TIDMCIN
RNS Number : 7170Z
City Of London Group PLC
19 December 2017
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS DEEMED TO
CONSTITUTE INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF THE
MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) NO. 596/2014. UPON THE PUBLICATION OF
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE
IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.
LEI Number: 2138003UW63TMQ5ZFD85
19 December 2017
City of London Group plc
("COLG" or "the Company" and, together with its subsidiaries and
associates, "the Group")
Results for the six month period ended 30 September 2017 &
Strategy Update
The Company announces its unaudited interim results for the six
month period ended 30 September 2017, along with an update on its
strategy.
Financial results
-- Loss before tax GBP0.2m (2016/17 first half loss before tax GBP0.7m *).
-- CAML operating profit before shareholder charges GBP185k
(2016/17 first half operating profit before shareholder charges
GBP23k).
* Loss in 2016/17 included GBP0.2m cost of strategic review and
GBP0.1m executive termination costs.
Business developments
During period
-- CAML increased its 'own book' portfolio from GBP13.8m to
GBP14.1m, with new business of GBP1.4m achieved in September.
-- Efforts to contain operational overhead costs maintained across the Group.
Since period end
-- Share capital re-organisation completed on 3 October 2017.
-- Acquisition of Milton Homes for GBP19.7m completed on 5 October 2017.
-- Net amount of GBP3m raised through the issue of additional
shares, after allowing for costs relating to the capital
reorganisation, issue of additional shares and the acquisition of
Milton Homes.
-- CAML has completed a re-financing exercise and arranged an
additional GBP4m block funding facility with Hampshire Trust Bank
on competitive terms.
Strategy update
-- COLG has in place a strong three-pronged strategy, in line
with information given to shareholders in the Admission Document
published in September:
o Milton Homes is advancing its market appraisal and discussions
so that it can re-enter the expanding equity release market earlier
than was planned in October. A key assessment is under way of
current market demand and distribution methods for different types
of its home reversion plans.
o Banking licence. COLG is recruiting a team under the
leadership of Jason Oakley, former Managing Director of Commercial
Banking and Mortgages at Metro Bank and Head of SME at Nat West and
RBS, to start the process of obtaining a banking licence and
creating a business with the purpose of offering a real choice in
commercial, SME, bridging, and development finance. Joining Jason
will be Bryce Glover, former MD of Commercial Banking at Alliance
& Leicester/ Santander and an NED of Newcastle Building
Society. The objective is for a full banking licence to be obtained
within two years. Jason will subscribe for GBP400,000 and Bryce for
GBP50,000 worth of shares in COLG.
o Lending. CAML continues to grow its loan book and has started
the process of establishing a new line of business called Property
& Funding Solutions Limited ("PFS") to provide bridging and
development finance for commercial clients, as well as secured
lending for customers of the existing CAML business.
Michael Goldstein, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"During the first six months of the financial year, the business
of our leasing and loans platform, CAML, continued to progress with
its 'own book' portfolio increasing from GBP13.8m to GBP14.1m in
September. With the increased financial strength of the Group
following the completion on 5 October of the acquisition of Milton
Homes and the receipt of GBP3m net from the issue of additional
shares, the Company is now well placed to develop and realise the
potential of both its operating platforms.
In addition, we have made good progress in delivering on the
strategy set out in our recent Admission Document, ensuring that
over the coming years COLG will have a strong, distinctive and
value accretive business operating in three attractive market
segments. I am delighted that our banking licence application will
shortly be under way. We are also in the process of establishing
our new business line in property bridging funding under the
existing CAML business and our re-launch of the Milton Holmes
equity release business may be achieved more quickly than
originally envisaged. Overall, the future is looking bright with a
strong leadership team in place to deliver on all our strategic
objectives."
For further information:
+44 (0)20 7490
City of London Group plc 8100
------------------------------------ ---------------
Michael Goldstein (Chief Executive
Officer)
------------------------------------ ---------------
Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser
and Broker)
James Britton +44 (0)20 7418
Guy Wiehahn 8900
PRO (Financial PR adviser)
Marc Cohen +44 (0)20 7284
Jonny Garfield 6969
Notes to Editors:
City of London Group plc is quoted on AIM (TIDM: CIN) and is the
parent company of a group which has two operating platforms, the
first focused on providing finance to the SME sector, including
professional services firms, through both lease finance and loan
finance, and the second on providing both traditional and
innovative home reversion plans in the UK residential property
market.
www.cityoflondongroup.com
Chief Executive Officer's review
Having become your Company's Chief Executive Officer on 5
October, I am pleased to present this review which covers the
period from 1 April 2017.
Business review
Following the approval given by shareholders on 2 October, the
transactions set out in the circular sent to shareholders on 15
September were completed by 5 October with the acquisition of
Milton Homes Limited ("Milton Homes") on that date.
The transaction has substantially increased the Company's
financial strength with a net amount of GBP3m being raised from the
issue of additional shares and shareholders' equity on a
consolidated basis increasing from GBP0.8m to GBP23.7m. With the
addition of Milton Homes, an equity release provider that owns and
manages residential properties acquired through home reversion
plans, the Group acquired a second business platform. This, in
conjunction with the increase in the Group's financial strength,
provides the Group with a sound base for the future development of
both Milton Homes and its other business platform, Credit Asset
Management Limited ("CAML").
We have already begun to move the business forward. In November
CAML completed a re-financing exercise and arranged an additional
GBP4m block funding facility with Hampshire Trust Bank on
competitive terms. CAML has also set up a new subsidiary, Property
& Funding Solutions Limited, to provide bridging and
development finance for commercial clients as well as secured
lending for clients. Further information is given below.
COLG has continued to maintain strict control on its underlying
cost base during the period.
Credit Asset Management Limited ("CAML") and Professions Funding
Limited ("PFL")
CAML, under the leadership of Martin Parsons, made continued
progress during the six-month period in re-establishing its
position within the market following the removal of the capital
constraints that limited its activities in the first half of last
year. CAML's 'own book' portfolio grew from GBP13.8m to GBP14.1m in
the period. The size of the managed joint venture fund between COLG
and British Business Bank Investments Ltd reduced from GBP3.2m to
GBP1.9m over the same period as it continued its amortisation
phase. The monthly volume of new business varied over the period
with a high of GBP1.4m achieved in September. The level of new
business has remained strong during October and November. Yields
held up during the period particularly for loans, with continuing
pressure on lease yields. The results for the business are set out
in the following table.
6 months 6 months Year
GBP'000 to to to
30/09/17 30/09/16 31/03/17
------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Revenue 1,027 1,265 2,403
Operating profit before
shareholder capital charges 185 23 171
Profit/ (loss) before tax 10 (153) (179)
------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
While CAML's revenue was lower than in the same period last
year, the operating profit was significantly higher at GBP185k
compared with GBP23k for the same period last year. The improvement
in the results between the two periods was due to several factors,
including the increase in the 'own book' portfolio and a reduction
in both the charge for impairment of receivables and the level of
overheads in the two periods. As the joint venture fund managed by
CAML has continued its amortisation phase, management fees have
reduced progressively, accounting for GBP41k of the reduction in
revenue between the two periods.
Since the period end, CAML has established a new business,
Property & Funding Solutions Limited, which will extend the
scope of its financing activities. The business, which will not
operate in the regulated sector, will provide bridging and
development finance for commercial clients as well as secured
lending for clients of the existing CAML business.
In November, CAML completed a refinancing exercise whereby it
has arranged an additional GBP4m block funding facility with
Hampshire Trust Bank on competitive terms. This facility, together
with CAML's existing block funding facilities, provide a secure
base from which CAML can continue the development and growth of its
business.
Strategy Update
Banking licence
Since the financial crash of 2008 the banking industry has faced
unprecedented pressure to change its image as customers lost faith
in the major high street institutions, and a handful of
entrepreneurial new entrants were able to capitalise on this
disruption and created Challenger Banks. The political climate
continues to be supportive of these new banks. There is a strong
desire to break the banking oligopoly and this is further
strengthened by advances in technology, making a "bricks &
mortar" network of branches less significant as a barrier to
entry.
COLG's objective is to provide a real choice in commercial, SME,
bridging, and development finance, where relationships and speed of
execution are critical. The application for a banking licence will
shortly be under way and a strong team is being recruited, led by
Jason Oakley. Jason built the lending business of Metro Bank as
Managing Director Commercial Banking & Mortgages from GBP65m to
over GBP2.5bn in less than 3 years with an income stream of
approximately GBP100m and market leading margins. Prior to this he
was Head of SME for NatWest and RBS with over 3,000 relationship
managers looking after over 1m clients and over GBP1bn of
revenue.
Joining Jason will be Bryce Glover. Bryce has operated at Board
and Executive Committee level during a 36 year career focused on
Corporate and Commercial Banking. He was MD of Commercial Banking
at Alliance & Leicester/ Santander before joining Nationwide in
2009 as Director heading its Commercial Division running a GBP22bn
lending portfolio. Bryce was Nationwide's Corporate Affairs
Director from 2014 to 2016 and is an NED of Newcastle Building
Society.
Jason will subscribe for GBP400,000 and Bryce for GBP50,000 of
new shares in COLG at the average traded price over the previous 30
days.
Property & Funding Solutions Limited
A new line of business has been created - Property & Funding
Solutions Limited ("PFS") - to provide bridging and development
finance for commercial clients, as well as secured lending for
clients of the existing CAML business. There is a market
opportunity to fill the gap left by a sharp reduction in lending
capacity in recent years.
The business's objectives are:
-- To originate bridging and short term property secured lending
solutions in the UK that are competitive on terms, features and
price.
-- Lend predominantly against prime residential, commercial and
development property in England and Wales.
-- To be the first choice specialist lender amongst the
prominent broking houses and attract repeat business from key
industry intermediaries.
This business should benefit from market conditions that are
favourable compared with those in recent years and which,
accordingly, should enable CAML to access high-quality loan
transactions.
Milton Homes
Milton Homes is advancing its appraisal and discussions to
re-enter the expanding equity release market earlier than
previously planned. A key assessment is under way of current market
demand and distribution methods for different types of its home
reversion plans.
COLG
COLG continued to maintain strict control over its operating
costs in the six months to 30 September 2017. As already reported,
the Company moved from its previous office premises in May, which
has reduced its underlying cost base going forward.
The Company received the balance of GBP770k owed in respect of
the deferred consideration payable for the sale of Therium, on the
due date in April 2017.
Shareholders' funds post the acquisition of Milton Homes
With the acquisition of Milton Homes and the net GBP3m raised
from the issue of shares in October, shareholders' funds on a
consolidated basis have increased materially from GBP0.8m to
GBP23.7m. We have included the condensed consolidated balance sheet
immediately following completion of the transactions for
information. The consolidated balance sheet has been prepared on
the basis summarised in Note 12. It takes account of the costs of
the transactions and incorporates the "fair value" adjustments
required under IFRS 3 "Business Combinations". The Investment
properties and Financial assets - equity release plans of Milton
Homes - are included at their 30 September 2017 values, taken from
the quarterly report provided by the external valuer appointed by
Milton Homes. The valuation techniques in the report are the same
as those used in previous reports.
Risks
The principal risks of the Group are reviewed by the Board,
which reviews and agrees policies for managing these risks. The key
risks described in the Strategic Report in the 2017 Annual Report
are still appropriate although, as noted above, the financial
strength of the Group has increased materially following the
increase in shareholders' equity in October 2017. The 2017 Annual
Report also included information on financial risk management in
Notes 31 and 32 of the financial statements.
Milton Homes, which owns and manages residential property
acquired through home reversion plans, is subject to risks that are
specific to its business sector, including property market risk,
longevity risk and interest rate risk. The board of directors of
Milton Homes has risk management processes in place, which include
a Risk Management Committee (currently run as part of the Executive
Committee) to monitor and manage risk throughout the business.
Outlook
Your Board believes that the Group's increased financial
strength following completion of the acquisition of Milton Homes in
October provides opportunities for its two operating platforms to
develop their businesses and realise the growth potential of their
business sectors. The Group is progressing its activities in line
with the strategy update given above and will continue to explore
specific development initiatives for each platform. While the award
of a full banking licence will take around two years, the Board
believes that over the medium term substantial value will be
created for shareholders through investing in this process.
Board changes
On completion of the acquisition of Milton Homes, the new
appointments to the Board became effective with Colin Wagman
(Non-Executive Chairman) and Chris Rumsey joining the Board, while
I became Chief Executive Officer. Paul Milner became an Executive
Director and ceased being Non-Executive Chairman. The other
directors, Andy Crossley and Lorraine Young continue as
Non-Executive Directors with Andy Crossley as Chairman of the Audit
and Risk Committee.
Michael Goldstein
Chief Executive Officer
This half-yearly report may contain certain statements about the
future outlook for COLG and its subsidiaries and associates.
Although the directors believe their expectations are based on
reasonable assumptions, any statements about the future outlook may
be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes to be
materially different. Such statements should be treated with
caution due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic
and business risk factors, underlying any such forward looking
statements.
This half-yearly report has been drawn up and presented with the
purpose of complying with English law. Any liability arising out of
or in connection with the half-yearly report for the six months to
30 September 2017 will be determined in accordance with English
law. The half-yearly results for 2017 and 2016 have neither been
audited nor reviewed pursuant to guidance issued by the Auditing
Practices Board.
19 December 2017
Unaudited interim results
Condensed consolidated income statement
6 months 6 months Year to
to 30/09/17 to 30/09/16 31/03/17
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 1,062 1,326 2,569
Cost of sales - (27) (42)
---------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------
Gross profit 1,062 1,299 2,527
Administrative expenses (855) (1,492) (2,579)
(Loss)/profit on sale of
investments - (1) (81)
Provision for impairment
of investments - - (41)
Share of profits and losses
of associates 56 73 78
Other income 63 55 138
---------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------
Profit/(loss) from operations 326 (66) 42
Finance expense (526) (669) (1,229)
---------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------
Loss before tax (200) (735) (1,187)
Corporation tax - - -
---------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------
Loss for the period (200) (735) (1,187)
---------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------
Loss for the period attributable
to:
Equity holders of the parent (200) (712) (1,152)
Non-controlling interests - (23) (35)
---------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------
(200) (735) (1,187)
Loss for the period (200) (735) (1,187)
---------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------
Earnings per share attributable
to equity holders of the
parent
---------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------
Basic and diluted earnings
per ordinary share of 10p (0.55)p (1.96)p (3.16)p
---------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------
All the operations in both the six months to 30 September 2017
and the year to 31 March 2017 are continuing.
Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income
6 months 6 months Year
to 30/09/17 to 30/09/16 to 31/03/17
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Loss from continuing operations (200) (735) (1,187)
Other comprehensive (expense)/income
from continuing operations
Items that will or may be
reclassified to profit or
loss
'Available-for-sale' financial
assets
- Valuation gains/(losses)
taken on equity investments - 12 (43)
- Provision for impairment
transferred to income statement - - 41
- Loss on sale transferred
to income statement - 1 78
Other comprehensive (expense)/income
from continuing operations - 13 76
-------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Total other comprehensive
(expense)/income - 13 76
-------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Total comprehensive (expense)/income
from continuing operations (200) (722) (1,111)
Total comprehensive (expense)/income
from discontinued operations - - -
-------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Total comprehensive (expense)/income (200) (722) (1,111)
-------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Total comprehensive (expense)/income
attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent (200) (699) (1,076)
Non-controlling interests - (23) (35)
-------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
(200) (722) (1,111)
-------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Condensed consolidated balance sheet
Provisional
post Milton
Homes
acquisition
Notes 30/09/17 31/03/17 30/09/16 on 5/10/17
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
(audited)
--------------------------- ------ --------- ---------- --------- -------------
Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
- deferred tax 1,626
Investment properties 39,253
Investment properties
- held for sale 6,137
Financial assets:
equity release
plans 27,625
equity release
plans held for
sale 2,892
Property, plant
and equipment 10 16 20 21
'Available-for-sale'
financial assets 8 8 164 8
Interests in associates 245 224 218 245
Legal case Investments 130 132 132 130
Loans 4,117 4,665 7,205 4,117
Finance leases 2,583 2,916 3,255 2,583
--------------------------- ------ --------- ---------- --------- -------------
Total non-current
assets 7,093 7,961 10,994 84,637
--------------------------- ------ --------- ---------- --------- -------------
Current assets
Loans 4,827 5,054 4,559 4,827
Finance leases 2,256 2,211 2,214 2,256
Trade and other
receivables 12 2,072 1,225 925 1,433
Cash and cash equivalents 3,146 1,763 910 7,121
--------------------------- ------ --------- ---------- --------- -------------
Total current assets 12,301 10,253 8,608 15,637
--------------------------- ------ --------- ---------- --------- -------------
Total assets 19,394 18,214 19,602 100,274
--------------------------- ------ --------- ---------- --------- -------------
Current liabilities
Borrowings (5,150) (5,160) (5,226) (5,150)
Trade and other
payables 12 (4,166) (1,685) (1,603) (3,086)
--------------------------- ------ --------- ---------- --------- -------------
Total current liabilities (9,316) (6,845) (6,829) (8,236)
--------------------------- ------ --------- ---------- --------- -------------
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings (9,280) (10,371) (11,386) (68,145)
Other creditors (158)
--------------------------- ------ --------- ---------- --------- -------------
Total non-current
liabilities (9,280) (10,371) (11,386) (68,303)
--------------------------- ------ --------- ---------- --------- -------------
Total liabilities (18,596) (17,216) (18,215) (76,539)
Net assets 798 998 1,387 23,735
--------------------------- ------ --------- ---------- --------- -------------
Equity
Share capital 3,685 3,685 3,685 4,223
Share premium 14,332 14,332 14,332 37,382
Accumulated losses (17,219) (17,019) (16,444) (17,870)
Fair value reserve - - (63) -
--------------------------- ------ --------- ---------- --------- -------------
Equity attributable
to owners of the
parent 798 998 1,510 23,735
Non-controlling -
interests - - (123)
--------------------------- ------ --------- ---------- --------- -------------
Total equity 798 998 1,387 23,735
--------------------------- ------ --------- ---------- --------- -------------
Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity
Attributable to owners
of the parent company
------------------------------------------- -------------------- ---------
Attributable
Retained Share Share to non-controlling Total
earnings premium capital Total interests Equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- -------------------- ---------
At 31 March 2017 (17,019) 14,332 3,685 998 - 998
'Available-for-sale'
investments
- Valuation gains
taken to equity - - - - - -
- Loss on sale
transferred to
income statement - - - - - -
----------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- -------------------- ---------
Net income recognised
directly in equity - - - - - -
Loss for the
period -continuing
operations (200) - - (200) - (200)
----------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- -------------------- ---------
Total comprehensive
income (200) - - (200) - (200)
----------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- -------------------- ---------
At 30 September
2017 (17,219) 14,332 3,685 798 - 798
----------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- -------------------- ---------
Attributable to owners
of the parent company
------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- ---------
Fair Attributable
value Retained Share Share to non-controlling Total
reserve earnings premium capital Total interests Equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- -------------------- ---------
At 31 March 2016 (76) (15,732) 14,332 3,685 2,209 (100) 2,109
'Available-for-sale'
investments
- Valuation losses
taken to equity 12 - - - 12 - 12
- Loss on sale
transferred to
income statement 1 - - - 1 - 1
----------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- -------------------- ---------
Net income recognised
directly in equity 13 - - - 13 - 13
Loss for the period
-continuing operations - (712) - - (712) (23) (735)
Total comprehensive
income 13 (712) - - (699) (23) (722)
At 30 September
2016 (63) (16,444) 14,332 3,685 1,510 (123) 1,387
'Available-for-sale'
investments
- Valuation losses
taken to equity (55) - - - (55) - (55)
- Provision for
impairment transferred
to income statement 40 - - - 40 - 40
- Profit on sale
transferred to
income statement 78 - - - 78 - 78
----------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- -------------------- ---------
Net income recognised
directly in equity 63 - - - 63 - 63
Loss for the period
-continuing operations - (440) - - (440) (12) (452)
Total comprehensive
income 63 (440) - - (377) (12) (389)
Contributions
by and distributions
to owners - - - - - - -
Reduction in non-controlling
interests - (135) - - (135) 135 -
----------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- -------------------- ---------
At 31 March 2017 - (17,019) 14,332 3,685 998 - 998
----------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- -------------------- ---------
The fair value reserve shows the movement in the fair value of
the 'available-for-sale' financial assets.
Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
6 months 6 months Year
to 30/09/17 to 30/09/16 to 31/03/17
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash flows from operating
activities
Loss before taxation (200) (735) (1,187)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation 6 7 16
Impairment of 'available-for-sale'
financial assets - - 41
(Profit)/loss on disposal
of 'available-for-sale'
investments - 1 81
Share of profits and losses
of associates (56) (73) (78)
Interest payable 526 669 1,229
Changes in working capital:
(Increase) in trade and
other receivables (10) (115) (415)
(Decrease) in trade and
other payables (234) (1,409) (1,508)
Proceeds from sale of 'available-for-sale'
financial assets - - 97
Leases advanced (1,197) (2,688) (3,717)
Leases repaid 1,485 1,331 2,702
Loans advanced (5,014) (6,383) (10,510)
Loans repaid 4,444 6,898 11,838
Loans repaid by related
parties 575 2,125 3,000
-------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Cash generated from/ (used
in) operations 325 (372) 1,589
-------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Corporation tax paid - - -
-------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash generated from/
(used in) operating activities 325 (372) 1,589
-------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Cash flow from investing
activities
Disposal of assets classified
as held for sale, including
part repayment of deferred
consideration 770 47 404
Return of seed capital
in legal case investments 2 6 6
Distribution of profits
from related parties 35 - -
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment - - (6)
Proceeds from sale of equipment - - 1
Net cash generated from
investing activities 807 53 405
-------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Cash flow from financing
activities
Subscription moneys received
in advance of the issue
of shares in October less
transaction costs paid
in the period 1,784 - -
Loans drawn down 2,802 6,010 9,897
Repayment of loans (3,903) (6,570) (11,538)
Interest paid (432) (708) (1,087)
Net cash generated from/
(used in) financing activities 251 (1,268) (2,728)
-------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net increase/ (decrease)
in cash and cash equivalents 1,383 (1,587) (734)
-------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents
brought forward 1,763 2,497 2,497
-------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash and cash equivalents 3,146 910 1,763
-------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents 3,146 910 1,763
Bank overdraft - - -
-------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash and cash equivalents 3,146 910 1,763
-------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Notes to condensed financial statements
1 Basis of preparation
1.1 These interim financial results do not comprise statutory
accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act
2006 and have neither been audited nor reviewed pursuant to
guidance issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Statutory accounts
for the year ended 31 March 2017 were approved by the directors on
4 July 2017 and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report
of the auditors on those accounts was unqualified, did not contain
an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain any statement
within the meaning of section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.
1.2 Accounting policies
These condensed consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with IAS 34, "Interim Financial Reporting"
as adopted by the European Union, save for the inclusion of the
Provisional post Milton Homes acquisition condensed consolidated
balance sheet as at 5 October 2017 to provide fuller information on
the effect of the acquisition. The condensed consolidated financial
statements do not include all the information required for full
annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with
the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017,
which were prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the
European Union. As required by the Disclosure and Transparency
Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, the condensed
consolidated financial statements have been prepared applying the
accounting policies and presentation that were applied in the
preparation of the Company's published consolidated financial
statements for the year ended 31 March 2017.
1.3 Adoption of new standards and interpretations
There were no new accounting standards or interpretations that
were adopted in the financial statements for the year ended 31
March 2017.
1.4 Consistency
The interim report, including the financial information
contained therein is the responsibility of, and was approved by,
the directors on 19 December 2017. The AIM Rules require that
accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures
should be consistent with those applied in preparing annual
accounts except where any changes, and the reason for them, are
disclosed. There have been no changes to the Group's accounting
policies for the period ended 30 September 2017.
2 Segmental reporting
A reportable segment is identified based on the nature and size
of its business and risk specific to its operations. It is reported
in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the
chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker,
which is responsible for allocating resources and assessing
performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the
full Board of the Company.
The Group is managed through operating platforms: lease and
professions funding and, in prior periods, legal case funding. The
COLG segment includes the Group's central functions and, in prior
periods, an investment portfolio.
Pre-tax profit Share
and loss of profits Profit/(loss)
6 months ended Operating and losses Finance before
30/09/17 Revenue profit/(loss) of associates expense tax
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------- --------- --------------- --------------- --------- --------------
COLG
Intra-Group 70 87 - (58) 29
Other - (255) - (36) (291)
----------------------- --------- --------------- --------------- --------- --------------
70 (168) - (94) (262)
Platforms
Lease and professions
financing
CAML/ PFL 1,027 401 - (391) 10
Other 94 94 56 (99) 51
Other 35 1 - - 1
Intra-Group (164) (58) - 58 -
1,062 270 56 (526) (200)
----------------------- --------- --------------- --------------- --------- --------------
The Profit from operations in the Consolidated income statement
of GBP326,000 comprises the profit of GBP270,000 plus the profit of
GBP56,000 as shown above.
Pre-tax profit Share
and loss of profits Profit/(loss)
6 months ended Operating and losses Finance before
30/09/16 Revenue profit/(loss) of associates expense tax
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------- --------- --------------- --------------- --------- --------------
COLG
Intra-Group 81 134 - (58) 76
Other 2 (688) - (33) (721)
----------------------- --------- --------------- --------------- --------- --------------
83 (554) - (91) (645)
Platforms
Lease and professions
financing
CAML/ PFL 1,225 310 - (463) (153)
Other 99 160 73 (173) 60
Other - 3 - - 3
Intra-Group (81) (58) - 58 -
1,326 (139) 73 (669) (735)
----------------------- --------- --------------- --------------- --------- --------------
The Loss from operations in the Consolidated income statement of
GBP66,000 comprises the loss of GBP139,000 less the profit of
GBP73,000 as shown above.
Consolidated Net Assets at 30/09/17
Total
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------- --------------------------------- -------- ---------
'Available-for-sale' financial
COLG assets 8
Legal case investments 130
Platforms Lease and professions financing 2,010
Other 150
--------
2,160
Net liabilities (1,576)
--------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
722
Other net assets of subsidiary companies 76
---------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
Consolidated net assets 798
---------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
Consolidated Net Assets at 31/03/17
Total
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------- --------------------------------- -------- ---------
'Available-for-sale' financial
COLG assets 8
Legal case investments 132
Platforms Lease and professions financing 2,010
Other 150
--------
2,160
Net liabilities (1,317)
--------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
983
Other net assets of subsidiary
companies 15
---------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
Consolidated net assets 998
---------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
Consolidated Net Assets at 30/09/16
Total
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------- --------------------------------- -------- ---------
'Available-for-sale' financial
COLG assets 164
Legal case investments 132
Platforms Lease and professions financing 2,010
Other 150
--------
2,160
Net liabilities (1,040)
--------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
1,416
Other net liabilities of subsidiary
companies (29)
---------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
Consolidated net assets 1,387
---------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
The Board reviews the assets and liabilities of the Group on a
net basis.
3 Administrative expenses
6 months 6 months Year
to 30/09/17 to 30/09/16 to 31/03/17
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Staff costs
Payroll expenses 451 578 948
Termination costs of executives - 148 301
Other staff costs 12 40 46
Establishment costs
Property costs 78 157 309
Other 190 282 518
Auditor's remuneration 50 34 94
Legal fees 20 17 50
Consultancy fees - 173 188
Other professional fees 48 56 109
Depreciation 6 7 16
Total 855 1,492 2,579
------------------------------------ ------------- ------------- -------------
4 Taxation
Because the charge for taxation is for a period of less than one
year, the provision is based on the best estimate of the effective
rate for the full year.
5 Dividends
The directors have not declared an interim dividend for the year
ending 31 March 2018 (2016/17: nil). The directors did not
recommend payment of a dividend for the year ended 31 March
2017.
6 Earnings per share
The basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the loss
attributable to equity holders of the Group by the weighted average
number of ordinary shares of 10p each in issue during the period
less those held in treasury and in the Employee Benefit Trust.
The basic earnings per share is as follows:
30/09/17 30/09/16 31/03/17
Loss attributable to equity
holders (GBP'000) (200) (712) (1,152)
Weighted average number of
ordinary shares of 10p in issue
('000) 36,426 36,426 36,426
Basic and diluted earnings
per ordinary share of 10p (0.55)p (1.96)p (3.16)p
---------------------------------- --------- --------- ---------
7 Non-controlling interests
30/09/17 31/03/17 30/09/16
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 April - (100) (100)
Loss attributable to non-controlling
interests - (35) (23)
Transferred to equity on acquisition
of non-controlling interests
(a) - 135 -
At end of period - - (123)
-------------------------------------- ---------- --------- ---------
(a) Credit Asset Management Limited ("CAML") became a
wholly-owned subsidiary in January 2017, when the Company acquired
all the ordinary shares not already held by it for GBP1 from the
non-controlling interests. It had previously held 85% of the
ordinary share capital.
Under IFRS3, such an increase in a parent's ownership interest
in a subsidiary is accounted for as an equity transaction. An
amount of GBP135,000, being the difference between the cost of
acquiring the additional ownership interest and the increase in the
attributable net assets of the subsidiary was written off to equity
as a reserve movement.
Following the acquisition of the shares in CAML from the
non-controlling interests, all the Company's subsidiaries are
wholly-owned and there are no non-controlling interests.
8 Related party transactions
Amounts due from associates
30/09/17 31/03/17 30/09/16
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Amounts due from associates
are included in:
Non-current assets
Loans 675 1,250 2,125
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 213 232 104
----------------------------- --------- --------- ---------
Total 888 1,482 2,229
----------------------------- --------- --------- ---------
In addition to the above, the Group made full provision against
all amounts owed by its associate Trade Finance Partners Limited
("TFPL") in its accounts for the year ended 31 March 2016 and has
not recognised any income from loan notes issued by TFPL since that
date. TFPL went into administration in March 2017.
9 Commitments
The holder of the GBP3,000,000 7% Redeemable Preference Shares
issued on 15 July 2015 by a subsidiary, Credit Asset Management
Limited, may require the Company to purchase these shares at their
face value and any accrued but unpaid dividend if the shares are
not redeemed after 7 years or in the event of a change of control
in either the Company or Credit Asset Management Limited. This
right was waived by the holder in respect of the transactions in
October 2017 (see note 12).
10 Financial risk management
Notes 31 and 32 to the annual financial statements to 31 March
2017 include the Company's objectives, policies and processes for
managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives;
details of its financial instruments and its exposure to credit
risk, interest rate risk, price risk, foreign exchange risk and
liquidity risk.
The 2017 Annual Report identified the main risk factors around
the cash flow forecast in the Strategic Report at that time. The
key assumptions and the risk factors have been reassessed following
completion of the transactions in October 2017 outlined in Note
12.
The Company has a revolving credit facility of GBP4.8m with a
maturity of 31 December 2018. GBP3.5m of the facility was undrawn
at 30 September 2017.
11 Financial instruments
Price risk
The Group is subject to price risk on its legal case investments
and, previously, on its portfolio of financial assets. At 30
September 2017, the only investment held, other than residual
investments, was an unlisted
security. There is no material sensitivity on the valuation of the legal case investments or the available-for-sale financial assets.
Fair value hierarchy
The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and
disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation
technique:
Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities
Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs that have a
significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable,
either directly or indirectly
Level 3: techniques that use inputs that have a significant
effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable
market data.
The fair value of unlisted investments is determined using
valuation techniques described in note 2 of the annual financial
statements to 31 March 2017.
The fair value of investments in legal funds is taken to be cost
because at 30 September 2017 there was not a sufficient track
record on which to base a valuation. Due to their short maturity
profiles, management is of the opinion that there is no material
difference between the fair value and carrying value of trade and
other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, and trade and other
payables. The directors therefore consider that the carrying value
of financial instruments equates to fair value.
The following tables present the Group's assets that are
measured at fair value at 30 September 2017 and 31
March 2017 respectively. No Level 1 or Level 2 assets were held at either date.
Level
3 Total
30 September 2017 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------- --------- ---------
'Available-for-sale' financial
assets
Equity securities 8 8
Investments in legal cases 130 130
-------------------------------- --------- ---------
138 138
-------------------------------- --------- ---------
Level
3 Total
31 March 2017 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------- --------- ---------
'Available-for-sale' financial
assets
Equity securities 8 8
Investments in legal cases 132 132
-------------------------------- --------- ---------
140 140
-------------------------------- --------- ---------
The movement on level 3 assets is as follows:
30/09/17 31/03/17 30/09/16
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Balance at beginning of
period 140 151 151
Impairment - (5) -
Disposals (2) (6) (6)
------------------------- --------- --------- ---------
138 140 145
------------------------- --------- --------- ---------
12 Post balance sheet events
The proposed transactions set out in the circular sent to
shareholders on 15 September 2017 were completed by 5 October 2017
following approval given by shareholders at the general meeting on
2 October: the share capital re-organisation of the Company, the
issue of ordinary shares under the Open Offer and the Subscription
and the completion of the acquisition of Milton Homes Limited.
Prior to 30 September, the Company received moneys in advance of
the issue of the new shares and had incurred costs both in respect
of the issue of the new shares and of the acquisition of Milton
Homes Limited. These amounts were carried forward in the balance
sheet at 30 September 2017 under the headings below as follows:
30/09/17
GBP'000
----------------- -------------------------- ---------
Costs in respect of
the issue of new shares
Trade and other and the acquisition
receivables of Milton Homes Limited 740
---------
Trade and other Moneys received for
payables subscription of shares 2,024
---------
As the financial position of the Group changed substantially
following completion of the transactions on 5 October 2017, the
consolidated balance sheet of the Group as at that date is shown
alongside the consolidated balance sheet at 30 September 2017.
The consolidated balance sheet has been prepared from the
consolidated accounts of both the Group and the Milton Homes group
as at 30 September 2017, adjusted to reflect the following:
(a) the issue of the Open Offer Shares on 3 October;
(b) the issue of the Subscription Shares on 5 October;
(c) the acquisition by the Company of Milton Homes Limited,
which comprised the purchase of all its issued shares as well as
the purchase of all the Deep Discount Bonds issued by Milton Homes
Limited; and
(d) the costs associated with these transactions, which comprise
the costs related to the issue of new shares (charged against the
share premium account) and the costs related to the acquisition of
Milton Homes Limited (expensed in the income statement).
The consolidated accounts of Milton Homes for the period to 30
September 2017 were unaudited management accounts prepared using
the same bases as in the statutory accounts and incorporating its
Investment properties and Financial assets at their 30 September
2017 fair values, as set out in the quarterly report provided by
the external valuer appointed by Milton Homes.
The acquisition method of accounting has been used for the
transaction with Milton Homes Limited, with identifiable assets and
liabilities acquired being measured at their fair values at the
acquisition date. In accordance with IFRS 3, "Business
Combinations" it has been determined that Milton Homes was
acquired.
The Company purchased Milton Homes Limited, which is an equity
release provider that owns and manages residential properties
acquired through home reversion plans, in order to acquire a second
business platform that has the potential to grow in the expanding
equity release sector. Details of the purchase consideration, the
net assets acquired and goodwill are as follows:
The consideration for the purchase of the Deep Discount Bonds
and the ordinary shares in Milton Homes Limited of GBP19,700,000
was met by a cash payment of GBP6,500,000 and by the issue of the
Consideration Shares - 14,666,667 shares with a fair value of
GBP13,200,000. The shares were issued at their fair value of 90p,
the issue price of both the Open Offer Shares and the Subscription
Shares.
The assets and liabilities recognised as a result of the
acquisition are as follows:
Carrying Provisional Provisional
value at fair value fair
acquisition adjustment value
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
Investment properties 45,390 45,390
Financial assets - equity
release plans 30,517 30,517
Property, plant and
equipment 11 11
Deferred tax asset 1,626 1,626
Trade and other receivables 79 79
Cash and cash equivalents 1,499 1,499
Borrowings (58,865) (58,865)
Other creditors (158) (158)
Trade and other payables (399) (399)
----------------------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
Total 18,074 1,626 19,700
----------------------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
GBP'000
----------------------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
Net assets acquired 19,700
Goodwill -
----------------------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
Consideration 19,700
----------------------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
The consideration for the purchase was agreed on the basis that
the fair value of the assets acquired would equal the consideration
given so that no goodwill would arise.
By order of the Board
Michael Goldstein
Chief Executive Officer
19 December 2017
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR BVLLFDLFLFBL
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