value through           of net       of net 
    profit or loss                                  assets       assets 
   Equity investments: 
 
   Quoted                                              4.06%        5.26% 
   Unquoted                                           83.86%       77.01% 
 
 
 

Market price risk sensitivity

1.71% of the Company's investment assets are listed on European stock exchanges (year ended 30th June 2016: 2.39%). 2.90% of the Company's investment assets are listed on Australian stock exchanges (year ended 30th June 2016: 4%). A 10% increase in stock prices as at 31st December 2016 would have decreased the loss for the period and would have increased the net assets of the Company by GBP47,040 (year ended 30th June 2016: decrease in loss for the year of GBP74,090). An equal change in the opposite direction would increase the loss and decrease the net assets of the Company by an equal but opposite amount.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation or commitment that it has entered into with the Company. The carrying amount of financial assets best represents the maximum exposure at the balance sheet date. At the balance sheet date the Company's financial assets exposed to credit risk amounted to the following:

 
                                                   31st Dec    30th Jun 
                                                       16          16 
                                                      GBP         GBP 
    Other assets                                     195,691     864,357 
    Cash and cash equivalents                      1,637,633   1,697,615 
 
  Total financial assets exposed to credit 
   risk                                            1,833,324   2,561,972 
                                                  ==========  ========== 
 

The Company and its Adviser seek to mitigate credit risk by actively monitoring the underlying credit quality of the Company's investment holdings. As noted above, monitoring of the portfolio is carried out on a quarterly basis by the Adviser who will review the investments against milestones of technology developments, commercial progress, financial and trading results including management accounts, management assessment, market intelligence and anticipated planning and exit. Any indications of credit risk will be reported to the Board who will also review the portfolio and the related credit risk at least on a quarterly basis. The Company holds no hedges or insurance against counterparty risk. The Directors believe that the purchase of credit insurance would expose the Company to an unapproved asset class of derivatives.

The Company holds fixed term deposits with a bank with a minimum long-term credit rating from Standard and Poor's of "AA-", through a pooled account. This service is entitled "Cash2". All transactions are in the name of State Street (Jersey) Limited Client Nominee, operated by State Street (Jersey) Limited. The Company is the beneficial owner of these deposits. There is no additional payment, liquidity, or settlement risk associated with the pooling.

The Company analyses the credit concentration based on the counterparty, industry and geographical location of the financial assets that the Company holds. The Company's financial assets exposed to credit risk were concentrated in the following industries:

 
                                          31st Dec   30th Jun 
                                             16         16 
 
   Resource efficiency industries           10.67%     33.74% 
   Banks/financial services                 89.33%     66.26% 
 

All of the Company's financial assets exposed to credit risk which were held at the balance sheet date are European.

Concentration Risk

The Company may be exposed at any given time to a degree of concentration risk. To the extent that the Company's investments are concentrated in any one sub-sector of the cleantech sector, country or asset class downturns affecting the source of concentration may result in total or partial loss on such investments, which will reduce the Company's net asset value. The Directors consider the sector a diversified asset class and that effective hedging could be achieved by replication in purchasing differentiated securities but that the cost of these transactions would negate the value of the protection. The Company's investments are concentrated as follows:

 
                                                        31st Dec   30th Jun 
                                                           16         16 
 
   Investment in resource efficiency industries          100.00%    100.00% 
   Geographical area - Netherlands                        29.34%     36.57% 
   Geographical area - UK                                 67.76%     59.43% 
   Geographical area - Australia                            2.9%      4.00% 
 

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.

The Company may face liquidity risks. Most of the investments in which the Company invests are relatively illiquid i.e. private companies which require a long-term capital commitment. A substantial amount of the Company's funds are concentrated in a limited number of investments subject to legal and other restrictions on resale, transfer, pledge or other disposition or that are less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult to sell investments if the need arises or the Investment Adviser determines that such a sale would be in the Company's interests.

The Directors monitor liquidity risk at least quarterly and perform going concern tests before the semi-annual publication of the financial statements. The Company also holds sums equivalent to three months' forward operating expenses in call accounts. The Directors review this policy regularly. The Company also has permission to borrow sums equivalent to 25% of NAV in accordance with the terms of its Articles of Association.

Maturity profile

The tables below analyses the Company's financial liabilities into the relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the reporting date. The amounts in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows.

 
                                       31st Dec 16                30th Jun 16 
                                                One to                      One to 
                                 Within        five years      Within        five 
                                 one year                      one year      years 
                             ------------  --------------  ------------  --------- 
                                   GBP            GBP            GBP         GBP 
  Financial liabilities: 
  Trade and other payables        443,295               -       116,333          - 
                             ============  ==============  ============  ========= 
 

Financial instruments by category

 
                                   Amounts recognised in balance sheet according 
                                                     to IAS 39 
 
                                                           Fair value 
                                                           recognised 
  Category in accordance                                       in            Fair 
   with                        Carrying      Amortised 
  IAS 39                        amount         cost        profit or         value 
                                                              loss         Fair value 
                           -------------  ------------  -------------  -------------- 
                                 GBP            GBP           GBP             GBP 
  At 31st December 2016: 
  Loans and receivables        1,659,775     1,659,775              -       1,659,775 
  Other assets                   173,549             -        173,549         173,549 
  Fair value through 
   profit or loss             10,207,281             -     10,207,281      10,207,281 
  Other liabilities              443,295       443,295              -         443,295 
 
  At 30th June 2016: 
  Loans and receivables        1,706,786     1,706,786              -       1,706,786 
  Other assets                   855,186             -        855,186         855,186 
  Fair value through 
   profit or loss             11,642,107             -     11,642,107      11,642,107 
  Other liabilities              116,333       116,333              -         116,333 
 

Disclosure of material income, expenses, gains and losses resulting from financial assets and financial liabilities:

 
                                                    Fair value            Financial 
                                    Loans and         through        liabilities 
                                                                      at 
                                   receivables       profit or          amortised 
                                                        loss               cost 
                                       GBP              GBP                  GBP 
  31st December 2016: 
  Net loss on financial 
   assets and 
  derivatives at fair value 
   through 
  profit or loss                             -      ( 1,795,292)                       - 
  Investment income                        307                 -                       - 
  Gain on foreign exchange               6,537                 -                       - 
 
                                         6,844      ( 1,795,292)                       - 
  30th June 2016: 
  Net loss on financial 
   assets and 
  derivatives at fair value 
   through profit 
  or loss                                    -     ( 16,977,324)                       - 
  Investment income                     17,121           461,203                       - 
  Loss on foreign exchange            ( 2,338)                 -                       - 
 
                                        14,783     ( 16,516,121)                       - 
 

Assets and liabilities not carried at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed

The following tables analyse within the fair value hierarchy the Company's assets and liabilities (by class) not measured at fair value at 31st December 2016 and 30th June 2016 but for which fair value is disclosed.

At 31st December 2016:

 
                                 Level     Level   Level 3    Total 
                                   1         2 
                                  GBP       GBP      GBP       GBP 
  Assets 
  Other assets                         -   22,142        -     22,142 
  Cash and cash equivalents    1,637,633        -        -  1,637,633 
 
                               1,637,633   22,142        -  1,659,775 
  Liabilities 
  Trade and other payables             -  443,295        -    443,295 
 

At 30th June 2016:

 
                                 Level     Level   Level 3    Total 
                                   1         2 
                                  GBP       GBP      GBP       GBP 
  Assets 
  Other assets                         -    9,171        -      9,171 
  Cash and cash equivalents    1,697,615        -        -  1,697,615 
 
                               1,697,615    9,171        -  1,706,786 
  Liabilities 
  Trade and other payables             -  116,333        -    116,333 
 

The assets and liabilities included in the above table are carried at amortised cost; their carrying values are a reasonable approximation of fair value.

Cash and cash equivalents include deposits held by the banks. Loans receivable include the contractual amounts for settlement of obligations due to the Company.

Other assets include the loan interest and investment income receivables. Trade and other payables represent the contractual amounts and obligations due by the Company for settlement.

Capital Management

The Company is an investment company listed on AIM in London. Capital can only be increased either by the issue of new shares at net asset value or by borrowing up to the permitted limit of 25% of NAV. Capital can only be reduced by the repurchase and cancellation of shares, which requires shareholder approval. The Company seeks to provide long-term capital return in accordance with its stated investment policy from a diversified portfolio of securities of cleantech companies. The Company does not hold or intend to hold any derivatives other than those which may be embedded in or between the assets in the portfolio.

The Company will seek to maintain sufficient liquidity to be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.

16. CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS

 
                                                  Period ended  Period ended 
                                                    31st Dec      31st Dec 
                                                        16            15 
                                                      GBP           GBP 
  Total comprehensive loss                        ( 2,490,436)  ( 7,824,771) 
 
  Adjustments for: 
  Unrealised loss on financial assets 
   and 
  derivatives at fair value through profit 
  or loss                                            1,875,677     2,839,150 
  Realised (gain)/loss on financial assets 
  and derivatives at fair value through 
  profit or loss                                     ( 80,385)     4,721,048 
  Net (gain)/loss on foreign exchange: 
   cash and cash equivalents                          ( 6,537)         2,338 
  Loan note interest income                                  -    ( 928,994) 
  Dividend income                                            -    ( 306,347) 
  Provision against interest receivable                      -       928,994 
  Increase in trade and other receivables            ( 12,971)     ( 11,652) 
  Increase/(decrease) in trade and other 
   payables                                            326,962    ( 126,392) 
 
  CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS                        ( 387,690)    ( 706,626) 
 
 

17. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURE

Directors' remuneration and expenses payable for the period ended 31st December 2016 are disclosed in notes 4 and 12.

The terms and conditions of any transactions with key management personnel and their related parties are no more favourable than those available, or which might reasonably be expected to be available, on similar transactions to non-key management personnel related entities on an arm's length basis.

On 21st December 2012, the Company entered into a revised Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser which took effect from 1st July 2012 in which it is entitled to receive a management fee from the Company at a rate of 2% of the Company's net asset value for each quarter end plus any distributions made to shareholders since 30th June 2012 which is payable quarterly in advance. In addition the Adviser was entitled to retain any fees received from providing directors to certain portfolio companies at LEF's nomination.

Under the terms of the original Investment Advisory Agreement the Adviser is also entitled to a performance fee which is payable in arrears in respect of each annual period ending 30th June. The first calculation period began on the admission date and ended on 30th June 2008. On 1st September 2014, the shareholders approved the recommendation of the Directors to amend the fee arrangements under the Investment Advisory Agreement with effect from 1st July 2014, as follows:

- the Advisory fee is calculated at 2% of the Company's Net Asset Value, payable quarterly and any future distributions will no longer be added back for the purposes of the calculation; and

- the basis of the calculation of the performance fee has been reset to 30th June 2014 and is payable to the Adviser if certain conditions are attained.

During the period the Adviser's fee was GBP129,630 (period ended 31st December 2015: GBP296,682). No accrued Adviser's fees were outstanding as at the period end (year ended 30th June 2016: GBPnil). During the period the Adviser's expenses were GBPnil (period ended 31st December 2015: GBPnil).

The performance fee is dependent on the Company's performance and amounted to GBPnil for the period ended 31st December 2016 (period ended 31st December 2015: GBPnil). Further details are disclosed in note 3.

From time to time members of the LIL group may provide corporate financial services to the Company and investee companies. The Directors ensure that such services are pre-approved, provided on an arm's length basis and at market terms and that any possible conflicts of interest are disclosed.

In the period ended 31st December 2016, LIL provided directors fee services to certain portfolio companies and these fees were retained by LIL under the terms of the revised Investment Advisory Agreement, the total paid by portfolio companies for the period ended 31st December 2016 was GBP18,067 (period ended 31st December 2015: GBP24,140).

18. IMMEDIATE HOLDING COMPANY AND ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY

In the opinion of the Directors there is no single ultimate controlling party since the criteria contained within the definition of "control" in IAS 24 - Related Party Disclosures are not satisfied by any one party.

19. SHAREHOLDERS' INTERESTS

As at the balance sheet date, the registered holdings of the Company of at least 3% of the total share capital as far as the Board is aware comprised:

 
                                                     Ordinary     Percentage 
  AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2016                        shares held   shareholding 
 
  Vidacos Nominees Limited                          8,769,271         16.44% 
  HSBC Global Custody Nominee (UK) Limited 
   (814437)                                         7,568,308         14.19% 
  HSBC Global Custody Nominee (UK) Limited 
   (786698)                                         5,839,757         10.95% 
  Flintshire County Council                         5,791,288         10.86% 
  Harewood Nominees Limited (4046320)               5,220,999          9.79% 
  Quintain Estates and Development 
   PLC                                              4,000,000          7.50% 
  Chase Nominees Limited                            3,777,439          7.08% 
  HSBC Global Custody Nominee (UK) Limited 
   (771096)                                         3,669,094          6.88% 
  State Street Nominees Limited (OM04)              2,159,000          4.05% 
 
 
                                                     Ordinary     Percentage 
  AS AT 30TH JUNE 2016                            shares held   shareholding 
 
  Vidacos Nominees Limited                          8,769,271         16.44% 
  HSBC Global Custody Nominee (UK) Limited 
   (814437)                                         7,568,308         14.19% 
  HSBC Global Custody Nominee (UK) Limited 
   (786698)                                         5,839,757         10.95% 
  Flintshire County Council                         5,791,288         10.86% 
  Harewood Nominees Limited (4046320)               5,220,999          9.79% 
  Quintain Estates and Development PLC              4,000,000          7.50% 
  Chase Nominees Limited                            3,777,439          7.08% 
  HSBC Global Custody Nominee (UK) Limited 
   (771096)                                         3,669,094          6.88% 
  State Street Nominees Limited (OM04)              2,159,000          4.05% 
 
 
20. INVESTMENTS                    31st Dec    31st Dec    30th Jun    30th Jun 
                                      16          16          16          16 
                                     Cost     Fair value     Cost     Fair value 
   Quoted equity securities:         GBP         GBP         GBP         GBP 
 
  Hydrodec Group plc 
   Ordinary Shares                 2,522,653     174,309   3,459,734     277,211 
 
  Phoslock Water Solutions 
   Limited Ordinary shares           264,083     296,089     410,933     463,685 
 
   Total quoted equities:          2,786,736     470,398   3,870,667     740,896 
   Unquoted equities: 
 
  ECO Plastics Limited 
   Ordinary Shares (dissolved)             -           -   6,052,937           - 
 
  Hightex Group plc Ordinary 
   Shares (dissolved)                      -           -     730,000           - 
 
  Rapid Action Packaging 
   Limited Ordinary Shares         7,510,559   6,254,712   7,510,559   6,463,761 
 
  STX Services B.V. Ordinary 
   Shares                            917,068   2,958,460     917,068   4,187,276 
 
  Tamar Energy Limited 
   Ordinary Shares                 7,000,000     479,413   7,000,000     146,814 
 
  Terra Nova SAS Preference 
   Shares (dissolved)                      -           -   5,291,669           - 
 
  Micropelt GmbH (the 
   new company) Ordinary 
   Shares (dissolved)                      -           -   1,721,385           - 
 
  Micropatent B.V. Ordinary 
   Shares                            101,776      32,519     101,776      50,811 
 
   Total unquoted equities:       15,529,403   9,725,104  29,325,394  10,848,662 
 
 
                                  31st Dec    31st Dec    30th Jun    30th Jun 
                                     16          16          16          16 
                                    Cost     Fair value     Cost     Fair value 
   Unquoted securities:             GBP         GBP         GBP         GBP 
 
  ECO Plastics Limited 
   19% Loan Notes (dissolved)             -           -   1,585,635           - 
 
  Micropelt GmbH 15% 
   CULS (dissolved)                       -           -   3,689,285           - 
 
  Terra Nova SAS 12% 
   Convertible Loan Notes 
   (dissolved)                            -           -     773,285           - 
 
   Total unquoted securities:             -           -   6,048,205           - 
   Total investments:            18,316,139  10,195,502  39,244,266  11,589,558 
 

21. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On 17 January 2017, further to an announcement made on 21 December 2016, the Company and Headway announced that the price of the recommended offer had been increased.

The Company and Headway were also pleased to announce that a document containing the full terms and conditions of the Offer, the procedures for acceptance of the Offer, the notice of the Independent Ludgate Shareholders Meeting and the procedure for the Independent Ludgate Shareholders to vote at the Independent Ludgate Shareholders Meeting (the "Offer Document") was posted, together with the related Forms of Acceptance and Forms of Proxy to Ludgate Shareholders.

As further detailed in the Offer Document, the Offer is conditional, amongst other things, upon the passing of the Ordinary Resolution on a poll of Independent Ludgate Shareholders at the Independent Ludgate Shareholders Meeting to approve amendments proposed to be made to the Investment Advisory Agreement currently in place between Ludgate and Ludgate Investments (the "Proposed Amendments") and upon Headway receiving valid acceptances of the Offer in respect of more than 50 per cent of Ludgate Shares.

The first closing date is scheduled on 8 February 2017 at 10.00 am.

The Offer Document and the Interim Results document will also be made available free of charge (subject to applicable restrictions with respect to persons resident in Restricted Jurisdictions) on Ludgate's website at www.ludgateenvironmental.com for the duration of the Offer.

22. Material Changes

There have been no material changes to any of the matters referred to in Rule 27.2(c) of the City Code on Take-overs and Mergers since publication of the Offer Document.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

IR EAEFFDEKXEFF

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 31, 2017 05:12 ET (10:12 GMT)

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