TIDMWINV
RNS Number : 0166B
Worsley Investors Limited
05 October 2020
5 October 2020
Worsley Investors Limited
(the "Company")
Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2020
and
Change of Financial Year-End
The Company is pleased to announce the release of its annual
report and audited consolidated financial statements for the year
ended 30 June 2020 (the "Annual Report"). A copy of the Annual
Report will be available to view on the Company's website shortly
at: www.worsleyinvestors.com
The Company further announces that the Board of Directors of the
Company has resolved to change the financial year end of the
Company, with immediate effect, from 30 June to 31 March.
Accordingly, the Company's next three financial reporting
periods will be as follows:
- publication of unaudited interim accounts for the six months
ended 31 December 2020 by 31 March 2021;
- publication of audited accounts for the nine months ended 31 March 2021 by 31 July 2021; and
- publication of unaudited interim accounts for the six months
ended 30 September 2021 by 31 December 2021.
Enquiries:
Worsley Associates LLP (Investment Advisor)
Blake Nixon
Tel: +44 (0) 203 873 2288
Shore Capital (Financial Adviser and Broker)
Robert Finlay / Anita Ghanekar / Hugo Masefield
Tel: +44 (0) 20 74080 4090
Praxis Fund Services Limited (Administrator and Secretary)
Matt Falla / Katrina Rowe
Tel: +44 (0) 1481 737600
LEI: 213800AF85VEZMDMF931
Performance Summary
30 June 2020 30 June 2019 % change
-----------------------------
Net Asset Value ("NAV") per
share 38.20p 46.14p (17.21)%
-------------- -------------- ----------
NAV per share adjusted for
capital raise 38.20p 39.09p (2.28)%
-------------- -------------- ----------
(Loss)/profit per share(1) (1.71)p 0.47p (463.83)%
-------------- -------------- ----------
Share price(2) 24.30p 31.85p (23.70)%
-------------- -------------- ----------
Share price discount to NAV 36.4% 30.97% n.c
-------------- -------------- ----------
Share issue before costs GBP3,894,746 Nil n.c
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Share redemptions Nil GBP1,200,310 n.c
-------------- -------------- ----------
Total return Year ended Year ended
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
NAV Total Return(3) (17.21)% 2.42%
-------------- --------------
NAV Total Return(3) adjusted
for capital raise (2.28)% n.c.
-------------- --------------
Share price Total Return(4)
-------------- --------------
- Worsley Investors Limited (23.70)% (19.57)%
-------------- --------------
- FTSE All Share Index (12.99)% 0.57%
-------------- --------------
- FTSE Real Estate Investment
Trust Index (10.08)% (5.2)%
-------------- --------------
Worsley Associates LLP ('Worsley Associates') was appointed on
31 May 2019 as Investment Advisor (the "Investment Advisor") to
Worsley Investors Limited (the "Company"). At an EGM held on 28
June 2019, an ordinary resolution was passed to adopt new
Investment Objective and Policy.
Past performance is not a guide to future performance.
(1) (Loss)/profit per share based on the net loss for the year
of GBP0.419 million (30 June 2019: net profit of GBP0.105 million)
and the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during
the year of 24,447,454 (30 June 2019: 22,294,390).
(2) Mid-market share price (source: Shore Capital and Corporate
Limited).
(3) On a pro forma basis which includes adjustments to add back
any prior NAV reductions from share redemptions. NAV Total Return
is a measure showing how the NAV per share has performed over a
period of time, taking into account both capital returns and any
dividends paid to shareholders.
(4) A measure showing how the share price has performed over a
period of time, taking into account both capital returns and any
dividends paid to shareholders.
Source : Worsley Associates LLP and Shore Capital and Corporate
Limited.
Chairman's Statement
The first half of 2020, which was the second half of the
Company's year to 30 June 2020, has been a difficult period
globally, especially for those who have fallen victim to COVID-19
and their families. Many of us are understandably frustrated at the
restrictions on our customary freedoms and the dramatic reduction
of our immediate business plans. We are the lucky ones.
We had hoped to have completed the transition of the Company to
its new life by now. External events have intervened. As we are all
aware, the earliest and most severe of the initial outbreaks of
COVID-19 in Europe was in northern Italy. The regional government,
among many other lock-down measures, closed cinemas in northern
Italy including at Curno on 23 February. In view of the
extraordinary situation, our Investment Advisor, Worsley
Associates, and the tenant, UCI S.p.A., renegotiated the terms of
the lease on the cinema. As announced on 17 August 2020, in
exchange for a substantial rental holiday during 2020, the term of
the lease has been significantly extended and the passing rental
increased. Further details are given in the Investment Advisor's
report. This deal is highly beneficial for both parties. Given the
stringent restrictions on movements and the closure of businesses,
the commercial property market in the region of our Curno cinema
has effectively been suspended for some time and marketing the
asset for sale was no longer possible. Cinemas have been allowed to
operate since late June and Curno reopened on 19 August. Our
independent valuers, Knight Frank, have been understandably
cautious on valuations in the current environment and have assumed
a general rise in yields and falling values in the face of apparent
decreased demand and market activity. This general reduction in
market values has served to slightly more than offset the increase
in our specific valuation arising from having a higher passing rent
for a longer term. The net effect as at the valuation date of 30
June 2020 was a net reduction of slightly less than 1% of the asset
value and is a very creditable result in the circumstances. As the
property market re-opens, we are recommencing the marketing of this
enhanced and highly attractive property in the near future.
With hindsight, we were perhaps fortunate to complete our
capital raise on 16 March, raising GBP3.61million net of expenses.
Given the volatile market and the extended uncertainty over when we
shall be able to monetise Curno, the Investment Advisor has been
cautious in commencing our equity portfolio activity, but a start
has been made, with the first substantial holding disclosed in
September, and more details are given in the Investment Advisor's
report.
The capital raise at 30 pence per new share represented a
discount to the historical NAV per share of 43.76 pence per share
as at 31 December 2019. This was done on a pre-emptive basis such
that all existing shareholders had the opportunity to participate.
For those shareholders who chose not to take up their pro rata
entitlement, there will have been a degree of dilution and of the
7.94 pence per share decline in NAV over the year, 6.11 pence per
share is owing to this dilution and 1.83 pence per share or 4% is
attributable to operational performance. Given the overall
movements in the property and equity markets, this is a creditable
result.
I reported at the interim stage that exaggerated price movements
and wide dispersion in share price performances have contributed to
a rich pool of opportunities and that is still the case. Until we
can release the cash proceeds from a sale of Curno, we must
inevitably proceed more cautiously than we might have originally
intended. The full deployment of our investment strategy has been
deferred, but not derailed, and we remain confident that once fully
operational it will recoup the short-term dilution from the capital
raise for those of our shareholders who did not participate. In the
fullness of time, depending on future events and market conditions,
we may seek a further capital raise to expand the Company and
improve its operational economics. There is nothing in
contemplation, but this remains a likely future objective. There
are likewise no plans at the present juncture to commence the
payment of dividends, but this is also a medium-term consideration
and closer attention will be given to it at the time of any capital
raise.
Amongst other significant milestones achieved during the year
was that shareholders supported the change of name of the Company
at the EGM in December 2019, this time by a sufficient margin to
allow the change to become effective. On behalf of the board, I
would like to extend my thanks to all of you who supported that
change.
We also, during the first half of the year, replaced most
service providers on substantially better financial terms for the
Company. The benefits of this are now flowing through more fully
and have helped to contain the cost ratio of the Company. The
performances of our new suite of service providers has been
entirely satisfactory and on behalf of the Company I would like to
extend our thanks to them - particularly for maintaining the
quality of their service during the COVID-19 lockdown.
We have decided to change the Company's year end for financial
reporting to 31 March in each year, beginning on 31 March 2021. The
current accounting period will therefore run for nine months
instead of twelve. By moving our year end to one of the less
"crowded" quarter dates where the audit profession is under less
operational stress, we hope to contain the growth in associated
costs in future years.
The year, especially the second half, has been unprecedented in
its challenges. The Company has weathered the storm well and we
look forward with anticipation to the future development of our
strategy.
W. Scott
Chairman
02 October 2020
Investment Advisor's Report
Investment Advisor
The Investment Advisor is regulated by the FCA and is authorised
to provide investment management and advisory services.
During the year, the Investment Advisor's focus has been the
extensive preparatory work involved around the capital raising
launched in February and, post its close on 16 March, the
establishment of the initial investment portfolio and the
renegotiation of the lease of the Curno cinema.
Curno Cinema Complex
The Group's Italian multiplex cinema complex, located in Curno,
on the outskirts of Bergamo, is let in its entirety to UCI Italia
S.p.A. (" UCI ").
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trading led UCI near the
end of the period to seek the renegotiation of the cinema lease,
and terms were agreed in principle before 30 June 2020. As a result
of notarisation on 11 September, the lease amendment became legally
binding.
The key rental terms of the amended lease are:
Base Rent
1 January 2020 until 28 February 2021 - EUR830,000 per annum
1 March 2021 to 31 December 2021 - EUR915,000 per annum
Thereafter to be indexed to 100% of the Italian ISTAT Consumer
Index on an upwards-only basis.
Under the amendment UCI was granted a full rental holiday from 1
March 2020 until 30 November 2020.
Variable Rent
There remains an incremental rent of EUR1.50 per ticket sold
above a minimum threshold of 350,000 tickets per year up to 450,000
tickets per year, rising in 50,000 ticket stages above this level
up to EUR2.50 per extra ticket.
Tenant Guarantee
The lease benefits from a rental guarantee of an initial EUR13m,
reducing over 15 years to EUR4.5m, given by a U.K. domiciled
European holding company for the UCI group, United Cinemas
International Acquisitions Limited, which has latest published
shareholders' funds of GBP291.3m.
Tenant break option
UCI now has the right to terminate the lease on 30 June 2035
rather than the previous 31 December 2033.
Trading
Following an excellent start to calendar 2020, trading was
dominated by the impact of COVID-19. On 23 February 2020, the
governmental authorities of Lombardy, Italy, decreed that all
cinemas in the region, which included UCI Curno, were to close
temporarily.
In the event, the cinema was closed for some five months,
finally reopening on 19 August, with social distancing measures in
place. UCI has reported that it is encouraged by attendance levels
since.
Valuation
As at 30 June 2020, the Group's independent asset valuer, Knight
Frank LLP, fair valued the Curno cinema at EUR9.6 million (30 June
2019: EUR9.8 million), and this has been adopted in these Financial
Statements.
The principal reason for the valuation reduction was an increase
in the assessed market rental yield, in recognition of the
uncertainty created by COVID-19, which reduced the final figure by
some EUR550,000, more than offsetting the positive impact of the
amended lease.
In regearing and extending the cinema lease UCI has reiterated
its substantial commitment to the Bergamo cinema market. Given the
enhanced rental generated by the asset, it is the Board's
expectation that valuation of the Curno cinema will exceed its
current carrying value when the present rental holiday expires at
the end of November 2020.
In September the Group's Italian real estate adviser, CBRE
S.p.A., resumed dialogue with interested investors, highlighting
the cinema's improved rental profile as a result of the amended
lease.
The Group will retain the Curno cinema until a disposal can be
effected at a price which the board believes properly reflects its
medium term prospects.
Investment Strategy
The Investment Advisor's strategy allies the taking of holdings
in British quoted securities priced at a deep discount to their
intrinsic value, as determined by a comprehensive and robust
research process. Most of these companies will have smaller to
mid-sized equity market capitalisations, which will in general not
exceed GBP600 million. It is intended to secure influential
positions in such British quoted securities, with the employment of
activism as necessary to drive highly favourable outcomes.
Lockdowns across Western Europe in early March, in response to
the COVID-19 pandemic, gave rise to a severe sell off of British
equities, and in particular smaller companies. In the period since
the Company has taken advantage of a persistent weakness in prices
to take preliminary (less than 2% of Net Assets) holdings in a
number of companies. In two instances, following major actions
taken by the UK Government to mitigate the economic effects of the
pandemic, substantial price recoveries eventuated and the holdings
were exited.
The resultant position as at 11 September 2020 was that the
Company had 13 stocks in its portfolio, which had a total cost of
GBP2.99m and a combined market value of some GBP3.05m.
On 1 September 2020, the Group disclosed its maiden public
equity position, a holding of some 4% in Connect Group plc. Connect
is a long-established English company whose shares are listed on
the London Stock Exchange, with a market capitalisation as at 22
September of some GBP48 million. Following the jettisoning in May
of a spectacularly unsuccessful diversification foray, Smiths News,
England's major distributor of newspapers and magazines, is the
remaining business.
Results for the period
Cash revenue for the year to 30 June 2020 from Curno was
EUR544,000 (GBP477,000) (30 June 2019: EUR469,000 (GBP431,000)),
including some EUR5k in ticket overage. This was substantially
below budget, as result of the four-month rental holiday granted
under the amended lease.
Property expenses, mainly local Curno property taxes, of some
EUR167,000 (GBP147,000) (30 June 2019: EUR171,000 (GBP151,000)),
were incurred.
General and administrative expenses of GBP585,000 (2019:
GBP827,000) included expenses which are not strictly fiscal 2020
trading items and fall into three elements:
-- Items which were incurred before 30 June 2019 (GBP39,000);
-- Amortisation of the property disposal warranty insurance
entered into in May 2017 (GBP45,000); and
-- One-off charges, such as in connection with the Name Change (GBP25,000).
The adjusted expense figure of GBP476,000 represents a very
substantial reduction in the Group's ongoing operating costs, a
direct consequence of the various operational improvements made
under the auspices of the current Board.
Transaction charges incurred on equity acquisitions were
GBP16,000 (2019: nil). Although expensed under the strictures of
IFRS 9, when making decisions regarding purchases such incidentals
are considered an inherent part of the overall investment cost.
Taxation is payable on an ongoing basis on Italian income and in
Luxembourg, with a small legacy exposure in Germany, and for the
period an amount of GBP79,000 was expensed. This was an increase
from 30 June 2019 (GBP50,000), the comparative having benefited
very significantly from the tax advantages associated with the
substantial rental incentives provided in the 2019 period to
UCI.
The Group continues to expect to be modestly profitable on an
ongoing cash basis post the expiry of the Curno rental holiday.
Net Assets at 30 June 2020 were GBP12.89m, which compares with
the GBP9.58m contained in the 30 June 2019 audited financial
statements. The increase is principally owing to the net impact of
the GBP3.61m (net) in new equity flowing from the Capital Raise
(12,982,488 Shares at an issue price of 30 pence each), offset by a
GBP81,000 reduction in the Pounds sterling fair value of the Curno
property and GBP248,000 in lease incentives, which substantively
consist of the four month rental holiday granted in the period.
Financial Position
The Group's Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2020
was strong with GBP2.63m held in cash and no debt. Allied to the
positive ongoing cash flows the financial position remains
secure.
In due course these resources are expected to be supplemented by
funds produced by the sale of the Curno cinema.
Euro
As at 30 June 2020, 69% of Total Assets are denominated in
Euros, of which the Curno property was some 66%. The Pounds
sterling Euro cross rate moved during the period from 1.117 as at
30 June 2019 to 1.104 as at 30 June 2020. This rate will remain a
substantial influence on Group Net Assets until Curno's
disposal.
Outlook
COVID-19 has had little direct impact on the Group, but provided
an opportunity to renegotiate the terms of the Curno cinema lease
and thereby achieve an increase of just over 10% in the fixed
rental, which over time is expected to lead to a commensurate
uplift in its value. Against this, the closure of the cinema has
meant a significant delay in disposal prospects.
The Company's ongoing strategy is focused towards special
situations. As noted above, equity markets were significantly
impacted as a result of uncertainty created by the pandemic and
falls in some cases were very substantial. This has thrown up
numerous situations worthy of consideration within the smaller
capitalisation stocks targeted by the Company and positions have
been initiated in a pleasing number of these.
A return to normal levels of economic activity in Britain
remains unlikely in the near term. The stock market is in general
discounting no full recovery before 2021. Notwithstanding that,
certain individual share prices continue to reflect an assessment
of prospects which is seen as unduly pessimistic.
With a significant level of liquidity still held the Company is
positioned to benefit accordingly.
Worsley Associates LLP
02 October 2020
Board of Directors
William Scott (Chairman) , a Guernsey resident, was appointed to
the board of the Company as an independent Director on 28 March
2019. Mr Scott also currently serves as an independent
non-executive director of a number of investment companies and
funds, of which Axiom European Financial Debt Fund Limited is
listed on the Premium Segment of the LSE and RTW Venture Fund
Limited is traded on the Specialist Fund Segment of the LSE. He is
also a director of The Flight and Partners Recovery Fund Limited
and a number of funds sponsored by Man and Aberdeen Standard. From
2003 to 2004, Mr Scott worked as senior vice president with FRM
Investment Management Limited, which is now part of Man Group plc.
Previously, Mr Scott was a director at Rea Brothers (which became
part of the Close Brothers group in 1999) from 1989 to 2002 and
assistant investment manager with the London Residuary Body
Superannuation Scheme from 1987 to 1989. Mr Scott graduated from
the University of Edinburgh in 1982 and is a chartered accountant
having qualified with Arthur Young (now Ernst & Young LLP) in
1987. Mr Scott also holds the Securities Institute Diploma and is a
chartered fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities &
Investment. He is also a chartered wealth manager.
Robert Burke , a resident of Ireland, was appointed to the board
of the Company as an independent Director on 28 March 2019. He also
serves as an independent non-executive director of a number of
investment companies and investment management companies which are
domiciled in Ireland as well as a number of companies engaged in
retail activities, aircraft leasing, pharmaceuticals, corporate
service provision and group treasury activities. He is a graduate
of University College Dublin with degrees of Bachelor of Civil Law
(1968) and Master of Laws (1970). He was called to the Irish Bar in
1969 and later undertook training for Chartered Accountancy with
Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) in London, passing
the final examination in 1973. He later was admitted as a Solicitor
of the Irish Courts and was a tax partner in the practice of McCann
FitzGerald in Dublin from 1981 to 2005 at which point he retired
from the partnership to concentrate on directorship roles in which
he was involved. He continues to hold a practice certificate as a
solicitor and is a member of the Irish Tax Institute.
Blake Nixon was one of the pioneers of activism in the UK and
has wide corporate experience in the UK and overseas. Following
three years at Jordan Sandman Smythe (now part of Goldman Sachs), a
New Zealand stockbroker, Mr Nixon emigrated to Australia, where he
spent three years as an investment analyst at Industrial Equity
Limited ("IEL"), then Australia's fourth largest listed company. In
1989 he transferred to IEL's UK operation and early in 1990 led the
takeover of failing LSE listed financial conglomerate, Guinness
Peat Group plc ("GPG"). The group was then relaunched as an
investment company, applying an owner orientated approach to listed
investee companies. Mr Nixon was UK Executive Director, responsible
for GPG's UK operations and corporate function, for the following
20 years, finally retiring as a non-executive director in December
2015. He is a founding partner of Worsley Associates LLP, an
activist fund manager, and has served as a non-executive director
of a number of other UK listed companies, as well as numerous
unlisted companies. He is a British resident and was appointed to
the Board on 23 January 2019.
Report of Directors
The Directors of the Company present their Annual Report
together with the Group's Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
(the "Financial Statements") for the year ended 30 June 2020. The
Directors' Report together with the Financial Statements give a
true and fair view of the financial position of the Group. They
have been prepared properly, in conformity with International
Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board and are in accordance with
any relevant enactment for the time being in force; and are in
agreement with the accounting records.
Principal Activity and Status
The Company is an Authorised closed-ended investment company
domiciled in Guernsey, registered under the provision of The
Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 and has a premium listing on the
Official List and trades on the Main Market of the London Stock
Exchange. Trading in the Company's ordinary shares commenced on 18
April 2005. The Company and the entities listed in note 2(f) to the
Financial Statements together comprise the "Group".
Investment Objective and Investment Policy .
The new investment objective and investment policy of the
Company are described in greater detail at the end of this
announcement.
Going Concern
These Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern
basis. The Directors, at the time of approving the Financial
Statements, have a reasonable expectation that the Group has
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for a
period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of these
Financial Statements. The Group maintains a high cash balance and
the property lease generates sufficient cash flows to pay on-going
expenses and other obligations. The Directors have considered the
cash position and performance of the current invested capital made
by the Group and concluded that it is appropriate to adopt the
going concern basis in the preparation of these Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Going concern is assessed over the period until 12 months from
the approval of these Consolidated Financial Statements. The Board
consider there to be no material uncertainty due to the fact that
the Group currently has no borrowing, holds a high cash holding,
undertook a successful capital raise during the year and that the
Company's equity investments comprise predominantly readily
realisable securities. Matters relating to the going concern status
of the Group are also discussed in the long-term viability
statement below.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 strain of coronavirus has been a significant
influence on global markets, and has had an economic impact on
certain companies held within the Company's portfolio. As of the
date of approval of these financial statements, the assessment of
this situation continues to evolve and it may be some time before
there is clarity around the full effect.
Viability Statement
The Board has evaluated the long-term prospects of the Group,
beyond the 12 month time horizon assumption within the going
concern framework. The Directors have conducted a review of the
viability of the Company taking account of the Company's current
position and considering the potential impact of the risks likely
to threaten the Company's business model, future performance,
solvency or liquidity. For the purposes of this statement the Board
has adopted a three year viability period.
The Directors consider that a 20% fall in the value in the
Company's equity portfolio would be significant but would not have
fundamental impact on the Company's ability to continue in
operation over the next three years. In reaching this conclusion,
the Directors considered the Company's expenditure projections, the
fact that the Group currently has no borrowing, holds a high cash
holding, undertook a successful capital raise during the year and
that the Company's equity investments comprise predominantly
readily realisable securities, which in extremis could be expected
to be sold to meet funding requirements if necessary, assuming
usual market liquidity.
The Directors in forming this view also considered the long
operational history and track record of the Group's Investment
Property, Curno. As a result of COVID-19, negotiations with the
tenant at the Curno property were held with the aim of achieving
terms which would improve asset liquidity and maximise potential
pricing. As a result, a lease amendment was signed in September
2020 with the alterations summarised in Note 4.
In addition, the Board has assumed that the regulatory and
fiscal regimes under which the Group operates will continue in
broadly the same form during the viability period. The Board
consults with its broker and legal advisers to the extent required
to understand issues impacting on the Company's regulatory and
fiscal structure. The Administrator also monitors changes to
regulations and advises the Board as necessary.
Based on the Company's processes for monitoring operating costs,
internal controls, the Investment Advisor's performance in relation
to the investment objective, the portfolio risk profile, liquidity
risk, the Board has concluded that there is a reasonable
expectation that the Company will be able to continue in operation
and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the three year
period.
Results and Dividends
The results for the year are set out in the Consolidated
Statement of Comprehensive Income.
A resumption of dividend payments is not anticipated in the
current financial period.
Directors
The Directors who held office during the year and up to the date
of this report were:
W. Scott (Chairman, appointed on 28 March 2019)
B. A. Nixon (appointed on 23 January 2019)
R. H. Burke (appointed on 28 March 2019)
The Directors who held office during the year and their
interests in the shares of the Company (all of which are
beneficial) were:
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------
W. Scott (Chairman, appointed
on 28 March 2019) 400,000 1.19% n/a n/a
B. A. Nixon (appointed on 23
January 2019) 10,083,126 29.88% 6,188,380 29.81%
R. H. Burke (appointed on 28 n/a n/a n/a n/a
March 2019)
At the date of this report, Mr Nixon holds 10,083,126 shares,
being an interest of 29.88% in the shares of the Company.
Mr Nixon, a Director of the Company, is also Founding Partner of
the Investment Advisor.
Management
With effect from 31 May 2019 the Board appointed Worsley
Associates LLP as its new Investment Advisor (the "Investment
Advisor"). A summary of the contract between the Company and the
Investment Advisor in respect of the advisory services provided is
given in note 3 to the Financial Statements
Listing Requirements
Throughout the period since being admitted to the Official List
maintained by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), the Company
has complied with the Listing Rules.
Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive
The Company does not expect to be required to comply with the
AIFM Directive except to the extent required to permit the
marketing of the Company's shares in EEA Member States. Should the
Company undertake any future marketing of its shares into any EEA
Member State, the Board would seek professional advice, as
appropriate, to ensure the Company complies with applicable
provisions of the AIFM Directive. Compliance with the AIFM
Directive would be expected to have a minor impact on costs,
including regulatory and compliance costs. If this were to occur
the relevant regime remains the national private placement
arrangements in the relevant EEA Member State.
Investee Engagement
The Company is a closed-ended investment company which has no
employees. The Company operates by outsourcing significant parts of
its operations to reputable professional companies, which are
required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
The nature of the Company's investments is such that it often
seeks to acquire substantial shareholdings which provide a direct
route via which to influence investee companies. The Company's
focus is on investees' medium-term financial performance, and, if
necessary, it will press them to adopt governance practices which
ensure that they are properly accountable to their shareholders for
the delivery of sustainable shareholder value. This active
involvement is outside the scope of many traditional institutional
shareholders. In matters which may affect the success of the
Company's investments the Board and the Investment Advisor work
together to ensure that all relevant factors are carefully
considered and reflected in investment decisions.
In carrying out its investment activities and in relationship
with suppliers, the Company aims to conduct itself responsibly,
ethically and fairly.
International Tax Reporting
For purposes of the US Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act, the
Company registered with the US Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") as
a Guernsey reporting Foreign Financial Institution ("FFI"),
received a Global Intermediary Identification Number
(G0W47U.99999.SL.831), and can be found on the IRS FFI list.
The Common Reporting Standard ("CRS") is a global standard for
the automatic exchange of financial account information developed
by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
("OECD"), which has been adopted by Guernsey and which came into
effect on 1 January 2016. The Board has taken the necessary action
to ensure that the Company is compliant with Guernsey regulations
and guidance in this regard.
Significant Shareholdings
As at 21 September 2020, shareholders with 3% or more of the
voting rights are as follows:
Shares held % of issued
share capital
B.A. Nixon 10,083,126 29.88%
------------ ---------------
Transact Nominees Limited 4,177,383 12.38%
------------ ---------------
Pershing Nominees Limited 3,000,000 8.89%
------------ ---------------
Chase Nominees Limited 2,522,420 7.48%
------------ ---------------
State Street Nominees Limited 2,075,804 6.15%
------------ ---------------
Lion Nominees Limited 2,041,736 6.05%
------------ ---------------
BBHISL Nominees Limited 1,800,000 5.33%
------------ ---------------
Guernsey Financial Services Commission Code of Corporate
Governance
The Board of Directors confirms that, throughout the period
covered by the Financial Statements, the Company complied with the
Code of Corporate Governance issued by the Guernsey Financial
Services Commission, to the extent it was applicable based upon its
legal and operating structure and its nature, scale and
complexity.
Anti-Bribery and Corruption
The Company adheres to the requirements of the Prevention of
Corruption (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2003. In consideration of
the UK Bribery Act 2010, the Board abhors bribery and corruption of
any form and expects all the Company's business activities, whether
undertaken directly by the Directors themselves or by third parties
on the Company's behalf, to be transparent, ethical and beyond
reproach.
Criminal Finances Act
The Directors of the Company have a zero-tolerance commitment to
preventing persons associated with it from engaging in criminal
facilitation of tax evasion. The Board has satisfied itself in
relation to its key service providers that they have reasonable
provisions in place to prevent the criminal facilitation of tax
evasion by their own associated persons and will not work with
service providers who do not demonstrate the same zero tolerance
commitment to preventing persons associated with them from engaging
in criminal facilitation of tax evasion.
Independent Auditor
The Board of Directors appointed BDO Limited as auditor on 9
July 2019. A resolution to confirm the reappointment of BDO Limited
will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Annual General Meeting
The next AGM of the Company is scheduled to be held on 8
December 2020.
Directors' Responsibilities
The Directors of the Company are responsible for preparing for
each financial year an annual report and the Financial Statements
which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the
Company and of the respective results for the year then ended, in
accordance with applicable Guernsey law and International
Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") adopted International Financial
Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). In preparing these Financial
Statements, the Directors are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and apply them
consistently;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and
prudent;
- prepare the Financial Statements on a going concern basis
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will
continue in business; and
- state whether or not applicable accounting standards have been
followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and
explained in the financial statements.
The Directors confirm that they have complied with the above
requirements in preparing the Financial Statements.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting
records which are sufficient to show and explain the Company's
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the
financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that
its financial statements comply with the Companies (Guernsey) Law,
2008. They are responsible for such internal control as they
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial
statements which are free from material misstatement, whether owing
to fraud or error, and have general responsibility for taking such
steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the
Company and to prevent and detect fraud and other
irregularities.
Disclosure of information to auditors
So far as each Director is aware, all relevant information has
been disclosed to the Company's auditor; and each Director has
taken all the steps which he ought to have taken as a director to
make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to
establish that the Company's auditor is aware of that
information.
Responsibility Statement
Each of the Directors, confirms to the best of that person's
knowledge and belief:
-- the Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with the
IFRS as endorsed by the IASB, give a true and fair view of the
assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Group; as
required by DTR 4.1.12R and are in compliance with the requirements
set out in the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008;
-- the Financial Statements, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced
and understandable and provides the information necessary for the
shareholders to assess the Group's position, performance, business
model and strategy; and
-- the Financial Statements including information detailed in
the Chairman's statement, the Report of the Directors, the
Investment Advisor's report and the notes to the Financial
Statements, include a fair review of the development and
performance of the business and the position of the Group together
with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it
faces, as required by:
- DTR 4.1.8 and DTR 4.1.9 of the Disclosure and Transparency
Rules, being a fair review of the Group business and a description
of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group; and
- DTR 4.1.11 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an
indication of important events which have occurred since the end of
the financial year and the likely future development of the
Group.
Signed on behalf of the Board by:
W. Scott
Director
02 October 2020
Corporate Governance Report
On 18 December 2019, the Company became a member of the
Association of Investment Companies ("AIC") and except as noted
herein complies with the 2019 AIC Code of Corporate Governance
issued in February 2019 ("the AIC Code"), effective for accounting
periods commencing on or after 1 January 2019. By complying with
the AIC Code, the Company is deemed to comply with both the UK
Corporate Governance Code (July 2018) (the "UK Code") issued by the
Financial Reporting Council ("FRC") and the Code of Corporate
Governance issued by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission
(the "GFSC Code").
The Board considers that reporting against the principles and
recommendations of the AIC Code provides appropriate information to
shareholders and during the year the Board has reviewed its
policies and procedures against the AIC Code.
The GFSC Code provides a governance framework for GFSC licensed
entities, authorised and registered collective investment schemes.
Companies reporting against the UK Code or the AIC Code are deemed
to comply with the GFSC Code. The AIC Code is available in the
AIC's website, www.theaic.co.uk.
For the year ended 30 June 2020, the Company has complied with
the recommendations of the AIC Code and the relevant provisions of
the UK Code, except for the following provisions relating to:
-- Senior Independent Director;
-- the need for an internal audit function;
-- the whistle blowing policy;
-- Remuneration Committee; and
-- Nomination Committee
The Board considers these provisions are not relevant given the
nature, scale and lack of complexity of the Company and its legal
and operating structure as a self-managed investment company. The
Company has therefore not reported further in respect of these
provisions. Details of compliance are noted below. The absence of
an Internal Audit function is discussed in the Audit Committee
Report.
The Directors are non-executive and the Company does not have
any employees, hence no Chief Executive, Executive Directors'
remuneration or whistle-blowing policy is required. The Board is
satisfied that any relevant issues can be properly considered by
the Board. Moreover, the Directors have satisfied themselves that
the Company's service providers have appropriate whistle-blowing
policies and procedures and have received confirmation from the
service providers that nothing has arisen under those policies and
procedures which should be brought to the attention of the
Board.
Composition, Independence and Role of the Board
The Board currently comprises three non-executive Directors.
Both Mr Scott and Mr Burke are considered by the Board to be
independent of the Company's Investment Advisor. Mr Nixon is
Founding Partner of the Investment Advisor and is therefore not
independent.
Whilst Mr Nixon is not an independent director, the presence of
two other directors who are independent and non-executive mitigates
the risk of Mr Nixon acting in his own interest.
Mr Scott was appointed Chairman on 28 March 2019. The Chairman
of the Board must be independent for the purposes of Chapter 15 of
the Listing Rules. Mr Scott is considered independent because
he:
-- has no current or historical employment with the Investment Advisor; and
-- has no current directorships in any other investment funds managed by the Investment Advisor.
The Board has overall responsibility for maximising the
Company's success by directing and supervising the affairs of the
business and meeting the appropriate interests of shareholders and
relevant stakeholders, while enhancing the value of the Company and
also ensuring protection of investors. A summary of the Board's
responsibilities is as follows:
-- statutory obligations and public disclosure;
-- strategic direction and financial reporting;
-- risk assessment and management including reporting
compliance, governance, monitoring and control; and
-- other matters having a material effect on the Company.
The Board is responsible to shareholders for the overall
management of the Company.
The Board needs to ensure that the Annual Report and Financial
Statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable
and provide the information necessary for shareholders to assess
the Company's performance, business model and strategy. In seeking
to achieve this, the Directors have set out the Company's
investment objective and policy and have explained how the Board
and its delegated Committees operate and how the Directors review
the risk environment within which the Company operates and set
appropriate risk controls. Furthermore, throughout the Annual
Report and Financial Statements the Board has sought to provide
further information to enable shareholders to better understand the
Company's business and financial performance.
The Board's responsibilities for the Annual Report are set out
in the Directors' Responsibility Statement.
The Board is also responsible for issuing half yearly reports,
NAV updates and other price sensitive public reports.
The Board does not consider it appropriate to appoint a Senior
Independent Director. The Board believes it has a good balance of
skills and experience to ensure it operates effectively. The
Chairman is responsible for leadership of the Board and ensuring
its effectiveness.
The Board has engaged external companies to undertake the
investment advisory and administrative activities of the Company.
Documented contractual arrangements are in place with these
companies and these define the areas where the Board has delegated
responsibility to them. The Board has adopted a schedule of matters
specifically reserved for its decision-making and distinguishing
these from matters it has delegated to the Company's key service
providers.
The Company holds regular board meetings to discuss general
management, structure, finance, corporate governance, marketing,
risk management, compliance, asset allocation and gearing,
contracts and performance. The quarterly Board meetings are the
principal source of regular information for the Board enabling it
to determine policy and to monitor performance, compliance and
controls which are supplemented by communication and discussions
throughout the year.
A representative each of the Investment Advisor and
Administrator attends each Board meeting either in person or by
telephone, thus enabling the Board fully to discuss and review the
Company's operation and performance. Each Director has direct
access to the Investment Advisor and Company Secretary and may at
the expense of the Company seek independent professional advice on
any matter.
Individual Directors may, at the expense of the Company, seek
independent professional advice on any matter which concerns them
in the furtherance of their duties. The Company maintains
appropriate Directors' and Officers' liability insurance.
Conflicts of interest
Directors are required to disclose all actual and potential
conflicts of interest as they arise for approval by the Board, who
may impose restrictions or refuse to authorise conflicts. The
process of consideration and, if appropriate, approval will be
conducted only by those Directors with no material interest in the
matter being considered. The Board maintains a Conflicts of
Interest policy which is reviewed periodically and a Business
Interests and Potential Conflicts of Interest register which is
reviewed by the Board at each quarterly Board meeting.
Re-election
There are provisions in the Company's Articles of Incorporation
which require Directors to seek re-election on a periodic basis.
There is no limit on length of service, nor is there any upper age
restriction on Directors. The Board considers that there is
significant benefit to the Company arising from continuity and
experience among directors, and accordingly does not intend to
introduce restrictions based on age or tenure. It does, however,
believe that shareholders should be given the opportunity to review
membership of the Board on a regular basis.
The Board believes that, while regular rotation is in keeping
with good governance, the unquestionable benefits of ensuring that
there is some continuity mean that it is in the best interests of
the Company that not all Directors offer themselves for re-election
each year. The Company may terminate the appointment of a Director
immediately on serving written notice and no compensation is
payable upon termination of office as a director of the Company
becoming effective.
In accordance with the Company's Articles of Association, at
each AGM all Directors who held office at the two previous AGM's
and did not retire shall retire from office and shall be available
for re-election. Messrs Scott and Nixon will stand for re-election
at this year's AGM. Further details regarding the experience of
each of the Directors are set out within the Board of Directors
section.
Board Diversity
The Board has also given careful consideration to the
recommendation of the Davies Report on "Women on Boards" and notes
the recommendations of the Parker review into ethnic diversity and
the Hampton-Alexander review on gender balance in FTSE leadership.
As recommended in the Davies Report, the Board has reviewed its
composition. However, it believes that the current appointments
provide an appropriate range of skills and experience and are in
the interests of shareholders.
Board Evaluation and Succession Planning
The Board conducts an annual self-evaluation of its performance
and that of the Company's individual Directors, which is led by the
Chairman and, as regards the Chairman's performance evaluation, by
the other Directors. The annual self-evaluation considers how the
Board functions as a whole taking balance of skills, experience and
length of service into consideration and also reviews the
individual performance of its members.
To facilitate this annual self-evaluation, the Company Secretary
circulates a detailed questionnaire to each Director and a separate
questionnaire for the evaluation of the Chairman. The
questionnaires, once completed, are returned to the Company
Secretary who collates responses, prepares a summary and discusses
the Board evaluation with the Chairman prior to circulation to the
remaining Board members. The performance of the Chairman is
evaluated by the other Directors. On occasions, the Board may seek
to employ an independent third party to conduct a review of the
Board.
The Board considers it has a breadth of experience relevant to
the Company, and the Directors believe that any changes to the
Board's composition can be managed without undue disruption. An
induction programme has been prepared for any future Director
appointments and all Directors receive other relevant training as
necessary .
Board and Committee Meetings
The table below sets out the number of scheduled Board, Audit
Committee and Management Engagement Committee meetings held during
the year ended 30 June 2020 and, where appropriate, the number of
such meetings attended by each Director who held office during the
same period.
Board of Directors Audit Committee Management Engagement
Committee
--------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ------------------------
Scheduled Attended Scheduled Attended Scheduled Attended
--------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ------------ ----------
W. Scott (Chairman) 3 3 2 2 1 1
R. H. Burke 3 3 2 2 1 1
B. A. Nixon 3 3 2* 2* 1* 1*
--------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ------------ ----------
*In attendance by invitation
In addition to the scheduled quarterly Board meetings, the
Board, or committees thereof, held six ad hoc meetings which were
required in connection with the capital raise and to deal with
certain other matters of an administrative nature. In normal
circumstances the Board intends to meet not less than four times
per year on a quarterly basis in addition to such ad hoc meetings
as may be necessary.
Audit Committee
The Company has established an Audit Committee with formal
duties and responsibilities. The Audit Committee meets formally at
least twice a year and each meeting is attended by the independent
external auditor and Administrator. The Company's Audit Committee
is comprised of Mr Burke and Mr Scott. Mr Nixon was a member from
his appointment as a director on 23 January 2019 until 31 May 2019
when Worsley Associates was appointed Investment Advisor. At the
invitation of the Audit Committee, Mr. Nixon may attend meetings of
the committee. With effect from the 29 March 2019, the Audit
Committee was chaired by Mr Burke.
The Audit Committee monitors the performance of the auditor, and
also examines the remuneration and engagement of the auditor, as
well as its independence and any non-audit services provided by it.
The report of the Audit Committee details its responsibilities and
its key activities.
Risk Committee
The Company established a Risk Committee on 26 February 2020
with formal duties and responsibilities. The Risk Committee will
meet formally at least twice a year. The Risk Committee is
comprised of the entire Board and is chaired by Mr Scott. The
principal function of the Risk Committee is to identify, assess,
monitor and, where possible, oversee the management of risks to
which the Company's investments are exposed, with regular reporting
to the Board. The Directors have appointed the Risk Committee to
manage the additional risks faced by the Company as well as the
relevant disclosures to be made to investors and the necessary
regulators.
The Risk Committee will review the robustness of the Company's
risk management processes, the integrity of the Company's system of
internal controls and risk management systems, and the
identification and management of risks through the use of the
Company's risk matrix. The Risk Committee reviews the principal,
emerging, and other risks relevant to the Company.
The Risk Committee will report on the internal controls and risk
management systems to the Board of Directors. The Board of
Directors is responsible for establishing the system of internal
controls relevant to the Company and for reviewing the
effectiveness of those systems. The review of internal controls is
an on-going process for identifying and evaluating the risks faced
by the Company, designed to effectively manage rather than
eliminate business risks to ensure the Board's ability to achieve
the Company's business objectives.
It is the responsibility of the Board to undertake the risk
assessment and review of the internal controls in the context of
the Company's objectives in relation to business strategy, and the
operational, compliance and financial risks facing the Company.
These controls are operated in the Company's main service
providers: the Investment Advisor and Administrator. The Board will
receive regular updates and will undertake an annual review of each
service provider.
The Board of Directors considers the arrangements for the
provision of Investment Advisor and Administration services to the
Company and as part of the annual review the Board considered the
quality of the personnel assigned to handle the Company's affairs,
the investment process and the results achieved to date.
The Board is satisfied that each service provider has effective
controls in place to control the risks associated with the services
that they are contracted to provide to the Company and therefore
the Board is satisfied with the internal controls of the
Company.
Management Engagement Committee
The Company has established a Management Engagement Committee
with formal duties and responsibilities. The Management Engagement
Committee meets formally at least once a year. The Management
Engagement Committee is comprised of Mr Burke and Mr Scott. The
principal function of the Management Engagement Committee is to
ensure that the Company's investment advisory arrangements are
competitive and reasonable for the shareholders, along with the
Company's agreements with all other third party service providers
(other than the external auditor).
During the year the Management Engagement Committee has reviewed
the services provided by the Investment Advisor and other service
providers, and recommended that the continuing appointments of the
Company's service providers was in the best interests of the
Company. The Management Engagement Committee was chaired by Mr
Scott.
Nomination Committee
The Board does not have a separate Nomination Committee. The
Board as a whole fulfils the function of a Nomination Committee.
Any proposal for a new Director will be discussed and approved by
the Board, giving full consideration to succession planning and the
leadership needs of the Company.
Remuneration Committee
In view of its non-executive nature, the Board considers that it
is not appropriate for there to be a separate Remuneration
Committee, as anticipated by the AIC Code, because this function is
carried out as part of the regular Board business. A Remuneration
Report prepared by the Board is contained in the Financial
Statements.
Terms of Reference
All Terms of Reference for Committees are available from the
Administrator upon request.
Internal Controls
The Board is ultimately responsible for establishing and
maintaining the Company's system of internal controls and for
maintaining and reviewing its effectiveness. The system of internal
controls is designed to manage rather than to eliminate the risk of
failure to achieve business objectives and by its nature can only
provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against misstatement
and loss. These controls aim to ensure that assets of the Company
are safeguarded, proper accounting records are maintained and the
financial information for publication is reliable.
The Board has delegated the day to day management of the
Company's investment portfolio and the administration, registrar
and corporate secretarial functions including the independent
calculation of the Company's NAV and the production of the Annual
Report and Financial Statements, which are independently audited.
Whilst the Board delegates responsibility, it retains
accountability for the functions it delegates and is responsible
for the systems of internal control.
Formal contractual agreements have been put in place between the
Company and providers of these services. On an ongoing basis, board
reports are provided at each quarterly board meeting from the
Investment Advisor, Administrator and Company Secretary and
Registrar; and a representative from the Investment Advisor is
asked to attend these meetings.
In accordance with Listing Rule 15.6.2 (2) R the Directors
formally appraise the performance and resources of the Investment
Advisor on an annual basis. In the opinion of the Directors their
continuing appointment of the Investment Advisor on the terms
agreed is in the interests of the Company and the shareholders.
The Investment Advisor was appointed on 31 May 2019.
The Board has reviewed the need for an internal audit function
and owing to the size of the Company and the delegation of
day-to-day operations to regulated service providers, an internal
audit function is not considered necessary. The Directors will
continue to monitor the systems of internal controls in place in
order to provide assurance that they operate as intended.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
In respect of the Company's system of internal controls and its
effectiveness, the Directors:
-- are satisfied that they have carried out a robust assessment
of the emerging and principal risks facing the Group, including
those that would threaten its business model, future performance,
solvency or liquidity; and
-- have reviewed the effectiveness of the risk management and
internal control systems including material financial, operational
and compliance controls (including those relating to the financial
reporting process) and no significant failings or weaknesses were
identified.
The principal risks and uncertainties which have been identified
and the steps which are taken by the Board to mitigate them are as
follows:
Investment Risks
The Company is exposed to the risk that its investment portfolio
and the remaining investment property fail to perform in line with
the Company's objectives. The Company is exposed to the risk that
markets move adversely, or the remaining property asset is disposed
of inappropriately. The Board reviews reports from the Investment
Advisor at each quarterly Board meeting and at other times when
expedient, paying particular attention to the diversification of
the portfolio and to the performance and volatility of underlying
investments.
Operational Risks
The Company is exposed to the risk arising from any failures of
systems and controls in the operations of the Investment Advisor,
Administrator and the Corporate Broker. The Board and its
Committees regularly review reports from the Investment Advisor and
the Administrator on their internal controls.
Accounting, Legal and Regulatory Risks
The Company is exposed to the risk that it may fail to maintain
accurate accounting records, fail to comply with requirements of
its Prospectus or fail to adapt its processes to changes in law or
regulations. The accounting records prepared by the relevant
service providers are reviewed by the Investment Advisor. The
Administrator, Corporate Broker and Investment Advisor provide
regular updates to the Board on compliance with the Prospectus and
any changes in regulation.
Financial Risks
The financial risks, including market, credit, liquidity and
interest rate risk faced by the Company are set out in note 14 of
the Financial Statements. These risks and the controls in place to
reduce the risks are reviewed at the quarterly Board meetings.
Foreign Exchange Risk
The Company is exposed to currency risk given that the assets of
its subsidiaries are predominantly denominated in Euro but the
presentation currency of the Company is Pounds sterling. The
Investment Advisor reports at least quarterly to the Board on the
strategy for managing this risk. Although the Company has the
ability to hedge this risk, it has not to date chosen to do so and
has no plans to make such arrangements.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a significant emerging risk
to the global economy and financial markets and resulted in an
unprecedented level of market volatility and disruption earlier
this year. The impact of the pandemic is discussed further in the
Chairman's statement, the Investment Advisor's report and the
report of the Audit Committee.
The Board seeks to mitigate and manage these risks through
ongoing review, policy-setting and enforcement of contractual
obligations and monitoring of the Company's investment portfolio.
The Board, Investment Advisor and the Corporate Broker also
continually monitor the investment environment in order to identify
any new or emerging risks.
Emerging Risks
The Board is alert to the identification of any new or emerging
risks through the ongoing monitoring of the Company's investment
portfolio and by conducting regular reviews of the Company's risk
assessment matrix. Should an emerging risk be identified the risk
assessment matrix is updated and appropriate mitigating measures
and controls will be agreed.
Non-Audit Services Policy
The Company has adopted rules in relation to the engagement of
the external auditor, BDO Limited, to perform non-audit services.
As a Market Traded Company ("MTC"), since March 2020, the Company
is classified as an EU/UK Public Interest Entity ("PIE").
Accordingly, the Audit Committee must consider whether or not the
provision of such non-audit services is compatible with the list of
permissible services under the FRC's UK Auditing Standards (the
"Auditing Standards"):
-- in accordance with the Auditing Standards, the Company may
not utilise external auditors for internal audit purposes,
secondments, valuation or tax advice or other services which are
not included on the "white list" of permissible services, as
amended from time to time by the FRC; and
-- the Directors must consider the actual, perceived and
potential impact upon the independence of external audit prior to
engaging external audit to undertake any non-audit service.
The Audit Committee will review the need for non-audit services
and authorise such on a case by case basis and recommend an
appropriate fee for such non-audit services to the board of
directors of the Company.
The Board will consider the actual, perceived and potential
impact upon the independence of external auditors prior to engaging
external auditors to undertake any non-audit service, as well as
confirming that any non-audit services are included on the list of
permissible services, as amended from time to time by the FRC.
During the year, BDO LLP (UK) provided service in relation to
the capital raise. The Board considered the potential impact upon
the independence of external auditors prior to the engagement. The
Board believe this engagement did not materially impact the
independence of the external audit as BDO LLP (UK) is a separate
legal entity and does not provide any resources in relation to the
external audit work.
The Board reserves the right to review the policy periodically
and, if required, amend it to ensure that the policy is compliant
with all applicable law and regulation and best practice.
Relations with Shareholders
The Board welcomes shareholders' views and places great
importance on communication with its shareholders. The Board
receives regular reports on the views of shareholders and the
Chairman and other Directors are available to meet shareholders if
required. The Investment Advisor meets with major shareholders on a
regular basis and reports to the Board on these meetings. Issues of
concern can be addressed by any shareholder in writing to the
Company at its registered address. The AGM of the Company provides
a forum for shareholders to meet and discuss issues with the
Directors and Investment Advisor of the Company. In addition, the
Company maintains a website (www.worsleyinvestors.com ) which
contains comprehensive information, including regulatory
announcements, share price information, financial reports,
investment objectives and strategy and investor contacts.
Promotion of the success of the Company
The Board acts in a manner which is considered to be:
-- in good faith;
-- likely to promote the continuing success of the Company; and
-- to the benefit of its shareholders as a whole.
Whilst the primary duty of the Directors is owed to the Company,
the Board considers as part of its discussions and decision making
process the interests of all stakeholders.
The Board is committed to maintaining high standards of
corporate governance and accountability.
As an investment company, the Company does not have any
employees and conducts its core operations through third party
service providers. Each provider has an established track record
and, through regulatory oversight and control, is required to have
in place suitable policies to ensure it maintains high standards of
business conduct, treat customers fairly, and employ corporate
governance best practice.
Particular consideration is given to the continued alignment
between the activities of the Company and those which contribute to
delivering the Board's strategy, which include the Investment
Advisor, the Corporate Broker and the Administrator.
The Board respects and welcomes the views of all stakeholders.
Any queries or areas of concern regarding the Company's operations
can be raised with the Company Secretary.
Signed on behalf of the Board by:
W. Scott
Chairman
02 October 2020
Audit Committee Report
Dear Shareholders,
I am pleased to present the Audit Committee's Report for the
year ended 30 June 2020, which covers the following topics:
-- Responsibilities of the Audit Committee and its key activities during the year,
-- Financial reporting and significant areas of judgement and estimation,
-- Independence and effectiveness of the external auditor, and
-- Internal control and risk management systems.
The Company is currently undergoing a transition period. The
Audit Committee's activities during the year have therefore
concentrated on maintaining an appropriate risk and control
environment, providing suitable disclosure of progress and residual
risks in the Financial Statements, ensuring ongoing engagement from
service providers and keeping sufficient liquid funds to meet
expenditure for essential or justified items.
Responsibilities
The Audit Committee reviews and recommends to the Board for
approval or otherwise, the Financial Statements of the Company and
is the forum through which the independent external auditor reports
to the Board of Directors. The independent external auditor and the
Audit Committee will meet together without representatives of
either the Administrator or Investment Advisor being present if
either considers this to be necessary.
The responsibilities of the Audit Committee include:
1. Monitoring the integrity of the Financial Statements of the Company covering:
-- formal announcements relating to the Company's financial performance;
-- significant financial reporting issues and judgements;
-- matters raised by the external auditors; and
-- appropriateness of accounting policies and practices.
2. Reviewing and considering the AIC Code and FRC Guidance on Audit Committees.
3. Monitoring the quality and effectiveness of the independent
external auditor, which includes:
-- meeting regularly to discuss the audit plan and the subsequent findings;
-- considering the level of fees for both audit and non-audit work;
-- reviewing independence, objectivity, expertise, resources and qualification; and
-- making recommendations to the Board on the appointment,
reappointment, replacement and remuneration.
4. Reviewing the Company's procedures for prevention, detection
and reporting of fraud, bribery and corruption, and
5. Monitoring and reviewing the internal control and risk
management systems of the service providers together with the need
for a Company Internal Audit function.
The Audit Committee's full terms of reference can be obtained by
contacting the Company's Administrator.
Financial Reporting
The Audit Committee's review of the Audited Annual Report and
Financial Statements focused on the following significant
risks;
Valuation of Investment Property
The Company's sole remaining investment property was
independently valued at GBP8.70 million (EUR9.60 million) as at 30
June 2020 (30 June 2019: GBP8.78 million (EUR9.80 million)) and
represented the majority of the total assets of the Group. The
remaining investment property comprises a cinema complex in Curno,
Italy, owned via an intermediate holding company. The valuation of
this investment is in accordance with the requirements of IFRS as
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. The
valuation estimate is provided by Knight Frank LLP, an external
independent valuer. The Audit Committee considers the fair value of
the sole remaining investment property held by the Group as at 30
June 2020 to be reasonable based on information provided by the
Investment Advisor and Administrator. All valuations are also
subject to review and oversight by the Investment Advisor.
The valuation report received from the independent valuer
included a 'Material Valuation Uncertainty' paragraph in relation
to the market risks linked to the COVID-19 pandemic: this paragraph
explains that valuer has attached less weight to previous market
evidence for comparison purposes to achieve an informed opinion on
value. The valuer therefore recommends that a higher degree of
caution should be attached to this valuation compared to valuations
carried out under normal circumstances.
Valuation of investments
The Company's non-property investments had a fair value of
GBP1.68 million as at 30 June 2020 (30 June 2019: nil). The
investments are all listed. The Committee considered the fair value
of the investments held by the Company as at 30 June 2020 to be
reasonable based on information provided by the Investment Advisor
and Administrator. All prices are confirmed to independent pricing
sources as at 30 June 2020 by the Administrator and are subject to
a review process at the Administrator and oversight at the
Investment Advisor. We also note the work of the independent
Auditor on these balances as set out in their report.
Audit Findings Report
The independent external auditor reported to the Audit Committee
that no material unadjusted misstatements were found in the course
of their work. Furthermore, the Investment Advisor and
Administrator confirmed to the Audit Committee that they were not
aware of any material unadjusted misstatements including matters
relating to the Financial Statements presentation.
Accounting Policies & Practices
The Audit Committee has assessed the appropriateness of the
accounting policies and practices adopted by the Group together
with the clarity of disclosures included in the Financial
Statements. Following a review of the presentations and reports
from the Administrator and consulting where necessary with the
independent external auditor, the Audit Committee is satisfied that
the Financial Statements appropriately address the critical
judgements and key estimates (both in respect to the amounts
reported and the disclosures). It is also satisfied that the
significant assumptions used for determining the value of assets
and liabilities have been appropriately scrutinised, challenged and
are sufficiently robust.
The Audit Committee advised the Board that this Annual Report
and Financial Statements, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and
understandable.
Fraud, Bribery and Corruption
The Audit Committee continues to monitor the fraud, bribery and
corruption policies of the Group. The Board receives a confirmation
from all service providers that there have been no instances of
fraud or bribery.
The Independent External Auditor
BDO Limited served as the Company's Independent Auditor
throughout the year and have indicated their willingness to
continue in office.
The independence and objectivity of the external auditor is
reviewed by the Audit Committee, which also reviews the terms under
which the independent external auditor is appointed to perform
non-audit services. The Audit Committee has established
pre-approval policies and procedures for the engagement of the
auditor to provide audit, assurance and tax services. The
principles on which these are based are that the external auditor
may not provide a service which:
-- places them in a position to audit their own work
-- creates a mutuality of interest
-- results in the external auditor developing close
relationships with service providers of the Company
-- results in the external auditor functioning as a manager or employee of the Company
-- puts the external auditor in the role of advocate of the Company
As a general rule, the Company does not utilise external
auditors for internal audit work, secondments or valuation advice.
Services which are in the nature of audit, such as tax compliance,
tax structuring, accounting advice, quarterly reviews and
disclosure advice are normally permitted but are subject to prior
approval by the Audit Committee.
The following table summarises the remuneration payable to BDO
Limited for audit and non-audit services provided to the Company
during the years ended 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2019.
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
GBP GBP
----------------- ------------- -------------
Statutory audit 35,000 40,000
------------------ ------------- -------------
Total fees 35,000 40,000
------------------ ------------- -------------
The following table summarises the remuneration payable to BDO
Italia S.p.A for audit and non-audit services provided to the Group
during the years ended 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2019.
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
EUR EUR
------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Statutory audit of subsidiary 8,000 -
------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Total fees 8,000 -
------------------------------ ------------- -------------
The following table summarises the remuneration payable to BDO
LLP (UK) for audit and non-audit services provided to the Group
during the years ended 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2019.
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
GBP GBP
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Professional services in relation 32,500 -
to the capital raise
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total fees 32,500 -
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Performance and Effectiveness
During the year, when considering the effectiveness of the
independent external auditor, the Audit Committee has taken into
account the following factors:
-- the audit plan presented to them before the audit;
-- changes in audit personnel;
-- the post audit findings report;
-- the independent external auditor's own internal procedures to
identify threats to independence; and
-- feedback received from both the Investment Advisor and Administrator.
The Audit Committee reviewed and, where appropriate, challenged
the audit plan and the audit findings report of the independent
external auditor and concluded that the audit plan sufficiently
identified audit risks and that the audit findings report indicated
that the audit risks were sufficiently addressed with no
significant variations from the audit plan. The Audit Committee
considered reports from the independent external auditor on their
procedures to identify threats to independence and concluded that
the procedures were sufficient.
Appointment of External Auditor
Consequent to this review process, the Audit Committee
recommended to the Board that a resolution be put to the next AGM
to confirm the reappointment of BDO Limited as independent external
auditor.
Internal Control and Risk Management Systems
The Board of Directors considers the arrangements for the
provision of Investment Advisory, Investment Management,
Administration and Custody services to the Company on an on-going
basis and a formal review is conducted annually. As part of this
review the Board considered the quality of the personnel assigned
to handle the Company's affairs, the investment process and the
results achieved to date.
The Audit Committee has reviewed the need for an internal audit
function and has decided that the system and procedures employed by
the Investment Advisor and the Administrator's internal audit
function provide sufficient assurance that a sound system of
internal control, which safeguards the Company's assets, is
maintained. An internal audit function specific to the Group is
therefore considered unnecessary.
In finalising the Financial Statements for recommendation to the
Board for approval, the Audit Committee has satisfied itself that
the Financial Statements taken as a whole are fair, balanced and
understandable, and provide the information necessary for
shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model
and strategy.
A member of the Audit Committee will continue to be available at
each AGM to respond to any shareholder questions on the activities
of the Audit Committee.
R. H. Burke,
Chairman, Audit Committee
02 October 2020
Directors' Remuneration Report
Introduction
An ordinary resolution for the approval of the Director's
Remuneration Report will be put to the shareholders at the
forthcoming AGM held.
Remuneration Policy
All Directors are non-executive and a Remuneration Committee has
not been established. The Board as a whole considers matters
relating to the Directors' remuneration. No advice or services were
provided by any external person in respect of its consideration of
the Directors' remuneration.
The Company's policy is that the fees payable to the Directors
should reflect the time spent by the Directors on the Company's
affairs and the responsibilities borne by the Directors and be
sufficient to attract, retain and motivate directors of a quality
required to run the Company successfully. The Chairman of the Board
is paid a higher fee in recognition of his additional
responsibilities. The policy is to review fee rates periodically,
although such a review will not necessarily result in any changes
to the rates, and account is taken of fees paid to directors of
comparable companies. The Directors of the Company are remunerated
for their services at such a rate as the Directors determine
provided that the aggregate amount of such fees does not exceed
GBP120,000 per annum.
There are no long-term incentive schemes provided by the Company
and no performance fees are paid to Directors.
None of the Directors has a service contract with the Company
but each of the Directors is appointed by a letter of appointment
which sets out the main terms of their appointment. Directors hold
office until they retire by rotation or cease to be a director in
accordance with the Articles of Incorporation, by operation of law
or until they resign.
Remuneration
Directors are remunerated in the form of fees, payable quarterly
in arrears, to the Director personally. No Directors have been paid
additional remuneration outside their normal Directors' fees and
expenses.
The current annual Directors' fees comprise GBP20,000 per annum
payable to the Chairman and GBP15,000 per annum payable to the
other Directors.
Upon appointment of Worsley as Investment Advisor on 31 May
2019, Mr Nixon waived any future Director's fee for as long as he
is a member of the Investment Advisor.
For the years ended 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2019 Directors'
fees incurred were as follows:
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
GBP GBP
------------------------------- ------------- -------------
W. Scott (Chairman, appointed
on 28 March 2019) 20,000 5,205
B.A. Nixon (appointed on 23
January 2019) - 4,500
R. H. Burke (appointed on 28
March 2019) 15,000 3,905
C. J. Hunter (resigned on 28
December 2018) - 9,000
G. J. Farrell (resigned on
28 March 2019) - 10,125
S. C. Monier (resigned on 28
December 2018) - 6,750
S. J. Lawson (resigned on 28
March 2019) - 10,125
35,000 49,610
------------------------------- ------------- -------------
The directors of the subsidiaries of the Group received
emoluments amounting to GBP12,589 (30 June 2019: GBP16,312). Total
fees paid to Directors and directors of the subsidiaries were
GBP47,589 (30 June 2019: GBP65,922).
Signed on behalf of the Board by:
W. Scott
Director
02 October 2020
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Worsley Investors
Limited
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Worsley Investors
Limited ("the Parent Company") and its subsidiaries (the "Group")
for the year ended 30 June 2020 which comprise the Consolidated
Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Statement of
Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Statement of Financial
Position, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and notes to
the financial statements, including a summary of significant
accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has
been applied in their preparation is applicable law and
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS's) as issued by
the International Accounting Standards Board.
In our opinion, the financial statements:
-- give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's affairs
as at 30 June 2020 and of its loss for the year then ended;
-- have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRS's; and
-- have been properly prepared in accordance with the
requirements of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International
Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our
responsibilities under those standards are further described in the
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial
statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group
and Parent Company in accordance with the ethical requirements
relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK,
including the FRC's Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities
and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in
accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit
evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide
a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to emerging and principal risks, going
concern and viability statement
We have nothing to report in respect of the following
information within the annual report, in relation to which the ISAs
(UK) require us to report to you whether we have anything material
to add or draw attention to:
-- the directors' confirmation in the annual report that they
have carried out a robust assessment of the Group's emerging and
principal risks and the disclosures in the annual report that
describe the principal risks and the procedures in place to
identify emerging risks and explain how they are being managed or
mitigated;
-- the directors' statement in the financial statements about
whether the directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going
concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements
and the directors' identification of any material uncertainties to
the Group's ability to continue to do so over a period of at least
twelve months from the date of approval of the financial
statements;
-- whether the directors' statement relating to going concern
required under the Listing Rules in accordance with Listing Rule
9.8.6R(3) is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in
the audit; or
-- the directors' explanation in the annual report as to how
they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period
they have done so and why they consider that period to be
appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a
reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in
operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period
of their assessment, including any related disclosures drawing
attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional
judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial
statements of the current period and include the most significant
assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to
fraud) we identified, including those which had the greatest effect
on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the
audit, and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These
matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial
statements as a whole and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do
not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
Key Audit Matter How we addressed the Key audit matter
in our audit
Valuation of investment property Independent valuations
Refer to the Audit Committee For the independent property valuation,
Report, accounting policies we evaluated the competence and independence
2(d) and 2(l) and the disclosure of the external valuer, which included
note 7) consideration of their qualifications
and expertise. We read the terms of
The group holds a single investment their engagement with the group to
property which is fair valued determine whether there were any matters
and represents 67% of the that might have affected their objectivity
group's net asset value. or may have imposed scope limitations
upon their work.
The fair value has been determined
by the Directors based on We have read the valuation report for
an independent Royal Institution the property, noted the material uncertainty
of Chartered Surveyors "RICS" clauses inserted as a result of the
valuation performed by independent impact of Covid-19 on the property
valuers, Knight Frank LLP. markets, discussed the basis of the
property valuation, including the Covid-19
Such property valuations are impact, with the valuer to understand
a highly subjective area as the process undertaken by them and
it requires the valuer to confirmed that the valuation was prepared
make judgements as to property in accordance with professional valuation
yields, quality of tenants standards and IFRS.
and other variables to arrive
at the current fair value We considered the reasonableness of
of the property. the inputs used by the valuer in the
valuation, such as the rental terms
Such subjectivity and judgements and other assumptions that impact the
are greater this year due value. This included discussions with
to the Covid--19 pandemic and challenge of the valuer around
and we were expecting the the Covid-19 impact, the resulting
valuer to include 'Material adjustments to yields and overall consideration
Uncertainty' paragraphs within of the resulting valuation in light
their valuation report. of Covid-19. In addition, we agreed
a sample of the significant inputs
Any input inaccuracies or into the valuation, such as the rental
unreasonable bases used details, to supporting documentation.
in the valuation judgements
(such as in respect of the Disclosures
estimated rental value and
yield profile applied) could We reviewed and challenged the disclosures
result in a material misstatement in relation to property valuations
in the consolidated financial within note 2(d), 2(l) and in particular
statements. note 7 (sensitivities) given the 'Material
Uncertainty' paragraphs within the
valuations reports.
Key observation
We draw attention to the valuers inclusion
of a material uncertainty over the
valuation as a result of Covid-19 as
detailed in note 2(d).
From the procedures performed, we have
not identified any material misstatements
in the investment property valuation
amounts reported in these financial
statements.
-------------------------------------------------
Key Audit Matter How we addressed the Key audit matter
in our audit
Valuation and existence of Listed investments
Listed Investments
For all of the listed investments,
Refer the Audit Committee we agreed the existence of the investment
Report, accounting policies portfolio holdings to the respective
2(d) and 2(p) and the disclosure custodian confirmation which we independently
note 8) obtained.
The investment portfolio as We tested the valuation of all listed
at 30 June 2020 comprised investments by agreeing the priced
listed investments whose price used in the valuation to independent
is readily available. third-party sources.
We focused on the valuation Key observation
and existence of investments
because investments represent Based on the procedures performed we
a principal element of the are satisfied that the investment valuations
net asset value as disclosed and existence is appropriate.
in the Statement of Financial
Position in the financial
statements as well as being
the principle activity of
the group going forward.
------------------------------------------------
Our application of materiality
We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and
performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of
misstatements. We consider materiality to be the magnitude by which
misstatements, including omissions, could influence the economic
decision of reasonable users that are taken on the basis of the
financial statements. Importantly, misstatements below these levels
will not necessarily be evaluated as immaterial as we also take
account of the nature of identified misstatements, and the
particular circumstances of their occurrence, when evaluating their
effect on the financial statements as a whole.
Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality
for the financial statements as a whole to be GBP195,000
(GBP150,000) which is based on a level of 1.5% (2019: 1.5%) of
total assets. We considered total assets to be the most appropriate
benchmark due to the Group being an asset holding Group with no
external borrowings and which is no longer in an active wind down
process.
In order to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability
that any misstatements exceed materiality, we use a lower
materiality level, performance materiality, to determine the extent
of testing needed. Importantly, misstatements below these levels
will not necessarily be evaluated as immaterial as we also take
account of the nature of identified misstatements, and the
particular circumstances of their occurrence, when evaluating their
effect on the financial statements as a whole.
This performance materiality has been set at GBP136,500
(GBP90,000) which is 70% (2019: 60%) of materiality. This has been
set based upon the control environment in place, the directors'
assessment of risk and this being our second year of audit.
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the
committee all individual audit differences identified during the
course of our audit in excess of GBP5,850 (2019: GBP4,500). We also
agreed to report differences below this threshold that, in our
view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.
An overview of the scope of our audit
We tailored the scope of our audit taking into account the
nature of the Group's investments, involvement of the Group's
service providers, the accounting and reporting environment and the
industry in which the Group operates.
This assessment took into account the likelihood, nature and
potential magnitude of any potential misstatement. As part of this
risk assessment we considered the Group's interaction with the
service providers. We assessed the control environment in place
within the Group to the extent that it was relevant to our audit.
Following this assessment, taking into consideration materiality,
we applied professional judgement to determine the extent of
testing required over each balance in the financial statements.
As the Group's annual report does not include financial
statements for the standalone Parent Company we concluded that the
most effective audit approach for the Group was to audit the
consolidated financial statements as if the Group was one
entity.
Other information
The Directors are responsible for the other information. The
other information comprises the information included in the annual
report and consolidated financial statements, other than the
financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. Our opinion
on the financial statements does not cover the other information
and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our
report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion
thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our
responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so,
consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent
with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the
audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we
identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material
misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a
material misstatement in the financial statements or a material
misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we
have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement
of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
In this context, we also have nothing to report in regard to our
responsibility to specifically address the following items in the
other information and to report as uncorrected material
misstatements of the other information where we conclude that those
items meet the following conditions:
-- Fair, balanced and understandable- the statement given by the
directors that they consider the annual report and financial
statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable
and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess
the Group's position, performance, business model and strategy, is
materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit;
or
-- Audit committee reporting- the section describing the work of
the audit committee does not appropriately address matters
communicated by us to the audit committee; or
-- Directors' statement of compliance with the UK Corporate
Governance Code - the parts of the Directors' statement required
under the Listing Rules relating to the Company's compliance with
the UK Corporate Governance Code containing provisions specified
for review by the auditor in accordance with Listing Rule
9.8.10R(2) do not properly disclose a departure from a relevant
provision of the UK Corporate Governance Code.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters
where the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 requires us to report to
you if, in our opinion:
-- proper accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company; or
-- the Parent Company financial statements are not in agreement
with the accounting records; or
-- we have failed to obtain all the information and explanations
which, to the best of our knowledge and belief, are necessary for
the purposes of our audit.
Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the Directors' Responsibilities
statement within the Report of the Directors, the Directors are
responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for
being satisfied that they give a true and fair view and for such
internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable
the preparation of financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are
responsible for assessing the Group's ability to continue as a
going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the
Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial
statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements as a whole are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an
auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is
a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit
conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a
material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from
fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in
the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial
statements.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of
the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting
Council's website at:
https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities . This description
forms part of our auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Parent Company's members, as a
body, in accordance with Section 262 of the Companies (Guernsey)
Law, 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might
state to the Parent Company's members those matters we are required
to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume
responsibility to anyone other than the Parent Company and the
Parent Company's members, as a body, for our audit work, for this
report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Justin Marc Hallett
For and on behalf of BDO Limited
Chartered Accountants and Recognised Auditor
Place du Pré
Rue du Pré
St Peter Port
Guernsey
02 October 2020
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 30 June 2020
For the year For the
ended year ended
30 June 2020 30 June
2019
Notes GBP000s GBP000s
---- --------------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
4
&
Gross property income 7 725 727
Property operating expenses 4 (147) (151)
Net property income 578 576
---------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
Other income 5 -
Net gain on investments at fair
value through profit or loss 8 85 -
Loss on disposals of a subsidiary
and investment property - (53)
Unrealised (loss)/gain on investment
property 7 (175) 799
Lease incentive movement 4 (248) (301)
General and administrative expenses 5 (585) (827)
---- ---------------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
Operating (loss)/profit (340) 194
---------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
Foreign exchange loss - (29)
Share in loss of joint venture - (10)
------ ------------- ------------
(Loss)/profit before tax (340) 155
---------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
Income tax expense 11 (79) (50)
(Loss)/profit for the year (419) 105
---------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
Other comprehensive income
Foreign exchange translation gain 122 41
--------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
Total items that are or may be reclassified
to profit or loss 122 41
---------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
Total comprehensive (loss)/income
for the year (297) 146
---------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
Basic and diluted (loss)/income per
ordinary share (pence) 6 (1.71) 0.47
---------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Financial
Statements
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 30 June 2020
Foreign
Revenue Distributable currency Total
reserve reserve reserve equity
Note GBP000s GBP000s GBP000s GBP000s
---------------------------- ----- --------- -------------- ---------- --------
Balance at 1 July 2019 (46,210) 43,653 12,134 9,577
Share issue 12 - 3,895 - 3,895
Share issue costs 12 - (285) - (285)
Loss for the year (419) - - (419)
Other comprehensive income - - 122 122
Balance at 30 June 2020 (46,629) 47,263 12,256 12,890
---------------------------- ----- --------- -------------- ---------- --------
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Foreign
Revenue Distributable currency Total
reserve reserve reserve equity
Note GBP000s GBP000s GBP000s GBP000s
---------------------------- ----- --------- -------------- ---------- --------
Balance at 1 July 2018 (46,315) 44,853 12,093 10,631
Share redemptions 12 - (1,200) - (1,200)
Profit for the year 105 - - 105
Other comprehensive income - - 41 41
Balance at 30 June 2019 (46,210) 43,653 12,134 9,577
---------------------------- ----- --------- -------------- ---------- --------
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Financial
Statements
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 30 June 2020
30 June 30 June
2020 2019
Notes GBP000s GBP000s
--------- ----------------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
Non-current assets
4 &
Investment property 7 8,135 8,476
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 2,632 793
Investments held at fair
value through profit or
loss 8 1,684 -
Trade and other receivables 9 100 162
4 &
Lease incentive 7 561 301
Tax receivable 130 96
Total assets 13,242 9,828
---------------------------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
Non-current liabilities
Provisions 46 45
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 10 205 172
Tax payable 101 34
Total liabilities 352 251
---------------------------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
Total net assets 12,890 9,577
---------------------------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
Equity
Revenue reserve 15 (46,629) (46,210)
Distributable reserve 15 47,263 43,653
Foreign currency reserve 15 12,256 12,134
Total equity 12,890 9,577
---------------------------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
Number of ordinary shares 12 33,740,929 20,758,441
Net asset value per ordinary share
(pence) 13 38.20 46.14
---------------------------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
The Consolidated Financial Statements were approved by the Board
of Directors and authorised for issue on 02 October 2020. They were
signed on its behalf by:-
W. Scott
Director
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Financial
Statements
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 30 June 2020
Year ended Year ended
30 June 30 June
2020 2019
Notes GBP000s GBP000s
----------------------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Operating activities
(Loss)/profit before tax (340) 155
Adjustments for:
Unrealised loss/(gain) on investment
property 7 175 (799)
Net gains on investments held at
fair value through profit or loss 8 (85) -
Dividend income 8 4 -
4
&
Lease incentive movement 7 248 301
Foreign exchange gain on investment
property 7 (82) (107)
Share in loss of joint venture - 10
(Increase)/decrease in trade and
other receivables (193) 13
Increase/(decrease) in provisions 1 (164)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and
other payables 34 (310)
Foreign exchange loss - 29
Return of capital from joint ventures - 155
Purchase of investments held at fair
value through profit or loss 8 (1,633) -
Sale of investments held at fair
value through profit or loss 8 30 -
Net cash used in operations (1,841) (717)
------------------------------------------------------ ----------- -----------
Tax paid (52) (622)
Net cash outflow from operating activities (1,893) (1,339)
------------------------------------------------------ ----------- -----------
Financing activities
Redemption of shares 12 - (1,200)
Share issue 12 3,895 -
Share issue cost 12 (285) -
Net cash from/(used) in financing activities 3,610 (1,200)
------------------------------------------------------ ----------- -----------
Effects of exchange rate fluctuations 122 34
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,839 (2,505)
------------------------------------------------------ ----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at start
of the year 793 3,298
Cash and cash equivalents at the year end 2,632 793
------------------------------------------------------ ----------- -----------
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these Financial
Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2020
1. Operations
Worsely Investors Limited (the "Company") is a limited
liability, closed-ended investment company incorporated in
Guernsey. The Company historically invested in commercial property
in Europe which was held through subsidiaries. The Consolidated
Financial Statements (the "Financial Statements") of the Company
for the year ended 30 June 2020 comprise the Financial Statements
of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the
"Group").
Worsley Associates LLP was appointed on 31 May 2019 as
Investment Advisor to the Company.
At an EGM held on 28 June 2019, an ordinary resolution was
passed to adopt a New Investment Objective and Policy. Please refer
to the Investment Policy for further detail. At an EGM on 11
December 2019, a special resolution was passed to change the name
of the Company from AXA Property Trust Limited to Worsley Investors
Limited. The Company's registered office is included is under
Corporate Information.
2. Significant accounting policies
(a) Basis of preparation
The Financial Statements, which show a true and fair view, have
been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards ("IFRS") which comprise standards and interpretations
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and
are in compliance with The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. The
Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis,
and the accounting policies, presentation and methods of
computation are consistent with this basis, as disclosed in the
going concern paragraph below.
The Directors believe that the Financial Statements contain all
of the information required to enable shareholders and potential
investors to make an informed appraisal of the investment
activities and profits and losses of the Company for the period to
which they relate and do not omit any matter or development of
significance.
(b) Going concern
These Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern
basis. The Directors, at the time of approving the Financial
Statements, have a reasonable expectation that the Group has
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for a
period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of these
Financial Statements. The Group maintains a high cash balance and
the property lease generates sufficient cash flows to pay on-going
expenses and other obligations. The Directors have considered the
cash position and performance of the current capital invested by
the Group and concluded that it is appropriate to adopt the going
concern basis in the preparation of these Consolidated Financial
Statements.
The going concern is assessed from 12 months from the approval
of these Consolidated Financial Statements. The Board consider
there to be no material uncertainty due to the fact that the Group
currently has no borrowing, holds a high cash holding, undertook a
successful capital raise during the year and that the Company's
equity investments comprise predominantly readily realisable
securities
(c) Adoption of new standards and its consequential amendments
IFRS 16
IFRS 16 was published in January 2016 and specifies how to
report information which faithfully represents lease transactions
and provides a basis for users of financial statements to assess
the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from
leases.
IFRS 16 replaced IAS 17 and related interpretations.
IFRS 16 was adopted on 1 July 2019. As the Lessor, the adoption
of IFRS 16 is substantially unchanged from accounting under IAS 17
as a result of which the adoption of this amended standard has had
no material impact on the Financial Statements of the Company.
Standards and amendments in issue but not yet effective
The following standard, which has not been applied in these
Financial Statements, was in issue at the reporting date but not
yet effective:
The following standards, which have not been applied in these
Financial Statements, were in issue at the reporting date but not
yet effective -
-- IAS 1 (amended), 'Presentation of Financial Statements' -
(effective for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January
2023)
-- IAS 37 (amended), 'Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and
Contingent Assets' - (effective for accounting periods commencing
on or after 1 January 2022)
-- IFRS 17 - 'Insurance Contracts' (effective for accounting
periods commencing on or after 1 January 2021).
The amendments to IAS 1 were published in January 2020 and
relate to the classification of liabilities.
The amendments to IAS 37 were published in May 2020 and relate
to the costs to include when assessing whether or not a contract is
onerous.
IFRS 17 was published in May 2017 and establishes the principles
for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of
insurance contracts that fall within the scope of the standard.
In addition, the IASB has issued the following publications
-
-- 'Definition of Material (Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8)',
published in October 2018, which has amended IAS 1 and IAS 8 to
clarify the definition of 'material' and to align the definition
used in the Conceptual Framework and the standards, effective for
accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2020
-- 'Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS
standards', published in March 2018, which has updated certain
Standards and Interpretations with regard to references to and
quotes from the Framework or to indicate where they refer to a
different version of the Conceptual Framework, effective for
accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2020
-- 'Amendments regarding pre-replacement issues in the context
of the IBOR reform', published in September 2019, which has amended
IFRS 7, IFRS 9 and IAS 39, effective for accounting periods
commencing on or after 1 January 2020
-- 'Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020', published
in May 2020, which has amended certain existing standards,
effective for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January
2022.
The Company has no financial instruments that fall within the
scope of IFRS 17, and the changes arising from the amendments to
other standards are either presentational and/or minor in nature.
It is therefore anticipated that the adoption of these new and
amended standards will have no material impact on the Financial
Statements of the Company.
(d) Significant estimates and judgements
The preparation of the Group's Financial Statements requires
management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions which
affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and
liabilities, and the accompanying disclosures, and the disclosure
of contingent liabilities. Uncertainty about these assumptions and
estimates could result in outcomes which require a material
adjustment to the carrying amount of assets or liabilities affected
in future periods.
(i) Judgements:
In the process of applying the Group's accounting policies,
management has made the following judgements, which have the most
significant effect on the amounts recognised in the Financial
Statements:
Functional currency
As disclosed in note 2(e), the Company's functional currency is
Pounds sterling and the subsidiaries' functional currency is Euro.
The Board of Directors considers that the Parent Company's
functional currency is Pounds sterling, as the capital raised,
return on capital and any distributions paid by the Parent Company
are in Pounds sterling. The Euro most faithfully represents the
economic effect of the underlying transactions, events and
conditions of the subsidiaries. The Euro is the currency in which
the subsidiaries measure their performance and report their
results.
(ii) Estimates and assumptions:
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources
of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, which have a
significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year,
are described below. The Group based its assumptions and estimates
on parameters available when the Financial Statements were
prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future
developments, however, may change due to market changes or
circumstances arising which are beyond the control of the Group.
Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.
Revaluation of investment property
The Group carries its investment property at fair value, with
changes in fair value being recognised in the Consolidated
Statement of Comprehensive Income.
The property is valued quarterly by an external independent
valuer as at the end of each calendar quarter. Their valuations are
reviewed quarterly by the Board.
Quarterly valuations of the investment property are carried out
by Knight Frank LLP, external independent valuers to the Group, in
accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors'
("RICS") Appraisal and Valuation Standards. The property has been
valued in accordance with the definition of the RICS Valuation
which is defined as the price which would be received to sell an
asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date. The valuation
is based on the highest and best use of the investment
property.
An independent valuation was carried out for the investment
property. The valuation report received from the independent valuer
included a 'Material Valuation Uncertainty' paragraph in relation
to the market risks linked to the COVID-19 pandemic: this paragraph
explains that valuer has attached less weight to previous market
evidence for comparison purposes to achieve an informed opinion on
value. The valuer therefore recommends that a higher degree of
caution and less certainty should be attached to this valuation
compared to valuations carried out under normal circumstances. The
material uncertainty clause is to serve as a precaution and does
not invalidate the valuation nor that the valuation cannot be
relied upon.
The key assumptions used to determine the market value of the
investment property are explained further in note 7.
Investments held at fair value through profit or loss
The Company records its investments at fair value. Investments
traded in active markets are valued at the latest available bid
prices ruling at midnight on the reporting date. Investments
consist of listed or quoted equities or equity-related securities
which are issued by corporate issuers, supra-nationals or
government organisations, and investment in funds.
(e) Foreign currency translation
(i) Foreign currency transactions
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to
presentation currency at the spot foreign exchange rate ruling at
the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies at the Consolidated Statement of
Financial Position date are translated to presentation currency at
the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. Foreign exchange
differences arising on translation are recognised in the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Non-monetary assets
and liabilities which are measured at historical cost in a foreign
currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the
transaction. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in
foreign currencies which are stated at fair value are translated to
presentation currency at foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates
the fair value was determined.
(ii) Exchange differences on foreign operations
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, arising on
consolidation, are translated to presentation currency at the
foreign exchange rates ruling at the Consolidated Statement of
Financial Position date. The income and expenses of foreign
operations are translated to presentation currency at an average
rate. Foreign exchange differences arising on retranslation are
recognised in other comprehensive income and as a separate
component of equity.
(f) Basis of consolidation
(i) Subsidiaries
The Financial Statements comprise the Financial Statements of
the Company and its subsidiaries as at 30 June each year.
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition,
being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to
be consolidated until the date when such control ceases. The
Financial Statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same
reporting period as the parent company, using consistent accounting
policies.
(ii) Transactions eliminated on consolidation
All intra-group balances, transactions and unrealised gains and
losses resulting from intra-group transactions are eliminated in
preparing the Financial Statements.
Worsley Investors Limited, the Company, is the parent of the
Group. It was incorporated in Guernsey on 5 April 2005. The Company
owned the following subsidiary as at the reporting date:
Subsidiaries Country Date of incorporation Ownership Principal Financial
of incorporation interest activities year end
%
Property Trust Luxembourg 24 November 100.00% Holding 30 June
Luxembourg 2 S.Ã 2005 Company
r.l.
------------------ ---------------------- ---------- ------------ ----------
The company shown in the table below was directly owned by
Property Trust Luxembourg 2 S.Ã .r.l. as at the reporting date:
Indirect subsidiaries and joint ventures Country of Ownership Financial
Property Trust Luxembourg 2 S.Ã incorporation interest year end
r.l. %
---------------
Multiplex 1 S.r.l. Italy 100.00% 31 December
----------------------------------------- --------------- ---------- ------------
The entity above has a reporting date of 31 December 2019 owing
to legacy set up.
Property Trust Rothenburg 1 S.a.r.l merged with Property Trust
Luxembourg 2 S.a.r.l in January 2019.
(g) Income recognition
Interest income from banks is recognised on an effective yield
basis.
Dividend income from equity investments is recognised when the
relevant investment is quoted ex-dividend, and is included gross of
withholding tax. Rental income from the investment property leased
out under operating leases is recognised in the Consolidated
Statement of Comprehensive Income on a straight-line basis over the
term of the lease. Lease incentives are amortised over the whole
lease term.
(h) Expenses/Other Income
Expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis.
Service costs for service contracts entered into by the Group
acting as the principal are recorded when such services are
rendered. The Group is entitled to recover such costs from the
tenants of the investment property. The recovery of costs is
recognised as service charge income on an accrual basis.
(i) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call
deposits carried at amortised cost. Cash equivalents are
short-term, highly liquid investments which are readily convertible
to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant
risk of changes in value.
(j) Dividends
Dividends are recognised as a liability in the period in which
they become obligations of the Company. Interim dividends are
recognised when paid. Final dividends are recognised once they are
approved by shareholders.
(k) Provisions
A provision is recognised in the Consolidated Statement of
Financial Position when the Group has a legal or constructive
obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an
outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the
obligation.
(l) Investment property
Investment property is held to earn rental income and capital
appreciation and is recognised as such. Investment property is
initially recognised at cost, being the fair value of consideration
given, including associated transaction costs.
After initial recognition, investment property is measured at
fair value using the fair value model with unrealised gains and
losses recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. Realised
gains and losses upon disposal of the property is recognised in the
Consolidated Income Statement. Quarterly valuations are carried out
by Knight Frank LLP, external independent valuers, in accordance
with the RICS Appraisal and Valuation Standards. The property has
been valued in accordance with the definition of the RICS Valuation
which is defined as the price which would be received to sell an
asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date. The valuation
is based on the highest and best use of the investment
property.
Lease incentive assets are deducted from the independent
valuation to arrive at fair value for accounting purposes: refer to
note 7 for further details.
Subsequent expenditure is charged to the asset's carrying amount
only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated
with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can
be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance costs are
charged to the Consolidated Income Statement during the financial
period in which they are incurred.
Investment property is derecognised when it has been disposed
of. Where the Group disposes of a property at fair value in an
arm's length transaction, the carrying value immediately prior to
the sale is adjusted to the transaction price, and the adjustment
is recorded in the income statement within gain/(loss) on disposals
of subsidiaries and investment property.
(m) Assets held for sale
Investment property is transferred to assets held for sale when
it is expected that the carrying amount will be recovered
principally through sale rather than from continuing use. For this
to be the case, the property must be available for immediate sale
in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and
customary for sales of such property and its sale must be highly
probable.
For the sale to be highly probable:
-- The Board must be committed to a plan to sell the property
and an active programme to locate a buyer and complete the plan
must have been initiated;
-- The property must be actively marketed for sale at a price
that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and
-- The sale should be expected to qualify for recognition as a
completed sale within one year from the date of classification.
On re-classification, the investment property that is measured
at fair value continues to be so measured.
(n) Joint ventures
The Group's interest in jointly controlled entities are
accounted for using the equity method. The Group recognises the
portion of gains or losses on the sale of assets by the Group to
the joint venture which is attributable to the other ventures
("Downstream transaction"). The Group recognises its share of
profits or losses from the joint venture which result from the
Group's purchase of assets from the joint venture until it resells
the assets to an independent party ("Upstream transaction"). When
Downstream transactions provide evidence of a reduction in the net
fair value of the assets sold, or of an impairment loss of those
assets, those losses are recognised in full. When Upstream
transactions provide evidence of a reduction in the net fair value
of the assets to be purchased or of an impairment loss of those
assets, the Group recognises its share in those losses.
(o) Operating leases (lessor)
The determination of whether or not an arrangement is, or
contains, a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at
the inception date. The arrangement is assessed to establish if
fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific
asset or assets or the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset
or assets, even if that right is not explicitly specified in an
arrangement.
Leases in which the Group does not transfer substantially all
the risks and benefits of ownership of an asset are classified as
operating leases. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating an
operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased
asset and recognised over the lease term on the same basis as
rental income. Contingent rents are recognised as revenue in the
period in which they are earned. Where an operating lease is
modified it is accounted for as a new lease with any prepaid or
accrued lease payments relating to the original lease being treated
as part of the lease payments for the new lease.
(p) Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position when the Group becomes
a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial
assets and financial liabilities are only offset and the net amount
reported in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income when there is a
currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognised amounts
and the Group intends to settle on a net basis or realise the asset
and liability simultaneously.
On initial recognition, the Group classifies financial assets as
measured at amortised cost or at fair value through profit or loss
("FVTPL").
A financial asset is measured at amortised cost if it meets both
of the following conditions and is not designated as at FVTPL:
-- it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold
assets to collect contractual cash flows; and
-- - its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash
flows which are solely payments of principal and interest.
In making an assessment of the objective of the business model
in which a financial asset is held, the Group considers all of the
relevant information about how the business is managed.
The Group has determined that it has only one business model: a
held-to-collect business model: this includes cash and cash
equivalents. These financial assets are held to collect contractual
cash flow.
Classification of financial assets
The Group assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected
credit loss associated with its financial assets held at amortised
cost. The Group has elected to apply the simplified approach
permitted by IFRS 9 in respect of receivables because they have a
maturity of less than one year and do not contain a significant
financing component. Under the simplified approach the requirement
is always to recognise lifetime Expected Credit Loss ("ECL"). Under
the simplified approach practical expedients are available to
measure lifetime ECL but forward-looking information must still be
incorporated. Under the simplified approach there is no need to
monitor significant increases in credit risk and entities will be
required to measure lifetime ECLs at all times. The Directors have
concluded that any ECL on receivables would be highly immaterial to
the Financial Statements owing to the low credit risk of the
relevant counterparties and the historical payment history.
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call
deposits carried at amortised cost. Cash equivalents are
short-term, highly liquid investments which are readily convertible
to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant
risk of changes in value.
Investments at fair value through profit or loss
("investments")
Recognition
Investments are recognised in the Company's Statement of
Financial Position when the Company becomes a party to the
contractual provisions of the instrument.
Purchases and sales of investments are recognised on the trade
date (the date on which the Company commits to purchase or sell the
investment). Investments purchased are initially recorded at fair
value, being the consideration given, including transaction or
other dealing costs associated with the investment.
Measurement
Subsequent to initial recognition, investments are measured at
fair value. Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value
of investments and gains and losses on investments that are sold
are recognised through profit or loss in the Statement of
Comprehensive Income within net changes in fair value of financial
assets at fair value through profit or loss.
Investments traded in active markets are valued at the latest
available bid prices ruling at midnight on the reporting date. The
Directors are of the opinion that the bid-market prices are the
best estimate of fair value. Investments consist of listed or
quoted equities or equity-related securities, options and bonds
which are issued by corporate issuers, supra-nationals or
government organisations, and investment in funds.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset
or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between
market participants at the measurement date. Gains and losses
arising from changes in the fair value of financial
assets/(liabilities) are shown as net gains or losses on financial
assets through profit or loss and recognised in the Statement of
Comprehensive Income in capital in the period in which they
arise.
Realised gains and losses arising on disposal of investments are
calculated by reference to the proceeds received on disposal and
the average cost attributable to those investments and are
recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Unrealised
gains and losses on investments are recognised in the Statement of
Comprehensive Income.
Capital
Financial instruments issued by the Group are treated as equity
if the holder has only a residual interest in the assets of the
Group after the deduction of all liabilities. The Company's
Ordinary Shares are classified as equity instruments.
The Group's capital is represented by the Ordinary Shares,
revenue reserve, distributable reserve and foreign exchange
reserve. Share premium is included in the distributable reserve
presented in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. The
capital of the Company is managed in accordance with its investment
policy in pursuit of its investment objective. It is not subject to
externally imposed capital requirements. The Ordinary shares carry
rights regarding dividends, voting, winding-up and redemptions,
which are detailed in full in the Company's Memorandum and Articles
of Incorporation.
Equity instruments
Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new
shares are shown in equity as a deduction from proceeds.
(q) Taxation
The Company has obtained exempt company status in Guernsey under
the terms of the Income Tax (Exempt Bodies) (Guernsey) Ordinance,
1989 and accordingly is subject to an annual fee of GBP1,200. The
Directors intend to conduct the Group's affairs such that it
continues to remain eligible for exemption.
The Company's subsidiaries are subject to income tax on any
income arising on investment property, after deduction of debt
financing costs and other allowable expenses. However, when a
subsidiary owns a property located in a country other than its
country of residence the taxation of the income is defined in
accordance with the double taxation treaty signed between the
country where the property is located and the residence country of
the subsidiary.
Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current
and deferred tax. Current tax is the expected tax payable on the
taxable income for the year as determined under local tax law,
using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date, and any
adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous periods.
Deferred income tax is provided using the liability method,
providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of
assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the
amount used for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred tax
provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or
settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using
tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the Consolidated
Statement of Financial Position date, except in the case of
investment property, where deferred tax is provided for the effect
of the sale of the property. Deferred tax assets are recognised
only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits
will be available against which the asset is utilised.
Details of current tax and deferred tax assets and liabilities
are disclosed in note 11.
(r) Determination and presentation of operating segments
The Company has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement
with the Investment Advisor, under which the Board has appointed
the Investment Advisor to oversee on a day-to-day basis the assets
of the Company, subject to their review and control and ultimately
the overall supervision of the Board. The Board retains full
responsibility to ensure that the Investment Advisor adheres to its
mandate. Moreover, the Board is fully responsible for the
appointment and/or removal of the Investment Advisor. Accordingly,
the Board is deemed to be the "Chief Operating Decision Maker" of
the Company.
The Board has considered the requirements of IFRS 8, 'Operating
Segments'. The Board is of the view that the Group has one segment
of business.
(s) Share issue costs
Share issue costs are fully written off against the share
capital account in the period of the share issue in accordance with
Guernsey company law.
3. Material agreements
Investment Management Agreements
AXA Investment Managers UK Limited up to 31 May 2019
AXA Investment Managers UK Limited was appointed as the
investment manager of the Group pursuant to an Investment
Management Agreement dated 18 April 2005. Under the terms of the
Investment Management Agreement, AXA Investment Managers UK Limited
was entitled to a management fee of 90 basis points per annum of
gross assets together with reasonable expenses payable quarterly in
arrears. The management fee was reduced by an amount equal to the
fees payable to the Real Estate Adviser by the property
subsidiaries such that the total fees payable by the Group to the
Investment Real Estate Adviser and AXA Investment Managers UK
Limited did not exceed 90 basis points per annum. This Investment
Management Agreement was terminated on 31 May 2019.
AXA Investment Managers UK Limited agreed to amend the
Management Fee arrangements with effect from 1 January 2013 such
that the Manager and/or its Associates would receive in
aggregate:
A management fee of 1.10 per cent. of NAV (as opposed to 0.90
per cent. of gross assets) per annum to be paid quarterly in
arrears based on the NAV at the end of the relevant quarter,
transaction fees of 0.35 per cent. of the gross sales price
achieved on each asset sale and a performance fee of 12.5 per cent.
of cash returned to shareholders in excess of 80 per cent. of NAV
as at 31 December 2012, with threshold percentage of NAV increasing
by 5 per cent. per annum with effect from 1 January 2015 (such
that, by way of example, the threshold percent for the 12 month
from and including 1 January 2015 (such that the threshold
percentage for the 12 months from and including 1 January 2015 was
85 per cent of NAV as of 31 December 2012 and increased to 90 per
cent from and including January 2016 and so on for each consecutive
year).This amendment of the management fee was approved by a
resolution of the shareholders on 26 April 2013.
During the year, AXA Investment Managers UK Limited were not due
a fee (30 June 2019: GBP119,274). No fees were outstanding as at 30
June 2020 (30 June 2019: GBPnil).
On 31 May 2019, AXA Investment Managers UK Limited resigned and
Worsley Associates LLP ("Worsley") was appointed as the Investment
Advisor with immediate effect.
Worsley Associates LLP from 31 May 2019
The Investment Advisory Agreement had an initial term of two
years, with either Worsley or the Company being able to terminate
the agreement by giving 12 months' notice from 1 June 2020 and
thereafter on a rolling 12 months' notice basis. On giving the
requisite 12 months' notice there is no compensation on termination
(save in respect of any payment made in lieu of notice where
Worsley and the Company agree to terminate the Investment Advisory
Agreement on less than 12 months' notice). In addition, the Company
and Worsley may terminate the Investment Advisory Agreement in
certain limited circumstances.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, Worsley is
entitled to an annual advisory fee of 1.25 per cent. of the
Company's Net Asset Value, to the extent that the Company's Net
Asset Value is GBP40 million or less, but subject to a minimum fee
of GBP150,000 per annum. If the Company's Net Asset Value exceeds
GBP40 million, the Company will pay Worsley a fee equal to 1.25 per
cent. of GBP40 million and 1.00 per cent. of the amount by which
the Company's Net Asset Value exceeds GBP40 million.
During the year, the Worsley was due an Investment Advisory fee
of GBP156,843 (30 June 2019: GBP12,500). Fees of GBP24,555 were
outstanding as at 30 June 2020 (30 June 2019: GBP12,500).
Broker Agreement
Stifel Nicolaus Limited to 18 April 2019
Stifel Nicolaus Limited was prior to 18 April 2019, Corporate
Broker to the Company. Fees incurred for the year ended 30 June
2020 totalled GBPnil (30 June 2019: GBP20,394) of which no fee was
outstanding as at 30 June 2020 (30 June 2019: GBPnil).
Shore Capital and Corporate Limited and Shore Capital
Stockbrokers Limited from 18 April 2019
On 18 April 2019, Shore Capital and Corporate Limited and Shore
Capital Stockbrokers Limited (together "Shore Capital") were
appointed as the Company's financial adviser and broker. Fees
expensed in the year ended 30 June 2020 totalled GBP35,000 (30 June
2019: GBP31,250) of which none was outstanding as at 30 June 2020
(30 June 2019: GBP6,250).
Administrator Agreement
Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services
(Guernsey) Limited up to 28 June 2019
Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services
(Guernsey) Limited was Administrator and Secretary to the Company
pursuant to the Administration Agreement dated 13 April 2005. Fees
incurred in the year ended 30 June 2020 totalled GBPnil (30 June
2019: GBP153,965).
With effect from 28 June 2019, Northern Trust International Fund
Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited resigned and Praxis Fund
Services Limited ("Praxis") was appointed as Administrator and
Company Secretary.
Praxis Fund Services Limited from 28 June 2019
With effect from 28 June 2019, Praxis is entitled to an annual
fee payable by the Company as follows:
-Where the Net Asset Value ("NAV") is up to GBP20 million a
fixed fee of GBP70,000 per annum will apply;
-Where the NAV is over GBP20 million but up to GBP100 million a
further fee equating to 0.025% of NAV per annum will be charged on
the excess; and
-Where the NAV is over GBP100 million, a further fee equating to
0.06% per annum of the NAV in excess of GBP100 million will be
charged.
During the year, the Praxis was due an administration fee of
GBP70,000 (30 June 2019: GBP5,000), Praxis was also paid a one-off
fee in relation to the Capital Raise of GBP20,000. Fees of
GBP17,404 were outstanding as at 30 June 2020 (30 June 2019:
GBPnil).
Fees totalling GBP51,000 were paid to the administrators of the
subsidiaries (30 June 2019: GBP82,000).
Custody Agreement
With effect from 5 July 2019, Butterfield Bank (Guernsey)
Limited was appointed as Custody Agent to the Company. Butterfield
Bank (Guernsey) Limited is entitled to an annual fee payable by the
Company as follows:
At the rate of 0.15% per annum of the gross value of the
investments held, subject to a minimum fee of GBP400 per annum.
During the year, Butterfield Bank (Guernsey) Limited was due a
custody agency fee of GBP536 (30 June 2019: GBPnil). Fees of GBP536
were outstanding as at 30 June 2020 (30 June 2019: GBPnil). During
the year, Butterfield Bank (Guernsey) Limited was due transaction
fees of GBP10,266 incurred as a result of investment trading (30
June 2019: GBPnil). No transaction fees were outstanding as at 30
June 2020 (30 June 2019: GBPnil).
4. Gross rental income
Gross rental income for the year ended 30 June 2020 amounted to
GBP0.73 million (30 June 2019: GBP0.73 million). The Group leases
out its investment property under an operating lease which is
structured in accordance with local practices in Italy. The lease
benefits from indexation.
The lease was signed in December 2018 summarised as follows:
- Term
15 years fixed, from 1 January 2019 until 31 December 2033 with
an automatic nine-year extension unless cancelled by the tenant
with a minimum 12-month notice period.
- Base Rent
Year 1 - EUR800,000
Year 2 (i.e. from January 2020) - EUR830,000, and thereafter to
be indexed to 100% of the ISTAT Consumer Index on an upwards-only
basis.
As part of the overall negotiation package an amount of
EUR330,329 lease incentive was paid in December 2018 to the tenant.
The new lease has been treated as backdated with an effective
commencement date of 1 July 2018. A further amount of EUR330,329
was granted to the tenant as a discount on rent which adjusted the
rental income received from 1 July 2018 to 31 December 2018 to be
in line with that receivable under the new lease agreement. Please
refer to note 7 for further details.
- Variable Rent
There was an incremental rent of between EUR1.50 and EUR2.50 per
ticket sold above a minimum threshold of 350,000 tickets per year.
There was EUR5,255 of variable rent earned in the year ended 30
June 2020 (30 June 2019: nil).
During June 2020, as a result of COVID-19, negotiations with the
tenant at the Curno property were held with the aim of achieving
overall terms which would improve asset liquidity and maximise
potential pricing. As a result, a lease amendment was signed on 11
September 2020 with alterations summarised as follows:
- Term
17.5 years fixed, from 1 January 2019 until 30 June 2035 with an
automatic nine-year extension unless cancelled by the tenant with a
minimum 12-month notice period.
- Base Rent
From 1 March 2021 - EUR915,000, and from 1 January 2022 to be
indexed to 100% of the ISTAT Consumer Index on an upwards-only
basis. As part of the overall amendment package an amount of
EUR622,500 was granted to the tenant as a full discount on rent
payable from 1 March 2020 to 30 November 2020. Of the EUR622,500
discount on rent, EUR276,667 relates to the year ended 30 June
2020. Please refer to the table below and note 7 for further
details.
- Variable Rent
Remains as per prior agreement. There will be an incremental
rent of between EUR1.50 and EUR2.50 per ticket sold above a minimum
threshold of 350,000 tickets per calendar year.
This was agreed in full prior to the year end, however,
formalisation of the lease documentation was delayed until
September 20. As such the lease amendment has been accounted for
within these financial statements and the asset valuation.
Minimum Lease Payments (based on actual cash flows)
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
EUR000s EUR 000s
--------------- ------------- -------------
1 year 513 815
1-5 years 3,667 3,320
After 5 years 9,233 7,885
----------------- ------------- -------------
Lease incentive
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
GBP000s GBP000s
Lease incentive at beginning of year 301 -
Lease incentive movement for the year 248 301
Foreign exchange translation 12 -
Lease incentive at end of year 561 301
--------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
The amounts recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income
of the Group in relation to the investment property are as
follows:
Rental income
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
GBP000s GBP000s
-------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Rental income received (net of lease incentives) 477 431
Straight-lining of lease incentives 248 296
-------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Rental income 725 727
-------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Expense from services to tenants, other property operating and
administrative expenses
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
GBP000s GBP000s
------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Property expenses arising from investment
property which generates rental income 147 151
------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total property operating expenses 147 151
------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
As the investment property was rented for the entire period,
there were no p roperty expenses arising from investment property
that did not generate rental income.
5. General and administrative expenses
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
GBP000s GBP000s
------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Administration fees (note 3) 121 241
General expenses 70 63
Audit fees 42 45
Legal and professional fees 35 239
Directors' fees and expenses (note
16) 52 66
Insurance fees 72 120
Liquidation costs - (106)
Corporate Broker fees (note 3) 35 27
Investment management fees - 119
Investment advisor fees (note 16) 158 13
Total 585 827
------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
6. Basic and diluted loss per Share
The basic and diluted gain or loss per share for the Group is
based on the net loss for the year of GBP0.419 million (30 June
2019: net profit of GBP0.105 million) and the weighted average
number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the year of 24,447,454
(30 June 2019: 22,294,390). There are no instruments in issue which
could potentially dilute earnings or deficit per Ordinary
Share.
7. Investment property
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
GBP000s GBP000s
Value of investment property before lease
incentive adjustment
at beginning of the year 8,777 7,871
Fair value adjustment (175) 799
Foreign exchange translation 94 107
Independent external valuation 8,696 8,777
Adjusted for: Lease incentive (note 4)* (561) (301)
Fair value of investment property at the
end of the year 8,135 8,476
--------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Investment property is carried at fair value. The fair value
adjustment has been adjusted with carrying amount of the lease
incentive.
The property has been valued on the basis of fair value, being
the price which would be received if the asset were sold in an
orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement
date. Quarterly valuations are carried out at 31 March, 30 June, 30
September and 31 December by Knight Frank LLP, external independent
valuers.
* The Lease incentive is classified as a separate item within
the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and hence to avoid
double counting has been deducted from the independent property
valuation to arrive at fair value for accounting purposes.
The resultant fair value of investment property is analysed
below by valuation method, according to the levels of the fair
value hierarchy. The different levels have been defined as
follows:
Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1
which are observable for the asset or liability, either directly
(i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices);
Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability which are not based
on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
The investment property (Curno) is classified as Level 3.
The significant assumptions made relating to its independent
valuation are set out below:
Significant assumptions 2020 2019
Gross estimated rental value per sqm p.a. 114.00EUR 125.00EUR
Equivalent yield 8.90% 8.61%
---------- ----------
An increase/decrease in ERV (Estimated Rental Value) will
increase/decrease valuations, while an increase/decrease to yield
decreases/increases valuations. The table below sets out the
sensitivity of the independent property valuation to changes of 50
basis points in Fair Value.
The external valuer has carried out its valuation using the
comparative and investment methods. The external valuer has made
the assessment on the basis of a collation and analysis of
appropriate comparable investment and rental transactions. The
market analysis has been undertaken using market knowledge,
enquiries of other agents, searches of property databases, as
appropriate and any information provided to them. The external
valuer has adhered to the RICS Valuation - Professional
Standards.
The valuation report received from the independent valuer
included a 'Material Valuation Uncertainty' paragraph in relation
to the market risks linked to the COVID-19 pandemic: this paragraph
explains that valuer has attached less weight to previous market
evidence for comparison purposes to achieve an informed opinion on
value. The valuer therefore recommends that a higher degree of
caution should be attached to this valuation compared to valuations
carried out under normal circumstances.
2020 sensitivity
Movement
Increase of 50 basis Property valuation equivalent Decrease of EUR0.5
points yield million
------------------------------ --------------------
Decrease of 50 basis Property valuation equivalent Increase of EUR0.6
points yield million
------------------------------ --------------------
Increase of 50 basis Gross estimate rental Decrease of EUR0.05
points value million
------------------------------ --------------------
Decrease of 50 basis Gross estimate rental Increase of EUR0.05
points value million
------------------------------ --------------------
2019 sensitivity
Movement
Increase of 50 basis Property valuation equivalent Decrease of EUR0.6
points yield million
------------------------------ --------------------
Decrease of 50 basis Property valuation equivalent Increase of EUR0.6
points yield million
------------------------------ --------------------
Increase of 50 basis Gross estimate rental Decrease of EUR0.04
points value million
------------------------------ --------------------
Decrease of 50 basis Gross estimate rental Increase of EUR0.04
points value million
------------------------------ --------------------
Property assets are inherently difficult to value due to the
individual nature of each property. As a result, valuations are
subject to uncertainty. There is no assurance that estimates
resulting from the valuation process will reflect the actual sales
price even where a sale occurs shortly after the valuation date.
Rental income and the market value for properties are generally
affected by overall conditions in the local economy, such as growth
in Gross Domestic Product ("GDP"), employment trends, inflation and
changes in interest rates. Changes in GDP may also impact
employment levels, which in turn may impact the demand for
premises. Furthermore, movements in interest rates may affect the
cost of financing for real estate companies.
Both rental income and property values may be affected by other
factors specific to the real estate market, such as competition
from other property owners, the perceptions of prospective tenants
of the attractiveness, convenience and safety of properties, the
inability to collect rents because of the bankruptcy or the
insolvency of tenants, the periodic need to renovate, repair and
release space and the costs thereof, the costs of maintenance and
insurance, and increased operating costs. The Investment Advisor
addresses market risk through a selective investment process,
credit evaluations of tenants, ongoing monitoring of tenants and
through effective management of the property.
8. Investments at fair value through profit or loss
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
GBP000s GBP000s
Fair value of investments at FVTPL at beginning of year - -
Purchases 1,633 -
Sales (30) -
Realised gains 12 -
Unrealised gains 69 -
-------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total investments at FVTPL 1,684 -
-------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
GBP000s GBP000s
Realised gains 12 -
Unrealised gains 69 -
------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Total gains on investments at FVTPL 81 -
------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Dividend income 4
------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Total gains on financial assets at FVTPL 85 -
------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
The fair value of investments at FVTPL are analysed below by
valuation method, according to the levels of the fair value
hierarchy. The different levels have been defined as follows:
Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1
which are observable for the asset or liability, either directly
(i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices);
Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability which are not based
on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
The following table analyses within the fair value hierarchy the
Company's financial assets at fair value through profit or
loss:
30 June 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
GBP000s GBP000s GBP000s GBP000s
Fair value through profit or loss
- Investments 1,007 677 - 1,684
=========== ======== ======== ========
Within the Company's financial assets classified as Level 2,
securities totalling GBP512,000 are traded on the London Stock
Exchange or AiM Market, with the remaining securities of GBP165,000
being traded on the Aquis Exchange.
30 June 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
GBP000s GBP000s GBP000s GBP000s
Fair value through profit or loss
- Investments - - - -
=========== ======== ======== ========
The valuation and classification of the investments are reviewed
on a regular basis. The Board determines whether or not transfers
have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing
categorisation (based on the lowest level input that is significant
to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each
reporting period.
9. Trade and other receivables
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
GBP000s GBP000s
--------------------------- ------------- -------------
Other receivables 9 21
Rent receivable 5 -
VAT receivable 69 65
Prepayments 17 69
PTL3 liquidation proceeds - 7
Total 100 162
----------------------------- ------------- -------------
The carrying values of trade and other receivables are
considered to be approximately equal to their fair value.
Rent receivable is non-interest bearing and typically due within
30 days.
10. Trade and other payables
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
GBP000s GBP000s
------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Investment Advisor fee (note
3 and 16) 25 13
Administration fees (note
3) 30 10
Legal and professional fees - 10
Audit fees 39 40
Director fees payable (note
16) 5 5
Broker fees (note 3) - 6
Other 106 88
------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total 205 172
------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Trade and other payables are non-interest bearing and are
normally settled on 30-day terms. The carrying values of trade and
other payables are considered to be approximately equal to their
fair value.
11. Taxation
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
GBP000s GBP000s
---------------------------- ------------- -------------
Effect of:
Current tax
Luxembourg (14) (12)
Italy (58) (22)
Germany (7) (16)
------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Total current
tax (79) (50)
Tax charge during the year (79) (50)
------------------------------ ------------- -------------
There were no temporary differences as at 30 June 2020 and 2019.
The Parent Company is exempt from Guernsey taxation.
12. Share capital
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
Number of shares Number of shares
----------------------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Shares of no par values issued and fully paid
Balance at the start of the year 20,758,441 23,402,881
Share issue 12,982,488 -
Share redemptions - (2,644,440)
----------------- -----------------
Balance at the end of the year 33,740,929 20,758,441
----------------- -----------------
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
GBP000s GBP000s
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Balance at the start of the year 9,577 10,631
(Loss)/profit for the year and other comprehensive income (297) 146
Share issue 3,895 -
Share issue costs (285) -
Share redemptions - (1,200)
------------- -------------
Balance at the end of the year 12,890 9,577
------------- -------------
During the year ended 30 June 2020, the Company issued
12,982,488 shares (30 June 2020: nil), at a price of GBP0.30 per
share (30 June 2020: nil) raising gross proceeds of GBP3.9 million,
costs associated with the fund raise totalled GBP0.285million .
During the year ended 30 June 2019, the Company cancelled
2,644,440 shares, at an average price of GBP0.45 per share.
13. Net asset value per ordinary share
The Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share at 30 June 2020 is based
on the net assets attributable to the ordinary shareholders of
GBP12.89 million (30 June 2019: GBP9.58 million) and on 33,740,929
(30 June 2019: 20,758,441) ordinary shares in issue at the
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date.
14. Financial risk management
The Group is exposed to various types of risk which are
associated with financial instruments. The Group's financial
instruments comprise investments, bank deposits, cash, receivables
and payables which arise directly from its operations. The carrying
value of financial assets and liabilities approximate the fair
value.
The main risks arising from the Group's financial instruments
are price risk, market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, interest
risk and foreign currency risk. The Board reviews and agrees
policies for managing its risk exposure. These policies are
summarised below.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or counterparty will be
unable or unwilling to meet a commitment that it has entered into
with the Group. Failure of any relevant counterparty to perform its
obligations in respect of these items may lead to a financial
loss.
The Company is exposed to credit risk in respect of cash and
cash equivalents, investments held at fair value through profit or
loss and trade and other receivables. The credit risk associated
with debtors is limited to trade and other receivables. It is the
opinion of the Board of directors that the carrying amounts of
these financial assets represent the maximum credit risk exposure
as at the reporting date.
The Company will not invest in the securities of any company
that is not quoted or does not have a listing. All transactions in
listed securities are settled/paid upon delivery using approved
brokers. The risk of default is considered minimal, as delivery of
securities sold is only made once the broker has received payment.
Payment is made on a purchase once the securities have been
received by the broker. The trade will fail if either party fails
to meet their obligation.
The credit risk on cash and cash equivalent is considered
limited because the counterparties are banks with high
credit-ratings assigned by international credit-ratings
agencies.
As at 30 June 2020 the Group banked with Butterfield Bank
(Guernsey) Limited which has a Standard & Poor's rating of
BBB+, CA Indosuez Wealth (Europe) a subsidiary of Credit Agricole
which has a Standard & Poor's rating of A+ and Banco di Desio e
della Brianza S.p.A with a Fitch rating of BB+.
As at 30 June 2019 the Group banked with Northern Trust
(Guernsey) Limited which had a Fitch rating of AA, CA Indosuez
Wealth (Europe) a subsidiary of Credit Agricole which had a
Standard & Poor's rating of A+ and Banco di Desio e della
Brianza S.p.A with a Fitch rating of BBB+.
Cash and cash equivalents, investments held at fair value
through profit or loss and trade and other receivables presented in
the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position are subject to
credit risk with maturities within one year. The Company's maximum
credit exposure is limited to the carrying amount of financial
assets recognised as at the Consolidated Statement of Financial
Position date.
At the reporting date, the carrying amount of the financial
assets exposed to risk were as follows:
Within
one year 1-3 years Total
As at 30 June
2020 GBP000s GBP000s GBP000s
Cash and cash equivalents 2,632 - 2,632
Investments held at fair value
through profit or loss 1,684 - 1,684
Trade and other receivables 791 - 791
Total 5,107 - 5,107
--------------------------------- --------- ---------- --------
Within
one year 1-3 years Total
As at 30 June
2019 GBP000s GBP000s GBP000s
Cash and cash
equivalents 793 - 793
Trade and other
receivables 559 - 559
Total 1,352 - 1,352
------------------ --------- ---------- --------
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter in
realising assets or otherwise raising funds to meet financial
commitments in a reasonable time frame or at a reasonable
price.
The Group has the majority of its assets invested in investment
property which is relatively illiquid. The Group prepares forecasts
in advance which enables the Group's operating cash flow
requirements to be anticipated and ensures that sufficient
liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to allow any
surplus cash assets to be invested safely and profitably. The Group
also monitors the cash position in all subsidiaries to ensure that
any working capital needs are addressed as early as possible.
As at 30 June 2020 and 2019, the Company had no significant
financial liabilities other than short-term payables.
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future
cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of
changes in market interest rates. The Company's interest-bearing
financial assets and liabilities expose it to risks associated with
the effects of fluctuations in the prevailing levels of market
interest rates on its financial position and cash flows.
As at the year end, the Company's overall interest rate risk is
monitored on a quarterly basis by the Board. As the Company's
investments held at fair value through profit or loss are not
interest-bearing and are not directly subject to interest rate
risk, the exposure to interest rate risk is not significant.
Concentration risk
Until 28 June 2019, the Company was being managed with a view to
realising its existing investments and in previous years had sold
the vast majority of its underlying assets. As at 30 June 2020, the
Company held one Investment Property representing 67.46% of NAV (30
June 2019: 88.50%).
The concentration risk of the Company will decrease
fundamentally when the Curno cinema is disposed of.
The Group pursues a policy of diversifying its risk. Save for
the Curno Asset until such time as it is realised, the Group
intends to adhere to the investment restrictions.
Foreign currency risk
The European subsidiaries are invested in assets denominated in
currencies other than Pound sterling (that is Euros), the Company's
functional and presentational currency, and the Consolidated
Statement of Financial Position may be significantly affected by
movements in the exchange rates of such currencies against
Sterling.
The following table sets out the total exposure to foreign
currency risk and the net exposure to foreign currency of monetary
assets and liabilities based on notional amounts.
Monetary Monetary Net
assets liabilities exposure
GBP000s GBP000s GBP000s
----------------- --------- ------------ ---------
At 30 June 2020 9,176 (270) 8,906
At 30 June 2019 8,718 (190) 8,528
Foreign currency risk sensitivity
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to potential
fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate (ceteris paribus) of the
Group's equity.
Effect on
Increase/decrease equity
in Euro and income
exchange rate GBP000s
----------------- ------------------ -----------
At 30 June 2020 +10% 891
-10% (891)
----------------- ------------------ -----------
At 30 June 2019 +5% 426
-5% (426)
----------------- ------------------ -----------
The sensitivity rate of 10% as at 30 June 2020 is regarded as
reasonable in light of the recent volatility of Pound sterling vs
the Euro. Any changes in the foreign exchange rate will directly
affect the profit and loss, allocated to the capital column of the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Market risk
Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows
of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in
market prices. The Company's activities expose it primarily to the
market risks of changes in market prices.
Market price risk
Market price risk arises mainly from the uncertainty about
future prices of the financial instruments held by the Company. It
represents the potential loss the Company may suffer through
holding market positions in the face of price movements.
The Company's investment portfolio is exposed to market price
fluctuations which are monitored by the Investment Advisor in
pursuance of the investment objectives and policies.
Market price sensitivity analysis
The sensitivity analysis below has been determined based on the
exposure to equities risks at the reporting date. The 20%
reasonably possible price movement for equity-related securities
(30 June 2019: n/a) is based on the Investment Advisor best
estimates. The sensitivity rate for equity-related investments of
20% is regarded as reasonable, as in the Investment Advisor view
there is expected to be volatility in equity markets in the coming
year.
A 20% increase in the market prices of equity-related
investments as at 30 June 2020 would have increased the net assets
attributable to shareholders by GBP336,742 (30 June 2019: n/a) and
a 20% change in the opposite direction would have decreased the net
assets attributable to shareholders by an equal opposite
amount.
Actual trading results may differ from the above sensitivity
analysis and these differences could be material.
Fair value
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are
carried at fair value. Other assets and liabilities are carried at
cost which approximates fair value.
IFRS 7 requires the Company to classify a fair value hierarchy
which reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the
measurements. IFRS 7 establishes a fair value hierarchy which
prioritises the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair
value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted
quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
(Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable
inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value
hierarchy under IFRS 7 are as follows -
Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1
which are observable for the asset or liability, either directly
(i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices);
Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability which are not based
on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
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 be which market data that is readily available,
regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable, not
proprietary, and provided by independent sources which are actively
involved in the relevant market.
Assets classified in Level 1 consist of listed or quoted
equities or equity-related securities, options and bonds which are
issued by corporate issuers, supra-nationals or government
organisations.
Assets classified in Level 2 are investments such as funds
fair-valued using the official NAV of each fund as reported by each
fund's independent administrator at the reporting date. Where these
funds are invested in equity-type products, they are classified as
equity in the table above. Options and foreign exchange forward
contracts are fair valued using publicly available data. Foreign
exchange forward contracts would be shown as derivative financial
assets and liabilities in the above table.
Assets classified in Level 3 consist of investments for which no
market exists for trading, for example investments in liquidating
or illiquid funds, which would be reported using the latest
available official NAV less dividends declared to date of each fund
as reported by each fund's independent administrator at the last
reporting date. Where a market exists for trading in illiquid
funds, these are classified in Level 2.
The Company recognises any transfers between levels of fair
value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting year during which
the transfer has occurred. During the years ended 30 June 2020 and
30 June 2019, there were no transfers between levels of fair value
hierarchy.
15. Reserves
(a) Distributable reserves
Distributable reserves arose from the cancellation of the share
premium account pursuant to the special resolution passed at the
EGM on 13 April 2005 and approved by the Royal Court of Guernsey on
24 June 2005.
(b) Foreign currency reserves
Foreign currency reserves arise as a result of the translation
of the Financial Statements of foreign operations, the functional
and presentation currency of which is not Pound sterling.
(c) Revenue reserves
Revenue reserves arise as a result of the profit or loss created
by the Group.
16. Related party transactions
The Directors are responsible for the determination of the
Company's investment objective and policy and have overall
responsibility for the Group's activities including the review of
investment activity and performance.
Mr Nixon , a Director of the Company, is also Founding Partner
and a Designated Member of Worsley Associates LLP ("Worsley"). The
total charge to the Consolidated Income Statement during the year
in respect of Investment Advisor fees to Worsley was GBP158,598 (30
June 2019: GBP12,500) of which GBP24,555 (30 June 2019: GBP12,500)
remained payable at the year end. As at 30 June 2020, Mr Nixon held
29.88% of the shares in the Company (30 June 2019: 29.81%).
During the year, Mr Nixon received GBPnil as a Director fee (30
June 2019: GBP4,500). Upon appointment of Worsley as Investment
Advisor (31 May 2019), Mr Nixon waived his future Director fee for
so long as he is a member of the Investment Advisor.
The fees and expenses payable to the Investment Advisor are
explained in note 3.
All the above transactions were undertaken at arm's-length.
The aggregate remuneration and benefits in kind of the Directors
and directors of its subsidiaries in respect of the Company's year
ended 30 June 2020 amounted to GBP47,589 (30 June 2019: GBP65,922)
in respect of the Group of which GBP35,000 (30 June 2019:
GBP49,610) was in respect of the Company. Please refer to the
Directors' Remuneration Report for further details on the
Directors' fees.
17. Commitments and contingent liability
As at 30 June 2020 the Company has no commitments.
Disposal of the Curno property may, depending on the terms,
incur Italian taxes which would be material in the context of
Shareholders' Funds. As at the 30 June 2020 and up to the date of
approval, no disposal was in discussion. As a result, no provision
has been included in these financial statements.
18. NAV Reconciliation
The following is a reconciliation of the NAV per share
attributable to ordinary shareholders as presented in these
Financial Statements to the unaudited NAV per share reported to the
LSE:
NAV per
Ordinary
NAV Share
30 June 2020 GBP000s GBP
Net Asset Value reported to London Stock Exchange (unaudited) 12,859 38.11p
Other adjustments* 31 0.09p
Net Assets Attributable to Shareholders per Financial Statements (audited) 12,890 38.20p
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
*Other adjustments are a result of a reduction in trade and
other payables.
19. Subsequent events
During June 2020, as a result of COVID-19 negotiations with the
tenant at the Curno property were held with the aim of achieving
overall terms which would improve asset liquidity and maximise
potential pricing. As a result, a lease amendment was signed 11
September 2020 with alterations summarised as follows:
- Term
17.5 years fixed, from 1 January 2019 until 30 June 2035 with an
automatic nine-year extension unless cancelled by the tenant with a
minimum 12-month notice period.
- Base Rent
From 1 March 2021 - EUR915,000, and from 1 January 2022 to be
indexed to 100% of the ISTAT Consumer Index on an upwards-only
basis. As part of the overall amendment package an amount of
EUR622,500 was granted to the tenant as a full discount on rent
payable from 1 March 2020 to 30 November 2020. Of the EUR622,500
discount on rent, EUR276,667 relates to the year ended 30 June
2020.
- Variable Rent
Remains as per prior agreement. There will be an incremental
rent of between EUR1.50 and EUR2.50 per ticket sold above a minimum
threshold of 350,000 tickets per calendar year. There was EUR5,255
of variable rent earned in the year ended 30 June 2020.
On 30 September 2020, the Board resolved to change the financial
year end of the Company, from 30 June to 31 March.
Accordingly, the Company's next three financial reporting
periods will be as follows:
- publication of unaudited interim accounts for the six months
ended 31 December 2020 by 31 March 2021;
- publication of audited accounts for the nine months ended 31 March 2021 by 31 July 2021; and
- publication of unaudited interim accounts for the six months
ended 30 September 2021 by 31 December 2021.
There were no other post year end events that require disclosure
in these Financial Statements.
Portfolio statement (unaudited)
as at 30 June 2020
Fair value % of total
Currency GBP'000 net assets
----------------------------------- ---------- ----------- ------------
UCI Curno EUR 8,696 67.46%
Less: lease incentive EUR (561) (4.35%)
----------- ------------
Total 8,135 63.11%
Connect Group Plc GBP 593 4.60%
Northamber Plc GBP 304 2.36%
Total equities greater than 2% of
Net Assets 897 6.96%
Other equities 787 6.11%
Total equities 1,684 13.07%
Total investments 9,819 76.18%
----------- ------------
Investment Policy
Investment Objective and Policy Change
At an EGM held on 28 June 2019, an ordinary resolution was
passed to adopt a new Investment Objective and Policy.
Investment Objective
The Company's investment objective is to provide shareholders
with an attractive level of absolute long-term return, principally
through the capital appreciation and exit of undervalued
securities. The existing real estate asset of the Company will be
realised in an orderly manner, that is with a view to optimising
the disposal value of such asset.
Investment Policy
The Company aims to meet its objectives through investment
primarily, although not exclusively, in a diversified portfolio of
securities and related instruments of companies listed or admitted
to trading on a stock market in the British Isles (defined as (i)
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; (ii) the
Republic of Ireland; (iii) the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey;
and (iv) the Isle of Man). The majority of such companies will also
be domiciled in the British Isles. Most of these companies will
have smaller to mid-sized equity market capitalisations (the
definition of which may vary from market to market, but will in
general not exceed GBP600 million). It is intended to secure
influential positions in such British quoted securities with the
deployment of activism as required to achieve the desired
results.
The Company, Property Trust Luxembourg 2 SARL and Multiplex 1
SRL ("the Group") may make investments in listed and unlisted
equity and equity-related securities such as convertible bonds,
options and warrants. The Group may also use derivatives, which may
be exchange traded or over-the-counter.
The Group may also invest in cash or other instruments including
but not limited to: short, medium or long term bank deposits in
Pound sterling and other currencies, certificates of deposit and
the full range of money market instruments; fixed and floating rate
debt securities issued by any corporate entity, national
government, government agency, central bank, supranational entity
or mutual society; futures and forward contracts in relation to any
other security or instrument in which the Group may invest; put and
call options (however, the Group will not write uncovered call
options); covered short sales of securities and other contracts
which have the effect of giving the Group exposure to a covered
short position in a security; and securities on a when-issued basis
or a forward commitment basis.
The Group pursues a policy of diversifying its risk. Save for
the Curno Asset until such time as it is realised, the Group
intends to adhere to the following investment restrictions:
-- not more than 30 per cent. of the Gross Asset Value at the
time of investment will be invested in the securities of a single
issuer (such restriction does not, however, apply to investment of
cash held for working capital purposes and, pending investment or
distribution, in near cash equivalent instruments including
securities issued or guaranteed by a government, government agency
or instrumentality of any EU or OECD Member State or by any
supranational authority of which one or more EU or OECD Member
States are members);
-- the value of the four largest investments at the time of
investment will not constitute more than 75 per cent of Gross Asset
Value;
-- the value of the Group's exposure to securities not listed or
admitted to trading on any stock market will not exceed in
aggregate 35 per cent. of the Net Asset Value;
-- the Group may make further direct investments in real estate
but only to the extent such investments will preserve and/or
enhance the disposal value of its existing real estate asset. Such
investments are not expected to be material in relation to the
portfolio as a whole but in any event will be less than 25 per
cent. of the Gross Asset Value at the time of investment. This
shall not preclude Property Trust Luxembourg 2 SARL and Multiplex 1
SRL (the "Subsidiaries") from making such investments for
operational purposes;
-- the Company will not invest directly in physical commodities,
but this shall not preclude its Subsidiaries from making such
investments for operational purposes;
-- investment in the securities, units and/or interests of other
collective investment vehicles will be permitted up to 40 per cent.
of the Gross Asset Value, including collective investment schemes
managed or advised by the Investment Advisor or any company within
the Group; and
-- the Company must not invest more than 10 per cent. of its
Gross Asset Value in other listed investment companies or listed
investment trusts, save where such investment companies or
investment trusts have stated investment policies to invest no more
than 15 per cent. of their gross assets in other listed investment
companies or listed investment trusts.
The percentage limits above apply to an investment at the time
it is made. Where, owing to appreciation or depreciation, changes
in exchange rates or by reason of the receipt of rights, bonuses,
benefits in the nature of capital or by reason of any other action
affecting every holder of that investment, any limit is breached by
more than 10 per cent., the Investment Advisor will, unless
otherwise directed by the Board, ensure that corrective action is
taken as soon as practicable.
Borrowing and Leverage
The Group may engage in borrowing (including stock borrowing),
use of financial derivative instruments or other forms of leverage
provided that the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings
shall at no point exceed 50 per cent. of Net Asset Value. Where the
Group borrows, it may, in order to secure such borrowing, provide
collateral or security over its assets, or pledge or charge such
assets.
Corporate Information
Directors (All non-executive) Registered Office
W. Scott (Chairman) Sarnia House
R. H. Burke Le Truchot
B. A. Nixon St Peter Port
Guernsey, GY1 1GR
Investment Advisor Administrator and Secretary
Worsley Associates LLP Praxis Fund Services Limited
First Floor Sarnia House
Barry House Le Truchot
20 - 22 Worple Road St Peter Port
Wimbledon, SW19 4DH Guernsey, GY1 1GR
United Kingdom
Financial Adviser Corporate Broker
Shore Capital and Corporate Limited Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited
Cassini House Cassini House
57 St James's Street 57 St James's Street
London, SW1A 1LD London SW1A 1LD
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Independent Auditor Registrar
BDO Limited Computershare Investor Services (Guernsey)
Place du Pre Limited
Rue du Pre 1(st) Floor
St Peter Port Tudor House
Guernsey, GY1 3LL Le Bordage
St Peter Port
Guernsey, GY1 1DB
Registration Number
43007
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END
FR BDBDGGGGDGGX
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October 05, 2020 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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