Half-year report
FORESIGHT ENTERPRISE VCT PLC
LEI: 213800MWJNR3WZZ3ZP42
UNAUDITED HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
Financial Highlights
- Total net assets £171.1 million
- A special dividend of 5.0p per share was paid
on 19 January 2024, returning £13.2 million to
Shareholders
- Post period end, an interim dividend of 3.3p
per share was paid on 12 July 2024, returning £8.7
million to Shareholders
- The value of the investment portfolio has increased by
£8.7 million in the last six months
- Net Asset Value per share decreased by 1.7% in the period from
65.6p at 31 December 2023 to
64.5p at 30 June 2024
- Including the payment of a 5.0p dividend on 19 January 2024,
NAV Total Return per share at 30 June 2024 was
69.5p (being NAV at the end of the period plus
dividends paid in the period), representing a positive NAV Total
Return of 5.9% in the period
Chair’s Statement
I am pleased to present the unaudited Half-Yearly Financial
Report for Foresight Enterprise VCT plc for the period ended
30 June 2024 and to report a Net Asset Value Total Return
of 5.9% for the period, including a dividend yield of
8.6%.
The business environment is slowly improving with interest rates
looking like they have peaked and inflationary pressures more
stable, as are energy costs. All of these factors are key to a more
stable business environment which is a prerequisite to building
business confidence and, from this, hopefully growth. However, the
spectre of a worsening geopolitical landscape continues to cause
concern for citizens and investors alike. The threat of recession
is receding, but markets remain uncertain with forthcoming US
elections and a new UK Government and what that might mean for us
all. The continuing issues in Ukraine and the Middle East only
goes to add to the uncertainty and these matters influence the
Manager’s investment thinking too. Against that backdrop, I am
delighted to say our portfolio is performing well with some good
exits and a positive pipeline of new investment opportunities being
considered. The Board is soon to embark upon our annual strategy
review with the Manager. I believe the strong and growing team of
investment professionals serves us well. The Manager’s regional
presence across core commercial centres in the UK further adds to
the diversity of opportunities they can review and invest in. We
will continue to have great focus to ensure the Company and sector
selections are considered, well researched and suggest
good value prior to investment.
In the six months ended 30 June 2024, 22 companies in the
portfolio recorded a combined increase in valuation of
£13.7 million, offset by 19 companies recording an aggregate
fall in valuation of £5.0 million.
Strategy
The Board believes that it is in the best interests of Shareholders
to continue to pursue a strategy of:
- Growth in Net Asset Value Total Return above a 5% annual target
while continuing to grow the Company’s assets
- Payment of annual dividends of at least 5% of the NAV
per share based on the opening NAV per share of that financial
year
- Implementation of a number of new and follow-on qualifying
investments every year, exceeding deployment requirements to
maintain VCT status
- Maintaining a programme of regular share buybacks at a discount
of 5%, subject to market conditions
Central to the Company being able to achieve these objectives is
the ability of the Manager to source and complete attractive new
qualifying investment opportunities.
Whilst this task has not been made easier by the changes to VCT
legislation since 2015, which (amongst other requirements) place
greater emphasis on growth or development capital investment into
younger companies, the Company is fortunate in that it has pursued
a policy of seeking growth capital investments for several years
prior to the rule changes and the Manager has an established track
record in this area.
Performance and portfolio activity
During the period Net Asset Value per share decreased by 1.7% from
65.6p as at 31 December 2023 to 64.5p as at 30 June 2024.
After adding back the payment of a 5.0p dividend paid on 19 January
2024, NAV Total Return per share at 30 June 2024 was
69.5p, representing a positive NAV Total Return of 5.9% in the
period. This positive movement is a result of the strategy and
business changes throughout the portfolio alluded to above.
On 13 October 2023, the Company launched an offer for
subscription to raise up to £20 million, with an over‑allotment
facility to raise up to a further £10 million, through the issue of
new shares. The offer was closed on 15 April 2024 having raised
gross proceeds of £30.0 million, £28.8 million after expenses. We
would like to thank those existing Shareholders who have supported
the offer and welcome all new Shareholders to the Company.
During the period the Manager completed three new investments
and three follow-on investments costing £6.5 million and
£2.5 million respectively. The Manager successfully disposed
of Callen-Lenz Associates Limited and Specac International Limited,
generating proceeds of £34.3 million, with a further £3.6
million of deferred consideration included within debtors at
the period end. Adding in the £1.5 million of cash returned in the
investment period, this represents a combined return multiple of
6.4 times the original investment. The Manager also disposed
of two challenged businesses, Crosstown Dough Limited and So-Sure
Limited, during the period. Further details of these investments
and realisations can be found in the Manager’s Review.
The Board and the Manager are confident that a number of new and
follow-on investments can be achieved this year, particularly with
the increased investment activity noted above. Details of each of
these new, existing and former portfolio companies can be found in
the Manager’s Review.
The Manager continues to see a strong pipeline of potential
investments sourced through its regional networks and
well-developed relationships with advisers and the SME community;
however, it is also focused on supporting the existing portfolio
through the current economic climate.
Responsible investing
The analysis of environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues
is embedded in the Manager’s investment process and, whilst the
Company has no specific objective to invest in companies which have
an ESG focus, these factors are more generally considered key in
determining the quality of a business and its long-term success.
Central to the Manager’s responsible investment approach are five
ESG principles that are applied to evaluate investee companies,
acquired since May 2018, throughout the lifecycle of their
investment, from their initial review and acquisition to their
final sale. Every year, the portfolio companies are assessed and
progress measured against these principles. More detailed
information about the process can be found on pages 24 and 25 in
the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report.
Dividends
A special interim dividend of 5.0p per share was declared on 14
December 2023 based on an ex-dividend date of 4 January 2024
and a record date of 5 January 2024. The dividend was paid on
19 January 2024, returning £13.2 million to Shareholders.
Additionally, an interim dividend of 3.3p per share was declared on
11 June 2024 based on an ex-dividend date of 27 June 2024 and a
record date of 28 June 2024. The dividend was paid on
12 July 2024, returning £8.7 million to Shareholders.
The Board and the Manager continue to hope that additional
“special” dividends can be paid as and when particularly successful
portfolio exits are made.
Buybacks
The Board is pleased to have achieved an average discount across
all buybacks of 5.0% to the Net Asset Value per share in the period
and continues to have an objective of maintaining buybacks at a
discount of 5%, subject to market conditions.
Shareholder communication
We were delighted to hold the AGM on 11 June 2024. We hope many of
you will be available to attend our next in‑person investor forum
event which will be announced in due course. These events have
proven very popular with our Shareholders in the past and provide
the opportunity to learn first-hand about some of our investee
companies from their founders and management.
Board composition
The Board continues to review its own performance and undertakes
succession planning to maintain an appropriate level of
independence, experience, diversity and skills in order to be in a
position to discharge all its responsibilities.
VCT Sunset clause
I am pleased to report that the European Commission has decided not
to raise objections in respect of the prolongation of the UK’s VCT
scheme by ten years to April 2035. This now removes any recent
uncertainty and will help support further investment by the VCT
sector in early stage companies.
Outlook
As I mentioned in my introduction, the business environment is
improving with interest rates and inflationary pressures beginning
to ease. However, the geopolitical landscape of the world is as
hostile and uncertain as I have seen it. We are therefore
carefully considering how all of these factors, in an ever-changing
world, challenge the investment thesis.
We do, however, have the benefit of these developing companies
in which we invest, on the whole being able to more swiftly adapt
to the fast-moving environment in which we operate with the
benefit of our Manager and a strong funding base.
We have a diverse portfolio of investments and we are confident
that our continued focus on the wider business landscape, alongside
the Manager’s deep understanding of the individual investee
companies in which we invest, will protect us from the most
extreme market conditions.
We have a strong balance sheet with a diversified portfolio that
we believe will provide sustainable long-term value for
Shareholders.
Michael Gray
Chair
26 September 2024
Manager’s Review
The Board has appointed Foresight Group LLP (the “Manager”) to
provide investment management and administration services.
Portfolio summary
As at 30 June 2024, the Company’s portfolio comprised
45 investments with a total cost of £71.4 million and a
valuation of £102.7 million. The portfolio is diversified by
sector, transaction type and maturity profile. Details of the ten
largest investments by valuation, including an update on their
performance, are provided on pages 17 to 20 in the Unaudited
Half-Yearly Financial Report.
During the six months to 30 June 2024, the value of the
investment portfolio decreased by £16.9 million as a result of
successful realisations of several investments generating
£34.5 million. This was partially offset by an increase of
£8.7 million in the valuation of the remaining investments,
plus £9.0 million of new and follow‑on investments.
Overall, the portfolio has performed well despite uncertainty in
the market with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, numerous
elections taking place worldwide, fears of a potential recession in
the US and continued domestic price inflation, coupled with high
interest rates.
In line with the Board’s strategic objectives, we remain focused
on growing the Company through further development of Net Asset
Value Total Return. For the six months to 30 June 2024, Net Asset
Value Total Return was 5.9% and net assets increased by 1.5% to
£171.1 million following the payment of a 5.0p per share dividend
costing the Company £13.2 million, meaning that the Company has
successfully met this objective in the period under review.
New investments
Three new investments were completed in the six months to 30 June
2024, totalling £6.5 million. New investments were across
children’s play centres, engineering solutions and cybersecurity.
Follow-on investments totalling £2.5 million were also made in
three existing investee companies. There is a strong
pipeline of opportunities that we expect to convert during the
second half of 2024.
Family Adventures Group Limited
In January 2024, the Company invested £2.5 million of growth
capital into Family Adventures Group, a provider of daycare
nurseries and children’s leisure sites that combines soft play
areas with theatrical role play facilities. All inspected sites
have been rated “Good” by Ofsted and have an average score of
9.9/10 on daynurseries.co.uk; whilst the leisure sites have
market-leading Net Promoter Scores and high repeat visits.
The investment will be used to aid the business with a
continued rollout of nursery and leisure sites across the South
West and the Midlands.
Evolve Dynamics Limited
In March 2024, the Company completed a £2.0 million investment into
Evolve Dynamics. Founded in 2016, the company designs and
manufactures smaller Unmanned Aerial Systems (“UAS”) with
capabilities for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The
company’s UAS products are also widely deployed within UK and
international police forces, fire services, energy inspection and
search & rescue organisations. The investment will help scale
the business and aid in new product launches.
Lepide Group Holding Company
Limited
In March 2024, the Company invested £2.0 million into Lepide, a
cyber security software solution that helps organisations to
protect their unstructured data. Lepide actively monitors event
logs within Windows Active Directory in order to detect suspicious
activity and help organisations to manage over‑exposure of data.
The investment will help scale the business and accelerate growth
initiatives.
Follow-on investments
The Company made follow-on investments in three companies during
the six months to 30 June 2024, totalling £2.5 million. Further
details of each of these are provided below.
The additional equity injections in the period were used to
support further growth plans, such as launching new products, and
expansion of commercial capabilities. We continue to
successfully navigate the volatility that has been felt across the
markets over the course of the year and remain vigilant about the
health of the portfolio and the need for follow-on funding during
the second half of 2024. Given the size of the portfolio, further
opportunities to deploy capital into growing existing investments
are expected.
HomeLink Healthcare Limited
In March 2024, the Company completed a £1.0 million follow‑on
investment into HomeLink Healthcare. The Company first invested
into HomeLink in March 2022. Contracting with the NHS, the business
provides patients with wound care, physiotherapy and intravenous
therapies in their own home. HomeLink is also a leader in remote
patient monitoring practices, offers a virtual ward solution and
has now saved the NHS over 150,000 hospital bed days. The
investment will support the organic expansion of the company.
Hexarad Group Limited
In June 2024, the Company completed a £0.7 million follow‑on
investment into Hexarad Group. The Company initially invested £0.9
million into Hexarad in June 2021, which preceded a
£0.7 million follow-on in August 2022. Hexarad is a
teleradiology company, supporting NHS and private healthcare
providers with access to a diversified pool of radiologists in
order to provide fast, accurate diagnosis and enable more timely
and higher quality patient care. The latest investment forms part
of a larger funding round, including a new third‑party investor, to
support the ongoing development of the technology, as well as the
expansion of the commercial and operational teams.
Sprintroom Limited
In March 2024, the Company completed a £0.8 million follow‑on
investment into Sprintroom, which trades as Sprint Electric.
The business designs and manufactures drives for controlling
electric motors in light and heavy industrial applications, as well
as recovering and reusing otherwise lost energy. The investment
will be used to drive continued revenue growth and develop further
iterations of the new product range.
Post period end activity
After the period end, the Company completed three follow‑on
investments totalling £2.2 million into NorthWest EHealth Limited,
which provides software and services to the clinical trials market;
Strategic Software Applications Ltd, a London-based SaaS technology
provider supporting financial institutions in meeting their
regulatory compliance obligations; and Red Flag Alert Technology
Group Limited, a Manchester-based proprietary SaaS intelligence
platform with modular capabilities spanning compliance,
prospecting, risk management and financial health assessments.
Realisations
The M&A climate has proven more challenging in recent years in
light of macroeconomic conditions, including higher interest rates
and geopolitical uncertainty alluded to above. Despite this, we are
pleased to report the particularly strong realisations of
Callen-Lenz Associates Limited and Specac International Limited, as
well as the disposal of two challenged businesses within the
portfolio: Crosstown Dough Ltd and So-Sure Limited. Two loans
totalling £0.6 million were also fully repaid in the period.
We continue to engage with a range of potential acquirers of
several portfolio companies and to carefully consider
the timing of exit for each. Demand from both private
equity and trade buyers remains for high-quality, high-growth
businesses.
Callen-Lenz Associates Limited
In May 2024, the Company achieved the successful exit of
Callen-Lenz Associates, returning £23.4 million to the Company.
Including a further £2.9 million of earnout recognised at the
period end, the sale implies a 5.4x cash‑on‑cash return on the
total investment made of £4.9 million, equivalent to an IRR of
124%.
Since investment, we have worked with the board to expand both
non-executive and executive leadership, which led to successful
product launches and a significant increase in headcount and
revenue. With the business focus successfully transitioned from
R&D to commercial sales, the exit will facilitate
continued growth.
Crosstown Dough Limited
In June 2024, the Company realised its investment in
Crosstown Dough, a doughnut vendor operating from
31 sites including a mix of bricks and mortar, food trucks and
market stalls. Crosstown’s core products are made at
its central production unit in Battersea. The sale of
Crosstown to Karali Group, a large franchise operator of Burger
King in the UK and US, allowed distributions to be made to
creditors whilst facilitating the continuation of the business. The
business had been impacted by wage and supply chain inflation.
Specac International Limited
In March 2024, the Company announced the sale of Specac
International, a leading manufacturer of high-specification sample
analysis and preparation equipment used in testing and research
laboratories worldwide, primarily supporting infrared spectroscopy.
The transaction generated proceeds of £11.2 million at completion.
When added to £1.5 million of cash returned pre-exit, this implies
a total cash-on-cash return of 10.3x, equivalent to an IRR of 33%,
with a further £704,000 of deferred consideration recognised at the
period end. Since investment, the business has grown to sell
globally through both original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and
distributors. We also engaged with the team to support management
team changes, improvements in governance, headcount and numerous
product launches, as well as a major site move. The exit
will facilitate the continued growth of the business.
So-Sure Limited
In March 2024, the investment in So-Sure was fully written off
as it failed to perform in line with the management plan
proposed at the Manager’s Investment Committee. So-Sure Limited is
a technology company acting as “Managing General Agent” for
insurers. The company’s mission is to offer a more trusted
proposition, greater pricing transparency and improved customer
experience through its customer-centric digital platform.
Realisations in the period ended 30 June
2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company |
Detail |
Total invested (£) |
Accounting cost at date of disposal (£) |
Exit proceeds and deferred consideration (£) |
Total return (£) |
Callen-Lenz
Associates Limited1 |
Full disposal |
4,875,000 |
4,875,000 |
26,266,395 |
26,266,395 |
Specac
International Limited2 |
Full disposal |
1,300,000 |
2,054,761 |
11,876,787 |
13,326,804 |
Crosstown Dough
Ltd |
Full disposal |
1,500,000 |
1,500,000 |
— |
— |
So-Sure
Limited3 |
Full disposal |
1,600,000 |
1,600,000 |
11,429 |
11,429 |
Spektrix
Limited |
Loan repayment |
112,873 |
112,873 |
112,873 |
112,873 |
Positive Response Corporation Ltd |
Loan repayment |
100,000 |
100,000 |
100,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
9,487,873 |
10,242,634 |
38,367,484 |
39,817,501 |
- Includes £2,894,000 of deferred consideration which has been
recognised within debtors.
- Includes £704,000 of deferred consideration which has been
recognised within debtors. Accounting cost includes an uplift of
£1,254,761 on transfer into the Company on merger with
Foresight 3 VCT plc.
- Includes £11,000 of deferred consideration which has been
recognised within debtors.
Pipeline
As at 30 June 2024, the Company had cash reserves of £64.5 million,
which will be used to fund new and follow‑on investments, buybacks,
dividends and corporate expenditure. We are seeing a strong
pipeline of new opportunities, with several opportunities in due
diligence or in exclusivity, with further deal completions expected
to be announced in the months to follow.
The outlook for the UK economy is more favourable during the
year to date, with inflation returning to historic norms over the
last 12 months. Consumer spending remains squeezed however,
resulting from stubbornly higher interest rates and the effects
of recent high inflation still being felt. Conflicts in
Ukraine and Gaza continue to impact supply chains and erode
confidence.
Global markets have proven to be exceptionally volatile so far
in 2024, which recently gave rise to some concern within the market
about a US recession which would have far-reaching consequences
globally. Against this unsettled backdrop, the UK economy is
performing reasonably well and UK companies continue to seek both
the capital and experience to help deliver growth in uncertain
times.
With a broad network of deal introducers across the UK and
internationally, and through its growing network of regional
offices, we continue to see a large volume of attractive investment
opportunities. This is not expected to change in the medium term.
We continue to pursue a balanced strategy, targeting companies
from a range of sectors and at different stages of maturity to
combat market volatility.
Key portfolio developments
Material changes in valuation, defined as increasing or decreasing
by £1.0 million or more since 31 December 2023, are detailed below.
Updates on these companies are included on page 12 and in the Top
Ten Investments section on pages 17 to 20 in the Unaudited
Half-Yearly Financial Report.
Key valuation changes in the period
|
Valuation |
Valuation change |
|
methodology |
(£) |
TLS Holdco
Limited1 |
Discounted earnings multiple |
2,135,763 |
Hexarad Group
Limited1 |
Price of last funding round |
1,685,755 |
Aerospace Tooling
Corporation Limited |
Discounted earnings multiple |
(1,417,100) |
- Updates included in Top Ten Investments section on pages 17 to
18 in the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report.
Outlook
2024 has so far been a year of market volatility. Global markets
performed strongly in the first six months of the year, with US
indexes such as the S&P 500 and NASDAQ delivering consistent
gains, albeit largely driven by a handful of high‑performing
technology companies. Increasing unemployment rates created a sense
of anxiety in the US, whilst volatility across the market is
expected to continue in the medium term as a result of the ongoing
wars in Ukraine and Gaza, which threaten to morph into global
conflicts. In addition, nations representing approximately half of
the global population are holding or have held elections in 2024,
with the polarising US election taking place later in the year.
This political uncertainty deepens the sense of instability in the
markets.
Despite this challenging backdrop, the UK economy continues to
perform relatively well. The FTSE 100 has shown steady gains
throughout the year, rather than the significant gains and losses
driven by highly valued technology companies seen in the US. GDP
growth forecasts for the year are modest but exceed the
expectations set earlier in 2024. Inflation has returned to
historic levels, despite evidence which suggests that increased
costs continue to be passed on to consumers, eroding spending
power. As a result, the base interest rate has been held at 5% or
over until September, with further reductions likely to be
measured. The first Labour government in over a decade appears
relatively moderate and business-friendly, but is yet to announce
its first budget, which could have wide‑ranging consequences for
small businesses in the UK.
In light of the volatile global economy and geopolitical
environment, and a UK economy that is showing moderate signs of
growth, the Company has performed well in the year to date. NAV
Total Return in the year to date is 5.9%. Strong exits from Specac
and Callen-Lenz have significantly contributed to the 3.3p dividend
paid in July and a very attractive dividend yield of 14.3% (based
on the mid-market share price as at 30 June 2024 of 58.0p).
The disappointing exits of So-Sure and Crosstown, however,
exemplify the current challenges faced by businesses linked to
consumer spending. The Company maintains a balanced portfolio
across different sectors and stages of the business lifecycle,
which should stand it in good stead to face the volatility ahead.
Our hands-on approach to challenges and exit planning continues to
add value to the portfolio companies.
Looking to the remainder of 2024 and beyond, it would be
reasonable to expect further volatility given the geopolitical and
economic environment. The US election could have far-reaching
consequences, while few concrete details have yet emerged on the
new UK government's first budget. Interest rates are likely to
remain relatively high in the medium term, although this may create
opportunities for equity investors to support SMEs put off by the
cost of debt.
On the optimistic side, the UK’s relatively low market
volatility and moderate government should mean it remains an
attractive place to do business. We expect to see continuing
interest in UK companies as acquisition targets for overseas
corporations. The UK continues to invest heavily in innovation
through world-class universities and support networks, generating a
good flow of attractive investment opportunities for us.
We are pleased with the performance in the year to date, with a
successful fundraising, high-potential new investments and
attractive exits. With inflation returning to historic norms and
consumer confidence hopefully improving, there is cause for some
optimism looking to the future. Crucially, the portfolio remains
diversified across sectors and with a mix of higher-growth and
cash-generative businesses, the Company is resilient to headwinds
and challenges. The Company has further strengthened its position
in the rankings against its peers in the VCT market, which
remains an important source of capital for UK
entrepreneurs.
James Livingston
Foresight Group LLP
26 September 2024
Unaudited Half-Yearly Results And Responsibilities
Statements
Principal risks and uncertainties
The principal risks faced by the Company are as follows:
- Market risk
- Strategic and performance risk
- Internal control risk
- Legislative and regulatory risk
- VCT qualifying status risk
- Investment valuation and liquidity risk
The Board reported on the principal risks and uncertainties
faced by the Company in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year
ended 31 December 2023. A detailed explanation can be found on
pages 47 to 49 of the Annual Report and Accounts, which is
available on Foresight Enterprise VCT’s website
www.foresightenterprisevct.com or by writing to Foresight Group LLP
at The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG.
In the view of the Board, there have been no changes to the
fundamental nature of these risks since the previous Annual Report
and Accounts. The emerging risks identified in the previous report
included those of climate change, inflationary pressures, interest
rates, supply chain issues, energy prices and geopolitical
tensions. These emerging risks continue to apply and be monitored.
The Board and the Manager continue to follow all emerging risks
closely with a view to identifying where changes affect the areas
of the market in which portfolio companies operate. This enables
the Manager to work closely with portfolio companies, preparing
them so far as possible to ensure they are well positioned to
endure potential volatility.
Directors’ responsibility statement
The Disclosure and Transparency Rules (“DTR”) of the UK Listing
Authority require the Directors to confirm their responsibilities
in relation to the preparation and publication of the Half-Yearly
Financial Report.
The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that:
a) The
summarised set of financial statements has been prepared in
accordance with FRS 104
b) The
Half-Yearly Financial Report includes a fair review of the
information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events
during the first six months and description of principal risks and
uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year)
c) The
summarised set of financial statements gives a true and fair view
of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss
of the Company as required by DTR 4.2.4R
d) The
Half-Yearly Financial Report includes a fair review of the
information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties’
transactions and changes therein)
Going concern
The Company’s business activities, together with the factors likely
to affect its future development, performance and position, are set
out in the Strategic Report of the Annual Report. The financial
position of the Company, its cash flows, liquidity position and
borrowing facilities are described in the Chair’s Statement,
Strategic Report and Notes to the Accounts of the 31 December 2023
Annual Report.
In addition, the Annual Report includes the Company’s
objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its
financial risk management objectives; details of its financial
instruments; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity
risk.
The Company has considerable financial resources together with
investments and income generated therefrom across a variety of
industries and sectors. As a consequence, the Directors believe
that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks
successfully.
The Directors have reasonable expectation that the Company has
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern
basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial
statements.
The Half-Yearly Financial Report has not been audited nor
reviewed by the auditors.
On behalf of the Board
Michael Gray
Chair
26 September 2024
Unaudited Income Statement
For the six months ended 30 June 2024
|
Six months ended |
Six months ended |
Year ended |
|
30 June 2024 |
30 June 2023 |
31 December 2023 |
|
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Audited) |
|
Revenue |
Capital |
Total |
Revenue |
Capital |
Total |
Revenue |
Capital |
Total |
|
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
Realised gains on investments |
— |
25,300 |
25,300 |
— |
3,411 |
3,411 |
— |
5,366 |
5,366 |
Investment holding
(losses)/gains |
— |
(13,044) |
(13,044) |
— |
1,950 |
1,950 |
— |
6,405 |
6,405 |
Income |
1,750 |
— |
1,750 |
1,048 |
— |
1,048 |
2,683 |
— |
2,683 |
Investment
management fees |
(434) |
(2,614) |
(3,048) |
(373) |
(1,573) |
(1,946) |
(759) |
(3,845) |
(4,604) |
Other expenses |
(420) |
— |
(420) |
(417) |
— |
(417) |
(790) |
— |
(790) |
Return on ordinary activities before taxation |
896 |
9,642 |
10,538 |
258 |
3,788 |
4,046 |
1,134 |
7,926 |
9,060 |
Taxation |
(183) |
183 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
(225) |
225 |
— |
Return on ordinary activities after taxation |
713 |
9,825 |
10,538 |
258 |
3,788 |
4,046 |
909 |
8,151 |
9,060 |
Return per share |
0.3p |
3.6p |
3.9p |
0.1p |
1.7p |
1.8p |
0.4p |
3.5p |
3.9p |
The total columns of this statement are the profit and loss
account of the Company and the revenue and capital columns
represent supplementary information.
All revenue and capital items in the above Income Statement are
derived from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or
discontinued in the period.
The Company has no recognised gains or losses other than those
shown above, therefore no separate statement of total recognised
gains and losses has been presented.
The Company has only one class of business and one reportable
segment, the results of which are set out in the Income Statement
and Balance Sheet.
There are no potentially dilutive capital instruments in issue
and, therefore, no diluted earnings per share figures are relevant.
The basic and diluted earnings per share are, therefore,
identical.
Unaudited Reconciliation Of Movements In Shareholders’
Funds
For the six months ended 30 June 2024
|
Called-up |
Share |
Capital |
|
|
|
|
|
share |
premium |
redemption |
Distributable |
Capital |
Revaluation |
|
|
capital |
account |
reserve |
reserve1 |
reserve1 |
reserve |
Total |
|
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
As at 1 January 2024 |
2,567 |
102,801 |
679 |
44,046 |
(31,047) |
49,430 |
168,476 |
Share issues in the
period |
171 |
10,894 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
11,065 |
Expenses in relation
to share issues |
— |
(348) |
— |
— |
— |
— |
(348) |
Repurchase of
shares |
(88) |
— |
88 |
(5,460) |
— |
— |
(5,460) |
Realised gains on
disposal of investments |
— |
— |
— |
— |
25,300 |
— |
25,300 |
Investment holding
losses |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
(13,044) |
(13,044) |
Dividends paid |
— |
— |
— |
(13,200) |
— |
— |
(13,200) |
Management fees
charged to capital |
— |
— |
— |
— |
(2,614) |
— |
(2,614) |
Revenue return for the
period before taxation |
— |
— |
— |
896 |
— |
— |
896 |
Taxation for the period |
— |
— |
— |
(183) |
183 |
— |
— |
As at 30 June 2024 |
2,650 |
113,347 |
767 |
26,099 |
(8,178) |
36,386 |
171,071 |
- Reserve is available for distribution, total distributable
reserves at 30 June 2024 are £17,921,000 (31 December 2023:
£12,999,000)
Unaudited Balance Sheet
At 30 June 2024
Registered number: 03506579
|
As at 30 June |
As at 30 June |
As at 31 December |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2023 |
|
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Audited) |
|
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
Fixed assets |
|
|
|
Investments held at fair value through profit or loss |
102,729 |
107,332 |
119,587 |
Current assets |
|
|
|
Debtors |
5,418 |
3,341 |
2,726 |
Cash and cash equivalents |
64,515 |
39,012 |
47,843 |
Total current assets |
69,933 |
42,353 |
50,569 |
Creditors |
|
|
|
Amounts falling due within one year |
(1,591) |
(1,531) |
(1,680) |
Net current assets |
68,342 |
40,822 |
48,889 |
Net assets |
171,071 |
148,154 |
168,476 |
Capital and reserves |
|
|
|
Called-up share
capital |
2,650 |
2,337 |
2,567 |
Share premium
account |
113,347 |
83,327 |
102,801 |
Capital redemption
reserve |
767 |
606 |
679 |
Distributable
reserve |
26,099 |
47,864 |
44,046 |
Capital reserve |
(8,178) |
(30,955) |
(31,047) |
Revaluation reserve |
36,386 |
44,975 |
49,430 |
Equity Shareholders’ funds |
171,071 |
148,154 |
168,476 |
Net Asset Value per share |
64.5p |
63.4p |
65.6p |
Unaudited Cash Flow Statement
For the six months ended 30 June 2024
|
Six months ended 30 June 2024 |
Six months ended 30 June 2023 |
Year ended 31 December 2023 |
|
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Audited) |
|
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
Cash flow from operating activities |
|
|
|
Loan interest received
from investments |
401 |
636 |
1,238 |
Dividends received
from investments |
165 |
— |
175 |
Other income received
from investments |
— |
— |
71 |
Deposit and similar
interest received |
979 |
412 |
1,190 |
Investment management
fees paid |
(1,747) |
(1,485) |
(3,029) |
Performance incentive
fee paid |
(1,115) |
— |
(734) |
Secretarial fees
paid |
(101) |
(91) |
(197) |
Other cash payments |
(240) |
(288) |
(549) |
Net cash outflow from
operating activities |
(1,658) |
(816) |
(1,835) |
Cash flow from investing activities |
|
|
|
Purchase of
investments |
(8,969) |
(7,608) |
(17,652) |
Net proceeds on sale
of investments |
34,486 |
16,430 |
20,572 |
Net proceeds on
deferred consideration |
1,057 |
— |
669 |
Net cash inflow from investing activities |
26,574 |
8,822 |
3,589 |
Cash flow from financing activities |
|
|
|
Proceeds of
fundraising |
9,182 |
14,685 |
34,910 |
Expenses of
fundraising |
(535) |
(360) |
(474) |
Repurchase of own
shares |
(5,432) |
(1,448) |
(6,504) |
Equity dividends paid |
(11,459) |
(6,685) |
(6,657) |
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from
financing activities |
(8,244) |
6,192 |
21,275 |
Net inflow of cash in the period |
16,672 |
14,198 |
23,029 |
Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net
funds |
|
|
|
Increase in cash and
cash equivalents for the period |
16,672 |
14,198 |
23,029 |
Net cash and cash equivalents at start of period |
47,843 |
24,814 |
24,814 |
Net cash and cash equivalents at end
of period |
64,515 |
39,012 |
47,843 |
Analysis of changes in net debt
|
At 1 January |
|
At 30 June |
|
2024 |
Cash flow |
2024 |
|
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
Cash and cash equivalents |
47,843 |
16,672 |
64,515 |
Notes To The Unaudited Half-Yearly Results
For the six months ended 30 June 2024
1
The Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report has been prepared on the
basis of the accounting policies set out in the statutory
accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Unquoted investments have been valued in accordance with IPEV
Valuation Guidelines (as updated in December 2022 including
further COVID-19 guidance in March 2020).
2
These are not statutory accounts in accordance with S436 of the
Companies Act 2006 and the financial information for the six months
ended 30 June 2024 and 30 June 2023 has been neither audited nor
formally reviewed. Statutory accounts in respect of the year ended
31 December 2023 have been audited and reported on by the
Company’s auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies and
included the report of the auditors which was unqualified and did
not contain a statement under S498(2) or S498(3) of the Companies
Act 2006. No statutory accounts in respect of any period after
31 December 2023 have been reported on by the Company’s
auditors.
3
Copies of the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report will be sent
to Shareholders via their chosen method and will be available for
inspection at the Registered Office of the Company at The
Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG.
4 Net Asset Value per share
The Net Asset Value per share is based on net assets at the end of
the period and on the number of shares in issue at the date.
|
|
Number of |
|
Net assets |
shares in issue |
30 June 2024 |
£171,071,000 |
265,024,186 |
30 June 2023 |
£148,154,000 |
233,691,676 |
31 December 2023 |
£168,476,000 |
256,728,468 |
5 Return per share
The weighted average number of shares used to calculate the
respective returns are shown in the table below.
|
Shares |
Six months ended 30 June 2024 |
271,618,784 |
Six months ended 30
June 2023 |
225,472,482 |
Year ended 31 December 2023 |
230,692,970 |
Earnings for the period should not be taken as a guide to the
results for the full year.
6 Income
|
Six months ended 30 June 2024
£’000 |
Six months ended 30 June 2023
£’000 |
Year ended 31 December 2023
£’000 |
Deposit and similar interest received |
979 |
412 |
1,190 |
Loan stock
interest |
606 |
636 |
1,247 |
Dividends
receivable |
165 |
— |
175 |
Other income |
— |
— |
71 |
Total income |
1,750 |
1,048 |
2,683 |
7 Investments at fair value through profit or
loss
|
£’000 |
Book cost as at 1 January 2024 |
72,698 |
Investment holding gains |
46,889 |
Valuation at 1 January 2024 |
119,587 |
Movements in the
period: |
|
Purchases |
8,969 |
Disposal proceeds1 |
(34,486) |
Realised gains2 |
24,243 |
Investment holding losses3 |
(15,584) |
Valuation at 30 June 2024 |
102,729 |
Book cost at 30 June 2024 |
71,424 |
Investment holding gains |
31,305 |
Valuation at 30 June 2024 |
102,729 |
- The Company received £34,486,000 from the disposal of
investments during the period. The book cost of these investments
when they were purchased was £10,243,000. These investments have
been revalued over time and until they were sold, any unrealised
gains or losses were included in the fair value of the
investments.
- Realised gains in the Income Statement include deferred
consideration receipts from Datapath Group Limited (£583,000),
Codeplay Software Limited (£463,000) and Mologic Ltd
(£11,000).
- Investment holding losses in the Income Statement include the
deferred consideration debtor increase of £2,540,000. The debtor
movement reflects the recognition of amounts receivable from
Callen-Lenz Associates Limited (£2,894,000), Specac International
Limited (£704,000) and So-Sure Limited (£11,000) offset by receipts
from Datapath Group Limited (£583,000), Codeplay Software Limited
(£463,000) and Mologic Ltd (£11,000) and a provision made against
the balance potentially due from Ixaris Systems Ltd (£12,000).
8 Related party transactions
No Director has an interest in any contract to which the Company is
a party other than their appointment and payment as Directors.
9 Performance incentive fee
In order to incentivise the Manager to generate enhanced returns
for Shareholders, the Manager is entitled to a performance
incentive fee, designated a share-based payment due to its nature.
This fee is equal to 15% of dividends paid to Shareholders, subject
to the total return (Net Asset Value plus cumulative dividends paid
per share on or after 11 January 2011) exceeding 100p (“High
Watermark”), both immediately before and after the performance
incentive fee is paid. After each distribution is made to
Shareholders where a performance incentive is paid, the High
Watermark required to be achieved by the Company to trigger a
further performance incentive fee will be amended to take account
of the dividend paid.
A £1,115,000 performance incentive fee was paid during the
period (31 December 2023: £734,000) following the January 2024
dividend. The High Watermark as at 19 January 2024 was at 110.3p.
The total return as at 19 January 2024 was 113.1p. As a result of
performance incentive fee payments made in the current and previous
years, the High Watermark as at 30 June 2024 was 112.7p (31
December 2023: 110.3p). The total return as at 30 June 2024 was
117.2p (31 December 2023: 113.1p). At 30 June 2024, the Company has
accrued an amount of £1,312,000 in relation to future performance
incentive fees as it is considered likely such payment will become
due over the medium term (31 December 2023: £1,115,000).
10 Transactions with the Manager
Foresight Group LLP advises the Company on investments under an
agreement dated 30 July 2004. During the period,
Foresight Group LLP earned fees of £1,736,000
(30 June 2023: £1,492,000; 31 December 2023:
£3,035,000). A performance incentive fee of £1,115,000 (30 June
2023: £nil; 31 December 2023: £734,000) was paid in the period with
an additional provision of £1,312,000 (30 June 2023: £734,000;
31 December 2023: £1,115,000) recognised as at the period
end.
During the period, administration services of a total cost of
£101,000 (30 June 2023: £91,000; 31 December 2023: £197,000) were
delivered to the Company by Foresight Group LLP, Company
Secretary.
At 30 June 2024, the amount due from Foresight Group LLP was
£46,000 (30 June 2023: £nil; 31 December 2023: (£8,000)).
A copy of the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report will be
submitted to the National Storage Mechanism in accordance with UK
Listing Rules (“UKLR”)11.4.1 / UKLR 6.4.1 and UKLR 6.4.3.
END
For further information, please contact:
Company Secretary
Foresight Group LLP
Contact: Stephen Thayer Tel: 0203 667 8100
Investor Relations
Foresight Group LLP
Contact: Andrew James Tel: 0203 667 8181
Foresight Enterprise Vct (LSE:FTF)
Gráfico Histórico do Ativo
De Nov 2024 até Dez 2024
Foresight Enterprise Vct (LSE:FTF)
Gráfico Histórico do Ativo
De Dez 2023 até Dez 2024