TIDMHONY
RNS Number : 3226X
Honeycomb Investment Trust PLC
29 April 2019
HONEYCOMB INVESTMENT TRUST PLC
Annual Financial Report for the year ended 31 December 2018
The Directors are pleased to present the Annual Financial Report
of Honeycomb Investment Trust plc (the "Company") for the year
ended 31 December 2018, a copy of the Company's Annual Report will
shortly be available to view and download from the Company's
website, http://www.honeycombplc.com. Neither the contents of the
Company's website nor the contents of any website accessible from
hyperlinks on the Company's website (or any other website) is
incorporated into or forms part of this announcement.
The information set out below does not constitute the Company's
statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018 but is
derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for the year ended
31 December 2018 will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies in
due course. The Auditors have reported on those accounts; their
report was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any
matters to which the Auditors drew attention by way of emphasis
without qualifying their report and (iii) did not contain a
statement under Section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
The rest of the Auditors' report can be found in the Company's
Annual Report and Accounts at page 49.
Strategic Report
Investment Objective
The investment objective of Honeycomb Investment Trust plc (the
"Company") is to provide shareholders with an attractive level of
dividend income and capital growth through investing in primarily
asset secured loans ("Credit Assets") and selected equity
investments that are aligned with the Company's strategy and that
present opportunities to enhance the Company's returns from its
investments ("Equity Assets").
Financial and Operational Highlights
31 December 2018 31 December 2017
================================= ================= =================
NET ASSET VALUE
NET ASSET VALUE (CUM INCOME)
(GBP'000) (1) 400,710 304,759
NET ASSET VALUE (EX INCOME)
(GBP'000) (2) (3) 394,405 300,252
MARKET CAPITALISATION (GBP'000)
(4) 445,784 346,395
================================= ================= =================
PER SHARE METRICS
SHARE PRICE (AT CLOSE) (5) 1,130.0p 1,157.5p
NAV PER SHARE (CUM INCOME)
(1) 1015.7p 1,018.4p
NAV PER SHARE (EX INCOME) (2) 999.8p 1,003.3p
SHARES IN ISSUE 39,449,919 29,926,110
================================= ================= =================
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS AND
KEY RATIOS
PREMIUM / (DISCOUNT) (3) (6) 11.3% 13.7%
ANNUAL NAV PER SHARE RETURN
(3) (7) 8.4% 9.1%
ITD TOTAL NAV PER SHARE RETURN
(3) (8) (9) 25.1% 17.2%
DEBT TO EQUITY (10) 47.7% 18.9%
REVENUE RETURN (11) 7.8% 7.7%
DIVID RETURN (12) 8.0% 8.4%
ONGOING CHARGES (13) 1.6% 1.4%
================================= ================= =================
(1) NET ASSET VALUE (CUM INCOME): will include all income not
yet moved to reserves (both revenue and capital income), less the
value of (i) any dividends paid in respect of that income and (ii)
any dividends in respect of that income which have been declared
and marked ex dividend but not yet paid. (NAV per share is
calculated by dividing the calculated figure by the total number of
shares.)
(2) NET ASSET VALUE (EX INCOME): will be the NAV (Cum Income)
excluding net income (both revenue and capital income) that is yet
to be transferred to reserves as described below. For this purpose
net income will comprise all income not yet moved to reserves (both
revenue and capital income), less the value of (i) any dividends
paid in respect of that income and (ii) any dividends in respect of
that income which have been declared and marked ex dividend but not
yet paid. Any income in respect of a financial year, which is
intended to remain undistributed will be moved to reserves on the
first business day of the immediately following year, meaning that
each figure for NAV (Ex-Income) reported during a financial year
will equate to the NAV (Cum Income) less undistributed income which
has not been moved to reserves. (NAV per share is calculated by
dividing the calculated figure by the total number of shares.)
(3) ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES: Alternative Performance
Measures ("APMs") are used to improve the comparability of
information between reporting periods, either by adjusting for
uncontrollable or one-off factors which impact upon IFRS measures
or, by aggregating measures, to aid the user understand the
activity taking place. The Strategic Report includes both statutory
and adjusted measures, the latter of which, reflects the underlying
performance of the business and provides a more meaningful
comparison of how the business is managed. APMs are not considered
to be a substitute for IFRS measures but provide additional insight
on the performance of the business. Reconciliations to amounts
appearing in the financial statements can be found in section
5.
((4) MARKET CAPITALISATION: the closing mid-market share price
multiplied by the number of shares outstanding at month end.
(5) SHARE PRICE (AT CLOSE): closing mid-market share price at
month end (excluding dividends reinvested).
(6) PREMIUM / (DISCOUNT): the amount by which the price per
share of an investment trust is either higher (at a premium) or
lower (at a discount) than the net asset value per share (cum
income), expressed as a percentage of the net asset value per
share.
(7) ANNUAL NAV PER SHARE RETURN: is calculated as Net Asset
Value (Cum Income) at the end of the year, plus dividends declared
during the year, divided by NAV (Cum Income) calculated on a per
share basis at the start of the year.
((8) ITD: inception to date - excludes issue costs.
(9) TOTAL NAV PER SHARE RETURN: is calculated as Net Asset Value
(Cum Income) at the end of the year, plus dividends declared during
the year, divided by NAV (Cum Income) calculated on a per share
basis at the start of the year. There was a 1.06 per cent uplift on
the inception to date total NAV per share return due to the effect
of shares being issued at a premium during May-17 capital raise and
0.73 per cent in relation to the April-18 capital raise.
((10) DEBT TO EQUITY: is calculated as the Company's interest
bearing debt divided by the aggregate of called up share capital,
share premium and special distributable reserve, expressed as a
percentage.
((11) REVENUE RETURN: based on revenue account net income
divided by average Net Asset Value during the year.
((12) DIVID RETURN: is calculated as the total declared
dividends for the year divided by average Net Asset Value during
the year.
(1(3) ONGOING CHARGES RATIO: The Annualised Ongoing Charge is
calculated using the Association of Investment Companies
recommended methodology. It is calculated as a percentage of
annualised ongoing charge over average reported Net Asset Value.
Ongoing charges are those expenses of a type which are likely to
recur in the foreseeable future, whether charged to capital or
revenue, and which relate to the operation of the investment
company as a collective fund, excluding the costs of
acquisition/disposal of investments, financing charges and
gains/losses arising on investments. Ongoing charges are based on
costs incurred in the year as being the best estimate of future
costs. The AIC excludes performance fees from the Ongoing Charges
calculation.
Investment Characteristics
The Company is an investment trust focusing on lending
The Company believes that asset secured lending has the
potential to provide attractive returns for investors on a
risk-adjusted basis. The Company accesses commercial and consumer
borrowers who are underserved by traditional banking channels
primarily by financing loans generated by its own network of
non-bank lenders. The UK specialty lending market opportunity is
sizeable, at GBP330 billion(1) of outstanding principal
balance.
Managed by Pollen Street Capital, an experienced investor in
lending businesses
Pollen Street Capital Limited (the "Investment Manager") serves
as the Company's investment manager. The Pollen Street team has
focussed on the financial services sector since 2008.
Long-term opportunity to deliver attractive returns from
specialty finance strategy
Mainstream lenders have elected to focus on large markets where
they can achieve scale with generic processes. This provides
opportunity in sectors which are not well suited to such generic
processes.
Direct lending through trusted origination partners
The Company's strategy provides access to sectors and lending
with the most attractive return characteristics. The Company
partners with non-bank lenders who have an ability to integrate
technologies and respond quickly to new customer demands. The
Company invests in high growth partners to enhance returns for
shareholders. These investments are aligned with the Company's
strategy to generate attractive lending returns.
ASSET-SECURED LING PROVIDES A MORE RESILIENT RETURN PROFILE
The Company's investment approach focuses on delivering
attractive risk-adjusted returns, as well as robust downside
protection. The average size of the underlying loans is small,
which provides higher predictability in cashflows and lower
event-driven risk. The majority of loans are amortising and
floating rate so there is minimal interest rate and refinancing
risk.
8.0% per ordinary share per annum target dividend, payable
quarterly
Once the Company has incurred borrowings in line with its
borrowing policy, the Company targets the payment of dividends
which equate to a yield of 8.0 per cent per ordinary share per
annum on the issue price for the Company's IPO placing, payable in
quarterly instalments (the "Target Dividend") based upon the
average number of shares in issue during a given period. Investors
should note that the Target Dividend, including its declaration and
payment dates, is a target only and not a profit forecast.
(1() (Bank of England, E&Y, Financing & Leasing
Association and PSC Internal estimates)
How the Business Works
The Investment Manager, on behalf of the Company, actively
identifies sub-segments of the large consumer, property and SME
lending market that it believes delivers attractive net returns. It
then targets channels, origination partners and loan portfolio
vendors through which it can access Credit Assets while
diversifying the Company's investment opportunities.
Each lending opportunity is underwritten by the Investment
Manager or Honeycomb Finance Limited (the "Origination Partner") to
assess whether the risk of the borrower is acceptable. There are
various processes undertaken to underwrite each opportunity to
ensure a consistent approach to risk-based pricing to ensure the
weighted risk adjusted return provides an attractive level of
dividend income with an acceptable risk profile for shareholders of
the Company.
The Company, directly or via the Origination Partner, has
arrangements with a number of referral partners, including the
referenced Platforms below, through which the Company acquires
Credit Assets, either individually; as portfolios; or via
structured facilities. These facilities are secured on a granular
pool of performing loans and structured such that the Origination
Platform and or borrower bears the first loss risk, and the Company
finances the senior risk.
The Directors believe that the Company has attractive access to
diverse investment opportunities across its market segments of
consumer, property and SME lending, each with different borrower
profiles and different risk return characteristics. Through
relationships with multiple referral partners and other
counterparties, the Company will reduce its dependence on any one
single source of opportunities to acquire Credit Assets and expects
to gain strong access to high quality assets.
The Company believes it is important to provide best-in-class
loan servicing to ensure that Credit Assets within the portfolio
are managed efficiently throughout their lifecycle. As such, the
Company optimises its collection strategy across the different
asset classes by appointing servicers best placed to service the
respective investment assets, as well as utilising the Investment
Manager's industry experts for high value-add activities.
The Company may invest in Equity Assets that are aligned with
its strategy and that present opportunities to enhance the
Company's returns. The Company expects, that most of its
investments in Equity Assets will take the form of minority
interests in referral partners, in alignment with the Company's
investment policy.
Chairman's Statement
I am delighted to present the Annual Report for Honeycomb
Investment Trust plc (the "Company") which covers the year ended 31
December 2018. This is the first annual report since the Company
adopted IFRS 9 "Financial Instruments" on 1 January 2018.
The Board is pleased with another successful year and the
continued progress made by the Company as it delivered growth.
Investment asset growth has been achieved while continuing to
maintain a stable target return. At the start of the year we had
raised a total of GBP305 million of gross proceeds. In April 2018
we successfully raised a further GBP100 million excluding issue
costs. These gross proceeds were deployed by the end of June 2018,
with further investment asset growth driven by the utilisation and
extension of the Company's debt facility.
Performance
The Company has performed well in the year driven by the
consistent application of our business model which has provided a
strong base of investments made in the past along with the ability
to carefully select assets with attractive risk-adjusted returns. A
detailed assessment of the progress of the Company follows in the
Investment Manager's review. At 31 December 2018, the Company's net
assets were GBP400.7 million (cumulative of income), with market
capitalisation at GBP445.8 million. NAV per share (cumulative of
income) was 1,015.7 pence, with the share price (at close) 1,130.0
pence, representing a premium of 11.3 per cent. The shares traded
at a premium to NAV for the entire year. The Company has achieved a
NAV per share return of 25.1 per cent since inception.
Dividend
The dividend has remained at 20.00 pence per share for each
quarter in the year to provide the targeted 8.0 per cent annualised
dividend.
Gearing
The Company has GBP189.0 million drawn debt at 31 December with
the existing facility extended to a committed facility of GBP200
million and the term extended in the first half of 2018.
Outlook
The Company has continued to deploy capital swiftly and
effectively without compromising returns. We believe that the
retrenchment of mainstream lenders from specialist markets
continues to present a structural, not cyclical opportunity, to
engage with customers in markets which are underserved by
traditional lenders and platforms.
We further believe that through our differentiated approach and
by targeting verticals that require specialist understanding, more
detailed underwriting, or which pre-select higher quality
borrowers, attractive risk-adjusted returns can be delivered with
low volatility throughout the cycle.
We have a clear strategy to protect, improve and extend this
successful model, and continue to closely monitor the political and
economic uncertainty created by Brexit. While UK economic
performance remained resilient in the last year its economic growth
remained behind its long-term average in 2018, and this current
period of uncertainty is likely to continue, reflecting both
ongoing Brexit negotiations and wider global events. There remains
competition, but our approach remains unchanged and we are well
prepared for the uncertainties that Brexit may bring as we focus on
maintaining our underwriting standards and supporting our partners.
We should also be alive to the opportunities that will undoubtably
be created by the current period of economic and political
instability.
In addition to the regulatory uncertainties associated with
Brexit, there has been growing regulatory focus on consumer
borrowing. The Company continues to take a prudent approach to
managing its business and its regulatory responsibilities and the
continued focus on good customer outcomes, income verification,
affordability and forbearance, are all subjects which are at the
heart of our business. Developments in these areas have the
potential to require changes to the way the industry transacts
business, but we welcome oversight which encourages good customer
outcomes.
We see the new Corporate Governance Code as an opportunity to
further enhance our existing stakeholder engagement, ensuring that
the business as a whole can continue to develop constructive and
considerate relationships with all those with whom we work. We will
include details of this in the Annual Report and Financial
Statements 2019.
On 1 January 2018 the Company implemented and transitioned to
IFRS 9 "Financial Instruments" with a GBP2.3 million impact on
reserves, equating to 0.57 per cent of year-end NAV. The Company's
financial reporting under this new accounting standard is described
in more detail in Note 1 and 11 to the financial statements.
We have had another excellent year and the Board remains
confident of the long-term prospects for the Company. The
Investment Manager continues to exercise strong discipline in
assessing risk adjusted returns and is well positioned to manage a
range of different market conditions, and to make the most of any
opportunities which may arise. We will continue to monitor closely
the uncertainty over Brexit combined with rising consumer debt
levels and the potential fiscal and monetary policy levers the Bank
of England will pull in the event of an economic downturn.
In February 2019, the Nominations Committee agreed to introduce
a policy of Director rotation to enable a managed succession for
the Company's Directors over time. All current Directors have
served a first term of 3 years. Ravi Takhar has kindly consented to
stand down from the Board at the 2019 AGM to facilitate the
introduction of this new policy. A new Director will be appointed
after the AGM. I would like to record, on behalf of the Board and
the business, our sincere thanks to Ravi for his significant
contribution to the growth and success of the business since
December 2015 and wish him well for the future.
Robert Sharpe
Chairman
29 April 2019
Investment Manager's Report
The Company is a UK listed company dedicated to providing
investors with access to UK lending opportunities which the
Investment Manager believes have potential to provide attractive
and consistent risk-adjusted returns throughout the cycle.
The Investment Manager is a member of the Pollen Street Capital
Group ("PSC") which has significant experience in specialist
lending, providing the Company with both deep insight to high
quality underwriting and access to the Investment Manager's
established eco-system, enabling broad market access, high-quality
origination flow and portfolio acquisition opportunities.
Attractive and consistent risk-adjusted returns are delivered
through the Investment Manager's focus on high-quality underwriting
of borrowers in markets that are underserved by mainstream finance
providers. The Company accesses credit investment opportunities
through specialist Origination Platforms, direct origination, and
via the acquisition by the Company of interests in portfolios of
Credit Assets from third parties.
Equity Raise
At the start of the year we had raised a total of GBP305 million
of gross proceeds. In April 2018 the Company raised further gross
proceeds of GBP100.0 million. This was in conjunction with the
Company increasing the size of its debt facility to GBP200.0
million.
The Company continued to focus on building a strong portfolio of
assets in line with our investment mandate and at the end of 2018,
had built a total portfolio of gross investment assets of GBP609(1)
million, with a strong pipeline of further opportunities to provide
an attractive mix of assets combining both strong yields with low
bad debt rates.
(1) Investment asset made up of GBP599 million of loans at
amortised cost (Note 11 to the financial statements) and GBP10
million of investments at fair value (Note 12 to the financial
statements).
IFRS 9
On 1 January 2018 the Company transitioned to IFRS 9 and fully
implemented a comprehensive program that focused on the key areas
of impact, including financial reporting, data, systems and
processes. As part of the implementation the Company has reviewed
the classification and measurement of financial instruments under
the requirements of IFRS 9, developed and validated a set of IFRS 9
models for calculating expected credit losses ("ECL") on the
Company's loan portfolios and implemented appropriate internal
governance processes.
As well as developing new models, new definitions to estimate
the IFRS 9 provision for each of our portfolios have also been
created. The significant increase in credit risk and default
definitions have been set based on our processes used to measure
and monitor credit risk. Our models take into account both the
composition of the loan book and the macroeconomic outlook at a
given point in time.
Under IFRS 9, impairment losses are recognised in the Company's
financial statements on a forward-looking basis, taking into
account both the risk profile of the loan book and the
macroeconomic outlook at the balance sheet date. This results in
earlier recognition of impairment in the Company's financial
statements, and consequently a higher balance of impairment on the
balance sheet, compared to the incurred loss approach under IAS
39.
The new classification and measurement, and impairment
requirements have been recognised in retained earnings and reserves
as at 1 January 2018, the date of initial application. The key
initial impact on adoption was a GBP2.3 million increase in credit
losses driven by the introduction of stage 1 expected credit
losses, of which GBP1.7 million related to Consumer lending.
The earlier recognition of expected credit losses under IFRS 9
has resulted in the Company's Statement of Comprehensive Income,
principally as loans move between "stages" due to changes in their
credit profile or to reflect changes in the macroeconomic outlook.
Overall, while IFRS 9 changes the timing of impairment recognition,
it is not in itself result in changes to the cash flows or cash
losses of the financial assets.
The Company has elected to utilise the exemption allowing it not
to restate comparative information for prior periods with respect
to financial information. As prior periods have not been restated,
changes in impairment of financial assets in the comparative
periods remain in accordance with IAS 39 and are therefore not
necessarily comparable to ECL recorded for the current period. IFRS
9 has had an initial 0.65 per cent impact on NAV since inception in
December 2015. Credit impaired loans (Stage 3) as a proportion of
total loans and advances to customers has reduced to 2.72 per cent
(1 January 2018: 2.77 per cent) driven by a mix of increased
structured lending and the continued performance of pre-existing
credit assets. Stage 3 ECL allowance as a percentage of Stage 3
drawn balances has reduced to 59.9 per cent (1 January 2018: 71.6
per cent) driven by the nature of security we have on new assets.
Although the Company has seen stage 3 ECL reduce it has incurred an
expected overall credit loss charge of GBP7.5 million.
As part of the annual review of the forward-looking economic
expectations the Company introduced revised models that reflect
greater economic uncertainty and a more pessimistic view of the
near-term potential of the UK economy. Although there is an impact
on the NAV return there is no change to the expected cashflows of
the portfolio.
2018 Highlights
The Company performed well in the year with underlying
investment asset income yield and bad debt performance of 11.6 per
cent and 1.6 per cent respectively giving a risk adjusted yield of
10.0 per cent(1) providing the Company with significant coverage of
bad debts and a stable and attractive portfolio to contribute to
the target return. The Company continued to deliver asset growth
while maintaining stable returns. It has delivered strong growth in
the year with investment assets increasing from GBP366 million to
GBP609 million. The Company believes the portfolio is well
positioned with over 75 per cent of the credit assets benefiting
from either senior secured status or are well-seasoned
portfolios.
In Q1 2018, the Company upsized its debt facilities to GBP150
million as well as reducing the margin and extending the term. The
Company also acquired a seasoned portfolio of commercial mortgages
and two new structured facilities secured on consumer
portfolios.
In Q2 2018, the Company focused on deploying the GBP100.0
million total gross proceeds from the April 2018 capital raise. The
Company deployed the raise by acquiring a small seasoned portfolio
of SME loans and new structured facilities in both the SME and
consumer sectors.
In Q3 2018, the Company further extended its debt facility
allowing it to acquire a well-seasoned portfolio of small balance
mixed residential and commercial mortgages, and new structured
facilities secured on consumer and property portfolios.
In Q4 2018, the Company approached its target debt to equity
ratio of 50 to 75 per cent. With a strong pipeline of partners
requiring financing, the Company elected to further grow its
holdings of structured facilities, with two new facilities drawn
down and increases on existing facilities. In these facilities, the
Company gains exposure to the underlying credit assets, with added
protection of first loss from the relevant partner. All the
structured borrowers have performed well.
The 2018 growth in assets has been funded through the April 2018
capital raise and the increase in committed debt facilities. The
impact of leverage on NAV returns was modest in the first three
quarters of 2018 as the Company invested the proceeds of the
capital raise leading the Company to be below its target debt to
equity ratio. The equity proceeds were fully invested by the end of
Q3 2018 and all new growth in assets in Q4 2018 has been funded by
the debt facilities increasing the debt to equity ratio towards the
target. As at 31 December 2018 the debt facility was drawn to
GBP189 million or 47.7 per cent debt to equity. The debt facilities
available to the Company are GBP200 million.
Investment Assets and Debt to Equity Ratio
This strong performance is as a result of the successful
implementation of the strategy to focus on specialist markets and
loans with either downside protection or seasoning which exhibit
stable performance.
In an evolving market and regulatory environment, we remain
committed to our established business model. Our ability to build
deep and sustainable relationships has helped our partners to
continue to develop. Further referral partners have been on-boarded
which have supported this growth with the profile of risk and
return that is in line with expectations.
(1) (Investment asset income yield calculated as year to date
income lest acquisition costs over average credit assets over the
year annualised. Bad debt expense is calculated as year to date
impairments excluding IFRS 9 Stage 1 over average credit assets
over the year annualised.)
Portfolio
The current portfolio overview is as follows:
Consumer loans represent GBP294 million (48 per cent) of gross
credit assets. This segment of the Portfolio comprises
approximately 66,000 loans with an average balance of approximately
GBP2,700 (excluding structured facilities). Overall, approximately
57 per cent of the consumer loan exposure is either structured with
credit enhancement or comprises purchased, seasoned portfolios with
seasoning at point of purchase. The remaining 43 per cent of the
consumer portfolio is organically originated through origination
partners.
Property loans represent GBP237 million (39 per cent) of the
gross portfolio and consist of relatively small balance residential
and commercial mortgages, bridging loans, and second charge
residential mortgages. The portfolio benefits from conservative
loan to value ("LTV") levels with an average LTV of less than 70
per cent. The majority of the exposure is from acquired loan
portfolios which have significant seasoning and where the
underlying customers have been making repayments for some time.
This segment of the portfolio comprises approximately 9,900 loans
on an underlying look through basis with an average balance of
approximately GBP19,300 (excluding structured facilities).
SME loans represent GBP68 million (11 per cent) of the gross
portfolio with the exposure predominately in senior structured
facilities with additional originator-provided. The structure of
these facilities provides significant protection should the credit
performance of the underlying assets deteriorate.
The remaining 2 per cent of the portfolio is made up by equity
positions.
Financial performance
The financial performance of the Company has remained strong.
Investment income during 2018 was GBP50.9 million (2017: GBP31.8
million), an increase of 60 per cent, which has been driven by
balances of net investment assets increasing to GBP586.5 million at
the year-end (2017: GBP356.8 million). Earnings for the year were
GBP28.2 million (2017: GBP21.0 million), an increase of 34 per cent
which is reflective of low levels of impairments and leverage of
the fixed cost base. This translated into basic earnings per share
of 77.3 pence (2017: 81.2 pence), and NAV return of 8.43 per cent
for the year, which benefited by 0.73 per cent from the issuance of
shares at a premium in April 2018 (2017: 9.11 per cent - which
benefited by 1.03 per cent from the issuance of shares at a premium
in May 2017). This reflects the high levels of deployment and of
the underlying assets having performed in line with
expectations.
Quarterly NAV return
In our initial guidance issued at the time of the Company's
initial public offering, we stated that we were targeting a
dividend yield of at least 8.0 per cent (based on issue price).
Dividend Per Share and Annualised Fully Diluted Yield (LHS
dividend per share (pence) RHS dividend yield)
After initial listing costs, the Company had a NAV of 982 pence
per share at the time of listing, with the NAV per share
(cumulative of income) growing to 1,015.7 pence per ordinary share
(2017: 1,018.4 pence per ordinary share) at 31 December 2018,
which, including dividends declared or paid, is equivalent to a NAV
return of 25.1 per cent since inception. Additionally, the share
price of the Company at 31 December 2018 was 1,130 pence per share,
representing a 11.3 per cent premium to NAV (cumulative of income).
We are pleased that the Company is trading ahead of its net asset
position, which we believe reflects the strong underlying
performance we have seen so far this year. Performance and dividend
history can be seen in the table below.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec YTD ITD(1)
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NAV per
share
Return(2) 2016 0.04% 0.13% 0.19% 0.92% 0.60% 0.79% 0.68% 0.70% 0.88% 0.89% 0.92% 0.94% 7.85% 7.83%
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NAV per
share
Return(2) 2017 0.69% 0.69% 0.78% 0.62% 1.80%(3) 0.55% 0.65% 0.62% 0.63% 0.61% 0.61% 0.79% 9.11% 17.24%
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NAV per
share
Return(2) 2018 0.66% 0.59% 0.72% 1.36%(4) 0.56% 0.60% 0.63% 0.67% 0.67% 0.67% 0.65% 0.60% 8.43 25.12(5)
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Share
Price
Performance
(6) 2016 1.50% - - - - - - - - - - 0.54% 2.05% 2.05%
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Share
Price
Performance
(6) 2017 3.92% 3.72% 0.45% 1.81% (0.89%) 4.93% 2.78% 0.42% (1.24%) (0.84%) (0.63%) (1.49%) 13.42% 15.75%
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Share
Price
Performance
(6) 2018 (1.94%) - - (1.76%) - - 0.90% - 0.89% (0.44%) - - (2.38%) 13.00%
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Dividend
Per
Share
(Pence)
(7) 2016 - - - - 2.11 - - - 19.66 - 23.13 - 44.90 44.90
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Dividend
Per
Share
(Pence)
(7) 2017 - - 23.50 - 24.50(8) - - - 20.00 - - 20.00 88.00 132.90
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Dividend
Per
Share
(Pence)
(7) 2018 - - 20.00 20.00 - - - - 20.00 - - 20.00 80.00 212.90
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(1) ITD: inception to date - excludes IPO Issue Costs
(2) NAV per share return is an alternative performance measure, please see above.
(3) NAV per share return excluding effect of capital raise and
issuance at a premium would have been 0.77%
(4) NAV per share return excluding effect of capital raise and
issuance at a premium would have been 0.63%
(5) Inception to date NAV return affected by IFRS 9 initial
recognition on 2018 bought forward retained earnings
(6) Based on IPO issue price of 1000p
(7) Recognised in the month when marked ex-dividend date
(8) Based upon the number of shares at the ex-dividend date
Outlook
To date, we have seen minimal direct impact from the UK
referendum vote to leave the European Union. However, looking
ahead, we continue to position ourselves to address the economic
challenges and opportunities that may arise as the long-term
effects of Brexit become clearer. We believe that relatively short
average remaining term and high proportion of the portfolio that
benefits from structural protection or seasoning will provide
downside protection and protect the Company from economic shock. We
believe that the Company's business model, combined with our
approach to risk, sets it in good stead to find suitable pockets of
risk adjusted return. We believe that our ability to invest in
structured facilities, combined with our focus on underserved
specialist markets, will allow us to continue to deploy the
Company's funds and deliver strong returns. We continue to view the
future with confidence.
Top Ten Holdings
Country Asset Sector Value of Percentage
Type holding of assets
at year-end (1)
(GBPm)
=== ================== ========= =========== ============ ============= ===========
United
1 Creditfix Limited Kingdom Structured Consumer 41.1 7.00%
=== ================== ========= =========== ============ ============= ===========
D&B Finance United
2 Limited Kingdom Structured Real Estate 27.5 4.69%
=== ================== ========= =========== ============ ============= ===========
Madison CF United
3 UK Limited Kingdom Structured Consumer 23.0 3.91%
=== ================== ========= =========== ============ ============= ===========
Sancus Loans United
4 Limited Kingdom Structured Real Estate 22.9 3.91%
=== ================== ========= =========== ============ ============= ===========
United
5 IWOCA Limited Kingdom Structured SME 19.7 3.25%
=== ================== ========= =========== ============ ============= ===========
1st Stop Group United
6 Limited(2) Kingdom Structured Consumer 14.9 2.54%
=== ================== ========= =========== ============ ============= ===========
Capital Step United
7 Funding Limited Kingdom Structured SME 10.5 1.78%
=== ================== ========= =========== ============ ============= ===========
GDFC Group United
8 Limited(3) Kingdom Structured Consumer 10.3 1.76%
=== ================== ========= =========== ============ ============= ===========
Amigo Loans
Limited Bond United
9 Security Kingdom Bond Consumer 10.2 1.74%
=== ================== ========= =========== ============ ============= ===========
Dynamic Aerospace
and Defense United
10 Limited Kingdom Structured SME 9.9 1.69%
=== ================== ========= =========== ============ ============= ===========
(1) Percentage of total investment assets of the Company
(investment assets calculated as the carrying balance of all credit
assets and related investments).
(2) 1st Stop Group Limited is a portfolio company of funds
managed or advised by the Investment Manager.
(3) Value of holding is a combination of structured debt and
equity investment, GDFC Group Limited (formerly Hiber Limited and
The Green Deal Finance Company Limited).
As at 31 December 2018 the value of the top 10 assets totalled
GBP190.0 million (2017: GBP68.1 million) which equated to 32.3 per
cent (2017: 19.1 per cent) of net assets.
Business Review
The Strategic Report above has been prepared to help
shareholders assess how the Company works and how it has performed.
The Strategic Report has been prepared in accordance with the
requirements of Section 414A to 414D of the Companies Act 2006 (the
"Act"). The business review section of the Strategic Report
discloses the Company's risks and uncertainties as identified by
the Board, the key performance indicators used by the Board to
measure the Company's performance, the strategies used to implement
the Company's objectives, the Company's environmental, social and
ethical policy and the Company's anticipated future
developments.
Principal activity
The Company carries on business as an investment trust and its
principal activity is investing in Credit Assets and Equity Assets
(each as defined below), with a view to achieving the Company's
investment objective. Investment companies are a way for investors
to make a single investment that gives a share in a much larger
portfolio. A type of collective investment, they allow investors
opportunities to spread risk and diversify in investment
opportunities which may not otherwise be easily accessible to them.
For more information on investment companies, please see:
http://www.theaic.co.uk/guide-to-investment-companies.
IMPAIRMENT REVIEW
As prior periods have not been restated, changes in impairment
of financial assets in the comparative periods remain in accordance
with IAS 39 and are therefore not necessarily comparable to
expected credit losses ("ECL") recorded for the current period. On
initial recognition IFRS 9 led to a GBP2.3 million increase in ECL,
driven by the introduction of forward looking ECL's for the first
time. The key driver behind the increase was the consumer portfolio
which made up GBP1.7 million, while property made up GBP0.6
million.
As at 31 December 2018 the ECL balance was GBP22.8 million (1
January 2018: GBP12.1 million). The consumer portfolio makes up 56
per cent of this total split GBP12.7 million, property GBP9.9
million and SME GBP0.2 million. The key driver for the increase in
the ECL is GBP7.5 million charge in the year, with consumer
portfolios contributing GBP6.3 million, property GBP1.0 million and
SME GBP0.2 million. Assets moving to Stage 3 were the key driver
behind the charge making up 81 per cent of the GBP7.5 million
charge. The remaining increase of GBP3.2 million was driven from
the acquisition of portfolios at a discount whereby individual
assets within the portfolio were already credit impaired.
Strategic and investment policy
The Company's investment objective is to provide shareholders
with an attractive level of dividend income and capital growth
through investing in loans where the underlying collateral is
either consumer, commercial or property backed ("Credit Assets")
together with related investments that are aligned with the
Company's strategy and that present opportunities to enhance the
Company's returns from its investments ("Equity Assets").
Once the Company has incurred borrowings in line with its
borrowing policy, the Company will target the payment of dividends
which equate to a yield of at least 8.0 per cent per ordinary share
per annum on the issue price for the IPO placing, based upon the
average number of shares in issue for the period, payable in
quarterly instalments (the "Target Dividend"). Investors should
note that the Target Dividend, including its declaration and
payment dates, is a target only and not a profit forecast.
The Company believes that certain sub-segments of the speciality
finance market have the potential to provide attractive returns for
investors on a risk-adjusted basis, and that changes in the focus
of mainstream lenders, together with the implementation of new
models that make the best use of data, analytics and technology,
provide an opportunity to deliver attractive products to borrowers
while generating attractive returns for the Company.
The Company has entered into an origination agreement with
Honeycomb Finance Limited (the "Origination Partner") whereby the
Origination Partner has agreed to provide the Company with
opportunities to acquire Credit Assets originated or acquired by it
which meet specified underwriting criteria relating to the
underlying borrower and the corresponding terms of credit (which
may be modified from time to time at the discretion of the
Investment Manager). Similar arrangements are entered into from
time to time with additional origination partners. The Origination
Partner has also entered into agreements with several referral
partners to source such lending opportunities. The Company and the
Investment Manager will also actively seek opportunities to acquire
portfolios from third parties and make investments in loans to
specialist lenders.
Asset allocation and risk diversification
Credit Assets invested in by the Company consist of financing
loans, within a range of sub-sectors selected based on their
risk/return characteristics. These sub-categories may include, but
are not limited to, personal loans, point of sale financing, home
improvement loans and loans to small businesses.
The Company's investment in Credit Assets encompasses the
following investment models:
1. Senior Secured Loans. The Company identifies top performing
non-bank lenders that provide finance to a tightly defined target
audience. We provide senior financing with security over real
assets;
2. Secondary Portfolios. These opportunities are sourced from
established relationships and networks; and
3. Direct loan acquisitions. The Company sets criteria for loan
origination with speciality platforms. A significant component of
economic returns to the speciality platform partners are
subordinated to the credit asset returns, creating strong alignment
of interests between the Company and the partner, as well as
providing additional downside protection.
The Company may undertake such investments directly, or via
subsidiaries or special purpose vehicles ("SPVs"). It is also
possible that the Company may seek to use alternative investment
structures which achieve comparable commercial results to the
investments described above (such as, without limitation,
sub-participations in loans, credit-linked securities or fund
structures), but which offer enhanced returns for the Company or
other efficiencies (such as, without limitation, efficiencies as to
origination, funding, servicing or administration of the relevant
Credit Assets).
The Company also invests in Equity Assets. The Company shall
invest no more than 10 per cent of the aggregate net proceeds of
any issue of shares in Equity Assets, calculated, in each case, at
the time of acquisition of any relevant Equity Assets based on the
consideration payable for those Equity Assets and the aggregate
consideration paid for all previous investments in Equity Assets
which form part of the portfolio. This restriction shall not apply
to any consideration paid by the Company for the issue to it of any
Equity Assets that are convertible securities. However, it will
apply to any consideration payable by the Company at the time of
exercise of any such convertible securities or any warrants issued.
The Company may invest in Equity Assets indirectly via other
investment funds (including those managed by the Investment Manager
or its affiliates).
Investment restrictions
The Company will invest in Credit Assets originated across
various sectors and across credit risk bands to ensure
diversification and to seek to mitigate concentration risks. The
following investment limits and restrictions apply to the Company
to ensure that the diversification of the portfolio is maintained,
that concentration risk is limited and that limits are placed on
risk associated with borrowings.
The Company will not invest, in aggregate, more than 10 per cent
of the aggregate value of total assets of the Company ("Gross
Assets"), at the time of investment, in other investment funds that
invest in Credit Assets.
The Company will not invest, in aggregate, more than 50 per cent
of Gross Assets, at the time of investment, in Credit Assets
comprising investments in loans alongside or in conjunction with
Shawbrook Bank ("Shawbrook") or referred to the Origination Partner
by Shawbrook.
The following restrictions apply, in each case at the time of
the investment by the Company:
-- No single Credit Asset comprising a consumer credit asset
shall exceed 0.15 per cent of Gross Assets;
-- No single SME or corporate loan, or trade receivable, shall
exceed 5.0 per cent of Gross Assets; and
-- No single facility, security or other interest backed by a
portfolio of loans, assets or receivables (excluding any borrowing
ring-fenced within any SPV which would be without recourse to the
Company) shall exceed 20 per cent of Gross Assets. For the
avoidance of doubt, this restriction shall not prevent the Company
from directly acquiring portfolios of Credit Assets which comply
with the other investment restrictions described in this
section.
The Company will not invest in Equity Assets to the extent that
such investment would, at the time of investment, result in the
Company controlling more than 35 per cent of the issued and voting
share capital of the issuer of such Equity Assets.
Other restrictions
The Company may invest in cash, cash equivalents, money market
instruments, money market funds, bonds, commercial paper or other
debt obligations with banks or other counterparties having single-A
(or equivalent) or higher credit rating as determined by an
internationally recognised agency or systemically important bank,
or any "governmental and public securities" (as defined for the
purposes of the Financial Conduct Authority's Handbook of rules and
guidance) for cash management purposes and with a view to enhancing
returns to shareholders or mitigating credit exposure.
The Company will not invest in Collateralised Loan Obligations
("CLO") or Collateralised Debt Obligations ("CDO"). CLO's are a
form of securitisation whereby payments from multiple loans are
pooled together and passed on to different classes of owners in
various tranches. CDO's are pooled debt obligations where pooled
assets serve as collateral.
Borrowing
Borrowings may be employed at the level of the Company and/or at
the level of any investee entity (including any SPV that may be
established by the Company in connection with incurring borrowings
against any of its assets). The Company may borrow (through bank or
other facilities on an unsecured or secured basis), whether
directly or indirectly through a subsidiary or an SPV, up to a
maximum of 100 per cent of Net Asset Value in aggregate (calculated
at the time of draw down under any facility that the Company has
entered into). The maximum borrowing limit includes investments
made by the Company on a subordinated basis. The Company targets
borrowings in the range of 50 per cent to 75 per cent of Net Asset
Value.
The Company may seek to securitise all or parts of its Credit
Assets and may establish one or more SPVs in connection with any
such securitisation. To the extent that the Company establishes any
SPV in connection with incurring borrowings against any of its
assets or in connection with the securitisation of its Credit
Assets, it is likely that any such vehicles will be wholly-owned
subsidiaries of the Company. The Company may use SPVs for these
purposes to seek to protect the securitised portfolio from Company
level bankruptcy or financing risks. The Company may also, in
connection with seeking such borrowings or securitising its Credit
Assets, seek to assign or transfer existing assets to one or more
SPVs and/or seek to acquire Credit Assets using an SPV (to the
extent permitted by applicable law and regulation).
Hedging
Fluctuations in interest rates are influenced by factors outside
the Company's control and can adversely affect the Company's
results, operations and profitability in a number of ways. The
Company invests in Credit Assets which may be subject to a fixed
rate of interest, or a floating rate of interest (which may be
linked to base rates or LIBOR). The Company expects that its
borrowings will be subject to a floating rate of interest. Any
mismatches the Company has between the income generated by its
Credit Assets, on the one hand, and the liabilities in respect of
its borrowings, on the other hand, may be managed, in part, by
matching any floating rate borrowings with investments in Credit
Assets that are also subject to a floating rate of interest. The
Company may use derivative instruments, including interest rate
swaps, to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in interest
rates.
To the extent that the Company does rely on derivative
instruments to hedge interest rate risk, it will be subject to
counterparty risk. Any failure by a hedging counterparty of the
Company to discharge its obligations could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results, operations and/or and financial
condition.
Cash management
Whilst it is intended that the Company will be close to fully
invested in normal market conditions, the Company may invest
surplus capital in cash deposits, cash equivalent instruments and
fixed income 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. As at 31 December 2018 the Company held GBP5.6 million of
its assets in cash.
Business model
The management of the Company's assets and the Company's
administration has been outsourced to third-party service
providers. The Board has oversight of the key elements of the
Company's strategy, including the following:
-- The Company's level of gearing. The Company has a maximum
limit of 100 per cent of Net Asset Value in aggregate (calculated
at the time of draw down under any facility that the Company has
entered into) as detailed in the Company's prospectuses dated 18
December 2015, 25 May 2017 and 21 December 2018 (the
"Prospectus");
-- The Company's investment policy which determines the
diversity of the Company's portfolio. The Board sets limits and
restrictions with the aim of reducing risk and maximising
returns;
-- The appointment, amendment or removal of the Company's third-party service providers;
-- An effective system of oversight over the Company's risk
management and corporate governance; and
-- Premium/discount control mechanism. The Board compares the
Company's share price against its then prevailing Net Asset
Value.
In order to effectively undertake its duties, the Board may seek
expert legal advice. It can also call upon the advice of the
company secretary. In 2015 the Board appointed Slaughter and May to
provide ongoing legal services to the Company.
The Board have acted in a way that they consider, in good faith,
would be most likely to promote the success of the Company for the
benefit of its shareholders as a whole, and in doing so have regard
(amongst other matters) to:
-- The likely consequences of any decision in the long-term;
-- The impact of the Company's operations on the community and the environment;
-- The desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for
high standards of business conduct; and
-- The need to act fairly to avoid conflicts between the
interests of the Directors and those of the Company.
Future developments
The Company's anticipated future developments and outlook are
discussed in more detail in the Chairman's Statement above and the
Investment Manager's Report above.
Premium/Discount management
The Board closely monitors the premium or discount at which the
Company's ordinary shares trade in relation to the Company's
underlying Net Asset Value and takes action accordingly. During the
year under review the Company's ordinary shares traded at a premium
to its underlying Net Asset Value throughout the year. The Board is
of the view that an increase of the Company's ordinary shares in
issue provides benefits to shareholders, including a reduction in
the Company's administrative expenses on a per share basis and
increased liquidity in the Company's shares. In order to satisfy
natural demand in the market during the year the Board authorised
the issue of 9,523,809 shares.
The Board has been authorised to allot 23,149,973 ordinary
shares, such authority lasting until the conclusion of the 2019
Annual General Meeting ("AGM") of the Company (or, if earlier,
until close of business on 31 August 2019). Of this, up to
23,144,983 ordinary shares may be allotted on a non-pre-emptive
basis, provided that the issue price is no lower than the latest
published NAV per ordinary share. To date, no ordinary shares have
been issued by the Company pursuant to this authority.
In addition, the Directors have been authorised to issue and
allot up to 25,000,000 C shares on a non-pre-emptive basis, such
authority to expire at the conclusion of the 2020 AGM of the
Company.
Shareholders' pre-emption rights over this unissued share
capital have been partially disapplied so that the Board will not
be obliged to offer any newly issued shares to shareholders pro
rata to their existing holdings. The reason for this is to retain
flexibility to issue new shares to investors. Notwithstanding this
authority, no ordinary shares will be issued (whether on a
pre-emptive basis to existing shareholders or otherwise) under this
authority at a gross price which is less than the Net Asset Value
per existing ordinary share at the time of their issue.
The Board believes that it is in the shareholders' best
interests to prevent the Company's shares trading at a discount to
Net Asset Value because shareholders will be unable to realise the
full value of their investments.
As a means of addressing the discount to Net Asset Value at
which the Company's shares may, from time to time, trade,
shareholders have authorised the Company to buy back ordinary
shares. The Directors have the authority to purchase in the market
up to 5,913,543 ordinary shares, such authority expiring at the
conclusion of the 2019 annual general meeting of the Company (or,
if earlier, until close of business on 31 August 2019). As the
Company's shares traded at a premium to Net Asset Value throughout
the year under review, no repurchases were made. At the forthcoming
AGM the Board will seek to renew the Company's powers to buy back
ordinary shares.
The full text of the proposed resolutions authorising the
Company to buy back shares or allot shares can be found in the
Notice of the Company's forthcoming AGM.
Corporate and operational structure
Corporate Structure
On 20 December 2017 the Company acquired certain interests of
Commercial First DAC Limited which gave it accounting control of
Business Mortgage Finance 3 plc ("BMF 3"), a special purpose
vehicle ("SPV") holding commercial mortgages. As a result, the
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 were
prepared on a consolidated basis.
On 15 January 2018 the Company gave notice to call the external
note holders of BMF 3 one month prior to the quarterly interest
payment date. Subsequently, on 15 February 2018, the Company
redeemed all external note holders and as a consequence purchased
the residual loan values and released the security over the loans.
The effect of this is the underlying assets have been purchased by
the Company and bought onto the Company's Statement of Financial
Position. BMF 3 will no longer be consolidated as the Company will
no longer have control of BMF 3.
Operational and portfolio management
The Company has outsourced its operations and portfolio
management to various service providers as detailed below:
-- Pollen Street Capital Limited has been appointed as the
Company's investment manager and Alternative Investment Fund
Manager ("AIFM") for the purposes of the Alternative Investment
Fund Managers Directive ("AIFMD");
-- Apex Fund Services (UK) Limited has been appointed to act as
the Company's Administrator (the "Administrator");
-- Link Company Matters Limited has been appointed to act as the
Company's Company Secretary (the "Secretary");
-- Indos Financial Limited has been appointed to act as the
Company's Depositary (the "Depositary");
-- Sparkasse Bank Malta plc has been appointed to act as the
Company's Custodian (the "Custodian");
-- Computershare Investor Services plc has been appointed as the
Company's Registrar (the "Registrar"); and
-- Liberum Capital Limited has been appointed to act as the
Company's corporate broker and financial adviser.
In addition to the above, the Company has been provided with
legal advice for the work undertaken in respect of share placings
and in respect of various of its unquoted investments.
Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive ("AIFMD")
In accordance with the AIFMD, the Company has appointed Pollen
Street Capital Limited to act as the Company's AIFM for the
purposes of the AIFMD. The AIFM ensures that the Company's assets
are valued appropriately in accordance with the relevant
regulations and guidance. The Company has appointed Indos Financial
Limited as depositary. In addition, the Company entered into an
amended Depository Agreement enabling it to delegate certain
custody functions as required by the AIFMD to Sparkasse Bank Malta
plc (the "Custodian") on 17 November 2017.
Anti-bribery and corruption policy
The Company has no employees or operations but uses the
anti-bribery and corruption policy of the Investment Manager,
ensuring compliance with all applicable anti-bribery and corruption
laws and regulations, including the UK Bribery Act 2010.
Environment, human rights, employee, social and community
issues
The Company is required by law to provide details of
environmental matters (including the impact of the Company's
business on the environment), employee, human rights, social and
community issues (including information about any policies it has
in relation to these matters and the effectiveness of those
policies). The Company does not have any employees and the Board is
composed of independent non-executive Directors. As an investment
trust, the Company does not have any direct impact on the
environment. The Company aims to minimise any detrimental effect
that its actions may have by adhering to applicable social
legislation, and as a result does not maintain specific policies in
relation to these matters.
The Company has no internal operations and therefore no
greenhouse gas emissions to report nor does it have responsibility
for any other emissions producing sources under the Companies Act
2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Reports) Regulations 2013,
including those within its underlying investment portfolio.
However, the Company believes that high standards of corporate
social responsibility such as the recycling of paper waste will
support its strategy and make good business sense.
In carrying out its investment activities and in relationships
with suppliers, the Company aims to conduct itself responsibly,
ethically and fairly.
Modern Slavery Act
The Board gives due regard to human rights considerations, as
defined under the European Convention on Human Rights and the UK
Human Rights Act 1998.
We are aware of our responsibilities and obligations under the
Modern Slavery Act and other relevant legislation relating to the
detection and prevention of modern slavery and human trafficking.
The Board is committed to implementing and enforcing effective
systems and controls that seek to ensure that modern slavery is not
taking place anywhere in its business or in its supply chains.
Further details of our compliance with the Modern Slavery Act
can be found on our website.
Board diversity
The Board places great emphasis on ensuring that its membership
reflects diversity in its broadest sense. A combination of
demographics, skills, experience, race, age, gender, educational
and professional background and other relevant personal attributes
on the Board is important in providing a range of perspectives,
insights and challenge needed to support good decision making.
New appointments are made on merit, taking account of the
specific skills and experience, independence and knowledge needed
to ensure a rounded Board and the diversity benefits each candidate
can bring to the overall Board composition.
During the year to 31 December 2018 the Board of Directors
consists of three non-executive Directors, none of whom are female.
The Board seeks to appoint new Directors on the basis of merit as a
primary consideration, with the aim of bringing an appropriate
range of skills and experience together.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The Company is exposed to a number of potential risks and
uncertainties. These risks could have a material impact on
financial performance and position and could cause actual results
to differ materially from expected and historical results.
The Company faces a number of risks in the normal course of
business and as a result the management of the risks we face is
central to everything we do. The Board has carried out a robust
assessment of its risks and controls and in doing so, has
established a robust process to identify and monitor the risks
faced by the Company. The process involves the maintenance of a
risk register, which identifies the risks facing the Company and
assesses each risk on a scale, classifying the probability of the
risk and the potential impact that an occurrence of the risk could
have on the Company. The risk register was last reviewed by the
Board on 26 April 2019. The day-to-day risk management functions of
the Company have been delegated to the Investment Manager, which
reports to the Audit and Risk Committee.
Operational Risks
Third Party Service Providers
The Company has no employees and the Directors have all been
appointed on an independent non-executive basis. Whilst the Company
has taken all reasonable steps to establish and maintain adequate
procedures, systems and controls to enable it to comply with its
obligations, the Company is reliant upon the performance of
third-party service providers for its executive function. In
particular, the Investment Manager, Depositary, Custodian,
Administrator, Registrar and servicers, amongst others, will be
performing services which are integral to the day-to-day operation
of the Company.
As part of this, the operations of the third-party service
providers are highly dependent on IT systems. Any critical system
failure, prolonged loss of service availability or material breach
of data security could cause serious damage to the third-party's
ability to provide services to the Company, which could result in
significant compensation costs or regulatory sanctions or a breach
of applicable regulations. In particular, failures or breaches
resulting in the loss or publication of confidential customer data
could cause long-term damage to reputation and could affect
regulatory approvals and competitive position which could undermine
their ability to attract and retain customers.
The termination of service provision by any service provider, or
failure by any service provider to carry out its obligations either
by fraud or error to the Company, or to carry out its obligations
to the Company in accordance with the terms of its appointment,
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations
and its ability to meet its investment objective.
Mitigation
The Company has appointed third party service providers who are
experienced in their field and have a reputation for high standards
of business conduct. Further, day-to-day oversight of third-party
service providers is exercised by the Investment Manager and
reported to the Board on a quarterly basis. As appropriate to the
function being undertaken, each of the service providers is subject
to regular performance and compliance monitoring. The performance
of the Investment Manager in its duties to the Company is subject
to ongoing review by the Board on a quarterly basis as well as
formal annual review by the Company's Management Engagement
Committee.
The appointment of each service provider is governed by
agreements which contain the ability to terminate each of these
counterparties with limited notice should they continually or
materially breach any of their obligations to the Company.
Reliance on key individuals
The Company will rely on key individuals at the Investment
Manager to identify and select investment opportunities and to
manage the day-to-day affairs of the Company. There can be no
assurance as to the continued service of these key individuals at
the Investment Manager. The departure of key individuals from the
Investment Manager without adequate replacement may have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business prospects and results of
operations. Accordingly, the ability of the Company to achieve its
investment objective depends heavily on the experience of the
Investment Manager's team, and more generally on the ability of the
Investment Manager to attract and retain suitable staff.
Mitigation
The interests of the Investment Manager are closely aligned with
the performance of the Company through the management and
performance fee structures in place and direct investment by
certain key individuals of the Investment Manager. Furthermore,
investment decisions are made by a team of professionals,
mitigating the impact loss of any single key professional within
the Investment Manager's organisation. The performance of the
Investment Manager in its duties to the Company is subject to
ongoing review by the Board on a quarterly basis as well as formal
annual review by the Company's Management Engagement Committee.
Fluctuations in the market price of the Company's shares
The market price of the Company's shares may fluctuate widely in
response to different factors and there can be no assurance that
the Company's shares will be repurchased by the Company even if
they trade materially below their Net Asset Value. Similarly, the
shares may trade at a premium to Net Asset Value whereby the shares
can trade on the open market at a price that is higher than the
value of the underlying assets. There can be no assurance, express
or implied, that shareholders will receive back the amount of their
investment in the Company's shares.
Mitigation
The Investment Manager and the Board closely monitor the level
of discount or premium at which the Company's shares trade on the
open market. The Company may purchase the shares in the market with
the intention of enhancing the Net Asset Value per ordinary share.
However, there can be no assurance that any repurchases will take
place or that any repurchases will have the effect of narrowing any
discount to Net Asset Value at which the ordinary shares may trade.
When the Company's shares trade at a premium the Company may issue
shares to reduce the premium at which shares trade. As at 31
December 2018 the Company's shares were trading at a premium to Net
Asset Value.
Investments
Achievement of the Investment Objective
There can be no assurance that the Investment Manager will
continue to be successful in implementing the Company's investment
objective.
Mitigation
The Company's investment decisions are delegated to the
Investment Manager. Performance of the Company against its
investment objectives is closely monitored on an ongoing basis by
the Investment Manager and the Board and is reviewed in detail at
each Board meeting. The Board has set investment restrictions and
guidelines which the Investment Manager monitors and reports on
quarterly to the Board. In the event it is required, any action
required to mitigate underperformance is taken as deemed
appropriate by the Investment Manager.
Borrowing
The Company may use borrowings in connection with its investment
activities including, where the Investment Manager believes that it
is in the interests of shareholders to do so, for the purposes of
seeking to enhance investment returns. Such borrowings may subject
the Company to interest rate risk and additional losses if the
value of its investments fall. Whilst the use of borrowings should
enhance the Net Asset Value of the Company's issued shares when the
value of the Company's underlying assets is rising, it will have
the opposite effect where the underlying asset value is falling. In
addition, in the event that the Company's income falls for whatever
reason, the use of borrowings will increase the impact of such a
fall on the Company's return and accordingly will have an adverse
effect on the Company's ability to pay dividends to
shareholders.
Mitigation
The Investment Manager and the Board closely monitors the level
of gearing of the Company. The Company has a maximum limitation on
borrowings of 100 per cent of Net Asset Value (calculated at the
time of draw down) which the Investment Manager may affect at its
discretion. As at the date of this report, the Company had a target
leverage ratio of 50 to 75 per cent of Net Asset Value and had
GBP189 million drawn representing 47.7 per cent of Net Asset
Value.
Exposure to Credit Risk
As a lender to small businesses and individuals, the Company is
exposed to credit losses if customers or counterparties are unable
to repay loans and outstanding interest and fees or through fraud.
The Company is expected to invest a significant proportion of its
assets in Credit Assets which, by their nature, are exposed to
credit risk and may be impacted by adverse economic and market
conditions, including through higher impairment charges, increased
capital losses and reduced opportunities for the Company to invest
in Credit Assets. Additionally, competition could serve to reduce
yields and lower the volume of loans generated by the Company. The
Origination Partner has not guaranteed to provide a minimum number
of Credit Assets.
Mitigation
The Company will invest in a granular portfolio of assets,
diversified by the number of borrowers, the type, and the credit
risk (ranked A-E) of each borrower. Each loan is subject to,
amongst other restrictions, a maximum single loan exposure limit.
Additionally, the Company has made assumptions around loss and
arrears rates within the portfolio in its financial projections.
Further, the Investment Manager has established stringent
underwriting criteria which includes credit referencing, income
verification and affordability testing, identity verification and
various forward-looking indicators of a borrower's likely financial
strength. The Company also provides structured lending facilities
to Corporate entities which can be larger value loans. Please see
Note 14 to the financial statements for more details on Credit
Risk.
Origination rates and performance of the underlying assets of
the Company are closely monitored on an ongoing basis by the
Investment Manager and the Board and are reviewed in detail at each
Board meeting. The Company has entered agreements with a number of
referral partners to provide a diversified range of sources from
which to select attractive assets. The Company looks to add
additional referral partners on an ongoing basis in order to
further diversify its origination sources. For structured lending
facilities the Company undertakes a robust process. Facilities are
secured and typically structured with minimum asset coverage ratios
and covenants to provide early warning of credit deterioration and
adequate asset cover in the event of stress. The Company operates
within the Investment policy guidelines and lends on a secured
basis against identifiable and accessible assets.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company intends to invest in Credit Assets which may be
subject to a fixed rate of interest, or a floating rate of interest
(which may be linked to base rates or LIBOR) and expects that its
borrowings will be subject to a floating rate of interest. Any
mismatches the Company has between the income generated by its
Credit Assets, on the one hand, and the liabilities in respect of
its borrowings, on the other hand, may subject the Company to
interest rate risk.
Mitigation
Interest rate risk exposures may be managed, in part, by
matching any floating rate borrowings with investments in Credit
Assets that are also subject to a floating rate of interest. The
Company may use derivative instruments, including interest rate
swaps, to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates,
however some unmatched risk may remain.
Following the recommendations of the Financial Stability Board,
a fundamental review and reform of the major interest rates
benchmarks, including Interbank offered rate ("Ibors"), are
underway across the world's largest financial markets. In some
cases, the reform will include replacing interest rate benchmarks
with alternative risk-free rates ('RFRs'). This replacement process
is at different stages, and is progressing at different speeds,
across several major currencies. There is therefore uncertainty as
to the basis, method and timing of transition and their
implications on the participants in the financial markets. Until
there is market acceptance on the form of alternative RFRs for
different products, the legal mechanisms to effect transition
cannot be confirmed, and the impact cannot be determined nor any
associated costs accounted for. Going forward the Company needs to
assess the potential effects of these 'Libor replacement' and has
the intention of minimising disruption through appropriate
mitigating actions.
Liquidity of Investments
The Company may invest in Equity Assets that are aligned with
the Company's strategy and that present opportunities to enhance
the Company's return on its investments. Such Equity Assets are
likely to be predominantly in the form of unquoted equity
securities. Investments in unquoted equity securities, by their
nature, involve a higher degree of valuation and performance
uncertainties and liquidity risks than investments in listed
securities and therefore may be more difficult to realise.
Mitigation
The Company has established investment restrictions on the
extent to which it can invest in Equity Assets, such that no more
than 10 per cent of the net proceeds of any placing are invested in
Equity Assets. Compliance with these restrictions is monitored by
the Investment Manager on an ongoing basis and by the Board
quarterly.
Regulations
The Company is subject to extensive laws, regulations, corporate
governance practice and disclosure requirements, administrative
actions and policies in each jurisdiction in which it operates.
Many of these have been introduced or amended recently and are
subject to further material changes, which may increase compliance
and conduct risks. The Company expects government and regulatory
intervention in the financial services industry to remain high for
the foreseeable future.
Tax
Any changes in the Company's tax status or in taxation
legislation could affect the value of investments held by the
Company, affect the Company's ability to provide returns to
shareholders and affect the tax treatment for shareholders of their
investments in the Company.
Mitigation
The Company intends at all times to conduct its affairs so as to
enable it to qualify as an investment trust for the purposes of
Section 1158 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. Both the Board and
the Investment Manager are aware of the requirements which are to
be fulfilled in any accounting period for the Company to maintain
its investment trust status. The conditions required to satisfy the
investment trust criteria are monitored by the Administrator and
performance of the same shall be reported to the Board on a
quarterly basis.
Breach of applicable legislative obligations
The Company and its third-party service providers are subject to
various legislative and regulatory regimes, including, but not
limited to, the Consumer Credit Act General Data Protection
Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. Any breach of
applicable legislative and/or regulatory obligations could have a
negative impact on the Company and impact returns to
shareholders.
Mitigation
The Company engages only with third party service providers
which hold the appropriate regulatory approvals for the function
they are to perform and can demonstrate that they can adhere to the
regulatory standards required of them. Each appointment is governed
by agreements which contain the ability for the Company to
terminate the arrangements with each of these counterparties with
limited notice should such counterparty continually or materially
breach any of their legislative obligations, or their obligations
to the Company more broadly. Additionally, each of the
counterparties is subject to regular performance and compliance
monitoring by the Investment Manager, as appropriate to their
function, to ensure that they are acting in accordance with
applicable regulations and are aware of any upcoming regulatory
changes which may affect the Company. Performance of third-party
service providers is reported to the Board on a quarterly basis,
whilst the performance of the Investment Manager in its duties to
the Company is subject to ongoing review by the Board on a
quarterly basis as well as formal annual review by the Company's
Management Engagement Committee.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The Board monitors success in implementing the Company's
strategy against a range of key performance indicators (KPIs),
which are viewed as significant measures of success over the longer
term. Although performance relative to the KPIs is also monitored
over shorter periods, it is success over the long-term that is
viewed as more important, given the inherent volatility of
short-term investment returns. The principal KPIs are set out
below:
-- The movement in Net Asset Value per ordinary share;
-- Dividend per share and dividends as a proportion of average equity;
-- The premium/discount (after deducting borrowings at fair value);
-- The movement in the share price;
-- Ongoing charges ratio; and
-- Revenue return.
Approval
The Strategic Report was approved by the Board of Directors on
29 April 2019 and signed on its behalf by:
Robert Sharpe
Chairman
Directors' Report
Board of Directors
Robert Sharpe (1)
Chairman of the Board, Remuneration and Nomination and the
Management Engagement Committees and a member of the Audit
Committee.
Robert has over 35 years' experience in retail banking. He is
currently chairman at Hampshire Trust Bank plc and Bank of Ireland
UK plc. He has had an extensive number of appointments both in the
UK and the Middle East including Chairman at Al Rayan Bank plc,
Non-Executive Director ("NED") at Aldermore Bank plc, George Wimpy
plc, Barclays Bank UK Retirement Fund, Vaultex Limited, LSL
Properties plc and several independent NED roles at banks in the
UAE, Oman and Turkey. Robert was previously Chief Executive Officer
at West Bromwich Building Society, a role he took to chart and
implement its rescue plan. Prior to this, he was Chief Executive
Officer at Portman Building Society and Bank of Ireland in the
UK.
Jim Coyle (1)
Chairman of the Audit Committee, and member of the Remuneration
and Nomination and Management Engagement Committees.
Jim is a non-executive Director, chair of the Audit committee
and member of the Risk committee at HSBC UK Bank plc, chairman of
HSBC Trust Company (UK) Ltd and Marks & Spencer Unit Trust
Management Limited. He is also a non-executive Director and
Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee at Scottish Water,
non-executive Director, Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee at
Worldfirst and non-executive Director at Marks & Spencer Bank
plc and HSBC Private Bank (UK) Limited and an independent
non-executive member of Deloitte UK Oversight Board. He was
previously a non-executive Director at the Scottish Building
Society, non-executive director and Chairman of the Audit Committee
of Vocalink plc, and Group Financial Controller at Lloyds Banking
Group, having earlier held a role as Divisional Finance Director,
Group Operations. Prior to this, Jim was Group Chief Accountant for
the Bank of Scotland, having joined the bank in 1991. He qualified
as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG before spending 10 years in the
oil industry, holding senior positions with BP. Jim is a Fellow of
the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland, a former member of
the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
and the Financial Reporting Council Committees.
Ravi Takhar (1)
Member of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination and Management
Engagement Committees.
Ravi has more than 20 years' experience in the financial
services sector as a lawyer, investment banker and entrepreneur. He
is currently Chief Executive Officer of London-listed Orchard
Funding Group, which he founded in 2002; the business specialises
in insurance premium finance and the professional fee funding
market. Ravi's previous roles were as Head of Financial Services
Investment at Nikko, Chairman of Mortgages PLC and Head of Mortgage
Principal Finance at Investec Bank.
(1) Appointed 14 December 2015
Statutory Information
The Directors of Honeycomb Investment Trust plc (Registered:
09899024) present their report and audited financial statements of
the Company for the year ended 31 December 2018. The shares are
listed on the Specialist Fund Segment of the London Stock
Exchange.
Board members, and directors' and officers' insurance
The names and biographical details of the Board members who
served on the Board as at the year-end can be found above.
During the year under review the Company maintained directors'
and officers' liability insurance for its Directors and officers as
permitted by section 233 of the Companies Act 2006. The Company
acquired specific Public Offering and Securities Insurance which
commenced on 24 February 2015 with a five-year run-off period.
Status of the Company
The Company is an investment company within the meaning of
section 833 of the Companies Act 2006.
The Company operates as an investment trust in accordance with
Section 1158 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 and the Investment
Trust (Approved Company) (Tax) Regulations 2011. HM Revenue &
Customs approved the Company as an investment trust upon its
listing on 23 December 2015. In the opinion of the Directors, the
Company has conducted its affairs so that it is able to maintain
its status as an investment trust.
The Company is an externally managed closed-ended investment
company with an unlimited life and has no employees (2017: no
employees).
The Company was incorporated in England and Wales on 2 December
2015 and started trading on 23 December 2015, immediately upon the
Company's listing.
Internal controls and risk management
The Board has established an ongoing process for identifying,
evaluating and managing risk on behalf of the Company. Further
details of the Company's principal risks and uncertainties can be
found in the Strategic Report on above and details of the Company's
internal controls can be found below. Details of the Company's
hedging policies are set out in the Strategic Report above.
Share capital - voting and dividend
As at 31 December 2018, the Company had 39,449,919 ordinary
shares in issue. There are no other classes of shares in issue and
no shares are held in Treasury.
On 8 June 2018, at the Company's last Annual General Meeting
("AGM"), the Board was granted authority to allot the Company's
ordinary shares or grant rights to subscribe for, or convert any
security into ordinary shares in the Company up to a maximum
nominal amount of GBP231,499.73 representing 23,149,973 ordinary
shares. The authority will expire (unless previously renewed,
varied or revoked) on the conclusion of the 2019 annual general
meeting of the Company (or, if earlier, at the close of business on
31 August 2019). During the year under review a total of 9,523,809
ordinary shares with a nominal value of GBP95,238 and a total
consideration of GBP100,000,000 were issued as detailed below:
Price paid Premium
Shares per share to net asset
issued (pence) value (%)
(1)
========= ========= ========== =============
25 April
2018 9,523,809 1,050.0 14.5%
========= ========= ========== =============
(1) Last published NAV at time of issue
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.
The Company does not have a fixed life, however, pursuant to the
articles of association, an ordinary resolution for the
continuation of the Company will be proposed at the AGM of the
Company to be held in 2021 and if passed, every five years
thereafter. Upon any resolution not being passed, proposals will be
put forward to the effect that the Company be wound up, liquidated,
reconstructed or delisted.
At the AGM held on 8 June 2018, the Directors were granted the
authority to purchase in the market up to 5,913,543 ordinary
shares, such authority expiring at the conclusion of the 2019 AGM
of the Company (or, if earlier, until close of business on 31
August 2019. During the year the Company has not bought back any
shares but intends to seek approval from the shareholders, by
special resolution, to renew this authority at the next AGM.
In addition, where in a financial period of the Company ending
on or after 31 December 2016 the ordinary shares have traded, on
average over that financial period, at a discount in excess of 10
per cent to Net Asset Value per ordinary share, the Company will be
required to propose a special resolution at the next AGM for the
discontinuation of the business of the Company in its present form.
If such a discontinuation resolution is passed, proposals will be
put forward by the Directors to shareholders within four months to
address the trading discount to Net Asset Value per ordinary share
(which may include proposals for the reorganisation, reconstruction
or winding up of the Company).
On a winding up or a return of capital by the Company, the
ordinary shareholders are entitled to the capital of the
Company.
No final dividend is being recommended. The Company's policy is
to pay dividends on a quarterly basis, as set out in the Company's
prospectuses dated 18 December 2015, 25 May 2017 and 21 December
2018 (the "Prospectus"). The dividends paid or payable in respect
of the year ended 31 December 2018 are set out Note 9 to the
financial statements. A reconciliation of movements in reserves is
presented in the Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Funds below.
The Company may make distributions from the Revenue Reserve, the
Special Distributable Reserve or from realised capital gains. There
were no unrealised gains in the year.
Substantial share interests
As at 31 December 2018, the Company had been notified in
accordance with Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 5 of the
following interests in the voting rights attaching to the Company's
issued share capital.
Holder Ordinary Percentage
shares of total
voting
rights
===================== =========== ===========
Invesco Ltd 14,267,283 36.17%
Merian Global
Investors (UK)
Ltd 9,700,156 24.59%
Woodford Investment
Management
LLP 8,614,396 21.84%
M&G Investment
Management
Ltd 1,793,095 4.55%
===================== =========== ===========
Independent auditors
The Company's independent auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
("PwC"), were re-appointed at the Company's second AGM and have
expressed willingness to continue to act as the Company's auditors
for the forthcoming financial year. The Audit Committee has
carefully considered the auditors' appointment, as required in
accordance with its Terms of Reference, and, having regard to its
effectiveness and the services it has provided the Company during
the year under review, has recommended to the Board that the
independent auditors be appointed at the forthcoming 2019 AGM. At
the 2019 AGM resolutions are therefore to be proposed for the
appointment of the independent auditors and to authorise the
Directors to agree its remuneration for the forthcoming financial
year. In reaching its decision, the Audit Committee considered the
points detailed below in the Audit Committee's report.
Audit information
As required by section 418 of the Companies Act 2006, the
Directors who held office at the date of this report each confirm
that, so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit
information of which the Company's auditor are unaware and each
Director has taken all the steps required of a Director to make
themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish
that the Company's auditor are aware of that information.
Articles of Association
Any amendments to the Company's Articles of Association must be
made by special resolution.
Going concern
The Directors have reviewed the financial projections of the
Company from the date of this report, which shows that the Company
will be able to generate sufficient cash flows in order to meet its
liabilities as they fall due. Accordingly, the Directors are
satisfied that the going concern basis remains appropriate for the
preparation of the financial statements. The Company also has
detailed policies and processes for managing the risk, set out in
the Strategic Report above.
Viability statement
In accordance with provision C.2.2 of the UK Corporate
Governance Code, published by the Financial Reporting Council in
April 2016 (the "Code"), the Directors have assessed the prospects
of the Company over the three-year period to the AGM in 2022.
Although they will be required by the Articles of Association to
put a proposal for the continuation of the Company at the 2021 AGM,
based on the current position, performance and prospects of the
Company they have no reason to believe that shareholders will vote
against continuation. This is, however, a key assumption. The
Directors also note that, even if there was to be a vote against
continuation at the 2021 AGM, the Company would be likely to
continue to operate for at least a year thereafter, due to the
Company's investments not comprising readily realisable securities.
The Board believes this period to be appropriate taking into
account the current trading position and the potential impact of
the principal risks that could affect the viability of the Company.
At the year-end, the Company had cash balances of GBP5.6 million,
and has GBP3.2 million excess of current receivables over current
liabilities. The Company also has GBP397.5 million excess of
non-current assets to non-current liabilities. There are therefore
limited risks to the viability of the Company.
To prepare the viability statement the Board have considered the
prospects of the Company in light of its current position and have
considered each of the Company's principal risks and uncertainties
and mitigating factors are detailed above. Taking the current
performance as a base, the projection considers the Company's'
income, underlying Net Asset Value and the cash flows over the
three-year period selected. The projection is not a business plan
in itself, but rather is a prudent view of how the Company may
evolve, based principally upon its growth to date, in order to
demonstrate its viability. Analysis to assess viability has focused
on the risks in delivery of the growth of the business and a series
of projections have been considered changing funding levels,
origination volumes and the performance of the assets acquired.
The analysis indicates that due to the stability and cash
generating nature of the portfolios and structured agreements, as
well as the debt facilities in place, the Company would be able to
withstand the impact of the risks identified. Based on the robust
assessment of the principal risks, prospects and viability of the
Company, the Board confirms that they have reasonable expectation
that the Company will be able to continue operation and meet its
liabilities as they fall due over the three-year period to the AGM
in 2022. The Board also continuously monitors the financial
performance of the Company against key financial ratios ensuring a
strict discipline in the financial management of the business.
Management and administration
Administrator
The Company's Administrator is Apex Fund Services (UK) Ltd (the
"Administrator"), a company authorised and regulated by the
Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"). The Administrator provides the
day-to-day administration of the Company. The Administrator is
responsible for the Company's general administrative functions,
such as the calculation of the Net Asset Value and maintenance of
the Company's accounting records and ensures that the Company
complies with its continuing obligations as an investment
trust.
Under the terms of the administration agreement, the
Administrator charges a fee for its fund administration services
equal to the greater of: (i) GBP5,305 per month (increased by 3 per
cent on 1 January in each year); and (ii) an amount equal to the
sum of 1/12 of 0.06 per cent of the portion of Net Asset Value up
to GBP150 million, and 1/12 of 0.05 per cent of the excess of Net
Asset Value above GBP150 million. The monthly fee is then reduced
by GBP2,083.33 to reflect the fact that the Administrator no longer
provides company secretarial services to the Company. The
Administrator is also entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable
out of pocket expenses incurred by it in connection with the
performance of its duties. The administration agreement can be
terminated by either party by providing 90 days' written
notice.
Company Secretary
Company Secretary Link Company Matters Limited (the "Company
Secretary") has been appointed as the company secretary of the
Company. The Company Secretary was appointed in September 2018. The
Company Secretary undertakes the general secretarial functions
required by the Companies Act and is responsible for the
maintenance of specified statutory registers of the Company. The
Company Secretary received an initial engagement fee in respect of
its onboarding activities of GBP10,000, and is entitled to a
general annual fee of GBP52,500 and an annual fee for additional
services of GBP1,500 (all fees excluding VAT). The Company
Secretary shall also be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable out
of pocket expenses incurred in connection with its appointment
(without prior consent of the Company, but such expenses are
subject to limits).
Registrar
Computershare Investor Services plc has been appointed as the
Company's registrar to provide share registration services. Under
the terms of the Registrar Agreement, the Registrar is entitled to
an annual register maintenance fee from the Company equal to
GBP1.30 per Shareholder per annum or part thereof, subject to a
minimum of GBP3,800 per annum and a potential annual fee increase
capped by inflation.
Other activity beyond the agreed services will be charged for in
accordance with the Registrar's normal tariff as published from
time to time.
Investment Manager
The Investment Manager, a UK-based company authorised and
regulated by the FCA, has been appointed the Company's investment
manager and Alternative Investment Fund Manager ("AIFM") for the
purposes of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive
("AIFMD"). The Investment Manager is responsible for the
discretionary management of the Company's assets and ensures that
these are valued appropriately in accordance with the relevant
regulations and guidance.
Under the terms of the management agreement, the Investment
Manager is entitled to a management fee and a performance fee
together with reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by it
in the performance of its duties. From the period from first
admission, the management fee payable was based on 1.0 per cent of
the Gross Asset Value (which includes only value attributable to
credit assets and equity assets held by the Company for investment
purposes). Once more than 80.0 per cent of the listing proceeds of
any placing are invested the management fee payable is based on 1.0
per cent of the Gross Assets. Further details on the management fee
and the performance fee can be found in Note 6 to the financial
statements. The management agreement can be terminated by either
party providing twelve months' written notice.
For as long as the Origination Partner is part of the same group
as the Investment Manager the fees payable to the Origination
Partner, which are calculated as a percentage of the purchase price
for each Credit Asset acquired by the Company from the Origination
Partner, shall be deducted from the management fee payable to the
Investment Manager. There was GBPnil payable to the Origination
Partner at 31 December 2018 and 2017.
Depositary
The Company's depositary is Indos Financial Limited (the
"Depositary"), a company authorised and regulated by the FCA. Under
the terms of the depositary services agreement the Depositary is
entitled to a periodic fee calculated as follows:
(A) Where NAV is less than or equal to GBP200 million, 0.02 per
cent of NAV per annum, subject to a minimum monthly fee of
GBP2,500; and
(B) Where NAV is greater than GBP200 million, 0.02 per cent of
NAV per annum in respect of the first GBP200 million of NAV
and:
i. 0.0175 per cent per annum of that part of NAV which is in
excess of GBP200 million but less than or equal to GBP400 million;
plus
ii. 0.015 per cent per annum of that part of NAV which is in excess of GBP400 million.
The Depositary invoices the Company monthly in arrears in
respect of the periodic fee (together, if applicable, with any VAT
thereon), which shall be payable by the Company within 30 days of
the relevant invoice.
The Depositary is entitled to charge an additional fee where the
Company undergoes a lifecycle event (e.g. a reorganisation or a
distribution) which entails additional work for the Depositary.
Such a fee is agreed with the Company on a case by case basis.
All charges may be subject to change from time to time, with the
agreement of the Depositary and the Company. All charges are
exclusive of VAT, if applicable.
The Depositary is entitled to be reimbursed for certain expenses
properly incurred in performing or arranging for the performance of
functions conferred upon it under the agreement.
The Company may terminate the depositary services agreement for
convenience on nine months' written notice. If the Depositary
wishes to retire and stop providing the services under the
agreement, it must give the Company not less than nine months'
written notice of its wish to do so. To the extent that the Company
is required to have a depositary under applicable law, the
Depositary may not retire until a successor is appointed. The
depositary agreement may be terminated immediately by either the
Company or the Depositary on the occurrence of certain events,
including: (i) if the other party has committed a material and
continuing breach of the terms of the agreement; or (ii) in the
case of the other's insolvency.
Custodian
The Depositary has delegated its obligations in respect of the
safe keeping of the Company's financial instruments to Sparkasse
Bank Malta plc. The Depositary is primarily liable to the Company
and investors for losses of financial instruments held by the by
the Custodian, however, the Company and Investment Manager have
permitted the transfer of that obligation to the Custodian in
compliance with Articles 21(13) or 21(14) of the AIFMD. The
Depositary has transferred such obligation and therefore the
Custodian, and not the Depositary, will be liable to the Company
for a loss of financial instruments held in custody, but the
Depositary must take reasonable steps to pursue and enforce any
associated claim on behalf of the Company. No amount is payable by
the Company to the Custodian.
Corporate broker and financial adviser
Liberum Capital Limited ("Liberum"), a company authorised and
regulated in the United Kingdom by the FCA, has been appointed as
the Company's corporate broker and financial adviser. Liberum is
entitled to a retainer fee of GBP1 per annum (exclusive of VAT and
out of pocket expenses). Liberum was also appointed as the placing
agent for the Company's initial public offering and subsequent
share issues. The broker agreement between Liberum and the Company
can be terminated by either party providing three months' written
notice.
Change of control
There are no agreements to which the Company is party that might
be affected by a change of control of the Company except for the
agreement in relation to the Company's debt facility. Pursuant to
the terms of that agreement, on a change of control of the Company,
the Company shall promptly notify the lender. The lender is not
obliged to fund an utilisation except in relation to a rollover
loan and if negotiations to continue the facility are not concluded
within 30 days, the liability may be repayable.
Subsequent events
Save as noted below, there have been no events to disclose since
the year end under review.
On 29 March 2019, a dividend of 20.0 pence per ordinary share
was paid.
Donations
The Company made no political or charitable donations during the
year under review to organisations either within or outside the EU
(2017: None).
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
The Group has no greenhouse gas emissions to report from its
operations, nor does it have responsibility for any other emissions
producing sources under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report
and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013, including those within its
underlying investment portfolio.
Future developments
Indications of likely future developments in the business of the
Company are set out in the Strategic Report above.
Regulatory disclosures
The disclosures below are made in compliance with the
requirements of Listing Rule 9.8.4.
Listing Rule
======================== =======================================================
9.8.4 (1) - capitalised The Company has not capitalised any interest
interest in the year under review.
======================== =======================================================
9.8.4(2) - unaudited The Company publishes a monthly NAV statement.
financial information The Company published a supplementary prospectus
approved by the UK Listing Authority on 8 March
2018. The Company also published its third
base prospectus on 21 December 2018. The publication
of the Supplementary Prospectus and third Base
Prospectus is a regulatory requirement under
the Prospectus Rules. These did not constitute
a profit forecast or profit estimate in accordance
with listing rule 9.2.18. The Company also
published its interim report and unaudited
financial statements for the period from 1
January 2018 to 30 June 2018.
======================== =======================================================
9.8.4 (4) - incentive The Company has no incentive schemes in operation.
schemes
======================== =======================================================
9.8.4 (5) and (6) No Director of the Company has waived or agreed
- waiver to waive any current or future emoluments from
the Company.
======================== =======================================================
9.8.4 (7), (8) and During the year under review, the Company issued
(9) a total of 9,523,809 ordinary shares with a
nominal value of GBP95,238 and an average price
of 1,050.0 pence per share for a total consideration
of GBP100,000,000. Further details can be found
in Note 19 to the financial statements.
======================== =======================================================
9.8.4 (8) and 9.8.4 These Listing Rules do not apply to the Company.
(9) - relate to
companies that are
part of a group
of companies
======================== =======================================================
9.8.4 (10) - contract During the year under review, there were no
of significance contracts of significance subsisting to which
the Company is a party and in which a Director
of the Company is or was materially interested
or between the Company and a controlling shareholder.
======================== =======================================================
9.8.4 (11) The Company is not party to any contracts for
the provision of services to the Company by
a controlling shareholder.
======================== =======================================================
9.8.4 (12) and (13) During the year under review, there were no
- arrangements under which a shareholder has
waiving dividends waived or agreed to waive any dividends or
future dividends.
======================== =======================================================
9.8.4 (14) As set out in the Prospectus, the Company has
not voluntarily adopted Listing Rule 9.8.4(14).
======================== =======================================================
Corporate Governance Statement
The corporate governance statement explains how the Board has
sought to protect shareholders' interests by protecting and
enhancing shareholder value. Since the Company's listing, the
Financial Reporting Council's UK Corporate Governance Code (the
"Code") has been voluntarily followed by the Company. The Directors
are ultimately responsible for the stewardship of the Company and
this section explains how they have fulfilled their corporate
governance responsibilities. This corporate governance statement
forms part of the Directors' report.
As the Company's shares are not admitted to the UK Listing
Authority's Official List, the UK Listing Rules applicable to
closed-ended investment companies which are listed on the premium
listing segment of the UK Listing Authority do not apply to the
Company. However, as set out in the Prospectus, the Company has
voluntarily adopted certain key provisions of the UK Listing Rules.
Pursuant to the Listing Rules as voluntarily adopted by the
Company, the Company must "comply or explain" against each of the
provisions of the Code. The Board is committed to high standards of
corporate governance. The Listing Rules and the Disclosure Guidance
and Transparency Rules ("DTR") require the Board to disclose how it
has applied the principles of the UK Code, published by the
Financial Reporting Council ("FRC") on 17 June 2016. A copy of the
Code is available from the website of the Financial Reporting
Council at www.frc.org.uk. The Association of Investment Companies
("AIC") has published its own Code on Corporate Governance (the
"AIC Code"), by reference to the AIC Corporate Governance Guide for
Investment Companies (the "AIC Guide"), in July 2016. The AIC Code
provides a comprehensive guide to best practice in certain areas of
governance where the specific characteristics of investment trusts
suggest alternative approaches to those set out in the Code. The
Company is not a member of the AIC but has voluntarily adopted
reporting against the AIC Code and follows the AIC Guide to meet
its obligations in relation to the Code and the associated
disclosure requirements of the DTR. Both the AIC Code and AIC Guide
are available from the AIC's website at www.theaic.co.uk.
The Board has considered the principles and recommendations of
the AIC Code by reference to the AIC Guide. The AIC Code, as
explained by the AIC Guide, addresses all the principles set out in
the Code, as well as setting out additional principles and
recommendations on issues that are of specific relevance to the
Company.
The Board considers that voluntarily reporting against the
principles and recommendations of the AIC Code, and by reference to
the AIC Guide (which incorporates the Code), will provide better
information to shareholders.
Statement of compliance
The Company has complied with the recommendations of the AIC
Code and the relevant provisions of the UK Code, except as set out
below.
The Code includes provisions relating to:
-- The role of the Chief Executive;
-- Executive Directors' remuneration;
-- The Senior Independent Director;
-- The need for an internal audit function;
-- The Chairman's position as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee; and
-- The requirement for a separate Nomination Committee.
For the reasons set out in the AIC Guide, and as explained in
the Code, the Board considers the role of the chief executive,
Executive Director's remuneration and the need for a Senior
Independent Director as being not relevant to the Company, being a
small board with only three members and an externally managed
investment company. In particular, all of the Company's day-to-day
management and administrative functions are outsourced to third
parties. As a result, the Company has no executive Directors,
employees or internal operations. The Company has therefore not
reported further in respect of these provisions.
The Board has decided that the systems and procedures employed
by the Investment Manager and the other third-party providers in
relation to the Company give sufficient assurance that a sound
system of internal control, which safeguards the Company's assets,
is maintained, without the need for an internal audit function. An
internal audit function specific to the Company is therefore
considered unnecessary. Although updates on the Investment
Manager's outsourced internal audit function are bought to the
Board on a quarterly basis.
The Board does not, at present, consider that separate
Nomination Committee would be appropriate at this stage in the
Company's life and given the Board's size, being three members in
total. Currently, decisions concerning the Board's nomination and
Board appraisals are undertaken by the Remuneration and Nomination
Committee.
The Company has not followed the recommendation of the AIC Code
that the Chairman of the Board should not chair the Remuneration
Committee. It was considered that Robert Sharpe was most suited to
the role of Chairman of the Committee due to the dual
responsibility of the Committee in remuneration and nomination
matters and his independence was not compromised as a result.
However, the committee composition, the need for a separate
Nomination Committee and an internal audit function will be
considered on an annual basis.
The Board of Directors
The Board consists of three Directors, all of whom are
independent non-executive Directors. Biographies of the Directors
are shown above and demonstrate the wide range of skills and
experience that they bring to the Board. The Directors possess
business and financial expertise relevant to the direction of the
Company and consider themselves to be committing sufficient time to
the Company's affairs.
External search consultancy services were used to aid
recruitment of Board members prior to the Company's listing. The
Board may consider using an external search consultancy to aid in
the recruitment of future Board members.
None of the Directors has a service contract with the Company,
nor are any such contracts proposed. Each Director has been
appointed pursuant to a letter of appointment entered into with the
Company in accordance with the Company's articles of association.
The Directors' appointment can be terminated in accordance with the
Company's articles of association and without compensation. There
are no agreements between the Company and any Director which
provide for compensation for loss of office in the event that there
is a change of control of the Company.
Copies of the letters of appointment are available on request
from the Company Secretary and will be available at the Company's
2019 AGM.
The Chairman, Robert Sharpe, is independent and considers
himself to have sufficient time to commit to the Company's affairs.
The Chairman's other commitments are detailed in his biography
above.
The Directors have determined that the size of the Company's
Board does not warrant the appointment of a senior independent
Director at this time. All of the Directors are available to
address shareholder queries or engage in consultation as
required.
The operation of the Board
The Board of Directors meets at least four times a year and more
often if required.
The table below sets out the Directors' attendance at Board and
Committee meetings during the year under review, against the number
of meetings each Board or Committee member was eligible to attend
during the year under review.
Director Board Audit Remuneration
Committee and Nomination
Committee
============ ===== ========== ===============
Robert
Sharpe 5/5 4/4 1/1
Jim Coyle 5/5 4/4 1/1
Ravi Takhar 5/5 3/4 1/1
============ ===== ========== ===============
There was also a Management Engagement Committee which all
Directors attended.
There was no new appointment or resignation of Directors during
the year under review.
No individuals other than the Committee or Board members are
entitled to attend the relevant meetings unless they have been
invited to attend by the Board or relevant Committee.
Directors are provided with a comprehensive set of papers for
each Board or Committee meeting, which equips them with sufficient
information to prepare for the meetings.
The Board has a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved
to it for decision to ensure effective control of strategic,
financial, operational and compliance issues, which includes:
-- The Company's structure including share issues and setting a
discount/premium management programme;
-- Risk management;
-- Appointing the Investment Manager and other service providers and setting their fees;
-- Reviewing and approving Board changes;
-- Considering and authorising Board conflicts of interest;
-- Reviewing and approving the Company's audited annual
financial statements and half yearly financial statements including
accounting policies;
-- Reviewing Investment Manager's conflicts of interest and whistleblowing policies;
-- Reviewing and approving the Company's level of gearing;
-- The review and approval of terms of reference and membership of Board Committees; and
-- Reviewing and approving liability insurance.
There is a procedure in place for the Directors to take
independent professional advice at the expense of the Company.
Professional advice has been taken by the Directors during the year
under review in relation to the Power of Attorney granted to the
Investment Manager. This did not amend the scope of what the
Investment Manager was already set out to be able to do, in line
with the powers delegated by the Board to the Investment Manager
under the Investment Management Agreement.
The Company has taken out directors' and officers' liability
insurance, such cover to be maintained for the full term of each
Director's appointment.
Independence of Directors
Each of the Directors was considered, on appointment, to be
independent of the Investment Manager and free from any business or
other relationship that could materially interfere with the
exercise of his independent judgement and remained so throughout
the year. There are no relationships or circumstances relating to
the Company that are likely to affect the judgement of any of the
Directors.
Care will be taken at all times to ensure that the Board is
composed of members who, as a whole, have the required knowledge,
abilities and experience to properly fulfil their role and are
sufficiently independent.
Directors' interests
No Director holds shares in the Company.
Board evaluation
The performance of the Board, its committees and Directors and
the independence of the Directors was reviewed by the Remuneration
and Nomination Committee in February 2019. Any training needs
identified as part of the Board evaluation process will be added to
the agenda of the next Board meeting. Board training and
induction.
The Company Secretary, the Board or the Investment Manager upon
request of the Board or any Director individually, will offer
induction training to new Directors about the Company, its key
service providers, the Directors' duties and obligations and other
matters as may be relevant from time to time.
The Board members are encouraged to keep up to date and attend
training courses on matters which are directly relevant to their
involvement with the Company.
Board appointment, election and tenure
The rules concerning the appointment and replacement of
Directors are contained in the Company's articles of association
and the Companies Act 2006.
None of the Directors consider length of service as an
impediment to independence or good judgement but, if they felt that
this had become the case, the relevant Director would stand
down.
The Chairman of the Company acts as Chairman of the Management
Engagement Committee. The Terms of Reference of all committees are
available from the Company Secretary's office and the Company's
website at www.honeycombplc.com.
The Board considers that all of the current Directors contribute
effectively to the operation of the Board and the strategy of the
Company. The Board has considered each Board member's independence
from the Company and Investment Manager. As such the Board believes
that it is in the best interests of shareholders that each of the
Directors be re-elected at the forthcoming AGM. The next AGM will
be held in June 2019.
Management agreement and continuing appointment
Details of the Investment Manager's agreement and fees are set
out in Note 6 to the financial statements.
The Board keeps the performance of the Investment Manager under
continual review. The Company's Management Engagement Committee
undertook its annual appraisal of the Investment Manager during the
year under review on 21 February 2019. The Management Engagement
Committee recommended to the Board that the appointments of all the
Company's third-party service providers continue. It was felt that
their appointment was in the best interests of the shareholders as
the Investment Manager had performed in line with expectations and
the Board is of the opinion that the continuing appointment of the
Investment Manager on the terms agreed is in the interests of the
Company's shareholders as a whole.
Conflicts of interest
The Company's articles of association provide that the Directors
may authorise any actual or potential conflict of interest that a
Director may have, with or without imposing any conditions that
they consider appropriate on the Director in question. Directors
are not able to vote in respect of any contract, arrangement or
transaction in which they have a material interest, and, in such
circumstances, they are not counted in the quorum at the relevant
Board meeting. A process has been developed to identify any of the
Directors' potential or actual conflicts of interest. This includes
declaring any potential new conflicts before the start of each
Board meeting. A schedule is maintained of each Director's
potential conflicts of interest.
Audit Committee
The Board has delegated certain responsibilities to its Audit
Committee. As there are only three members of the Board, including
the Chairman of the Board it is felt appropriate that all Directors
are members of the Audit Committee. The Board has established
formal terms of reference for the Audit Committee which are
available on the Company's website www.honeycombplc.com or from the
Company Secretary upon request. An outline of the remit of the
Audit Committee and its activities during the year are set out
below.
The Audit Committee is chaired by Jim Coyle and meets at least
twice a year. It is responsible for ensuring that the financial
performance of the Company is properly reported and monitored and
provides a forum through which the Company's external auditors may
report to the Board. The Audit Committee reviews and recommends to
the Board the annual and half-yearly reports and financial
statements, financial announcements, internal control systems, risk
metrics, decisions requiring a significant element of judgement and
procedures and accounting policies of the Company.
Further details on the work of the Audit Committee can be found
in the report of the Audit Committee below.
Management Engagement Committee
The Management Engagement Committee meets once a year. Its
principle duties are to formally review the actions and judgements
of the Investment Manager and the terms of the Investment
Management Agreement. The Committee reports to the Board on its
proceedings after each meeting.
Company secretary
The Board has direct access to the advice and services of the
Company Secretary, which is responsible for ensuring that the Board
and Committee procedures are followed, and that applicable rules
and regulations are complied with. The Company Secretary is also
responsible for ensuring good information flows between all
parties.
Review of shareholder profile
The Board reviews reports provided by qualified independent
industry consultants and the Company's broker on the Company's
shareholder base and its underlying beneficial owners. The
Investment Manager and brokers disclose any concerns raised by
shareholders to the Board.
Relations with shareholders
All shareholders have the opportunity to attend and vote, in
person or by proxy, at the AGM and any general meetings of
shareholders.
The notice of the AGM, which is sent out at least 21 days in
advance of the AGM, sets out the business of the meeting and any
item not of an entirely routine nature is explained in the
Directors' report. Separate resolutions are proposed in respect of
each substantive issue.
Shareholders are encouraged to attend the AGM and to participate
in proceedings. The Chairman of the Board and the Directors,
together with representatives of the Investment Manager, will be
available to answer shareholders' questions at the AGM. Proxy
voting figures are available to shareholders at the AGM.
The Investment Manager holds regular discussions with major
shareholders, the feedback from which is provided to and greatly
valued by the Board. The Directors are available to enter into
dialogue and correspondence with shareholders regarding the
progress and performance of the Company. Further information about
the Company can be found on the Company's website
www.honeycombplc.com.
Internal control review
The Board has elected not to have an internal audit function as
the Company delegates its operations to third-party service
providers and does not employ any staff. Instead it has been agreed
that the Company will rely on the internal controls which exist
within its third-party providers.
The Administrator, Depositary and Investment Manager have
established internal control frameworks to provide reasonable
assurance on the effectiveness of the internal controls operated on
behalf of their clients. The Investment Manager, the Administrator,
the Depositary and the Company Secretary will report on any
breaches of law or regulation, if and when they arise, periodically
in scheduled Board reports. The Audit Committee considers annually
whether there is any need for an internal audit function, and it
has agreed that it is appropriate for the Company to rely on the
internal audit controls which exist within its third-party
providers. Updates on the Investment Manager's outsourced internal
audit function are bought to the Board on a quarterly basis.
The Board confirms that there is an ongoing process for
identifying, evaluating and managing the significant risks faced by
the Company and for reviewing the effectiveness of the Company's
system of internal controls including financial, operational,
compliance and risk management. The Board has in place a robust
process to assess and monitor the risks of the Company. The Board
has reviewed the effectiveness of the Administrator and the
Investment Manager's systems of internal control and risk
management. During the year under review, the Board has not
identified any significant failings or weaknesses in the internal
control systems of its service providers.
The Company has established a risk matrix, consisting of the key
risks and controls in place to mitigate those risks. The Board
confirms that there is an ongoing process for identifying,
evaluating and managing the principal risks faced by the Company.
Details of the Company's risks can be found above in the Directors'
Report, together with an explanation of the controls that have been
established to mitigate each risk. The risk matrix provides a basis
for the Audit Committee and the Board to regularly monitor the
effective operation of the controls and to update the matrix when
new risks are identified.
The system of internal control and risk management is designed
to meet the Company's particular needs and the risks to which it is
exposed. The Board recognises that these control systems can only
be designed to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure
to achieve business objectives and to provide reasonable, but not
absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss.
Alternative Investment Fund Management Directive Disclosure
Quantitative remuneration disclosure
In accordance with 3.3.5 (5) of the FCA's Investment Funds
Sourcebook ("FUND") and in accordance with FCA Finalised guidance -
General guidance on the AIFM Remuneration Code (SYSC 19B) ("the
Guidelines"), dated January 2014, the total remuneration paid by
Group companies which include the AIFM during the year was GBP19.3
million, split GBP11.0 million in variable and GBP8.3 million in
fixed remuneration. During the year, the average number of
beneficiaries at the Group which includes the AIFM were 60 and the
aggregate amount of remuneration paid in relation to the Senior
Management of the firm was GBP6.3 million. Fixed remuneration is
amounts paid as salaries. Variable remuneration is amounts paid
under bonus arrangements and distributions. The AIFM does not
consider that any individual member of staff of the AIFM has the
ability to materially impact the risk profile of the Company.
Other disclosures
The AIFMD requires that the AIFM ensures that certain other
matters are actioned and or reported to investors. Each of these is
set out below.
-- Provision and content of an Annual Report (FUND 3.3.2 and
3.3.5). The publication of the Annual Report and Financial
Statements of the Company satisfies these requirements.
-- Material changes of information. The AIFMD requires certain
information to be made available to investors in the Company before
they invest and requires that material changes to this information
be disclosed in the Annual Report.
Periodic disclosure (FUND 3.2.5 and 3.2.6)
There are no assets subject to special arrangements due to their
illiquid nature and no new arrangements for the managing of the
liquidity of the Company.
There is no change to the arrangements, as set out in the
Prospectus, for managing the Company's liquidity.
The current risk profile of the Company is set out in the
Strategic Report: Principal Risks and Uncertainties on pages 22 to
25 and in Note 13 to the financial statements, Financial Risk
Management.
The Company is permitted to be leveraged and has borrowing
restrictions in place. In accordance with the Company's
prospectuses dated 18 December 2015, 25 May 2017 and 21 December
2018 (the "Prospectus"), the Company has a maximum limit of 100 per
cent of NAV, the actual leverage employed by the Company as a
percentage of NAV was 47.2 per cent. There have been no breaches of
the permitted leverage limits within the year and no changes to
maximum level of leverage employed by the Company.
The table below sets out the current maximum permitted and
actual leverage under the gross and commitment method in accordance
with Annex IV Article 8 of the AIFMD. This differs from the
Company's borrowing restriction, which is an absolute measure. The
gross and commitment method are ratios between the Company's gross
assets and NAV. The gross method represents the sum of the
Company's positions (total assets) after deducting cash balances.
The commitment method represents the sum of the Company's positions
without deducting cash balances. The Company is required to state
its maximum and actual leverage levels, calculated as prescribed by
the AIFMD as at 31 December 2018, and are as follows:
As a percentage Gross Commitment
of net asset method method
value
================ ======= ==========
Maximum level
of leverage 200% 200%
Leverage as
at 31 December
2018 148% 102%
================ ======= ==========
Other matters
The Investment Manager can confirm that the required reporting
to the FCA has been undertaken in accordance with FUND 3.4.
Approval
This Directors' Report was approved by the Board of Directors on
29 April 2019.
On behalf of the Board
Robert Sharpe
Chairman
29 April 2019
Report of the Audit Committee
As Chairman of the Audit Committee I am pleased to present the
Audit Committee report for the year ended 31 December 2018.
Membership of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee comprises all Directors and is chaired by
Jim Coyle. Please see above for the members' biographies. All
members of the Committee have recent and relevant financial
experience, as a result of their involvement in financial services
and other industries.
As Chairman of the Audit Committee, I can confirm that I am a
Chartered Accountant and I maintain my membership of the Institute
of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. As such, I have relevant
financial experience. The Corporate Governance Code stipulates that
the Chairman of the Company should not be a member of the Audit
Committee. However, given the size of the Board and Mr. Sharpe's
relevant financial experience gained through his involvement with
other businesses during his career and given our opinion that the
Chairman is independent, it is considered appropriate that he is a
member of the Audit Committee.
The role of the Audit Committee
The role of the Audit Committee is defined in its terms of
reference, which can be found on the Company's website at
www.honeycombplc.com. In summary, the role includes the
following:
-- To monitor the financial reporting process;
-- To review and monitor the integrity of the half-year and
annual financial statements and review and challenge where
necessary the accounting policies and judgements of the Investment
Manager and Administrator;
-- To review the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company's
internal financial and internal control and risk management
systems;
-- To make recommendations to the Board on the re-appointment or
removal of the external auditors and to approve its remuneration
and terms of engagement;
-- To review and monitor the external auditors' independence and objectivity; and
-- To review and consider on an annual basis the need for an internal audit function.
Matters considered during the year
The Audit Committee has met four times during the year under
review (please see above for member's attendance) and considered
the following items:
-- The Company's Audited Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2018 and advised the Board
accordingly;
-- The Company's half-year financial statements for the period
ended 30 June 2018 and advised the Board accordingly;
-- The audit plan for the Company's annual audit shared by the external auditors;
-- The policy on non-audit services;
-- Monitored the Investment Manager's implementation for the
revised impairment approach required by IFRS 9;
-- In order to support the Board's approval of the viability
statement above as to the longer-term viability of the Company, the
Committee reviewed papers from the Investment Manager supporting
the viability statement;
-- The Company's dividend policy; and
-- The Investment Manager's whistleblowing policy.
The Audit Committee also reviewed the following items:
-- Whether there was a requirement for an internal audit function;
-- The Company's risk matrix and the internal controls implemented to manage those risks; and
-- The appropriateness of the Company's accounting policies and
whether appropriate estimates and judgements have been made.
UK non-audit services
In relation to non-audit services, the Audit Committee has
reviewed and implemented a policy on the engagement of the auditors
to supply non-audit services and this is reviewed on an annual
basis. All requests or applications for other services to be
provided by the auditors over a threshold are submitted to the
Audit Committee and will include a description of the services to
be rendered and an anticipated cost. The Company's policy follows
the requirements of the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical
Standard for Auditors published in September 2015 and which
implemented the European Union's revised Statutory Audit Directive
(the revised Ethical Standard became effective for periods
commencing on or after 17 June 2016). The policy specifies a number
of prohibited services which it is not permitted for the auditors
to provide under the revised Ethical Standard.
During the year, the auditors provided reporting accountant
services on the prospectus dated 21 December 2018 in relation to
the Company's subsequent further issuance of ordinary shares. These
non-audit fees amounted to GBP62,266 (2017: GBP54,915).
The Audit Committee reviewed the level of non-audit services and
were satisfied that the auditors maintained their independence.
Significant accounting matters
The Audit Committee met on 26 April 2019 to review the report
and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018. The
Audit Committee considered the following significant issues,
including principal risks and uncertainties in light of the
Company's activities and issues communicated by the Auditors during
their audit, all of which were satisfactorily addressed:
Issue considered How the issue was addressed
========================= ==================================================================
Risk of misappropriation The Audit Committee reviews reports from its service
of assets and providers on key controls over the assets of the
ownership of investments Company. Any significant issues are reported to
the Board by the Investment Manager or the Company's
Depositary. The Investment Manager has put in place
procedures to ensure that investments can only be
made to the extent that the appropriate contractual
and legal arrangements are in place to protect the
Company's assets. The Company's Depositary issues
a quarterly report on the status of the assets to
the Directors for review.
========================= ================================================================
The risk that The Board regularly reviews income statements from
income is overstated, the Investment Manager, noting the consistency of
incomplete or approach with prior years. The Investment Manager
inaccurate through reviews income performance against budget on a monthly
failure to recognise basis and reviews its recognition policies for appropriateness
proper income and accuracy on a regular basis to ensure they meet
entitlements or the accounting policy set out in Note 2 to the financial
to apply the appropriate statements.
accounting treatment
for recognition
of income
========================= ================================================================
The risk of material The Committee views credit provisioning as the key
misstatement of accounting estimate area for the Company. As in
expected credit previous years, it received presentations from the
losses under IFRS Investment Manager explaining key judgement areas,
9 Financial instruments such as, consistency of approach and the Company's
business mix. After challenging the Investment Manager,
the Committee concluded that the provisioning approach
and key judgements were reasonable. The Investment
Manager also reviews impairment performance on a
monthly basis and reviews its impairment policy
for appropriateness and accuracy on a regular basis
to ensure they meet the accounting policy set out
in Note 2 to the financial statements. The roll
out of the IFRS 9 implementation programme was a
key focus of the Committee. As the Company enters
the 2019 financial year, the Committee will continue
to monitor progress closely. Further disclosure
around the progress is outlined in Note 1 to the
financial statements.
========================= ================================================================
Going concern The Committee reviewed a paper from the Investment
and viability Manager in support of the going concern basis and
statement the longer-term viability of the Company. The Committee
noted the stability of the Company's business model,
its successful track record, the Company's three-year
business plan and the results of internal stress
testing and concluded this provided sufficient evidence
to support the Board's viability statement set out
above.
========================= ================================================================
Fair, balanced On behalf of the Board, the Committee reviewed the
and understandable financial statements as a whole in order to assess
whether they were fair, balanced and understandable.
The Committee discussed and challenged the balance
and fairness of the overall report. The Committee
was satisfied that the Annual Report could be regarded
as fair, balanced and understandable and proposed
that the Board approve the Annual Report in that
respect.
========================= ================================================================
Retention of Investment The Audit Committee receives a report from the Company's
Trust Status administrators and Investment Manager confirming
if the Company has remained compliant with the requirements
to maintain its Investment Trust status. HMRC approved
the investment status of the Company. The Directors
regularly review the investments and their mix to
ensure they remain diversified, its retained income
levels to ensure sufficient distributions are made
and the Company's shareholdings to determine if
the Company has become a close company.
========================= ================================================================
External auditors
The Company's external auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
("PwC"), were appointed on 16 May 2016 and last re-appointed on 8
June 2018 at the Company's AGM. Under the Financial Reporting
Council's transitional arrangements, the Company is required to
re-tender, at the latest, by 2025. The Audit Committee intends to
re-tender within the timeframe set by the Financial Reporting
Council.
The individual at PwC who acts as the Company's appointed audit
partner is Mr. Richard McGuire. In accordance with UK legislation,
the audit partner must rotate at least every five years. As this is
Mr. McGuire's third year as audit partner, he will be due to rotate
out of this role during 2021 at the latest.
The audit and non-audit fees for the year under review can be
found in Note 7 to the financial statements.
The Audit Committee monitors the auditors' objectivity and
independence on an ongoing basis. In determining PwC's
independence, the Audit Committee has assessed all relationships
with PwC and received confirmation from PwC that it is independent
and that no issues of conflicts arose during the year. The Audit
Committee is therefore satisfied that PwC is independent.
The Audit Committee monitors and reviews the effectiveness of
the external audit process on an annual basis and makes
recommendations to the Board on its re-appointment, remuneration
and terms of engagement of the auditors. The Audit Committee has
met with the audit partner and assessed PwC's performance to date.
I have met with Mr. McGuire separately to discuss the Company's
audit and other matters concerning the Company. I can confirm that
Mr. McGuire did not raise any issues of concern during our meeting.
The review has involved an examination of the auditors'
remuneration, the quality of its work including the quality of the
audit report, the quality of the audit partner and audit team, the
expertise of the audit firm and the resources available to it, the
identification of audit risk, the planning and execution of the
audit and the terms of engagement. Accordingly, the Audit Committee
has recommended to the Board that it proposes to shareholders via
an ordinary resolution that PwC be re-appointed as auditors at the
AGM. PwC has confirmed its willingness to continue in office.
The Audit Committee has direct access to the Company's auditors
and provides a forum through which the auditor's report to the
Board. Representatives of PwC attend the Audit Committee meetings
at least twice annually.
Internal audit
The Audit Committee believes that the Company does not require
an internal audit function, principally because the Company
delegates its day-to-day operations to third parties, which are
monitored by the Audit Committee, and which provide control reports
on their operations at least annually. Updates on the Investment
Manager's outsourced internal audit function are bought to the
Board on a quarterly basis.
Approval
This Report was approved by the Audit Committee on 29 April
2019.
Jim Coyle
Chairman of the Audit Committee
29 April 2019
Directors' Remuneration Report
Statement from the Chairman
The Remuneration and Nomination Committee (the "Committee")
comprises all Directors and is chaired by Robert Sharpe. Please see
above for the members biography's, and for members attendance.
I am pleased to present the Directors' remuneration report for
the year ended 31 December 2018, prepared in accordance with The
Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports)
(Amendment) Regulations 2013 and the Companies Act 2006. The
Company's auditors are required to verify certain information
within this report subject to statutory audit by the Companies Act
2006. Where information set out below has been audited it is
indicated as such.
We are required to seek shareholder approval of the Directors'
remuneration policy at least every third year and the remuneration
report annually. Any changes to the Directors' remuneration policy
will require shareholder approval. An ordinary resolution was
passed to approve the Directors' remuneration policy at the
Company's first AGM held on 2 June 2017. This policy was adopted at
that meeting with effect from the date of the AGM and remained in
force for the year ended 31 December 2017 and will remain in force
for the two subsequent years. An ordinary resolution to approve the
Directors' remuneration policy will be put to shareholders at least
once every three years. At the 2019 AGM, shareholders will also be
asked to consider an advisory resolution on the contents of the
Directors' remuneration report.
As at 31 December 2018, the Board comprised three non-executive
Directors, all of whom are independent of the Investment
Manager.
Given the size of the Board, and as the Company has no
employees, it is not considered appropriate for the Company to
establish a separate Nomination Committee.
It is the responsibility of the Remuneration Committee to
consider and approve Directors' remuneration, review the structure,
size and composition of the Board, plan for adequate Board
succession and evaluate the balance of experience and diversity of
the Board. At the start of 2018 the Directors remuneration was set
at a rate of GBP40,000 per annum for the Chairman and GBP33,000 per
annum for the other Directors. A further GBP5,000 per annum will be
paid to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Remuneration
Committee met on 20 February 2018 and considered the continued time
commitment required to carry out their duties as the Company has
grown following additional placings and approved an increase of the
Board's fees by GBP5,000 per member from 1 January 2018. The
Directors remuneration was set at a rate of GBP45,000 per annum for
the Chairman and GBP38,000 per annum for the other Directors. A
further GBP5,000 per annum will be paid to the Chairman of the
Audit Committee. The Committee met on 21 February 2019 and
considered the continued time commitment required to carry out
their duties and approved an increase of the Board's fees by
GBP3,000 for the Chairman and GBP2,000 for all other member from 1
March 2019. The Directors remuneration was set at a rate of
GBP48,000 per annum for the Chairman and GBP40,000 per annum for
the other Directors. A further GBP5,000 per annum will be paid to
the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Many parts of The Large and
Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports)
(Amendment) Regulations 2013 do not apply to the Company as the
Board is comprised entirely of non-executive Directors and the
Company has no employees. The Board has considered and approved a
formal policy for the approval of Directors' expenses.
Directors' remuneration policy
The fees for the Board as a whole are limited to GBP250,000 per
annum in accordance with the Prospectus, divided between the
Directors as they may determine. Subject to this limit, the Board's
policy is that remuneration of non-executive Directors should
reflect the experience of each Board member and the time commitment
required by Board members to carry out their duties and is
determined with reference to the appointment of Directors of
similar investment companies. The level of remuneration has been
set with the aim of promoting the future success of the Company.
With this in mind the Board considers remuneration in order to
attract individuals of a calibre appropriate to promote the
long-term success of the Company and to reflect the specific
circumstances of the Company and its field of investment, the
duties and responsibilities of the Directors and the value and
amount of time commitment required of Directors to the Company's
affairs.
Due regard is taken of the Board's requirement to attract and
retain individuals with suitable knowledge and experience and the
role that individual Directors fulfil. There are no specific
performance-related conditions attached to the remuneration of the
Board and the Board members are not eligible for bonuses, pension
benefits, share options, long-term incentive schemes or other
non-cash benefits or taxable expenses. No other payments are made
to Directors other than reasonable out-of-pocket expenses which
have been incurred as a result of attending to the affairs of the
Company.
In addition to the Board's remuneration, Board members are
entitled to such fees as they may determine in respect of any extra
or special services performed by them, having been called upon to
do so. Such fees would only be incurred in exceptional
circumstances. An example of such a circumstance would be if the
Company was to undertake a corporate action, which would require
the Board to dedicate additional time to review associated
documents and to attend additional meetings. Such fees would be
determined at the Board's absolute discretion and would be set at a
similar rate to other comparable investment companies who have
undertaken equivalent activities. The fees would be set with the
Company's long-term success in mind and the interests of the
Company's members as a whole would be considered prior to the
setting of such fees.
The Directors are entitled to be paid all expenses properly
incurred by them in attending meetings with shareholders or other
Directors or otherwise in connection with the discharge of their
duties as Directors.
Shareholders have the opportunity to express their views in
respect of Directors' remuneration at the Company's AGM. The
Company has not sought shareholder views on its remuneration
policy. Any comment volunteered by shareholders on the remuneration
policy will be carefully considered and appropriate action taken.
No communications have been received from shareholders on the
Company's remuneration policy.
The Company's remuneration policy and its implementation are
reviewed by the Board as a whole on an annual basis. Reviews are
based on third parties' information on the fees of other similar
investment trusts.
None of the Directors has a service contract with the Company,
nor are any such contracts proposed. Instead, Directors are
appointed pursuant to a letter of appointment entered into with the
Company. There is no notice period specified in the letters of
appointment or Articles of Association for the removal of
Directors. Directors are not appointed for a specific term. Copies
of the Directors' letters of appointment are available at each of
the Company's AGMs and can be obtained from the Company's
registered office.
The Directors are not entitled to exit payments and are not
provided with any compensation for loss of office.
As with most investment trusts there is no Chief Executive
Officer and no employees. The Company's remuneration policy will
apply to new Board members, who will be paid the equivalent amount
of fees as current Board members holding similar roles.
This policy has been followed since the Company's incorporation
on 2 December 2015.
Voting at Annual General Meeting
The Directors' Remuneration Report for the year ended 31
December 2017 and the Directors' Remuneration Policy were approved
by shareholders at the Annual General Meetings held on 8 June 2018
and 2 June 2017 respectively. The votes cast by proxy were as
follows:
Directors' Remuneration Report Directors' Remuneration Policy
========== ================================ ================================
Number % of Number % of votes
of Votes votes of Votes cast
cast
========== =================== =========== =============== ===============
For 34,924,637 100.00 17,226,166 100.00
Against - - - -
Total
votes
cast 34,924,637 100.00 17,226,166 100.00
Number - - - -
of votes
withheld
========== =================== =========== =============== ===============
The Directors' remuneration report, including the implementation
of the Directors' remuneration policy, is subject to an annual
advisory vote via an ordinary resolution. An advisory vote is a
non-binding 'advisory' resolution. In the event that shareholders
vote against the 'advisory' resolution, the Board will be required
to put its remuneration policy to shareholders for approval at the
next AGM, regardless of whether the remuneration policy was
approved by shareholders. The votes cast at the 2019 AGM on the
advisory resolutions will be disclosed in the remuneration report
for the year to 31 December 2019.
Key external developments
The Committee is mindful of the forthcoming changes to the
Corporate Governance Code, which will become effective for the
Company from January 2019.
The responsibilities and roles undertaken by the Committee
already encompass much of the revised Code; however, during the
course of the last year the Committee has undertaken a review of
what additional steps need to be taken, with particular focus on
how we effectively maintain and, where appropriate, extend
engagement with all colleagues and across all other
stakeholders.
Directors' fees (audited)
Single total aggregate Directors' remuneration for the year
under review was GBP126,000 (2017: GBP103,250). The Directors who
served during the year under review received the following
emoluments:
Fees paid during
the
year under review Taxable Non-taxable 31 December 31 December
Director (1) benefits benefits 2018 2017
============== =================== ========== ============ ============ ============
Robert Sharpe GBP45,000 - - GBP45,000 GBP37,500
(Chair)
============== =================== ========== ============ ============ ============
Jim Coyle GBP43,000 - - GBP43,000 GBP34,750
============== =================== ========== ============ ============ ============
Ravi Takhar GBP38,000 - - GBP38,000 GBP31,000
============== =================== ========== ============ ============ ============
Total GBP126,000 - - GBP126,000 GBP103,250
============== =================== ========== ============ ============ ============
(1) Fees paid to the Directors during the year under review does
not include any employment taxes or valid business expenses.
No payments were made to past Directors for loss of office. In
the absence of further major increases in the workload and
responsibility involved, the Board does not expect fees to increase
significantly over the next three years. The overall remuneration
of each Director will continue to be monitored by the Board, taking
into account those matters referred to in the annual statement
above. The Company did not pay any other benefits including
bonuses, pension benefits, share options, long-term incentive
schemes or other non-cash benefits or taxable benefits.
The Company has not made any loans to the Directors, nor has it
ever provided any guarantees for the benefit of any Director or the
Directors collectively nor does it intend to.
Company Performance
The Board is responsible for the Company's investment strategy
and performance, although day-to-day management of the Company's
affairs, including the management of the Company's portfolio, has
been delegated to third-party service providers. An explanation of
the performance of the Company is given in the Chairman's statement
and Investment Manager's review above.
Expenditure by the Company on Directors' remuneration compared
with distributions to shareholders
The following table is provided in accordance with The Small and
Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports)
(Amendment) Regulations 2013 which sets out the relative importance
of spend on pay in respect of the year ended 31 December 2018. The
table shows the remuneration paid to Directors for the year under
review, compared to the distribution payments to shareholders.
31 December 31 December
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
=================== =========== ===========
Total remuneration
paid to Directors 126 103
Shareholder
distributions
- dividends
or share buybacks 27,750 21,535
=================== =========== ===========
Directors' interests (audited)
The Company does not have any requirement for any Director to
own shares in the Company.
As at 31 December 2018, the Directors do not hold shares in the
Company.
There have been no changes to any holdings between 31 December
2018 and the date of this report.
Approval of the Annual Report on remuneration and the Directors'
remuneration policy
The Annual Report on remuneration was approved by the Board on
29 April 2019 and signed on behalf of the Board by:
Robert Sharpe
Chairman of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee
29 April 2019
Statement of Directors' responsibilities in respect of the
financial statements
The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report
and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and
regulation.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial
statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors
have prepared the Company financial statements in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by
the European Union. Under company law the Directors must not
approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that
they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the
Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are required
to:
-- Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-- State whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the European
Union have been followed for the Company financial statements,
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the
financial statements;
-- Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
-- Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will
continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the
financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that
the financial statements and the Directors' Remuneration Report
comply with the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Company
financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
The Directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets
of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity
of the Company's website. Legislation in governing the preparation
and dissemination of financial statements may differ from
legislation in other jurisdictions.
The Directors consider that the annual report and financial
statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable
and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess
the Company's performance, business model and strategy.
Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed in
Directors' Report confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:
-- The Company financial statements, which have been prepared in
accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, give a true
and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and
profit of the company; and
-- The Strategic Report includes a fair review of the
development and performance of the business and the position of the
Company, together with a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties that it faces.
In the case of each Director in office at the date the
Directors' Report is approved:
-- So far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit
information of which the Company's auditors are unaware; and
-- They have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken
as a Director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant
audit information and to establish that the Company's auditors are
aware of that information.
Signed on behalf of the Board by
Robert Sharpe
Chairman
29 April 2019
Financial Statements
Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2018
For the year ended 31 For the year ended 31
December 2018 December 2017
Notes Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
===================== ===== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Income
Investment interest 5 50,921 - 50,921 31,771 - 31,771
Other income 5 1 - 1 2 - 2
===================== ===== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
50,922 - 50,922 31,773 - 31,773
Expenses
Management fee 6 (4,907) (90) (4,997) (2,841) (81) (2,922)
Performance
fee 6 (2,873) - (2,873) (2,329) - (2,329)
Changes in estimated
credit losses 11 (7,467) - (7,467) (2,783) - (2,783)
Other expenses 7 (1,209) - (1,209) (1,046) - (1,046)
===================== ===== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
(16,456) (90) (16,546) (8,999) (81) (9,080)
Ot
Other net changes
in investments
held at fair
value through
profit and loss 12 - (750) (750) - - -
Profit / (loss)
before finance
costs and taxation 34,466 (840) 33,626 22,774 (81) 22,693
Finance costs 18 (5,429) - (5,429) (1,732) - (1,732)
Profit / (loss)
before taxation 29,037 (840) 28,197 21,042 (81) 20,961
Taxation on
ordinary activities 8 - - - - - -
Profit / (loss)
after taxation 29,037 (840) 28,197 21,042 (81) 20,961
===================== ===== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Earnings per
share (basic
and diluted) 10 79.6p (2.3)p 77.3p 81.5p (0.3)p 81.2p
===================== ===== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
The total column of this statement represents the Statement of
comprehensive income prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European
Union. The supplementary revenue return and capital return columns
are both prepared under guidance issued by the Association of
Investment Companies ("AIC"). All items in the above statement
derive from continuing operations.
No operations were discontinued during the year.
The Company does not have any income or expense that is not
included in net profit for the year. Accordingly, the net profit
for the year is also the Total Comprehensive Income for the year,
as defined in IAS1 (revised). There is no other comprehensive
income for the year.
The notes below form an integral part of the financial
statements.
Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2018
31 December
2018 31 December
Notes GBP'000 2017 GBP'000
====================================== ===== =========== =============
Non-current assets
Investments at amortised cost 11 576,530 345,566
Investments held at fair value
through profit or loss 12 9,980 11,227
Fixed assets 15 217 342
====================================== ===== =========== =============
586,727 357,135
Current assets
Receivables 16 3,375 3,477
Cash and cash equivalents 5,559 5,730
====================================== ===== =========== =============
8,934 9,207
Total assets 595,661 366,342
Current liabilities
Management fee payable (985) (592)
Performance fee payable (2,873) (2,329)
Other payables 17 (1,830) (1,875)
====================================== ===== =========== =============
(5,688) (4,796)
Total assets less current liabilities 589,973 361,546
Interest bearing borrowings 18 (189,263) (56,787)
Net assets 400,710 304,759
====================================== ===== =========== =============
Shareholders' funds
Ordinary share capital 19 394 299
Share premium 299,599 201,852
Revenue reserves 4,934 5,133
Capital reserves (965) (125)
Special distributable reserves 20 96,748 97,600
====================================== ===== =========== =============
Total shareholders' funds 400,710 304,759
====================================== ===== =========== =============
Net asset value per share 24 1,015.7p 1,018.4p
====================================== ===== =========== =============
The notes below form an integral part of the financial
statements.
The financial statements below were approved by the Board of
Directors of Honeycomb Investment Trust plc (a public limited
company incorporated in England and Wales with company number
09899024) and authorised for issue on 29 April 2019. They were
signed on its behalf by:
Robert Sharpe, Chairman
Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Funds
For the year ended 31 December 2018
Ordinary Special
Share Share Revenue Capital Distributable Total
Capital Premium Reserves Reserves Reserves Equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
Shareholders'
funds at 1 January
2018 299 201,852 5,133 (125) 97,600 304,759
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
Changes on initial
application of
IFRS 9 - - (2,338) - - (2,338)
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
Updated balance
at 1 January 2018 299 201,852 2,795 (125) 97,600 302,421
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
Ordinary shares
issued 95 99,905 - - - 100,000
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
Ordinary shares
issue costs - (2,158) - - - (2,158)
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
Profit / (loss)
after taxation - - 29,037 (840) - 28,197
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
Dividends paid
in the year - - (26,898) - (852) (27,750)
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
Shareholders'
funds at 31 December
2018 394 299,599 4,934 (965) 96,748 400,710
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
As at 31 December 2018 the Company had distributable reserves of
GBP100.72 million for the payment of future dividends. The
distributable reserves are the net of the revenue reserves (GBP4.93
million), realised capital reserves (-GBP0.97 million) and the
special distributable reserves (GBP96.75 million).
For the year ended 31 December 2017
Ordinary Special
Share Share Revenue Capital Distributable Total
Capital Premium Reserves Reserves Reserves Equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
Shareholders'
funds at 1 January
2017 199 98,670 5,126 (44) 98,100 202,051
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
Ordinary shares
issued 100 104,900 - - - 105,000
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
Ordinary shares
issue costs - (1,718) - - - (1,718)
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
Profit / (loss)
after taxation - - 21,042 (81) - 20,961
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
Dividends paid
in the year - - (21,035) - (500) (21,535)
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
Shareholders'
funds at 31 December
2017 299 201,852 5,133 (125) 97,600 304,759
====================== ======== ======== ========= ========= ============== ========
As at 31 December 2017 the Company had distributable reserves of
GBP102.61 million for the payment of future dividends. The
distributable reserves are the net of the revenue reserves (GBP5.13
million), realised capital reserves (-GBP0.13 million) and the
special distributable reserves (GBP97.60 million).
The notes below form an integral part of the financial
statements.
Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2018
31 December 2018 31 December 2017
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
================================== ===== ================ ================
Cash flows from operating
activities:
Profit after taxation 28,197 20,961
Adjustments for:
Changes on initial application
of IFRS 9 1 (2,338) -
Change in expected credit
loss 11 7,467 2,783
Net change in unrealised
losses/(gains) 12 750 -
Finance costs 5,429 1,732
Amortisation 15 275 240
Decrease in receivables 16 102 246
Increase in payables 17 892 1,316
Net cash inflow from operating
activities 40,774 27,278
Cash flows from investing
activities:
Net (Purchase) of Investments
at amortised cost (238,431) (190,504)
(Purchase) of investments 12 (3,000) (6,497)
Sale of investments 12 3,497 -
Purchase of fixed assets 15 (150) (213)
Net cash (outflow) from investing
activities (238,084) (197,214)
Cash flows from financing
activities:
Proceeds from issue of ordinary
shares 19 100,000 105,000
Share issue costs (2,158) (1,718)
Interest bearing borrowings 18 366,900 122,500
Repayments of interest-bearing
borrowings 18 (234,400) (66,000)
Interest paid on financing
activities (5,453) (1,458)
Dividends declared and paid 9 (27,750) (21,535)
Net cash inflow from financing
activities 197,139 136,789
Net change in cash and cash
equivalents (171) (33,147)
Cash and cash equivalents
at the beginning of the year 5,730 38,877
================ ================
Net cash and cash equivalents 5,559 5,730
================================== ===== ================ ================
The notes below form an integral part of the financial
statements.
Notes to the Financial Statements
1. Principal Accounting Policies
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by
the European Union ("EU"). They comprise standards and
interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards
Board ("IASB") and International Financial Reporting Committee,
including interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations
Committee and interpretations issued by the International
Accounting Standard Committee ("IASC") that remain in effect, to
the extent they have been adopted by the EU.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies using IFRS.
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern
basis and under the historic cost convention modified by the
revaluation of financial assets held at fair value through profit
and loss as applicable. The Directors consider that the Company has
adequate financial resources to enable it to continue operations
for a period of no less than 12 months from the reporting date.
Accordingly, the Directors believe that it is appropriate to
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the
financial statements.
The principal accounting policies adopted by the Company are set
out below. Where presentational guidance set out in the Statement
of Recommended Practice ("SORP") for investment trusts issued by
the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC") in July 2018 is
consistent with the requirements of IFRS, the Directors have sought
to prepare the financial statements on a basis compliant with the
recommendations of the SORP.
All values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds unless
otherwise indicated.
Except for new accounting policies introduced by IFRS 9 the
accounting policies have been applied consistently year on
year.
Changes to Accounting Policies
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
The Company has adopted IFRS 9 as issued by the IASB in July
2014 with a date of transition of 1 January 2018, which resulted in
changes in accounting policies. The Company did not early adopt any
of IFRS 9 in previous periods. IFRS 9 replaces IAS 39 and addresses
classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets
and liabilities, the impairment of financial assets measured at
amortised cost or fair value through other comprehensive income and
general hedge accounting.
As permitted by the transitional provisions of IFRS 9, the
Company elected not to restate comparative figures on initial
application. Any adjustments to the carrying amounts of financial
assets and liabilities at the date of transition were recognised in
the opening retained earnings and other reserves of the current
period.
Consequently, for notes disclosures, the consequential
amendments to IFRS 7 disclosures have also only been applied to the
current period. The comparative period notes disclosures repeat
those disclosures made in the prior year. The adoption of IFRS 9
has resulted in changes in the Company's accounting policies for
recognition, classification and measurement of financial assets and
impairment of financial assets. IFRS 9 also significantly amends
other standards dealing with financial instruments such as IFRS 7
'Financial Instruments: Disclosures'.
Set out below are disclosures relating to the impact of the
adoption of IFRS 9 on the Company. Further details of the specific
IFRS 9 accounting policies applied in the current period (as well
as the previous IAS 39 accounting policies applied in the
comparative period) are described in more detail below.
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The objective of IFRS 15 is to establish the principles that an
entity shall apply to report useful information to users of
financial statements about the nature, amount, timing, and
uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from a contract with
a customer. The standard has been applied in the Company's annual
report as the standard became effective for any periods beginning
on or after 1 January 2018.
The adoption and interpretation of this standard has not had a
material impact on the financial statements, given the nature of
the Company's business with revenue predominantly from interest and
movements in fair value.
(a) Classification and measurement of financial instruments
IFRS 9 includes three principle classification categories for
financial assets which must be designated at initial recognition.
Financial assets are measured at fair value through profit or loss
("FVTPL"), fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI")
or amortised cost based on the nature of the cash flows of the
assets and an entity's business model. These categories replace the
existing IAS 39 classifications of fair value through profit and
loss ("FVTPL"), available for sale ("AFS"), loans and receivables,
and held-to-maturity.
The measurement category and the carrying amount of financial
assets in accordance with IAS 39 and IFRS 9 at 1 January 2018 are
compared below:
1 January 2018 IFRS
31 December 2017 IAS 39 9
=============================================================== ===========================
Measurement Carrying Measurement Carrying
category amount category amount
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
=========================== ========================= ======== ================= ========
Financial Assets
Investments at Amortised cost
amortised cost (Loans and receivables) 335,252 Amortised cost 332,914
Investments at Amortised cost
amortised cost (Held-to-maturity) 10,314 Amortised cost 10,314
Investments held
at fair value through FVTPL (Held for
profit or loss trading) 11,227 FVTPL (Mandatory) 11,227
Fixed assets Amortised cost 342 Amortised cost 342
Amortised cost
Receivables (Loans and receivables) 3,477 Amortised cost 3,477
Amortised cost
Cash and cash equivalents (Loans and receivables) 5,730 Amortised cost 5,730
Total Assets 366,342 364,004
=========================== ========================= ======== ================= ========
There were no changes in measurement category driven by the
introduction of IFRS 9. All movements in carrying amount were due
to the introduction of the expected credit loss model. There were
no changes to the classification and measurement of financial
liabilities.
(b) Reconciliation of statement of financial positional balances from IAS 39 to IFRS 9
The Company performed a detailed analysis of its business models
for managing financial assets and analysis of their cash flow
characteristics. Please refer below for more detailed information
regarding the new classification requirements under IFRS 9. The
following table reconciles the carrying amounts of financial
assets, from their previous measurement category in accordance with
IAS 39 to their new measurement categories upon transition to IFRS
9 on 1 January 2018:
IAS39 carrying IFRS9 carrying
amount Reclassifications Remeasurements amount
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
========================= ============== ================= ============== ==============
Investments at amortised
cost
Opening balance under
IAS 39 355,309 - - 355,309
Reclassification - - - -
Remeasurement: ECL
allowance (9,743) - (2,338) (12,081)
Closing balance 345,566 - (2,338) 343,228
========================= ============== ================= ============== ==============
There were no changes to any other asset or liability captions
due to remeasurement or reclassification on initial adoption of
IFRS 9.
The total remeasurement loss of GBP2.3 million was recognised in
opening reserves at 1 January 2018. There were no changes due to
reclassification, and the whole re-measurement being a change
relating to the changes due to the new expected credit loss
model.
(c) Reconciliation of impairment allowance balance from IAS 39 to IFRS 9
The new requirements of IFRS 9 have been applied by adjusting
the Statement of Financial Position on 1 January 2018, the date of
initial application. The Company has taken advantage of the
exemption allowing it not to restate comparative information for
prior periods with respect to financial information.
The 'incurred loss model' under IAS 39 is replaced with a new
forward looking 'expected credit loss model' under IFRS 9.
Impairment provisions are driven by changes in credit risk of
instruments, with a provision for lifetime expected credit losses
recognised where the risk of default of an instrument has increased
significantly since initial recognition. Risk of default and
expected credit losses must incorporate forward-looking and
macroeconomic information.
The new expected credit loss model applies to the following
financial instruments that are not measured at FVTPL:
-- Financial assets that are debt instruments; and
-- Loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts issues
(previously, impairment was measured under IAS 37 Provisions,
Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets).
Under IFRS 9, no impairment loss is recognised on equity
investments. IFRS 9 requires a loss allowance to be recognised at
an amount equal to either 12 month expected credit loss ("ECL"), or
lifetime ECL. Lifetime ECLs are the ECLs that result from all
possible default events over the expected life of the financial
instrument, whereas 12-month ECLs are the portion of the ECL that
result from default events that are possible within 12 months after
the reporting date.
Under IFRS 9, credit loss allowances are to be measured on each
reporting date according with a three-stage ECL impairment
model:
-- Stage 1 - From initial recognition of a financial asset to
the date on which the asset has experienced a significant increase
in credit risk relative to its initial recognition, a loss
allowance is recognised equal to the credit losses expected to
result from defaults occurring over the next 12 months.
-- Stage 2 - Following a significant increase in credit risk
relative to the initial recognition of the financial asset, a loss
allowance is recognised equal to the credit losses expected over
the remaining lifetime of the asset.
-- Stage 3 - When a financial asset is considered to be
credit-impaired, a loss allowance equal to full lifetime expected
credit losses are recognised. Interest revenue is calculated based
on the carrying amount of the asset, net of the loss allowance,
rather than on its gross carrying amount.
For the expected credit loss balance at year end for each of the
above stages and how these have moved in the year please see Note
11 to the financial statements.
Under IFRS 9, the population of financial assets and
corresponding allowances disclosed as Stage 3 will not necessarily
correspond to the amounts of financial assets currently disclosed
as impaired in accordance with IAS 39. Consistent with IAS 39,
loans are written off when there is no realistic probability of
recovery.
Given all financial assets within the scope of the IFRS 9
impairment model are assessed for at least 12-months of ECLs, and
the population of financial assets to which full lifetime ECLs
applies is larger than the population of impaired loans for which
there is objective evidence of impairment in accordance with IAS
39, loss allowances are higher than under IFRS 9 relative to IAS
39.
Changes in the required credit loss allowance, including the
impact of movements between Stage 1 and Stage 2, are recorded in
profit or loss. The impact of moving between 12 month and lifetime
ECLs and the application of forward-looking information, means
provisions are expected to be more volatile under IFRS 9 than IAS
39 due to the Company's continued origination of new assets.
The following table reconciles the prior period's closing
impairment allowance measured in accordance with the IAS 39
incurred loss model to the new ECL allowance measured in accordance
with the IFRS 9 expected credit loss model at 1 January 2018:
Loan loss Loan loss
allowance allowance
under IAS under
39 Remeasurement IFRS 9
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
========= ========== ============= ==========
Consumer 4,675 1,741 6,416
Property 5,068 597 5,665
SME - - -
Total 9,743 2,338 12,081
========= ========== ============= ==========
The most significant driver of the increase is the requirement
under IFRS 9 to hold an expected credit loss provision for
performing loans, which is incremental to the existing incurred
loss provision on non-performing loans under IAS 39.
Accounting Policies
Consolidation
Subsidiaries are investees controlled by the Company. The
Company controls an investee if it is exposed to, or has the rights
to, variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has
the ability to affect those returns through its power over the
investee. The Company reassesses whether it has control if there
are changes to one or more elements of control. Subsidiaries are
valued at fair value. The Company does not consider itself to be an
investment entity for the purposes of IFRS 10, as it does not hold
substantially all of its investments at fair value. Consequently,
it consolidates its subsidiaries rather than holding at fair value
through profit or loss.
As at 31 December 2018 the Company did not control a subsidiary.
As at 31 December 2017 the Company was deemed to control one
subsidiary, Business Mortgage Finance 3 plc ("BMF 3"), a public
limited company incorporated under the Laws of England and Wales.
The company is registered at Asticus Building 2nd Floor 21 Palmer
Street, London, SW1H 0AD.
BMF 3 was a securitisation vehicle for UK commercial mortgages
and operates in a pre-determined manner. The Company was considered
to control BMF 3 from 20 December 2017 to 15 February 2018 by
virtue of having exposure to the variable returns of the vehicle
through the holding of a subordinated note issued by it. The rights
of the subordinated loan include all monies payable and rights of
action and security as well as the rights to the residual
revenue.
On 15 January 2018 the Company gave notice to call the external
note holders of BMF 3 one month prior to the quarterly interest
payment date. Subsequently, on 15 February 2018, the Company
redeemed all external note holders and as a consequence purchased
the residual loan values and released the security over the loans.
The effect of this is the underlying assets have been purchased by
the Company and bought onto the Company's Statement of Financial
Position. BMF 3 will no longer be consolidated as the Company will
no longer have control of BMF 3.
In the prior year consolidated financial statements, intra-group
balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expenses
arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in preparing
consolidated financial statements.
Foreign Currency
The financial statements are prepared in Pounds Sterling because
that is the currency of all of the transactions during the year, so
has been selected as the presentational currency.
The primary objective of the Company is to generate returns in
Pounds Sterling, its capital-raising currency. The liquidity of the
Company is managed on a day-to-day basis in Pounds Sterling as the
Company's performance is evaluated in that currency. Therefore, the
Directors consider Pounds Sterling as the currency that most
faithfully represents the economic effects of the underlying
transactions, events and conditions and is therefore the functional
currency.
During the year under review there were no transactions in
foreign currencies. Transactions involving foreign currencies would
be converted at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the
transaction. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities would
be translated into Pounds Sterling at the exchange rate ruling on
the year-end date. Foreign exchange differences arising on
translation would be recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive
Income.
Presentation of the Statement of Comprehensive Income
In order to better reflect the activities of an investment trust
company and in accordance with guidance issued by the AIC,
supplementary information which analyses the Statement of
Comprehensive Income between items of a revenue and capital nature
has been presented alongside the Statement of Comprehensive
Income.
In respect of the analysis between revenue and capital items
presented within the Statement of Comprehensive Income, all
expenses and finance costs, which are accounted for on an accruals
basis, have been presented as revenue items except those items
listed below:
-- Expenses are allocated to capital where a direct connection
with the maintenance or enhancement of the value of the investments
can be demonstrated; and
-- Expenses which are incidental to the disposal of an
investment are deducted from the disposal proceeds of the
investment.
The following are presented as capital items:
-- Gains and losses on the realisation of investments;
-- Increases and decreases in the valuation of investments held at the 31 December 2018;
-- Realised and unrealised gains and losses on transactions
undertaken to hedge an exposure of a capital nature;
-- Realised and unrealised exchange differences of a capital nature; and
-- Expenses, together with the related taxation effect,
allocated to capital in accordance with the above policies.
Income
Interest from loans are recognised in the Statement of
Comprehensive Income for all instruments measured at amortised cost
using the effective interest rate method ("EIRM").
The EIRM is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a
financial asset or financial liability and of allocating the
interest income or interest expense over the relevant period. The
effective interest rate ("EIR") is the rate that exactly discounts
estimated future cash flows through the expected life of the
financial instrument or, when appropriate, a shorter period to the
net carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability.
When calculating the effective interest rate, the Company takes
into account all contractual terms of the financial instrument, for
example prepayment options, but does not consider future credit
losses. The calculation includes all fees paid or received between
parties to the contract that are an integral part of the effective
interest rate, transaction costs and all other premiums or
discounts.
Fees and commissions which are not considered integral to the
EIRM and deposit interest income are recognised on an accruals
basis when the service has been provided or received.
Dividend income from investments is recognised when the
Company's right to receive payment has been established, normally
the ex-dividend date.
Expenses
All expenses are accounted for on the accruals basis. In respect
of the analysis between revenue and capital items presented within
the Statement of Comprehensive Income, all expenses have been
presented as revenue items except as follows:
-- Transaction costs which are incurred on the purchases or
sales of investments designated as fair value through profit or
loss are expensed to capital in the Statement of Comprehensive
Income; and
-- Expenses are split and presented partly as capital items
where a connection with the maintenance or enhancement of the value
of the investments held can be demonstrated and, accordingly, the
management fee for the financial year has been allocated 98.2 per
cent to revenue and 1.8 per cent to capital (being the ratio of
Credit Assets to Equity Assets at the financial year-end), in order
to reflect the Directors' long-term view of the nature of the
expected investment returns of the Company.
Finance costs
Finance costs are accrued on the effective interest rate basis.
Since these costs are considered to be an indirect cost of
maintaining the value of investments they are allocated in full to
revenue.
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable
and deferred tax. The tax currently payable is based on the taxable
profit for the year. The taxable profit differs from profit before
tax as reported in the Statement of Comprehensive Income because it
excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible
in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable
or deductible. The Company's liability for current tax is
calculated using a blended rate as applicable throughout the
year.
In line with the recommendations of the SORP, the allocation
method used to calculate tax relief on expenses presented against
capital returns in the supplementary information in the Statement
of Comprehensive Income is the 'marginal basis'. Under this basis,
if taxable income is capable of being entirely offset by expenses
in the revenue column of the statement of comprehensive income,
then no tax relief is transferred to the capital return column.
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities
in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in
the computation of taxable profit and is accounted for using the
Statement of Financial Position liability method. Deferred tax
liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences
and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is
probable that taxable profits will be available against which
deductible temporary differences can be utilised.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to
apply in the period when the liability is settled, or the asset is
realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the revenue return
column of the Statement of comprehensive income, except when it
relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which
case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.
Investment trusts which have approval under Section 1158 of the
Corporation Tax Act 2010 are not liable for taxation on capital
gains. The Company has been approved as an Investment Trust by
HMRC.
Irrecoverable withholding tax is recognised on any overseas
dividends on an accruals basis using the applicable rate for the
country of origin.
Investments at amortised cost
Loans are initially recognised at a carrying value equivalent to
the funds advanced to the borrower plus the costs of acquisition
such as broker and packaging fees. After initial recognition loans
are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective
EIRM less impairment provisions (see Note 11 to the financial
statements).
Investments
All investments held by the Company have been designated at fair
value through profit or loss ("FVTPL") but are also described in
these financial statements as investments held at fair value and
are valued in accordance with the International Private Equity and
Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines ("IPEVCV") effective 1 January
2016 as recommended by the British Private Equity and Venture
Capital Association.
Purchases and sales of unquoted investments are recognised when
the contract for acquisition or sale becomes unconditional.
Fixed assets
Fixed assets are shown at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation is calculated by the Company on a straight-line basis
by reference to the original cost, estimated useful life and
residual value. Cost includes the original purchase price of the
asset and the costs attributable to bringing the asset to its
working condition for its intended use. The period of estimated
useful life for this purpose is one to three years. Residual values
are assumed to be nil.
Receivables
Receivables do not carry any interest and are short term in
nature. They are initially stated at their nominal value and
reduced by appropriate allowances for expected credit losses (if
any). Given their short-term nature a lifetime ECL is not deemed
necessary as expected life is less than a month.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents (which are presented as a single class
of asset on the Statement of Financial Position) comprise cash at
bank and in hand and deposits with an original maturity of three
months or less. The carrying value of these assets approximates
their fair value.
Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are classified according to the substance
of the contractual arrangements entered into.
Payables
Payables are non-interest bearing. They are initially stated at
their nominal value.
Interest bearing borrowings
Interest bearing borrowings are initially recognised at a
carrying value equivalent to the proceeds received net of issue
costs associated with the borrowings. After initial recognition,
interest bearing borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised
cost using the effective interest rate method.
Dividends
Interim dividends to shareholders are recognised in the year of
the ex-dividend date.
Associates
Associates are entities over which the Company has significant
influence, but does not control, generally accompanied by a
shareholding of between 20 per cent and 50 per cent of the voting
rights.
No associates are presented on the Statement of Financial
Position as the Company elects to hold such investments at fair
value through profit and loss. This treatment is permitted by IAS
28 Investment in Associates and Joint Ventures, which permits
investments held by entities that are venture capital
organisations, mutual funds or similar entities to be excluded from
its measurement methodology requirements where those investments
are designated, upon initial recognition, as at fair value through
profit or loss and accounted for in accordance with IFRS 9. Changes
in fair value of associates are recognised in the Statement of
Comprehensive Income in the period in which the change occurs.
The disclosures required by Section 409 of the Companies Act
2006 for associated undertakings are included in Note 23 to the
financial statements.
Classification and measurement
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the
Statement of Financial Position when the Company becomes a party to
the contractual provisions of the instrument. The Company shall
offset financial assets and financial liabilities if it has a
legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and
interests and intends to settle on a net basis. Financial assets
and liabilities are derecognised when the Company settles its
obligations relating to the instrument.
From 1 January 2018 IFRS 9 contains a new classification and
measurement approach for debt instruments that reflects the
business model in which assets are managed and their cash flow
characteristics. This is a principle-based approach and applies one
classification approach for all types of debt instruments. For debt
Instruments two criteria are used to determine how financial assets
should be classified and measured:
-- The entity's business model (i.e. how an entity manages its
debt Instruments in order to generate cash flows by collecting
contractual cash flows, selling financial assets or both); and
-- The contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial
asset (i.e. whether the contractual cash flows are solely payments
of principal and interest).
A debt instrument is measured at amortised cost if it meets both
of the following conditions and is not designated as at fair value
through profit and loss ("FVTPL"): (a) it is held within a business
model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash
flows; and (b) its contractual terms give rise on specified dates
to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on
the principal amount outstanding.
A debt instrument is measured at fair value through other
comprehensive income ("FVOCI") if it meets both of the following
conditions and is not designated as at FVTPL:
(a) it is held within a business model whose objective is
achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling
financial assets; and
(b) its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash
flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the
principal amount outstanding.
Movements in the carrying amount are taken through the Other
Comprehensive Income ("OCI"), except for the recognition of
expected credit losses, interest revenue and foreign exchange gains
and losses on the investments at amortised cost which is recognised
in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. When the
financial asset is derecognised, the cumulative gain or loss
previously recognised in OCI is reclassified from equity to the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and recognised in
'Income'. Interest income from these financial assets in included
in 'Income' using the EIRM.
Equity instruments are measured at FVTPL, unless they are not
held for trading purposes, in which case an irrevocable election
can be made on initial recognition to measure them at FVOCI with no
subsequent reclassification to profit or loss. This election is
made on an investment by investment basis.
All financial assets not classified as measured at amortised
cost or FVOCI as described above are measured at FVTPL. All equity
positions are measured at FVTPL. Financial assets measured at FVTPL
are recognised in the balance sheet at their fair value. Fair value
gains and losses together with interest coupons and dividend income
are recognised in the income statement within net trading income in
the period in which they occur. The fair values of assets and
liabilities traded in active markets are based on current bid and
offer prices respectively. If the market is not active the Company
establishes a fair value by using valuation techniques. In
addition, on initial recognition the Company may irrevocably
designate a financial asset that otherwise meets the requirements
to be measured at amortised cost or at FVOCI as FVTPL if doing so
eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch that
would otherwise arise.
Business model assessment
The Company assesses the objective of the business model in
which a financial asset is held at a portfolio level in order to
generate cash flows because this best reflects the way the business
is managed, and information is provided to the Investment Manager.
That is, whether the Company's objective is solely to collect the
contractual cash flows from the assets or is to collect both the
contractual cash flows and cash flows arising from the sale of
assets. If neither of these are applicable, then the financial
assets are classified as part of the other business model and
measured at FVTPL.
The information that is considered includes:
-- The stated policies and objectives for the portfolio and the
operation of those policies in practice, including whether the
strategy focuses on earning contractual interest revenue,
maintaining a particular interest rate profile, matching duration
of the financial assets to the duration of the liabilities that are
funding those assets or realising cash flows through the sale of
assets;
-- Past experience on how the cash flows for these assets were collected;
-- How the performance of the portfolio is evaluated and reported to the Investment Manager;
-- The risks that affect the performance of the business model
(and the financial assets held within that business model) and how
those risks are managed; and
-- The frequency, volume and timing of sales in prior periods,
the reasons for such sales and expectations about future sales
activity. However, information about sales activity is not
considered in isolation, but as part of an overall assessment of
how the Investment Manager's stated objective for managing the
financial assets is achieved and how cashflows are realised.
Assessment whether contractual cash flows are solely payments of
principal and interest
For the purposes of this assessment, 'principal' is defined as
the fair value of the financial asset on initial recognition.
'Interest' is defined as consideration for the time value of money,
for the credit risk associated with the principal amount
outstanding during a particular period of time and for other basic
lending risks and costs (e.g. liquidity risk and administrative
costs), as well as a reasonable profit margin.
In assessing whether the contractual cash flows are solely
payments of principal and interest, the contractual terms of the
instrument are considered. This includes assessing whether the
financial asset contains a contractual term that could change the
timing or amount of contractual cash flows such that it would not
meet this condition. In making the assessment the following
features are considered:
-- Contingent events that would change the amount and timing of cash flows;
-- Leverage features;
-- Prepayment and extension terms;
-- Terms that limit the Company's claim to cash flows from
specified assets, e.g. non-recourse asset arrangements; and
-- Features that modify consideration for the time value of
money, e.g. periodic reset of interest rates.
Equity instruments
Equity instruments are instruments that meet the definition of
equity from the issuer's perspective; that is, instruments that do
not contain a contractual obligation to pay and that evidence a
residual interest in the issuer's net assets. Examples of equity
instruments include basic ordinary shares.
The Company subsequently measures all equity investments at
FVTPL Gains and losses on equity investments at FVTPL are included
in the 'Income' line in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Comparative financial year ended 31 December 2017
For the comparative financial year ended 31 December 2017
financial assets have been classified Under IAS 39. Under IAS 39
the Company can classify its financial assets into the following
measurement categories: (i) financial assets held at fair value
through profit or loss ("FVTPL"); (ii) loans and receivables; (iii)
held-to-maturity; and (iv) available for sale. Financial
liabilities can be classified as either held at fair value through
profit or loss, or at amortised cost using the EIRM.
Financial assets and liabilities are classified at initial
recognition.
Financial assets and liabilities held at fair value through
profit or loss.
This category has two sub-categories: Financial assets and
liabilities held for trading, and those designated at fair value
through profit or loss at inception.
A financial asset or liability is classified as trading if
acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short-term,
this does not apply to the Company.
Financial assets and liabilities may be designated at fair value
through profit or loss when:
-- The designation eliminates or significantly reduces a
measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise arise
from measuring assets or liabilities on a different basis;
-- A group of financial assets and/or liabilities is managed,
and its performance evaluated on a fair value basis; or
-- The assets or liabilities include embedded derivatives and
such derivatives are required to be recognised separately.
Financial assets and liabilities held at fair value through
profit or loss are subsequently carried at fair value, with gains
and losses arising from changes in fair value taken directly to the
consolidated income statement.
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with
fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active
market and it is expected that substantially all of the initial
investment will be recovered, other than because of credit
deterioration. Loans and receivables are subsequently carried at
amortised cost using the EIRM and recorded net of provisions for
impairment losses.
Held-to-maturity
Held-to-maturity assets are those assets purchased with the
intention of holding to the investment maturity. This is reported
at amortised cost using the EIRM. All bonds held by the Company are
currently held-to-maturity.
Available for sale
Available for sale assets are those non-derivative financial
assets intended to be held for an indefinite period of time, which
may be sold in response to liquidity requirements or changes in
interest rates, exchange rates or equity prices. Available for sale
financial assets are subsequently carried at fair value, with gains
and losses arising from changes in fair value taken to a separate
component of equity until the asset is sold, or is impaired, when
the cumulative gain or loss is transferred to the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income. The Company has no AFS.
Derecognition
Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive
cash flows from the financial assets have expired or where the
Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of
ownership. If substantially all the risks and rewards have been
neither retained nor transferred and the Company has retained
control, the assets continue to be recognised to the extent of the
Company's continuing involvement. Financial liabilities are
derecognised when they are extinguished.
Expected Credit loss allowance for financial assets measured at
amortised cost
The impairment charge in the income statement includes the
change in expected credit losses which are recognised for loans and
advances to customers, other financial assets held at amortised
cost and certain loan commitments.
IFRS 9 applies a single impairment model to all financial
instruments subject to impairment testing while IAS 39 had
different models for different financial instruments. Impairment
losses are recognised on initial recognition, and at each
subsequent reporting period, even if the loss has not yet been
incurred. In addition to past events and current conditions,
reasonable and supportable forecasts affecting collectability are
also considered when determining the amount of impairment in
accordance with IFRS 9. The impairment requirements under IFRS 9
are significantly different from those under IAS 39. The following
highlights the key differences between the two standards.
The IAS 39 incurred loss model delays the recognition of credit
losses until there is objective evidence of impairment. Impairment
is based on only past trigger events, and current conditions are
considered when determining the amount of impairment (i.e., the
effects of future credit loss events cannot be considered, even
when they are expected). It also uses different impairment models
for different financial instruments subject to impairment testing.
Under IFRS 9 expected credit loss model expected credit losses are
recognised at each reporting period, even if no actual loss events
have taken place. In addition to past events and current
conditions, reasonable and supportable forward-looking information
that is available without undue cost or effort is considered in
determining impairment, with the model applied to all financial
instruments subject to impairment testing.
At initial recognition, allowance is made for expected credit
losses resulting from default events that are possible within the
next 12 months (12-month expected credit losses). In the event of a
significant increase in credit risk, allowance (or provision) is
made for expected credit losses resulting from all possible default
events over the expected life of the financial instrument (lifetime
expected credit losses). Financial assets where 12-month expected
credit losses are recognised are considered to be Stage 1;
financial assets which are considered to have experienced a
significant increase in credit risk are in Stage 2; and financial
assets which have defaulted or are otherwise considered to be
credit impaired are allocated to Stage 3.
The measurement of ECLs is primarily based on the product of the
instrument's probability of default ("PD"), loss given default
("LGD"), and exposure at default ("EAD"), taking into account the
value of any collateral held or other mitigants of loss and
including the impact of discounting using the effective interest
rate.
-- The PD represents the likelihood of a borrower defaulting on
its financial obligation, either over the next 12 months ("12M
PD"), or over the remaining lifetime ("Lifetime PD") of the
obligation.
-- EAD is based on the amounts the Company expects to be owed at
the time of default, over the next 12 months ("12M EAD") or over
the remaining lifetime ("Lifetime EAD"). For example, for a
revolving commitment, the Company includes the current drawn
balance plus any further amount that is expected to be drawn up to
the current contractual limit by the time of default, should it
occur. The EAD is discounted back to the reporting date using the
effective interest rate ("EIR") determined at initial
recognition.
-- LGD represents the Company's expectation of the extent of
loss on a defaulted exposure. LGD varies by type of counterparty,
type and seniority of claim and availability of collateral or other
credit support. LGD is expressed as a percentage loss per unit of
exposure at the time of default (EAD). LGD is calculated on a
12-month or lifetime basis, where 12-month LGD is the percentage of
loss expected to be made if the default occurs in the next 12
months and Lifetime LGD is the percentage of loss expected to be
made if the default occurs over the remaining expected lifetime of
the loan.
The ECL is determined by projecting the PD, LGD, and EAD for
each future month and for each individual exposure or collective
segment. These three components are multiplied together and
adjusted for the likelihood of survival (i.e. the exposure has not
prepaid or defaulted in an earlier month). This effectively
calculates an ECL for each future month, which is then discounted
back to the reporting date and summed. The discount rate used in
the ECL calculation is the original effective interest rate or an
approximation thereof.
The Lifetime PD is developed by applying a maturity profile to
the current 12M PD. The maturity profile looks at how defaults
develop on a portfolio from the point of initial recognition
throughout the lifetime of the loans. The maturity profile is based
on historical observed data and is assumed to be the same across
all assets within a portfolio and credit grade band. This is
supported by historical analysis.
The 12-month and lifetime EADs are determined based on the
expected payment profile, which varies by product type.
-- For amortising products and bullet repayment loans, this is
based on the contractual repayments owed by the borrower over a 12
month or lifetime basis. This is also adjusted for any expected
overpayments made by a borrower. Early repayment/refinance
assumptions are also incorporated into the calculation.
-- For revolving products, the exposure at default is predicted
by taking current drawn balance and adding a "credit conversion
factor" which allows for the expected drawdown of the remaining
limit by the time of default. These assumptions vary by product
type and current limit utilisation band, based on analysis of the
Company's recent default data.
The 12-month and lifetime LGDs are determined based on the
factors which impact the recoveries made post default. These vary
by product type.
-- For secured products, this is primarily based on collateral
type and projected collateral values, historical discounts to
market/book values due to forced sales, time to repossession and
recovery costs observed.
-- For unsecured products, LGD's are typically set at product
level due to the limited differentiation in recoveries achieved
across different borrowers. These LGD's are influenced by
collection strategies, including contracted debt sales and
price.
The main difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2 is the
respective PD horizon. Stage 1 estimates use a maximum of a
12-month PD, while Stage 2 estimates use a lifetime PD. The main
difference between Stage 2 and Stage 3 is Stage 3 is effectively
the point at which there has been a default event. For financial
assets in stage 3, entities continue to recognise lifetime ECL but
now recognise interest income on a net basis. This means that
interest income is calculated based on the gross carrying amount of
the financial asset less ECL. Stage 3 estimates continue to
leverage existing processes for estimating losses on impaired
loans, however, these processes are updated to reflect the
requirements of IFRS 9, including the requirement to consider
multiple forward-looking scenarios.
Movements between Stage 1 and Stage 2 are based on whether an
instrument's credit risk as at the reporting date has increased
significantly relative to the date it was initially recognised.
Where the credit risk subsequently improves such that it no longer
represents a significant increase in credit risk since origination,
the asset is transferred back to Stage 1. Where the credit risk
subsequently improves such that it no longer represents a
significant increase in credit risk since origination, the asset is
transferred back to Stage 1.
In assessing whether a borrower has had a significant increase
in credit risk the following indicators are considered:
-- Consumer
- Short-term forbearance
- Extension of terms granted
-- Structured/SME/Property
- Significant increase in credit spread
- Significant adverse changes in business, financial and/or
economic conditions in which the borrower operates
- Actual or expected forbearance or restructuring
- Actual or expected significant adverse change in operating results of the borrower
- Significant change in collateral value (secured facilities
only) which is expected to increase the risk of default
- Early signs of cashflow/liquidity problems such as delay in servicing of trade creditors
However, unless identified at an earlier stage, the credit risk
of financial assets is deemed to have increased significantly when
more than 30 days past due.
Movements between Stage 2 and Stage 3 are based on whether
financial assets are credit-impaired as at the reporting date. IFRS
9 contains a rebuttable presumption that default occurs no later
than when a payment is 90 days past due. The Company uses this
90-day backstop for all its assets except for UK second mortgages,
the Company has assumed a backstop of 180 days past due as mortgage
exposures more than 90 days past due, but less than 180 days,
typically show high cure rates and this aligns to the Company's
risk management practices. The determination of credit-impairment
under IFRS 9 is similar to the individual assessment of financial
assets for objective evidence of impairment under IAS 39. Assets
can move in both directions through the stages of the impairment
model.
In assessing whether a borrower is credit impaired the following
qualitative indicators are considered:
-- Consumer
- Long-term forbearance
- Borrower deceased
- Borrower insolvent
-- Structured/SME/Property
- Borrower in breach of financial covenants
- Concessions have been made by the lender relating to the borrower's financial difficulty
- Significant adverse changes in business, financial or economic
conditions on which the borrower operates
- Long term forbearance or restructuring.
The following quantitative indicators are also considered
- The remaining lifetime PD at the reporting date has increased,
compared to the residual lifetime PD expected at the reporting date
when the exposure was first recognised; and
- Based on data developed internally and obtained from external sources.
The criteria above have been applied to all financial
instruments held by the Company and are consistent with the
definition of default used for internal credit risk management
purposes. The default definition has been applied consistently to
model the PD, EAD and LGD throughout the Company's expected credit
loss calculations.
Inputs into the assessment of whether a financial instrument is
in default and their significance may vary over time to reflect
changes in circumstances.
Under IFRS 9, when determining whether the credit risk (i.e. the
risk of default) on a financial instrument has increased
significantly since initial recognition, reasonable and supportable
information that is relevant and available without undue cost or
effort, including both quantitative and qualitative information and
analysis based on historical experience, credit assessment and
forward-looking information.
The measurement of expected credit losses for each stage and the
assessment of significant increases in credit risk considers
information about past events and current conditions as well as
reasonable and supportable forward-looking information. A 'Base
case' view of the future direction of relevant economic variables
and a representative range of other possible forecasts scenarios
have been developed. The process has involved developing two
additional economic scenarios and considering the relative
probabilities of each outcome.
The base case represents a most likely outcome and is aligned
with information used for other purposes, such as strategic
planning and budgeting. The number of scenarios and their
attributes are reassessed at each reporting date. At 31 December
2018, all the portfolios of the Company use one positive, more
optimistic and one downside, more pessimistic outcomes. The
scenario weightings are determined by a combination of statistical
analysis and expert credit judgement, taking account of the range
of possible outcomes each chosen scenario is representative of.
The estimation and application of forward-looking information
requires significant judgement. PD, LGD and EAD inputs used to
estimate Stage 1 and Stage 2 credit loss allowances, are modelled
based on the macroeconomic variables (or changes in macroeconomic
variables) that are most closely correlated with credit losses in
the relevant portfolio. The Company has utilised macroeconomic
scenarios prepared and provided by Oxford Economics ("Oxford").
Oxford combines two decades of forecast errors with the
quantitative assessment of the current risks facing the global and
domestic economy to produce robust forward-looking distributions
for the economy. Oxford construct 3 alternative scenarios at
specific percentile points in the distribution. In any
distribution, the probability of a given discrete scenario is close
to zero. Therefore, scenario probabilities represent the
probability of that scenario or similar scenarios occurring. In
effect, a given scenario represents the average of a broader bucket
of similar severity scenarios and the probability reflects the
width of that bucket. Given that it is known where the IFRS 9
scenarios sit in the distribution (the percentiles), their
probability (the width of the bucket of similar scenarios) depends
on how many scenarios are chosen. Scenario probabilities must add
up to 100 per cent so the more scenarios chosen, the smaller the
section of the distribution, or bucket, each scenario represents
and therefore the smaller the probability. This allows the
probabilities to be calculated according to whichever subset of
scenarios chosen to use in the ECL calculation. The scenarios are
generated at the year-end and are only updated during the year if
economic conditions change significantly. The Base case is given a
40 per cent weighting and the downside and upside a 30 per cent
weighting each. These weightings specifically relate to the period
1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018.
As with any economic forecasts, the projections and likelihoods
of occurrence are subject to a high degree of inherent uncertainty
and therefore the actual outcomes may be significantly different to
those projected. The Company considers these forecasts to represent
its best estimate of the possible outcomes and has analysed the
non-linearities and asymmetries within the Company's different
portfolios to establish that the chosen scenarios are appropriately
representative of the range of possible scenarios.
Other forward-looking considerations not otherwise incorporated
within the above scenarios, such as the impact of any regulatory,
legislative or political changes, have also been considered, but
are not deemed to have a material impact and therefore no
adjustment has been made to the ECL for such factors. This is
reviewed and monitored for appropriateness on an annual basis.
Given the economic uncertainty created by Brexit and the
challenges facing economic forecasters in this environment, there
is a concern that this distribution did not adequately represent
downside risks for the UK. The high level of economic uncertainty
that prevailed at the end of 2018, including the lack of progress
in agreeing a clear plan for an exit from the EU and the uncertain
performance of the UK economy after an exit, a fourth scenario was
also run at the balance sheet date called the 'Brexit' scenario.
This was not included within the final scenario weightings over the
'Downside' case as it was less severe than this given the 'Brexit'
scenario only focused on a UK downturn whereas the 'Downside'
scenario includes a wider more severe global recession.
Collateral and other credit enhancements
The Company employs a range of policies to mitigate credit risk.
The most common of these is accepting collateral for funds
advanced. The Company has internal policies of the acceptability of
specific classes of collateral or credit risk mitigation.
The Company prepares a valuation of the collateral obtained as
part of the loan origination process. This assessment is reviewed
periodically. The principal collateral types for loans and advances
are:
-- Mortgages over residential properties;
-- Margin agreement for derivatives, for which the Company has
also entered into master netting agreements;
-- Charges over business assets such as premises, inventory and accounts receivable; and
-- Charges over financial instruments such as debt securities and equities.
Longer-term finance and lending to corporate entities are
generally secured; revolving individual credit facilities are
generally unsecured.
Collateral held as security for financial assets other than
loans and advances depends on the nature of the instrument. Debt
securities, treasury and other eligible bills are generally
unsecured, with the exception of asset-backed securities and
similar instruments, which are secured by portfolios of financial
instruments. Derivatives are also collateralised.
The Company's policies regarding obtaining collateral have not
significantly changed during the reporting period and there has
been no significant change in the overall quality of the collateral
held by the Company since the prior period.
The Company closely monitors collateral held for financial
assets considered to be credit-impaired, as it becomes more likely
that the Company will take possession of collateral to mitigate
potential credit losses.
Modification of financial assets
The Company sometimes modifies the terms or loans provided to
customers due to commercial renegotiations, or for distressed
loans, with a view to maximising recovery.
Such restructuring activities include extended payment term
arrangements, payment holidays and payment forgiveness.
Restructuring policies and practice are based on indicators or
criteria which, in the judgement of management, indicate that
payment will most likely continue. These policies are kept under
continuous review. Restructuring is most commonly applied to term
loans.
The risk of default of such assets after modification is
assessed at the reporting date and compared with the risk under the
original terms at initial recognition, when the modification is not
substantial and so does not result in derecognition of the original
assets. The Company monitors the subsequent performance of modified
assets. The Company may determine that the credit risk has
significantly improved after restructuring, so that the assets are
moved from Stage 3 or Stage 2.
Modification of loans
The Company sometimes renegotiates or otherwise modifies the
contractual cash flows of loans to customers. When this happens,
the Company assesses whether or not the new terms are substantially
different to the original terms. The Company does this by
considering, among others, the following factors:
-- If the borrower is in financial difficulty, whether the
modification merely reduces the contractual cash flows to amounts
the borrower is expected to be able to pay;
-- Whether any substantial new terms are introduced, such as a
profit share/equity-based return that substantially affects the
risk profile of the loan;
-- Significant extension of the loan term when the borrower is not in financial difficulty;
-- Significant change in the interest rate;
-- Change in the currency the loan is denominated in; and
-- Insertion of collateral, other security or credit
enhancements that significantly affect the credit risk associated
with the loan.
If the terms are substantially different, the Company
derecognises the original financial asset and recognises a 'New'
asset at fair value and recalculates a new effective interest rate
for the asset. The date of renegotiation is consequently considered
to be the date of initial recognition for impairment calculation
purposes, including for the purpose of determining whether a
significant increase in credit risk has occurred. However, the
Company also assesses whether the new financial asset recognised is
deemed to be credit-impaired at initial recognition, especially in
circumstances where the renegotiation was driven by the debtor
being unable to make the originally agreed payments. Differences in
the carrying amounts are also recognised in the Consolidated
Statement of Comprehensive Income as a gain or loss on
derecognition.
If the terms are not substantially different, the renegotiation
or modification does not result in derecognition, and the Company
recalculates the gross carrying amount based on the revised cash
flows of the financial asset and recognises a modification gain or
loss in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The new
gross carrying amount is recalculated by discounting the modified
cash flows at the original effective interest rate (or
credit-adjusted effective interest rate for purchased or originated
credit-impaired financial assets).
Derecognition other than a modification
Financial assets, or a portion thereof, are derecognised when
the contractual rights to receive the cash flows from the assets
have expired, or when they have been transferred and either (i) the
Company transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of
ownership, or (ii) the Company neither transfers nor retains
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and the
Company has not retained control.
The Company enters into transactions where it retains the
contractual rights to receive cash flows from assets but assumes a
contractual obligation to pay those cash flows to other entities
and transfers substantially all of the risks and rewards. These
transactions are accounted for as 'pass through' transfers that
result in derecognition if the Company:
-- Has no obligation to make payments unless it collects equivalent amounts from the assets;
-- Is prohibited from selling or pledging the assets; and
-- Has an obligation to remit any cash it collects from the assets without material delay.
Collateral (shares and bonds) furnished by the Company under
standard repurchased agreements and securities lending and
borrowing transactions are not derecognised because the Company
retains substantially all the risks and rewards on the basis of the
predetermined repurchase price, and the criteria for derecognition
are therefore not met. This also applies to certain securitisation
transactions in which the Company retains a subordinated residual
interest.
Financial liabilities
Classification and subsequent measurement
In both the current period and prior year, financial liabilities
are classified and subsequently measured at amortised cost, except
for:
-- Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss:
this classification is applied to derivatives, financial
liabilities held for trading (e.g. short positions in the trading
booking) and other financial liabilities designated as such at
initial recognition. Gains or losses on financial liabilities
designated at fair value through profit or loss are presented
partially in other comprehensive income (the amount of change in
the fair value of the financial liability that is attributable to
changes in the credit risk of that liability, which is determined
as the amount that is not attributable to change in market
conditions that give rise to market risk) and partially profit or
loss (the remaining amount of change in the fair value of the
liability). This is unless such a presentation would create, or
enlarge, an accounting mismatch, in which case the gains and losses
attributable to changes in the credit risk of the liability are
also presented in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive
Income;
-- Financial liabilities arising from the transfer of financial
assets which did not qualify for derecognition, whereby a financial
liability is recognised for the consideration received for the
transfer. In subsequent periods, the Company recognises any expense
incurred on the financial liability; and
-- Financial guarantee contracts and loan commitments
Derecognition
Financial liabilities are derecognised when they are
extinguished (i.e. when the obligation specified in the contract is
discharged, cancelled or expires).
Different terms, as well as substantial modifications of the
terms of existing financial liabilities, are accounted for as an
extinguishment of the original financial liability and the
recognition of a new financial liability. The terms are
substantially different if the discounted present value of the cash
flows under the new terms, including any fees paid net of any fees
received and discounted using the original effective interest rate,
is at least 10 per cent different from the discounted present value
of the remaining cash flows of the original financial liability. In
addition, other qualitative factors, such as the currency that the
instrument is denominated in, changes in the type of interest rate,
new conversion features attached to the instrument and change in
covenants are also taken into consideration. If an exchange of debt
instruments or modification of terms is accounted for as an
extinguishment, any costs or fees incurred are recognised as part
of the gain or loss on the extinguishment. If the exchange or
modification is not accounted for as an extinguishment, any costs
or fees incurred adjust the carrying amount of the liability and
are amortised over the remaining term of the modified
liability.
Comparative financial year ended 31 December 2017
The allowance for impairment losses on loans and receivables is
the Company's best estimate of losses incurred in the portfolio at
the reporting date. In determining the required level of impairment
provisions, the Company uses the outputs from the analysis of
historical data. Judgement is required to assess the robustness of
the outputs from this analysis and, where necessary, make
appropriate adjustments. Impairment allowances are made up of two
components, those determined collectively ("Collective Impairment")
and those determined individually ("Individual Impairment"). Both
components are applied to Consumer Loans, whilst only individual
impairment provisions are calculated for structured loans.
Collective Impairment
Collective Impairment allowances are applied to Consumer Loans
with their smaller balances and homogenous product. This impairment
provision is established where it is believed that a loan is
impaired, but this is not evidenced by way of a default on
contractual terms. Analysis takes into account factors such as the
type of asset, collateral type, past due status and other relevant
factors. These characteristics are relevant to the estimation of
future cash flows for groups of such assets as they are indicative
of the borrower's ability to pay all amounts due according to the
contractual terms of the assets being evaluated. Generally, the
impairment trigger used within the impairment calculation for a
loan, or group of loans, is when they reach a pre-defined level of
delinquency or where the customer is bankrupt. Loans where the
Company provides arrangements that forgive a portion of interest or
principal are also deemed to be impaired.
In addition, the collective provision also includes provision
for inherent losses, that is losses that have been incurred but
have not been separately identified at the reporting date. The
loans that are not currently recognised as impaired are grouped
into homogenous portfolios by product type. An assessment is made
of the likelihood of assets being impaired at the balance sheet
date and being identified subsequently; the length of time taken to
identify that an impairment event has occurred is known as the loss
emergence period. The loss emergence period is determined by the
Investment Manager for each portfolio which are dependent upon the
characteristics of the portfolio. Loss emergence periods are
reviewed regularly and updated when appropriate. In general, the
period used is 3 months based on historical experience. This
provision is sensitive to changes in the loss emergence period.
Management use a significant level of judgement when determining
the collective unidentified impairment provision, including the
assessment of the level of overall risk existing within particular
sectors and the impact of the low interest rate environment on loss
emergence periods.
The collective impairment allowance is also subject to
estimation uncertainty and in particular is sensitive to changes in
economic and credit conditions, including the interdependency of
house prices, unemployment rates, interest rates, borrowers'
behaviour, and consumer bankruptcy trends. It is, however,
inherently difficult to estimate how changes in one or more of
these factors might impact the collective impairment allowance.
Individual Impairment
Individual Impairment provisions are considered against the
assets based on pools of assets of a similar nature.
Consumer - The Company calculates specific impairment provisions
based on the Probability of Default ("PD") multiplied by the
Exposure at Default ("EAD") multiplied by the Loss Given Default
("LGD"):
-- The PD is based on the probability, dependent on stage of
arrears, that the loan will not recover to perform in line with
contractual payment terms; the assessment of the PD uses historical
experience of cohorts of similar products. Future cash flows are
estimated on the basis of the contractual cash flows of the assets
in the cohort and historical loss experience for similar assets.
The methodology and assumptions used for estimating future cash
flows are reviewed regularly by the Investment Manager to reduce
any differences between loss estimates and actual loss
experience.
-- The EAD is an estimate of the remaining exposure once a loan
defaults taking into account expected further repayments and is
dependent on stage of arrears.
-- The LGD is based upon the Investment Manager's view of
losses, taking into consideration any collateral and the likely
recovery of any unsecured portion of the loan. The estimated cash
flows are calculated based on historical experience and are
dependent on estimates of the expected value of collateral which
takes into account house prices, and the net proceeds which might
be achieved in the event the property is repossessed and any prior
mortgages are repaid. The value of collateral supporting the
Company's secured loan portfolio is estimated by applying changes
in the house price indices to the original assessed value of the
property and periodic updates of the first mortgage balances.
Structured - Structured assets are reviewed on a regular basis
and those showing potential or actual vulnerability are placed on a
watch list where greater monitoring is undertaken by the Investment
Manager and any adverse or potentially adverse impact on ability to
repay is used in assessing whether an asset should receive more
detailed scrutiny and support.
Specific examples of trigger events that could lead to the
initial recognition of impairment allowances against lending to
structured borrowers (or the recognition of additional impairment
allowances) include (i) trading losses, loss of business or major
customer of a borrower; (ii) material breaches of the terms and
conditions of a loan facility, including non-payment of interest or
principal, or a fall in the value of security such that it is no
longer considered adequate; (iii) disappearance of an active market
because of financial difficulties; or (iv) restructuring a facility
with preferential terms to aid recovery of the lending (such as a
debt for equity swap). For such individually identified financial
assets, a review is undertaken of the expected future cash flows
which requires significant management judgement as to the amount
and timing of such cash flows. Where the debt is secured, the
assessment reflects the expected cash flows from the realisation of
the security, net of costs to realise, whether or not foreclosure
or realisation of the collateral is probable. The determination of
individual impairment allowances requires the exercise of
considerable judgement by management involving matters such as
local economic conditions and the resulting trading performance of
the customer, and the value of the security held, for which there
may not be a readily accessible market. The actual amount of the
future cash flows and their timing may differ significantly from
the assumptions made for the purposes of determining the impairment
allowances and consequently these allowances can be subject to
variation as time progresses and the circumstances of the customer
become clearer.
Adoption of New and Revised Standards
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the
following standards and interpretations, which have not been
applied in these financial statements, were in issue but were not
yet effective (and in some cases, had not been adopted by the
European Union):
IFRS 16 Leases
IFRS 16 establishes principles for the recognition, measurement,
presentation and disclosure of leases, with the objective of
ensuring that lessees and lessors provide relevant information that
faithfully represents those transactions. The standard provides a
single lessee accounting model, requiring lessees to recognise
assets and liabilities for all leases unless the lease term is 12
months or less or the underlying asset has a low value. Lessors
continue to classify leases as operating or finance, with IFRS 16's
approach to lessor accounting substantially unchanged from its
predecessor, IAS 17. IFRS 16 was issued in January 2016 and applies
to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January
2019.
The Directors do not anticipate that the adoption of this
standard and interpretations will have a material impact on the
financial statements, given the nature of the Company's business as
there is no employees and hence no premises.
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the
following standards and interpretations, which have not been
applied in these financial statements, were in issue but were not
yet effective:
IFRS 17 Insurance Contract
IFRS 17 establishes the principles for the recognition,
measurement, presentation and disclosure of insurance contracts.
The objective of IFRS 17 is to ensure that an entity provides
relevant information that faithfully represents those contracts.
This information gives a basis for users of financial statements to
assess the effect that insurance contracts have on the entity's
financial position, financial performance and cash flows. IFRS 17
was issued in May 2017 and applies to annual reporting periods
beginning on or after 1 January 2021.
The Directors do not anticipate that the adoption of this
standard and interpretations will have a material impact on the
financial statements, given the nature of the Company's business
being that it has no insurance contracts.
IFRS 3 Amendments regarding the definition of a business
The IASB has issued 'Definition of a Business (Amendments to
IFRS 3)' aimed at resolving the difficulties that arise when an
entity determines whether it has acquired a business or a group of
assets. The amendments are effective for business combinations for
which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the
first annual reporting period beginning on or after 1 January
2020.
Other future developments include the IASB undertaking a
comprehensive review of existing IFRSs. The Company will consider
the financial impact of these new standards as they are
finalised.
2. Significant Accounting Judgements, Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS
adopted in the EU requires the Company to make judgements,
estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting
policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income
and expenses during the reporting period. UK company law and IFRS
require the Directors, in preparing the Company's financial
statements, to select suitable accounting policies, apply them
consistently and make judgements and estimates that are reasonable.
The Company's estimates and assumptions are based on historical
experience and expectations of future events and are reviewed on an
ongoing basis. Although these estimates are based on the Directors'
best knowledge of the amount, actual results may differ ultimately
from those estimates.
The areas requiring a higher degree of judgement or complexity
and areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the
financial statements, are in relation to effective interest rate,
expected credit losses and the revaluation of investments at fair
value through profit or loss. These are detailed below:
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing
basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the
period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods
affected.
Expected Credit loss allowance for financial assets measured at
amortised cost (estimate)
The calculation of the Company's ECL allowances and provisions
against loan commitments and guarantees under IFRS 9 is highly
complex and involves the use of significant judgement and
estimation. Loan impairment provisions represent an estimate of the
losses incurred in the loan portfolios at the balance sheet date.
Individual impairment losses are determined as the difference
between the carrying value and the present value of estimated
future cash flows, discounted at the loans' original effective
interest rate. To calculate this involves the formulation and
incorporation of multiple forward-looking economic conditions into
ECL to meet the measurement objective of IFRS 9. Depending on a
range of factors such as changes in the economic environment in the
UK, there could be a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of
assets and liabilities in the next financial year. The most
significant factors are set out below.
Definition of default - The Probability of Default ("PD") of an
exposure, both over a 12-month period and over its lifetime, is a
key input to the measurement of the ECL allowance. Default has
occurred when there is evidence that the customer is experiencing
significant financial difficulty which is likely to affect the
ability to repay amounts due.
The definition of default adopted by the Company is described in
expected credit loss allowance for financial assets measured at
amortised cost above.
As noted above, the Company has rebutted the presumption in IFRS
9 that default occurs no later than when a payment is 90 days past
due. The impact on the Company's ECL allowance of assuming a
backstop of 180 days past due for mortgages is not material.
The lifetime of an exposure - To derive the PDs necessary to
calculate the ECL allowance it is necessary to estimate the
expected life of each financial instrument. A range of approaches
has been adopted across different product groupings including the
full contractual life and taking into account behavioural factors
such as early repayments and refinancing. The Company has defined
the lifetime for each product by analysing the time taken for all
losses to be observed and for a material proportion of the assets
to fully resolve through either closure or write-off.
Significant increase in credit risk ("SICR") - Performing assets
are classified as either Stage 1 or Stage 2. An ECL allowance
equivalent to 12 months expected credit losses is established
against assets in Stage 1; assets classified as Stage 2 carry an
ECL allowance equivalent to lifetime expected credit losses. Assets
are transferred from Stage 1 to Stage 2 when there has been an SICR
since initial recognition. The Company uses a quantitative test
together with qualitative indicators and a backstop of 30 days past
due for determining whether there has been a SICR. The setting of
precise trigger points combined with risk indicators requires
judgement. The use of different trigger points may have a material
impact upon the size of the ECL allowance.
Forward looking information - IFRS 9 requires the incorporation
of forward-looking macroeconomic information that is reasonable and
supportable, but it provides limited guidance on how this should be
performed. The measurement of expected credit losses is required to
reflect an unbiased probability-weighted range of possible future
outcomes.
In order to do this the Company uses a model to project a number
of key variables to generate future economic scenarios. These are
ranked according to severity of loss and three economic scenarios
have been selected to represent an unbiased and full loss
distribution. They represent a 'most likely outcome' (the Base case
scenario) and two, less likely, 'outer' scenarios, referred to as
the 'Upside' and 'Downside' scenarios. These scenarios are used to
produce a weighted average PD for each product grouping which is
used to determine stage allocation and calculate the related ECL
allowance. This weighting scheme is deemed appropriate for the
computation of unbiased ECL. Key scenario assumptions are set using
the average of forecasts from external economists, helping to
ensure the IFRS 9 scenarios are unbiased and maximise the use of
independent information. Using externally available forecast
distributions helps ensure independence in scenario construction.
While key economic variables are set with reference to external
distributional forecasts, we also align the overall narrative of
the scenarios to the macroeconomic risks faced by the Company.
The choice of alternative scenarios and probability weighting is
a combination of quantitative analysis and judgemental assessments,
designed to ensure that the full range of possible outcomes and
material non-linearity are captured. Paths for the two outer
scenarios are benchmarked to the Base scenario and reflect the
economic risk assessment. Scenario probabilities reflect management
judgement and are informed by data analysis of past recessions,
transitions in and out of recession, and the current economic
outlook. The key assumptions made, and the accompanying paths,
represent our 'best estimate' of a scenario at a specified
probability. Suitable narratives are developed for the Central
scenario and the paths of the two outer scenarios. Using three
scenarios, maybe insufficient in certain economic environments.
Additional analysis may be requested at management's discretion,
including the production of extra scenarios. We anticipate there
will be only limited instances when the standard approach will not
apply.
The Company's UK mild Upside scenario sees UK GDP growth average
3 per cent over the next few years, something that has been
achieved since the mid-2000s driven by a relaxation of fiscal
austerity combined with a significant shift toward a Brexit, where
the UK opts to remain a member of the single market. Consequently,
unemployment falls back to around 3 per cent and productivity
growth rises. The benign probability of default and loss given
default mean that loan losses are likely to remain well below long
run averages.
The Company's UK Downside scenario sees the UK enter recession
in mid-2019. GDP falls by less than 1 per cent, making it very mild
by historical standards. Unemployment rises to 6 per cent by the
start of 2021. As a result, wage growth slows and inflation falls
quickly back below target. Interest rates remain at 0.25 per cent
until the third quarter of 2021, but increased unemployment
introduces forced sellers into the property market and house prices
fall.
Given the economic uncertainty created by Brexit and the
challenges facing economic forecasters in this environment, there
is a concern that this distribution did not adequately represent
downside risks for the UK. The high level of economic uncertainty
that prevailed at the end of 2018, including the lack of progress
in agreeing a clear plan for an exit from the EU and the uncertain
performance of the UK economy after an exit, a fourth scenario was
also run at the balance sheet date called the 'Brexit' scenario.
This was not included within the final scenario weightings over the
'Downside' case as it was less severe than this given the 'Brexit'
scenario only focused on a UK downturn whereas the 'Downside'
scenario includes a wider more severe global recession.
Base Upside Downside Brexit
================ ===== ====== ======== ======
UK Real
GDP Growth 1.84% 2.54% 1.02% 1.36%
UK unemployment
rate 4.02% 3.34% 5.30% 4.27%
UK HPI 2.32% 5.08% (0.86%) 1.35%
UK Base
Rate 1.50% 1.77% 0.61% 0.62%
Effective Interest Rate Model
Within the EIRM there are several areas of estimate that need to
be applied which impact the rate at which interest, fees and
expenses are recognised. These areas of judgement are required to
be updated on a periodic basis to ensure that they accurately
reflect management's best estimate of future cash flows. Key areas
of judgement within the policy include:
-- Estimated cash flow excluding expected credit losses;
-- Incurred losses at acquisition; and
-- Fees and expenses.
Equity Investments
The valuation of unquoted investments and investments for which
there is an inactive market is a key area of estimation and may
cause material adjustment to the carrying value of those assets and
liabilities. The unquoted equity assets are valued on a periodic
basis using techniques including a market approach, costs approach
and/or income approach. The valuation process is collaborative,
involving the finance and investment functions of the Investment
Manager with the final valuations being reviewed by the Investment
Manager's Valuation Committee. The techniques used include earnings
multiples, discounted cash flow analysis, the value of recent
transactions, and, where appropriate, industry rules of thumb. The
valuations often reflect a synthesis of a number of different
approaches in determining the final fair value estimate. The
individual approach for each investment will vary depending on
relevant factors that a market participant would take into account
in pricing the asset. These might include the specific industry
dynamics, the Investee's stage of development, profitability,
growth prospects or risk as well as the rights associated with the
particular security.
Shareholders should note that increases or decreases in any of
the inputs in isolation may result in higher or lower fair value
measurements. Changes in fair value of all investments held at fair
value are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as a
capital item. On disposal, realised gains and losses are also
recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Transaction
costs are included within gains or losses on investments held at
fair value, although any related interest income, dividend income
and finance costs are disclosed separately in the financial
statements.
3. Segmental Reporting
The Board and Investment Manager consider investment activity in
Credit Assets and selected Equity Assets as the single operating
segment of the Company, being the sole purpose for its existence.
No other activities are performed.
Whilst visibility over originations, portfolios, structured
facilities and equity assets is afforded at an operational level,
all are considered 'routes to market' for acquiring interests in
credit assets, and thus act merely as indicators of the key drivers
of financial performance and position of the Company.
The four routes to market are not determinants of resource
allocations, rather each investment opportunity is considered on
its own merits. Additionally, there are no segment managers
directly accountable for the individual routes to market.
The Directors are of the opinion that the Company is engaged in
a single segment of business and operations of the Company are
wholly in the United Kingdom.
4. BUSINESS COMBINATION
As at 31 December 2017 the Company was deemed to have gained
accounting control of Business Mortgage Finance 3 plc ("BMF 3").
Control was gained by virtue of having exposure to the variable
returns of the vehicle through the holding of a junior note issued
by it. BMF 3 is consolidated as at 20 December 2017. The Company
paid GBP3.5 million of cash consideration to acquire this interest.
The contractual value of loans acquired was GBP28.6 million.
The fair value of the assets and liabilities of BMF 3 at the
date control was gained was as follows:
20 December
2017
GBP'000
========================== ===========
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 11,163
Receivables 11
Loans at amortised
cost 23,763
Total Assets 34,937
========================== ===========
20 December
2017
GBP'000
================== ===========
Liabilities
Other Payables (25)
Interest bearing
borrowings (31,415)
Total Liabilities (31,440)
================== ===========
20 December
2017
GBP'000
============================ ===========
Net assets 3,497
Fair value of consideration (3,497)
Goodwill -
============================ ===========
On 15 January 2018 the Company gave notice to call the external
note holders of BMF 3 one month prior to the quarterly interest
payment date. Subsequently, on 15 February 2018, the Company
redeemed all external note holders and as a consequence purchased
the residual loan values of GBP27.0 million and released the
security over the loans. The effect of this is the underlying
assets have been purchased by the Company and bought onto the
Company's Statement of Financial Position at the purchase price of
GBP23.8 million. BMF 3 will no longer be consolidated as the
Company will no longer have control of BMF 3.
5. Income
31 December 31 December
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
================= =========== ===========
Investment
income
Interest
income 49,425 31,138
Commitment
fee income 534 296
Arrangement
fee income 962 337
Total investment
income 50,921 31,771
Other income
Deposit
interest 1 2
=========== ===========
Total income 50,922 31,773
================= =========== ===========
6. Management and Performance Fee
Management Fee
The management fee is calculated and payable monthly in arrears
at a rate equal to 1/12 of 1.0 per cent per month of Gross Asset
Value (the "Management Fee"). The aggregate fee payable on this
basis must not exceed 1.0 per cent of the gross assets of the
Company and its group in any year. The Management Fee is allocated
between the revenue and capital accounts based on the prospective
split of the Gross Asset Value between revenue and capital.
In respect of any issue of Ordinary Shares or C Shares, until
the date on which 80 per cent of the net proceeds of such issue
have been invested or committed to be invested in Credit Assets or
Equity Assets, the Net Asset Value attributable to such Ordinary
Shares or C Shares shall, for the purposes of the Management Fee,
exclude any portion of the issue proceeds in cash, or invested in
cash deposits or cash equivalent investments. Where there are C
Shares in issue, the Management Fee will be calculated separately
on the gross assets attributable to the Ordinary Shares and the C
Shares.
For so long as the Origination Partner is part of the same group
as the Investment Manager, the amount of all fees payable by the
Company to the Origination Partner shall be deducted from the
Management Fee.
Performance Fee
The Investment Manager is also entitled to a performance fee,
which is calculated in respect of each twelve-month period starting
on 1 January and ending on 31 December in each calendar year
("Calculation Period"), and the nal Calculation Period shall end on
the day on which the management agreement is terminated or, if
earlier, the business day immediately preceding the day on which
the Company goes into liquidation.
The performance fee will only be payable if the Adjusted Net
Asset Value at the end of a Calculation Period exceeds a hurdle
threshold, equal to the Adjusted Net Asset Value immediately
following admission to trading on the London Stock Exchange,
compounded at a rate equal to 5 per cent per annum (the
"Hurdle").
If, on the last day of a Calculation Period (each a "Calculation
Date"), the Adjusted Net Asset Value exceeds the Hurdle, the
Investment Manager shall be entitled to a performance fee equal to
the lower of:
a) the amount by which the Adjusted Net Asset Value exceeds the
Hurdle, in each case as at the Calculation Date; and
b) 10 per cent of the amount by which total growth in Adjusted
Net Asset Value since first admission (being the aggregate of the
growth in Adjusted Net Asset Value in the relevant Calculation
Period and in each previous Calculation Period), after adding back
any performance fees paid to the Investment Manager, exceeds the
aggregate of all performance fees payable to the Investment Manager
in respect of all previous Calculation Periods.
'Adjusted Net Asset Value' means the Net Asset Value after: (i)
excluding any increases or decreases in Net Asset Value
attributable to the issue or repurchase of any Ordinary Shares;
(ii) adding back the aggregate amount of any dividends paid or
distributions made in respect of any Ordinary Shares; (iii)
excluding the aggregate amount of any dividends or distributions
accrued but unpaid in respect of any Ordinary Shares; and (iv)
excluding the amount of any Performance Fees accrued but unpaid, in
each case without double counting.
In the event that C Shares are in issue, the Investment Manager
shall be entitled to a performance fee in respect of the net assets
referable to the C Shares on the same basis as summarised above,
except that a Calculation Period shall be deemed to end on the date
of the conversion of the relevant tranche of C Shares into Ordinary
Shares.
Fee payable to Origination Partner
The Origination Partner is entitled to be paid a fee calculated
on the purchase price for each Credit Asset acquired by the Company
from the Origination Partner. For so long as the Origination
Partner is part of the same group as the Investment Manager, the
amount of all fees payable by the Company to the Origination
Partner shall be deducted from the Management Fee payable to the
Investment Manager.
The Company reimburses the Origination Partner for the fees of
referral partners, and Servicers (to the extent paid by the
Origination Partner) in connection with Credit Assets in which the
Company acquires an interest. The amount of such fees are agreed
between the Origination Partner and the relevant counterparties on
arm's length commercial terms, taking account of the strength of
the relationship between the Origination Partner, the Investment
Manager and each relevant counterparty. There was GBPnil payable to
the Origination Partner at 31 December 2018 (2017: nil).
7. Other Expenses
31 December 2018 31 December
GBP'000 2017
GBP'000
============================== ===========
Directors' fees 145 118
Administrator's fees 199 146
Auditors' remuneration 129 110
Amortisation 275 240
Other expenses 461 432
===== ===========
Total other expenses 1,209 1,046
======================== ===== ===========
All expenses are inclusive of VAT where applicable. Directors'
fees above include GBP126,000 (2017: GBP103,250) paid to Directors'
and GBP19,276 (2017: GBP14,796) of employment taxes and valid
business expenses. Further details on Directors' fees can be found
in the Directors' remuneration report above.
The auditors' remuneration for the audit of the Company was
GBP128,900 (2017: GBP110,000). During the year, the auditors
provided reporting accountant services on the Company's prospectus
in relation to its further issuance of ordinary shares in April
2018 and the release of its third base prospectus in December 2018.
These non-audit fees amounted to GBP62,266 (2017: GBP54,915). These
costs have been deducted from the proceeds from the issuance of
ordinary shares in line with IAS 32 where applicable.
8. Taxation
It is the intention of the Directors to conduct the affairs of
the Company so as to satisfy the conditions for approval as an
investment trust. As an investment trust the Company is exempt from
corporation tax on capital gains. The Company's revenue income from
loans is subject to tax, but offset by any interest distribution
paid, which has the effect of reducing that corporation tax to nil.
This means the interest distribution may be taxable in the hands of
the Company's shareholders.
Any change in the Company's tax status or in taxation
legislation generally could affect the value of investments held by
the Company, affect the Company's ability to provide returns to
shareholders, lead the Company to lose its exemption from UK
Corporation tax on chargeable gains or alter the post-tax returns
to shareholders. It is not possible to guarantee that the Company
will remain a non-close company, which is a requirement to maintain
status as an investment trust, as the ordinary shares are freely
transferable. The Company, in the event that it becomes aware that
it is a close company, or otherwise fails to meet the criteria for
maintaining investment trust status, will as soon as reasonably
practicable, notify shareholders of this fact.
The Company may be subject to taxation under the tax rules of
the jurisdictions in which it invests, including by way of
withholding of tax from interest and other income receipts.
Although the Company will endeavour to minimise any such taxes this
may affect the level of returns to shareholders.
The following table presents the tax chargeable for the period
ended 31 December 2018.
Revenue Capital Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
==================== ======== ======== ========
Corporation - - -
tax
==================== ======== ======== ========
Total current - - -
tax charge
Deferred tax - - -
movement
Deferred tax - - -
movement PYA
========
Total tax charge - - -
in income statement
==================== ======== ======== ========
The following table presents the tax chargeable for the year
ended 31 December 2017.
Revenue Capital Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
==================================== ======== ======== ========
Corporation tax - - -
==================================== ======== ======== ========
Total current tax charge - - -
Deferred tax movement - - -
Deferred tax movement PYA - - -
========
Total tax charge in income statement - - -
==================================== ======== ======== ========
Factors affecting taxation charge for the year
The taxation charge for the year is lower than the standard rate
of UK corporation tax of 19.00 per cent (2017: 19.25 per cent). A
reconciliation of the 2018 taxation charge based on the standard
rate of UK corporation tax to the actual taxation charge is shown
below.
Revenue Capital Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
============================== ======== ======== ========
Return on ordinary activities
before taxation 29,037 (840) 28,197
============================== ======== ======== ========
Return on ordinary activities
before taxation multiplied
by the standard rate
of UK corporation tax
of 19.00% 5,517 (160) 5,357
Effects of:
Excess management
expenses
not utilised 162 160 322
Interest
distributions
paid in respect
of
the year (5,679) - (5,679)
========
Total tax - - -
charge in
income statement
============================== ======== ======== ========
A reconciliation of the 2017 taxation charge based on the
standard rate of UK corporation tax to the actual taxation charge
is shown below.
Revenue Capital Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
============================== ======== ======== ========
Return on ordinary activities
before taxation 21,042 (81) 20,961
============================== ======== ======== ========
Return on ordinary activities
before taxation multiplied
by the standard rate
of UK corporation tax
of 19.25% 4,051 (16) 4,035
Effects of:
Excess management
expenses
not utilised 164 16 180
Interest
distributions
paid in respect
of
the year (4,215) - (4,215)
========
Total tax - - -
charge in
income statement
============================== ======== ======== ========
9. Ordinary Dividends
31 December 31 December
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
======================================== ===========
20.00p Interim dividend for
the period to 31 December 2016
(paid on 28 March 2017) - 4,683
20.00p Interim dividend for
the period to 31 March 2017
(paid on 16 June 2017) - 4,882
20.00p Interim dividend for
the period to 30 June 2017
(paid 29 September 2017) - 5,985
20.00p Interim dividend for
the period to 30 September
2017 (paid 29 December 2017) - 5,985
20.00p Interim dividend for
the period ended 31 December
2017 (paid on 29 March 2018) 5,985 -
20.00p Interim dividend for
the period to 31 March 2018
(paid on 29 June 2018) 5,985 -
20.00p Interim dividend for
the period to 30 June 2018
(paid 28 September 2018) 7,890 -
20.00p Interim dividend for
the period to 30 September
2018 (paid 28 December 2018) 7,890 -
====== ===========
Total dividend paid in period 27,750 21,535
================================= ====== ===========
20.00p Interim dividend for
the period to 31 December 2017
(paid 29 March 2018) - 5,985
20.00p Interim dividend for
the period to 31 December 2018
(paid 29 March 2019) 7,890 -
================================= ====== ===========
Total dividend paid in relation
to period 35,640 27,520
================================= ====== ===========
The 31 December 2018 interim dividend of 20.00 pence was
approved on 22 February 2019 and paid on 29 March 2019 before the
approval of the financial statements.
10. Earnings per Share
31 December 31 December
2018 2017
============== =========== ===========
Revenue 79.6p 81.5p
Capital (2.3)p (0.3)p
============== =========== ===========
Earnings
per ordinary
share 77.3p 81.2p
============== =========== ===========
The calculation at 31 December 2018 is based on revenue returns
of GBP29.0 million, capital returns of GBP(0.8) million and total
returns of GBP28.2 million and a weighted average number of
ordinary shares of 36,475,359.
The calculation at 31 December 2017 is based on revenue returns
of GBP21.0 million, capital returns of GBP(0.1) million and total
returns of GBP21.0 million and a weighted average number of
ordinary shares of 25,816,521.
11. INVESTMENTS at Amortised Cost
(a) Investments at amortised cost
The disclosure below presents the gross carrying value of
financial instruments to which the impairment requirements in IFRS
9 are applied and the associated allowance for ECL. Under the
expected credit loss model introduced by IFRS 9 the incurred loss
model under IAS 39 is replaced. Due to the forward-looking nature
of IFRS 9, the scope of financial instruments on which ECL are
recognised is greater than the scope of IAS 39.
The following table analyses loans by industry sector and
represent the concentration of exposures on which credit risk is
managed. Please see Note 1 to the financial statements for more
detail on the allowance for ECL.
31 December 2018 1 January 2018
============== ======================================= =======================================
Gross Carrying Allowance Net Carrying Gross Carrying Allowance Net Carrying
Amount for ECL Amount Amount for ECL Amount
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
============== ============== ========= ============ ============== ========= ============
Investments
at amortised
cost
Consumer 294,467 (12,724) 281,743 233,644 (6,416) 227,228
Property 237,310 (9,880) 227,430 106,926 (5,665) 101,261
SME 67,536 (179) 67,357 14,739 - 14,739
Total Assets 599,313 (22,783) 576,530 355,309 (12,081) 343,228
============== ============== ========= ============ ============== ========= ============
Selected 2017 Investments at amortised cost disclosures
The disclosures below were included in our 2017 reports and do
not reflect the adoption of IFRS 9. As these tables are not
directly comparable to the current 2018 investments at amortised
cost tables, which are disclosed on an IFRS 9 basis, these 2017
disclosures have been shown below and not adjacent to 2018
tables.
Investments at amortised 31 December
cost 2017
GBP'000
========================== ============
Held-to-maturity bond
investments 10,314
Amortised cost before
impairment 344,995
Cumulative Impairment
Provision (9,743)
Carrying Value 345,566
========================== ============
Cumulative impairment includes incurred losses already present
on the loan portfolios acquired at a discount to face value in
secondary transactions which are brought onto the Statement of
Financial Position at an amount that includes impairment losses up
to the date of their acquisition.
Investments at amortised 31 December
cost 2017
GBP'000
========================== ============
Loans with no payments
past due 1,374
Loans up to 1 payment
past due 96
Loans 1-2 payments
past due 279
Loans 2-3 payments
past due 351
Loans 3-4 payments
past due 603
Loans more than 4
payments past due 7,040
Cumulative impairment 9,743
========================== ============
(b) Expected Credit Loss allowance for IFRS 9
Under the Expected credit loss model introduced by IFRS 9 the
incurred loss model under IAS 39 is replaced. Impairment provisions
are driven by changes in credit risk of instruments, with a
provision for lifetime expected credit losses recognised where the
risk of default of an instrument has increased significantly since
initial recognition. The following table analyses loans by stage
and sector:
Consumer Property SME Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
==================== ========= ========= ========= =========
At 1 January
2018 4,675 5,068 - 9,743
Changes on initial
application of
IFRS 9 1,741 597 - 2,338
Revised opening
balance 1 January
2018 6,416 5,665 - 12,081
Charge for the
period - Stage
1 587 (43) 126 670
Charge for the
period - Stage
2 469 264 29 762
Charge for the
period - Stage
3 5,252 759 24 6,035
Total charge
for expected
credit losses 6,308 980 179 7,467
Acquired losses
on acquisition - 3,235 - 3,235
Amounts written - - - -
off during the
period
Amounts recovered - - - -
during the period
Carrying Value 12,724 9,880 179 22,783
==================== ========= ========= ========= =========
Measurement uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of ECL
The recognition and measurement of expected credit losses
('ECL') is highly complex and involves the use of significant
judgement and estimation. This includes the formulation and
incorporation of multiple forward-looking economic conditions into
ECL to meet the measurement objective of IFRS 9.
For most portfolios, the Company has adopted the use of three
economic scenarios, representative of Oxford Economics view of
forecast economic conditions, sufficient to calculate unbiased ECL.
They represent a 'most likely outcome' (the Base scenario) and two,
less likely, 'outer' scenarios, referred to as the 'Upside' and
'Downside' scenarios. The Company has developed a shortlist of the
upside and downside economic and political risks most relevant to
the Company and the IFRS 9 measurement objective. These include
economic and political risks which together affect economies that
materially matter to the Company.
The ECL recognised in the financial statements reflect the
effect on expected credit losses of a range of possible outcomes,
calculated on a probability-weighted basis, based on the economic
scenarios described in Note 2 to the financial statement, including
management overlays where required. The probability-weighted amount
is typically a higher number than would result from using only the
Base (most likely) economic scenario. ECLs typically have a
non-linear relationship to the many factors which influence credit
losses, such that more favourable macroeconomic factors do not
reduce defaults as much as less favourable macroeconomic factors
increase defaults. The ECL calculated for each of the scenarios
represent a range of possible outcomes that have been evaluated to
estimate ECL. As a result, the ECL calculated for the Upside and
Downside scenarios should not be taken to represent the upper and
lower limits of possible actual ECL outcomes. There is a high
degree of estimation uncertainty in numbers representing tail risk
scenarios when assigned a 100 per cent. A wider range of possible
ECL outcomes reflects uncertainty about the distribution of
economic conditions and does not necessarily mean that credit risk
on the associated loans is higher than for loans where the
distribution of possible future economic conditions is
narrower.
For stage 3 impaired loans, LGD estimates take into account
independent recovery valuations provided by external consultants
where available, or internal forecasts corresponding to anticipated
economic conditions.
If the weightings used represented a 100 per cent downside
scenario the ECL would have been GBP1.5 million higher as split
below:
Weighted Year 100% Downside
end ECL Scenario
GBP'000 GBP'000
========= ============= =============
Consumer 12,724 13,921
Property 9,880 10,209
SME 179 182
Total 22,783 24,312
========= ============= =============
Selected 2017 Accumulated allowance for impairment losses on
loans and receivables disclosures
The disclosures below were included in our 2017 external reports
and do not reflect the adoption of IFRS 9. As these tables are not
directly comparable to the current 2018 credit risk tables, which
are disclosed on an IFRS 9 basis, these 2017 disclosures have been
shown below and not adjacent to 2018 tables.
Under IAS 39 the Company segmented its assets into 2 categories
when considering impairment provisions; Consumer and Structured.
Impairment provisions were subject to periodic review conducted by
the Investment Manager's Valuation Committee, with the underlying
assumptions monitored on an on-going basis and revised accordingly
based on actual loss experience of the business.
There is no impairment of Structured facilities at the year-end.
Structured facilities are a portfolio of higher value, low volume
lending with credit quality assessed on an individual loan by loan
basis. Loans are continually monitored to determine whether they
are performing satisfactorily. In Structured facilities performing
loans with elevated levels of credit risk may be placed on watch
lists depending on the perceived severity of the credit risk. The
table below sets out the movement of the impairment provision
during year ended 31 December 2017.
Total
GBP'000
============================ =========
At 1 January 2017 6,187
Incurred Losses (Portfolio
Acquisition) 772
Charge for the year 2,423
Amounts written off
during the year 361
Amounts recovered during -
the year
============================ =========
Cumulative impairment 9,743
============================ =========
Write-offs take place where it is deemed the balance is
irrecoverable or it is no longer considered economically viable to
try and recover the asset or final settlement is reached and the
shortfall written off. In the event of write off, the customer
balance and any related impairment balance are removed from the
balance sheet. Before any balance is written off an extensive set
of collections processes will have been completed, or the status of
the account reaches a point where policy dictates that forbearance
is no longer appropriate.
12. Investments at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss
(a) Movements in the year
The table below sets out the movement in Investments at fair
value through profit or loss for the year ended 31 December
2018.
2018
GBP'000
========================== =========
Opening cost 11,227
Opening fair value 11,227
Purchases at cost 3,000
Disposal at cost (3,497)
Net change in unrealised
(losses)/gains (750)
Closing fair value
at
31 December 2018 9,980
Comprising:
Valued using transaction
price 3,000
Valued using an earnings
multiple 6,980
Closing fair value
as at
31 December 2018 9,980
========================== =========
The table below sets out the movement in Investments at fair
value through profit or loss for the Company for the period ended
31 December 2017.
2017
GBP'000
==================== =========
Opening cost 4,730
Opening fair value 4,730
Purchases at cost 6,497
Closing fair value
at
31 December 2017 11,227
Comprising:
Closing cost as at
31 December 2017 11,227
Closing fair value
as at
31 December 2017 11,227
==================== =========
(b) Fair value of financial instruments
IFRS 13 requires the Company to classify its financial
instruments held at fair value using a hierarchy that reflects the
significance of the inputs used in the valuation methodologies.
These are as follows:
-- Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical investments;
-- Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including
quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayments,
credit risk, etc.); and
-- Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs (including the
Company's own assumptions in determining the fair value of
investments).
An investment is always categorised as Level 1, 2 or 3 in its
entirety. In certain cases, the fair value measurement for an
investment may use a number of different inputs that fall into
different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an
investment's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the
lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value
measurement. The assessment of the significance of a particular
input to the fair value measurement requires judgement and is
specific to the investment.
The following sets out the classifications in valuing the
Company's investments:
Closing fair Closing fair
value as at value as at
31 Dec 2018 31 Dec 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
======= ============= =============
Level - -
1
Level - -
2
Level
3 9,980 11,227
======= ============= =============
Total 9,980 11,227
======= ============= =============
The investments in unquoted equities are valued using several
different techniques, primarily recent transactions and recent
rounds of funding by the investee entities. Quantitative
information regarding the unobservable inputs for the Company's
Level 3 positions as at 31 December 2018 is given below:
Closing fair 20% Change
value as at in price
31 Dec 2018 Valuation GBP'000
GBP'000 Technique
============= ============= ===========
Recent
3,000 transaction 600
3,000 600
============= ============= ===========
Closing fair value as at Valuation Technique Earnings multiple
31 Dec 2018 increased by 1
GBP'000 GBP'000
========================= ==================== ==================
6,980 Earnings Multiple 2,249
6,980 2,249
========================= ==================== ==================
Earnings multiples range from 2x to 12x.
13. Financial Risk Management
The Company's investing activities undertaken in pursuit of its
investment objective, as set out above, involve certain inherent
risks. The main financial risks arising from the Company's
financial instruments are market risk, credit risk and liquidity
risk. The Board reviews and agrees policies for managing each of
these risks as summarised below.
Market risk
The fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument
held by the Company may fluctuate because of changes in market
prices. Market risk can be summarised as comprising three types of
risk:
-- Price risk - the risk that the fair value or future cash
flows of financial instruments will fluctuate because of changes in
market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or
currency risk);
-- Interest rate risk - the risk that the fair value or future
cash flows of financial instruments will fluctuate because of
changes in market interest rates; and
-- Currency risk - the risk that the fair value or future cash
flows of financial instruments will fluctuate because of changes in
foreign exchange rates.
The Company's exposure, sensitivity to and management of each of
these risks is described in further detail below. Management of
market risk is fundamental to the Company's investment objective.
The investment portfolio is continually monitored to ensure an
appropriate balance of risk and reward. The Board has also
established a series of investment parameters, which are reviewed
annually, designed to limit the risk inherent in managing a
portfolio of investments.
(a) Price risk
Price risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future prices of
financial instruments used in the Company's business. It represents
the potential loss the Company might suffer through holding market
positions in the face of price movements (other than those arising
from interest rate risk or currency risk).
The Company is exposed to price risk arising from its equity
investments.
(b) Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk arises from the possibility that changes in
interest rates will affect future cash flows or the fair value of
financial instruments.
The Company invests in Credit Assets which may be subject to a
fixed rate of interest, or a floating rate of interest (which may
be linked to base rates or LIBOR). The Company's borrowings may be
subject to a floating rate of interest.
The Company intends to manage the mismatch it has in respect of
the income generated by its Credit Assets, on the one hand, with
the liabilities in respect of its borrowings, on the other hand, by
matching any floating rate borrowings with investments in Credit
Assets that are also subject to a floating rate of interest. To the
extent that the Company is unable to match its funding in this way,
it may use derivative instruments, including interest rate swaps,
to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, however
some unmatched risk may remain. The Company has not used any
derivate instruments in the year.
The Company finances its operations mainly through its share
capital and reserves, including realised gains on investments. In
addition, the Company has a debt facility of GBP200 million. As at
31 December 2018 the Company had GBP189.0 million drawn-down under
this facility (2017: GBP56.5 million).
Exposure of the Company's financial assets and liabilities to
floating interest rates (giving cash flow interest rate risk when
rates are reset) and fixed interest rates (giving fair value risk)
as at 31 December 2018 is shown below:
Fixed or
Floating Administered
Financial Rate Rate Total
instrument GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
================== ========= ============= =========
Investments
at amortised
cost 106,387 470,143 576,530
Cash and
cash equivalents 5,559 - 5,559
Interest
bearing
borrowings (189,000) - (189,000)
================== ========= ============= =========
Total exposure (77,054) 470,143 393,089
================== ========= ============= =========
Exposure of the Company's financial assets and liabilities to
floating interest rates (giving cash flow interest rate risk when
rates are reset) and fixed interest rates (giving fair value risk)
as at 31 December 2017 is shown below:
Fixed or
Floating Administered
Financial Rate Rate Total
instrument GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
================== ======== ============= ========
Investments
at amortised
cost 39,706 305,860 345,566
Cash and
cash equivalents 5,730 - 5,730
Interest
bearing
borrowings (56,500) - (56,500)
================== ======== ============= ========
Total
exposure (11,064) 305,860 294,796
================== ======== ============= ========
An administered rate is not like a floating rate, movements in
which are directly linked to LIBOR. The administered rate can be
changed at the discretion of the lender.
A 1 per cent change in interest rates impacts income on the
assets with a floating rate by GBP0.6 million (2017: GBP0.3
million). A 1 per cent change in interest rates impacts debt
expense on the liabilities with a floating rate by GBP0.5 million
(2017: GBP0.2 million).
(c) Currency risk
Currency risk is the risk that the value of net assets will
fluctuate due to changes in foreign exchange rates. None of the
Company's assets, liabilities or income are denominated in
currencies other than Pounds Sterling (the Company's functional
currency, in which it reports its results). Thus, the Company is
not exposed to currency risk.
14. Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument
will cause a financial loss for the other party by failing to
discharge an obligation.
The Company's credit risks arise principally through exposures
to loans originated or acquired by the Company and cash deposited
with banks, both of which are subject to risk of borrower
default.
The Investment Manager and the Origination Partner establishes
and adheres to stringent underwriting criteria as set out in the
appropriate credit policies. For consumer loans, underwriting
includes credit referencing, income verification and affordability
testing, identity verification and various forward-looking
indicators of a borrower's likely financial strength. The Company
invests in a granular portfolio of assets, diversified at the
underlying borrower level, with each loan being subject to a
maximum single loan exposure limit. This helps mitigate credit
concentrations in relation to an individual customer, a borrower
group or a collection of related borrowers.
The credit quality of loans is assessed through evaluation of
various factors, including credit scores, payment data, collateral
available from the borrower and other information.
The Company further mitigates its exposure to Credit Risk
through structuring facilities whereby the facilities are secured
on a granular pool of performing loans and structured so that the
Origination Platform and or borrower provides the first loss, and
the Company finances the senior risk.
Further risk is mitigated in the property sector as the Company
takes collateral in the form of property to mitigate the credit
risk arising from residential mortgage lending and commercial real
estate.
Set out below is the analysis of the closing balances of the
Company's credit assets split by the type of loan and the credit
risk band as at 31 December 2018:
Credit Unsecured Secured Total
Risk Band GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
=========== ========= ======== ========
A & B 129,264 429,034 558,298
C 23,896 223 24,119
D & E 16,896 - 16,896
=========== ========= ======== ========
Total 170,056 429,257 599,313
=========== ========= ======== ========
Set out below is the analysis of the closing balances of the
Company's credit assets split by the type of loan and the credit
risk band as at 31 December 2017:
Credit Unsecured Secured Total
Risk Band GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
=========== ========= ======== ========
A & B 129,845 192,739 322,584
C 17,200 301 17,501
D & E 10,398 - 10,398
=========== ========= ======== ========
Total 157,443 193,040 350,483
=========== ========= ======== ========
Each credit risk band is defined below:
Credit
Risk Band Definition
========== =========================
A Highest quality with
minimal indicators of
credit risk
B High quality, with minor
adverse indicators
C Medium-grade, moderate
credit risk, may have
some adverse credit risk
indicators
D/E Elevated credit risk,
adverse indicators (e.g.
lower borrowing ability,
credit history, existing
debt)
========== =========================
The Company ensures that it only deposits cash balances with
institutions with appropriate financial standing or those deemed to
be systemically important.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will have difficulty
in meeting its obligations in respect of financial liabilities as
they fall due.
The Company manages its liquid resources to ensure sufficient
cash is available to meet its expected contractual commitments. It
monitors the level of short-term funding and balances the need for
access to short-term funding, with the long-term funding needs of
the Company.
Liquidity risk is not viewed as significant as a substantial
proportion of the Company's net assets are in loans, whose cash
collections could be utilised to meet funding requirements if
necessary. The Company has the power, under its Articles of
Association, to take out both short and long-term borrowings
subject to a maximum value of one times its share capital and
reserves.
The Company has a committed debt facility totalling GBP200.0
million (details of which is disclosed in Note 18 to the financial
statements).
Assets and liabilities not carried at fair value but for which
fair value is disclosed
For the year ended 31 December 2018:
Level Level Level
1 2 3 Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
================== ======== ======== ======== ========
Assets
Investments
at amortised
cost 16,589 - 558,338 574,927
Receivables - 3,375 - 3,375
Cash and
cash equivalents 5,559 - - 5,559
================== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total assets 22,148 3,375 558,338 583,861
================== ======== ======== ======== ========
Liabilities
Management
fee payable - 985 - 985
Performance
fee payable - 2,873 - 2,873
Other payables - 1,830 - 1,830
Interest
bearing
borrowings - 189,263 - 189,263
================== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total liabilities - 194,951 - 194,951
================== ======== ======== ======== ========
For the year ended 31 December 2017:
Level Level Level
1 2 3 Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
================== ======== ======== ======== ========
Assets
Held-to-maturity
loans 10,314 - - 10,314
Investments
at amortised
cost - - 335,252 335,252
Receivables - 3,477 - 3,477
Cash and
cash equivalents 5,730 - - 5,730
================== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total assets 16,044 3,477 335,252 354,773
================== ======== ======== ======== ========
Liabilities
Management
fee payable - 592 - 592
Performance
fee payable - 2,329 - 2,329
Other payables - 1,875 - 1,875
Interest
bearing
borrowings - 56,787 - 56,787
================== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total liabilities - 61,583 - 61,583
================== ======== ======== ======== ========
Categorisation within the hierarchy has been determined based on
the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value
measurement of the relevant asset or liability (see Note 12
Investments at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss for details).
Further details of the loans at amortised cost held by the Company
can be found in Note 11 to the financial statements.
Capital Management
The Company's primary objectives in relation to the management
of capital are:
-- To ensure its ability to continue as a going concern; and
-- To maximise the long-term capital growth for its shareholders
through an appropriate balance of equity capital and gearing.
The Company has met these objectives through a successful share
offering where the Company raised GBP100 million excluding issue
costs and through increasing the size of the Company debt facility
to GBP200.0 million. The Company's debt to equity ratio was 47.7
per cent at 31 December 2018.
The Company is subject to externally imposed capital
requirements:
-- The Company's Articles of Association restrict borrowings to
the value of its share capital and reserves;
-- As a public company, the Company has a minimum share capital of GBP50,000;
-- To be able to pay dividends out of profits available for
distribution by way of dividends, the Company must be able to meet
one of the two capital restriction tests imposed on investment
companies by company law; and
-- The Company's borrowings are subject to covenants limiting
the total exposure based on interest cover ratios, a minimum total
net worth and a cap of borrowings as a percentage of the eligible
borrowing base.
The Company has complied with all the above requirements during
this financial year.
15. Fixed Assets
The tables below set out the movement in Fixed Assets.
IT Development
Year ended 31 and Software Total
December 2018 GBP'000 GBP'000
========================= ============== ========
Opening net book
amount 342 342
Additions 150 150
Amortisation
charge (275) (275)
Closing net book amount 217 217
As at 31 December
2018
Cost 830 830
Accumulated amortisation (613) (613)
========================= ============== ========
Net book amount 217 217
========================= ============== ========
IT Development
Period ended and Software Total
31 December 2017 GBP'000 GBP'000
========================= ============== ========
Opening net book
amount 369 369
Additions 213 213
Amortisation
charge (240) (240)
Closing net book amount 342 342
As at 31 December
2017
Cost 680 680
Accumulated amortisation (338) (338)
========================= ============== ========
Net book amount 342 342
========================= ============== ========
16. Receivables
The table below set out a breakdown of the Company
receivables.
31 December 31 December
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
================== =========== ===========
Prepayments 2,145 2,326
Other receivables 1,230 1,151
================== =========== ===========
Total receivables 3,375 3,477
================== =========== ===========
The above receivables do not carry any interest and are short
term in nature. The Directors consider that the carrying values of
these receivables approximate their fair value.
17. Other Payables
The table below set out a breakdown of the payables.
31 December 31 December
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
============== =========== ===========
Accruals
and deferred
income 1,830 1,875
Total other
payables 1,830 1,875
============== =========== ===========
Withholding Taxation
The Company's revenue income from loans is subject to tax, but
offset by the interest distribution paid, which has the effect of
reducing that corporation tax to nil. This means the interest
distribution may be taxable in the hands of the Company's
shareholders. There is no withholding tax payable by the Company at
31 December 2018 due to the changes made in 2017 Finance Act
whereby all interest distributions will be paid gross of tax,
therefore withholding tax is retained by the Company and paid
directly to HMRC.
18. Interest Bearing Borrowings
The table below set out a breakdown of the Company interest
bearing borrowings.
31 December 31 December
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
======================= =========== ===========
Credit facility 189,000 56,500
Interest
and commitment
fees payable 263 287
======================= =========== ===========
Total interest-bearing
borrowings 189,263 56,787
======================= =========== ===========
On 17 June 2016, the Company entered into a two-year, GBP37.5
million credit facility for which The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
was agent. The credit facility is secured upon the assets of the
Company, has a term of two years and interest is charged at one,
three- or six-month LIBOR plus a margin. Loans drawn under the
credit facility may be repaid and redrawn during its term. The
two-year term was reset on 20 June 2017 and the amount under the
facility was increased to GBP80 million. On 20 March 2018, the
amount committed under the facility was further increased to GBP150
million, and the term of the facility was further extended to 20
March 2020. On 31 July 2018, the accordion option under the
facility was partially exercised, taking the total amount committed
under the facility to GBP180 million, and on 1 October 2018, the
accordion option under the facility was further exercised, taking
the total amount committed to GBP200 million. This facility was
GBP189.0 million drawn at year end (2017: GBP56.5 million). The
credit facility is syndicated, and other lenders may in the future
accede to the facility. The size of the facility may, with the
agreement of the lenders, increase in the future and the term may
be extended and the Company retains the flexibility to refinance
the facility.
As at the 31 December 2018 the below related debt costs had been
incurred by the Company.
31 December 31 December
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
================ =========== ===========
Interest
and commitment
fees payable 3,373 886
Other finance
charges 2,056 846
================ =========== ===========
Total finance
costs 5,429 1,732
================ =========== ===========
As part of IAS 7, "Statement of cash flows", an entity is
required to disclose changes in liabilities arising from financing
activities, including both changes arising from cash flows and
non-cash changes.
As at the 31 December 2018 the below changes occurred for the
Company:
Total
GBP'000
================================ ==========
At 1 January 2018 56,787
Interest bearing borrowings 366,900
Repayments of interest-bearing
borrowing (234,400)
Finance costs 5,429
Interest paid on financing
activities (5,453)
At 31 December 2018 189,263
================================ ==========
As at the 31 December 2017 the below changes occurred for the
Company:
Total
GBP'000
================================ =========
At 1 January 2017 13
Interest bearing borrowings 122,500
Repayments of interest-bearing
borrowing (66,000)
Finance costs 1,732
Interest paid on financing
activities (1,458)
At 31 December 2017 56,787
================================ =========
The below table analyses the Company's financial liabilities
into relevant maturity groupings as well as expected future
interest costs based on the remaining period at the Statement of
Financial Position date to the final scheduled maturity date.
2018 1 - 5
Financial < 1 year years Total
instrument GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
================ ======== ======== ========
Credit facility - 189,000 189,000
Interest
and commitment
fees payable 263 - 263
================ ======== ======== ========
Total exposure 263 189,000 189,263
================ ======== ======== ========
2017 1 - 5
Financial < 1 year years Total
instrument GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
================ ======== ======== ========
Credit facility - 189,000 189,000
Interest
and commitment
fees payable 6,745 1,437 8,182
================ ======== ======== ========
Total exposure 6,745 190,437 197,182
================ ======== ======== ========
19. Ordinary Share Capital
The table below details the issued share capital of the Company
as at the date of the Financial Statements.
31 December 31 December
2018 2017
================= =========== ===========
No. Issued,
allotted
and fully paid
ordinary shares
of GBP0.01 each 39,449,919 29,926,110
GBP'000 394 299
================= =========== ===========
On incorporation, the issued share capital of the Company was
GBP50,000.01 represented by one ordinary share of 1p and 50,000
management shares of GBP1 each, all of which were held by Honeycomb
Holdings Limited as subscriber to the Company's memorandum of
association. The ordinary share and management shares were fully
paid up.
The management shares, which were issued to enable the Company
to obtain a certificate of entitlement to conduct business and to
borrow under Section 761 of the Companies Act 2006, were redeemed
immediately following admission of 23 December 2015 out of the
proceeds of the issue.
On 23 December 2015, 10,000,000 ordinary shares of 1p each were
issued to shareholders as part of the placing and offer for
subscription in accordance with the Company's prospectus dated 18
December 2015.
During 2016 a further 9,926,109 ordinary shares were issued. The
price paid per share ranged from 1,000 pence to 1,015 pence and the
total paid for the shares during the period amounted to GBP98.8
million.
On 31 May 2017 the Company announced the successful completion
of a placing of a further 10,000,000 ordinary shares. The price
paid per share was 1,050p and the total paid for the shares during
the year amounted to GBP103.3 million net of issue costs.
On 25 April 2018 the Company announced the successful completion
of a placing of a further 9,523,809 ordinary shares. The price paid
per share was 1,050p and the total paid for the shares during the
year amounted to GBP97.8 million net of issue costs.
20. Special Distributable Reserve
At a general meeting of the Company held on 14 December 2015,
special resolutions were passed approving the cancellation of the
amount standing to the credit of the Company's share premium
account as at 23 December 2015.
Following the approval of the Court and the subsequent
registration of the Court order with the Registrar of Companies on
21 March 2016, the reduction became effective. Accordingly, GBP98.1
million, previously held in the share premium account, has been
transferred to the special distributable reserve as disclosed in
the Statement of Financial Position.
During the year GBP0.85 million (2017: GBP0.50 million) of the
special distributable reserve was used to pay the Q4 2017 Dividend
which was paid on 29 March 2018.
21. STRUCTURED ENTITIES
A structured entity is an entity in which voting or similar
rights are not the dominant factor in deciding control. Structured
entities are generally created to achieve a narrow and well-defined
objective with restrictions around their ongoing activities.
Structured entities are consolidated when the substance of the
relationship indicates control.
As at the 31 December 2018 the Company has no structured
entities assessed for consolidation. However as at 31 December 2017
the following structured entity was consolidated in the financial
results:
- Business Mortgage Finance 3 plc ("BMF 3"), a public limited
company incorporated under the Laws of England and Wales.
Further details on the activities of this structured entity is
set out in Note 1, 4 and 19 of the financial statements.
22. Investments in SUBSIDIARIES
As at the 31 December 2018 the Company has no structured
entities assessed for consolidation. As at 31 December 2017 the
Company had invested in a structured entity, and by virtue of
having accounting control, consolidated this entity. Details of
this can be found in Notes 2, 4 and 19 to the financial
statements.
The Company was deemed to control Business Mortgage Finance 3
plc ("BMF 3"), a public limited company incorporated under the Laws
of England and Wales. BMF 3 was a securitisation vehicle for UK
commercial mortgages and operated in a pre-determined manner. The
Company was considered to control BMF 3 from 20 December 2017 by
virtue of having exposure to the variable returns of the vehicle
through the holding of a junior note issued by it.
On 15 January 2018 the Company gave notice to call the external
note holders of BMF 3 one month prior to the quarterly interest
payment date. Subsequently, on 15 February 2018, the Company
redeemed all external note holders and as a consequence purchased
the residual loan values of GBP27.0 million and released the
security over the loans. The effect of this is the underlying
assets have been purchased by the Company and bought onto the
Company's Statement of Financial Position. BMF 3 will no longer be
consolidated as the Company will no longer have control of BMF
3.
23. Investments in associates
As at 31 December 2018, the Company has a single associate,
being a 28.57 per cent investment in GDFC Group Limited (formally
Hiber Limited and The Green Deal Finance Company Limited). The
company number is 10028311 its registered office is Imperial House,
15 - 19 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6UN.
This is a UK platform responsible for setting-up, financing and
administering Green Deal Plans in The Green Deal programme. As
permitted by IAS 28 'Investment in Associates' and in accordance
with the Company's accounting policy the investment is accounted
for at fair value through profit or loss. No dividends were
declared during the year in respect of the investment. The Company
holds GDFC Group Limited at a fair value of GBP3 million.
The unaudited net assets / (liabilities) as at 31 December 2018
were (GBP2.6) million (2017: audited GBP2.6 million), and the loss
after tax was GBP5.2 million (2017: audited loss GBP6.6
million).
GDFC Group Limited is incorporated in England and Wales.
The Company has also provided GBP8.3 million of debt funding to
the platform (2017: GBP5.0 million).
The Company has entered into an agreement which gives it the
right to participate in qualifying loans originated by the
platform.
There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the
associate from repaying loans from, or distributing dividends to,
the Company.
24. Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share
31 December 31 December
2018 2017
============== =========== ===========
Net asset
value per
ordinary
share
pence 1,015.7p 1,018.4p
Net assets
attributable
GBP'000 400,710 304,749
============== =========== ===========
The net asset value per ordinary share as at 31 December 2018 is
based on net assets at the year-end of GBP400.7 million and on
39,449,919 ordinary shares in issue at the year-end.
The net asset value per ordinary share as at 31 December 2017 is
based on net assets at the year-end of GBP304.8 million and on
29,926,110 ordinary shares in issue at the year-end.
25. Contingent Liabilities and Capital Commitments
As at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 there were no
contingent liabilities or capital commitments for the Company. The
Company did have GBP48.7 million (2017: GBP39.4 million) of undrawn
committed structured credit facilities at 31 December 2018.
26. Related Party Transactions and Transactions with the
Investment Manager
IAS 24 'Related party disclosures' requires the disclosure of
the details of material transactions between the Company and any
related parties. Accordingly, the disclosures required are set out
below:
Associates - at 31 December 2018 outstanding loan balance of
GBP8.3 million and accrued interest of GBP0.3 million with the GDFC
Group Limited.
Directors - The remuneration of the Directors is set out in the
Directors' Remuneration Report above. There were no contracts
subsisting during or at the end of the year in which a Director of
the Company is or was interested and which are or were significant
in relation to the Company's business. There were no other
transactions during the year with the Directors of the Company. The
Directors do not hold any ordinary shares of the Company.
At 31 December 2018, there was GBPnil (2017: GBPnil) payable to
the Directors for fees and expenses.
Investment Manager - Pollen Street Capital Limited (the
'Investment Manager'), a UK-based company authorised and regulated
by the FCA, has been appointed the Company's investment manager and
AIFM for the purposes of the AIFMD. Details of the services
provided by the Investment Manager and the fees paid are given
above.
During the year the Company paid GBP7.87 million (2017: GBP5.25
million) of fees and at 31 December 2018, there was GBP3.86 million
(2017: GBP2.92 million) payable to the Investment Manager.
1st Stop Group Limited ("1st Stop") is an English based consumer
lender. During the year the Company provided a structured facility
to 1st Stop. 1st Stop is owned by a fund that is managed by an
affiliate of the Investment Manager. As at 31 December 2018 the
facility was GBP14.9 million drawn.
Origination Partner - Honeycomb Finance Limited (the
"Origination Partner"), a UK-based company authorised and regulated
by the FCA, has been appointed as one of the Company's origination
partners. Honeycomb Finance Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Pollen Street Capital Holdings Limited, the parent company of the
Investment Manager. Details of the services provided by the
Origination Partners are given above.
During the year that the Origination Partner was part of the
same group as the Investment Manager, the fees payable to the
Origination Partner by the Company were deducted from the
management fee payable to the Investment Manager and totalled
GBP92,800 (2017: GBP64,000), and at 31 December 2018, there was
GBPnil (2017: GBPnil) payable to the Origination Partner.
27. Ultimate Controlling Party
It is the opinion of the Directors that there is no ultimate
controlling party.
28. Subsequent Events
Save as noted below, there have been no events to disclose since
the year end under review.
On 29 March 2019, a dividend of 20.0 pence per ordinary share
was paid.
Shareholders' Information
Directors, Portfolio Manager and Advisers
Directors Administrator
Robert Sharpe Apex Fund Services (UK) Ltd
Jim Coyle 6th Floor
Ravi Takhar 140 London Wall
London EC2Y 5DN
all at the registered office below England
Registered Office Depositary
6th Floor Indos Financial Limited
65 Gresham Street 5th Floor 54 Fenchurch Street
London EC2V 7NQ London EC3M 3JY
England England
Investment Manager and AIFM Registrar
Pollen Street Capital Limited Computershare Investor Services PLC
11 - 12 Hanover Square The Pavilions, Bridgewater Road
London W1S 1JJ Bristol BS99 6ZZ
England England
Financial Adviser and Broker Company Secretary
Liberum Capital Limited Link Company Matters Limited
Level 12, Ropemaker Place 6th Floor
25 Ropemaker Place 65 Gresham Street
London EC2Y 9LY London EC2V 7NQ
England England
Custodian Independent Auditors
Sparkasse Bank Malta PLC PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
101 Townsquare 7 More London Riverside
Sliema SLM3112 London SE1 2RT
Malta England
Website
http://www.honeycombplc.com/
Share Identifiers
ISIN: GB00BYQDNR86
Sedol: BYZV3G2
Ticker: HONY
Website
The Company's website can be found at www.honeycombplc.com. The
site provides visitors with Company information and literature
downloads.
The Company's profile is also available on third-party sites
such as www.trustnet.com and www.morningstar.co.uk.
Annual and half-yearly reports
Copies of the annual and half-yearly reports may be obtained
from the Company Secretary by calling 0203 697 5368 or by visiting
www.honeycombplc.com.
Share prices and Net Asset Value information
The Company's ordinary shares of 1p each are quoted on the
London Stock Exchange:
-- SEDOL number: BYZV3G2
-- ISIN number: GB00BYQDNR86
-- EPIC code: HONY
The codes above may be required to access trading information
relating to the Company on the internet.
Electronic communications with the Company
The Company's Annual Report & audited financial statements,
half-yearly reports and other formal communications are available
on the Company's website. To reduce costs the Company's half-yearly
financial statements are not posted to shareholders but are instead
made available on the Company's website.
Whistleblowing
As the Company has no employees, the Company does not have a
whistleblowing policy. The Audit Committee reviews the
whistleblowing procedures of the Investment Manager and
Administrator to ensure that the concerns of their staff may be
raised in a confidential manner.
Warning to shareholders - share fraud scams
Fraudsters use persuasive and high-pressure tactics to lure
investors into scams. They may offer to sell shares that turn out
to be worthless or non-existent, or to buy shares at an inflated
price in return for an upfront payment. While high profits are
promised, if you buy or sell shares in this way, you will probably
lose your money.
How to avoid share fraud
-- Keep in mind that firms authorised by the FCA are unlikely to
contact you out of the blue with an offer to buy or sell shares
-- Do not get into a conversation, note the name of the person
and firm contacting you and then end the call
-- Check the Financial Services Register from www.fca.org.uk to
see if the person and firm contacting you is authorised by the
FCA
-- Beware of fraudsters claiming to be from an authorised firm,
copying its website or giving you false contact details
-- Use the firm's contact details listed on the Register if you want to call it back
-- Call the FCA on 0800 111 6768 if the firm does not have
contact details on the Register or you are told they are out of
date
-- Search the list of unauthorised firms to avoid at www.fca.org.uk/scams
-- Consider that if you buy or sell shares from an unauthorised
firm you will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service or
Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
-- Think about getting independent financial and professional
advice before you hand over any money
-- Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
5,000 people contact the Financial Conduct Authority about share
fraud each year, with victims losing an average of GBP20,000.
Report a scam
If you are approached by fraudsters, please tell the FCA using
the share fraud reporting form at fca.org.uk /scams, where you can
find out more about investment scams.
You can also call the FCA Consumer Helpline on 0800 111
6768.
If you have already paid money to share fraudsters, you should
contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
National Storage Mechanism
A copy of the Annual Report and audited financial statements
will be submitted shortly to the National Storage Mechanism ("NSM")
and will be available for inspection at the NSM, which is situated
at: www.morningstar.co.uk/nsm
Definitions and reconciliation to alternative performance
measures
Credit Assets Credit Assets are loans made to consumers and small
businesses as well as other counterparties, together
with related investments.
==================== ===========================================================
Equity Assets Equity Assets are selected equity investments that
are aligned with the Company's strategy and that
present opportunities to enhance the Company's
returns from its investments.
==================== ===========================================================
Net asset value Net asset value represents the total value of the
(NAV) Company's assets less the total value of its liabilities.
For valuation purposes, it is common to express
the net asset value on a per share basis.
==================== ===========================================================
Ongoing charges Ongoing charges is calculated as a percentage of
annualised ongoing charge over average reported
Net Asset Value. Ongoing charges are those expenses
of a type which are likely to recur in the foreseeable
future.
==================== ===========================================================
Premium If the share price of the Company is higher than
the net asset value per share, the Company's shares
are said to be trading at a premium. The premium
is shown as a percentage of the net asset value.
==================== ===========================================================
Discount If the share price of the Company is lower than
the net asset value per share, the Company's shares
are said to be trading at a discount. The discount
is shown as a percentage of the net asset value.
==================== ===========================================================
Fair Value The amount for which an asset could be exchanged,
or a liability settled, between willing parties
in an arm's length transaction.
==================== ===========================================================
Registrar An entity that manages the Company's shareholder
register. The Company's registrar is Computershare
Investor Services PLC.
==================== ===========================================================
AIF An Alternative Investment Fund, as defined in the
AIFM Directive 2011/61/EU on Alternative Investment
Fund Managers
==================== ===========================================================
LIBOR (London The interest rate participating banks offer to
Inter-Bank Offered other banks for loans on the London market.
Rate)
==================== ===========================================================
AIFM An Alternative Investment Fund Manager, as defined
in the AIFM Directive. Pollen Street Capital Limited
undertakes this role on behalf of the Company.
==================== ===========================================================
Neither past Loans that are not in arrears and which do not
due nor impaired meet the impaired asset definition. This segment
can include assets subject to forbearance solutions.
==================== ===========================================================
Consumer Loan An amount of money lent to an individual for personal,
family, or household purposes.
==================== ===========================================================
Servicers Comprehensive loan servicing to support the full
loan lifecycle, from origination, through account
servicing to arrears management.
==================== ===========================================================
Hedging An investment to reduce the risk of adverse price
movements in an asset.
==================== ===========================================================
RECOnciliation to Alternative performance measures
NET Asset Value (ex-income)
31 December 31 December
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
================ =========== ===========
Net asset
value 400,710 304,759
Revenue Account (4,934) (5,133)
Capital Account 965 125
IFRS 9 Adoption (2,337) -
================ =========== ===========
Net Asset Value
(ex-income) 394,404 299,751
================ =========== ===========
Premium / (Discount) to NAV per share
31 December 31 December
2018 2017
===================== =========== ===========
NAV per share
(Cum income) 1,015.7p 1,018.4p
Share Price
at Close 1,130.0p 1,157.5p
Premium / (Discount) 11.3% 13.7%
===================== =========== ===========
The premium / (discount) to NAV per share is calculated by
taking the difference between the share price at close and the NAV
per share (Cum income) and dividing it by the NAV per share.
Annual NAV per Share Return
31 December 31 December
2018 2017
================ =========== ===========
NAV per share
(Cum income)
at year end 1,015.7p 1,018.4p
Opening NAV
per share (Cum
income) * 1,010.6p 1,014.0p
Dividends per
share paid in
the year 80.0p 88.0p
Annual Nav per
Share Return 8.43% 9.11%
================ =========== ===========
*Opening balance adjusted for initial adoption of IFRS 9
The annual NAV per share return is calculated by taking the
closing NAV per share (cum income) at year end and adding the
dividend per share paid in the year divided by the opening NAV per
share (cum income).
Inception to Date ("ITD") NAV per Share Return
31 December 31 December
2018 2017
====================== =========== ===========
NAV per share
(Cum income) 1,015.7p 1,018.4p
Opening NAV
per share (Cum
income) at inception 982.0p 982.0p
Dividends per
share paid since
inception 212.9p 132.9p
ITD NAV per
Share Return 25.12% 17.24%
====================== =========== ===========
The ITD NAV per share return is calculated by taking the closing
NAV per share (cum income) at year end and adding the dividend per
share paid since inception divided by the NAV per share (cum
income) at inception.
Debt to Equity
31 December 2018 31 December 2017
=============================== ================ ================
Ordinary share capital 394 299
Share premium (GBP'000) 299,599 201,852
Special distributable reserves
(GBP'000) 96,748 97,600
Interest Bearing Borrowings
(GBP'000) 189,263 56,787
Debt to Equity ratio 47.7% 18.9%
=============================== ================ ================
Debt to equity ratio is calculated as the Company's interest
bearing debt divided by the aggregate of called up share capital,
share premium and special distributable reserve, expressed as a
percentage.
Revenue Return
31 December 2018 31 December 2017
================================ ================ ================
Profit after taxation (GBP'000) 29,037 21,042
Average NAV (GBP'000) 371,858 271,701
Revenue Return 7.8% 7.7%
================================ ================ ================
Revenue return is calculated as profit after taxation from
revenue divided by average NAV during the year.
Dividend Return
31 December 2018 31 December 2017
============================ ================ ================
Dividend declared (GBP'000) 29,655 22,837
Average NAV (GBP'000) 371,858 271,701
Dividend Return 8.0% 8.4%
============================ ================ ================
Dividend return is calculated as the total declared dividends
for the year divided by average Net Asset Value during the
year.
Ongoing Charges
31 December 2018 31 December 2017
================================= ================ ================
Auditors' remuneration (GBP'000) 129 110
Administrator's fees (GBP'000) 199 146
Directors' fees (GBP'000) 145 118
Management Fee (GBP'000) 4,997 2,922
Other costs (GBP'000) 420 394
Average NAV 371,858 271,701
Ongoing Charges 1.6% 1.4%
================================= ================ ================
Ongoing charges ratio: The Annualised Ongoing Charge is
calculated using the Association of Investment Companies
recommended methodology. It is calculated as a percentage of
annualised ongoing charge over average reported Net Asset Value.
Ongoing charges are those expenses of a type which are likely to
recur in the foreseeable future, whether charged to capital or
revenue, and which relate to the operation of the investment
company as a collective fund, excluding the costs of
acquisition/disposal of investments, financing charges and
gains/losses arising on investments. Ongoing charges are based on
costs incurred in the year as being the best estimate of future
costs. The AIC excludes performance fees from the Ongoing Charges
calculation.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
FR BVLLLKZFBBBD
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April 29, 2019 02:01 ET (06:01 GMT)
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