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DO1O Down. 4 Dso Ord

2.505
0.00 (0.00%)
10 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Down. 4 Dso Ord LSE:DO1O London Ordinary Share GB00B3L2G079 DSO ORD 0.1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 2.505 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Downing Strd Opp 1 Downing Structured Opportunities Vct 1 Plc : Half-yearly Report

28/11/2014 1:51pm

UK Regulatory



 
TIDMDO1O 
 
 
   Downing Structured Opportunities VCT 1 plc 
 
   Half-Yearly Report for the six months ended 30 September 2014 
 
   Performance summary 
 
 
 
 
                                                30 Sept  31 Mar  30 Sept 
                                                  2014    2014     2013 
                                                 pence   pence    pence 
Ordinary Share pool 
Net asset value per Ordinary Share                 93.5    92.2     91.3 
Net asset value per 'A' Share                       0.1     0.1      0.1 
Cumulative dividends per Ordinary Share            40.0    37.5     35.0 
Total return per Ordinary Share and 'A' Share     133.6   129.8    126.4 
 
'B' Share pool 
Net asset value per 'B' Share                      74.6    82.3     84.0 
Net asset value per 'C' Share                       0.1     0.1      0.1 
Cumulative dividends per 'B' Share                 30.0    20.0     17.5 
Total return per 'B' Share and 'C' Share          104.7   102.4    101.6 
 
'D' Share pool 
Net asset value per 'D' Share                      81.2    83.0     85.3 
Cumulative dividends per 'D' Share                 12.5    10.0      7.5 
Total return per 'D' Share                         93.7    93.0     92.8 
 
   CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT 
 
   Introduction 
 
   I am pleased to present the Company's half-yearly report for the six 
months ended 30 September 2014. The Company continues to operate three 
share pools each at differing stages in their life. Generally the Board 
has remained satisfied with progress, particularly in the Ordinary Share 
pool, which is now in the exit phase. 
 
   Ordinary Share pool 
 
   At 30 September 2014, the combined net asset value ("NAV") of one 
Ordinary Share and one 'A' Share stood at 93.6p; an increase of 3.8p 
(4.1%) since 31 March 2014 (after the  dividend paid during the period 
of 2.5p per Ordinary Share). The NAV plus cumulative dividends paid to 
date for a combined holding of one Ordinary Share and one 'A' Share now 
totals 133.6p. 
 
   Exit processes are already underway for many of the Ordinary Share 
pool's 18 investments. Realisations will be achieved by a variety of 
means including trade sales and refinancing. As a result, the exact 
timing of when disposal proceeds will be received is difficult to 
forecast precisely, however we anticipate that the Company will be in a 
position to declare a substantial dividend, which we expect to be in 
excess of 25p per Ordinary Share, early in the New Year. We believe that 
a further significant distribution may then be made in the second 
quarter of 2015, after which we are hopeful that the majority of the 
remaining value will have been returned. 
 
   Ordinary Shareholders should note that, assuming exits are achieved in a 
timely manner and at current book value, it is likely that the hurdles 
for the payment of dividends on the 'A' Shares will be met. It is 
estimated that the value of such dividends payable to the Management 'A' 
Shares will be equivalent to 7p per Ordinary Share i.e. Total Return to 
shareholders who subscribed for one Ordinary Share and one 'A' Share at 
the Company's outset would be 126.6p. 
 
   'B' Share pool 
 
   At 30 September 2014, the combined NAV of one 'B' Share and one 'C' 
Share stood at 74.7p; an increase of 2.3p per share (2.8%) since 31 
March 2014 (after the 10.0p dividend paid during the period). The NAV 
plus cumulative dividends paid to date for a combined holding of one 'B' 
Share and one 'C' Share now totals 104.7p. 
 
   Plans are also progressing to exit from the 'B' Share pool investments. 
The Manager anticipates that the first of these will occur in the first 
quarter in 2015. 'B' Shareholders can expect their first return of 
capital distribution in the second quarter of 2015. 
 
   'D' Share pool 
 
   At 30 September 2014, the NAV per 'D' Share stood at 81.2p per share; an 
increase of 0.7p per share (0.8%) since 31 March 2014 (after the 2.5p 
dividend paid during the period). The NAV plus cumulative dividends paid 
to date for one 'D' Share now totals 93.7p. 
 
   The process of building the initial 'D' Share Venture Capital portfolio 
is now approaching completion. This allows some time for the investments 
to grow and develop ahead of the scheduled commencement of the exit 
process in 2017. 
 
 
 
   Dividends 
 
   In line with the Company's policies, interim dividends will be paid as 
follows: 
 
   'B' Shares               2.5p per share 
 
   'D' Shares              2.5p per share 
 
   Each of the dividends will be paid on 30 January 2015 to Shareholders on 
the register at 5 January 2015. 
 
   No interim dividend is being declared in respect of the Ordinary Shares 
at this time as the Board expects to make an announcement about a 
significant distribution returning funds to Ordinary Shareholders early 
in the New Year. 
 
   Share buybacks 
 
   As both the Ordinary Share pool and B Share pool are now in or 
approaching their exit phase, the Board does not intend to undertake any 
further share buybacks in respect of the Ordinary Shares, 'A' Shares, 
'B' Shares and 'C' Shares. The Board intends to preserve cash so that it 
can be distributed to all relevant Shareholders in due course. 
 
   In respect of the 'D' Shares, The Company operates a share buyback 
policy whereby, subject to any liquidity and regulatory restrictions, it 
will buy in 'D' Shares that become available in the market for 
cancellation at a price equivalent to net asset value i.e. at nil 
discount. 
 
   Outlook 
 
   During the remainder of the financial year, the Board expects the 
Company to make a good start in returning funds to Ordinary Shareholders 
and for realisation plans for the 'B' Share pool to be significantly 
progressed. 
 
   The exit for the 'D' Share pool is not scheduled to commence until 2017. 
As a result, the Manager's main focus over the remainder of the year 
will be on close monitoring of the investments and ensuring that they 
are well positioned to take advantage of the improving economic 
conditions. 
 
   The Board is continuing to explore the possibility of a merger with one 
or more other VCTs, which may provide some attractive benefits to 
Shareholders. Naturally the Board will be in communication as and when 
there is any news to report. 
 
   Lord Flight 
 
   Chairman 
 
   INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT 
 
   ORDINARY SHARE POOL 
 
   The Ordinary Share pool holds a portfolio of 18 Venture Capital 
investments with a value of GBP8.5 million. The majority of the Ordinary 
Share pool's investments have continued to perform at least in line with 
expectations and plans for the realisations are progressing well. 
 
   Portfolio activity 
 
   Unquoted portfolio 
 
   The significant valuation movements in the period are summarised as 
follows: 
 
   Atlantic Dogstar Limited, East Dulwich Tavern Limited and Westow House 
Limited are three companies that have been valued on the basis of the 
sales proceeds expected to be generated from the pubs they operate, 
adjusted for an appropriate discount. 
 
   Westow House Limited owns the Westow House, a pub in Crystal Palace, 
South London. Atlantic Dogstar Limited owns two pubs in London: The 
Dogstar in Brixton and The Clapton Hart in Clapton. East Dulwich Tavern 
Limited owns a London pub of the same name. Based on estimated market 
value, an uplift of GBP225,000 for the three companies over the period 
has been recognised. 
 
   Structured product portfolio 
 
   The Ordinary Share pool no longer holds any structured products. 
 
   Net asset value 
 
   At 30 September 2014, the Ordinary Share NAV stood at 93.5p and the 'A' 
Share NAV at 0.1p, giving a combined NAV of 93.6p. Total return (NAV 
plus cumulative dividends to date) was 133.6p for a combined holding of 
one Ordinary and one 'A' Share. This represents a net increase of 3.8p 
over the period (after adjusting for dividends paid during the period of 
2.5p per Ordinary Share), equivalent to an increase of 4.1%. 
 
   Results and dividend 
 
   The profit on ordinary activities after taxation for the period was 
GBP391,000, comprising a revenue profit of GBP188,000 and a capital 
profit of GBP203,000. 
 
   No interim dividend will be paid this year as any available cash will be 
added to the planned return of capital payment early in the New Year. 
 
   Outlook 
 
   Our focus with the Ordinary Share portfolio has now turned to exits and 
a significant number of realisations plans are being progressed. We are 
optimistic that investment exits can be achieved in a timely manner and 
at values equal to or in excess of current carrying value. 
 
   Current plans should result in a number of exits by the end of the year 
such that the Company will be in a position to pay a significant 
distribution early in 2015. 
 
   Downing LLP 
 
   SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO 
 
   ORDINARY SHARE POOL 
 
   as at 30 September 2014 
 
 
 
 
                                                     Unrealised      % of 
                                                     gain/(loss)   portfolio 
                                 Cost    Valuation    in period    by value 
                              GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000 
 
Qualifying investments 
Atlantic Dogstar Limited          585        1,244           229       12.8% 
Redmed Limited*                   914        1,159             -       11.9% 
Future Biogas (SF) Limited*     1,009        1,137             -       11.7% 
Domestic Solar Limited          1,000        1,120             -       11.5% 
Quadrate Spa Limited*             636          636             -        6.5% 
Quadrate Catering Limited         577          629             -        6.5% 
East Dulwich Tavern Limited       459          597            51        6.1% 
Westow House Limited              405          581          (55)        6.0% 
The 3D Pub Co Limited*            627          549             -        5.6% 
Ecossol Limited                   500          425             -        4.4% 
Mosaic Spa and Health Clubs 
 Limited*                         250          211             -        2.2% 
Slopingtactic Limited             102          117            15        1.2% 
Camandale Limited*                269           24             -        0.2% 
Chapel Street Food and 
 Beverage Limited                  75           19             -        0.2% 
Chapel Street Services 
 Limited                           75           19             -        0.2% 
                                7,483        8,467           240       87.0% 
Non-qualifying investments 
Fenkle Street LLP                  58           58             -        0.6% 
Kilmarnock Monkey Bar 
 Limited                           22           22             -        0.2% 
Chapel Street Hotel Limited         3            1             -        0.0% 
                                   83           81             -        0.8% 
 
Total                           7,566        8,548           240       87.8% 
 
Cash at bank and in hand                     1,185                     12.2% 
 
Total investments                            9,733                    100.0% 
 
 
   *partially non-qualifying 
 
   There were no additions or disposals during the period. 
 
   INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT 
 
   'B' SHARE POOL 
 
   The 'B' Share pool holds 21 venture capital investments and two 
Structured Product investments and is fully invested. Plans for exits 
from investments are developing well such that we are targeting a first 
significant return of capital to 'B' Shareholders in the second quarter 
of 2015. 
 
   Portfolio activity 
 
   Unquoted portfolio 
 
   The significant valuation movements in the period are summarised as 
follows: 
 
   Alpha Schools Holdings Limited, the independent primary school operator, 
has performed to plan and an increase of GBP71,000 has been made to the 
valuation. 
 
   The valuation of Slopingtactic Limited was increased by GBP43,000. The 
company is the owner and operator of the Lamb and Lion freehold public 
house in York. 
 
   Generally, the solar arrays owned by a number of investments within the 
portfolio are producing good yields.  Progressive Energies Limited, 
which owns a portfolio of PV panels on residential roofs, has supported 
an increase in valuation of GBP41,000. 
 
   Structured product portfolio 
 
   The Structured Product portfolio was valued at GBP2.4 million as at 30 
September 2014. During the period, sales and redemptions realised 
GBP268,000. 
 
   Net asset value 
 
   At 30 September 2014, the NAV per 'B' Share stood at 74.6p and the NAV 
per 'C' Share stood at 0.1p, producing a combined total of 74.7p. This 
is an increase of 2.3p per share (2.8%) since 31 March 2014 (after 
taking into account the 10.0p dividend paid during the period). The NAV 
plus cumulative dividends paid to date for one 'B' Share and one 'C' 
Share amounts to 104.7p. 
 
   Results and dividend 
 
   The profit on ordinary activities after taxation for the period was 
GBP456,000, comprising a revenue profit of GBP311,000 and a capital 
profit of GBP145,000. 
 
   A 2.5p dividend per 'B' Share will be paid on 23 January 2015 to 
Shareholders on the register at 2 January 2015. 
 
   Outlook 
 
   We remain reasonably satisfied with the 'B' Share portfolio and believe 
that there are some prospects for further growth before we start to seek 
realisations commencing in 2015 in order to return funds to 
Shareholders. A number of investment exit plans are developing well and 
we are confident that the Company will be in a position to make the 
first capital distribution to 'B' Shareholders soon after the fifth 
anniversary of the close of the 'B' Share offer. 
 
   Downing LLP 
 
   SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO 
 
   'B' SHARE POOL 
 
   as at 30 September 2014 
 
 
 
 
                                                       Unrealised      % of 
                                                       gain/(loss)   portfolio 
                                  Cost     Valuation    in period    by value 
                                GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000 
 
Qualifying investments 
Future Biogas (Reepham Road) 
 Limited                          1,662        1,662             -       11.1% 
Quadrate Spa Limited*               954          985            31        6.5% 
Quadrate Catering Limited           850          926             -        6.1% 
Kidspace Adventures Holdings 
 Limited                            750          896             -        5.9% 
Domestic Solar Limited              800          896             -        5.9% 
Antelope Pub Limited                750          885            16        5.8% 
Alpha Schools Holdings Limited      733          876            71        5.8% 
Liverpool Nurseries (Holdings) 
 Limited                            870          772             -        5.1% 
Green Electricity Generation 
 Limited                            500          605             -        4.0% 
Westcountry Solar Solutions 
 Limited                            500          500             -        3.3% 
West Tower Property Limited         500          500             -        3.3% 
Mosaic Spa and Health Clubs 
 Limited*                           600          493             -        3.3% 
Ecossol Limited                     500          425             -        2.8% 
Avon Solar Energy Limited           420          420             -        2.8% 
Progressive Energies Limited        340          381            41        2.5% 
Slopingtactic Limited               277          320            43        2.1% 
Ridgeway Pub Company Limited        137          126             -        0.8% 
Camandale Limited*                  732           33          (32)        0.2% 
                                 11,875       11,701           170       77.3% 
Non-qualifying investments 
Commercial Street Hotel 
 Limited                            185          185             -        1.2% 
Fenkle Street LLP                   154          154             -        1.0% 
Kilmarnock Monkey Bar Limited        60           60             -        0.4% 
                                    399          399             -        2.6% 
 
Structured product investments 
Barclays 5Y Synthetic Zero        1,003        1,382            17        9.1% 
HSBC 5.67% Defensive Worst of 
 Auto Call                          953          978            16        6.5% 
                                  1,956        2,360            33       15.6% 
 
Total                            14,230       14,460           203       95.5% 
 
Cash at bank and in hand                         674                      4.5% 
 
Total investments                             15,134                    100.0% 
 
 
   *              partially non-qualifying 
 
   SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS 
 
   'B' SHARE POOL 
 
   as at 30 September 2014 
 
 
 
 
                                                                          Realised 
                            Valuation at    Disposal  Total gain against  gain in 
  Disposals        Cost      31/03/2014     proceeds         cost          period 
                 GBP'000     GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
Structured 
Product 
investments 
UBS 7.3% 
 Defensive 
 Worst of Auto 
 Call                251             265         268                  17         3 
Total                251             265         268                  17         3 
 
   INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REPORT 
 
   'D' SHARE POOL 
 
   At 30 September 2014, the 'D' Share pool held 12 venture capital 
investments with a value of GBP3.8 million and five Structured Product 
investments with a value of GBP1.7 million. 
 
   Portfolio activity 
 
   Unquoted portfolio 
 
   During the period two new venture capital investments were made 
totalling GBP794,000.  There were no disposals. 
 
   GBP294,000 has been invested in Grasshopper 2007 Limited. The company 
owns and operates a pub in Kent which also operates as a restaurant and 
wedding venue. 
 
   In July 2014, GBP500,000 was invested in Lambridge Solar Limited. The 
company is building ground mounted solar panels in Lincolnshire. The 
systems will qualify for Renewable Obligations Certificates (ROCs). 
 
   Portfolio valuation 
 
   There were no changes to valuations of venture capital investments in 
the period. 
 
   Structured product portfolio 
 
   The Structured Product portfolio was valued at GBP1.7 million as at 30 
September 2014. During the period sales and redemptions realised 
GBP699,000. 
 
   Net asset value 
 
   At 30 September 2014, the NAV per 'D' Share stood at 81.2p per share; an 
increase of 0.7p per share (0.8%) since 31 March 2014 (after taking into 
account the 2.5p dividend paid during the period). The NAV plus 
cumulative dividends paid to date for one 'D' Share now totals 93.7p. 
 
   Results and dividend 
 
   The profit on ordinary activities after taxation for the period was 
GBP53,000, comprising a revenue profit of GBP28,000 and a capital profit 
of GBP25,000. 
 
   A 2.5p dividend per 'D' Share will be paid on 23 January 2015 to 
Shareholders on the register at 2 January 2015. 
 
   Outlook 
 
   Over the remainder of the year, we expect to see further uninvested cash 
employed in Venture Capital investments and, if suitable opportunities 
arise, consideration will be also given to further Structured Product 
investments. In the medium term, the Structured Product portfolio will 
reduce in size as funds are switched to develop the venture capital 
portfolio in order that the pool is at least 70% invested in VCT 
qualifying investments and is well placed for its target exit date 
commencing in 2017. 
 
   Downing LLP 
 
   SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO 
 
   'D' SHARE POOL 
 
   as at 30 September 2014 
 
 
 
 
                                                        Unrealised     % of 
                                                           gain      portfolio 
                                     Cost    Valuation   in period   by value 
                                    GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
Qualifying investments 
Tor Solar PV Limited                    640        640           -        9.9% 
Vulcan Renewables Limited               588        588           -        9.1% 
Goonhilly Earth Station Limited         570        570           -        8.8% 
Lambridge Solar Limited                 500        500           -        7.8% 
Fubar Stirling Limited                  358        358           -        5.6% 
Grasshopper 2007 Limited                294        294           -        4.6% 
Pearce and Saunders Limited*            280        280           -        4.3% 
City Falkirk Limited                    562        275           -        4.3% 
Fresh Green Power Limited               200        200           -        3.1% 
Green Energy Production UK Limited      100        100           -        1.6% 
Cheers Dumbarton Limited                 64         22           -        0.3% 
Lochrise Limited                         17          -           -           - 
                                      4,173      3,827           -       59.4% 
 
 
Structured product investments 
HSBC 5.4% Dual Index Synthetic 
 Zero                                   501        537          12        8.3% 
Goldman Sachs 8.5% Defensive Worst 
 Of Auto Call                           351        384          13        6.0% 
Credit Suisse 7% Defensive Worst 
 Of Auto Call                           251        268           7        4.2% 
HSBC 7.1% Defensive Worst Of Auto 
 Call                                   251        262           3        4.1% 
HSBC 5.67% Defensive Worst Of Auto 
 Call                                   251        257           4        4.0% 
                                      1,605      1,708          39       26.6% 
 
Total                                 5,778      5,535          39       86.0% 
 
Cash at bank and in hand                           908                   14.0% 
 
Total investments                                6,443                  100.0% 
 
 
   *              partially non-qualifying 
 
   SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS 
 
   'D' SHARE POOL 
 
   as at 30 September 2014 
 
   Additions 
 
 
 
 
                           GBP'000 
Qualifying investments 
Lambridge Solar Limited        500 
Grasshopper 2007 Limited       294 
                               794 
 
 
 
 
                                                                        Realised 
                           Valuation at  Disposal   Total gain against   gain in 
  Disposals          Cost   31/03/2014    proceeds         cost          period 
                  GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
Structured 
products 
UBS 7.3% 
 Defensive Worst 
 Of Auto Call         251           265        268                  17         3 
Barclays 7.75% 
 Defensive Worst 
 Of Auto Call         401           424        431                  30         7 
                      652           689        699                  47        10 
 
   UNAUDITED INCOME STATEMENT 
 
   for the six months ended 30 September 2014 
 
 
 
 
                                                                        Year 
                                                                       ended 
                        Six months ended       Six months ended       31 Mar 
                            30 Sept 2014         30 Sept 2013           2014 
               Revenue  Capital   Total   Revenue  Capital   Total    Total 
Company Total  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
Income           1,167        -    1,167      843        -      843    1,705 
 
Gains on 
investments 
- realised           -       13       13        -       69       69       65 
- unrealised         -      482      482        -      128      128      318 
                 1,167      495    1,662      843      197    1,040    2,088 
 
Investment 
 management 
 fees            (123)    (121)    (244)    (129)    (129)    (258)    (500) 
Other 
 expenses        (349)      (1)    (350)    (201)        -    (201)    (368) 
 
Return on 
 ordinary 
 activities 
 before 
 taxation          695      373    1,068      513       68      581    1,220 
 
Taxation         (168)        -    (168)    (101)        -    (101)    (223) 
 
Return 
 attributable 
 to equity 
 shareholders      527      373      900      412       68      480      997 
 
Return per        1.8p     2.0p     3.8p     2.0p   (0.5p)     1.5p     4.8p 
 Ordinary 
 Share 
Return per           -        -        -        -        -        -        - 
 'A' Share 
Return per        1.6p     0.7p     2.3p     1.0p     0.6p     1.6p     2.4p 
 'B' Share 
Return per           -        -        -        -        -        -        - 
 'C' Share 
Return per        0.4p     0.3p     0.7p     0.0p     0.0p     0.0p     0.3p 
 'D' Share 
 
 
   A Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses has not been prepared 
as all gains and losses are recognised in the Income Statement as noted 
above. 
 
 
 
 
                                                                          Year 
                                                                         ended 
                          Six months ended       Six months ended       31 Mar 
                              30 Sept 2014         30 Sept 2013           2014 
                 Revenue  Capital   Total   Revenue  Capital   Total    Total 
Ordinary Share 
pool             GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
Income               389        -      389      365        -      365      644 
 
Gains/(losses) 
on investments 
- realised             -        -        -        -        9        9       42 
- unrealised           -      240      240        -     (19)     (19)      183 
                     389      240      629      365     (10)      355      869 
 
Investment 
 management 
 fees               (36)     (36)     (72)     (41)     (41)     (82)    (152) 
Other expenses     (106)      (1)    (107)     (70)        -     (70)    (128) 
 
Return on 
ordinary 
activities 
before 
taxation             247      203      450      254     (51)      203      589 
 
Taxation            (59)        -     (59)     (49)        -     (49)     (90) 
 
Return 
 attributable        188      203      391      205     (51)      154      499 
 to equity 
 shareholders 
 
 
 
 
                                                                          Year 
                                                                         ended 
                          Six months ended       Six months ended       31 Mar 
                              30 Sept 2014         30 Sept 2013           2014 
                 Revenue  Capital   Total   Revenue  Capital   Total    Total 
'B' Share pool   GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
Income               640        -      640      412        -      412      904 
 
Gains/(losses) 
on investments 
- realised             -        3        3        -       45       45      (9) 
- unrealised           -      203      203        -      137      137      126 
                     640      206      846      412      182      594    1,021 
 
Investment 
 management 
 fees               (62)     (61)    (123)     (63)     (63)    (126)    (250) 
Other expenses     (171)        -    (171)     (93)        -     (93)    (171) 
 
Return on 
ordinary 
activities 
before 
taxation             407      145      552      256      119      375      600 
 
Taxation            (96)        -     (96)     (52)        -     (52)    (128) 
 
Return 
 attributable        311      145      456      204      119      323      472 
 to equity 
 shareholders 
 
 
 
 
                                                                        Year 
                                                                       ended 
                        Six months ended       Six months ended       31 Mar 
                            30 Sept 2014         30 Sept 2013           2014 
               Revenue  Capital   Total   Revenue  Capital   Total    Total 
'D' Share 
pool           GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
Income             138        -      138       66        -       66      157 
 
Gains on 
investments 
- realised           -       10       10        -       15       15       31 
- unrealised         -       39       39        -       10       10       10 
                   138       49      187       66       25       91      198 
 
Investment 
 management 
 fees             (25)     (24)     (49)     (25)     (25)     (50)     (98) 
Other 
 expenses         (72)        -     (72)     (38)        -     (38)     (69) 
 
Return on 
 ordinary 
 activities 
 before 
 taxation           41       25       66        3        -        3       31 
 
Taxation          (13)        -     (13)        -        -        -      (5) 
 
Return 
 attributable 
 to equity 
 shareholders       28       25       53        3        -        3       26 
 
   UNAUDITED SUMMARISED BALANCE SHEET 
 
   as at 30 September 2014 
 
 
 
 
                                                        30 Sept    31 Mar 
                            30 Sept 2014                  2013       2014 
                 Ordinary     'B'      'D' 
                  Share      Share    Share 
                   pool       pool     pool     Total     Total      Total 
                 GBP'000    GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
Fixed assets 
Investments          8,548   14,459    5,535   28,542      28,644   28,220 
 
Current assets 
Debtors                177      180       58      415         327      598 
Cash at bank 
 and in hand         1,185      674      908    2,767       4,472    4,220 
                     1,362      854      966    3,182       4,799    4,818 
 
Creditors: 
amounts 
falling due 
within one 
year                 (277)    (434)    (106)    (817)       (487)    (584) 
 
Net current 
 assets              1,085      420      860    2,365       4,312    4,234 
 
Net assets           9,633   14,879    6,395   30,907      32,956   32,454 
 
Capital and 
reserves 
Called up 
 share 
 capital                26       50        8       84          83       84 
Capital 
 redemption 
 reserve                 5        -        -        5           5        5 
Share premium        2,794        -        -    2,794      10,240    2,794 
Special 
 reserve             3,819   13,488    7,437   24,744      20,044   27,090 
Revaluation 
 reserve               983      230    (241)      972         718      543 
Capital 
 reserve - 
 realised            1,149      561    (796)      914       1,232      851 
Revenue 
 reserve               857      550     (13)    1,394         634    1,087 
 
Equity 
 shareholders' 
 funds               9,633   14,879    6,395   30,907      32,956   32,454 
 
Net asset 
 value per: 
Ordinary Share       93.5p        -        -                91.3p    92.2p 
'A' Share             0.1p        -        -                 0.1p     0.1p 
'B' Share                -    74.6p        -                84.0p    82.3p 
'C' Share                -     0.1p        -                 0.1p     0.1p 
'D' Share                -        -    81.2p                85.3p    83.0p 
 
   RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 
 
   for the six months ended 30 September 2014 
 
 
 
 
                                                     30 Sept    31 Mar 
                                       30 Sept 2014    2013      2014 
                Ordinary    'B'      'D' 
                   Share   Share    Share 
                    pool    pool     pool     Total    Total      Total 
                 GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
Opening 
 Shareholders' 
 funds             9,499   16,415    6,540   32,454    34,756     34,756 
Purchase of 
 own shares            -        -        -        -      (30)       (97) 
Dividends          (257)  (1,992)    (198)  (2,447)   (2,250)    (3,202) 
Total 
 recognised 
 gains for the 
 period              391      456       53      900       480        997 
 
Closing 
 Shareholders' 
 funds             9,633   14,879    6,395   30,907    32,956     32,454 
 
   UNAUDITED CASH FLOW STATEMENT 
 
   for the six months ended 30 September 2014 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                     30 Sept  31 Mar 
                                                                        30 Sept 2014                  2013     2014 
                                                                         'B'       'D' 
                                                     Ordinary Share     Share     Share 
                                                          pool           pool      pool      Total     Total    Total 
                                                           GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
Cash inflow from operating activities and returns 
 on investments                                       1       197         314       14        525       206      771 
 
Taxation 
Corporation tax paid                                               -          -        -          -        -    (112) 
 
Capital expenditure 
Purchase of investments                                            -          -    (794)      (794)  (2,722)  (4,624) 
Sale of investments                                                -        268      699        967    4,296    6,807 
 
Movements in deposit held for purchase of investments              -          -      294        294        -    (294) 
 
Net cash inflow from capital expenditure                           -        268      199        467    1,574    1,889 
 
Equity dividends paid                                          (257)    (1,991)    (197)    (2,445)  (2,250)  (3,202) 
 
 
Net cash (outflow) before financing                             (60)    (1,409)       16    (1,453)    (470)    (654) 
 
Financing 
Purchase of own shares                                             -          -        -          -     (30)     (98) 
 
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing                           -          -        -          -     (30)     (98) 
 
(Decrease)/increase in cash                            2        (60)    (1,409)       16    (1,453)    (500)    (752) 
 
Notes to the cash flow statement: 
1 Cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 
 and returns on investments 
 
Return on ordinary activities before taxation                    450        552       66      1,068      581    1,220 
(Gains) on investments                                         (241)      (206)     (49)      (496)    (197)    (383) 
(Increase) in other debtors                                     (41)       (57)     (14)      (112)     (91)     (69) 
(Decrease)/increase in other creditors                            29         25       11         65     (87)        3 
 
Net cash inflow from operating activities                        197        314       14        525      206      771 
 
2 Analysis of net funds 
Beginning of period                                            1,245      2,083      892      4,220    4,972    4,972 
Net cash (outflow)/inflow                                       (60)    (1,409)       16    (1,453)    (500)    (752) 
End of period                                                  1,185        674      908      2,767    4,472    4,220 
 
 
   NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
   1. Basis of accounting 
 
   The unaudited half-yearly results cover the six months to 30 September 
2014 and have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies 
set out in the annual accounts for the year ended 31 March 2014 which 
were prepared under UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice ("UK 
GAAP") and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice 
"Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies" revised January 
2009 ("SORP"). 
 
   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. Net asset value per share at the period end has been calculated on 
10,288,157 Ordinary Shares, 15,506,488 'A' Shares, 19,911,070 'B' Shares, 
29,926,070 'C' Shares, and 7,877,527 'D' Shares being the number of 
shares in issue at the period end. 
 
   5. Return per share for the period has been calculated on 10,288,157 
Ordinary Shares, 15,506,488 'A' Shares, 19,911,070 'B' Shares, 
29,926,070 'C' Shares, and 7,877,527 'D' Shares being the number of 
shares in issue at the period end. 
 
   6. Dividends 
 
 
 
 
                      Six months ended 30 September 2014 
Ordinary Shares     Revenue       Capital       Total 
                    GBP'000       GBP'000      GBP'000 
Paid in period 
Interim                      -          257          257 
 
 
 
 
'B' Shares       Revenue  Capital   Total 
                 GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000 
Paid in period 
                     199    1,793    1,992 
 
 
 
 
'D' Shares       Revenue  Capital   Total 
                 GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000 
Paid in period 
                      20      178      198 
 
 
   7. Reserves 
 
 
 
 
                Share                                              Capital                        Capital 
              premium                                              reserve                       redemption 
              account    Special reserve    Revaluation reserve   - realised    Revenue reserve   reserve 
              GBP'000       GBP'000              GBP'000           GBP'000         GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
As at 31 
 March 2014     2,794             27,090                    543          851              1,087           5 
Purchase of 
own shares          -                  -                      -            -                  -           - 
Gains on 
 investments        -                  -                    482           13                  -           - 
Expenses 
 capitalised        -                  -                      -        (123)                  -           - 
Dividends           -                  -                      -      (2,226)              (221)           - 
Transfer 
 between 
 reserves           -            (2,346)                   (53)        2,399                  -           - 
Retained 
 revenue            -                  -                      -            -                528           - 
At 30 
 September 
 2014           2,794             24,744                    972          914              1,394           5 
 
 
   The Revenue reserve, Special reserve and Capital reserve - realised are 
distributable reserves and are reduced by revaluation losses of 
GBP1,854,000. Distributable reserves at 30 September 2014 were 
GBP25,198,000. 
 
   8. The unaudited 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. 
 
   9. Risk and uncertainties 
 
   Under the Disclosure and Transparency Directive, the Board is required 
in the Company's half-year results to report on the principal risks and 
uncertainties facing the Company over the remainder of the financial 
year. 
 
   The Board has concluded that the key risks facing the Company over the 
remainder of the financial period are as follows: 
 
   - compliance risk of failure to maintain approval as a VCT; 
 
   - market, liquidity and counterparty risk associated with structured 
products; and 
 
   -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 also retains PricewaterhouseCoopers 
("PwC") to provide regular reviews and advice in this area. PwC have 
confirmed that all relevant tests have been complied with for the period 
under review. The Board considers that this approach reduces the risk of 
a breach of the VCT regulations. 
 
   In investing in structured products, the Company is exposed to market 
risk, liquidity risk and counterparty risk. The Company manages these 
risks as follows: 
 
   - holding a portfolio of structured products; 
 
   - limiting exposure to any one counterparty; and 
 
   - monitoring credit ratings and other indicators relevant to 
counterparties. 
 
   With this approach, the Board believes that these risks are reduced. 
 
   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 this approach reduces the 
investment risk described in (iii) above as far as is reasonably 
possible. 
 
   10. 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. 
 
   11. Copies of the Half-Yearly Report will be sent to Shareholders 
shortly. Further copies can be obtained from the Company's registered 
office or can be downloaded from www.downing.co.uk. 
 
   This announcement is distributed by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions on 
behalf of NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions clients. 
 
   The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely 
responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information 
contained therein. 
 
   Source: Downing Structured Opportunities VCT 1 PLC via Globenewswire 
 
   HUG#1874963 
 
 
 
 

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