Annual Financial Report
CHELVERTON GROWTH TRUST PLC
FINAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2011
The full Annual Report and Accounts can be accessed via the Company's website
at www.chelvertonam.com or by contacting the Company Secretary on telephone
01392 412122.
Investment objective
The Company's objective is to provide capital growth through investment in
companies listed on the Official List and traded on the Alternative Investment
Market with a market capitalisation at the time of investment of up to £50
million, which are believed to be at a "point of change". The Company will also
invest in unquoted investments where it is believed that there is a likelihood
of the shares becoming listed or traded on the Alternative Investment Market or
the investee company being sold. Its investment objective is to increase net
asset value per share at a higher rate than other quoted smaller company trusts
and the FTSE All-Share Index.
It is the Company's policy not to invest in any listed investment companies
(including listed investment trusts).
Company summary
Benchmark FTSE All-Share Index
Investment Manager Chelverton Asset Management Limited.
Total net assets £4,049,000 as at 31 August 2011
Market capitalisation £2,911,000 as at 31 August 2011
Capital structure 13,233,344 Ordinary 1p shares carrying one
vote each. There are no shares held in
Treasury.
ISA status The Company's Ordinary shares are fully
eligible for inclusion in ISAs.
Performance statistics
Year ended Year ended
31 August 31 August
2011 2010 % change
Net assets £4,049,000 £3,630,000 11.54
Net asset value per share 30.60p 24.66p 24.09
FTSE All-Share Index 2,800.51 2,696.72 3.85
Share price 22.00p 17.25p 27.54
Discount to net asset 28.10% 30.05%
value
Revenue loss after £69,000 £75,000
taxation
Revenue loss per share 0.50p 0.50p
Capital gain per share 6.42p 5.62p
Chairman's statement
I am pleased to announce another year of progress, albeit that much of the
increase in value that we are reporting on here has already been recognised at
the interim stage.
The Company's net asset value per share has increased this year from 24.66p to
30.60p - an increase of 24.09%. In the same period the Company's benchmark
index, the FTSE All-Share, rose by 3.85%; the FTSE 100 rose by 3.24%; and the
AIM Index rose by 11.75 %. Since the year end the net asset value per share has
marginally increased to 30.81p, a rise of 0.69%.
The year was again defined by the continuing fall out from the credit crunch
and banking crisis of 2008/09 and the attempts by the Government to slow the
continuing increase in public debt. A new form of financial crisis is now
evident as a consequence of the creation of the euro which is threatening the
financial stability of the Eurozone and as a result impacting on many
countries. The "Arab Spring" which swept through the Middle East and remains
ongoing with the military campaign in Libya has, as yet, been of little
economic consequence.
In the UK the Government is coming under pressure to "ease back" on their
programme of controlling and then reducing public expenditure with the
opponents' rallying cry of "too deep and too fast" becoming louder. However
against a backcloth of debt expected to peak in 2015/16 this currently seems a
hollow cry. Until there is a more appropriate balance between the public and
private sectors there will be no progress in national wealth creation.
In the portfolio almost all the companies have made progress over the past year
which in the current tough environment is to be commended. With record low
interest rates, and inflation expected to fall sharply next year, real returns
and real growth will be hard won. This tough marketplace will lead to a further
contraction in supply which should, for the survivors, provide greater
opportunities in the future. Although the immediate economic outlook remains
uncertain, we expect the domestic economy to gradually improve over the next
few years, thus creating an environment more conducive to UK small company
performance.
Given the increase in the asset value and with no bank debt the Board feel that
it is in the best interest of all shareholders to proceed with a tender offer
again this year. It remains our intention to repeat this process each year so
long as circumstances warrant it. This year we also intend to offer
shareholders with holdings of less than 4,000 shares the opportunity to dispose
of their entire holding.
George Stevens
Chairman
18 November 2011
Investment Manager's overview
Increasing concerns over the macro environment and downgrades to global growth
rates have dominated headlines and led to the recent stockmarket falls. In
particular, fears over a Greek debt default and the implications for the
European banking system have served to increase risk premiums significantly.
Although `top down' forecasts have been under pressure for some time it is only
in the last few months that we have seen `bottom up' earnings estimates being
reduced, and this has added another layer of uncertainty and provided more fuel
to the bear arguments.
We have consistently highlighted the strong correlation between a healthy
domestic economy and the relative performance of UK smaller companies. In light
of the current slowdown and the reduced risk attitude of domestic investors it
is fair to assume, as we look forward, that we will face some strong headwinds
as we try to grow the portfolio over the next year. However it is reassuring to
note that Corporate UK is still forecast to grow profitability in aggregate
over the next couple of years and Company balance sheets are substantially more
robust than they were at the time of the crash in 2008.
Portfolio review
The year has seen small disposals in PSG Solutions and has otherwise been one
of gently adding to existing undervalued holdings; AI Claims, CEPS and One
Horizon Group (formerly Satcom).
In May PSG Solutions announced that one of their subsidiaries had won a
government contract for £11m and by August this was increased to £48m,
representing some four times its historical turnover as a group. Having turned
down a tender offer a year earlier from the management at 17.125p per share we
sold a quarter of the holding at 120p per share and have recently participated
in a tender offer by the company to buy 5% of the outstanding shares at 200p
per share. As the share price at the time was 76p we tendered our entire
holding obviously along with everyone else and consequently only just over 5%
of our holding was acquired. The implication however is that the Board consider
a price of 200p per share is a reasonable target price.
Belgravium Technologies has seen its share price rise from 2.5p to 7.5p reflecting
its return to profits growth and the fact that it has repaid all of the acquisition
debt it took on four years ago. As a highly operationally geared company a
small increase in sales will lead to a disproportionate increase in profits.
In the unquoted investments we have made a provision against our holding in
Closed Loop Recycling and consequent to its continuing growth increased the
valuation of the investment in Parmenion Capital Partners.
Outlook
We continue to believe that we are invested in a portfolio of undervalued
assets but realise that we will need a more benign macro environment to prosper
over the next twelve months. We expect markets to remain volatile and we will
continue to look to realise funds from holdings when their valuations are more
reflective of medium term prospects and to reinvest into other stocks that
remain substantially undervalued.
David Horner
Chelverton Asset Management Ltd
18 November 2011
Portfolio review
as at 31 August 2011
The Company's portfolio as at 31 August 2011 is set out below.
Investment Sector Valuation % of
£'000 total
AIM traded
AI Claims Solutions Non Life Insurance 570 14.1
The provision of non-fault accident management services
Alliance Pharma Pharmaceuticals & 264 6.5
Biotechnology
Acquisition of the manufacturing, sales and distribution rights to
pharmaceutical products
Belgravium Technologies Technology Hardware & 312 7.7
Equipment
Software systems for warehousing and distribution
CEPS Support Services 260 6.4
Production and supply of components for the footwear industry; personal
protection equipment; production of printed lycra fabric; and services to the
direct mail industry
Datong Electronics Electronic & Electrical 62 1.5
Equipment
Develops, manages and supplies covert tracking and surveillance systems
IDOX Software & Computer 1,153 28.4
Services
Software company specialising in the development of products for document and
information management
LPA Group Electronic & Electrical 78 1.9
Equipment
Design, manufacture and marketing of industrial electrical accessories
MTI Wireless Edge Technology Hardware & 60 1.5
Equipment
Developer and manufacturer of sophisticated antennas and antenna systems
Northbridge Industrial Industrial Engineering 132 3.3
Services
Consolidation vehicle for specialist industrial services in the UK
Pennant International Group Software & Computer 118 2.9
Services
Supplier of technology solutions to the defence and industrial sectors
Petards Group Support Services 11 0.3
Development, provision and maintenance of advanced security systems and
related services
PSG Solutions Support Services 114 2.8
Leading provider of Local Authority residential property searches; provision
of packaging solutions and technical and technical surveillance
countermeasures components
Richoux Group Travel & Leisure 49 1.2
Owner and operator of Richoux Restaurants
Sanderson Group Software & Computer 99 2.4
Services
Provides software and IT services
Titan Europe Industrial Engineering 124 3.1
Manufacture of big wheels for construction, mining and agricultural vehicles
Tristel Health Care Equipment & 160 3.9
Services
Healthcare business specialising in infection control in hospitals
Universe Group Support Services 10 0.2
Provision of credit card fraud prevention system, loyalty systems and retail
systems
Delisted
Bakabo (formerly Forest Industrial Transportation 11 0.3
Support Services)
(in members voluntary liquidation)
Supply of traffic management services
One Horizon Group (formerly Mobile Telecommunications 32 0.8
Satcom Group)
Provider of mobile satellite communications equipment and airtime
Unquoted
Closed Loop Recycling Support Services
Loanstock 0 0.0
Ordinary B shares 0 0.0
Operation of a plastic recycling plant
Parmenion Capital Partners Support Services 436 10.8
LLP
Provides fund-based discretionary fund management services to Independent
Financial Advisors
Portfolio valuation 4,055 100.0
The following companies in which the Company is invested are in liquidation or
administration and no value is applied to those holdings as no realisations are
anticipated from the insolvency process.
AT Communication Group
Chromogenex
General Capital
Minorplanet Systems
Top twenty investments
31 August 2011 31 August 2010
Investment Valuation % of Valuation % of
£'000 total £'000 total
IDOX 1,153 28.4 596 16.6
AI Claims Solutions 570 14.1 479 13.3
Parmenion Capital Partners LLP 436 10.8 291 8.1
Belgravium Technologies 312 7.7 113 3.2
Alliance Pharma 264 6.5 345 9.6
CEPS 260 6.4 175 4.9
Tristel 160 3.9 188 5.3
Northbridge Industrial Services 132 3.3 85 2.4
Titan Europe 124 3.1 68 1.9
Pennant International Group 118 2.9 59 1.7
PSG Solutions 114 2.8 44 1.2
Sanderson Group 99 2.4 66 1.8
LPA Group 78 1.9 73 2.0
Datong Electronics 62 1.5 76 2.1
MTI Wireless Edge 60 1.5 84 2.4
Richoux Group 49 1.2 33 0.9
One Horizon Group 32 0.8 31 0.9
Bakabo 11 0.3 182 5.1
Petards Group 11 0.3 27 0.8
Universe Group 10 0.2 17 0.5
Total 4,055 100.0 3,032 84.7
Portfolio breakdown by sector and by index
Portfolio by Sector Percentage
Software and Computer 33.7
Services
Support Services 20.5
Non Life Insurance 14.1
Technology Hardware & 9.2
Equipment
Pharmaceutical & 6.5
Biotechnology
Industrial Engineering 6.4
Health Care Equipment & 3.9
Services
Electronic & Electrical 3.4
Equipment
Travel & Leisure 1.2
Mobile 0.8
Telecommunications
Industrial 0.3
Transportation
Percentage of Portfolio by Index
Portfolio by Index Percentage
AIM 88.1
Unquoted 10.8
Delisted 1.1
Directors
George Stevens (Chairman)
Kevin Allen
David Horner
Extracts from the Report of the Directors
The Directors present their report, which incorporates the Business Review, and
audited accounts for the year ended 31 August 2011. The registered company
number for Chelverton Growth Trust PLC is 2989519.
Status, objective and review
The principal activity of the Company is to carry on business as an investment
trust. The Company has been granted approval from HM Revenue & Customs as an
authorised investment trust under Section 1158 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010
for the year ended 31 August 2010. The Directors are of the opinion that the
Company has conducted its affairs for the year ended 31 August 2011 so as to be
able to continue to be approved as an authorised investment trust under Section
1158 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. The Company is an investment company as
defined in Section 833 of the Companies Act 2006.
Investment objective
The Company's objective is to provide capital growth through investment in
companies listed on the Official List and traded on the Alternative Investment
Market with a market capitalisation at the time of investment of up to £50
million, which are believed to be at a "point of change". The Company will also
invest in unquoted investments where it is believed that there is a likelihood
of the shares becoming listed or traded on the Alternative Investment Market or
the investee company being sold. Its investment objective is also to increase
net asset value per share at a higher rate than other quoted smaller company
trusts and the FTSE All-Share Index.
Investment policy
The Company invests principally in securities of publicly quoted UK companies,
though it may invest in unquoted securities. The concentrated UK portfolio
comprises between 20 to 35 securities. The performance of the Company's
investments is compared to the FTSE All-Share Index.
The Company will also invest in unquoted investments where it is believed that
there is a likelihood of the shares becoming listed or traded on the
Alternative Investment Market or the investee company being sold.
It is the Company's policy not to invest in any listed investment companies or
listed investment trusts.
To comply with Listing Rules the Company's investment policy is detailed above
and should be read in conjunction with the subsequent sections entitled
investment strategy and the performance analysis.
It is intended from time to time, when deemed appropriate, that the Company
will borrow for investment purposes. The Company, however, does not currently
have any borrowing facilities.
The investment objective and policy stated are intended to distinguish the
Company from other investment vehicles which have relatively narrow investment
objectives and which are constrained in their decision making and asset
allocation. The investment objective and policy allow the Company to be
constrained in its investment selection only by valuation and to be pragmatic
in portfolio construction by only investing in securities which the Investment
Manager considers to be undervalued on an absolute basis. Portfolio risk is
managed by investing in a diversified spread of investments.
Investment strategy
Investments are selected for the portfolio only after extensive research which
the Investment Manager believes to be key. The whole process through which
equity must pass in order to be included in the portfolio is very rigorous.
Only a security where the Investment Manager believes that the price will be
significantly higher in the future will pass the selection process. The
Company's Investment Manager believes the key to successful stock selection is
to identify the long-term value of a company's shares and to have the patience
to hold the shares until that value is appreciated by other investors.
Identifying long term value involves detailed analysis of a company's earning
prospects over a five year time horizon.
The Company's Investment Manager is Chelverton Asset Management Limited, an
independent investment manager focusing exclusively on achieving returns for
investors based on UK investment analysis of the highest quality. The founders
and employee owners of Chelverton include experienced investment professionals
with strong investment performance records who believe rigorous fundamental
research allied to patience is the basis of long term investment success.
The Chairman's statement and the Investment Manager's overview give details of
the Company's activities during the year under review.
Performance analysis using key performance indicators
At each Board meeting, the Directors consider a number of performance measures
to assess the Company's success in achieving its objectives, for example: the
NAV, the movement in the Company share price, the discount of the share price
in relation to the NAV and the total expenses ratio.
The Company's income statement is set out below.
The movement of the NAV is compared to the FTSE All-Share Index, the Company's
benchmark. The NAV per Ordinary share at 31 August 2011 was 30.60p
(2010: 24.66p).
The Company's share price at the year end was 22.00p (2010: 17.25p).
Principal risks
The Board considers the following as the principal risks facing the Company.
Mitigation of these risks is sought and achieved in a number of ways:
Market risk
The Company is exposed to market risk due to fluctuations in the market prices
of its investments.
The Investment Manager actively monitors economic and company performance and
reports regularly to the Board on a formal and informal basis. The Board
formally meets with the Investment Manager quarterly when portfolio
transactions and performance are reviewed. The Management Engagement Committee
meets as required to review the performance of the Investment Manager. Further
details regarding the Company's various Committees and their duties are given
in the statement on corporate governance.
The Company is substantially dependent on the services of the Investment
Manager's investment team for the implementation of its investment policy.
The Company may hold a proportion of the portfolio in cash or cash equivalent
investments from time to time. Whilst during positive stock market movements
the portfolio may forego notional gains, during negative market movements this
may provide protection.
Discount volatility
As with many investment trust companies, discounts can significantly fluctuate.
The Board recognises that it is in the long term interests of shareholders to
reduce discount volatility and believes that the prime driver of discounts over
the longer term is performance. The Board does not intend to adopt a precise
discount target at which shares will be bought back. However Ordinary shares
will not be bought back for cancellation or into Treasury at a discount to NAV
of less than 7.5%.
Regulatory risks
Relevant legislation and regulations which apply to the Company include the
Companies Act 2006, the Corporation Tax Act 2010 ("CTA") and the Listing Rules
of the Financial Services Authority ("FSA"). The Company has noted the
recommendations of the Combined Code on Corporate Governance and its statement
of compliance. A breach of the CTA could result in the Company losing its
status as an investment company and becoming subject to capital gains tax,
whilst a breach of the Listing Rules might result in censure by the FSA. At
each Board meeting the status of the Company is considered and discussed, so as
to ensure that all regulations are being adhered to by the Company and its
service providers.
The Board is not aware of any breaches of laws or regulations during the period
under review and up to the date of this report.
Financial risk
The financial situation of the Company is reviewed in detail at each Board
meeting. The content of the Company's annual report and accounts is monitored
and approved both by the Board and the Audit Committee.
Inappropriate accounting policies or failure to comply with current or new
accounting standards may lead to a breach of regulations.
Liquidity risk
The Board monitors the liquidity of the portfolio at each Board meeting and
regularly reviews the investments with the Investment Manager.
A more detailed explanation of the investment management risks facing the
Company are given in note 18 to the accounts.
Financial instruments
As part of its normal operations, the Company holds financial assets and
financial liabilities. Full details of the role of financial instruments in the
Company's operations are set out in note 18 to the accounts.
Current and future developments
A review of the main features of the year is contained in the Chairman's
statement and the Investment Manager's overview above.
The marketing and promotion of the Company will continue to involve the Board,
led by the Investment Manager, with a proactive communications programme either
directly or through its website, with existing and potential new shareholders
and other external parties.
The Directors are seeking to renew the appropriate powers at the next Annual
General Meeting to enable the issue and purchase of its own shares, when it is
in the interests of shareholders as a whole.
Social, environmental and employee issues
The Company does not have any employees and the Board consists entirely of
non-executive directors. As the Company is an investment trust, which invests
in other companies, it has no direct impact on the community or the
environment, and as such has no policies in this area.
Results and dividend
The results for the year and the proposed transfer from revenue reserves are
set out in the income statement.
The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend for the year.
Management and administration agreements
The Company's investments are managed by Chelverton Asset Management Limited
("CAM") under an agreement dated 28 June 2001.
The Company pays CAM, in respect of its services as Investment Manager, a
monthly fee (exclusive of VAT) payable in arrears as follows:
(i) for the first £15 million of funds under management at the rate of 1 / 12 %
per month of the gross value of funds under management ("the Value");
(ii) for the next £15 million of funds under management, at the rate of 1 / 16
% per month of the amount by which the Value exceeds £15 million; and
(iii) for funds under management above £30 million, at the rate of 1 / 24 % per
month.
The appointment of CAM as Investment Manager may be terminated by either party
giving to the other not less than twelve months' notice of such termination.
There are no specific provisions contained within the Investment Management
Agreement relating to the compensation payable in the event of termination of
the agreement other than entitlement to fees, which would be payable within any
notice period.
Under an agreement dated 26 June 2001, company secretarial services and the
general administration of the Company are undertaken by Capita Sinclair
Henderson Limited for an annual fee of £47,115. This fee is subject to annual
review based on the UK Retail Price Index. In the event that there is an
increase in the issued share capital of the Company, the fee will be adjusted
upwards by agreement between the Company and Capita Sinclair Henderson Limited.
The agreement may be terminated by either party giving to the other not less
than six months' notice at any time.
Appointment of Chelverton Asset Management ("CAM") as the Investment Manager
The Board continually reviews the performance of the Investment Manager. In the
opinion of the independent Directors the continuing appointment of CAM, as
Investment Manager, on the terms outlined in the Investment Management
Agreement dated 28 June 2001 and amended on 1 December 2006, is in the best
interests of the shareholders as a whole. The reason for this view is that the
investment performance of the Company is satisfactory having regard to the
exceptional circumstances of the past couple of years. Further, the Board is
satisfied that CAM has the required skill and expertise to continue to manage
the Company's portfolio and charges fees that are reasonable when compared with
those of similar investment trusts.
On behalf of the Board
George Stevens
Chairman
18 November 2011
Statement of Directors' responsibilities in respect of the financial Statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial
statements and have elected to prepare them in accordance with applicable
United Kingdom law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Under company law the Directors must
not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a
true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of its profit or
loss for that period.
In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are required to:
• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides
relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable information; and
• state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject
to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are
sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with
reasonable accuracy, at any time, the financial position of the Company and to
enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies
Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company
and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud
and other irregularities.
The Directors, to the best of their knowledge, state that:
• the financial statements, prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities,
financial position and net return of the Company; and
• the Chairman's statement, Investment Manager's overview and Report of the
Directors include a fair review of the development and performance of the
business and the position of the Company together with a description of the
principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the
corporate and financial information related to the Company included on the
website of the Investment Managers www.chelvertonam.com.
Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination
of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
By order of the Board
George Stevens
Chairman
18 November 2011
NON-STATUTORY ACCOUNTS
The financial information set out below does not constitute the Company's
statutory accounts for the years ended 31 August 2011 and 2010 but is derived
from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 2010 have been delivered to the
registrar of companies, and those for 2011 will be delivered in due course. The
auditors have reported on those accounts; their report was (i) unqualified,
(ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew
attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and (ii) did not
contain a statement under Section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The
text of the Auditor's report can be found in the Company's full Annual Report
and Accounts on the Investment Manager's website: www.chelvertonam.com.
Income statement
for the year ended 31 August 2011
2011 2010
Note Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Gains on investments 7 - 913 913 - 862 862
at fair value
Income 2 77 - 77 79 - 79
Investment management 3 (10) (31) (41) (9) (27) (36)
fee
Other expenses 4 (136) - (136) (145) - (145)
Net return on (69) 882 813 (75) 835 760
ordinary activities
before taxation
Taxation on ordinary 5 - - - - - -
activities
Net return on (69) 882 813 (75) 835 760
ordinary activities
after taxation
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
pence pence pence pence pence pence
Return per Ordinary 6 (0.50) 6.42 5.92 (0.50) 5.62 5.12
share
The total column of this statement is the profit and loss account of the
Company.
All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing
operations.
No operations were acquired or discontinued during the year.
A separate statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared
as all such gains and losses are included in the income statement.
The notes below form part of these accounts.
Reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds
for the year ended 31 August 2011
Called Share Capital
up share premium Capital redemption Revenue
capital account reserve reserve reserve Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Year ended 31 August 2011
1 September 2010 149 2,674 (2,739) 40 3,506 3,630
Cost of shares purchased (15) - - 15 (394) (394)
for cancellation under
tender offer
Shares cancelled from (2) - - 2 - -
Treasury
Net return after taxation - - 882 - (69) 813
for the year
31 August 2011 132 2,674 (1,857) 57 3,043 4,049
Year ended 31 August 2010
1 September 2009 149 2,674 (3,574) 40 3,606 2,895
Cost of shares purchased - - - - (25) (25)
for Treasury
Net return after taxation - - 835 - (75) 760
for the year
31 August 2010 149 2,674 (2,739) 40 3,506 3,630
The notes below form part of these accounts.
Balance sheet
as at 31 August 2011
Note 2011 2010
Revenue Revenue
£'000 £'000
Fixed assets
Investments at fair value 7 4,055 3,583
Current assets
Debtors 9 9 6
Cash at bank 30 86
39 92
Creditors - amounts falling due 10 45 45
within one year
Net current (liabilities)/assets (6) 47
Net assets 4,049 3,630
Share capital and reserves
Called up share capital 11 132 149
Share premium account 12 2,674 2,674
Capital reserve 12 (1,857) (2,739)
Capital redemption reserve 12 57 40
Revenue reserve 12 3,043 3,506
Equity shareholders' funds 4,049 3,630
Net asset value per Ordinary share 16 30.60p 24.66p
The notes below form part of these accounts.
These accounts were approved by the Board of Directors of Chelverton Growth
Trust PLC and authorised for issue on 18 November 2011. They were signed on its
behalf by
George Stevens
Chairman
Statement of cash flows
for the year ended 31 August 2010
Note 2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Operating activities
Investment income received 76 60
Deposit interest received - 19
Investment management fees paid (41) (35)
Secretarial fees paid (46) (49)
Other cash payments (92) (115)
Net cash outflow from operating 13 (103) (120)
activities
Investing activities
Purchases of investments (156) -
Sales of investments 597 187
Net cash inflow from investing 441 187
activities
Financing
Cost of shares purchased for Treasury - (25)
Cost of shares purchased for (394) -
cancellation under tender offer
Net cash outflow from financing (394) (25)
activities
(Decrease)/increase in cash 15 (56) 42
The notes below form part of these accounts.
Notes to the accounts
as at 31 August 2011
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting convention
The accounts are prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice ("UK GAAP") and with the AIC Statement of Recommended Practice
("SORP") issued in January 2009, regarding the Financial Statements of
Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts. All the Company's
activities are continuing.
Income recognition
Dividends receivable on quoted equity shares are included as revenue when the
investments concerned are quoted `ex-dividend'. UK dividends are disclosed
excluding the associated tax credit. Dividends receivable on equity and
non-equity shares where no ex-dividend date is quoted are brought into account
when the Company's right to receive payment is established. All other income is
included on an accruals basis.
Expenses
All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis and charged through the
revenue account in the income statement except as follows:
â— expenses which are incidental to the acquisition or disposal of an investment
are treated as capital and separately identified and disclosed (see note 7);
â— management fees and bank interest have been allocated 75% to capital reserve
and 25% to revenue reserve in the income statement, being in line with the
Board's expected long-term split of returns, in the form of capital gains and
income respectively, from the investment portfolio of the Company.
Investments
All investments held by the Company are classified as `fair value through
profit or loss'. Investments are initially recognised at cost, being the fair
value of the consideration given. After initial recognition investments are
measured at fair value, with changes in the fair value of investments and
impairment of investments recognised in the income statement and allocated to
capital. Realised gains and losses on investments sold are calculated as the
difference between sales proceeds and cost.
Investments are recognised and derecognised on the trade date where a purchase
or sale is under a contract whose terms require delivery within the timeframe
established by the market concerned, and are initially measured at fair value.
For investments actively traded in organised financial markets, fair value is
generally determined by reference to Stock Exchange quoted market bid prices at
the close of business on the balance sheet date, without adjustment for
transaction costs necessary to realise the asset.
For investments that are not actively traded in organised financial markets,
the investments are valued at the Directors' estimate of its net realisable
value being their estimate of fair value. Generally, fair value will be at cost
or, where applicable, at the most recent transaction price. In the case of
direct investments in unquoted companies the following valuation technique is
applied. Initial valuation is based on the transaction price. Where better
indications of fair value become available, such as through subsequent issues
of capital or dealings between third parties, the valuation is adjusted to
reflect the new evidence. This represents the Directors' view of the amount for
which an asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable willing parties in an
arm's length transaction.
Capital reserve
The following are accounted for in this reserve:
â— gains and losses on the realisation of investments;
â— net movement arising from changes in the fair value of investments that can
be readily converted to cash without accepting adverse terms;
â— realised exchange differences of a capital nature;
â— expenses, together with related taxation effect, charged to this account in
accordance with the above policies; and
â— net movement arising from the changes in the fair value of investments that
cannot be readily converted to cash without accepting adverse terms, held at
the year end.
Taxation
The charge for taxation, where relevant, is based on the revenue before
taxation for the year. Tax deferred or accelerated can arise due to timing
differences between the treatment of certain items for accounting and taxation
purposes.
Full provision is made for deferred taxation under the liability method, on all
timing differences not reversed by the balance sheet date, in accordance with
FRS 19: Deferred tax.
The tax effect of different items of income/gain and expenditure/loss is
allocated between capital and revenue on the same basis as the particular item
to which it relates, using the Company's effective rate of tax for the
accounting period.
2 INCOME
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Income from investments
Dividends from UK companies 77 60
77 60
Other income
Interest on Investment Management - 19
fee VAT refund
Total income 77 79
Total income comprises:
Dividends 77 60
Interest - 19
77 79
3 INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEE
2011 2010
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Investment management 10 31 41 9 27 36
fee
10 31 41 9 27 36
The investment management fee is calculated at the rate of 1/ 12% per month of
the gross value of funds under management and is payable monthly in arrears. At
31 August 2011 there was £3,000 outstanding (2010: £3,000).
4 OTHER EXPENSES
2011 2010
Revenue Revenue
£'000 £'000
Administrative and 47 46
secretarial services
Directors' remuneration 38 49
Auditors' remuneration: 13 12
audit services
Other expenses 38 38
136 145
5 TAXATION
2011 2010
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Analysis of charge in period
Current tax: - - - - - -
- - - - - -
Factors affecting current tax charge for the period
The tax assessed for the period is lower than the standard rate of corporation
tax in the UK of 28% to 31 March 2011 and 26% from 1 April 2011. The
differences are explained below:
2011 2010
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
(Loss)/profit on (69) 882 813 (75) 835 760
ordinary activities
before taxation
Theoretical tax at (19) 240 221 (21) 234 213
UK corporation tax
rate of 27.17%
(2010: 28%)
UK dividend income (21) - (21) (17) - (17)
not taxable
Non-taxable - (248) (248) - (241) (241)
investment gains
Excess expenses for 40 8 48 38 7 45
the period
Current tax charge - - - - - -
for the period
At 31 August 2011 the Company had surplus management expenses of £ 3,312,000
(2010: £3,135,000) which have not been recognised as a deferred tax asset. This
is because the Company is not expected to generate taxable income in a future
period in excess of the deductible expenses of that future period and,
accordingly, it is unlikely that the Company will be able to reduce future tax
liabilities through the use of existing surplus expenses. Due to the Company's
status as an investment trust and the intention to continue meeting the
conditions required to obtain approval as an investment trust in the
foreseeable future, the Company has not provided for deferred tax on any gains
and losses arising on the revaluation or disposal of investments.
6 RETURN PER ORDINARY SHARE
2011 2010
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
pence pence pence pence pence pence
Basic (0.50) 6.42 5.92 (0.50) 5.62 5.12
Revenue return per Ordinary share is based on the net revenue loss on ordinary
activities after taxation attributable of £69,362 (2010: £74,316) and on
13,742,414 (2010: 14,843,882) Ordinary shares, being the weighted average
number of Ordinary shares in issue less treasury shares during the year.
Capital return per Ordinary share is based on the net capital gain of £882,488
(2010: £834,570) and on 13,742,414 (2010: 14,843,882) Ordinary shares, being
the weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue less treasury shares
during the year.
Total return per Ordinary share is based on the total gain of £813,126
(2010: £760,254) and on 13,742,414 (2010: 14,843,882) Ordinary shares, being the
weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue less treasury shares during
the year.
7 INVESTMENTS
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Delisted 43 213
AIM 3,576 2,827
Unquoted 436 543
4,055 3,583
AIM Delisted Unquoted* Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Opening book cost 4,634 2,166 451 7,251
Opening investment (1,807) (1,953) 92 (3,668)
holdings (losses)/gains
Movements in the year: 2,827 213 543 3,583
Purchases at cost 154 2 - 156
Sales:
Proceeds (366) (226) (5) (597)
(Losses)/gains on sales (359) (1,386) 5 (1,740)
Movement in investment 1,320 1,440 (107) 2,653
holding (losses)/gains
Closing valuation 3,576 43 436 4,055
Closing book cost 4,063 556 451 5,070
Closing investment (487) (513) (15) (1,015)
losses
Closing valuation 3,576 43 436 4,055
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Realised losses on sales (1,740) (222)
Changes in fair value of 2,653 1,084
investments
Net gains on investments 913 862
All quoted investments are made up of equity shares
* Unquoted investments are valued at the Directors' estimate of their net
realisable value, being their estimate of fair value.
Analysis of movements in unquoted investments
Cost at Valuation Cost at Valuation
31 August 31 August Movement at 31 at
2011 2011 Realised in fair August 31 August
August 31 August in year value 2010 2010
Investment £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Closed Loop 252 - - (252) 252 252
Recycling*
Loan Stock
Ordinary B shares 84 - - - 84 -
Locker Group - - 5 - - -
Parmenion Capital 115 436 - 145 115 291
Partners LLP**
451 436 5 (107) 451 543
Analysis of disposals of unquoted investments
The Company did not dispose of any unquoted investments in the year, but
realised £5,000 in respect of its investment in Locker Group being a
distribution on liquidation.
Transaction costs
During the year, the Company incurred transaction costs of £1,534 (2010: £nil)
and £301 (2010: £149) on purchases and sales of investments, respectively.
These amounts are included in `Gains/(losses) on investments at fair value' as
disclosed in the income statement.
Details of material holdings in unquoted investments
Valuation Cost Valuation
Cost at at at at Last
31 31 31 31 accounts Net Pre
August August August August period (liabilities) tax
2011 2011 2010 2010 end /assets Turnover profit
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Investment
Parmenion 115 436 115 291 31/03/2011 695 1,686 80
Capital
Partners LLP
**
* Closed Loop Recycling is the first food grade plastic recycler in the UK. The
company produces food grade PET and HDPE from plastic bottle waste.
** Parmenion Capital Partners LLP offers fund based discretionary investment
management services to the Independent Financial Adviser community.
8 SIGNIFICANT INTERESTS
At 31 August 2011 the Company had a holding of 3% or more of the issued class
of share that is material in the context of the accounts in the following
investments:
Security Number of Percentage of
shares held issued share Issued share
capital capital
CEPS, Ord 5p 1,000,000 12.027 8,314,310
Belgravium 5,000,000 4.954 100,936,547
Technologies, Ord 5p
AI Claims Solutions, 2,375,000 3.897 60,944,522
Ord 10p
In addition to the above, the Company has a 5.526% interest in the capital and
profits of Parmenion Capital
Partners LLP.
9 DEBTORS - amounts falling due within one year
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Prepayments and other 9 6
debtors
9 6
10 CREDITORS - amounts falling due within one year
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Other creditors 45 45
45 45
11 CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Allotted, called up and fully paid: 132 149
13,233,344 (2010: 14,864,827) Ordinary
shares of 1p each
There were nil (2010: 145,000) shares held in Treasury at the date of this
report. The Treasury shares were cancelled on 5 April 2011.
1,486,483 Ordinary shares, being 10 per cent of the issued Ordinary shares,
were repurchased for cancellation of 4 January 2011 further to a circular to
shareholders, issued by the Company on 24 November 2010, concerning the tender
offer by Merchant Securities Limited to purchase up to 10 per cent of the
issued Ordinary shares in the Company.
Duration of Company
At the annual general meeting of the Company falling in the calendar year 2014
and, if the Company has not then been liquidated, unitised or reconstructed, at
each fifth annual general meeting of the Company convened by the Board
thereafter, the Board shall propose an ordinary resolution that the Company
should continue as an investment trust for a further five year period.
If any such ordinary resolution is not passed, the Board shall draw up
proposals for the voluntary liquidation, unitisation or other reorganisation of
the Company for submission to the Members of the Company at a general meeting
to be convened by the Board for a date not more than three months after the
date of the meeting at which such ordinary resolution was not passed.
The Board shall ensure that such proposals for the liquidation, unitisation or
reconstruction of the Company as are approved by special resolution are
implemented as soon as is reasonably practicable after the passing of such
resolution.
12 RESERVES
Year ended 31 August 2011 Share Capital Capital Revenue
premium reserve redemption reserve
reserve
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
At 1 September 2010 2,674 (2,739) 40 3,506
Net losses on realisation of - (1,740) - -
investments
Movement in fair value of - 2,653 - -
investments
Cost of share purchased for - - - (394)
cancellation under tender
offer
Shares cancelled - - 17 -
Costs charged to capital - (31) - -
Retained net loss for the - - - (69)
year
At 31 August 2011 2,674 (1,857) 57 3,043
Year ended 31 August 2010 Share Capital Capital Revenue
premium reserve redemption reserve
reserve
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
At 1 September 2009 2,674 (3,574) 40 3,606
Net losses on realisation of - (222) - -
investments
Movement in fair value of - 1,084 - -
investments
Costs of shares purchased for - - - (25)
Treasury
Costs charged to capital - (27) - -
Retained net loss for the - - - (75)
year
At 31 August 2010 2,674 (2,739) 40 3,506
13 RECONCILIATION OF NET return BEFORE FINANCECOSTS AND TAXATION TO NET CASH
OUTFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Net return before finance costs and taxation 813 760
Net capital return before finance costs (882) (835)
Expenses charged to capital (31) (27)
Decrease in creditors and accruals - (18)
Increase in prepayments and accrued income (3) -
(103) (120)
14 RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO NET CASH
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Net cash at 1 September 2010 86 44
Net cash (outflow)/inflow (56) 42
Net cash at 31 August 2011 30 86
15 ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET CASH
At At
31 August Cash 31 August
2010 flows 2011
£'000 £'000 £'000
Cash at bank 86 (56) 30
86 (56) 30
16 NET ASSET VALUE PER ORDINARY SHARE
The basic net asset value per Ordinary share is based on net assets of £
4,049,000 (2010: £3,630,000) and on 13,233,344 (2010: 14,719,827) Ordinary
shares, being the number of shares in issue at the year end, less treasury
shares.
17 CAPITAL COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
At 31 August 2011 there were no capital commitments or contingent liabilities
(2010: £nil).
18 ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
The Company's financial instruments comprise securities and other investments,
cash balances and debtors and creditors that arise from its operations, for
example, in respect of sales and purchases awaiting settlement and debtors for
accrued income.
The Company primarily invests in companies traded on AIM with a market
capitalisation at the time of investment of up to £50 million. The Company
finances its operations through its issued capital and existing reserves.
In following its investment objective, the Company is exposed to a variety of
risks that could result in a reduction in the Company's net assets. These risks
are market risk (comprising exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and other
price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Board reviews and agrees
policies for managing each of these risks and they are summarised below:
(i)Market risk - market price risk
Market price risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future prices of
financial investments used in the Company's business. It represents the
potential loss the Company might suffer through holding market positions by way
of price movements other than movements in exchange rates and interest rates.
The Company's investment portfolio is exposed to market price fluctuations
which are monitored by the Investment Manager who gives timely reports of
relevant information to the Directors. Investment performance is also reviewed
at each Board meeting.
The Directors are conscious of the fact that the nature of AIM investments is
such that prices can be volatile. Investors should be aware that the Company is
exposed to a higher rate of risk than exists within a fund which holds
traditional blue chip securities.
Adherence to the investment objectives and the internal control limits on
investments set by the Company mitigates the risk of excessive exposure to any
one particular type of security or issuer.
The Company's exposure to other changes in market prices at 31 August on its
investments is as follows:
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Fair value through profit or 4,055 3,583
loss investments
A 20% decrease in the market value of investments at 31 August 2011 would have
decreased net assets attributable to shareholders by £811,000 (2010: £717,000).
An increase of the same percentage would have an equal but opposite effect on
net assets available to shareholders.
(ii)Market risk - exchange rate risk
All of the Company's assets are in sterling and accordingly the only currency
exposure the Company has is through the trading activities of its investee
companies.
(iii)Market risk - interest rate risk
Changes in interest rates may cause fluctuations in the income and expenses of
the Company.
The majority of the Company's financial assets are non-interest bearing. As a
result, the Company's financial assets are not subject to significant amounts
of risk due to fluctuations in the prevailing levels of market interest rates.
The possible effects on fair value and cash flows that could arise as a result
of changes in interest rates are taken into account when making investment
decisions.
The exposure at 31 August of financial assets and financial liabilities to
interest rate risk is as follows:
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Cash at bank 30 86
30 86
The effect of an interest rate increase of 1% would increase net revenue before
taxation on an annualised basis by £300. If there was a decrease in interest
rates of 0.5% net revenue before taxation would decrease by £150. These
calculations are based on balances as at 31 August 2011 and may not be
representative of the year as a whole.
(iv) Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if the contractual
party to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations.
The carrying amounts of financial assets best represent the maximum credit risk
exposure at the balance sheet date. Bankruptcy or insolvency of the custodian
may cause the Company's rights with respect to securities held with the
custodian to be delayed.
(v)Liquidity risk
The majority of the Company's assets are AIM listed securities, which under
normal conditions can be sold to meet funding commitments if necessary. These
may however be difficult to realise in adverse market conditions. The Company's
investment in Parmenion Capital Partners LLP, representing 10.8% of the
portfolio, could be more difficult to realise as it is not a tradable
instrument.
(vi)Maturity Analysis of Financial Liabilities
The Company's financial liabilities comprise of creditors as disclosed in note
10. All items are due within one year.
(vii)Managing Capital
The Company's capital management objectives are to increase net asset value per
share at a higher rate rather other quoted smaller company trusts and the FTSE
All-Share Index.
Primarily the Company finances its operations through its issued capital and
existing reserves. At 31 August 2011 the Company had no borrowings.
(viii)Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities
All of the financial assets and liabilities of the Company are held at fair
value.
(ix)Financial instruments by category
The financial instruments of the Company fall into the following categories.
31 August 2011
Assets
at fair
value
At through
amortised Loans and profit
cost receivables or loss Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Assets as per the Balance sheet
Investments - - 4,055 4,055
Debtors - 9 - 9
Total - 9 4,055 4,064
Liabilities as per the Balance
sheet
Creditors 45 - - 45
45 - - 45
31 August 2010
Assets
at fair
value
At through
amortised Loans and profit
cost receivables or loss Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Assets as per the Balance sheet
Investments - 252 3,331 3,583
Debtors - 6 - 6
Total - 258 3,331 3,589
Liabilities as per the Balance
sheet
Creditors 45 - - 45
45 - - 45
Fair value hierarchy
In accordance with Financial Reporting Standard No.29: `Financial Instruments:
Disclosures', the Company must disclose the fair value hierarchy of financial
instruments.
The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities (level 1).
An active market is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability
occur with sufficient frequency and volume on an ongoing basis such that quoted
prices reflect prices at which an orderly transaction would take place between
market participants at the measurement date. Quoted prices provided by external
pricing services, brokers and vendors are included in level 1, if they reflect
actual and regularly occurring market transactions on an arms length basis.
Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are
observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or
indirectly (that is, derived from prices).
Level 2 inputs include the following:
• quoted prices for similar (i.e. not identical) assets in active markets.
• quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that
are not active. Characteristics of an inactive market include a significant
decline in the volume and level of trading activity, the available prices vary
significantly over time or among market participants or the prices are not
current.
• inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset (for
example, interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted
intervals).
• inputs that are derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable
market data by correlation or other means (market-corroborated inputs).
Level 3 - Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable
market data (unobservable inputs)
The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement
is categorised in its entirety is determined on the basis of the lowest level
input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For
this purpose, the significance of an input is assessed against the fair value
measurement in its entirety. If a fair value measurement uses observable inputs
that require significant adjustment based on unobservable inputs, that
measurement is a level 3 measurement. Assessing the significance of a
particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires
judgement, considering factors specific to the asset or liability.
The determination of what constitutes `observable' requires significant
judgement by the Company. The Company considers observable data to be
investments actively traded in organised financial markets, fair value is
generally determined by reference to Stock Exchange quoted market bid prices
(or last traded in respect of SETS) at the close of business on the balance
sheet date, without adjustment for transaction costs necessary to realise the
asset.
Investments whose values are based on quoted market prices in active markets,
and therefore classified within level 1, include active listed equities. The
Company does not adjust the quoted price for these instruments.
Financial instruments that trade in markets that are not considered to be
active but are valued based on quoted market prices, dealer quotations or
alternative pricing sources supported by observable inputs are classified
within level 2.
Investments classified within level 3 have significant unobservable inputs.
Level 3 instruments include unquoted holdings. As observable prices are not
available for these securities, the Company has used valuation techniques to
derive the fair value. The Company has no level 2 investments, and level 3
investments consist only of unquoted holdings.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
At 31 August 2011
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Equity investments 3,576 - 479 4,055
Total 3,576 - 479 4,055
At 31 August 2010
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Equity investments 2,827 - 504 3,331
Total 2,827 - 504 3,331
The following table presents the movement in the level 3 investment for the
period ended 31 August 2011:
Equity
investments
£'000
Opening balance 504
Purchases 2
Sales proceeds: (231)
Total gains included in gains on investments in the 204
income statement
Closing balance 479
19RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Under the terms of the agreement dated 28 June 2001, the Company has appointed
Chelverton Asset Management Limited to be the Investment Manager. The fee
arrangements for these services and fees payable are set out in the Report of
the Directors and in note 3 to the accounts. Mr Horner, a Director of the
Company, is also a director of Chelverton Asset Management Limited and CEPS
PLC, in which the Company has an investment.
ANNUAL REPORT AND AGM
The foregoing represents extracts from the full text of the Annual Report and
Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2011. The full Report will shortly be
available for download from the following website:
www.chelvertonam.com
Copies will be posted to shareholders shortly.
This years AGM will be held on Thursday 15 December 2011 at 11.00am at the
offices of Chelverton Asset Management Limited, 9 Dartmouth Street, London SW1H
9BP.
NATIONAL STORAGE MECHANISM
A copy of the Annual Report and Financial Statements will be submitted shortly
to the National Storage Mechanism ("NSM") and will be available for inspection
at the NSM, which is situated at: www.hemscott.com/nsm.do.
Capita Sinclair Henderson Limited
18 November 2011
END
Neither the contents of the Company's website nor the contents of any website
accessible from hyperlinks on this announcement (or any other website) is
incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.
ENDS