Half-year Report

RNS Number : 3275B
Woodford Patient Capital Trust PLC
20 September 2018
 

 

 

 

Woodford Patient Capital Trust PLC

Half-yearly financial report 

For the six-months ended 30 June 2018

 

Woodford Patient Capital Trust plc (WPCT or the Company), announces the unaudited financial report for the half year ended 30 June 2018.

 

KEY POINTS:

 

·      the Company's net asset value increased from 91.33p to 91.94p during the period under review

 

·      many portfolio holdings have made significant progress:

 

Autolus successfully listed on Nasdaq at a 73 per cent premium

Proton Partners treats patient with proton beam therapy - a UK first

Benevolent AI capital raise values business at US$2 billion

 

·      the Company is invested in five companies that are valued at more than US$1 billion - Autolus, Purplebricks, Oxford Nanopore, Benevolent AI and Immunocore

 

 

Susan Searle, Chairman, Woodford Patient Capital Trust plc, says:

"There has been demonstrable progress, particularly among the top ten holdings, which has been reflected in some higher valuations. In April 2018, for example, Benevolent AI raised US$115 million from new investors valuing the artificial intelligence healthcare business at US$2 billion, while Proton Partners, the UK's first high-energy proton beam therapy provider, announced that it had treated its first patient at its Rutherford Cancer Centre in Newport, South Wales, and that it had opened a second centre in Northumberland in August 2018.

 

In June 2018, Autolus listed on Nasdaq at the top end of its price range and it has continued to trade significantly above its Initial Public Offering (IPO) price. The IPO was heavily subscribed and its proprietary CAR-T Cell technology, pioneered from University College London, places it in a strong position to drive positive advances in the battle against cancer for the years ahead. 

 

WPCT continues to attract support from a wide variety of investors for whom it represents a unique, long-term portfolio of disruptive high-potential innovative businesses. Many investors were able to hear of the milestones some of the portfolio's holdings have met at a Capital Investors' Day held in London. The Board is optimistic about future developments in the portfolio likely to be seen in the second half of 2018."

 

Neil Woodford, Portfolio Manager, Woodford Patient Capital Trust plc, says:

"When we launched WPCT just over three years ago, our mission was to deliver shareholder value by investing in great ideas and help to turn those ideas into great businesses - great in terms of quality and in terms of scale. I am pleased to report on a period during which the success of this mission is becoming increasingly clear.

 

The progress of three companies during the period under review - Autlous, Proton Partners and Benevolent AI - all of which are meaningful and long-standing constituents of the Patient Capital portfolio, are evidence to support this assertion.

 

Autolus, for example, a clinical-stage biotechnology business at the forefront of a revolution in cancer treatment, was founded in 2014 by Syncona, an evergreen healthcare investor that introduced us to the company shortly after the Company's launch. Following more than six months of due diligence, we led the company's series B funding round in March 2016 and the position has been held in the WPCT portfolio ever since. During the period under review, the company announced its intention to list on Nasdaq. A public listing can represent a natural next step and a meaningful milestone for any early-stage company as it progresses towards commercialisation. For Autolus, a listing provided the opportunity to raise additional capital for further business and pipeline development, whilst also increasing its profile within the biotechnology sector. The IPO completed in June 2018, at the top of the guided price range and at a premium of 73 per cent to the price of the company's previous funding round in September 2017.

 

Proton Partners, introduced to the portfolio in August 2015, was formed with the ambition of becoming the first commercial provider of proton beam therapy in the UK. Unlike conventional cancer treatments, proton beam therapy uses protons to target and kill cancer cells with the significant advantage of little or no damage to surrounding tissue. The UK has lagged behind many other nations in incorporating this potentially ground-breaking treatment in to cancer services, and several media stories have covered patients that had to travel overseas to receive the therapy. In April 2018, Proton Partners reached a significant milestone in treating its first patient with proton beam therapy at its Newport centre, in South Wales. The company is on track to fulfil its goal of having its network of unique cancer centres within 90 minutes of 80 per cent of the UK's population by 2023.

 

Third, Benevolent AI, the healthcare artificial intelligence (AI) company, is also making excellent progress. In April 2018, it completed one of the largest funding rounds ever within the AI pharmaceutical sector at a pre-money valuation of US$2 billion. The funds will be used to scale its drug development activities, broaden the disease areas on which it focuses and to extend its AI capabilities to other science-based industries like advanced materials, agriculture and energy storage. Meanwhile, Baroness Joanna Shields, the former UK Minister for Internet Security and Safety and special adviser to the government on the digital economy, joined as the group's CEO. Such a high profile appointment reflects the rapid growth of this exciting and highly disruptive technology business, and it enables the company to strengthen its position as a market leader in developing and applying artificial intelligence for scientific discovery.

 

The Company has faced some challenges, but the portfolio is in extremely good shape, as evidenced by the positive progress being delivered by several of the larger holdings, which are maturing rapidly. The investment case for investing in early-stage science is as strong as ever and we look forward to more positive outcomes like Autolus in the months and years ahead, as our portfolio of young businesses continues to mature and fulfil its potential.

 

 

For further information, please contact:

Four Broadgate
Roland Cross / Jonathan Atkins
020 3697 4200

woodford@fourbroadgate.com

 

Notes to editors:

For further information go to: woodfordfunds.com

 

About Woodford Investment Management:
Woodford Investment Management Limited is a fast-growing asset management company built on a founding philosophy of transparency and simplicity. Launched in May 2014, the company has more than £12 billion assets under management and advice. Further information can be found at https://woodfordfunds.com

 

Woodford Investment Management Ltd

9400 Garsington Road Oxford OX4 2HN

+44 (0)1865 809 000

info@woodfordfunds.com

woodfordfunds.com

 

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Registered in England and Wales. Number 10118169

 

 

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF THE COMPANY

The  investment objective of the Company is to achieve long-term capital growth through investing in a diversified portfolio with a focus on UK companies, both quoted and unquoted. As these companies evolve, the geographical profile of the portfolio may change to become more global in nature for reasons such as an overseas listing or as the result of changes to capital values of a non-UK company versus a UK company.

 

The Company will aim to deliver a return in excess of 10 per cent per annum over the longer term*.

 

* This is a target only, not a profit forecast, and there can be no assurance that it will be met.

 

INVESTMENT POLICY

Asset allocation and risk diversification

The Company invests in a diversified portfolio with a focus on UK companies (either incorporated in the UK or traded on a UK exchange), both quoted and unquoted. As these companies evolve, the geographical profile of the portfolio may also change to become more global in nature for reasons such as an overseas listing or as the result of changes to the capital value of a non-UK company.

 

The Company invests in:

 

- early-stage companies, which are likely to include both quoted and unquoted companies; and

- mid and large-capitalisation quoted, mature companies.

 

The actual portfolio composition at any one time will reflect the opportunities available to the Portfolio Manager, the performance of the underlying investee companies and the maturity of the portfolio.

 

The Company's portfolio will typically consist of 50-100 holdings. The Company may become a significant shareholder in any of the underlying portfolio companies.

 

The Company's portfolio is constructed on the basis of an assessment of the fundamental value of individual securities and will not be structured on the basis of sector weightings. The Company's portfolio is diversified across a number of sectors and, while there are no specific limits placed on exposure to any one sector, the Company will at all times invest and manage the portfolio in a manner consistent with spreading investment risk.

 

Investment restrictions

The Company is subject to the following investment restrictions:

 

- investment in unquoted companies will be limited to 80 per cent of net asset value at the time of investment;

 

- the Company's portfolio shall be invested in a minimum of 40 holdings;

 

- the Company shall not invest more than 10 per cent of its Net Asset Value (NAV) at the time of initial investment in an investee company save that the Portfolio Manager may make further investments into an investee company subject to an aggregate investment limit in any investee company of 20 per cent of net asset value at the time of investment;

 

- the Company may invest in other investment funds, including listed closed-ended investment funds, to gain investment exposure, but such investment will be unleveraged and (other than in relation to investment in money market funds for the purposes of cash management) limited, in aggregate, to 10 per cent of NAV at the time of investment; and

 

- with respect to cash deposits, the Company shall not have exposure of more than 10 per cent of NAV, at the time of investment, to any one issuer.

 

Borrowing

The Company may employ gearing of up to 20 per cent of NAV, calculated at the time of borrowing, for the purpose of capital flexibility, including for investment purposes.

 

The Board will oversee the level of gearing in the Company, and will review the position with the Portfolio Manager on a regular basis.

 

Hedging

The Company may use derivatives for the purposes of hedging any currency risk to which the Company may be subject but will not use derivatives for investment purposes.

 

Cash management

While it is intended that the Company will be fully invested in normal market conditions, the Company may hold cash on deposit or invest on a temporary basis in a range of debt securities and cash equivalent instruments. There is no restriction on the amount of cash or cash equivalent instruments that the Company may hold and there may be times when it is appropriate for the Company to have a significant cash position instead of being fully or near fully invested.

 

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Operational Milestones

Many of the Company's biggest holdings have reached significant milestones on the road to commercial success.

 

Finding Unicorns

The Company is invested in five companies that are valued at more than US$1 billion Autolus, Purplebricks, Oxford Nanopore, Benevolent AI and Immunocore.

 

Building Conviction

The portfolio may become more concentrated on particular investments as value emerges, resulting in some holdings potentially becoming very significant as a proportion of the Company's portfolio.

 

Stock Market Listings

The portfolio continues to mature - highlighted by the stock market listings of Autolus and Sensyne Health in 2018.

 

Low Cost

Annual costs, including all transaction fees, of 0.2 per cent - no fee paid to Portfolio Manager unless cumulative returns in excess of 10 per cent are met.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

30 June 2018 

£'000 

30 June 
2017 

£'000 

31 December 
2017 

£'000 

Net assets

£760,347 

£833,076 

£755,295 

 

Net asset value and share price

 

 

 

 

30 June 

30 June 

31 December 

 

2018 

2017 

2017 

 

pence 

pence 

pence 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per share

91.94 

100.73 

91.33 

Share price

83.00 

97.40 

84.45 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months to 30 June 

Six months to 30 June 

Year ended 31 December

 

2018 

2017 

2017

Net asset value and share price performance

% 

%

 

 

 

 

Increase/(decrease) in net asset value

0.7 

8.0 

(2.0)

(Decrease)/increase in share price

(1.7)

7.0 

(7.2)

Share price discount to net asset value at period end

(9.7)

(3.3)

(7.5)

 

 

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

The Board continues to focus on the development of the Company's portfolio and whether the holdings are making operational progress and achieving milestones. These are the key performance indicators in the Company's portfolio of quoted and unquoted assets.

 

In June 2018, the Company moved out of the FTSE 250 index in light of its fall in value since launch although, in terms of performance during the six-month period under review, the Company's share price and NAV remained broadly stable. In the first six months of 2018, the Company's share price fell slightly by 1.7 per cent and its NAV increased marginally by 0.7 per cent.

 

During the period, the Company traded at an average 9.7 per cent discount to its NAV. The Board keeps the Company's discount (the difference between the NAV and the share price) under regular review. It continues to see the most long-term value in using liquidity to back top performing portfolio companies through key commercial inflexion points, rather than buying back shares to narrow the discount.

 

We reflected on Prothena's failed Pronto trial in the annual report published in April 2018 and this had a negative impact on the performance of the portfolio during the period under review. The Portfolio Manager explains in his review on the following pages why he remains confident that the company has the ability to deliver value over the long term.

 

Prothena's disappointment should not overshadow the considerable operational and commercial progress being made elsewhere in the portfolio. Indeed, there has been demonstrable progress, particularly among the top 10 holdings, which has been reflected in some higher valuations and which offsets the negative impact of Prothena on the Company's NAV during the period under review. A fuller analysis of performance during the period follows in the Portfolio Manager's Review.

 

In April 2018, for example, Benevolent Al raised US$115 million from new investors valuing the artificial intelligence healthcare business at US$2 billion, while Proton Partners, the UK's first high-energy proton beam therapy provider, announced that it had treated its first patient as its Rutherford Cancer Centre in Newport, South Wales. This was ahead of schedule and it opened a second centre in Northumberland in August 2018, while construction is already underway at two further centres across the UK. The centres will be available to medically-insured and self-pay patients, as well as those referred by the NHS.

 

In June 2018, Autolus listed on NASDAQ at the top end of its price range and it has continued to trade significantly above its Initial Public Offering (IPO) price. The IPO was heavily subscribed and its proprietary CAR-T Cell technology, pioneered from University College London, places it in a strong position to drive positive advances in the battle against cancer for the years ahead. Based on Autolus' position size in the portfolio and, given the significant gains the stock has made in transitioning to a listed company, the Portfolio Manager has since recycled some capital into other key companies in the portfolio.

 

Meanwhile, Purplebricks continues to disrupt the property market with independent data* suggesting that the company sells more than three times the number of properties than the next largest UK brand. Below, we highlight milestones made more recently by several companies within the portfolio.

 

WPCT continues at attract support from a wide variety of investors for whom it represents a unique, long-term portfolio of disruptive high-potential innovative businesses. Indeed, investors were able to hear of the milestones some of the portfolio's holdings have met at a Capital Investors' Day held in London. You can read more about the day below.

 

The Board is optimistic about future developments in the portfolio likely to be seen in the  second half of 2018. 

 

 

Susan Searle

Chairman

19 September 2018

 

*Source: TwentyCi Data

 

 

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGER'S REVIEW 2018

 

When we launched WPCT just over three years ago, my mission was to deliver shareholder value by investing in great ideas and help to turn those ideas into great businesses - great in terms of quality and in terms of scale. I am pleased to report on a period during which the success of this mission is becoming increasingly clear.

 

I will explain positive developments at three particular businesses, all of which are meaningful and long-standing constituents of the Patient Capital portfolio, as evidence to support this assertion, there are many other companies that could demonstrate correspondingly good progress.

 

Firstly, Autolus, which is a clinical-stage biotechnology business at the forefront of a revolution in cancer treatment. The company was founded in 2014 by Syncona, an evergreen healthcare investor that introduced us to the company shortly after the Company's launch. Following more than six months of due diligence, we led the company's series B funding round in March 2016 and the position has been held in the WPCT portfolio ever since.

 

The business focuses on developing and commercialising a novel class of immuno-oncology treatments know as CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T-cells) therapies, which harness the power of a patient's immune system to combat cancers. We believe that Autolus has a compelling technological advantage over other CAR-T businesses, which have been attracting a lot of attention from larger healthcare players in a string of recent acquisitions. By using dual-targeting CAR-Ts - engineering an immune cell to recognise two cancer cell-specific features, not just one - the treatment is less likely to result in the cancer escaping and reoccurring, one of the most common reasons for the current CAR-T therapies to fail.

 

During the period under review, the company announced its intention to list on NASDAQ. A public listing can represent a natural next step and a meaningful milestone for any early-stage company as it progresses towards commercialisation. For Autolus, a listing provided the opportunity to raise additional capital for further business and pipeline development, while also increasing its profile within the biotechnology sector.

 

The IPO completed in June 2018, at the top of the guided price range and at a premium of 73 per cent to the price of the company's previous funding round in September 2017. Since listing, the shares have traded positively, standing, at the time of writing, almost 40 per cent higher than the IPO price.

 

We believe this is a very positive development for Autolus and for the Company. We are not surprised to see such a positive reception from the wider investment community, given the progress the company has already made with its technology and the significant opportunity that lies ahead for the business. At the time, we believe there is considerable further upside potential should Autolus continue to develop its assets positively through clinical trials. We expect further news in this regard towards the end of this year.

 

Secondly, Proton Partners, which was introduced to the portfolio in August 2015, was formed with the ambition of becoming the first commercial provider of proton beam therapy in the UK. Unlike conventional cancer treatments, proton bean therapy uses protons to target and kill cancer cells with the significant advantage of little or no damage to surrounding tissue. The UK has lagged behind many other nations in incorporating this potentially ground-breaking treatment into cancer services, and several media stories have covered patients who had to travel overseas to receive the therapy.

 

Proton Partners has set about changing this, by developing its Rutherford Cancer Centres to offer proton beam therapy along with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, imaging and wellbeing services, in Newport, Reading, Northumberland and Liverpool. It is also developing its first international proton centre in Abu Dhabi, as part of the Gulf International Cancer Centre.

 

In April 2018, the company reached a significant milestone in treating its first patient with proton beam therapy at its Newport centre in South Wales - this was also the first such treatment undertaken in the UK. In August 2018, with proton beam therapy up and running in South Wales, it opened the doors at its second centre in Northumberland. Proton Partners is on track to fulfil its goal of having its network of unique cancer centres within 90 minutes of 80 per cent of the UK's population by 2023.

 

Thirdly, Benevolent Al, the healthcare artificial intelligence (AI) company, is also making excellent progress. In April 2018, it completed one of the largest funding rounds ever within the AI pharmaceutical sector at a pre-money valuation of US$2 billion. The funds will be used to scale its drug development activities, broaden the disease areas on which it focuses and to extend its AI capabilities to other science-based industries like advanced materials, agriculture and energy storage.

 

Meanwhile, Baroness Joanna Shields, the former UK Minister for Internet Security and Safety and special advisor to the government on the digital economy, joined as the group's CEO. Such a high-profile appointment reflects the rapid growth of this exciting and highly disruptive technology business, and it enables the company to strengthen its position as a marker leader in developing and applying artificial intelligence for scientific discovery.

 

Clearly not all investments we've made have developed as positively as the examples provided above. That is the nature of investing in earlier-stage, higher-risk businesses.

 

One example of a business that suffered a setback during the first half of 2018 is the US biotechnology business Prothena. In April 2018, the company announced that its Pronto trial, investigating NEOD001 in AL amyloidosis, was unsuccessful. As I said at the time, and in the annual report, this was disappointing outcome, due to a much bigger and more significant placebo effect being observed than anything seen in prior trials would have suggested.

 

We continue to work with Prothena and its management team on its strategy beyond NEOD001. The initial share price reaction, which took the market capitalisation of Prothena to below the value of the cash on its balance sheet, implies that there is no future value to be expected from the business. We believe this is wrong. The company still has an early and mid-stage clinical pipeline. It has a technology platform and a world-leading specialism in misfolding proteins, which are implicated in a number of different neurological disorders. This research platform has been validated by two major pharmaceutical companies - Roche (which is partnering Prothena in PRX002 in Parkinson's disease, currently in phase II trials) and Celgene (which has recently collaborated with Prothena on three earlier stage pre-clinical assets). The company also has its own, unpartnered assets about to enter the clinic and, with around US$500 million on its balance sheet, it is very well funded. We therefore remain positive on Prothena's ability to contribute to the Company's future performance.

 

The Company has faced some challenges, but the portfolio is in extremely good shape, as evidenced by the positive progress being delivered by several of the larger holdings, which are maturing rapidly. The investment case for investing in early-stage science is as strong as ever and we look forward to more positive outcomes like Autolus in the months and years ahead, as our portfolio of young businesses continues to mature and fulfil its potential.

 

 

Neil Woodford

Head of Investment

19 September 2018
 

WOODFORD PATIENT CAPITAL INVESTORS' DAY, 12 JUNE 2018

 

Showcasing some of the outstanding young life science and technology businesses that we have backed in the WPCT portfolio.

 

"We have a very sophisticated technology and our goal is to disrupt the entire world of biological analysis - perhaps one day even bring it into the home."

Zoe McDougall, VP, Oxford Nanopore

 

"Patient capital is the only model that would have worked. There is no other model that would have created the technology we have, or the opportunity we have."

Iyad Tarazi, CEO, Federated Wireless

 

"There's nothing there at all, but you can see it, you can feel it, you can touch it and you can use it."

Steve Cliffe, CEO, Ultrahaptics

 

"You're putting the power in the hands of the consumer to use their phone in a dramatically new way."

Davor Sutija, CEO, Thin Film

 

"Artificial intelligence is meant to augment human intelligence, to make our smart scientists even smarter. This type of technology is going to change the way that drug development happens - it has to."

Ken Mulvany, founder BenevolentAI

 

"We want to have a cancer centre with proton beam therapy at its heart within 90 minutes of over 80 per cent of the UK's population and that would be a significant

influence on reducing the impact of cancer in the UK."

Mike Moran, CEO, Proton Partners

 

 

PROGRESS REPORT: JOURNEY TO COMMERCIAL SUCCESS

 

The rate of progress of many holdings in the portfolio has been rapid. Several have reached significant operational milestones in recent months. On the following pages, we highlight the key events.

 

For full portfolio composition please go to Woodforddunds.com

 

Autolus

Autolus is at the forefront of a revolutionary immuno-oncology treatment, dubbed the 'living medicine', that is offering new hope to patients suffering from blood-related cancers such as lymphoma and myeloma. In June 2018, it successfully transitioned from a private business to a public one via a successful IPO on the NASDAQ.

 

Cequr

Cequr is developing simple-to-use insulin-based treatments, including an injection-free device that lasts longer than insulin patches used today. In July 2018, the company acquired an approved type 2 diabetes product called One Touch Via from Johnson & Johnson, which it is planning to commercialise next year.

 

Federated Wireless

In July 2018, the Federal Communications Commission in the US issued a public notice that signals the start of commercial developments in shared spectrum. This has formalised the path for commercialisation and Federated Wireless, founded by Allied Minds, is now well positioned to see its large customers offering commercial services in the 4th quarter.

 

Genomics

Genomics brings together vast swathes of genomic data to improve the drug discovery process - making it faster, more cost-efficient and increasing the likelihood of success. In August 2018, the company successfully completed a funding round and secured a collaboration with global pharmaceutical company Vertex.

 

Immunocore

Spun out of Oxford University in 2008, Immunocore is at the forefront of the fast-growing field of immuno-oncology (treatments that use the immune system to kill cancers). In July 2018 it announced the start of a phase I study for its second ImmTAC molecule (IMCnyeso) in patients with solid tumours - as part of an ongoing collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline.

 

Kymab

Kymab, which is also backed by the Wellcome Trust and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is developing monoclonal antibody treatments - a type of therapeutic drug - to counter illnesses such as atopic dermatitis and cancer. In July 2018, it announced that its potential atopic dermatitis treatment called KY1005 was moving to a phase II trial following positive results from the phase I study in healthy volunteers.

 

Oxford Nanopore

Oxford Nanopore is developing a new generation of DNA sequencers, some of which are small, portable and affordable. These are also the world's only sequencers that can deliver DNA analysis in real-time. In June 2018, full-year results highlighted that its revenues tripled in 2017.

 

Proton Partners

The UK's first high energy proton beam therapy provider announced in June 2018 that it had treated its first patient with proton beam therapy at its Newport centre - also a first for the UK. In August 2018, the company announced the opening of its second cancer centre in Northumberland.

 

Seedrs

In August 2018, Seedrs, the crowdfunding platform, announced that it had invested more than £400m into campaigns funded on the platform since launch and had signed a partnership with US platform Republic. The company has also launched its auto-invest product - another operational milestone for the business.

 

Sensyne Health

The company analyses NHS patient data using artificial intelligence algorithms to help healthcare companies discover new medicines. Founded by Lord Drayson the former science minister, the company (formerly known as Drayson Health) signed exclusive partnerships with three NHS trusts in July 2018, and in August 2018, successfully listed on the London Stock Exchange.

 

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION 

 

Please find below the composition of the WPCT portfolio by listing status

 

 

Listing status

 

 %

 

 

 

01

Quoted

34.62

02

Unquoted

65.38

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And by industry and geography

 

Industry

 %

 

 

 

01

Health Care

56.67

02

Financials

19.29

03

Technology

15.96

04

Industrials

7.23

05

Consumer Goods

0.85

 

 

 

Geographical allocation

 

%

01

United Kingdom

73.19

02

United States

21.37

03

Norway

1.55

04

Luxembourg

1.48

05

Switzerland

1.29

06

Ireland

1.12

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Woodford

based on gross asset value

 

 

 

       

 

 

INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT & DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Interim Management Report

The important events that have occurred during the period under review and the key factors influencing the financial statements are set out in the Chairman's Statement and the Portfolio Manager's Review above.

 

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company are unchanged since the date of the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2017 and continue to be as set out in that report on pages 35 and 36.

 

Risks faced by the Company include, but are not limited to:  portfolio concentration risk, Portfolio Manager and key man risk, outsourced service provider model risk, market risk, currency risk, interest rate risk, other price risk, liquidity risk and credit risk.

 

 

Directors' Responsibility Statement

In accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge:

 

a)   The condensed set of financial statements contained within the half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard ("FRS") 104 'Interim Financial Reporting' issued by the Financial Reporting Council and gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company;

 

b)   The Interim Management Report, together with the Chairman's Statement and Portfolio Manager's Review, includes a fair review, as required by Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 4.2.7R, of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year, their impact on the condensed set of financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and

 

c)   The Interim Management Report includes a fair review of the information concerning related parties' transactions as required by Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 4.2.8R.

 

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors by:

 

Susan Searle

Chairman

19 September 2018
 

 

INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT

Introduction

We have reviewed the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report of Woodford Patient Capital Trust plc (the Company) for the six months ended 30 June 2018 which comprises the Income Statement, Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Changes in equity, Cash Flow Statement and the notes to the financial statements. We have read the other information contained in the half yearly financial report which comprises only the Financial highlights, the Chairman's statement, the Portfolio Manager's review, the interim management report & Directors' responsibility statement and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

This report is made solely to the Company, as a body, in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity'. Our review work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to them in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, as a body, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusion we have formed.

Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the company are prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 104 'Interim Financial Reporting'.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express a conclusion to the Company on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity'. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2018 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 104 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure, Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

GRANT THORNTON UK LLP

Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants

30 Finsbury Square

London

EC2P 2YU

19 September 2018

 

 

INCOME STATEMENT

For the six months ended 30 June 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

Six months to

30 June 2018

(Unaudited)

Six months to

30 June 2017

(Audited)

Year ended

31 December 2017

 

 

Revenue   

Capital  

Total 

Revenue 

Capital 

Total 

Revenue   

Capital   

Total   

 

Notes

£'000   

£'000  

£'000 

£'000  

£'000 

£'000 

£'000   

£'000   

£'000   

Gains/(losses) on investments and derivatives measured at fair value through profit or loss

9

0   

6,864  

6,864 

0   

63,664 

63,664 

0   

(12,357)  

(12,357)  

Income

3

40   

0  

40 

188   

188 

404   

0   

404   

Portfolio management fee

4

0   

0  

0   

0   

0   

0   

Other expenses

5

(603)  

0  

(603)

(787)  

(787)

(1,486)  

0   

(1,486)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return before finance costs and taxation

 

(563)  

6,864  

6,301 

(599)  

63,664 

63,065 

(1,082)  

(12,357)  

(13,439)  

Finance costs

6

(1,249)  

0  

(1,249)

(1,082)  

(1,082)

(2,359)  

0   

(2,359)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return before taxation

 

(1,812)  

6,864  

5,052 

(1,681)  

63,664 

61,983 

(3,441)  

(12,357)  

(15,798)  

Taxation

7

0   

0  

0   

0   

0   

0   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return for the period

 

(1,812)  

6,864  

5,052 

(1,681)  

63,664 

61,983 

(3,441)  

(12,357)  

(15,798)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return per ordinary share (pence)

 

(0.22)p

0.83p

0.61p

(0.20)p

7.70p

7.50p

(0.42)p

(1.49)p

(1.91)p

 

 

The notes below form part of these accounts.

The total column of this statement is the profit and loss account of the Company.

All the revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.

There is no other comprehensive income.
 

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

as at 30 June 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

(Unaudited) 

(Unaudited) 

(Audited) 

 

30 June 2018 

 30 June 2017  

31 Dec 2017  

 

Notes

£'000 

£'000  

£'000  

Fixed assets

 

 

 

 

Investments at fair value through profit or loss

9

907,787 

975,816  

905,284  

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss 

 

106 

 

2,458  

 

0  

Debtors

19  

4  

 

122 

2,477  

4  

 

 

 

 

Creditors - amounts falling due within one year

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments at fair value through profit

or loss 

(10,890)

(963) 

Other creditors

(382)

(2,120) 

(582)

Bank overdraft

(136,280)

(142,134) 

(149,411)

 

(147,552)

(145,217) 

(149,993)

 

 

 

 

Net current liabilities

 

(147,440)

(142,740) 

(149,989)

Total assets less current liabilities

 

760,347 

833,076  

755,295 

Net assets

 

760,347 

833,076  

755,295 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital and reserves

 

 

 

 

Share capital  

13

8,270 

8,270  

8,270 

Share premium  

14

813,099 

813,099  

813,099 

Capital reserve

15

(55,273)

13,884  

(62,137)

Revenue reserve 

16

(5,749)

(2,177) 

(3,937)

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders' funds

760,347 

833,076  

755,295 

Net asset value per share - ordinary shares (pence)

 

91.94p

100.73p

91,33p

 

 

 

 

 

The notes below form part of these accounts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

 

Movement for the six months ended 30 June 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Share 

Share premium 

Capital 

Revenue 

 

 

capital 

account 

reserve 

reserve 

Total 

 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

8,270 

813,099 

(62,137)

(3,937)

755,295 

Total comprehensive income for the financial period

6,864 

(1,812)

5,052 

Balance at 30 June 2018

8,270 

813,099 

(55,273)

(5,749)

760,347 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movement for the six months ended 30 June 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Share 

Share premium 

Capital 

Revenue 

 

 

capital 

account 

reserve 

reserve 

Total 

 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

8,270

813,099

(49,780)

(496)

771,093 

Total comprehensive income for the financial period

 

0

 

0

 

63,664

 

(1,681)

 

61,983 

Balance at 30 June 2017

8,270

813,099

13,884

(2,177)

833,076 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movement for the year to 31 December 2017 (Audited)

 

 

 

 

Share

Share premium

Capital 

Revenue 

 

 

capital

account

reserve 

reserve 

Total 

 

£'000

£'000

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

8,270

813,043

(49,780)

(496)

771,093 

Total comprehensive income for the financial year

0

0

(12,357)

(3,441)

(15,798)

Balance at 31 December 2017                              

8,270

813,099

(62,137)

(3,937)

755,295 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributable reserves comprise the revenue reserve and capital reserves attributable to realised profits.

 

Share capital represents the nominal value of shares that have been issued. The share premium account includes any premiums received on issue of share capital. Any direct transaction costs associated with the issuing of shares are deducted from share premium.

 

All investments are held at fair value through profit or loss. When the Company revalues the investments still held during the period, any gains or losses arising are credited/charged to the capital reserve.
 

CASH FLOW STATEMENT

For the six months ended 30 June 2018(Unaudited)

 

 

(Unaudited)

Six months to 

30 June 2018 
£'000 

(Unaudited)

Six months to 

30 June 2017 
£'000 

(Audited)

Year to 
31 Dec 2017 
£'000 

Cash flow from operating activities
Profit/(loss) before finance costs and taxation

6,301 

63,065 

(13,439)

 

 

 

 

Adjustments for:
movement in investments held at fair value through profit or loss

(6,864)

(63,664)

12,357 

(Increase)/decrease in debtors

(2)

19 

34 

(Decrease)/increase in creditors

(200)

1,923 

240 

 

 

 

 

Net cash (used)/generated from operating activities

(765)

1,343 

(808)

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

Purchase of investments

(80,866)

(87,949)

(285,503)

Proceeds from sales of investments

99,270 

8,452 

194,658 

Cash outflows from derivative financial instruments

(7,476)

(5,432)

(15,624)

Cash inflows from derivative financial instruments

4,217 

17,174 

34,865 

 

 

 

 

Net cash generated/(used) in investing activities

15,145 

(67,755)

(71,604)

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

Finance costs

(1,249)

(1,082)

(2,359)

 

 

 

 

Net cash from financing activities

(1,249)

(1,082)

(2,359)

 

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

13,131 

(67,494)

(74,771)

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

(149,411)

(74,640)

(74,640)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

(136,280)

(142,134)

(149,411)

 

 

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. General information

The Company was incorporated in England and Wales on 26 January 2015 with registered number 09405653 as a closed-ended investment company. The Company commenced its operations on 21 April 2015. The Company intends to carry on business as an investment trust within the meaning of Chapter 4 of Part 24 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010.

 

The Company's investment objective is to achieve long-term capital growth through investing in a diversified portfolio consisting predominantly of UK companies, both quoted and unquoted. The Company will aim to deliver a return in excess of 10 per cent per annum over the longer term.

 

The Company's shares were admitted to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority with a premium listing on 21 April 2015. On the same day, trading of the ordinary shares commenced on the London Stock Exchange.

 

2. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The Company has adopted applicable UK Accounting Standards, being FRS 102 - The Financial Reporting Standard - and the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts' (issued in November 2014). The half-year accounts are prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standards 104 - Interim Financial Reporting. The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the modification to a fair value basis for certain financial instruments as specified in the accounting policies (see note 9 below for details). They have also been prepared on the assumption that approval as an investment trust will continue to be granted. The Directors consider that the Company has adequate resources to enable it to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Directors believe that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Company's financial statements.

 

The results for the half year ended 30 June 2018 constitute non-statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. These have not been audited but have been reviewed by the Company's auditors and their report can be found above. The latest published accounts which have been delivered to the Registrar of companies are for the year ended 31 December 2017; the report of the Auditor thereon was unqualified and did not contain a statement under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The comparative figures for the year ended 31 December 2017 have been extracted from those accounts.

 

The interim financial statements have been prepared using the same accounting policies as the preceding annual financial statements.

 

3. Income

 

 

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

 

Six months ended

Six months ended

Year ended

 

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

31 Dec 2017

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

Income from investments

0

188

404

UK franked dividends

40

0

0

Overseas interest

40

188

404

 

 

4. Portfolio management fee

 

 

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

 

Six months ended

Six months ended

Year ended

 

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

31 Dec 2017

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

 

 

 

Performance fee accrual: 100 per cent charged to capital

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

 

The Portfolio Manager has agreed not to receive a management fee from the Company in respect of its services provided under the Portfolio Management Services Agreement. The Portfolio Manager is entitled to receive a performance fee equal to 15 per cent of any excess returns over a cumulative 10 per cent per annum hurdle rate, subject to a high watermark.

 

 

5. Other expenses

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended
30 June 2018
£'000

 

Six months ended
30 June 2017
£'000

 

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
£'000

 

Secretarial services

 

32

28

61

Administration expenses

 

453

639

1,190

Auditor's remuneration:

 

 

 

 

- Fees payable to the Company's auditors for the audit of the Company's annual accounts

 

18

 

20

 

45

- Fees payable to the Company's auditors for audit-related assurance services: interim review

 

10

 

10

 

10

Directors' fees

 

90

90

180

 

 

603

787

1,486

 

6. Finance costs

 

 

(Unaudited)

Six months ended

30 June 2018

£'000

(Unaudited)

Six months ended

30 June 2017

£'000

(Audited)

Year ended

31 Dec 2017

£'000

 

 

 

 

Fee paid for credit facility and interest paid

1,249

1,082

2,359

 

1,249

1,082

2,359

 

7. Taxation

 

 

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

 

Six months ended

Six months ended

Year ended ended

 

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

31 Dec 2017

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

 

 

 

Taxation

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

 

8. Dividends

 

 

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

 

Six months ended

Six months ended

Year ended ended

 

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

31 Dec 2017

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

 

 

 

Final dividend

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

 

No dividends have been proposed or paid in respect of the year to 31 December 2017 or for the six months to 30 June 2018.

 

9. Investments

 

 

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

 

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

31 Dec 2017

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

Level 1

 

 

 

Quoted investments

163,589

530,273

286,018

 

 

 

 

Level 2

 

 

 

Investments at fair value through profit or loss

123,574

-

-

 

 

 

 

Level 3

 

 

 

Unquoted investments

620,624

445,543

619,266

 

907,787

975,816

905,284

 

All investments are held at the price of a recent investment for an appropriate period where there is considered to have been no change in fair value, which accounts for 40 per cent of the value. Where such a basis is no longer considered appropriate, the following factors will be considered:

 

(i)        Where a value is indicated by a material arms-length transaction by an independent third party in the shares of a company, this value will be used.

 

(ii)       In the absence of (i), and depending upon both the subsequent trading performance and investment structure of an investee company, the valuation basis will usually move to an earnings multiple basis or, if appropriate, other valuation methods may be used. The shares may be valued by applying a suitable price-earnings ratio to that company's historic, current or forecast post-tax earnings before interest and amortisation (the ratio used being based on a comparable sector but the resulting value being adjusted to reflect points of difference identified by the Investment Adviser compared to the sector including, inter alia, a lack of marketability).

 

Where an earnings multiple basis is not appropriate and overriding factors apply, discounted cash flow or net asset valuation bases may be applied. As at the period end, of the unquoted holdings 0 per cent is valued using the process explained in (i) above and the remaining 60 per cent is valued using the valuation technique described in (ii) above.

 

For financial reporting purposes, fair value measurements are categorised into a fair value hierarchy based on the degree to which the inputs to the fair value measurements are observable and the significance of the inputs to the fair value measurements in its entirety, which are described as follows:

 

Level 1 - the unadjusted quoted price in an active market for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.

 

Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable (i.e. developed using market data) for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  

 

Level 3 - inputs are unobservable (i.e. for which market data is unavailable) for the asset or liability.

 

The ordinary shares of Autolus, following the recent IPO, are not, at the period end, listed on NASDAQ but are fungible into the ADRs which are listed on NASDAQ. Given the nature of the ordinary shares, these are valued by direct reference to the quoted NASDAQ ADR price. Subsequent to the period end, the shares were converted in September 2018 to the listed shares. For portfolio composition, Autolus, as its fungible to the ADRs, has been treated as a quoted investment.

 

Unquoted investments are a significant accounting judgement which is stated at fair value by the Directors in accordance with Amendments to FRS 102: Fair value hierarchy disclosure, which are consistent with the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation ('IPEVCV') guidelines:

 

(b) Movements

 

(Unaudited)

Six months to

30 June

2018

(Audited)

Year ended

31 December

2017

 

 

 

 

Quoted 

Unquoted 

Total 

Quoted 

Unquoted 

Total 

 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book cost at beginning of year

327,631 

568,151 

895,782 

529,841 

345,529 

875,370 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Losses)/gains on investments held at beginning of year

(41,613)

51,115 

9,502 

(56,958)

22,747 

(34,211)

Valuation at beginning of year

286,018 

619,266 

905,284 

472,883 

368,276 

841,159 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movements in year:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase at cost

19,429 

61,344 

80,773 

57,321 

228,623 

285,944 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

- proceeds

(59,883)

(39,387)

(92,270)

(194,861)

(0)

(194,861)

- gains/(losses) on investment holdings sold in the year

10,607 

18,082 

28,689 

(70,670)

(70,670)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfer between unquoted and listed investments at valuation

49,467 

(49,467)

6,000 

(6,000)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movements in (losses)/gains on investment holdings held at end of year

(113,220)

105,531

(7,689)

15,345 

28,367 

43,712 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation at end of year

192,418 

715,369 

907,787 

286,018 

619,266 

905,284 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) Gains/(losses) on financial instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Unaudited) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months to 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 June 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018 

 

 

 

 

 

 

£'000 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses on investment holdings held during the period

 

 

 

 

 

(7,689)

Gains on investment holdings sold in the period

 

 

 

 

 

28,689 

Total gains on foreign currency contracts

 

 

 

 

 

(14,136)

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,864 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Debtors

 

 

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

 

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

31 Dec 2017

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

 

 

 

Accrued income and prepayments

6

19

4

 

6

19

4

 

11. Creditors

 

 

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

 

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

31 Dec 2017

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

Amounts falling due within one year:

 

 

 

Bank overdraft

136,280

142,134

149,411

Purchases for future settlement

0

1,800

144

Other creditors

382

320

438

 

136,662

144,254

149,993

 

The Company has a bank overdraft credit facility provided by the Northern Trust Company, London Branch of £150,000,000. The amount outstanding in relation to this facility at 30 June 2018 was £136 million. The bank overdraft facility was extended by 364 days to 17 January 2019. The interest payable on the credit facility is based on LIBOR +1.35 per cent margin on amounts drawn down. The assets of the Company are held as security for this facility.

 

12. Derivative financial instruments

 

 

 (Unaudited)

30 June 2018

 (Unaudited)

30 June 2017

 (Audited)

31 Dec 2017

 

 

 

 

Net 

 

 

Net 

 

 

Net 

 

Current

Current 

current 

Current

Current 

current 

Current

Current 

current 

 

assets

liabilities

liabilities 

assets

liabilities

assets 

assets

liabilities

assets 

 

£'000

£'000 

£'000 

£'000

£'000 

£'000 

£'000

£'000 

£'000 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward foreign exchange contracts

106

(10,890)

(10,784)

2,458

(963)

1,495 

0

Total derivative instruments

106

(10,890)

(10,784)

2,458

(963)

1,495 

0

 

The above derivatives are classified as Level 2 as defined in note 9.

 

13. Share capital

 

The table below details the issued share capital of the Company as at the date of the accounts:

 

 

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

 

30 June 2018

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

30 June 2017

31 Dec 2017

31 Dec 2017

 

No

 

No

 

No

 

 

of shares

£'000

of shares

£'000

of shares

£'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allotted, issued

and fully paid:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary shares

of 1p

827,000,000

8,270

827,000,000

8,270

827,000,000

8,270

 

827,000,000

8,270

827,000,000

8,270

827,000,000

8,270

 

The ordinary shares carry the right to receive dividends and have one voting right per ordinary share. There are no shares which carry specific rights with regard to the control of the Company. The shares are freely transferable. There are no restrictions or agreements between shareholders on the voting rights of any of the ordinary shares or the transfer of shares.

 

 

14. Share premium

 

 

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

 

Six months ended

Six months ended

Year ended

 

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

31 Dec 2017

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

813,099

813,043

813,043

Share issue costs written back

0

56

56

Closing balance

813,099

813,099

813,099

 

15. Capital reserve

 

 

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

 

Six months ended 

Six months ended 

Year ended 

 

30 June 2018 

30 June 2017 

31 Dec 2017 

 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

(62,137)

(49,780)

(49,780)

Gains/(losses) on investments -

 

 

 

held at fair value through profit or loss

6,684 

63,664  

(12,357)

Closing balance

(55,273)

13,884  

(62,137)

 

16. Revenue reserve

 

 

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

 

Six months ended 

Six months ended 

Year ended 

 

30 June 2018 

30 June 2017 

31 Dec 2017 

 

£'000 

£'000 

£'000 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

(3,937)

(496)

(496)

Retained (loss) for the period

(1,812)

(1,681)

(3,441)

Closing balance

(5,749)

(2,177)

(3,937)

 

17. Financial commitments

At 30 June 2018 there were no commitments in respect of unpaid calls or underwriting.

 

18. Return per ordinary share

Total return per ordinary share is based on the return on ordinary activities after taxation of £5,052,000. This calculation is based on 827,000,000 ordinary shares in issue during the six-month period to 30 June 2018. The total return per ordinary share for the year ended 31 December 2017 is based on the return on ordinary activities after taxation of £(15,798,000). This calculation is based on 827,000,000 ordinary shares in issue during the year to 31 December 2017. The total return per ordinary share for the six months period ended 30 June 2017 is based on the return on ordinary activities after taxation of £61,983,000. This calculation is based on 827,000,000 ordinary shares in issue during the six months period to 30 June 2017.

 

19. Net asset value per share

Total shareholders' funds and the NAV per share attributable to the ordinary shareholders at the period-end calculated in accordance with the Articles of Association were as follows:

 

 

(Unaudited)

Net asset value per share

30 June 2018

pence

(Unaudited)

Net assets

available

30 June 2018

£'000

(Unaudited)

Net asset value per share

30 June 2017

pence

(Unaudited)

Net assets available

30 June 2017

£'000

(Audited)

Net asset value per share

31 Dec 2017

pence

(Audited)

Net assets available

31 Dec 2017

£'000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary shares

91.94

760,347

100.73

833,076

91.33

755,295

 

The NAV per share as at 30 June 2018, 30 June 2017 and 31 December 2017 are based on 827,000,000 ordinary shares in issue.

 

20. Transactions with the Portfolio Manager and the Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM)

The Company provides additional information below concerning its relationship with the Portfolio Manager, Woodford Investment Management Ltd ('Woodford'). The amount of the accrual established as a provision for the performance fee due to Woodford is nil as set out in note 4. At 30 June 2018, no amount was payable in respect of the fee as it only crystallises at the end of a performance period, although it would accrue if over the hurdle.

Link Fund Solutions Limited, as the AIFM of the Company, has a fee payable for the period ended 30 June 2018 of £6,250. Link Company Matters Limited, which provides the Company with company secretarial services, was paid £31,604 during the six months ended 30 June 2018 (31 December 2017: £60,560 paid during the year).

Woodford has subcontracted to Northern Trust Global Services Plc the provision of the middle office function on behalf of the Company, which they recharge the Company at cost. From time to time Woodford instructs various third parties to undertake various functions on behalf of the Company which they recharge the Company at cost. During the six-month period under review, charges relating to middle office services amounted to £55,633 (31 December 2017: £133,961).

 

21. Related party transactions

The amounts paid and payable to the Portfolio Manager and the AIFM pursuant to their agreements are disclosed in note 20. There were no other identifiable related parties at the half-year end.

 

22. Post balance sheets events

1. On 17 August 2018, following a restructuring of Drayson into Fereevolt and Sensyne Health, Sensyne Health listed on the Alternative Investment Market.

2. Between 13 July and 27 July 2018, the Company disposed of 2,050,500 shares in Autolus for a combined value of US$48.2 million.

 

DIRECTORS, PORTFOLIO MANAGER AND ADVISERS 

 

Directors

Susan J Searle (Chairman)

Alan Hodson (Senior Independent Director)

Scott Brown

Carolan Dobson

Steven Harris

Dame Louise Makin

 

Registered Office

Beaufort House

51 New North Road

Exeter

EX4 4EP

United Kingdom

 

Portfolio Manager

Woodford Investment Management Ltd

9400 Garsington Road

Oxford

OX4 2HN

United Kingdom

 

Alternative Investment Fund Manager

Link Fund Solutions Limited

65 Gresham Street

London

EC2V 7NQ

United Kingdom

 

Company Secretary

Link Company Matters Limited

Beaufort House

51 New North Road

Exeter

EX4 4EP

United Kingdom

 

Broker

Winterflood Securities Limited

The Atrium Building

Cannon Bridge House

25 Dowgate Hill

London

EC4R 2GA

United Kingdom

 

Tax adviser

Duff & Phelps

The Shard, Level 14

32 London Bridge Street

London

SE1 9SG

United Kingdom
 

Administrator

Northern Trust Global Services Plc

50 Bank Street Canary Wharf

London

E14 5NT

United Kingdom

 

Depositary

Northern Trust Global Services Limited

50 Bank Street Canary Wharf

London

E14 5NT

United Kingdom

 

Authorised by the Prudential Regulatory Authority ("PRA")

And regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA")

& PRA

 

Custodian 

The Northern Trust Company

50 Bank Street Canary Wharf

London

E14 5NT

United Kingdom

 

Legal adviser

Stephenson Harwood LLP

1 Finsbury Circus

London

EC2M 7SH

United Kingdom

 

Auditor

Grant Thornton UK LLP

30 Finsbury Square

London

EC2P 2YU

United Kingdom

 

Registrar

Link Asset Services Limited

The Registry

34 Beckenham Road

Beckenham Kent

BR3 4TU

United Kingdom


Website: www.woodfordfunds.com 

Share Identifiers

ISIN: GB00BVG1CF25

LEI: 2138008X94M70VE73177

Sedol: BVG1CF2

EPIC Code: WPCT

 

 

 

 


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