TIDMLCA

RNS Number : 8248H

Low Carbon Accelerator Limited

17 July 2012

17 July 2012

LOW CARBON ACCELERATOR LIMITED

Interim Report and Unaudited Financial Statements May 2012

Low Carbon Accelerator Limited ("LCA" or "the Company"), the AIM listed specialist low carbon investment company, announces its interim results for the six months ended 31(st) May 2012.

The Adjusted NAV as at 31 May 2012 is GBP19.704 million or 22.9 pence per Ordinary share. This compares to the NAV as at 30 November 2011 of GBP24.269 million or 28.2 pence per Ordinary share.

Update of asset realisation

The Company announced on 27 April 2012 that it had appointed Cogent Partners as its advisor to assist with the marketing and sale of the LCA portfolio. The Company, with the support of Cogent Partners, has approached a targeted short-list of potential buyers and expects indicative offers to be received by the end of July 2012. A shortlist of buyers will then be given a period for further due diligence before being required to make binding offers. Our target is to conclude the sale of LCA's assets in this financial year, ending 30 November 2012. Consistent with previous announcements, the Company intends to disburse cash proceeds realised from any sale to investors.

Enquiries:

Low Carbon Investors Ltd: Steve Mahon Tel: +44 (0) 20 76312630

Grant Thornton Corporate Finance Colin Aaronson Tel: +44 (0) 20 7383 5100

Melanie Frean

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 MAY 2012

 
                                          31 May 2012   31 May 2011 
 ADJUSTED NET ASSET VALUE (GBP'000)            19,704       48,318* 
 Adjusted net asset value per ordinary 
  share (pence)                                  22.9         56.1* 
 Ordinary share price (pence)                     7.4          30.5 
 Loss per share (pence)                         (5.3)         (4.2) 
---------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 
                                          Net Asset Value  NAV per share 
                                                  GBP'000          Pence 
 
31 May 2012 
Accounting and Adjusted Net Asset Value            19,704           22.9 
 
31 May 2011 
Accounting Net Asset Value                         37,668           43.7 
Fair value adjustment to non-current 
 financial assets classified as held 
 for sale                                          10,650           12.4 
 
Adjusted Net Asset Value                           48,318           56.1 
 
 

Notes:

* The Company's balance sheet net asset value as at 31 May 2011 was GBP37.7 million. At that date, the Company was required to present its investment in Proven Energy as a "Non-current financial asset classified as held for sale", and valued it at its cost of GBP9.25 million. The fair value of its investment in Proven Energy was GBP19.9 million. It therefore reported an 'Adjusted' net asset value of GBP48.3 million in the interim financial statements as at 31 May 2011. As the Company's investment in Proven Energy has been written off in the period ending 30 November 2011, there is no difference between the balance sheet net asset value and the 'Adjusted' net asset value as at 31 May 2012.

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

I present the Interim Report and Unaudited Financial Statements in respect of Low Carbon Accelerator Limited ("LCA" or "the Company") for the period from 1 December 2011 to 31 May 2012.

Financial performance

The Net Asset Value as at 31 May 2012 is GBP19.704 million or 22.9 pence per Ordinary share. This compares to the NAV as at 29 February 2012 of GBP24.07 million or 24.95 pence per Ordinary share.

Investment activities

The Company made one follow-on investment, totaling GBP0.77 million (US$1.2 million), into Lumenergi in the six-months ended 31 May 2012. This investment was made in two tranches, and in aggregate the investment formed part of an additional US$6.5 million funding round by Lumenergi.

Share performance

In the period 1 December 2011 to 31 May 2012, the Company's closing mid-market share price decreased by 9.5% to 7.25 pence. This share price represents a 68% discount to the NAV per share as at 31 May 2012. The share price has remained broadly flat since the period end and at close of trading on 5 July 2012 stood at 7.25 pence.

Outlook

The Company announced previously that it had appointed Cogent Partners on the 27 April 2012 as its advisor to assist with the process of the disposal of its assets. This transaction has been structured as a two-stage auction. The Company, with the support of Cogent Partners, has approached a targeted short-list of potential buyers and provided them access to information relating to the LCA portfolio. The first stage of the auction process requires indicative offers to be received in July 2012. A shortlist of buyers will then be given a period for further due diligence before being required to make binding offers. Our target is to conclude the sale of LCA's assets in this financial year, ending 30 November 2012. Consistent with previous announcements, the Company intends to disburse cash proceeds realised from any sale to investors. It should be noted that, given the uncertainty surrounding the auction process, the net proceeds arising from a portfolio sale may vary from the carrying value of the investments calculated on an individual basis.

We await the results of Cogent's negotiations with potential buyers and we expect to update the market in the near future with progress relating to the sale of the assets.

John Hawkins Chairman 16 July 2012

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (UNAUDITED)

For the six months ended 31 May 2012

 
                                                    2012      2011 
                                          Note   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
Income 
Interest income                                        2        28 
Other income                                         276         1 
 
                                                     278        29 
 
Investment management fees                   4     (302)     (640) 
Net decrease in fair value of financial 
 assets at fair value through profit or 
 loss                                        9   (4,245)   (2,231) 
Custodian, secretarial, broker, nomad 
 and administration fees                           (114)      (96) 
Directors' fees                                     (46)      (44) 
Other operating expenses                     5     (136)     (621) 
 
Total operating expenses                         (4,843)   (3,632) 
 
Loss for financial period                        (4,565)   (3,603) 
 
Other comprehensive income                             -         - 
 
Total comprehensive (expense)/income             (4,565)   (3,603) 
 
Basic loss per share (pence)                 7     (5.3)     (4.2) 
 
Diluted loss per share (pence)               7     (5.3)     (4.2) 
 
 

All activities are derived from discontinuing activities.

The Group has no recognised gains or losses other than the loss for the period.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)

As at 31 May 2012

 
                                               As at     As at     As at 
                                              31 May    30 Nov    31 May 
                                                2012      2011      2011 
                                      Note   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
NON-CURRENT ASSETS 
Financial assets at fair value 
 through profit or loss                  9    17,898    21,500    24,155 
Long-term loans                                    -       200         - 
 
                                              17,898    21,700    24,155 
CURRENT ASSETS 
Cash and cash equivalents                        945     2,040     2,746 
Non-current financial assets 
 classified as held for sale                       -         -     9,250 
Other receivables                        8       931       593     1,594 
 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                           1,876     2,633    13,590 
 
TOTAL ASSETS                                  19,774    24,333    37,745 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES 
Other payables                                  (70)      (64)      (77) 
 
NET ASSETS                                    19,704    24,269    37,668 
 
 
EQUITY 
Share capital                           10         -         -         - 
Share premium                                 52,720    52,720    52,720 
Reserves                                    (33,016)  (28,451)  (15,052) 
 
TOTAL EQUITY                                  19,704    24,269    37,668 
 
 
Number of ordinary shares ('000)              86,100    86,100    86,100 
 
Net asset value (basic and diluted) 
 per share (pence)                              22.9      28.2      43.7 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

The condensed interim financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 16 July 2012.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

For the six months ended 31 May 2012

 
                              Share capital                  Retained 
                                    GBP'000  Share premium   earnings     Total 
                                                   GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
As at 30 November 2010                    -         52,720   (11,449)    41,271 
Total comprehensive income                -              -    (3,603)   (3,603) 
 
As at 31 May 2011                         -         52,720   (15,052)    37,668 
Total comprehensive expense               -              -   (13,399)  (13,399) 
 
As at 30 November 2011                    -         52,720   (28,451)    24,269 
Total comprehensive expense               -              -    (4,565)   (4,565) 
 
As at 31 May 2012                         -         52,720   (33,016)    19,704 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASHFLOW STATEMENT (UNAUDITED) for the six months ended 31 May 2012

 
                                                    2012      2011 
                                                 GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
CASHFLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
Operating loss for the period before interest    (4,567)   (3,631) 
Net changes in fair value of financial assets 
 at fair value through profit or loss              4,245     2,231 
Provision made against short-term loans                -       549 
Increase in other receivables                       (13)      (16) 
Increase in other payables                             6        16 
 
NET CASH OUTFLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES        (329)     (851) 
 
CASHFLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
Purchase of investments                            (643)         - 
Interest received                                      2        28 
 
NET CASH OUTFLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES        (641)        28 
 
CASHFLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
Short-term loans                                   (125)     (700) 
Repayment of short-term loans                          -       100 
 
NET CASH OUTFLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES        (125)     (600) 
 
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS        (1,095)   (1,423) 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF 
 PERIOD                                            2,040     4,169 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD           945     2,746 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) for the six months ended 31 May 2012

   1.            GENERAL INFORMATION 

Low Carbon Accelerator Limited (the "Company") is a company incorporated and registered in Guernsey on 26 September 2006. The Company is an authorised closed-end investment company with limited liability under the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, and its shares are admitted to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

The address of the Company's Registered office is set out on page 1.

   2.             BASIS OF PREPARATION 

The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared using accounting policies consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards (with the exception of IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting) which comprise standards and interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards and Standings Committee as adopted by the European Union and that remain in effect. These interim financial statements are unaudited but have been reviewed by the auditors.

The financial information summarised does not constitute statutory financial statements.

   a)     Significant accounting policies 

The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of computation are followed in these interim financial statements as those followed in the preparation of the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2011. The report of the auditors on these financial statements was unqualified.

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of investments and foreign currency derivatives. The condensed financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand (GBP'000) except when otherwise indicated.

As noted in the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2011, IFRS 5 does not allow for upward fair value adjustments to be made to assets classified as "non-current financial assets classified as held for sale" in excess of any previous impairments that had been applied to those same assets. This restriction can mean, therefore, that where the Board considers there to be an upward revaluation required of an investment classified as a "non-current financial assets classified as held for sale" in accordance with International Private Equity and Venture Capital ("IPEV") valuation guidelines, this fair value adjustment may not be made under IFRS if the asset had not previously been impaired since reclassification, or to the extent that such revaluation was in excess of a previous impairment since the assets reclassification. As such, the treatment of non-current financial assets classified as held for sale can, in certain circumstances, conflict with the Group's general policy for valuing its investment portfolio. Where this is the case, the Group provides a reconciliation between the NAV in accordance with IFRS 5 ("Accounting NAV") and the NAV in accordance with IPEV valuation guidelines ("Adjusted NAV").

   b)     Going Concern 

The Company has appointed Cogent Partners to assist with the process of disposal of its assets. The Directors intend to distribute the proceeds of such disposal to shareholders. Cogent are already in discussion with a number of parties, and it is anticipated that this process will be completed within the next six months.

In the event that the Company is unable to dispose of its assets in this time frame, the Company will cease to have the liquidity to continue as a going concern. In this event, the directors will distribute the underlying assets of the Company to the shareholders, and proceed to liquidate the Company.

Consequently, it is likely that the company will not continue as a going concern.

   3.            BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION 

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities (including special purpose entities) controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries). Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated income statement from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line with those used by other members of the Group.

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated in full on consolidation.

The Company owns two investments via wholly owned intermediate holding company structures. The acquisition of equity in, and the provision of the loan to, the underlying investment was funded by a long term loan account through the intermediate holding companies. As a result of this structure, the Company falls under the requirement to produce consolidated accounts.

   4.            INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEES 

Investment management fees are payable to Low Carbon Investors Limited (the "Manager") for investment management services. These are paid quarterly in advance and, for the period up to 31 May 2012, are equal to 0.625% per quarter of the Net Asset Value ("NAV") of the Company as at the last day of the preceding quarter.

On 27 April 2012, the Board of LCA announced that it had taken action to preserve the existing cash reserves of the Company and minimise any long term liabilities. To this end, and with the agreement of the Investment Manager, the annual management fees have been reduced from 2.5% to 2.0% per annum with effect from 1 June 2012. Furthermore, the Company has given notice to terminate the investment management agreement with the Investment Manager to start the 12 month notice period and to minimise the long term liability associated with this contract. These changes have been made with full co-operation of the Investment Manager who remains fully committed to supporting the disposal of the assets.

Additionally, the Manager will be paid an annual performance fee equal to 20% of any amount by which the NAV of the Company at the relevant year end exceeds the previous high watermark subject to the performance hurdle test being met. The performance hurdle test is met if the adjusted NAV at the end of the relevant performance period exceeds an amount equal to the Hurdle Base (which, as at 31 May 2012, is 92.66 pence). There is no performance fee payable for the period ending 31 May 2012.

   5.            OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES 
 
                                                  6 months  6 months 
                                                     ended     ended 
                                                    31 May    31 May 
                                                      2012      2011 
                                                   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
Provision against short-term loan to QuantaSol 
Limited                                                  -       500 
Provision against other receivable from 
 Low Carbon Accelerator (Barbados) ISRL                  -        49 
 
Net changes to loan receivables                          -       549 
Other expenses                                         136        72 
 
Total other operating expenses                         136       621 
 
 
   6.            DIVIDENDS 

In accordance with the strategy set out in the Company's AIM Admission Document, no dividend has been declared for the period ending 31 May 2012.

   7.            BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE 

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the loss for the period ending 31 May 2012 and on 86,100,000 (2011 - 86,100,000) Ordinary Shares, being the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.

   8.            OTHER RECEIVABLES 
 
                               31 May    30 Nov    31 May 
                                 2012      2011      2011 
                              GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
Short term loans 
 
  *    Lumenergi Inc.             125         -         - 
- Proven Energy Limited             -         -       650 
- QuantaSol Limited               350       350       750 
- Vigor Renewables Limited        400       200       200 
 
                                  875       550     1,600 
Other receivables                  56        43       (6) 
 
                                  931       593     1,594 
 
 

GBP200,000 of the loan to Vigor Renewables Limited is unsecured and accrues interest at 10% per annum and was repayable on or before 30 June 2012 but is still outstanding and repayable on demand. The balance of the loan is repayable on 26 April 2013.

   9.             INVESTMENTS - DESIGNATED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS 
 
                                    6 months  12 months  6 months 
                                       ended      ended     ended 
                                      31 May     30 Nov    31 May 
                                        2012       2011      2011 
                                     GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
Brought forward                       21,500     26,386    26,386 
Additions during the period 
 
  *    acquired for cash                 643        350         - 
 
  *    disposed for cash                   -    (1,230)         - 
 
  *    gain on sale of investment          -        230         - 
Net changes in fair value through 
 profit or loss                      (4,245)    (4,236)   (2,231) 
 
Total financial assets at fair 
 value through profit or loss         17,898     21,500    24,155 
 
 

The net changes in fair value through profit or loss represents amounts relating to the revaluation of investments and foreign currency gains or losses relating to investments made in currencies other than GBP.

During the period the Company made the following upward revaluations to investments:

   --      Sterling Planet Inc. ("Sterling Planet") 

A net foreign currency gain of GBP177,000 was made on this investment, which reflects the depreciation of Sterling against the US dollar in the period.

   --      LUMEnergi Inc. ("LUMEnergi") 

A net foreign currency gain of GBP39,000 was made on this investment, which reflects the depreciation of Sterling against the US dollar in the period.

During the period the Company made the following write-down against investments:

   --      ResponsiveLoad Limited ("RLtec") 

On 6 June 2011, LCA announced that it had sold 175,747 Preference B shares in RLtec to Ombu Limited ("Ombu") for a cash consideration of GBP1.23 million. The price paid for these shares by Ombu represented a 23% uplift to the carrying value of the shares at the quarter-ended 28 February 2011. The previous carrying value of this stake, GBP4,461,000 is based on the valuation set at the June 2011 investment by Ombu.

Since that investment round, RLtec has failed to make the progress expected and now requires further funding. As a result of the uncertainty associated with the further funding round, the Company has written down the value of its investment in RLtec to GBPnil.

 
                                                 Cost of          31 May  30 November          31 May 
                                              investment            2012         2011            2011 
                                             in original           Value     Value of           Value 
                                  Currency      currency   of investment   investment   of investment 
Company                      of investment          '000         GBP'000      GBP'000         GBP'000 
 
Sterling Planet, 
 Inc.                                  USD         7,000          13,718       13,541          12,957 
Lumenergi Inc.                         USD         7,173           3,530        2,848           3,634 
ResponsiveLoad 
 Limited                               GBP         2,354               -        4,461           5,691 
Eco-Solids International 
 Limited                               GBP           825               -            -             730 
Vykson Limited                         GBP           650               -            -             643 
Vigor Renewables 
 Limited                               GBP           650             650          650             500 
 
Total                                                             17,898       21,500          24,155 
 
 
   10.          SHARE CAPITAL 
 
Authorised                               No.  GBP'000 
 
Ordinary shares of no par value    Unlimited        - 
 
Issued and fully paid 
Ordinary shares of no par value   86,100,000        - 
 
 
 
 
                                               No. 
Balance as at 31 May 2011               86,100,000 
Issued (ordinary shares of GBP1 each)            - 
 
Balance as at 30 November 2011          86,100,000 
Issued (ordinary shares of GBP1 each)            - 
 
Balance as at 31 May 2012               86,100,000 
 
 

The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no right to fixed income.

   11.          POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS 

There have been no material event between the balance sheet date and 16 July 2012

   12.          FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS 

As at 16 July 2012 the Company has no commitments to companies in its portfolio.

   13.          RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

During the period the Company continued to undertake the following related party transactions:

a. The Company has appointed Low Carbon Investors Limited, a Company in which David Nussbaum holds shares, provides advisory services, and sits on the investment committee, to provide investment management services. During the period the Company paid a management fee to Low Carbon Investors Limited of GBP302,000 (2011 - GBP640,000).

b. Andrew Neil Munro, a director of the Company, is an employee of Ogier Fiduciary Services (Guernsey) Limited. Ogier Fund Administration (Guernsey) Limited provides administration services to LCA. During the period LCA paid fees of GBP53,938 (2011 - GBP77,000) to Ogier Fund Administration (Guernsey) Limited.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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