We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.
Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nthn.Investors | LSE:NRI | London | Ordinary Share | GB00B08S4K30 | ORD 25P |
Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.00 | 0.00% | 186.00 | 0.00 | 01:00:00 |
Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
TIDMNRI 14 NOVEMBER 2017 NORTHERN INVESTORS COMPANY PLC UNAUDITED HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2017 Northern Investors Company PLC is a private equity investment trust managed by NVM Private Equity LLP. The trust was launched in 1984 and has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 1990. In July 2011 shareholders approved a change in investment strategy, whereby the trust ceased making new investments and began an orderly realisation of its portfolio with a view to returning capital to shareholders. Since then the trust has returned a total of GBP90.7 million to shareholders through dividends and capital distributions. Financial highlights (comparative figures as at 30 September 2016 and 31 March 2017): Six months to Six months to Year to 30 September 30 September 31 March 2017 2016 2017 Net assets GBP5.8m GBP18.2m GBP12.7m Number of shares in issue at end of period 2,496,767 2,496,767 2,496,767 Net asset value per share (after capital distributions of 250.0p in January 2017 and 257.5p in June 2017) 233.4p 728.6p 508.4p Cash distributions to shareholders (dividends paid plus share buy-backs) During period GBP7.2m GBP0.6m GBP6.8m Since change in investment policy (July 2011) GBP90.7m GBP77.3m GBP83.5m Return for the period Pence per share 16.0p 67.2p 99.6p As % of opening net asset value 3.1% 9.8% 14.5% Dividend per share declared in respect of the period - - 30.0p Mid-market share price at end of period 236p 845p 525p Share price (premium)/discount to net asset value (1.1)% (16.0)% (3.3)% For further information, please contact: Northern Investors Company PLC Nigel Guy/Christopher Mellor 0191 244 6000 Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited Neil Winward/Mark Bloomfield/Gaudi le Roux 020 7710 7600 HALF-YEARLY MANAGEMENT REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS Overview Consistent with the now well-established orderly realisation strategy, a further GBP7.2 million was distributed to shareholders during the six months ended 30 September 2017, taking the cumulative amount since 2011 to GBP90.7 million. The unaudited net asset value (NAV) per share at 30 September 2017 was 233.4 pence which, after adding back distributions to shareholders during the period totalling 287.6 pence per share, represents a modest improvement of 2.5% on the 508.4 pence reported at 31 March 2017. The remaining portfolio now comprises five investments with a total carrying value of GBP5.8 million. As noted in our last report to shareholders in May 2017, the orderly realisation process will continue through 2018 as we seek to realise acceptable value from the last remaining holdings. We will keep shareholders updated as matters progress. However with cash distributions to date already having exceeded 150% of the company's net assets at the start of the process in 2011, we believe the overall outcome will be highly satisfactory. Investment portfolio Our largest holding at 31 March 2017, Optilan Group, was sold in April 2017 for GBP4.2 million, in line with the March carrying value. There were no other outright disposals during the half year, but the income statement includes a further GBP0.6 million in respect of deferred proceeds from earlier investment sales which have either been received or where payment is now reasonably certain. A further GBP0.2 million of potential receipts have not yet been recognised due to uncertainty. Two of the five remaining investments are currently the subject of active discussions with a view to sale and we would hope to complete exits during the current financial year. In each of the other cases NVM is working with management teams and, where applicable, other external investors to agree on a realistic timescale and strategy for exit. It is still our objective to complete the realisation process by the end of the calendar year 2018, but this will depend on market conditions, the trading performance of individual companies and the attitude of the other investors. Financial performance The unaudited NAV as at 30 September 2017 was 233.4 pence, compared with 508.4 pence (audited) as at 31 March 2017. The movement in the period reflects the cash distribution of 257.5 pence per share in June 2017, by means of a bonus issue and subsequent redemption of B shares, and the payment of a final dividend of 30.0 pence per share in July 2017 in respect of the preceding financial year. After adjusting for these items the operating outcome, as shown in the income statement, was positive with a reported return per share of 16.0 pence per share for the period. The level of regular investment income is now very low and there were no significant non-recurring receipts during the half year. Against this background the directors are conscious of the potential for running costs to erode the capital value attributable to shareholders, and whilst acknowledging that there is a residual fixed cost to managing the portfolio and retaining the listing, we will be looking at the overall cost base to identify areas of potential saving. A further performance fee instalment of GBP0.8 million was paid to NVM in May 2017, taking the cumulative payment to GBP3.6 million. The remaining performance fee provision in the balance sheet as at 30 September 2017 was GBP1.7 million; GBP0.4 million of this is due for payment in May 2018 based on amounts already distributed to shareholders, but the balance will only become payable once the residual investments are converted into cash. Dividend As is now usual, no interim dividend has been declared. Given the company's reducing size and unpredictable investment income, it is not possible at this stage to say whether a final dividend will be proposed in respect of the current financial year. However the company will pay a dividend should this be necessary to maintain the company's authorised investment trust status. Corporate strategy The company has now returned a total of GBP90.7 million to shareholders since the run-off strategy was adopted in July 2011. This has been effected through a combination of tender offers, B share redemptions and annual dividends. The financial projections prepared by our managers and reviewed by the board suggest that when the five remaining investments have been realised, the further amount available for distribution to shareholders (including the existing cash balance of GBP1.5 million and net of forecast costs including the NVM performance fee) should be in the range from GBP5 million to GBP9 million - equivalent to between 200 pence and 360 pence per share. This would represent a final cash return of between 163% and 169% of the net assets at the start of the process, substantially in line with our previous estimates. It is emphasised that this is no more than an illustrative projection which is designed to give shareholders an indication of the eventual outcome and is clearly subject to various uncertainties. Our preferred strategy for completing the run-off is to realise as many as possible, if not all, of the remaining investments before putting the company into members' voluntary liquidation so that the liquidator can distribute cash in a tax-efficient manner. Following the recent series of tender offers and B share redemptions, the company's capacity for making further distributions which qualify for capital gains tax treatment is extremely limited, but the board has been advised that future distributions by a liquidator should be treated as capital receipts in the hands of shareholders. Shareholders should also bear in mind that the company's Stock Exchange listing will be cancelled when a liquidator is appointed, following which the shares will cease to be marketable and those investors holding shares through ISAs are likely to be required by their ISA manager to remove them from their account to maintain compliance with the ISA regulations. Whilst none of these events is yet imminent, we will aim to keep shareholders informed as to likely future developments on a continuing basis. Outlook The process of realising the company's investments is now well advanced and the directors and manager are focussed on resolving the outstanding issues. The current political and economic uncertainty does not create an ideal backdrop for the small company M&A market but, whilst we do not expect all of the remaining realisations to be entirely straightforward, we should be in a position to report further progress during 2018. On behalf of the Board Nigel Guy Chairman The unaudited half-yearly financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2017 are set out below. INCOME STATEMENT (unaudited) for the six months ended 30 September 2017 Six months ended Six months ended 30 September 2017 30 September 2016 Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 Gain on disposal of investments - 653 653 - 277 277 Movements in fair value of
investments - 9 9 - 1,758 1,758 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- - 662 662 - 2,035 2,035 Income 65 - 65 227 - 227 Investment management fee (23) (91) (114) (27) (349) (376) Other expenses (171) (42) (213) (185) (22) (207) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Return on ordinary activities before tax (129) 529 400 15 1,664 1,679 Tax on return on ordinary activities - - - (3) 3 - ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Return on ordinary activities after tax (129) 529 400 12 1,667 1,679 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Return per (5.2)p 21.2p 16.0p 0.5p 66.7p 67.2p share Year ended 31 March 2017 Revenue Capital Total GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 Gain on disposal of investments - 2,056 2,056 Movements in fair value of investments - 305 305 ---------- ---------- ---------- - 2,361 2,361 Income 1,093 - 1,093 Investment management fee (55) (568) (623) Other expenses (322) (22) (344) ---------- ---------- ---------- Return on ordinary activities before tax 716 1,771 2,487 Tax on return on ordinary activities (143) 143 - ---------- ---------- ---------- Return on ordinary activities after tax 573 1,914 2,487 ---------- ---------- ---------- Return per share 22.9p 76.7p 99.6p BALANCE SHEET (unaudited) as at 30 September 2017 30 September 2017 30 September 2016 31 March 2017 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 Fixed assets: Investments 5,810 13,478 9,981 ---------- ---------- ---------- Current assets: Debtors 383 32 791 Cash and cash equivalents 1,516 7,182 4,570 ---------- ---------- ---------- 1,899 7,214 5,361 Creditors (amounts falling due within one year) (1,881) (2,500) (2,649) ---------- ---------- ---------- Net current assets 18 4,714 2,712 ---------- ---------- ---------- Net assets 5,828 18,192 12,693 ---------- ---------- ---------- Capital and reserves: Called-up equity share capital 624 624 624 Capital redemption reserve - - 6,242 Capital reserve (10,688) (2,987) (7,018) Special reserve 17,141 17,183 10,941 Revaluation reserve (2,288) 2,009 (17) Revenue reserve 1,039 1,363 1,921 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total equity shareholders' funds 5,828 18,192 12,693 ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value per share 233.4p 728.6p 508.4p STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (unaudited) for the six months ended 30 September 2017 --------Non-distributable ---------Distributable reserves-------- reserves--------- Total Capital Share redemption Revaluation Capital Special Revenue capital reserve reserve reserve reserve reserve GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 At 1 April 2017 624 6,242 (17) (7,018) 10,941 1,921 12,693 Return on ordinary activities after tax for the period - - (2,271) 2,842 (42) (129) 400 Bonus issue of B shares - - - - (6,429) - (6,429) Redemption of B shares - 6,429 - (6,429) - - - Related expenses - - - (83) - - (83) Cancellation of capital redemption reserve - (12,671) - - 12,671 - - Dividends paid - - - - - (753) (753) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- At 30 September 2017 624 - (2,288) (10,688) 17,141 1,039 5,828 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (unaudited) for the six months ended 30 September 2016 --------Non-distributable ---------Distributable reserves-------- reserves--------- Total Capital Share redemption Revaluation Capital Special Revenue capital reserve reserve reserve reserve reserve GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 At 1 April 2016 624 4,531 251 (2,918) 12,674 1,950 17,112 Return on ordinary activities after tax for the period - - 1,758 (69) (22) 12 1,679 Cancellation of capital redemption reserve - (4,531) - - 4,531 - - Dividends paid - - - - - (599) (599) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- At 30 September 2016 624 - 2,009 (2,987) 17,183 1,363 18,192 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the year ended 31 March 2017 ------ Non-distributable reserves ------ ------ Distributable reserves ------ Total Capital Share redemption Revaluation Capital Special Revenue capital reserve reserve reserve reserve reserve GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 At 1 April 2016 624 4,531 251 (2,918) 12,674 1,950 17,112 Return on ordinary activities after tax for the year - - (268) 2,204 (22) 573 2,487 Bonus issue of B shares - - - - (6,242) - (6,242) Redemption of B shares - 6,242 - (6,242) - - - Related expenses - - - (62) - - (62) Cancellation of capital redemption reserve - (4,531) - - 4,531 - - Dividends paid - - - - - (602) (602) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- At 31 March 2017 624 6,242 (17) (7,018) 10,941 1,921 12,693 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) for the six months ended 30 September 2017 Six months ended Six months ended Year ended 30 September 2017 30 September 2016 31 March 2017
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 Cash flows from operating activities: Return on ordinary activities before tax 53 1,679 2,487 Adjustments for: Gain on disposal of investments (707) (277) (2,056) Movement in fair value of investments 392 (1,758) (305) (Increase)/decrease in debtors 783 (7) (766) Increase/(decrease) in creditors (768) (2,597) (2,448) ---------- ---------- ---------- Net cash outflow from operating activities (247) (2,960) (3,088) ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of investments - - - Sale/repayment of investments 4,458 277 4,100 ---------- ---------- ---------- Net cash inflow from investing activities 4,458 277 4,100 ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash flows from financing activities: Redemption of B shares (6,429) - (6,242) B share redemption expenses (83) - (62) Dividends paid on ordinary and B shares (753) (599) (602) ---------- ---------- ---------- Net cash outflow from financing activities (7,265) (599) (6,906) ---------- ---------- ---------- Net decrease in cash/cash equivalents (3,054) (3,282) (5,894) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 4,570 10,464 10,464 ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 1,516 7,182 4,570 ---------- ---------- ---------- INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO SUMMARY as at 30 September 2017 Cost Valuation % of net assets Company GBP000 GBP000 by valuation Axial Systems Holdings 2,311 1,977 33.9 Weldex (International) Offshore Holdings 3,252 1,921 33.0 CGI Group Holdings 1,908 1,165 20.0 Lanner Group 561 747 12.8 S&P Coil Products 66 - - ---------- ---------- ------- Total fixed asset investments 8,098 5,810 99.7 ---------- Net current assets 18 0.3 ---------- ------- Net assets 5,828 100.0 ---------- ------- BUSINESS RISKS The board carries out a regular and robust review of the risk environment in which the company operates. The principal risks and uncertainties identified by the board which might affect the company's business model and future performance, and the steps taken with a view to their mitigation, are as follows: Investment and liquidity risk: the majority of the company's investments comprise minority holdings in small and medium-sized unquoted companies, which by their nature entail a higher level of risk and lower liquidity than investments in large quoted companies. Mitigation: the investment manager aims to limit the risk attaching to the portfolio as a whole by close monitoring of individual holdings, including the appointment of investor directors where appropriate. The board reviews the portfolio, including the schedule of projected exits, with the investment manager on a regular basis with a view to ensuring that the orderly realisation process remains on track. Portfolio concentration risk: following the adoption of the company's revised investment policy in July 2011, the portfolio has and will continue to become more concentrated as investments are realised and cash is returned to shareholders. This will increase the proportionate impact of changes in the value of individual investments on the value of the company as a whole. The directors' valuation of the company's investments represents their best assessment of the fair value of the investments as at the valuation date and the amounts eventually realised from such investments may be more or less than the directors' valuation. Mitigation: the directors and manager keep the changing composition of the portfolio under review and focus closely on those holdings which represent the largest proportions of total value. Financial risk: most of the company's investments involve a medium- to long-term commitment and many are relatively illiquid. Mitigation: the directors consider that it is inappropriate to finance the company's activities through borrowing except on an occasional short-term basis. Accordingly they seek to maintain a proportion of the company's assets in cash or cash equivalents in order to be in a position to meet expenditure commitments including any investments which may be made under the company's revised investment policy. The company has very little exposure to foreign currency risk and does not enter into derivative transactions. Economic risk: events such as economic recession or general fluctuations in stock markets and interest rates may affect the valuation of investee companies and their ability to access adequate financial resources, as well as affecting the company's own share price and discount to net asset value. Mitigation: the company invests in a diversified portfolio of investments spanning various industry sectors, and maintains sufficient cash reserves to be able to provide additional funding to investee companies should this be necessary. Credit risk: the company holds a number of financial instruments and cash deposits and is dependent on the counterparties discharging their commitment. Mitigation: the directors review the creditworthiness of the counterparties to these instruments and cash deposits and seek to ensure there is no undue concentration of credit risk with any one party. Internal control risk: the company's assets could be at risk in the absence of an appropriate internal control regime. Mitigation: the board regularly reviews the system of internal controls, both financial and non-financial, operated by the company and the manager. These include controls designed to ensure that the company's assets are safeguarded and that proper accounting records are maintained. OTHER MATTERS The unaudited half-yearly financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2017 do not constitute statutory financial statements within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006, have not been reviewed or audited by the company's independent auditor and have not been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The comparative figures for the year ended 31 March 2017 have been extracted from the audited financial statements for that year, which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies; the auditor's report on those financial statements (i) was unqualified, (ii) drew attention by way of emphasis of matter to the fact that the financial statements had not been prepared on the going concern basis and (iii) did not contain a statement under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The half-yearly financial statements have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017. The financial statements have not been prepared on the going concern basis, since the company's current objective is to conduct an orderly realisation of the investment portfolio and return cash to shareholders. No adjustments were necessary to the investment valuations or other assets and liabilities included in the financial statements as a consequence of the change in the basis of preparation. The directors of the company at the date of this announcement were Mr N R A Guy (Chairman), Mr J C Barnsley, Mr P W F Marsden and Mr M P Nicholls. Each of the directors confirms that to the best of his 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 Rules 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 Rules 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.
The calculation of the revenue and capital return per share is based on the return on ordinary activities after tax for the six months ended 30 September 2017 and on 2,496,767 (2016 2,496,767) ordinary shares, being the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period. The calculation of the net asset value per share is based on the net assets at 30 September 2017 divided by the 2,496,767 (2016 2,496,767) ordinary shares in issue at that date. A copy of the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2017 is expected to be posted to shareholders by 24 November 2017 and will be available to the public at the registered office of the company at Time Central, 32 Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4SN and on the NVM Private Equity LLP website, www.nvm.co.uk Neither the contents of the NVM Private Equity LLP website nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the NVM Private Equity LLP website (or any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement. This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq 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: Northern Investors Co PLC via Globenewswire http://www.nvm.co.uk/investorarea/northern_investors_company_plc.php
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
November 14, 2017 10:00 ET (15:00 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2017 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
1 Year Northern Investors Chart |
1 Month Northern Investors Chart |
It looks like you are not logged in. Click the button below to log in and keep track of your recent history.
Support: +44 (0) 203 8794 460 | support@advfn.com
By accessing the services available at ADVFN you are agreeing to be bound by ADVFN's Terms & Conditions