TIDMNSCI
RNS Number : 1028U
NetScientific PLC
31 March 2021
NetScientific plc
("NetScientific", "NSCI", the Group" or the "Company")
Preliminary Results for the year ended 31 December 2020
Company poised for further growth, following turnaround,
transformation and portfolio expansion
NetScientific plc (AIM: NSCI), the international life sciences
and sustainability, technology investment and commercialisation
group, announces its preliminary results for the year ended 31
December 2020.
2020 was a year of turnaround, transformation and significant
progress for the Company. The year started with a strategic review,
which identified the quality of the science in the portfolio
companies and that the underlying asset value was significantly
higher than the market capitalisation with significant growth
potential. Hence, the company changed its strategy, moving to a
proactive management approach to deliver shareholder value.
Trading for the year was in line with management expectations,
as the Group stabilised its position and started to reap the
benefits of the new growth strategy. This was further enhanced by
the all-paper acquisition of EMV Capital Ltd broadening the
portfolio and resources, together with the successful GBP2.3m
placement in August 2020. This puts the Company on a strong footing
for the year ahead.
Highlights
-- The share price has increased from the low point of 12.5p in
early 2020 to the year's average of c. 55p
-- Loss after tax reduced to GBP2.3 million (2019: loss GBP4.9 million)
-- Increase in Board estimate of "fair value" of direct holdings
by c. 80% from GBP11.8m to GBP21.2m, with further growth
anticipated
-- Completed a GBP2.3m placing and a 10-1 share consolidation
-- Consolidated cash and cash equivalents of GBP1.6 million (2019: GBP3.5 million)
-- Acquisition and integration of EMV Capital, which:
o increased Capital Under Advisory from nil to GBP14.6m
o enlarged total Group portfolio from 8 to 17 companies
o enhanced deal execution capacity and revenues
-- Acquisition of the minority interest in ProAxsis and now, as
a 100% owned subsidiary, the business has been rejuvenated and is
set for commercial expansion
-- Maintaining NetScientific's position in NASDAQ-listed PDS
Biotech through a c.GBP1.0m investment in two placements, which are
already showing healthy returns
-- Restructured Board with Dr Ilian Iliev becoming CEO and John
Clarkson becoming Executive Chairman
o Strong complementary skill sets
o Team in place to deliver value
Outlook
With the fundamental change in strategy and management drive,
the Group has acted to realise the underlying asset value in the
portfolio companies and their potential to deliver shareholder
value. This includes exploiting the established transatlantic
business and expanding the international presence, to maximise the
growth of its subsidiaries and portfolio.
As seen through the recent news flow, the upward trend has been
established and there is significant opportunity for the portfolio
to generate the requisite added value.
The Company's management team is performance and results driven;
and, with its proactive management approach, NSCI is confident in
delivering increased value of the Group's investments, identifying
the right new investments and supporting portfolio companies
through successful commercial development and value inflection
points to timely liquidity events.
By focusing on attractive market sectors, with high growth
opportunities and adding value through disciplined commercial
management, the Company believes that there is significant upside
for shareholder returns through judicious exits, liquidity returns
and value inflection points.
Dr. Ilian Iliev, CEO of NetScientific commented : "This was a
transformational turnaround year for NetScientific. The new team's
pro-active management is already showing positive results; a cut in
losses, increased fair value and capital under advisory, closed
several transactions, and made further judicious investments in the
portfolio. The acquisition and integration of EMV Capital has
doubled the Group's portfolio size, provided new sources of
capital, and added a more comprehensive support infrastructure for
the portfolio companies.
"The Group has limited the negative impacts of COVID, while
capturing emerging opportunities.
"Looking forward, NetScientific is focused on increasing
shareholder value and profitable returns through the considered
management of the portfolio, benefiting from increased activity in
the Healthcare and Sustainability markets."
John Clarkson, Executive Chairman of NetScientific added : "The
strategy review not only identified the Company's underlying
strengths and exciting prospects, but also determined and put in
place the fundamental changes needed for the planned business
success. The Board is confident that the extended portfolio holds
great potential, with the right asset-base, in the right space and
at the right time.
"The team is committed to delivering the agreed strategy,
developing the portfolio companies and exploiting the opportunities
to unlock and realise the requisite shareholder returns."
For more information, please contact:
NetScientific Via Walbrook PR
Ilian Iliev, CEO
WH Ireland (NOMAD, Financial Adviser
and Broker)
Chris Fielding / Darshan Patel +44 (0)20 7220 1666
Walbrook PR
Nick Rome/ Anna Dunphy/ Paul McManus/ 07748 325 236 or 07876 741 001
Nicholas Johnson or 07980 541 893
or 07884 664 686
About NetScientific
NetScientific plc (AIM: NSCI) is a holding company, that invests
in, develops, commercialises and realises shareholder value in life
sciences/healthcare, sustainability and technology companies, which
offer significant growth potential predominately in the UK and USA,
as well as globally.
With the acquisition of EMV Capital in August 2020, the Group
doubled its portfolio from 8 to 17 companies, either through direct
subsidiary, balance sheet investment or capital under advisory,
varying from start-up private companies to publicly listed
equities.
NetScientific delivers shareholder returns through a proactive
and hands-on management approach to their portfolio companies;
identifying, investing in, and helping to build game-changing
companies. The Group targets value inflection points and the
release of value through partial or full exits from trade sales,
public listings, or equity sales. The Company has a strong
transatlantic and growing international presence, providing
attractive expansion prospects.
NSCI can deploy a capital-light investment structure; utilising
the power of the PLC Brand, and the NetScientific balance sheet to
anchor future investments and achieve a multiplier effect by
attracting 3rd party investment for the portfolio companies.
NetScientific is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, and
was admitted to trading on AIM, a market operated by the London
Stock Exchange, in 2013 (website: www.netscientific.net ).
CHAIRMAN'S AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S STATEMENT
NetScientific Plc ("NetScientific", the "Group" or the
"Company") is a holding company, that invests in, develops
commercialises and realises shareholder value in life
sciences/healthcare, sustainability and technology companies, which
offer significant growth potential in predominately in the UK, USA
as well as globally.
2020 was a year of challenge, turn-round and transformation for
NetScientific.
In order to address past challenges, the Board launched a
strategy review at the start of 2020, which produced a new
strategic framework for the business. The Board accepted the
findings and recommendations, noting the following key points:
-- the business required fundamental change;
-- the remaining portfolio companies had good quality "science";
-- there is a strong underlying asset value, several times
greater than the market capitalisation; and
-- the companies showed significant potential for growth and added shareholder value.
Following the review and action programme, and in accordance
with the new strategic framework, the Board concluded that:
-- the Group would benefit from a larger portfolio with varying
time horizons and stages of development and a wider focus;
-- after its earlier focus on minimising costs and overheads,
the Company needed to strengthen the executive team with further
expertise and resources below Board/ CFO level, to fully implement
the strategy;
-- it was in the best interests of shareholders to acquire EMV
Capital, taking advantage of the strong synergies and enabling an
enhanced commercial and investment strategy, with increased
revenues and capital gain; and
-- the company should raise additional equity of circa GBP2 million.
Accordingly, the Company thereafter commenced an implementation
action programme, with:
-- a changed Board and new Executive Team;
-- pro-active, commercial management of the portfolio and individual companies;
-- investment to protect/enhance NetScientific's position in existing companies;
-- clear identification of the business plans, timelines/
milestones, associated funding needs, value inflection points and
potential for each portfolio company; and
-- leveraging the Company's balance sheet and enhancing the Plc
standing to attract 3rd party investment.
Comprehensive information further detailing the above was set
out in a circular to shareholders, with the acquisition structured
as a share for share exchange, which was approved at an
extraordinary general meeting on 24th August 2020. The acquisition
of EMVC was duly completed along with a successful and
oversubscribed placement of GBP2.3m.
Today NetScientific can be summarised as:
-- a life sciences/healthcare, sustainability and technology
investment, and commercialisation group;
-- an investment company with a balanced portfolio of investments;
-- pro-active managers, generating returns through growth in the
value of its direct balance sheet holdings, and a carry fee on
capital under advisory;
-- producing investment realisations through judicious partial
or full exits and liquidity events;
-- providing venture capital investment and corporate finance
services, adding value through management, incubation and
fund-raising support;
-- a trans-Atlantic business, with presence in the UK and North
America and growing internationally; and
-- focused on high growth opportunities, adding value, and delivering shareholder returns.
The Company's strategy is geared to maximising shareholder value
from its portfolio companies by:
-- completing the business turnaround at NetScientific and its subsidiary companies;
-- realigning the market capitalisation with strong underlying asset value;
-- establishing the necessary resources and infrastructure, and
implementing plans to deliver the growth potential of the
subsidiaries and portfolio;
-- delivering shareholder returns by driving the business and
growth plans through appropriate key value inflection points to
create profitable liquidity events and exits; and
-- building the NetScientific platform in readiness for development and expansion.
Highlights and KPIs of the year
The Board presented its strategy and operational plans to
investors, as a staged process to deliver both immediate results
and longer term added shareholder value. During 2020, the company
has continued to perform successfully against the stated objectives
and milestones as follows:
-- The share price has increased from the low point of 12.5p in
early 2020 to a year average of c. 55p,
-- More than halving the previous year's losses of GBP4.9
million, down to GBP2.3 million in 2020,
-- Increase in "fair value" (unaudited Directors' estimated
value) of direct owned stakes by c. 80% from GBP11.8m to GBP21.2m,
with further growth anticipated,
-- Successful acquisition and integration of EMV Capital Ltd as
the corporate finance and venture capital arm of NetScientific
leading to:
o increased in Capital Under Advisory from nil to GBP14.6m;
o increased total portfolio from 8 to 17 companies;
o increased deal execution capacity and revenues
-- ProAxsis : NetScientific previously owned 60%, but had
provided 100% of the funding. This was an untenable situation.
Accordingly, in October 2020, NetScientific successfully bought out
the founders and Queens University and secured licensed IP on
attractive terms . ProAxsis, now a fully-owned subsidiary, has more
effective financial and project management, and a drive for
commercialisation and business growth, with the winning of five
grants worth over GBP1.0m in value during 2020.
-- Glycotest : Moving from a passive cash demanding approach to
a "hands-on owner" approach, with effective controls, project
management discipline and performance drive, we implemented cost
savings of some $1 million. Despite the impact Covid, excellent
progress on the HCC Panel clinical validation study and algorithm
training set, with an associated significant value inflection point
expected in 2021.
-- EMV Capital: Completing several portfolio company
transactions, leading to an increase of 27.1% in Capital Under
Advisory from GBP9.6m at the end of 2019 to GBP12.2m by the end of
2020; driving change through the turnaround projects at Vortex and
Wanda; keeping overall revenues stable despite the COVID
disruptions.
-- PDS Biotechnology : Protecting and significantly enhancing
our holding with a GBP500K investment in February 2020 at $1.30 per
share and a further investment of GBP500K in August 2020 at $2.75
per share, with both investments now showing healthy returns
against the current share price of $5.30 (18 March 2021). PDS has
since progressed into multiple clinical trials, and post-year end
obtained up to $60m funding support from the Brazilian government
for its COVID vaccine initiative. Dr Iliev joined the Board of PDS
in April 2020.
Portfolio Summary
In addition to the existing NetScientific portfolio at the start
of the year, the Group's base has been broadened and strengthened,
through the successful acquisition of EMVC. This enhanced portfolio
is well balanced, facilitates risk management and provides
synergistic benefits, through consolidated pro-active management
across the Group, as summarised below.
As is common in the venture capital industry, EMV Capital has a
carried interest arrangement with investors it has introduced into
its portfolio companies. Under these arrangements, EMV Capital is
entitled, on realisation of the investments, to a share of profits
(or carried interest) for capital amounts under advisory. The
carried interests range between 10 per cent. and 20 per cent. of
profits above a minimum return hurdle rate of up to 10 per
cent.
Sector and Consolidated Fair Value Capital Under
description Statement of stake Advisory (At
(further of Financial Cost to Third
detail set Position Parties)
out below) Value
Fully diluted
Group 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec
Portfolio Interest 2020 2019 2020 2019
companies %
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Subsidiaries
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
EMV Capital Venture Capital
Ltd Investment 100.0% GBP2.2m GBP3.5m - - -
Company Equity
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
ProAxsis Ltd Medical diagnostics
- Early stage
commercialisation 95.0% Equity GBP0.5m GBP3.5m GBP2.0m - -
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Glycotest, Liver cancer
Inc. diagnostics
- Late stage 51.5% Equity GBP0.5m GBP11.0m GBP8.0m - -
clinical
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Sub Total GBP3.2m GBP18.0m GBP10.0m
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Owned
Portfolio
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
PDS Immuuno-oncology
Biotechnology (NASDAQ quoted)
Corporation - Early stage 5.7% Equity GBP2.0m GBP2.0m GBP1.1m - -
clinical
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
CytoVale, Medical biomarker
Inc diagnostics
- Late stage 1.0% Equity GBP0.4m GBP0.4m GBP0.4m - -
clinical
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Epibone, Inc Regenerative
medicine
- Late stage 0.8% Equity GBP0.3m GBP0.3m GBP0.3m - -
clinical
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
G - Tech Waerable
Medical, medical diagnostics
Inc - Early stage 3.8% Equity GBP0.3m GBP0.4m - - -
clinical
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Longevity $250k
Biotech, Inc Therapeutics Convertible
- Early stage loan note - - - - -
clinical
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
QuantalX Medical diagnostics
Neuroscience of the brain
- Late stage 0.4% Equity - GBP0.1m - - -
clinical
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Sub Total GBP3.0m GBP3.2m GBP1.8m
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Advised
Portfolio
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Sofant Semiconductors-Satellite
Technologies and 5G wireless
Ltd communications
- - - - GBP2.3m GBP0.7m
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Q-Bot Limited Building
automation-Robotics
& artificial - - - - GBP2.3m GBP2.0m
intelligence
("AI")
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
SageTech Chemistry
Medical & medical
Equipment technology-Halocarbon - - - - GBP1.1m GBP0.1m
Limited capture
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
PointGrab, Building
Inc automation-Robotics - - - - GBP3.6m GBP3.2m
& AI
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Vortex Medical
Biosciences, technology-Oncology - - - - GBP2.4m GBP1.2m
Inc diagnostics
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Wanda Health, AI & medical
Inc technology-Digital
health platform - - - - GBP1.3m GBP0.6m
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Nanotech Material
Industrial science and - - - - GBP0.7m GBP0.8m
Solutions, chemistry
Inc
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Insight Semiconductors-Akinetic
Photonic Swept Source Warrants Warrants
Solutions, Laser - - - - for for
Inc GBP0.9m GBP1.0m
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Sub Total - - - GBP14.6m GBP9.6m
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
TOTAL GBP6.2m GBP21.2m GBP11.8m GBP14.6m GBP9.6m
------------------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
On the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position the owned
portfolio is shown as Equity investments classified as FVTOCI and
Financial assets classified as FVTPL.
Finance
For the year, the Group made a loss of GBP2.3 million (2019:
GBP4.9 million), split between continuing and discontinued
operations as follows:
- Continuing operations GBP2.3 million (2019:
GBP3.6 million)
- Discontinued operations GBPNil (2019: GBP1.3
million)
The loss reflects the loss-making of the subsidiaries, primarily
due to continued investment in R&D at Glycotest and ProAxsis
and on lower sales in ProAxsis due to COVID.
Cash
Cash on the balance sheet as at 31 December 2020 was GBP1.6
million (2019: GBP3.5 million), of which GBP0.9 million is held in
the parent company. Cash used in operations in 2020, was GBP2.8
million (2019: GBP4.1 million). The cash held within the subsidiary
Glycotest, of GBP0.6m (2019: GBP2.2m) is not freely available for
use within the wider group as it would need the consent of a
minority shareholder.
Going Concern
The Directors have prepared and reviewed the budget and
cashflows, which were approved by the Board of Directors in the
Board meeting of 20 January 2021. The review included the major
budgeted assumptions, sensitivities and impact of Covid-19, and the
company has drawn up contingency plans to cover eventualities and
extend the cash runway, if required. Also, there may be additional
opportunities to utilise the financial support measures and
generate new revenue streams, further ensuring the Group has
options and cash for at least the next twelve months. The financial
statements have therefore been prepared on a going concern
basis.
COVID
The Group is following the latest health authority and
government advice in light of the pandemic. T he primary focus is
the health, wellbeing and safety of all its employees and local
communities.
The Group has reviewed all the major budgeted assumptions and
sensitivities and drawn up contingency plans to respond to changing
circumstances. Whilst there was a general Initial negative impact
on the group, the consequences have varied across the portfolio and
the individual companies have been managed accordingly.
Group companies have received some of the Government Covid-19
business support available, but the approach has been to respond
proactively to the operating environment, particularly to minimise
downside and concentrate on opportunities. For example, as a
leading respiratory company, ProAxsis has focused on research and
commercial development, winning substantial grants (mainly Covid
related), which is expected to result in new products, new revenue
sources and further capital gains; Glycotest where, with considered
rescheduling and project management, the HCC clinical trials were
successfully completed with minimal delay and are due to report Q2
2021.
In light thereof and given the core focus of the Group, the
Board believes that in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic there is
increased potential and may also be opportunities to make judicious
investments on advantageous terms.
Summary and Outlook
Having undertaken a fundamental review of the whole business at
the start of 2020 and agreed a new strategy, implementation of the
turnaround plan has gone well. The Company is transformed from the
inherited situation and ended the year in a strong position, with a
clear, planned route and growth strategy to deliver shareholder
returns.
The Board believes that the extended portfolio holds great
potential; with the right asset-base, in the right space and at the
right time, Management is committed to delivering the agreed
strategy, which the Board is confident will unlock and realise the
requisite returns.
The Company's strategy remains to maximise shareholder value
from the portfolio companies by:
-- Completion of the business turnaround.
-- Realigning the market capitalisation with both the underlying asset value and clear potential.
-- Proactive management, with commercial disciplines and
appropriate risk management, focused on delivering results,
increased revenue and added value, in the portfolio companies.
-- Continuing to establish the necessary resources and
infrastructure to drive the strategic and business plans.
-- Building the NetScientific platform for robust evaluation,
quantified decisions and managed expansion to capitalise on the
multiple prospects and potential for large returns.
-- Exploiting the transatlantic and global opportunities and harnessing the Group synergies.
-- Progressively developing and implementing performance driven
plans, with clearly defined milestones and KPIs to scale the
business, maximise the profitable growth of the portfolio.
-- Judicious direct and syndicated investments, to produce enhanced returns.
-- Structured evaluation and projections of value inflection
points, plus exit opportunities and liquidity events to deliver
shareholder returns.
John Clarkson Ilian Iliev
Executive Chairman Chief Executive Officer
31 March 2021 31 March 2021
Consolidated Statement OF Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2020
2020 2019
Continuing Operations Notes GBP000's GBP000's
Total Income 1,103 832
Revenue 394 735
Cost of sales (46) (117)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Gross profit 348 618
Other operating income 599 76
Research and development costs (1,227) (1,979)
General and administrative costs (1,988) (2,079)
Other costs (195) (269)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Loss from operations (2,463) (3,633)
Finance income 110 21
Finance expense (28) (22)
Loss before taxation (2,381) (3,634)
Income tax credit 43 88
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Loss for the year from continuing operations (2,338) (3,546)
Discontinued Operations
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Loss for the year from discontinued operations - (1,326)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Total loss for the year (2,338) (4,872)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Owners of the parent (1,611) (4,491)
Non-controlling interests (727) (381)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
(2,338) (4,872)
Basic and diluted loss per share from continuing and discontinued operations
attributable
to owners of the parent during the year: 5
Continuing operations (2.9p) (4.3p)
Discontinued operations (0.0p) (1.4p)
From loss for the year (2.9p) (5.7p)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Consolidated Statement OF Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2020
Notes 2020 2019
GBP000's GBP000's
----------------------------------------------------------------- ------- --------- ---------
Loss for the year (2,338) (4,872)
Other comprehensive income:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (3) (56)
Change in fair value of equity investments classified as FVTOCI (97) (1,340)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Total comprehensive loss for the year (2,438) (6,268)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent (1,724) (5,891)
Non-controlling interests (714) (377)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
(2,438) (6,268)
------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2020
Notes 2020 2019
GBP000's GBP000's
------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 8 128 128
Right-of-use assets 9 189 221
Intangible assets 10 2,623 -
Equity investments classified as FVTOCI* 11 2,970 1,468
Financial assets classified as FVTPL** 12 78 262
Total non-current assets 5,988 2,079
------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Current assets
Inventory 74 30
Trade and other receivables 376 603
Cash and cash equivalents 1,628 3,453
------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Total current assets 2,078 4,086
------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Total assets 8,066 6,165
------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (661) (623)
Lease liabilities (31) (30)
Loans and borrowings (28) (163)
------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Total current liabilities (720) (816)
------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities (163) (194)
Loans and borrowings (287) (50)
Total non-current liabilities (450) (244)
------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Total liabilities (1,170) (1,060)
------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Net assets 6,896 5,105
------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Issued capital and reserves
Attributable to the parent
Called up share capital 746 3,928
Share premium account 65,594 58,006
Capital reserve account 237 237
Equity investment reserve (1,505) (1,408)
Foreign exchange reserve 1,368 1,384
Retained earnings (59,702) (56,681)
------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Equity attributable to the owners of the parent 6,738 5,466
Non-controlling interests 158 (361)
------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Total equity 6,896 5,105
------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
*Fair value through other comprehensive income
**Fair value through profit and loss
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
As at 31 December 2020
Shareholders' equity
Foreign
exchange
Equity and
Share Share Capital investment Retained capital Non-controlling Total
capital premium reserve reserve earnings reserve Total interests equity
GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's
------------------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------------- ---------
1 January 2019 3,928 58,006 237 (68) (51,442) 1,444 12,105 (5,935) 6,170
------------------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------------- ---------
Loss for the
period - - - - (4,491) - (4,491) (381) (4,872)
------------------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------------- ---------
Other
comprehensive
loss/income
-
Foreign exchange
differences - - - - - (60) (60) 4 (56)
Change in fair
value during
the year - - - (1,340) - - (1,340) - (1,340)
Total
comprehensive
loss - - - (1,340) (4,491) (60) (5,891) (377) (6,268)
------------------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------------- ---------
Decrease in
subsidiary
shareholding - - - - 2,668 - 2,668 1,677 4,345
Disposal of
subsidiaries - - - - (3,469) - (3,469) 4,274 805
Share-based
payments - - - - 53 - 53 - 53
------------------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------------- ---------
31 December
2019 3,928 58,006 237 (1,408) (56,681) 1,384 5,466 (361) 5,105
------------------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------------- ---------
Loss for the
period - - - - (1,611) - (1,611) (727) (2,338)
------------------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------------- ---------
Other
comprehensive
loss/income
-
Foreign exchange
differences - - - - - (16) (16) 13 (3)
Change in fair
value of equity
investments
classified
as FVTOCI - - - (97) - - (97) - (97)
Total
comprehensive
loss - - - (97) (1,611) (16) (1,724) (714) (2,438)
------------------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------------- ---------
Share
re-organisation (3,535) 3,535 - - - - - - -
Issue of share
capital 353 4,236 - - - - 4,589 - 4,589
Cost of share
issue - (183) - - - - (183) - (183)
Increase/decrease
in subsidiary
shareholding - - - - (1,463) (1,463) 1,233 (230)
Share-based
payments - - - - 53 - 53 - 53
------------------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------------- ---------
31 December
2020 746 65,594 237 (1,505) (59,702) 1,368 6,738 158 6,896
------------------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------------- ---------
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
As at 31 December 2020
Notes 2020 2019
GBP000's GBP000's
-------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss after income tax including discontinued operations (2,338) (4,872)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 44 42
Depreciation of right-of-use assets 32 32
Amortisation of intangibles 77 -
Estimated credit losses on trade receivables (37) 56
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment - 4
Loss on disposal of subsidiaries - 703
Fair value movement during the year on convertible debt (120) -
Release of loan provision (224) -
Capitalisation of development costs (337) -
Share-based payments 53 53
Foreign exchange gains 1 23
Finance income (110) (21)
Finance costs 14 22
Tax credit (43) (88)
(2,988) (4,046)
Changes in working capital
(Increase)/decrease in inventory (44) 7
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 325 (130)
(Decrease)/Increase in trade and other payables (172) (26)
-------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Cash used in operations (2,879) (4,195)
-------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Income tax received 88 72
-------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Net cash (used) in operating activities (2,791) (4,123)
-------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of subsidiary, net cash acquired 128 -
Disposal of discontinued operations, net of cash disposed of - 34
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 8 (39) (6)
Purchase of available for sale investments 10 (999) -
Purchase of intangibles (50) -
Interest received 1 7
Net cash (used in)/from investing activities (959) 35
-------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds paid on change in stake in subsidiary (230) -
Proceeds received on change in stake in subsidiary - 4,345
Lease payments (38) (38)
Repayment from borrowings (200) -
Proceeds from loans 245 -
Proceeds from share issue 2,300 -
Share issue cost (183) -
-------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Net cash from financing activities 1,894 4,307
-------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
(Decrease)/Increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,856) 219
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 3,453 3,316
Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents 31 (82)
-------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 1,628 3,453
-------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Notes to the Financial Information for the Year Ended 31
December 2020
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Company is a public limited company incorporated on 12 April
2012 and domiciled in England with registered number 08026888 and
its shares are listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of
the London Stock Exchange. The address of the registered office is
Anglo House, Bell Lane Office Village, Bell Lane, Amersham,
Buckinghamshire HP6 6FA.
2. BASIS OF PREPARATION
The preliminary results of the year ended 31 December 2020 have
been extracted from audited accounts which have not yet been
delivered to Companies House.
The financial information set out in this announcement does not
constitute statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December
2020.
The report of the auditors on the statutory accounts for the
year ended 31 December 2019 was unqualified and did not contain a
statement under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006. The
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 included
in this announcement were authorised for issue in accordance with a
resolution of the Board of Directors on 30 March 2021.
3. GOING CONCERN
The group made a loss in the financial year of GBP2,338k (2019:
GBP4,872k) and has been reliant on the continued financial support
of investors.
The Directors have prepared and reviewed budget cashflows which
were approved by the Board of Directors in the Board meeting of 20
January 2021.
The Group has reviewed the major budgeted assumptions and
sensitivities in light of Covid-19 and drawn up cash preservation
plans in case revenue does not continue as planned, or it faces
delays in planned payments from third parties. It has initiated
further cost saving plans across the Group and delayed expenditure
where possible, until there is more clarity on the financial impact
of the pandemic.
In some cases, the crisis restrictions will delay trials and
programs, which will defer expenditure and thus extend the cash
runway. Also, there may be opportunities to take advantage of the
financial support measures and divert resources to support the
Covid-19 effort to generate new revenue streams, further ensuring
the Group has options and cash for at least the next twelve
months.
The Going concern status of the group is dependent on meeting
its forecast including generating revenues, receiving planned
payments from third parties and achieving planned cost savings. In
the event the group is unable to meet its forecasts it will need to
raise further finance. These events or conditions indicate that a
material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the
group and the company's ability to continue as a going concern.
The financial statements do not include any adjustments that
would be necessary if the group or company was unable to continue
as a going concern.
4. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the
European Union as they apply to the financial statements of the
Group for the year ended 31 December 2020. The principal accounting
policies adopted in the preparation of the financial information
are set out below. The policies have been consistently applied to
all the years presented.
While the financial information included in this preliminary
announcement has been prepared in accordance with IFRS, this
announcement does not in itself contain sufficient information to
comply with IFRS. The Group expects to publish full financial
statements by 14 April 2021.
5. LOSS PER SHARE
The basic and diluted loss per share is calculated by dividing
the loss for the financial year by the weighted average number of
ordinary shares in issue during the year. Potential ordinary shares
from outstanding options at 31 December 2020 of 656,729 (2019:
3,475,984) (see note 32) are not treated as dilutive as the entity
is loss making.
2020 2019
GBP000's GBP000's
----------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
Loss attributable to equity holders of the Company
Continuing operations 1,611 3,409
Discontinued operations - 1,082
----------- -----------
Total 1,611 4,491
----------- -----------
Number of shares
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 56,129,350 78,561,866
On 24 August 2020, a share capital re-organisation took place.
This had the effect of consolidating each ten existing options into
one new option. The effect of the share capital re-organisation was
that the exercise price of the options issued in the past was also
multiplied by ten to be fair and equitable. The total number of
options in the Company post the share capital re-organisation was
385,598.
6. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS ACQUIRED DURING THE PERIOD
On 25 August 2020, the Group acquired 100% of the voting equity
of EMV Capital Limited from Futura Messis Group Limited, a company
owned and managed by Dr Ilian Iliev. The principal activity is
venture capital and corporate finance with interests in the
industrials, energy and healthcare sectors. Key reasons for the
acquisition were to add scale, operational and investment
capabilities, team and additional revenue channels that
NetScientific did not have in-house. Taken in combination, the
acquisition has the potential to unlock additional value creation
opportunities for NetScientific shareholders and reduce the risk of
further value erosion. Details of the fair value of identifiable
assets and liabilities acquired purchase consideration and goodwill
are as follows:
Book Value Adjustments Fair Value
GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's
------------------------------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Assets
Property, plant and equipment 6 - 6
Intangible assets 17 - 17
Bank 139 - 139
Trade Receivables 34 - 34
Prepayments 4 - 4
Accrued Income 76 (11) 65
Other Debtors 1 - 1
-------------------------------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Total assets 277 (11) 266
-------------------------------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Liabilities
------------------------------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Trade Payables (59) - (59)
Accruals (93) - (93)
Other Creditors (39) - (39)
Corporation Tax (32) - (32)
Bank loan (50) - (50)
-------------------------------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Total liabilities (273) - (273)
-------------------------------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Net assets/liabilities 4 (11) (7)
-------------------------------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Fair value of consideration paid is as follows:
2020
GBP000's
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Issue of NetScientific Plc 5p ordinary shares 2,289
------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Total Consideration Paid 2,289
------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Separately identifiable intangible assets
Carry interest arrangements (Capital Gain Based Value) 1,627
Investment acquisition costs 17
Goodwill (see note 18) 669
Total intangibles acquired 2,313
------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Acquisition costs of GBP179k arose as a result of the
transaction. These have been recognised as part of administrative
expenses in the statement of comprehensive income.
The consideration settled in shares is subject to a number of
warranties over a three-year period following the date of
acquisition.
The main factors leading to the recognition of goodwill are:
-- The presence of certain intangible assets, such as the
assembled workforce of the acquired entity, EIS fund practice,
infrastructure, thought leadership, brand, deal flow and investor
network and relationships, which do not qualify for separate
recognition.
-- Economies of scale which result in the Group being prepared to pay a premium.
-- Carry interest arrangements and profit share are a material
identifiable class of asset that has been recognised
separately.
The goodwill recognised will not be deductible for tax
purposes.
Since the acquisition date, EMV Capital has contributed GBP200k
to Group revenues and GBP20k to Group profit. If the acquisition
had occurred on 1 January 2020, the acquisition would have added to
Group revenue GBP507k and increased the Group loss by GBP37k.
7. INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS
The Group had the following subsidiaries at 31 December
2020:
Proportion of Proportion of
ownership ownership
interest held interest held
Proportion of Proportion of by by
ownership ownership non-controlling non-controlling
Country of interest interest interests Interests
Primary trading incorporation at 31 December at 31 December at 31 December at 31 December
Name address or registration 2020 2019 2020 2019
--------------- --------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
NetScientific
UK Limited (a) UK 100% 100% - -
EMV Capital
Limited (b) UK 100% - - -
ProAxsis
Limited * (i) (c) UK 100% 56.5% - 43.5%
NetScientific
America, Inc. (d) USA 100% 100% - -
Glycotest, Inc.
(i), (ii) (e) USA 65.6% 65.6% 34.4% 34.4%
For all undertakings listed above, the country of operation is
the same as its country of incorporation or registration.
* Held via an intermediate holding company.
All of the ownerships shown above relate to ordinary
shareholdings.
(i) Options have been issued by ProAxsis Ltd and Glycotest, Inc.
which if exercised would dilute the Company's shareholding by 5%
and 14% respectively.
(ii) Following issue of further shares during the prior year the
Group's interest was reduced to 77.5% on 14 February 2019 and then
to 65.6% on the 21 November 2019.
(a) Anglo House, Bell Lane Office Village, Bell Lane, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP6 6FA
(b) Level 39, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AB
(c) Unit 1B, Concourse Building, 3, Catalyst Inc, Titanic
Quarter, 6 Queens Road, Belfast, BT3 9DT, Northern Ireland
(d) 1650 Market Street, Suite 4900, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
19103-7300, United States of America
(e) 613 Schiller Avenue, Merion, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA
19066, United States of America
The addresses listed above are also the registered offices of
the relevant entities.
8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Furniture, fittings and
Leasehold Improvement equipment Plant and machinery Totals
GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's
--------------------- ---------------------- --------------------------- ------ -------------------- ------------
Cost
At 1 January 2019 100 174 1,199 1,473
Additions - 5 1 6
Disposals - (157) (1,061) (1,218)
---------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------ ----------
At 31 December 2019 100 22 139 261
Additions - 8 31 39
Acquired - 6 - 6
Disposals - (1) - (1)
--------------------- ---------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------ ----------
At 31 December 2020 100 35 170 305
--------------------- ---------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------ ----------
Depreciation
At 1 January 2019 22 163 1,119 1,304
Charge for the year 10 4 28 42
Disposals - (152) (1,061) (1,213)
---------------------
At 31 December 2019 32 15 86 133
Acquired - 1 - 1
Charge for the year 10 3 31 44
Disposals - (1) - (1)
At 31 December 2020 42 18 117 177
--------------------- ---------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------ ----------
Net book value
At 31 December 2020 58 17 53 128
--------------------- ---------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------ ----------
At 31 December 2019 68 7 53 128
--------------------- ---------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------ ----------
(i) Leasehold improvements of GBP100k are funded by a loan.
(ii) During the prior year the property plant and equipment of Vortex and Wanda was sold.
9. RIGHT-OF-USE-ASSETS
2020 2019
GBP000's GBP000's
---------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Cost
At 1 January 253 -
Recognised on initial application of IFRS 16 - 253
At 31 December 253 253
------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Amortisation
At 1 January (32) -
Charge for the year (32) (32)
At 31 December (64) (32)
------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Net book value
At 31 December 189 221
------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
There is one long term lease, the Group has decided it will
apply the modified retrospective approach to IFRS 16, and therefore
will only recognise leases on balance sheet as at 1 January 2019.
In addition, it has decided to measure right-of-use assets by
reference to the measurement of the lease liability on that date.
This will ensure there is no immediate impact to net assets on that
date.
The lease liabilities were measured at the present value of the
remaining lease payments, discounted using the Group's incremental
borrowing rate as at 1 January 2019. The Group's incremental
borrowing rate is the rate at which a similar borrowing could be
obtained from an independent creditor under comparable terms and
conditions. The rate applied was 3.5%.
Right-of-use assets are amortised on a straight-line basis over
the remaining term of the lease or over the remaining economic life
of the asset.
Short term leases still expensed as operating amount to GBP28k
(2019: GBP16k) with a maturity of three to six months.
10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Carry Interest Development costs Investment
Goodwill Arrangements Acquisition Costs Patents Total
GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's
--------------------- --------- -------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------- ---------
Cost
--------------------- --------- -------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------- ---------
At 1 January 2020 - - - - - -
Additions - - 337 - 50 387
Acquired through
business
combinations 669 1,627 - 17 - 2,313
--------------------- --------- -------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------- ---------
At 31 December 2020 669 1,627 337 17 50 2,700
--------------------- --------- -------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------- ---------
Accumulated
amortisation and
impairment
--------------------- --------- -------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------- ---------
At 1 January 2020 - - - - - -
Amortisation charge - 76 - - 1 77
--------------------- --------- -------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------- ---------
At 31 December 2020 - 76 - - 1 77
--------------------- --------- -------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------- ---------
Net book value
--------------------- --------- -------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------- ---------
At 31 December 2020 669 1,551 337 17 49 2,623
--------------------- --------- -------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------- ---------
On 25 August 2020, the Group acquired 100% of the voting equity
of EMV Capital Limited from Futura Messis Group Limited, a company
owned and managed by Dr Ilian Iliev. The acquisition has the
potential to unlock additional value creation opportunities for
NetScientific shareholders and reduce the risk of further value
erosion. The consideration settled in shares is subject to a number
of warranties over a three-year period following the date of
acquisition. The Group acquired through business combinations total
intangibles of GBP2,313k. The main factors leading to the
recognition of this intangible are:
-- The presence of certain intangible assets, such as the
assembled workforce of the acquired entity, EIS fund practice,
infrastructure, thought leadership, brand, deal flow and investor
network and relationships, which do not qualify for separate
recognition;
-- Economies of scale which result in the Group being prepared to pay a premium; and
-- Carry interest arrangements and profit share that are a
material identifiable class of asset that has been recognised
separately.
ProAxsis acquired a key patent as part of the buyout of the
founders and Queens University for GBP50k which will be amortised
over the economic life of the patent.
ProAxsis development costs of GBP337k has been capitalised
during the year in line with the accounting policy as certain
projects now meet all the criteria for development costs to be
recognised as an asset as it is probable that future economic value
will flow to the Group.
11. EQUITY INVESTMENTS CLASSIFIED AS FVTOCI
Represent equity securities classified as FVTOCI
2020 2019
GBP000's GBP000's
---------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
At 1 January 1,468 2,768
Additions 999 -
Conversion of financial assets classified as FVTPL 645 -
Change in fair value during the year (142) (1,300)
At 31 December 2,970 1,468
---------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Name Country of incorporation % of issued share capital Currency denomination GBP000's
------------------------------ ------------------------- ------------------------- --------------------- --------
PDS Biotechnology Corporation USA 5.75% US$ 2,005
CytoVale, Inc. USA 1.00% US$ 367
Epibone, Inc. USA 0.84% US$ 286
G-Tech, Inc USA 3.80% US$ 312
2,970
-------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- --------------------- --------
The Company's ownership of the enlarged PDS Biotechnology
Corporation, now trading on Nasdaq under the ticker PDSB, on a
fully diluted basis is 5.75% (2019: 8.15%), which at the year-end
listing price of $2.14 values NetScientific's holding in PDS at
GBP2,005k (2019: GBP1,097k). On 12 February 2020, Netscientific
subscribed for GBP503k for 500,000 shares of PDS common stock at a
price of $1.30 per share. On 12 August 2020, NetScientific
subscribed for GBP496k for 236,000 shares of PDS common stock at a
price of $2.75 per share as the Board did not wish to be unduly
diluted if it did not participate. On 31 December 2020
Netscientific owns 1,278,833 shares of PDS' common stock (2019:
542,833 shares), representing approximately 5.75% of the undiluted
share capital (2019: 8.15%). The current share price as of 19 March
2021 was $5.37 giving a fair value of the PDS investment of
GBP4,926k. It is the Company's intention to hold the shares and to
make a decision on its position in due course. The Group's interest
in PDS Biotechnology is non-controlling.
On 23 January 2020, Epibone, Inc., an early-stage investment
announced a Series A funding round raising $8 million.
NetScientific's convertible loan note and accrued interest of
GBP299k converted into Series A preferred shares. This last
observable price has been used to value the Epibone, Inc., equity
investment at year end.
On 21 May 2020, G-Tech, Inc., an early-stage investment
announced a Series A funding round raising $6 million.
NetScientific's fully impaired convertible loan note and accrued
interest of GBP346k converted into Series A preferred shares. This
last observable price has been used to value the G-Tech, Inc.,
equity investment at year end.
CytoVale Inc. remains privately held, and fair value has been
established using the share price and company valuation from
investments by third parties during December 2019. CytoVale raised
$15.0m all at the same price per share from a Venture Capital,
private investor and government sources. At the time this was the
only observable valuation on which to value CytoVale.
12. FINANCIAL ASSETS CLASSIFIED AS FVTPL
Warrants & Convertible Loans classified as FVTPL 2020 Restated
GBP000's 2019
GBP000's
------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------
Balance at 1 January 262 297
Additional accrued interest 109 -
Release of provision 224 -
Conversion to equity investments classified as FVTOCI (645) -
Change in fair value during the year 128 (35)
------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------
Balance at 31 December 78 262
------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------
The warrant has been valued using the Black-Scholes Model and a
level 3 fair value hierarchy, given the unobservable data for
volatility and its fair value. These warrants may be exercised at
any time prior to May 2021.
On 23 January 2020, Epibone, Inc., an early-stage investment
announced a Series A funding round raising $8 million.
NetScientific's convertible loan note and accrued interest of
GBP299k converted into Series A preferred shares.
On 21 May 2020, G-Tech Medical, Inc., an early-stage investment
announced a Series A funding round raising $6 million.
NetScientific's fully impaired convertible loan note and accrued
interest of GBP424k converted into Series A preferred shares of
GBP346k and common form convertibles of GBP78k which remain as
financial assets classified as FVTPL.
The Neumitra, Inc., and Longevity Inc., convertible loan notes
do not have a material value individually or collectively and have
been fully impaired.
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