Half-year Report

RNS Number : 2964N
India Capital Growth Fund Limited
29 September 2021
 

INDIA CAPITAL GROWTH FUND LIMITED

LEI: 213800TPOS9AM7INH846

 

Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2021

 

29 September 2021, London - India Capital Growth Fund ('ICGF' or 'the Company'), the London-listed investment company investing in long-term investment opportunities in companies based in India, reports results for the six months ended 30 June 2021.

 

Highlights

 

 

 

Unaudited

30 June

2021

Audited

31 December

2020

 

  % change

Unaudited

30 June

2020






Net Asset Value (NAV) per share

122.18p

97.70p

25.1%

70.42p






Share price discount to NAV

11.8%

14.1%


24.5%






Performance vs BSE Midcap TR Index

+2.9%

-3.5%


-11.4%






 

 

ENQUIRIES

 

David Cornell

Ocean Dial Asset Management

+44 20 7068 9870

david.cornell@oceandial.com


William Clutterbuck

Maitland/AMO PR

+44 20 7379 5151

wclutterbuck@maitland.co.uk


Robert Finlay

Shore Capital

+44 20 7408 4090


Nick Robilliard

Apex Fund and Corporate Services (Guernsey) Limited

+44 203 5303 668  

nick.robilliard@apexfs.com

 


About India Capital Growth Fund

India Capital Growth Fund Limited the LSE premium listed investment company registered and incorporated in Guernsey, was established to take advantage of long-term investment opportunities in companies based in India. ICGF predominantly invests in listed mid and small cap companies, although investments may also be made in large cap and private Indian companies where the Fund Manager believes long-term capital appreciation will be achieved. www.indiacapitalgrowth.com

 

Chairman's statement  

Performance

Following the requisite amendment to the Company's articles of incorporation to include a redemption facility, as approved at an extraordinary general meeting on 12 June 2020, the first redemption point will be 3:00 pm on 31 December 2021. Shareholders may request redemption of part or all of their shareholding at an exit discount of 6% to NAV as at that redemption point.  The Company will publish a further announcement on 6 December 2021, reminding shareholders of their right to request redemptions, together with the exit discount applicable.  Further details of the redemption facility are set out in Article 132 of the Company's articles of incorporation and in the circular to shareholders (including notice of the extraordinary general meeting) dated 26 May 2020, copies of which are available on the Company's website. 

Clearly there is an element of uncertainty as to the level of uptake of the redemption facility and there is the possibility that significant redemption requests may impair the future viability of the Company. The Directors' Report contains further explanation.

Ocean Dial has agreed that if, at any redemption point, the Company receives valid redemption requests in respect of ordinary shares comprising in aggregate more than 50% of the then issued share capital of the Company, the Company shall be entitled to terminate the investment management agreement (the "IMA") with Ocean Dial by not less than six months' written notice.  This is a reduction from the 12 months' written notice that would otherwise apply.

Ocean Dial has also agreed that, if at any time, a resolution is put to shareholders that the Company shall continue in existence and should that resolution not be carried (and conversely if a resolution that the Company should not continue in existence be put to shareholders to vote at a general meeting at any time and such resolution be carried) the Company shall be entitled to terminate the IMA by not less than six months' written notice.

www.indiacapitalgrowth.com ).

Elisabeth Scott

Chairman

28 September 2021

 

Investment manager's report


 

  Since January, the digital start up eco system has raised $27bn confirming an inflection point in the capital raising cycle has been reached. Of the circa 800 Unicorns (private companies with a business valuation of > US1bn) in the World, around 53 are in India with an aggregate business value of ~$190bn. Of these, 26 of them have become Unicorns just in the last 18 months. Furthermore, there are already 25-30 "soon-icorns" (expected to become Unicorns). How these companies are valued and how the portfolio gains exposure to these themes are issues to be wrestled with, but these trends have a positive network effect across the economic spectrum. Equally, it also shifts India's investment narrative away from disappointing growth, disruptive reform and Covid, and towards the opportunities to invest in the new economy in a young and vibrant population. This a major step change to which investors are only just beginning to wake up, as India becomes a realistic alternative to China and a meaningful investment opportunity.

Ocean Dial Asset Management

28 September 2021

 

Investment policy

 

The Company's investment objective is to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in companies based in India. The investment policy permits the Company to make investments in a range of Indian equity and equity linked securities and predominantly in listed mid and small cap Indian companies with a smaller proportion in unlisted Indian companies. Investment may also be made in large cap listed Indian companies and in companies incorporated outside India which have significant operations or markets in India. While the principal focus is on investment in listed equity securities or equity linked securities, the Company has the flexibility to invest in bonds (including non-investment grade bonds), convertibles and other types of securities. The Company may, for the purposes of hedging and investing, use derivative instruments such as financial futures, options and warrants. The Company may, from time to time, use borrowings to provide short-term liquidity and, if the Directors deem it prudent, for longer term purposes. The Directors intend to restrict borrowings on a longer-term basis to a maximum amount equal to 25% of the net assets of the Company at the time of the drawdown. It is the Company's current policy not to hedge the exposure to the Indian Rupee.

 

 

Principal investments



As at 30 June 2021

 

Holding

Market cap size

Sector

Value

£000

% of Portfolio






Federal Bank

M

Financials - Banks

8,388

6.1%

Emami

M

Consumer Staples

7,395

5.4%

Indusind Bank

L

Financials - Banks

6,487

4.7%

PI Industries

M

Materials

6,191

4.5%

IDFC Bank

M

Financials - Banks

5,859

4.3%

Gujarat Gas

M

Utilities

5,584

4.1%

Tech Mahindra

L

Information Technology

5,099

3.7%

Persistent Systems

M

Information Technology

4,767

3.5%

Neuland Laboratories

S

Health Care

4,740

3.4%

Kajaria Ceramics

M

Industrials

4,541

3.3%

Ramkrishna Forgings

S

Materials

4,508

3.3%

Aegis Logistics

M

Energy

4,379

3.2%

Divi's Laboratories

L

Health Care

4,358

3.2%

JK Lakshmi Cement

S

Materials

4,347

3.2%

Welspun India

M

Consumer Discretionary

4,347

3.2%

Balkrishna Industries

M

Consumer Discretionary

4,091

3.0%

Jyothy Laboratories

S

Consumer Staples

4,032

2.9%

Aarti Industries

M

Materials

3,985

2.9%

Dixon Technologies

M

Consumer Discretionary

3,926

2.9%

Skipper

S

Industrials

3,903

2.8%






Total top 20 portfolio investments


100,927

73.6 %






 













Market capitalisation size definitions:

 





L: Large cap - companies with a market capitalisation above US$7bn

 

 



M: Mid cap - companies with a market capitalisation between US$1bn and US$7bn

 

 



S: Small cap - companies with a market capitalisation below US$1bn











 

Unaudited condensed statement of comprehensive income 

 

For the six months to 30 June 2021

 





Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited





Six months

Six months

Year to





to 30.06.21

to 30.06.20

31.12.20


Notes

Revenue £000

Capital £000

Total
£000

Total
£000

Total
£000









Income







Dividend income


16

-

16

15

64

Net profit/(loss) on financial asset at fair value through profit or loss

5

-

28,024

28,024

(20,049)

10,900








Total income


16

28,024

28,040

(20,034)

10,964








Expenses







Operating expenses

3

(274)

-

(274)

(194)

(473)

Foreign exchange loss


(4)

-

(4)

(46)

(65)

Investment management fees


-

-

-

(42)

(42)

Transaction costs


-

-

-

(21)

(23)

Other expenses


-

-

-

-

(8)








Total expenses


(278)

-

(278)

(303)

(611)








(Loss)/profit for the period/year before taxation


(262)

28,024

27,762

(20,337)

10,353








Taxation

6 & 11

-

(227)

(227)

-

-








Total comprehensive (loss)/ income for the period/year after taxation


(262)

27,797

27,535

(20,337)

10,353








Earnings/(loss) per Ordinary Share (pence)

4



24.48

(18.08)

9.20

 

Fully diluted earnings/(loss) per Ordinary Share (pence)

4



24.48

(18.08)

9.20

 

 

The total column of this statement represents the Company's statement of comprehensive income, prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU. The supplementary revenue and capital columns are both prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies, as disclosed in the Basis of Preparation in Note 1.

 

The (loss)/profit after tax is the "total comprehensive (loss)/income" as defined by IAS 1. There is no other comprehensive income as defined by IFRS and all the items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.

 

Unaudited condensed statement of financial position




As at 30 June 2021

 




Unaudited


Unaudited


Audited

 




30.06.21


30.06.20


31.12.20

 


Notes


£000


£000


£000

 









 

Non-current assets








 

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss

5


137,519


78,434


109,695

 









 

Current assets








 

Cash and cash equivalents



132


713


129

 

Other receivables and prepayments



230


234


271

 




362


947


400

 









 

Current liabilities








 

Payables

7


(431)


(156)


(180)

 









 

Net current assets



(69)


791


220

 









 

Net assets



137,450


79,225


109,915

 









 

Equity








 









 

Ordinary share capital

9


1,125


1,125


1,125

 

Reserves



136,325


78,100


108,790

 









 

Total equity



137,450


79,225


109,915

 









 

Number of Ordinary Shares in issue

 9


112,502,173


112,502,173


112,502,173

 









 

Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share (pence)

- Undiluted and diluted 


122.18


70.42


97.70










 

 

Unaudited condensed statement of changes in equity 


For the six months to 30 June 2021 (unaudited)

 


 

Notes

Share Capital £000

Capital Reserve £000

 Revenue Reserve £000

Other Distributable Reserve £000

Total  £000









Balance as at 1 January 2021



1,125

25,093

(10,524)

94,221

109,915









Gain on investments


5

-

28,024

-

-

28,024









Revenue loss for the period after taxation


-

-

-

(489)

(489)









Balance as at 30 June 2021



1,125

53,117

(10,524)

93,732

137,450

 

For the six months to 30 June 2020 (unaudited)

 


 

Notes

Share Capital £000

Capital Reserve £000

 Revenue Reserve £000

Other Distributable Reserve £000

Total  £000









Balance as at 1 January 2020


1,125

14,193

(10,524)

94,768

99,562









Loss on investments


5

-

(20,049)

-

-

(20,049)









Revenue loss for the period after taxation


-

-

(288)

-

(288)









Balance as at 30 June 2020



1,125

(5,856)

(10,812)

94,768

79,225

 

For the year ended 31 December 2020 (audited)

 


 

Notes

Share Capital £000

Capital Reserve £000

 Revenue Reserve £000

Other Distributable Reserve £000

Total  £000









Balance as at 1 January 2020


1,125

14,193

(10,524)

94,768

99,562









Gain on investments


5

-

10,900

-

-

10,900









Revenue loss for the year after taxation


-

-

-

(547)

(547)









Balance as at 31 December 2020



1,125

25,093

(10,524)

94,221

109,915

 

 

Unaudited condensed statement of cash flows


  For the six months to 30 June 2021

 


Unaudited


Unaudited


Audited




30.06.21


30.06.20


31.12.20




£000


£000


£000









Cash flows from operating activities








Operating profit/(loss)



27,535


(20,337)


10,353









Adjustment for:








Net (gains)/loss on financial asset at fair value through profit or loss



(28,024)


20,049


(10,900)

Foreign exchange losses



4


46


65

Dividend income



(16)


-


(64)

Decrease/(increase) in other receivables and prepayments

41


(81)


(118)

Increase/(decrease) in payables



251


(38)


(14)

Net cash flow used in operating activities



(209)


(361)


(678)









Cash flows from investing activities








Dividend received



16


-


64

Acquisition of investments



-


(7,019)


(7,605)

Disposal of investments



200


4,423


4,697

Net cash flow from/(used in) investing activities



216


(2,596)


(2,844)









Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the period/year



7


(2,957)


(3,522)









Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the period/year



129


3,716


3,716









Foreign exchange losses



(4)


(46)


(65)









Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period/year



132


713


129

 

 

 

Notes to the unaudited financial statements




For the six months to 30 June 2021

 

1. Accounting Policies

 

 

The condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard ('IFRS') IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and, except as described below, the accounting policies set out in the statutory accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2020.

 

The condensed financial statements do not include all of the information required for a complete set of IFRS financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2020, which were prepared under full IFRS requirements. 

 

Certain current standards, amendments and interpretations are not relevant to the Company's operations. Equally, certain interpretations to existing standards which are not yet effective are equally not relevant to the Company's operations. At the date of the authorisation of these financial statements, the following standards and interpretations which were in issue but do not have any material effect on the Company's operations or the unaudited financial statements.

 

Standards, interpretations and amendments to published statements effective but not material to the financial statements

 

The following standards (some of which are amendments to existing standards) are effective for the first

time for the financial period beginning 1 January 2020 and is relevant to the Company's operations:

 

· Long- term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures (Amendments to IAS 28; and

· Amendment to IFRS 16 Leases COVID-19 Related Rent Concessions effective 1 June 2020.

 

The following standards and amendments have been issued and are mandatory for accounting periods

beginning on or after 1 January 2020 but are not relevant or have no material effect on the Company's

operations or financial statements:

 

· Amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations (issued on 22 October 2018)

· Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS17: Interest Rate Benchmark Reform (issued on 26

· September 2019)

· Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8: Definition of Material (issued on 31 October 2018)

· Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards (issued on 29 March 2018)

· EFRAG endorsement status report 18 February 2021

 

Other standards in issue, but not yet effective, are not expected to have a material effect on the financial

statements of the Company in future periods and have not been disclosed.

 

Going concern

 

During 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. The situation is dynamic with various cities and countries around the world responding in different ways to address the outbreak. There are meaningful direct and indirect effects developing with companies across multiple industries and the World. The Company will continue to monitor the impact COVID-19 has on them

and reflect the consequences as appropriate in its accounting and reporting. The Board made an assessment of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern taking into account all available information about the future including the analysis of the possible impacts in relation to COVID-19, which is at least, but is not limited to, twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements.

 

Given the Company's previous performance, the Directors proposed a continuation ordinary resolution at the Extraordinary General Meeting held in June 2020 rather than at the Annual General Meeting in September as initially envisaged. At the Extraordinary General Meeting held on 12 June 2020, the Shareholders approved an Ordinary Resolution that the Company continue as currently constituted and introduce a redemption facility which gives the ordinary shareholders on record on the 30 September 2021 the ability to redeem part or all of their shareholding at the first redemption point on 31 December 2021 at an exit discount equal to 6% of NAV.

 

There is therefore a possibility that redemption requests may impair the future viability of the Company. This creates a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt as to the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. If the Board believes this to be the case, the Board will investigate a range of options and put proposals to shareholders regarding the future of the Company. In an attempt to mitigate the potential for large redemptions, the Investment Management team in Mumbai has been substantially strengthened at both the Senior Management and analyst level which, together with a complete review of the investment management process, has resulted in a number of changes in the portfolio which are already having a positive effect on performance.

 

Notwithstanding the uncertainty over the potential redemptions, the Directors are satisfied that the Company has sufficient liquid resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future therefore the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

 

2. Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

 

IFRS require management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making judgements about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The Company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equate to the related actual results. The main use of accounting estimates and assumptions occurs in the calculation of the sensitivity analysis in note 11. In relation to the valuation of the unlisted investment, actual results may differ from the estimates. It is management's judgement that the Net Asset Value (NAV) of ICG Q Limited is an appropriate proxy for fair value as the Company can control the sale of the subsidiary's investments which are all listed on stock exchanges in India and therefore are mostly regarded as highly liquid. These are unchanged from the statutory accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2020.

 

The principal risks and uncertainties of the Company are in relation to performance risk, market risk, relationship risk and operational risk. These are unchanged from 31 December 2020, and further details may be found in the Directors' Strategic Report within the Annual Report and Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2020. The Directors will continue to assess the principal risks and uncertainties relating to the Company for the remaining six months of the year but expect these to remain unchanged.

 

3. Operating expenses




Unaudited

 Six months


Unaudited

Six months


Audited
Year




to 30.06.21


to 30.06.20


to 31.12.20




£000


£000


£000

Administration and secretarial fees

24


22


42

Audit fee



2


15


45

Broker fee



15


15


30

Directors' fees



51


44


88

D&O insurance



5


3


6

General expenses

45


17


64

Other professional fees

32


27


59

Redemption facility professional fees

56


-


56

Marketing expenses

32


36


55

Registrar fee

3


3


6

Regulatory fees



9


12


22




274


194


473

 

4. Earnings per share

Earnings per Ordinary Share and the fully diluted profit per share are calculated on the profit for the period of £27,535,000 (2020 - loss of £20,337,000) divided by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares of 112,502,173 (2020 - 112,502,173 ).

 

5. Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss comprise of investments in securities listed on Indian stock markets, namely the National Stock Exchange or the Bombay Stock Exchange, as well as investment in the wholly-owned subsidiary, ICG Q Limited.

 

A summary of movements is as follows:





Unaudited


Unaudited


Audited




Six months to


Six months to


Year

to




30.06.21


30.06.20


31.12.20




Total


Total


Total





£000


£000


£000










Fair value at beginning of year




109,695


95,887


95,887

Disposal of investments




(200)


(4,423)


(4,697)

Acquisition of investments




-


7,019


7,605

Realised gain/(loss) on disposal of investments


130


(1,355)


(1,214)

Unrealised gain/(loss) on revaluation



27,894


(18,694)


12,114










Fair value at end of period/year




137,519


78,434


109,695

 

The net realised and unrealised gains totalling £28,024,000 (30 June 2020: loss of £20,049,000) on financial assets at fair value through profit and loss comprise of gains on the Company's holding in ICG Q Limited to the extent of £25,925,000(30 June 2020: loss of £17,088,000) and gains of £2,099,000 (30 June 2020: loss of £2,963,000) arising from investments in securities listed on Indian stock markets. The movement arising from the Company's holding in ICG Q Limited is driven by the following amounts within the financial statements of ICG Q Limited, as set out below:


Unaudited


Unaudited


Audited


Six

months to


Six

months to


Year

to


30.06.21


30.06.20


31.12.20


Total


Total


Total


£000


£000


£000







Dividend income

256


497


886

Unrealised gain/(loss) on financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

28,819


(16,467)


8,573

Realised gain/(loss) on disposal of investments

797


(2,023)


3,499

Investment management fee

(663)


(460)


(949)

Operating expenses

(35)


(35)


(149)

Taxes

(13)


(6)


(2)

Transaction costs

(42)


(70)


(109)

Foreign exchange (loss)/gain

(2)


1,476


(16)

Non-resident capital gains tax provision

(3,192)


-


-







Net gain/(loss) of ICG Q Limited

25,925


(17,088)


11,733

 

The equity investment represents holdings in listed securities in India and in ICG Q Limited, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary. ICG Q Limited is incorporated and has its principal place of business in the Republic of Mauritius. The Company holds Participating Shares in ICG Q Limited, which confer voting rights to the Company, hence controlling interests. As described in the statutory accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2020, the Company qualifies as an investment entity under IFRS 10. It therefore does not consolidate its investment in ICG Q Limited.

 

6. Taxation

 

Guernsey

 

India Capital Growth Fund Limited is exempt from taxation in Guernsey on non-Guernsey sourced income. The Company is exempt under The Income Tax (Exempt Bodies) (Guernsey) Ordinance 1989 (as amended) and paid the annual exemption fee of £1,200.

 

For the period ended 30 June 2021, the Company had a tax liability of £nil (2020: £nil).

 

India

 

India Capital Growth Fund Limited is subject to capital gains tax arising from investments in Indian companies under the Income Tax Act 1961. Further details are provided in note 11.

 

 

7. Payables







Unaudited


Unaudited


Audited








30.06.21


30.06.20


31.12.20








Total


Total


Total








£000


£000


£000













Other payables and accruals 



204


156


180

Non-resident capital gains tax provision



227


-


-








431


156


180

 

8. Segmental information

 

The Board has considered the provisions of IFRS 8 in relation to segmental reporting and concluded that the Company's activities form two segments under the standard. From a geographical perspective, the Company's activities are focused in two areas - Mauritius and India. The subsidiary, ICG Q Limited, focuses its investment activities in listed securities in India. Additional disclosures have been provided in this Interim Report to disclose the underlying information.

 

9. Share capital

 

Authorised Share Capital

 

Unlimited number of Ordinary Shares of £0.01 each

Issued share capital


Number of shares




Share capital











£000









At 30 June 2021







112,502,173




1,125

At 30 June 2020







112,502,173




1,125

At 31 December 2020







112,502,173




1,125

 

The Company's capital is represented by Ordinary Shares of par value £0.01. Each share carries one vote and is entitled to dividends when declared. The Company has no restrictions or specific capital requirements on the issue or repurchase of Ordinary Shares.

 

10. Fair value of financial instruments

 

The following tables show financial instruments recognised at fair value, analysed between those whose fair value is based on:

 

· Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1);

· Those involving inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices) (Level 2); and

· Those with inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs) (Level 3).

 

The analysis as at 30 June 2021 is as follows:

 


Level 1


Level 2


Level 3


Total


£000


£000


£000


£000









Listed securities

10,518


-


-


10,518

Unlisted securities

-


127,001


-


127,001


10,518


127,001


-


137,519

 

The analysis as at 30 June 2020 is as follows:

 


Level 1


Level 2


Level 3


Total


£000


£000


£000


£000









Listed securities

5,702


-


-


5,702

Unlisted securities

-


72,732


-


72,732


5,702


72,732


-


78,434

 

The analysis as at 31 December 2020 is as follows:

 


Level 1


Level 2


Level 3


Total


£000


£000


£000


£000









Listed securities

8,419


-


-


8,419

Unlisted securities

-


101,276


-


101,276


8,419


101,276


-


109,695

 

The Company's investment in ICG Q Limited, the Company's wholly owned unlisted subsidiary, is priced based on the subsidiary's net asset value as calculated as at the reporting date. The Company has the ability to redeem its investment in ICG Q Limited at the net asset value at the measurement date therefore this is categorised as Level 2. All the underlying investments of ICG Q Limited are categorised as Level 1 at 30 June 2021 and 2020. There has been no transfers between levels during the period. The period-end fair value of those investments, together with cash held in ICG Q Limited, comprise all but an insignificant proportion of the net asset value of the subsidiary.

 

11. Financial instruments and risk profile

 

The primary objective of the Company is to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in companies based in India. The investment policy permits making investments in a range of equity and equity linked securities of such companies. The portfolio of investments comprise of listed Indian companies, predominantly mid cap and small cap.

 

The specific risks arising from exposure to these instruments and the Investment Manager's policies for managing these risks, which have been applied throughout the period, are summarised below:

 

Capital management

 

The Company is a closed-ended investment company and thus has a fixed capital for investment. It has no legal capital regulatory requirement. The Board has the power to purchase shares for cancellation thus reducing capital and the Board considers on a regular basis whether it is appropriate to exercise such powers. In the period ended 30 June 2021, the Board determined that it was inappropriate to exercise such powers, although continuation of these powers will be sought at the next Annual General Meeting.

 

The Board also considers from time to time whether it may be appropriate to raise new capital by a further issue of shares. The raising of new capital would, however, be dependent on there being genuine market demand.

 

Market Risk

 

Market price risk arises mainly from the uncertainty about future prices of the financial instrument held by the Company and its subsidiary, ICG Q Limited ("the Group"). It represents the potential loss the Group may suffer through holding market positions in the face of price movements.

 

The Group's investment portfolio is exposed to market price fluctuations which are monitored by the Investment Manager in pursuance of the investment objectives and policies and in adherence to the investment guidelines and the investment and borrowing powers set out in the Admission Document. The Group's investment portfolio is concentrated and, as at 30 June 2021, comprised investment in less than 35 companies. Thus, the Group has higher exposure to market risk in relation to individual stocks than more broadly spread portfolios.

 

The Group's investment portfolio consists predominantly of mid cap and small cap listed Indian securities, and thus the effect of market movements is not closely correlated with the principal market index, the BSE Sensex. The BSE Mid Cap Total Return Index provides a better (but not ideal) indicator of the effect of market price risk on the portfolio. Assuming perfect correlation, the sensitivity of the Group's investment portfolio to market price risk can be approximated by applying the percentage of funds invested (2021: 91.79%; 2020: 88.94%) to any movement in the BSE Mid Cap Total Return Index. At 30 June 2021, with all other variables held constant, this approximation would produce a movement in the net assets of the Group's investment portfolio of £12,617,000 (2020: £10,774,000) for a 10% (2020: 10%) movement in the index which would impact the Company via a fair value movement of the same magnitude in its holding in ICG Q Limited and its investments.

 

Foreign currency risk

 

Foreign currency risk arises mainly from the fair value or future cash flows of the financial instruments held by the Group fluctuating because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Group's investment portfolio comprises of predominantly of Rupee denominated investments but reporting, and in particular the reported Net Asset Value, is denominated in Sterling. Any appreciation or depreciation in the Rupee would have an impact on the performance of the Company. The underlying currency risk in relation to the Group's investment portfolio is the Rupee. The Group's policy is not to hedge the Rupee exposure.

 

The Group may enter into currency hedging transactions but appropriate mechanisms on acceptable terms are not expected to be readily available.

 

At 30 June 2021, if the Indian Rupee had strengthened or weakened by 10% (2020: 10%) against Sterling with all other variables held constant, pre-tax profit for the period would have been £13,007,000 (2020: £10,115,000) higher or lower, respectively, mainly as a result of foreign exchange gains or losses on translation of Indian Rupee denominated financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss in ICG Q Limited, the consequent impact on the fair value of the Company's investment in ICG Q Limited and in the Company's investment portfolio.

 

Credit risk

 

Credit risk arises mainly from an issuer or counterparty being unable to meet a commitment that it has entered into with the Group. Credit risk in relation to securities transactions awaiting settlement is managed through the rules and procedures of the relevant stock exchanges. In particular settlements for transactions in listed securities are effected by the custodian on a delivery against payment or receipt against payment basis. Transactions in unlisted securities are effected against binding subscription agreements.

 

The principal credit risks are in relation to cash held by the custodian. Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited ("Kotak") acts as the custodian to the Group. The aggregate exposure to Kotak at 30 June 2021 was £3,901,000 (2020: £2,047,000).

 

Kotak acted as custodian of the Group's assets during the period. The securities held by Kotak as custodian are held in trust and are registered in the name of the Group. Kotak has a credit rating of AAA.

 

Interest rate risk

 

Interest rate risk represents the uncertainty of investment return due to changes in the market rates of interest. The direct effect of movements in interest rates is not material as any surplus cash is predominantly in Indian Rupees, and foreign investors are not permitted to earn interest on Rupee balances.

 

Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity risk arises mainly from the Group encountering difficulty in realising assets or otherwise raising funds to meet financial commitments. The Group has no unlisted securities and its focus is to invest predominantly in mid and small cap listed stocks, which may take time to realise. The Directors do not believe that the market is inactive enough to warrant a discount for liquidity risk on the Group's investment portfolio.

 

ICG Q Limited seeks to maintain sufficient cash to meet its working capital requirements. The Directors do not believe it to be appropriate to adjust the fair value of the Company's investment in ICG Q Limited for liquidity risk, as it has the ability to effect a disposal of any investment in ICG Q Limited's investment portfolio at the prevailing market price and the distribution of proceeds back to the Company should it so wish.

 

All liabilities are current and due on demand.

 

Taxation risk

 

Taxation risk arises mainly from the taxation of income and capital gains of the Group increasing as a result of changes in the tax regulations and practice in Guernsey, Mauritius and India. The Company and ICG Q Limited are registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India ("SEBI") as a foreign portfolio investor ("FPI") with a Category I licence, and ICG Q Limited holds a Category 1 Global Business Licence in Mauritius and has obtained a Mauritian Tax Residence Certificate ("TRC") which have been factors in determining its resident status under the India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement ("DTAA") and General Anti Avoidance Rules ("GAAR") under the Income Tax Act 1961 ("ITA").

 

However, with effect from April 2017, the DTAA was amended such that the advantages of investing in India via Mauritius were removed and capital gains arising from investments in Indian companies are subject to Indian Capital Gains Tax regulations. Consequently, tax on short term capital gains (for investments held less than 12 months) of 15% and long-term capital gains (for investments held for 12 months or longer) of 10% apply to the investment portfolio. In this way, on average, the tax provision has been determined to be at 10.92% for the long term (provided on total gains of £ 2,078,611). Similarly, the short term tax provision was set on average 16.38% while the total gains were £ 0. As a result a capital gains tax provision of £ 227,000 (30 June 2020: £Nil, 31 December 2020: £Nil) was recorded in the accounts as well as a capital gains tax provision of £ 3,192,000 (30 June 2020: £Nil, 31 December 2020: £Nil) in the accounts of ICG Q Limited.

 

Shortly after the end of June, the value of gains in the whole portfolio triggered the requirement for a capital gains tax provision. Since this trigger, the process to calculate the provision has been refined and is being calculated monthly based on a stock by stock basis rather than an aggregate basis as reflected in these accounts.

 

12. Related party transactions and material contracts

 

Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial or operational decisions.

 

The Directors are responsible for the determination of the investment policy and have overall responsibility for the Company's activities. Directors' fees are disclosed fully in each Annual Report.

 

The Investment Manager is entitled to receive a management fee payable jointly by the Group equivalent to 1.25% per annum of market capital value, calculated and payable monthly in arrears. The Investment Manager earned £663,000 in management fees during the six months ended 30 June 2021 (six months ended 30 June 2020: £502,000 and year ended 31 December 2020: £664,000) of which £124,000 was outstanding at 30 June 2021 (30 June 2020: £81,000 and 31 December 2020: £98,000).

 

Under the terms of the Administration Agreement, Apex Fund and Corporate Services (Guernsey) Limited is entitled to a minimum annual fee of US$41,000 or a flat fee of 5 basis points of the NAV of the Company, whichever is greater. The Administrator is also entitled to reimbursement of all out of pocket expenses. The Administrator earned £24,000 for administration and secretarial services during the six months ended 30 June 2021 (six months ended 30 June 2020: £22,000 and year ended 31 December 2020: £42,000) of which £14,000 was outstanding at 30 June 2021 (30 June 2020: £7,500 and 31 December 2020: £10,000).

 

13. Contingent liabilities

 

The Directors are not aware of any contingent liabilities as at 30 June 2021 and the date of approving these financial statements.

 

14. Subsequent events

 

There have been no material events since the end of the reporting period which would require disclosure or adjustment to the financial statements for the period ended 30 June 2021.

 

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