Downing THREE VCT plc : Half-yearly report


Downing THREE VCT plc

Half-Yearly Report for the six months ended 30 June 2015

Performance summary

'C' Share pool 30 Jun
2015
  31 Dec
2014
  30 Jun
2014
  Pence   Pence   Pence
Net asset value per 'C' Share 49.3   98.2   91.3
Net asset value per 'A' Share 0.1   0.1   0.1
Cumulative distributions per 'C' Share 75.0   25.0   25.0
Adjusted for estimated performance fee (7.0)   -   -
Total return per 'C' Share and 'A' Share 117.4 * 123.3   116.4

'D' Share pool 30 Jun
2015
  31 Dec
2014
  30 Jun
2014
  Pence   Pence   Pence
Net asset value per 'D' Share 72.9   71.3   75.9
Net asset value per 'E' Share 0.1   0.1   0.1
Cumulative distributions per 'D' Share 22.5   22.5   20.0
Total return per 'D' Share and 'E' Share 95.5   93.9   96.0

'F' Share pool 30 Jun
2015
  31 Dec
2014
  30 Jun
2014
  Pence   Pence   Pence
Net asset value per 'F' Share 71.7   75.5   77.5
Cumulative distributions per 'F' Share 17.5   15.0   12.5
Total return per 'F' Share 89.2   90.5   90.0

'H' Share pool 30 Jun
2015
  31 Dec
2014
  30 Jun
2014
  Pence   Pence   Pence
Net asset value per 'H' Share 93.3   94.7   99.6
Cumulative distributions per 'H' Share 7.5   5.0   -
Total return per 'H' Share 100.8   99.7   99.6

'J' Share pool 30 Jun
2015
 
Initial
   
  Pence   Pence    
Net asset value per 'J' Share 99.9   100.0    

*Based on Total Return levels at 30 June 2015, performance fees are expected to become due to management, estimated to be 7p per 'C'/'A' Share.

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Introduction
I am pleased to present the Half-Yearly Report for the six months ended 30 June 2015. Investment performance across the various share pools has mostly been satisfactory and progress is being made in exiting from investments in the share pools that have now reached their planned exit date. The Company has also continued to raise new funds in the 'J' Share pool.

Net asset values and overview
'C' Share pool
The 'C' Share pool is now exiting from its investments. During the period sufficient realisations were completed to allow the payment of a dividend of 50p per 'C' Share.

At 30 June 2015, the remaining net asset value ("NAV") for a combined holding of one 'C' Share and one 'A' Share was 49.4p. This represents a net increase of 1.1p (1.1%) over the period (after adjusting for dividends paid during the period).

Assuming that certain performance hurdles are met, it is expected that a performance fee will be payable to management and it is estimated that this might be equivalent to 7p per Ordinary Share. After providing for the performance fee the Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) stands at 117.4p for a combined holding one 'C' Share and one 'A' Share. This compares to the original cost, net of income tax relief, of 70p per share.

Plans are being advanced for exit from all of the remaining investments. The Manager is hopeful that these can be completed soon and a final payment made to 'C' Shareholders before the end of the year.

'D' Share pool
The 'D' Share pool has now passed its five year anniversary of the close of the original fundraising offer and work is ongoing to unwind the 'D' Share investment portfolio. Unfortunately a proposed transaction to dispose of a number of solar investments earlier in the year fell through, although a new process has now commenced with a different purchaser.  Another proposed sale has encountered delays, but the Manager now expects it to complete soon.

Although it is unlikely that all investments will be realised over the next few months, the Manager believes the Company will be in a position to make a substantial initial payment to 'D' Shareholders before the end of the year.

At 30 June 2015, the net asset value ("NAV") for a combined holding of one 'D' Share and one 'E' Share was 73.0p, an increase of 1.6p (2.2%) over the period. Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) is now 95.5p for a combined holding, compared to the original cost, net of income tax relief, of 70p per share.

'F' Share pool
The 'F' Share pool launched in 2012 and is scheduled to start exiting from investments in 2017.

At 30 June 2015, the net asset value ("NAV") for a holding of one 'F' Share was 71.7p, a net decrease of 1.3p (1.7%) over the period (after adjusting for dividends paid during the period of 2.5p per 'F' Share). Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) is now 89.2p, compared to the original cost, net of income tax relief, of 70p per share.

 'H' Share pool
The 'H' Share pool raised funds in 2014 and is in the process of building its VCT qualifying portfolio. The target date to start realising investments is 2019.

At 30 June 2015, the net asset value ("NAV") for a holding of one 'H' Share was 93.3p. This represents a net increase of 1.1p (1.2%) over the period (after adjusting for the dividends paid during the period of 2.5p per 'H' Share).  Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) is now 100.8p, compared to the initial NAV of 100.0p.

 'J' Share pool
The 'J' Share pool was launched in December 2014 and completed its first two investments in the period under review.

At 30 June 2015, the net asset value ("NAV") for a holding of one 'J' Share was 99.9p, compared to the initial NAV of 100.0p.

A full review for each share pool is covered in the specific Investment Manager's Reports below.

Dividends
In line with the Company's stated policies, interim dividends will be paid as follows:

'F' Shares                                2.5p per share
'H' Shares               2.5p per share

Each of the above dividends will be paid on 18 December 2015 to Shareholders on the register at 20 November 2015.

No usual interim dividends are being declared in respect of the 'C' Shares or 'D' Shares as it is expected that larger dividends will be paid as soon as investment realisations complete.

As a result of changes to the VCT regulations in 2014, the 'J' Share pool is effectively prohibited from paying dividends in its first three years.

Fundraising
The 'J' Share fundraising offer opened in December 2014 and has to date raised £9 million, which is of a sufficient size to ensure a reasonably spread portfolio for investors. The closing date for the offer has now been extended to 30 September 2015.

Shareholders may be aware of the proposed VCT rule changes that have been announced in the Summer Budget. The new rules have yet to be finalised but they will place a greater restriction on the range of investments that the Company can make in future.

For the pools that are already fully invested, there is not likely to be any significant impact. In respect of the pools that have not yet invested all their funds, this may result in the Company having to invest in younger businesses, potentially exposing the Company to a slightly higher risk profile. The proposed penalty for breaching some of the new rules is loss of VCT status, so the Company and its investors may face a higher risk of the loss of tax benefits than has previously been the case. While acknowledging the additional risks that the new rules may introduce, the Investment Manager, believes that the Company will be able to satisfactorily adapt to the new rules and that the original performance target for the J Share pool remains achievable.

The Company has recently published a brief supplementary prospectus in respect of the rule changes.

Share buybacks
The Company has a general policy in the first five years after the launch of a share class of buying in its own shares that become available in the market for cancellation. As a result, the Company will buy 'F' Shares, 'H' Shares and 'J' Shares that become available in the market and will, subject to liquidity and regulatory constraints, buy at prices approximately equal to net asset value i.e. with no discount.

No shares were purchased in the six month period to 30 June 2015.

Outlook
The Board is generally satisfied with progress and expects to see significant headway made in realising investments from the 'C' Share and 'D' Share pools over the remainder of the year. We expect to see all remaining funds returned to 'C' Share investors before the end of the year and a significant proportion of the 'D' Share fund paid out to those Shareholders over the same time period.

In terms of the less mature share pools, the Manager will continue to work closely with all portfolio companies. In the 'F' Share pool we believe there are prospects to recover ground lost on some of the weaker investments.  In respect of the 'H' and 'J' Share pools, we expect a number of new VCT qualifying investments to be made over the remainder of the year.

As soon as there is news of the next dividends for 'C' and 'D' Shareholders, the Company will write to those Shareholders.

Michael Robinson
Chairman


INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT
'C' SHARE POOL

The task of exiting all of the 'C' Share pool investments continued during the period and we are hopeful this will now complete in the next few months. A dividend of 50p per 'C' Share was paid on 20 March 2015, bringing total dividends paid to date to 75.0p per 'C' Share.

Investment activity in the period
A number of investments were exited during the period under review:

The sale of Atlantic Dogstar Limited, AEW Pubs No 1 Limited, East Dulwich Tavern Limited and Westow House Limited completed in January 2015, generating capital proceeds to the 'C' share pool of £2,400,000 as well as a dividend of £509,000. In total, this equates to a gain against original cost of £1.2 million.

The £210,000 non-qualifying loan in Hoole Hall Country Club Holdings Limited was repaid at par.

Vermont Developments Limited, a property development site in Salford, was exited in the period and generated proceeds of £156,000 and a gain against cost of £131,000.

Proceeds of £87,000 were received on the exit of Chapel Street Services Limited, Chapel Street Food and Beverage Limited and Chapel Street Hotel Limited.

Honeycombe Pubs Limited was sold in the period and proceeds of £66,000 were received.

Details of the 'C' Share pool portfolio and investment activity during the period are shown below.

There have been some minor adjustments to valuations of the remaining investments resulting in a net reduction of £53,000.

Further realisation plans
The 3D Pub Co Limited was disposed of in July at a price equal to the 30 June valuation. Each of the other remaining investments is in advanced stages of transactions which should secure exits at full value. As there are a significant number of parties involved it is difficult to accurately estimate when all of the transactions will be completed, however we are optimistic that the 'C' Share pool will be in a position to make a final distribution to 'C' Shareholders before the end of the year.

Net asset value and results
At 30 June 2015, the net asset value ("NAV") for a combined holding of one 'C' Share and one 'A' Share was 49.4p.

Based on the performance to date, it is expected that performance hurdles will be met and a performance fee will be paid to members of the management team. It is estimated that this fee might be equivalent to 7p per 'C' Share. After adjusting for that, Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) now stands at 117.4p for a combined holding of one 'C' Share and one 'A' Share. Shareholders should note that although the 'A' Shares currently have a nominal value, meeting the performance hurdles will trigger a transfer of value from the 'C' Shares to the 'A' Shares.

The profit on ordinary activities after taxation for the 'C' Shares for the period was £89,000, comprising a revenue profit of £554,000 and a capital loss of £465,000.

Outlook
We are pleased with the overall performance of the 'C' Share portfolio and believe that the task of completing the liquidation of the remaining portfolio can be completed in a timely manner. As soon as this process is complete, we expect the Company to make a final payment to 'C' Shareholders to bring a successful investment to a close.

Downing LLP

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
'C' SHARE POOL
as at 30 June 2015

 
Cost
Valuation
Unrealised
gain in
period
% of
portfolio by
value
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
       
 
  VCT qualifying and partially qualifying investments      
 
  Domestic Solar Limited 500 560 -
15.8%
  Future Biogas (SF) Limited* 697 476 -
13.5%
  Redmed Limited 350 430 (22)
12.2%
  Quadrate Spa Limited* 363 363 -
10.3%
  Quadrate Catering Limited 330 359 -
10.1%
  The 3D Pub Co Limited 267 233 6
6.6%
  Ecossol Limited 250 175 (37)
4.9%
  Mosaic Spa and Health Clubs Limited* 125 97 -
2.7%
         
 
  Non-qualifying investments      
 
  The Thames Club Limited 500 500 -
14.1%
       
 
  3,382 3,193 (53)
90.2%
       
 
Cash at bank and in hand   348  
9.8%
       
 
Total   3,541  
100%

*    Partially qualifying investment

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS
'C' SHARE POOL
for the six months ended 30 June 2015

Disposals
Cost
Market
value at
01/01/15*
Disposal
proceeds
Gain
against
cost
 Total
realised
gain/(loss)
 
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
VCT qualifying and partially qualifying investments            
Chapel Street Food and Beverage Limited 50 13 45 (5) 32  
Chapel Street Services Limited 50 13 42 (8) 29  
Atlantic Dogstar Limited 663 1,260 1,260 597 -  
East Dulwich Tavern Limited 644 734 541 (103) (193) **
Westow House Limited 429 606 338 (91) (268) **
             
Non-qualifying investments            
Vermont Developments Limited 25 120 156 131 36  
Hoole Hall Country Club Holdings Limited 210 210 210 - -  
Honeycombe Pubs VCT Limited 188 66 66 (122) -  
AEW Pubs No 1 Limited - 261 261 261 -  
Chapel Street Hotel Limited 2 1 - (2) (1)  
Westow House Pub No 1 Limited - 16 - - (16) **
East Dulwich Tavern Pub No 1 Limited - 31 - - (31) **
             
  2,261 3,331 2,919 658 (412)  

* Adjusted for additions in the year
**Disposal proceeds were supplemented by dividends totalling £509,000

INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT
'D' SHARE POOL
The 'D' Share pool recently passed the five year anniversary of the close of the original fundraising and has therefore now started the process of seeking to realise its investments in order to return funds to 'D' shareholders.

Exits have been achieved from some small investments so far. Other transactions are being progressed which should result in exits from a significant proportion of the portfolio within the next few months.

Investment activity
During the period under review, there were four full disposals and two part disposals which produced proceeds of £1.3 million and showed a small gain against previous carrying value of £50,000.

At 30 June 2015, the pool held 18 investments with a valuation of £5.9 million. Some minor valuation changes were made at the period end resulting in a total valuation reduction of £11,000. The carrying values adopted at the end of the period are consistent with the values at which we believe the investments can be exited.

The majority of investments have performed to plan although a small number which have underperformed historically have not been able to make up lost ground as yet.

Realisation plans
Plans are well advanced for exits from all of the share pool's VCT qualifying investments. A proposed transaction to dispose of all of the solar assets fell through earlier in the year when the purchaser was not able to complete.  However, a new purchaser is now in place and we believe the transaction should complete soon.

Separate transactions are also being progressed for Future Biogas (Reepham Road), the Quadrate and Commercial Street Hotel companies, Kidspace, Alpha Schools and Mosaic which, assuming they each go ahead as planned will, with the above transaction, result in approximately 75% of the fund being liquidated over the next few months. As soon as a significant proportion of the portfolio has been realised, we expect the Board to declare a major distribution to Shareholders.

Aminghurst is the one major investment where the exit plans are currently a little less clear. The company developed an apartment and hotel complex at Gara Rock in Devon. Sales of the apartments have been slow to date and it is therefore currently difficult to estimate when Aminghurst may be in position to repay funds to the Company. Some options are being explored that might help to draw the investment to a conclusion earlier than might otherwise be the case.

Net asset value and results
At 30 June 2015, the net asset value ("NAV") for a combined holding of one 'D' Share and one 'E' Share was 73.0p, an increase of 1.6p (2.2%) over the period. Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) is now 95.5p for a combined holding.

The profit on ordinary activities for the 'D' Shares, after taxation, for the period was £154,000, comprising a revenue profit of £115,000 and a capital profit of £39,000.

Outlook
The remainder of the year will be a busy period in terms of investment disposals and we expect the first major distribution to Shareholders to be made before the end of the year. The complete disposal process is likely to take some time and, as a result of Aminghurst in particular, it may be 12 months or more before the full task is completed.

Downing LLP


SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
'D' SHARE POOL
as at 30 June 2015

 
Cost
Valuation
Unrealised
gain/(loss)
in period
% of
Portfolio
by value
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
       
 
VCT qualifying and partially qualifying investments      
 
Future Biogas (Reepham Road) Limited 842 522 -
7.2%
Quadrate Catering Limited 441 481 -
6.6%
Quadrate Spa Limited* 496 496 -
6.8%
Kidspace Adventure Holdings Limited 375 454 6
6.2%
Domestic Solar Limited 400 448 -
6.1%
Alpha Schools (Holdings) Limited 367 438 -
6.0%
Mosaic Spa and Health Clubs Limited 475 347 -
4.8%
Green Electricity Generation Limited 250 303 -
4.2%
Westcountry Solar Solutions Limited 250 250 -
3.4%
Avon Solar Energy Limited 210 210 -
2.8%
Progressive Energies Limited 170 190 -
2.6%
Ecossol Limited 250 175 (38)
2.4%
Liverpool Nurseries (Holdings) Limited - 22 22
0.3%
Camandale Limited 421 2 (1)
0.0%
       
 
Non-qualifying investments      
 
Aminghurst Limited 1,322 1,322 -
18.1%
Fenkle Street LLP 122 122 -
1.7%
Commercial Street Hotel Limited 100 100 -
1.4%
Kilmarnock Money Bar Limited 42 25 -
0.3%
       
 
  6,533 5,907 (11)
80.9%
       
 
Cash at bank and in hand   1,391  
19.1%
       
 
Total   7,298  
100%

*    Partially qualifying investment

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS
'D' SHARE POOL
for the six months ended 30 June 2015

Additions
£'000
   
Non-qualifying investments  
Camandale Limited 8
   
Total 8

Disposals
Cost
Market
value at
01/01/15*
Disposal
proceeds
Gain
against
cost
 Total
realised
gain/(loss)
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
VCT qualifying and partially qualifying investments          
Ridgeway Pub Company Limited 137 126 150 13 24
Slopingtactic Limited 196 225 248 52 23
Liverpool Nurseries (Holdings) Limited 435 386 397 (38) 11
West Tower Property Limited 250 250 250 - -
Camandale Limited 102 36 28 (74) (8)
           
Non-qualifying investments          
Aminghurst Limited 185 185 185 - -
  1,305 1,208 1,258 (47) 50

* Adjusted for additions in the year

INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT
'F' SHARE POOL
The 'F' Share pool is now fully invested and is scheduled to start realising investments in 2017 in order to return funds to shareholders.

Investment activity
The 'F' Share pool made three further qualifying investments in the period and has now met the target of having at least 70% of its funds in VCT qualifying investments. Details of the new investments are set out below:

£258,000 of non-qualifying loan was replaced with a qualifying investment in Pearce and Saunders Limited, the freehold pub company that operates three sites in south east London. A further £46,000 was also invested in a new company that will be used to take advantage of a related development opportunity.

£200,000 was invested in Atlantic Dogstar Limited, the owner and operator of five London pubs.

£64,000 was invested in Vulcan Renewables Limited, the operator of a biogas plant in Doncaster.

The majority of the 'F' Share pool investments have performed in line with expectations over the period and continue to be valued at original cost, however, there have been a number of adjustments to valuations resulting in an unrealised value decrease of £180,000. Details are below:

Following a further round of financing the valuation of Vulcan Renewables Limited was increased by £126,000.

After third party valuations of the sites at two of our freehold London pub companies, Pabulum Pubs Limited and Augusta Pub Company Limited, the valuations were increased by £29,000 and £19,000 respectively.

Kidspace Adventures Holdings Limited is the holding company of Kidspace Adventures Limited which owns three children's play centres. Continued good performance at all three sites has resulted in an increase in value of £4,000.

These gains were offset by valuation reductions on four investments, most notably Pearce and Saunders Limited where underperformance at the pub sites resulted in a valuation decrease of £249,000. Also Tor Solar Limited, the solar panel installer, saw its valuation reduced by £85,000 following underperformance of a number of the solar arrays.

In addition to the Pearce and Saunders reorganisation noted above there was also a partial repayment of the non-qualifying loan in Aminghurst Limited which generated £128,000.  Furthermore, Hoole Hall Hotel Limited exited for £84,000.

Details of the 'F' Share pool portfolio and investment activity during the period are shown below.

Net asset value, results and dividend
At 30 June 2015, the net asset value ("NAV") for a holding of one 'F' Share was 71.7p, a decrease of 1.3p (1.7%) over the period. Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) is now 89.2p for a combined holding.

The loss on ordinary activities for the 'F' Shares, after taxation, for the period was £148,000, comprising a revenue profit of £32,000 and a capital loss of £180,000.

The Company will pay an interim dividend of 2.5p per 'F' Share, on 18 December 2015 to 'F' Shareholders on the register at 20 November 2015.

Outlook
The focus now for the 'F' Share portfolio is on close monitoring and support of the portfolio companies to ensure that prospects for growth are optimised in the period until the realisation process commences in 2017.

Downing LLP

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
'F' SHARE POOL
as at 30 June 2015

 
Cost
Valuation
Unrealised
gain/(loss)
in period
% of
Portfolio
by value
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
       
 
VCT qualifying and partially qualifying investments      
 
Vulcan Renewables Limited 653 778 126
10.0%
Goonhilly Earth Station Limited 760 760 -
9.8%
Tor Solar PV Limited 680 595 (85)
7.7%
Merlin Renewables Limited 500 500 -
6.4%
Lambridge Solar Limited 500 500 -
6.4%
Grasshopper 2007 Limited 378 378 -
4.9%
Augusta Pub Company Limited 290 309 19
4.0%
Kidspace Adventures Holdings Limited 250 302 4
3.9%
Fubar Stirling Limited 268 256 (12)
3.3%
Pearce and Saunders Limited* 497 248 (249)
3.2%
Redmed Limited 250 239 (12)
3.1%
Pabulum Pubs Limited 200 229 29
3.0%
City Falkirk Limited 422 207 -
2.6%
Atlantic Dogstar Limited 200 200 -
2.6%
Fresh Green Power Limited 200 200 -
2.6%
Green Energy Production UK Limited 100 100 -
1.3%
Cheers Dumbarton Limited 48 17 -
0.2%
Lochrise Limited 13 - -
0.0%
       
 
Non-qualifying investments      
 
Aminghurst Limited 839 839 -
10.8%
Baron House Developments LLP 481 481 -
6.2%
Dominions House Limited 59 59 -
0.8%
3D  Pub  Company Limited 55 55 -
0.7%
Pearce and Saunders DevCo Limited 46 46 -
0.6%
London City Shopping Centre Limited 43 43 -
0.6%
Southampton Hotel Development Limited 298 - -
0.0%
       
 
  8,030 7,341 (180)
94.7%
       
 
Cash at bank and in hand   407  
5.3%
       
 
Total   7,748  
100.0%

*    Partially qualifying investment

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS
'F' SHARE POOL
as at 30 June 2015

Additions
£'000
   
Qualifying investments  
Pearce and Saunders Limited 304
Atlantic Dogstar Limited 200
Vulcan Renewables Limited 64
   
Non-qualifying investments  
Pearce and Saunders DevCo Limited 46
   
Total 614

Disposals
Cost
Market
value at
01/01/15*
Disposal
proceeds
Gain
against
cost
 Total
realised
gain
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
           
Qualifying investments          
Pearce and Saunders Limited 258 258 258 - -
           
Non-qualifying investments          
Aminghurst Limited 128 128 128 - -
Hoole Hall Hotel Limited 84 84 84 - -
           
  470 470 470 - -

* adjusted for purchases made in the period

INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT
'H' SHARE POOL
The 'H' Share pool raised funds in 2014 and is still in the early stages of building its VCT qualifying portfolio.

Investment activity
The pool made its first two new qualifying investments in the period, as well as two further non-qualifying investments. Details are set out below:

£1,000,000 was invested in Atlantic Dogstar Limited, in January 2015. The company owns and operates five freehold pubs in London.

Oak Grove Renewables Limited operates an anaerobic digestion plant in Norfolk. £420,000 has been invested in the company in the period.

A non-qualifying loan of £200,000 was made to UK Solar (Hartwell) LLP to fund the construction of a solar plant in Northamptonshire.

£155,000 non-qualifying loan was made to Augusta Pub Company Limited, an owner and operator of freehold London pubs.

All of the 'H' Share pool investments are performing as expected and are valued at original cost.

There was one partial disposal in the period being a repayment of non-qualifying loan of £23,000 made by Ludlow Taverns Springhill Limited.

Net asset value and results
At 30 June 2015, the net asset value per 'H' Share was 93.3p, a net increase of 1.1p (1.2%) over the period. Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid to date) is now 100.8p.

Results and dividend
The gain on ordinary activities for the 'H' Shares, after taxation, for the period was £154,000 being wholly related to Revenue.

The Company will pay an interim dividend of 2.5p per 'H' Share, on 18 December 2015 to 'H' Shareholders on the register at 20 November 2015.

Outlook
The task of building the 'H' Share portfolio is now underway. We have a good pipeline of potential investment opportunities from which we expect to be able to build a solid qualifying portfolio with good potential for growth over the next five years. The portfolio currently comprises a number of non-qualifying investments that provide additional yield in the initial phase but will be realised in order to provide funds for further qualifying investments in due course. As a result, we expect there to be a significant level of investment activity over the remainder of the year.

Downing LLP

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
'H' SHARE POOL
as at 30 June 2015

 
Cost
Valuation
Unrealised
gain in
period
% of
Portfolio
by value
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
VCT qualifying and partially qualifying investments      
 
Atlantic Dogstar Limited 1,000 1,000 -
8.1%
Oak Grove Renewables Limited 420 420 -
3.4%
       
 
Non-qualifying investments      
 
Woodbridge Solar Limited 1,800 1,800 -
14.5%
Deeside Solar Limited 1,800 1,800 -
14.5%
Vulcan Renewables  Limited 1,410 1,410 -
11.4%
Pub People Limited 984 984 -
8.0%
Future Biogas (SF) Limited 525 525 -
4.2%
Ludlow Taverns Springhill Limited 398 398 -
3.2%
UK Solar (Hartwell) LLP 200 200 -
1.6%
Pearce and Saunders Limited 193 193 -
1.6%
Augusta Pub Company Limited 155 155 -
1.3%
       
 
  8,885 8,885 -
71.8%
       
 
Cash at bank and in hand   3,485  
28.2%
       
 
Total   12,370  
100%

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS
'H' SHARE POOL
as at 30 June 2015

Additions
£'000
   
Qualifying investments  
Atlantic Dogstar Limited 1,000
Oak Grove Renewables Limited 420
   
Non-qualifying investments  
UK Solar (Hartwell) LLP 200
Augusta Pub Company Limited 155
   
Total 1,775

Disposals
Cost
Market
value at
01/01/15*
Disposal
proceeds
Gain
against
cost
 Total
Realised
gain
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
           
Non-qualifying investments          
Ludlow Taverns Springhill Limited 23 23 23 - -
           
  23 23 23 - -

* adjusted for purchases made in the period

INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT
'J' SHARE POOL
Fundraising
The fundraising for the 'J' Share pool was launched in December 2014 and has raised £8.9m to date. The closing date for the offer has now been extended to 30 September 2015.

Investment activity
Two initial investments were made in the period being a qualifying investment of £420,000 in Oak Grove Renewables Limited and a non-qualifying secured loan investment of £410,000 in UK Solar (Lower Newton) LLP.

Net asset value and results
At 30 June 2015, the net asset value per 'J' Share was 99.9p, a small reduction of 0.1p from the initial value resulting from the excess of running costs over investment income while most of the funds have been held in cash.

The loss on ordinary activities for the 'J' Shares, after taxation, for the period was £8,000, being wholly related to revenue.

Following changes to the VCT regulations in 2014, there are now tight restrictions on dividends that can be paid on new VCT shares. As a result it is expected that no dividend will be paid to 'J' Shareholders in the initial years following investment.

Outlook
The task of building the 'J' Share portfolio has very recently begun. We have a good pipeline of potential investment opportunities from which we expect to be able to build a solid qualifying portfolio with good potential for growth over the planned life of the share pool. Accordingly, we expect to complete a number of new qualifying and non-qualifying investments for the share pool over the remainder of the year.

Downing LLP


SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
'J' SHARE POOL
as at 30 June 2015

 
Cost
Valuation
Unrealised
gain in
period
% of
Portfolio
by value
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
VCT qualifying and partially qualifying investments      
 
Oak Grove Renewables Limited 420 420 -
5.2%
       
 
Non-qualifying investments      
 
UK Solar (Lower Newton) LLP 300 300 -
3.7%
       
 
  720 720 -
8.9%
       
 
Cash at bank and in hand   7,413  
91.1%
       
 
Total   8,133  
100%

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS
'J' SHARE POOL
as at 30 June 2015

Additions
£'000
   
Qualifying investments  
Oak Grove Renewables Limited  
  420
Non-qualifying investments  
UK Solar (Solar Newton) LLP 410
   
Total 830

Disposals
Cost
Market
value at
01/01/15*
Disposal
proceeds
Gain
against
cost
 Total
realised
gain
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
           
Non-qualifying investments          
UK Solar (Lower Newton) LLP 110 110 110 - -
           
  110 110 110 - -

* adjusted for purchases made in the period

UNAUDITED SUMMARISED BALANCE SHEET
as at 30 June 2015

     

30 Jun 2015
  30 Jun
2014
  31 Dec
2014

 

 

'C' Shares
 

'D' Shares
 

'F' Shares
 

'H' Shares

'J' Shares
 

 

Total
  Total

 
  Total

 

 

£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000   £'000   £'000

 

                   
Fixed assets                    
Unquoted investments 3,193 5,907 7,341 8,885 720 26,046   22,172   28,204
                     
Current assets                    
Debtors 89 130 119 286 31 655   272   417
Cash at bank and in hand 348 1,391 407 3,485 7,413 13,044   11,728   7,182
  437 1,521 526 3,771 7,444 13,699   12,000   7,599
                     
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year  

(93)
 

(144)
 

(111)
 

(110)

(561)
 

(1,019)
   

(568)
   

(734)
                     
Net current assets/(liabilities)  

344
 

1,377
 

415
 

3,661

6,883
 

12,680
   

11,432
   

6,865
                     
Net assets 3,537 7,284 7,756 12,546 7,603 38,726   33,604   35,069
                     
Capital and reserves                    
Called up share capital 18 25 11 13 8 75   64   67
Share capital to be issued - - - - - -   431   -
Capital redemption reserve 106 - - - - 106   106   106
Special reserve 1,495 7,515 9,346 (1,008) - 17,348   23,462   22,268
Share premium account - - - 13,607 7,760 21,367   10,685   13,608
Revaluation reserve (190) (626) (688) - - (1,504)   (320)   (289)
Capital reserve - realised 1,334 - (1,033) - - 301   (1,033)   (1,033)
Revenue reserve 774 370 120 (66) (165) 1,033   209   342
                     
Total equity shareholders' funds 3,537 7,284 7,756 12,546 7,603 38,726   33,604   35,069
                     
Basic and diluted net asset value per:      
'C' Share 49.3p           91.3p 98.2p
'A' Share 0.1p           0.1p 0.1p
'D' Share   72.9p           75.9p 71.3p
'E' Share   0.1p           0.1p 0.1p
'F' Share     71.7p         77.5p 75.5p
'H' Share       93.3p       99.6p 94.7p
'J' Share         99.9p     n/a n/a

RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS

 

   

30 June 2015
  30 Jun
2014
  31 Dec
2014

 

 

'C'
Shares
 

'D'
Shares
 

'F'
Shares
 

'H'
Shares

'J'
Shares
 

 

Total
   

 

Total
   

 

Total

 

£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000   £'000   £'000

 

                   
Opening Shareholders' funds 7,037 7,130 8,174 12,728 - 35,069   22,837     22,837
Issue of shares - - - - 7,767 7,767   11,117     14,009
Share issue costs - - - - (156) (156)   (422)   (563)
Purchase of own shares - - - - - -   -   -
Total recognised gains/(losses) for the period 89 154 (148) 154 (8) 241   340           677
Share capital to be issued - - - - - -   431   -
Dividends (3,589) - (270) (336) - (4,195)   (699)     (1,891)
                     
Closing Shareholders' funds 3,537 7,284 7,756 12,546 7,603 38,726   33,604     35,069

INCOME STATEMENT
for the six months ended 30 June 2015

Company Total

   

Six months ended
30 Jun 2015

 
   

Six months ended
30 Jun 2014
 
Year
ended
31 Dec
2014
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Total
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
                   
Income 1,411 - 1,411   657 - 657   1,466
                   
Gains/(losses) on investments                  
- realised - (362) (362)   - - -   -
- unrealised - (244) (244)   - 197 197   226
  1,411 (606) 805   657 197 854   1,692
                   
Investment management fees (332) - (332)   (270) - (270)   (564)
Other expenses (148) - (148)   (173) - (173)   (296)
                   
Return/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 931 (606) 325   214 197 411   832
                   
Taxation (84) - (84)   (71) - (71)   (155)
                   
Return/(loss) attributable to equity shareholders 847 (606) 241   143 197 340   677
             
Return per 'C' Share 7.7p (6.5p) 1.2p   0.9p     2.2p     3.1p   9.9p
Return per 'A' Share                -            -          -                -           -           -                -
Return per 'D' Share 1.2p 0.4p 1.6p   1.0p     0.5p     1.5p   (0.6p)
Return per 'E' Share               -           -          -                -           -           -                -
Return per 'F' Share 0.3p (1.7p) (1.4p)   0.2p   (0.1p)     0.1p   0.7p
Return per 'H' Share 1.2p           - 1.2p   (0.8p)           -   (0.8p)   (0.5p)
Return per 'J' Share (0.2p)    - (0.2p)   n/a n/a n/a          n/a

A Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses has not been prepared as all gains/losses are recognised in the Income Statement as noted above.

INCOME STATEMENT
for the six months ended 30 June 2015

'C' Shares  

Six months ended
30 Jun 2015

 
   

Six months ended
30 Jun 2014
  Year
ended
31 Dec
2014
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Total
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
                   
Income 621 - 621   168 - 168   391
                   
Gains/(losses) on investments                
- realised - (412) (412)   - - -   -
- unrealised - (53) (53)   - 154 154   529
   621 (465) 156   168 154 322   920
                   
Investment management fees (31) - (31)   (44) - (44)   (89)
Other expenses (24) - (24)   (38) - (38)   (64)
                   
Return/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 566 (465) 101   86 154 240   767
                   
Taxation (12) - (12)   (20) - (20)   (56)
                   
Return/(loss) attributable to equity shareholders 554 (465) 89   66 154 220   711

'D' Shares  

Six months ended
30 Jun 2015

 
   

Six months ended
30 Jun 2014
 
Year
ended
31 Dec
2014
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Total
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
                   
Income 227 - 227   221 - 221   473
                   
Gains/(losses) on investments                  
- realised - 50 50   - - -   -
- unrealised - (11) (11)   - 55 55   (292)
  227 39 266   221 55 276   181
                   
Investment management fees (49) - (49)   (53) - (53)   (103)
Other expenses (32) - (32)   (41) - (41)   (67)
                   
Return on ordinary activities before taxation 146 39 185   127 55 182   11
                   
Taxation (31) - (31)   (32) - (32)   (70)
                   
Return/(loss) attributable to equity shareholders 115 39 154   95 55 150   (59)

INCOME STATEMENT
for the six months ended 30 June 2015

'F' Shares

 
 

Six months ended
30 Jun 2015

 
   

Six months ended
30 Jun 2014
 
Year
ended
31 Dec
2014
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Total
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
                   
Income 153 - 153   232 - 232   424
                   
Losses on investments                  
- realised - - -   - - -   -
- unrealised - (180) (180)   - (12) (12)   (11)
  153 (180) (27)   232 (12) 220   413
                   
Investment management fees (73) - (73)   (107) - (107)   (184)
Other expenses (46) - (46)   (78) - (78)   (117)
                   
Return/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 34 (180) (146)   47 (12) 35   112
                   
Taxation (2) - (2)   (21) - (21)   (41)
                   
Return/(loss) attributable to equity shareholders 32 (180) (148)   26 (12) 14   71

'H' Shares

 
 

Six months ended
30 Jun 2015

 
   

Six months ended
30 Jun 2014
 
Year
ended
31 Dec
2014
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Total
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
                   
Income 359 - 359   36 - 36   178
                   
Gains/(losses) on investments                  
- realised - - -   - - -   -
- unrealised - - -   - - -   -
  359 - 359   36 - 36   178
                   
Investment management fees (128) - (128)   (66) - (66)   (188)
Other expenses (36) - (36)   (16) - (16)   (48)
                   
Return/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 195 - 195   (46) - (46)   (58)
                   
Taxation (41) - (41)   2 - 2   12
                   
Return/(loss) attributable to equity shareholders 154 - 154   (44) - (44)   (46)

INCOME STATEMENT
for the six months ended 30 June 2015

'J' Shares

 
 

Six months ended
30 Jun 2015

 
   

Six months ended
30 Jun 2014
 
Year
ended
31 Dec
2014
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Revenue
Capital
Total
 
Total
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
£'000
£'000
 
£'000
                   
Income 51 - 51   - - -   -
                   
Gains/(losses) on investments                  
- realised - - -   - - -   -
- unrealised - - -   - - -   -
  51 - 51   - - -   -
                   
Investment management fees (51) - (51)   - - -   -
Other expenses (10) - (10)   - - -   -
                   
(Loss) on ordinary activities before taxation (10) - (10)   - - -   -
                   
Taxation 2 - 2   - - -   -
                   
(Loss) attributable to equity shareholders (8) - (8)   - - -   -

UNAUDITED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
for the six months ended 30 June 2015

 

 
 

30 Jun 2015
  30 Jun
2014
  31 Dec
2014
   

'C'
Shares
 

'D'
Shares
 

'F'
Shares
 

'H'
Shares

'J' Shares
 

 

Total
   

Total

 
  Total
Note £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000   £'000   £'000
                     
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities  

1
515 110 29 (283) 522 893   306   762
                     
Taxation                    
Corporation tax paid - - - - - -   -   (129)
                     
Capital expenditure                    
Purchase of investments - (8) (614) (1,775) (830) (3,227)   (2,356)   (10,413)
Sale of investments 2,919 1,258 470 23 110 4,780   98   2,153
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from capital expenditure 2,919 1,250 (144) (1,752) (720) 1,553   (2,258)   (8,260)
                     
Equity dividends paid (3,589) - (270) (336) - (4,195)   (700)   (1,891)
                     
                     
Net cash (outflow)/inflow before financing (155) 1,360 (385) (2,371) (198) (1,749)   (2,652)   (9,518)
                     
Financing                    
Proceeds from share issue - - - - 7,767 7,767   11,117   13,621
Share issue costs - - - - (156) (156)

 
- (422)   (175)
Purchase of own shares - - - - - -   -   -
Share capital to be issued - - - - - -   431   -
Net cash inflow from financing - - - - 7,611  7,611   11,126   13,446
                     
Increase/(decrease) in cash   2 (155) 1,360 (385) (2,371) 7,413 5,862   8,474   3,928

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
for the six months ended 30 June 2015

 

 

   

30 Jun 2015
  30 Jun
2014
  31 Dec
2014

 

 

'C'
Shares
 

'D'
Shares
 

'F'
Shares
 

'H'
Shares

'J'
Shares
 

 

Total
  Total   Total

 

£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000   £'000   £'000
1 Cash inflow from operating activities and returns on investments                    
Return/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 101 185 (146) 195 (10) 325   411   833
Losses/(gains) on investments 465 (39) 180 - - 606   (197)   (226)
Decrease/(increase) in other debtors (23) 22 21 (227) (31) (238)   (101)   (248)
Increase/(decrease) in other creditors (16) (28) (24) (249) 524 207   16   278
(Decrease)/increase in amount due to subsidiary undertaking (12) (30) (2) (2) 39 (7)   177   125
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 515 110 29 (283) 522 893   306   762
                     
2 Analysis of net funds                    
Beginning of period 503 31 792 5,856 - 7,182          3,254   3,254
Net cash inflow/(outflow) (155) 1,360 (385) (2,371) 7,413 5,862          8,474   3,928
End of period 348 1,391 407 3,485 7,413 13,044        11,728   7,182

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 1.     The unaudited half-yearly results cover the six months to 30 June 2015 and have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts" revised January 2009 and in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2014, which were prepared under UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

2.       All revenue and capital items in the Income Statement derive from continuing operations.

3.       The Company has only one class of business and derives its income from investments made in shares, securities and bank deposits.

4.       The comparative figures are in respect of the six month period ended 30 June 2014 and the year ended 31 December 2014 respectively.

5.       Dividends

       

Six months ended
30 June 2015
  Year ended
31 Dec
2014
  Per share   Revenue Capital Total   Total
Paid in period pence   £'000 £'000 £'000   £'000
               
'C' Shares              
Y/E Dec 2014 Final 50.0p   - 3,589 3,589   -
P/E Dec 2013 Final 2.5p   - - -   179
      - 3,589 3,589   179
               
'D' Shares              
Y/E Dec 2014 Interim 2.5p   - - -   249
P/E Dec 2013 Final 2.5p   - - -   250
      - - -   499
               
'F' Shares              
Y/E Dec 2014 Final 2.5p   - 270 270   -
Y/E Dec 2014 Interim 2.5p   - - -   271
P/E Dec 2013 Final 2.5p   - - -   270
      - 270 270   541
               
'H' Shares              
Y/E Dec 2014 Final 2.5p   - 336 336   -
Y/E Dec 2014 Final 5.0p   - - -   672
      - 336 336   672

No dividends have been paid or declared in respect of the 'A' Shares or 'E' Shares.

6.       Basic and diluted return per share

 

Weighted average
number of shares in issue
  Revenue
Return/(loss)
  Capital return/(loss)
    £'000 Per share   £'000 Per share
             

'C' Shares

7,158,326   554 7.7p   (465) (6.5p)

'A' Shares

10,750,064   - -   -          -

'D' Shares

9,979,109   115 1.2p   39 0.4p

'E' Shares

14,994,862   - -   -           -

'F' Shares

10,821,660   32 0.3p   (180) (1.7p)

'H' Shares

13,446,972   154 1.2p   -         -

'J' Shares

4,346,245   (8)  (0.2p)   -         -

 

    847     (606)  

7.      Net asset value per share

 

Shares in issue   Net asset value
      £'000   Per share

 

 

       

'C' Shares

7,158,326

  3,526   49.3p

'A' Shares

10,750,064

  11   0.1p

'D' Shares

9,979,109

  7,269   72.9p

'E' Shares

14,994,862

  15   0.1p

'F' Shares

10,821,660

  7,756   71.7p

'H' Shares

13,446,972

  12,546   93.3p

'J' Shares

7,611,768

  7,603   99.9p

 

 

  38,726    

8.       Reserves

Capital
redemption
reserve
Share
premium
reserve
Special
reserve
Revenue
reserve
Capital
reserve-
realised
 

Revaluation
reserve
  £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
             
At 1 January 2015 106 13,608 22,268 342 (1,033) (289)
Issue new shares - 7,759 - - - -
Share issue costs - - - (156) - -
Cancel Share premium - - - - - -
Net (loss) on investments - - - - (362) (244)
Dividends paid - - - - (4,195) -
Transfer between reserves - - (4,920) - 5,891 (971)
Retained revenue - - - 847 - -
At 30 June 2015 106 21,367 17,348 1,033 301 (1,504)

The Special reserve, Capital reserve - realised and Revenue reserve are all distributable reserves. The Revaluation reserve includes losses of £1,865,000 which are included in the calculation of distributable reserves. Total distributable reserves are £16,817,000 (31 Dec 2014: £19,448,000).

9.      The unaudited condensed financial statements set out herein do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and have not been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

10.    The figures for the year ended 31 December 2014 have been extracted from the financial statements for that year, which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies; the Auditor's report on those financial statements was unqualified.

11.    The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, the half-yearly financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the "Statement: Half-Yearly Financial Reports" issued by the UK Accounting Standards Board and the half-yearly financial report includes a fair review of the information required by:

a)   DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

b)   DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the entity during that period, and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.

12.     Risks and uncertainties
Under the Disclosure and Transparency Directive, the Board is required, in the Company's half-yearly results, to report on principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company over the remainder of the financial year.

The Board concluded that the key risks facing the Company over the remainder of the financial period are as follows:

  1. Compliance risk of failure to maintain approval as a VCT; and

(ii)            Investment risk associated with investing in small and immature businesses.

The Company's compliance with the VCT regulations is continually monitored by the Manager, who reports regularly to the Board on the current position. The Company has also appointed Robertson Hare LLP to provide regular reviews and advice in this area. In order to make VCT qualifying investments, the Company has to invest in small businesses which are often immature. It also has a limited period in which it must invest the majority of its funds. The Manager follows a rigorous process in vetting and careful structuring of new investments, including taking a charge over the assets of the business wherever possible and, after an investment is made, closely monitoring the business. The Board is satisfied that these approaches provide satisfactory management of the key risks.

13.        Going concern
The Directors have reviewed the Company's financial resources at the period end and conclude that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks.

The Board confirms that it is satisfied that the Company has adequate resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the Board believes that the Company continues to be a going concern and that it is appropriate to apply the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

14.        Copies of the unaudited half-yearly report will be sent to Shareholders shortly. Further copies can be obtained from the Company's registered office or will be available for download from www.downing.co.uk.