Final Results - 30 April 2011
Matrix Income & Growth 2 VCT plc ("the Company")
Annual Financial Report announcement for the year ended 30 April 2011
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
I am pleased to present the eleventh Annual Report of the Company, for the year
ended 30 April 2011.
The last year has seen a small recovery in investor confidence. However, the UK
economy is still very weak. Proper repair of this damage will be a painful
process; current government policy is to reduce public spending, while at the
same time allowing the effects of quantitative easing and maintaining an
artificially low interest rate structure to soften this pain.
Despite this difficult background, the Company's return for the year has been
good. Many of the companies in the portfolio continue to make good progress in
spite of the challenging economic conditions. The Board has been supportive of
the Manager's selective approach to investing at a low point in the economic
cycle.
Performance for the year ended 30 April 2011
The net asset value ("NAV") per share at 30 April 2011 is 96.16 pence (2010:
87.47 pence), an increase over the year of 8.69 pence (2010: increase of 1.45
pence). The total NAV return per share, including dividends paid to date, is
now 106.16 pence (2010: 92.47 pence), an increase over the year of 13.69 pence
or 14.8% (2010: increase of 2.45 pence, or 2.7%). This compares with the
initial NAV per share, net of initial costs, of 94.5 pence at the date of the
first issue of the `C' Share Fund (now the Ordinary Share Fund) representing a
positive total return per share since the launch date of 12.3%.
This increase is primarily a result of unrealised increases in the valuation of
investments.
Merger of `O' and `C' Fund share classes
The share class merger was completed on 10 September 2010 following shareholder
approval at the Extraordinary General Meeting convened the previous day. For
further information on the financial details of the merger please see Note 21
to the Notes to the Annual Report.
Shareholders should note that the performance data above relates to the one
ordinary share class now in existence, which was formerly called the C share
class. Shareholders in both the former `O' and `C' share classes may wish to
see the performance of their own investment, and this is shown in the Financial
Highlights in the Annual Report.
Revenue and Capital returns for the year ended 30 April 2011
The results for the year ended 30 April 2011 are set out below. The total
return (after tax) attributable to Ordinary Shareholders for the year was a
profit of £3,250,053 (2010: £722,963), comprising a net capital return of £
3,128,892 and a revenue return of £121,161. This improved performance for the
year is mainly due to net increases of £2.9 million in the investment
portfolio.
Portfolio Activity
The Company has continued its cautious approach to new investment given the
volatile and difficult trading environment for smaller companies. The Company
completed eight investments in the year.
A number of transactions in Monsal have taken place both before and after the
year-end, which have affected the valuation of this investment. Full details
are explained in the Manager's Review.
In October, the Company invested alongside other Matrix-advised VCTs in Aust
Recruitment Group Limited to support the management buyout (MBO) of RDL
Corporation Limited, a recruitment company specialising in the pharmaceutical,
business intelligence and IT sectors.
In December, the Company invested in a new fundraising by Omega Diagnostics
Group plc, an AIM-quoted in-vitro diagnostics company, Faversham House Holdings
Limited, a family owned business to business media company, and Apricot Trading
Limited to support the MBO of Automated Systems Group plc, a provider of
printer and copier services. A follow-on investment has also been made in this
last investment, to finance an acquisition.
Finally, the Company has made three further investments in March and April
2011, as part of our operating partner programme.
In July 2011 the Company made a new investment of £1,160,549 in Motorclean
Holdings Limited, a supplier of car valeting services to the retail motor
sector.
ATG Media, DiGiCo, IGLU.com, Vectair and Machineworks Software Limited
(demerged from VSI in the year) prepaid loan stocks plus premia during the
year.
The overall performance of the portfolio remains satisfactory in the current
economic circumstances. Several companies, such as DiGiCo, Iglu.com and ATG
Media, are continuing to generate record profits, whilst others, which have
been badly hit by the recession, have seen their profits begin to recover,
notably Blaze Signs and Youngman.
The Company now holds 26 investments at the year-end, which were valued at
104.83% of cost.
Details of these investments are provided in the Investment Manager's Review
below.
Income returns
Total income turned positive for the year, generating a profit of £121,161
compared to a loss of £139,503 in 2010. The improvement in this revenue return
is mainly due to two main factors:
Firstly, loan stock interest from investee companies rose to £437,080 (2010: £
259,774), as several new investments generated new income, while several
investee companies were able to resume payment of current interest. The
annualised yield from loan stocks at valuation is now running at 5.09% (2010:
4.8%)
Secondly, income from equity dividend receipts has also risen to £128,033
(2010: £25,173). Income in 2010 was boosted by dividends from two new sources,
namely DiGiCo and ATG.
It should be noted that income returns have continued to be adversely affected
by the low interest rates available on bank deposits and money-market funds.
Total income from cash and money market funds was £69,142 (2010: £82,397).
Underlying costs did not change significantly from the previous year (excluding
share fund merger costs of £52,928).
Dividends
The revenue account generated a net revenue gain for the year, as explained
above, being 0.46p per share (2010: loss of 0.57p). Your Board declared an
interim dividend totalling 4p per share, of which 0.2p was income and 3.8p was
capital. The Board is not recommending a final dividend for the year under
review.
Share buy-backs
During the year ended 30 April 2011 the Company continued to implement its
buy-back policy and bought back 799,951 Ordinary Shares, representing 3.0% of
the shares in issue immediately after the merger, at a total cost of £457,264.
These shares were subsequently cancelled by the Company. The shares above were
bought back for an average price of 57.2 pence per share, at discounts to the
net asset value at the date of each buyback ranging from 40.6 % to 36.6%.
Shareholder communication
May I remind you that the Company continues to have its own website which is
available at www.mig2vct.co.uk.
The Investment Manager held a successful and well attended shareholder workshop
in December 2010 and intends to hold a similar event on 14th December 2011.
More details will be sent to shareholders nearer that date.
Strategy
Your board considers the Company's strategy at least annually. The main issues
addressed are the investment objectives and policies, the role and performance
of the investment manager and the methods of providing shareholders with a
satisfactory return on their investment.
We believe that all shareholders should be able to realise their investment in
the fund within a reasonable period. In the absence of a liquid market for
shares in VCTs, this can be achieved only by share buy-backs or liquidation.
Our dividend policy is to try to pay a consistent annual dividend while
maintaining the net asset value of the fund.
We have rejected the policy of regularly issuing new shares to fund buy-backs
at unrealistically low discounts mainly because each time new shares are issued
the vote by shareholders to continue the life of the fund is postponed for
another 5 years, thereby depriving shareholders of the opportunity to realise
their investment through a liquidation. The next renewal vote will be in
September 2015. Our relatively passive buy-back policy is based on the belief
that buy-backs should only be executed at a discount which balances the
interests of the shareholders seeking to realise their investment with those of
the continuing shareholders.
We have set the investment manager a target of a minimum average annual total
NAV return on the fund of 8% from 30 April 2010. The returns on the ordinary
shares (formerly the C shares) for the five years and the year to 30 April 2011
were 6.2% and 14.8% respectively. We will review the position annually and
decide on the basis of the returns achieved and any changes in circumstances
whether to revise our strategy.
Outlook
The last year has seen tentative signs of recovery in the UK economy, although
confidence remains fragile. The outlook for the UK economy remains uncertain,
in the face of pressure upon the consumer from public sector cuts, higher taxes
and inflation. At some point interest rates will have to rise, particularly as
inflation is now increasing, and this process, whenever it takes place, will
affect recovery prospects.
The effects of the relatively depressed state of the UK economy will continue
to affect the investments held by your Company over the coming year. Smaller
companies can be particularly sensitive to the economic environment, and only
companies with robust business models will survive or expand. The Company
maintains a significant cash position to support portfolio companies where
merited and take advantage of attractive new investment opportunities that
present themselves.
Conclusion
I would like to express my thanks to all Shareholders for your continuing
support of the Company. I hope to have the opportunity of meeting you at the
Annual General Meeting on 8 September 2011.
Nigel Melville
Chairman
21 July 2011
SUMMARY OF THE STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES REPORT
The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that:
(a) the financial statements, prepared in accordance with UK Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice and the 2009 Statement of Recommended Practice,
`Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts'
(SORP), give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial
position and the profit or loss of the Company.
(b) the management report, comprising the Chairman's Statement, Investment
Portfolio Summary, Investment Manager's Review and Directors' Report includes 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 names and functions of the Directors are stated in the Annual Report.
For and on behalf of the Board:
Nigel Melville
Chairman
21 July 2011
INVESTMENT POLICY
The VCT's policy is to invest primarily in a diverse portfolio of UK
established, profitable, unquoted companies in order to generate capital gains
from trade sales and flotations.
Investments are structured as part loan and part equity in order to receive
regular income and to provide downside protection in the event of
under-performance.
Investments are made selectively across a number of sectors, primarily in
management buyout transactions (MBOs) i.e. to support incumbent management
teams in acquiring the business they manage but do not own. Investments are
primarily made in companies that are established and profitable.
Uninvested funds are held in cash and low risk money market funds.
UK Companies
The companies in which investments are made must have no more than £15 million
of gross assets at the time of investment to be classed as a VCT qualifying
holding. The additional £7.3 million funds raised by the Company after 6 April
2006 are subject to a £7 million gross assets test for an investment to be VCT
qualifying.
VCT regulation
The investment policy is designed to ensure that the VCT continues to qualify
and is approved as a VCT by HMRC. Amongst other conditions, the VCT may not
invest more than 15% of its investments in a single company and must achieve at
least 70% by value of its investments throughout the period in shares or
securities in qualifying holdings, of which a minimum overall of 30% by value
must be ordinary shares which carry no preferential rights. In addition,
although the VCT can invest less than 30% of an investment in a specific
company in ordinary shares it must have at least 10% by value of its total
investments in each qualifying company in ordinary shares which carry no
preferential rights (save as may be permitted under VCT rules).
The VCT regulations in respect of funds raised after 6 April 2011 will change,
such that 70% of such funds must be invested in equity.
Asset mix
The Investment Manager aims to hold approximately 80% by value of the VCT's
investments in qualifying holdings. The balance of the portfolio is held in
readily realisable interest bearing investments and deposits.
Risk diversification and maximum exposures
Risk is spread by investing in a number of different businesses across
different industry sectors. To reduce the risk of high exposure to equities,
each qualifying investment is structured using a significant proportion of loan
stock (up to 70% of the total investment in each VCT qualifying company).
Initial investments in VCT qualifying companies are generally made in amounts
ranging from £200,000 to £1 million at cost. No holding in any one company will
represent more than 10% of the value of the Company's investments at the time
of investment. Ongoing monitoring of each investment is carried out by the
Investment Manager generally through taking a seat on the Board of each VCT
qualifying company.
Co-investment
The VCT aims to invest alongside three other Income and Growth VCTs advised by
the Investment Manager with a similar investment policy. This enables the VCT
to participate in combined investments by the Investment Manager of up to £4
million.
Borrowing
The VCT has no borrowing and does not have any current plans for future
borrowings.
Management
The Board has overall responsibility for the Company's affairs including the
determination of its investment policy. Investment and divestment proposals are
originated, negotiated and recommended by the Manager and are then subject to
formal approval by the Directors. Matrix Private Equity Partners LLP provides
Company Secretarial and Accountancy services to the VCT.
SUMMARY OF THE DIRECTORS' REPORT
Principal risks, management and regulatory environment
The Board believes that the principal risks faced by the VCT are:
* Economic risk - events such as an economic recession and movement in
interest rates could affect trading conditions for smaller companies and
consequently the value of the VCT's qualifying investments.
* Loss of approval as a Venture Capital Trust - the VCT must comply with
section 274 of the Income Tax Act 2007 which allows it to be exempted from
capital gains tax on investment gains. Any breach of these rules may lead
to the VCT losing its approval as a VCT, qualifying shareholders who have
not held their shares for the designated holding period having to repay the
income tax relief they obtained and future dividends paid by the VCT
becoming subject to tax. The VCT would also lose its exemption from
corporation tax on capital gains.
* Investment and strategic - inappropriate strategy or consistently weak VCT
qualifying investment recommendations might lead to under performance and
poor returns to shareholders. Investment in unquoted small companies by its
nature involves a higher degree of risk than investment in companies traded
on the London Stock Exchange main market. Smaller companies often have
limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent
for their management on a smaller number of key individuals. This may make
them more risk-prone and volatile investments.
* Regulatory - the VCT is required to comply with the Companies Act 2006, the
rules of the UK Listing Authority and United Kingdom Accounting Standards.
Breach of any of these might lead to suspension of the VCT's Stock Exchange
listing, financial penalties or a qualified audit report.
* Financial and operating risk- inadequate controls might lead to
misappropriation of assets. Inappropriate accounting policies might lead to
misreporting or breaches of regulations. Failure of the Manager's and
Administrator's accounting systems or disruption to its business might lead
to an inability to provide accurate reporting and monitoring.
* Market risk - movements in the valuations of the VCT's investments will,
inter alia, be connected to movements in UK Stock Market indices.
* Asset liquidity risk - The VCT's investments may be difficult to realise.
* Market liquidity risk - Shareholders may find it difficult to sell their
shares at a price which is close to the net asset value.
* Credit/counterparty risk
A counterparty may fail to discharge an obligation or commitment that it has
entered into with the Company.
The Board seeks to mitigate the internal risks by setting policy and by
undertaking a key risk management review at each quarterly Board meeting.
Performance is regularly reviewed and assurances in respect of adequate
internal controls and key risks are sought and received from MPEP on a six
monthly basis. In the mitigation and management of these risks, the Board
applies rigorously the principles detailed in the AIC Code of Corporate
Governance. The Board also has a share buyback policy to try to mitigate the
Market Liquidity risk. This policy is reviewed at each quarterly Board Meeting.
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO SUMMARY
As at 30 April 2011
Ordinary Share Fund
Date of first Total Book Valuation Additions Disposals Valuation Change in % of
investment cost at 30 at 30 at cost at at 30 valuation net
April 2011 April 2010 valuation April 2011 for year assets
by
value
£ £ £ £ £ £
Qualifying Sector
investments
AIM quoted
investments
Omega December 2010 214,998 - 214,998 - 237,394 22,396 1.0%
Diagnostics
Group plc
In vitro Pharmaceuticals
diagnostics for
food
intolerance,
auto-immune
diseases and
infectious
diseases
Fuse 8 plc March 2004 250,000 - - - 7,000 7,000 0.1%
(Award
International
Holdings plc)
Promotional Support
goods and Services
services agency
Vphase plc March 2001 254,586 2,851 - - 1,774 (1,077) 0.0%
(formerly
Flightstore
Group plc)
Development of Electronic and
energy saving electrical
devices for equipment
domestic use
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
719,584 2,851 214,998 - 246,168 28,319 1.1%
Unquoted
investments
DiGiCo Europe July 2007 495,651 1,634,704 - 74,747 1,907,395 347,438 7.7%
Limited
Design and Technology,
manufacture of hardware and
audio mixing equipment
desks
Blaze Signs April 2006 1,398,498 540,445 - - 1,543,170 1,002,725 6.2%
Holdings
Limited
Manufacturing Support
and services
installation of
signs
British June 2006 1,000,000 689,477 - - 1,401,854 712,377 5.7%
International
Holdings
Limited
Helicopter Support
service services
operators
ATG Media October 2008 767,907 858,326 95,988 1,154,838 392,500 4.6%
Holdings
Limited
Publisher and Media
online auction
platform
operator
Focus Pharma October 2007 660,238 696,474 - - 1,026,860 330,386 4.1%
Holdings
Limited
Licensor and Support
distributer of services
generic
pharmaceuticals
Aust October 2010 1,000,000 - 1,000,000 - 1,000,000 - 4.0%
Recruitment
Group Limited
Recruitment Support
consultants for services
the
pharmaceutical
, business
intelligence
and IT
industries
Backbarrow April 2010 1,000,000 1,000,000 - - 1,000,000 - 4.0%
Limited
Food Food production
manufacturing, and
distribution distribution
and brand
management
Rusland April 2011 1,000,000 - 1,000,000 - 1,000,000 - 4.0%
Management
Limited
Brand Support
management, services
consumer
products and
retail
Sawrey Limited March 2011 1,000,000 - 1,000,000 - 1,000,000 - 4.0%
Marketing Support
services and services
media
Torvar Limited April 2011 1,000,000 - 1,000,000 - 1,000,000 - 4.0%
Database Support
management, services
mapping, data
mapping and
management
services to
legal and
building
industries
Vanir October 2008 1,000,000 1,000,000 - - 1,000,000 - 4.0%
Consultants
Limited
Database Support
management, services
mapping, data
mapping and
management
services to
legal and
building
industries
ASL Technology December 2010 999,865 - 999,865 - 999,865 - 4.0%
Holdings
Limited
Printer and Support
photocopier services
services
Iglu.com December 2009 152,326 1,000,001 - 847,675 923,815 771,489 3.8%
Holidays
Limited
Online ski and Retail
cruise travel
agent
Youngman Group October 2005 1,000,052 699,966 - - 699,966 - 2.8%
Limited
Manufacturer of Support
ladders and services
access towers
Machineworks April 2006 25,727 723,174 - 308,627 581,802 167,255 2.3%
Software
Limited 3
Software for Software and
CAM and machine Computer
tool vendors Services
Racoon December 2006 878,527 423,425 - - 469,359 45,934 1.9%
International
Holdings
Limited
Supplier of Personal goods
hair
extensions,
hair care
products and
training
Faversham House December 2010 374,870 - 374,870 - 374,870 - 1.5%
Publisher, Media
exhibition
organiser and
operator of
websites for
the
environmental,
visual
communications
and building
services
sectors
Vectair January 2006 60,293 441,853 - 220,189 204,750 (16,914) 0.9%
Holdings
Limited
Design and sale Support
of washroom services
products
The Plastic April 2008 392,264 98,067 - - 98,067 - 0.4%
Surgeon
Holdings
Limited
Snagging and Support
finishing of services
domestic and
commercial
properties
Lightworks April 2006 25,727 138,183 - - 73,372 (64,811) 0.3%
Software
Limited 3
Software for Software and
CAD vendors Computer
Services
PXP Holdings December 2006 1,163,436 - - - - - 0.0%
Limited
(Pinewood
Structures)
Design, Construction
manufacture and
supply of
timber frames
for buildings
Monsal Holdings December 2007 770,717 889,423 1,717 85,450 - (805,690) 0.0%
Limited
Supplier of Engineering
engineering
services to the
water and waste
sectors
Legion Group August 2005 150,000 64,286 - 64,286 - - 0.0%
plc (formerly
SectorGuard
plc)
Provision of Support
manned Services
guarding,
mobile
patrolling, and
alarm response
services
Campden Media January 2006 - 310,775 - 310,775 - - 0.0%
Limited
Publishing and Media
conferencing
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
16,316,098 11,208,579 5,376,452 2,007,737 17,459,983 2,882,689 70.2%
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total 17,035,682 11,211,430 5,591,450 2,007,737 17,706,151 2,911,008 71.3%1
qualifying
investments
Non-qualifying
investments
Money market 6,538,497 11,752,413 6,538,497 26.3%
funds 2
British 160,000 320,000 - 320,000 - 1.3%
International
Holdings
Limited
Cash 76,291 88,424 76,291 0.3%
Legion Group 106 37 37 - - 0.0%
plc (formerly
SectorGuard
plc)
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total 6,774,894 12,160,874 - 37 6,934,788 - 27.9%
non-qualifying
investments
Debtors 441,684 61,007 441,684 1.7%
Creditors (218,655) (142,362) (218,655) (0.9)%
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Net assets 24,033,605 23,290,949 5,591,450 2,007,774 24,863,968 2,911,008 100.0%
===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
1 As at 30 April 2011, the Company held more than 70% of its total investments
in qualifying holdings, and therefore complied with the VCT Investment test.
For the purposes of the VCT Investment tests, the Company is permitted to
disregard disposals of investments for 6 months from the date of disposal.
2 Disclosed within Non-current assets as Monies held pending investment in the
Balance Sheet.
3 On 31 March 2011, VSI Limited undertook a demerger, such that MIG 2 VCT now
holds separate investments in Machineworks Software Limited and Lightworks
Software Limited. As a result, the cost as at 30 April 2010, of the ordinary
and preference share investments in VSI Limited has been split equally between
Machineworks Software Limited and Lightworks Software Limited. The valuation of
these instruments at 30 April 2010 has been split 75:25 between Machineworks
Software Limited and Lightworks Software Limited respectively. The former loan
investment in VSI of £308,627 had been wholly transferred to Machineworks
Software Limited, so this loan's cost, and value at 30 April 2010, has been
specifically allocated to that new investment.
INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REVIEW
Overview
The first half of the year ended 30 April 2011 saw the continuation of the
economic uncertainty that has affected new investment activity since 2008.
However, the latter part of the year has shown signs of improvement in our
investment marketplace. We are increasingly confident that the UK economic
environment is beginning to generate conditions for greater numbers of
attractively priced new investment opportunities. Portfolio companies are also
more optimistic following an extended period of challenging trading conditions
in most market sectors.
Our strategic response to the significant increase in deal flow is to focus on
companies with strong and defensible market positions within their sectors,
rather than targeting specific market sectors. However, we remain alert to the
potential impact of cuts in public spending that are being implemented by the
Coalition Government on the UK economy.
We have been appreciative of the Board's support through a period when we have
thought it prudent to retain funds until economic conditions improved, rather
than continue to invest during the downturn. Where we have chosen to invest,
our strategy has also been to ensure that the companies were properly
capitalised at the time of investment so that they were well positioned to
contend with adverse market conditions. This, together with our focus on MBOs
of established, profitable companies, has enabled us to build a resilient
portfolio which has largely weathered the recession very well.
It is important to note that during the year, no further funding has been
required by any of the investee companies to help them deal with trading
downturns, with the exception of Monsal (see below within the section
discussing the portfolio) where a commitment has been made. We have continued
to work actively with the management teams of investee companies, encouraging
them to take cost cutting measures and discussing their budgets, forecasts and
cost structure with them to ensure that their businesses remain as resilient as
possible. The majority of investee companies have managed their cashflow well
and remain cash-generative.
New investment
The second half of the year was much busier in terms of investment activity,
with seven new investments completing during this period of which three are
acquisition companies. The first, in October, was an investment of £1 million
in Aust Recruitment Group Limited to support the MBO of RDL Recruitment
Corporation, a European recruitment provider within the pharmaceutical,
business intelligence and IT sectors based in London and Woking. The company,
which employs 70 staff, was established in 1992. It sources staff for over 300
major companies, matching niche professionals with "hard to fill" contract
assignments and staff positions.
The next three new investments all completed in December:
£374,870 was invested to support the MBO of Faversham House Group Limited.
Based in Croydon, this is an established media company providing magazines,
exhibitions and online resources in the environment and sustainability, visual
communications and building services sectors.
The Company invested £214,998 into the AiM listed Omega Diagnostics Group plc.
Based in Alva, Scotland this company provides high quality in vitro diagnostics
products for use in hospitals, blood banks, clinics and laboratories in over
100 countries and specialises in the areas of food intolerance, autoimmune and
infectious diseases. The share price has moved up since investment, giving an
early uplift from cost of £22,396 at 30 April 2011.
The Company invested £999,865 in ASL Technology Holdings Limited to support the
MBO of Automated Systems Group plc, a Cambridge based printer and copier
services business with a broad customer base of schools and SMEs, and committed
to invest a further £360,265, to support the acquisition of part of the assets
of Transcribe Copier Systems Limited. This commitment was fulfilled in June
2011.
Finally, after the Company's year end, the Company made a new investment of £
1,160,549 in Motorclean Holdings Limited, a supplier of a car valeting services
to the retail motor sector in July.
Our Operating Partner programme continues to pursue an active search for
investment opportunities in their chosen sectors. Your Company's acquisition
companies, Backbarrow, Vanir Consultants, and newly invested Sawrey (March
2011), Rusland Management and Torvar (both in April 2011) are each headed by an
experienced Chairman, well-known to us, who are working closely with us in
seeking to identify and complete investments in sectors relevant to their
industry knowledge and experience. These companies have not yet found
sufficiently attractive investment opportunities at the right price. However,
the Operating Partner programme has already evidenced its benefit in leading
the investments in RDL Recruitment and Automated Systems Group referred to
above. We anticipate that the Operating Partner programme will lead to further
new investments during 2011.
Realisations
We are pleased to report that a number of companies in the portfolio continue
to be strongly cash generative. As a result of this the Company has received a
total of £1,795,536 in loan stock repayments plus premia during the year from
investee companies still held in the portfolio at the end of the year. Amongst
these, DiGiCo Europe continues to make regular repayments, the latest amount
being £69,566 received in June 2010 plus a premium of £5,181. Monsal repaid £
85,450 in July 2010; IGLU.com Holidays repaid £997,674 including £149,999
premium; Vectair repaid £220,189 including £36,698 premium and ATG Media repaid
£95,988 in October 2010. In addition, a product of the recently demerged VSI,
Machineworks Software Limited repaid all their remaining loan stock realising £
321,488 including £64,298 premium.
In January, the Company realised its entire investment in Campden Media for a
cash consideration of £836,294, including loan element of £777,563 representing
85.8% of total investment cost of £975,000. This compares to a valuation at 30
April 2010 of £310,775. The total cash return from the investment (including
interest paid) amounted to £1,016,150, or 104% of cost.
The Portfolio
The MPEP invested portfolio at 30 April 2011 comprised twenty-six investments
(2010: nineteen) with a cost of £17.2 million (2010: £14.1 million) and valued
at £18.0 million (2010: £11.5 million), representing 104.7% of cost (2010:
81.7%). Realisations during the year generated cash proceeds of £2.63m.
The new investment made in 2010 in Iglu.com is now valued above cost following
out-performance of its business plans at the time of investment. In March 2011,
VSI completed a 50:50 demerger into Lightworks Software Limited and
Machineworks Software Limited (with Machineworks assuming all of VSI's loan
stock). This has enabled repayment of the loan stock in April 2011. Both
remaining investments are valued above cost. Focus Pharma continues to trade
well, although it ended its financial year slightly behind a stretching budget.
It expects to progress further with several new product launches due during
2011. DiGiCo, BIH or ATG all experienced increase trading and profitability
which has contributed to their higher unrealised valuations.
The construction and house building sectors remain weak and Youngman, PXP and
Plastic Surgeon continue to trade well below pre-economic downturn levels. Each
business has reduced its costs and managed its cash resources effectively.
Youngman has fully repaid its acquisition bank debt since investment and is
well positioned to benefit from any upturn in its markets. Plastic Surgeon has
diversified into commercial property and insurance markets. PXP has moved away
from its dependence on private and public sector house builds towards
commercial buildings, but its financial performance continues to be very weak.
In July 2010, a small follow-on investment was made in Monsal, and Monsal
prepaid part of its loan stock, both at the same time as a third party
investment by Four Winds Capital. The valuation of Monsal, which at the
half-year had been equal to its cost of £770,717, has been reduced to nil at
the year-end. This is because completion delays have occurred in an existing
contract and in obtaining new contracts. The full provision arises due to a
further loan stock investment of £192,244 in Monsal having so far been
committed in May 2011 by the Company, alongside other Matrix VCTs and other
shareholders, to provide £2 million to fund the cash shortfall. The terms of
this new investment provide that it will rank ahead of previous rounds of
investment by Monsal's shareholders, as a result of which the valuation of the
investment already made up to 30 April has been reduced to nil for the time
being. With this additional funding, Monsal now has the ability to pursue a
number of major contracts in the waste and water sectors. Assuming successful
contract wins, the potential for recovery of the value of the original
investment becomes a more realistic prospect. The first amount of this
commitment of £192,244, being £51,265, was drawn down in July 2011.
Blaze Signs has recovered strongly over the year and enjoyed particularly
strong autumn months. Racoon has continued to recover profitability during 2010
and this year.
Disappointingly, Legion Group requested a suspension of trading of its shares
in July 2010 pending clarification of the company's financial position. Legion
had a healthy order book but continued to suffer working capital constraints.
On 6 August 2010, the board appointed administrators and the business was
subsequently sold to OCS Group.
Outlook
Whilst we cannot be sure of the extent of UK economic recovery, we have been
encouraged by changes in the year and we look forward to a productive new
investment period. Although the coming months are likely to prove more testing
as the public sector cuts begin to take effect, we consider that good quality
companies of the calibre in which we seek to invest, capable of maintaining
competitive advantage, have the potential to succeed in this environment. We
are seeing the confidence of both vendors and sellers return. Having retained
significant uninvested cash, which will be bolstered by the current
fundraising, we consider the Company is very well placed to cover both any
portfolio needs and funding for attractive new investment opportunities that
may arise.
INCOME STATEMENTS
For the year ended 30 April 2011
Year ended 30 April 2011
Notes Revenue Capital Total
£ £ £
Unrealised gains on - 2,911,008 2,911,008
investments
Realised gains/(losses) - 624,055 624,055
on investments
Income 2 637,008 - 637,008
Recoverable VAT 3 - - -
Investment management (139,450) (418,352) (557,802)
fees
Other expenses (311,288) - (311,288)
Share merger costs (52,928) - (52,928)
----- ----- -----
Profit/(loss) on 133,342 3,116,711 3,250,053
ordinary activities
before taxation
Taxation on profit/ (12,181) 12,181 -
(loss) on ordinary
activities
----- ----- -----
Profit/(loss) on 121,161 3,128,892 3,250,053
ordinary activities
after taxation
===== ===== =====
Basic and diluted
earnings per share
Ordinary shares 5 0.46p 12.03p 12.49p
(formerly C Shares)
O' fund ordinary Shares 5 - - -
All the items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.
There were no other gains or losses in the year.
The total column of this statement is the profit and loss account of the
Company.
Other than revaluation movements arising on investments held at fair value
through the profit and loss, there were no differences between the (loss)/
profit as stated above and historical cost.
The notes below form part of these financial statements.
BALANCE SHEETS
As at 30 April 2011
Notes 30 April 2011 30 April 2010
£ £
Fixed assets
Investments at fair value 18,026,151 11,531,467
Current assets
Debtors and prepayments 441,684 61,007
Current investments 6,538,497 11,752,413
Cash at bank 76,291 88,424
----- -----
7,056,472 11,901,844
Creditors: amounts falling due (218,655) (142,362)
within one year
----- -----
Net current assets 6,837,817 11,759,482
----- -----
Net assets 24,863,968 23,290,949
===== =====
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 258,578 286,057
Capital redemption reserve 48,069 20,590
Revaluation reserve 1,230,469 ( 2,337,230)
Special distributable reserve 16,258,990 17,411,237
Profit and loss account 7,067,862 7,910,295
----- -----
Equity shareholders' funds 24,863,968 23,290,949
===== =====
Net asset value per share -
basic and diluted
Ordinary Shares (formerly C 6 96.16p 87.47p
Shares)
O' fund ordinary Shares 6 - 72.10p
The notes below form part of these financial statements.
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
For the year ended 30 April 2011
Year ended 30 Year ended 30
April 2011 April 2010
Notes £ £
Interest income received 415,334 262,213
Dividend income 199,037 104,824
VAT recovered and interest thereon - 136,235
Other Income 2,753 -
Investment management fees paid (557,802) (457,011)
Share merger costs paid by the (49,988) -
Company
Cash payments for other expenses (320,136) (364,709)
----- -----
Net cash outflow from operating (310,802) (318,448)
activities
Investing activities
Purchase of investments (5,951,715) (1,597,310)
Disposals of investments 2,631,829 2,155,781
----- -----
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from (3,319,886) 558,471
investing activities
Dividends
Equity dividends paid (1,219,770) (174,841)
----- -----
Cash (outflow)/inflow before (4,850,458) 65,182
financing and liquid resource
management
Financing
Purchase of own shares (375,591) (78,141)
Share capital raised (net of - 593,688
expenses)
----- -----
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from (375,591) 515,547
financing
Management of liquid resources
Decrease/(increase) in monies held 5,213,916 (553,651)
in current investments
----- -----
Increase/(decrease) in cash for (12,133) 27,078
the year
===== =====
RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS
For the year ended 30 April 2011
Year ended 30 Year ended 30
April 2011 April 2010
Notes
£ £
Opening shareholders' funds 23,290,949 22,319,144
Net share capital issued in the year - 501,824
(net of expenses)
Share capital bought back (457,264) (78,141)
Profit for the year 3,250,053 722,963
Dividends paid in year (1,219,770) (174,841)
----- -----
Closing shareholders' funds 24,863,968 23,290,949
===== =====
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
For the year ended 30 April 2011
1. Basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared under UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice
(UK GAAP) and the Statement of Recommended Practice, `Financial Statements of
Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts' ("the SORP") issued by
the Association of Investment Companies in January 2009.
2. Income
3.
2011 2010
£ £
Income from bank deposits 94 516
Income from investments
- from equities 128,033 25,173
- from overseas based OEICs 44,900 57,036
- from UK based OEICs 24,148 24,845
- from loan stock 437,080 259,774
- from VAT recoverable - 16,167
----- -----
634,161 382,995
----- -----
Other income 2,753 -
----- -----
Total income 637,008 383,511
----- -----
Total income comprises
Dividends 197,081 107,054
Interest 437,174 276,457
Other 2,753 -
----- -----
637,008 383,511
Income from investments comprises
Listed overseas securities 44,900 57,036
Unlisted UK securities 152,181 50,018
Loan stock interest 437,080 259,774
----- -----
366,828 842,241
Loan stock interest above is stated after deducting an amount of £nil (2010: £
6,188), being a provision made against loan stock interest regarded as
collectable in previous years.
Total loan stock interest due but not recognised in the year was £353,940
(2010: £467,081).
3. Recoverable VAT
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
2011 2011 2011 2010 2010 2010
£ £ £ £ £ £
Recoverable VAT - - - 3,399 10,197 13,596
4. Dividends
The Directors are not recommending a final income dividend for Ordinary
Shareholders. The Company, however, declared an interim capital dividend of 3.8
pence per Ordinary Share and an interim income dividend of 0.2 pence per
Ordinary Share for the year ended 30 April 2011 to Shareholders on the register
on 1 April 2011.
5. Basic and diluted earnings and return per share
2011 2010 2010 2010
Ordinary Share Ordinary Share C Total
s (formerly Fund
Share Fund
C shares)
£ £ £
Total earnings after 3,250,053 346,071 376,892 722,963
taxation:
----- ----- ----- -----
Basic and diluted 12.49p 3.08p 2.17p
earnings per share
(note a)
Net revenue from 121,161 ( 39,878) ( 99,625)
ordinary activities
after taxation
----- ----- ----- -----
Basic and diluted 0.46p ( 0.35)p ( 0.57)p
revenue earnings per
share (note b)
Net realised capital 624,055 (27,258) (19,094)
gains/(losses)
Net unrealised capital 2,911,008 521,924 717,462
gains
VAT recoverable - 6,523 3,674
Capital expenses (net (406,171) (115,240) (225,525)
of taxation)
----- ----- ----- -----
Total capital return 3,128,892 385,949 476,517
----- ----- ----- -----
Basic and diluted 12.03p 3.43p 2.74p
capital earnings per
share (note c)
Weighted average 26,015,053 11,259,333 17,411,523
number of shares in
issue in the year
Notes:
a) Basic earnings per share is total earnings after taxation divided by the
weighted average number of shares in issue.
b) Revenue earnings per share is the revenue return after taxation divided by
the weighted average number of shares in issue.
c) Capital earnings per share is the total capital loss after taxation divided
by the weighted average number of shares in issue.
d) There are no instruments that will increase the number of shares in issue in
future. Accordingly, the above figures currently represent both basic and
diluted returns.
The Board consider that the likelihood of the issue of performance warrants by
the Ordinary Share Fund, as referred to in Note 4 of the published Annual
Report, is low. Accordingly, the potential impact of the issue of these
warrants upon diluted earnings per share has been ignored for this purpose.
6. Basic and diluted net asset value per share
Ordinary Share Fund
Net asset value per Ordinary Share (formerly C shares) is based on net assets
at the end of the year, and on 25,857,764 (2010: 28,605,672) Ordinary Shares,
being the number of Ordinary Shares in issue on that date.
7. Related party transactions
Kenneth Vere Nicoll is a shareholder of Matrix Group Limited, which owns
Matrix-Securities Limited, MPE Partners Limited and has a 51% interest in Prime
Rate Capital Management LLP and Matrix Corporate Capital LLP ("MCC").
Matrix-Securities Limited provided accountancy and company secretarial services
to the Company for which it received payment of £42,319 (2010: £121,501)
including VAT during the year up until the contract was terminated on 10
September 2010, in addition to fees earned as promoter £nil (2010: £28,219).
MPE Partners Limited has a 50% interest in Matrix Private Equity Partners LLP,
the Company's Investment Manager. Matrix Private Equity Partners LLP is the
Company's Investment Manager in respect of venture capital investments and
earned fees of £557,802 (2010: £454,353) in respect of investment management
and, from 10 September 2010 onwards, Administration and Company Secretarial
services. The Company has £2,716,416 (2010: £2,841,964) invested in a liquidity
fund managed by Prime Rate Capital Management LLP, and earned income of £24,148
(2010: £24,845) from this fund in the year. MCC are the Company's brokers and
fees of £11,833 (2010: £11,526) were charged for the period. Seven (2010:
Three) share buybacks were undertaken by MCC on the Company's instruction
totalling £457,264 (2010: £78,141). £81,088 (2010: £nil) was due to MCC at the
year-end.
8. Financial information
These are not full accounts in terms of section 435 of the Companies Act 2006.
The Annual Report for the year to 30 April 2011 will be sent to shareholders
shortly and will then be available for inspection at One Vine Street, London
W1J 0AH, the registered office of the Company. Copies of the Annual Report will
be available in August at www.mig2vct.co.uk. Statutory accounts will be
delivered to the Registrar of Companies after the Annual General Meeting. The
auditors have reported on these accounts and their report was unqualified and
did not contain a statement under section 498(2) of the Companies Act 2006.
9. Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at 12 noon on Thursday,
8 September 2011 at the Offices of Matrix Group Limited, One Vine Street,
London W1J 0AH.
Contact details for further enquiries:
Robert Brittain of Matrix Private Equity Partners LLP (the Company Secretary)
on 020 3206 7000 or by e-mail on mig2@matrixgroup.co.uk.
Mark Wignall or Mike Walker at Matrix Private Equity Partners LLP (the
Investment Manager), on 020 3206 7000 or by e-mail on info@matrixpep.co.uk.