Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Caledonia Investments plc

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Financial highlights

31 Mar 2020

31 Mar 2019

Change

Net asset value total return

-8.1%

+10.9%

Net asset value

3236p

3582p

-9.7%

Net assets

£1,787m

£2,002m

-10.7%

Annual dividend per share

61.1p

59.3p

+3.0%

Highlights

  • -8.1%NAV total return for the year.
  • Revenue profit after tax of £34.6m, unchanged from previous year. Capital losses of £207.5m, compared with profit of £163.6m last year.
  • Strong balance sheet with £365m of available resources (£115m cash and £250m undrawn facilities).
  • Valuation approach for private companies and funds included an assessment of the potential impact of the developingCovid-19 pandemic.
  • 3.0% increase in the dividend to 61.1p per share, 53 consecutive years of increase, to be paid in August.Quoted Equity
  • Resilient performance from Quoted Equity portfolios,-0.3% return over the year (FTSE All-Share was -18.5%), supported by our cautious approach to risk management and rebalancing of the Income

portfolio. Private Capital

  • Good progress and robust trading from portfolio companies for the first 11 months of the year, but overall return of-18.0% for the 12 months.
  • Majority of companies continue to trade normally with low degree of disruption fromCovid-19. Buzz Bingo and Liberation Group leisure venues currently closed but good progress online from www.buzzbingo.com.
  • Acquisition of minority holding in Stonehage Fleming, a market leading provider of family office services, completed at a cost of £90m.

Funds

  • Strong underlying performance from private equity fund investments, but full year return of-2.8% (after £86m Covid-19 valuation adjustment).

Will Wyatt, Chief Executive, commented:

"Our diversified portfolio and our preference for investing in high quality businesses has so far provided some resilience to the impact of Covid-19 on the company. The Quoted Equity portfolios were particularly effective at protecting shareholders' capital in volatile markets. Despite a decrease in net assets for the year, the majority of our investments are in a good position to withstand this challenging economic period though those in the consumer leisure sector face an uncertain future.

"It is likely that income for the current year will be lower than in 2020. However, our strong balance sheet and, in particular, our reserves of retained earnings, should give shareholders comfort that Caledonia is well placed to achieve its aims of growing net assets and dividends over the long term."

26 May 2020

1 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Enquiries

Caledonia Investments plc

Tulchan Communications

Will Wyatt, Chief Executive

Lisa Jarrett-Kerr

Tim Livett, Chief Financial Officer

Tom Murray

+44 20 7802 8080

+44 20 7353 4200

2 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Chairman's statement

Results

The NAVTR of -8.1% for the year was a resilient performance despite the appearance of the Covid-19 virus in the last quarter. There was significant variance within the three pools through which Caledonia is managed. The Quoted Equity and Funds pools held up well on an absolute basis and relative to stock markets, proving effective at protecting shareholders' capital. Resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, the exposure to the consumer leisure sector in Private Capital's portfolio resulted in a significant mark down in valuations, reflecting the disruption in two particularly affected businesses. The remainder of the Private Capital portfolio traded well during the year. Management, at Caledonia and in the portfolio businesses, have responded to the extreme events caused by Covid-19 to place our companies in the best possible position to recover when restrictions are lifted. Our strong balance sheet, with net cash of £115m and £250m of available facilities, gives us a secure platform to support our companies and take opportunities when they appear.

Covid-19

The pandemic has caused a number of unexpected outcomes. On the positive side Caledonia's IT team has managed the move to home working very effectively with minimal disruption to normal business. We are now planning in line with official guidance how we might safely return to office life, and intend to consult staff on these plans.

There is likely to be more volatility in markets as the full economic impact of the pandemic becomes apparent. It is also to be expected that some of our investee companies will have to adapt to the longer- term implications of customer concerns, social distancing and changing consumer demand. A degree of uncertainty is to be expected after a shock of this magnitude ripples through the global economy.

Income and dividend

Caledonia has a long and proud record of paying an increased dividend. In the year to 31 March, income totalled £53.4m which is a slight increase over the previous year. The portfolio is constructed to deliver sufficient income to cover both running costs and the annual dividend. This was achieved during the financial year. The board is proposing a final dividend of 44.5p per share, providing a full year dividend of 61.1p per share, an increase of 3.0% over last year.

As we look forward, it is likely that Caledonia will face a reduction in income from our investee companies suffering disruption from the Covid-19 pandemic. If this occurs, any shortfall would require utilisation of Caledonia's £256m of retained earnings. This leaves the company well placed to meet a temporary shortage of income and pay dividends in the future should the board deem this appropriate.

Caledonia Fund

In response to the current crisis and the impact these events are having within some of our majority owned investee companies, a fund has been established to assist their employees suffering financial hardship. This is being funded by Caledonia, a contribution by our largest shareholder, The Cayzer Trust Company, and Caledonia's executive and non-executive directors.

The focus of the fund is on supporting employees at those companies where the business can no longer operate as normal and management have needed to utilise the Government backed furlough scheme. It should be noted this is primarily at Buzz Bingo and Liberation, where action has been taken to minimise costs wherever possible to preserve liquidity and reduce cash outflow. Measures include the use of the furlough scheme, reductions in senior management pay and the suspension of any cash payments to Caledonia.

Since the implementation of the Government's furlough scheme, no cash has been received by Caledonia from any of its majority owned investee companies that are accessing this scheme. In this regard, the proposed final dividend is not financed by any contribution made by these companies since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

3 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Outlook

Caledonia is well positioned to take a long-term view of its investments. As noted before, we expect the pandemic and its associated economic impact to provide both challenges and opportunities in the year ahead. At the time of writing the response by central banks has been extraordinary and the result of that action is being seen in a partial recovery in a number of markets. The issue is how sustainable this action is with government borrowing at record levels and the potential distortion to asset pricing. As the market goes through a process of normalisation it would not be surprising if we see more volatility in the months ahead.

Caledonia thinks long term and in this challenging environment is well positioned. It has available cash and banking facilities to ensure we have liquidity in place to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. As a board we are committed to the dividend and where income shortfalls do occur, we have retained earnings to maintain those payments in the future.

David Stewart, Chairman

4 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Chief Executive's report

Aim

Caledonia's objective is to grow net assets and dividends over the long term, whilst managing risk to avoid permanent loss of capital.

Results for the year

Caledonia's portfolio is comprised of cash, listed equities, private equity funds and direct holdings in private businesses. This diversified portfolio offers shareholders some protection from over-exposure to particular sectors and geographies but, with an international pandemic of the scale of Covid-19, has inevitably suffered from some loss of value. The NAVTR for the year was -8.1%. The revenue account of the income statement shows minimal impact from the pandemic, with profits for the year of £34.6m in line with the previous year. However, in keeping with the conservative culture of Caledonia, we have assessed the potential impact of Covid-19 on our investments and have adjusted our valuations accordingly, resulting in a loss on the capital account of £207.5m, compared with a profit of £163.6m last year.

Our strong balance sheet, including £115m of cash and access to £250m in facilities, provides substantial liquidity with which to face an uncertain future. Our RBSI facilities of £137.5m were renewed in May for a further five-year term.

Impact of Covid-19 pandemic

The impact of the pandemic was first felt in the final quarter of our financial year. At a practical level, the restrictions on movement have led to the head office staff working from home. Whilst no replacement for normalised operations, we have been able to carry out our functions and controls to ensure the smooth running of the business. The board has been kept informed throughout this period of uncertainty and board meetings have continued via conferencing technology.

The performance of the portfolio was strong for eleven months of the year, with the pandemic only starting to have a notable effect in March, despite some exposure to Asia within the Funds pool. However, the precipitous stock market falls in March eroded the hitherto strong positive performance of our Quoted Equity holdings. On a relative basis, our listed portfolios produced results well ahead of comparative markets, thereby protecting shareholder's capital with a negative return of only 0.3% over the year.

The principal effect of the pandemic has been in our Private Capital valuations, where we have taken account of the potential Covid-19 impact in our internally generated company valuations and in the valuation of our fund interests, typically based on managers' reports dated 31 December 2019. A company by company breakdown of the Private Capital pool can be seen in the pool performance section of this report.

Much of the portfolio has performed in a resilient fashion despite the immense disruption caused by Covid-19. Until we have clarity on the lifting of restrictions and economies begin to normalise, it would be unwise to predict how quickly trading will recover in those companies most adversely affected.

Investment performance

Caledonia aims to achieve a NAVTR of 3-6% ahead of inflation over the short term, leading to results over the long term that exceed the FTSE All-Share Index. However, it is worth noting that our management and investment teams are incentivised on an absolute, not relative, basis. The table below shows our investment performance over one, three, five and ten years, with the adverse performance in the current year having a negative impact on short term metrics:

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

%

%

%

%

NAV total return

-8.1

3.3

25.1

94.8

Annualised

NAV total return

-8.1

1.1

4.6

6.9

Retail Prices Index

2.6

2.8

2.6

2.9

NAVTR vs RPI

-10.7

-1.7

2.0

4.0

FTSE All-Share Total Return

-18.5

-4.2

0.6

4.4

NAVTR vs FTSE All-Share TR

10.4

5.3

4.0

2.5

5 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Long-term performance remains satisfactory though one and three-year numbers are weak compared with inflation. The element of protection afforded to shareholders' capital, compared on a relative basis to markets, is noteworthy.

Strategy and allocation

As indicated in the half-year results to 30 September 2019, we undertook a review of the Income pool, its aims and targets due to poor performance. As a result, the portfolio is now managed by the Quoted Equity team, in place of a separate Income team, with a yield target of 3.5% (previously a yield target of 4.5%). The annual performance total return target remains at 7%. The Quoted Equity team has been managing separate strategies for the Capital and Income portfolios since the end of September.

The investment portfolio consists of three pools of capital as shown in the tables below:

Strategic

2020

2019

allocation

%

%

%

Quoted Equity

32.1

34.4

35-50

Private Capital

34.2

32.9

35-45

Funds

25.2

24.2

20-25

Cash and other

8.5

8.5

+/-10

Net assets

100.0

100.0

The allocation ranges expressed in the table above are a guide to ensure that the portfolio remains proportionately balanced.

The table below summarises the pool targets and strategic allocation:

Strategic

Pool name

Description

Return targets

allocation

Caledonia Quoted Equity

Capital strategy

10% total return

35-50%

no yield target

Income strategy

7% total return

3.5% yield

Caledonia Private Capital

Investments in UK mid-market in

14% total return

35-45%

companies with equity values of

5% yield

between £25m and £125m

Caledonia Funds

US and Asian private equity funds

12.5% total return

20-25%

and funds of funds

Pool performance

1 year

3 years

5 years

Pool name

%

%

%

Quoted Equity

-0.3

13.5

28.8

Capital

1.3

27.0

42.4

Income

-3.8

-10.5

4.3

Private Capital

-18.0

-4.2

33.4

Funds

-2.8

20.7

57.4

Portfolio

-7.9

8.2

35.9

Ten-year figures are not available, as measurement by pool commenced in 2011.

Caledonia Quoted Equity

Our two listed equity portfolios invest in well-managed businesses with good margins which are often leaders in their sectors, on a global basis. The performance of the Capital portfolio in exceptionally volatile markets was impressive, returning 1.3% for the year. The portfolio, which consists of high quality compounding businesses, proved resilient and largely avoided sectors hard hit by Covid-19. The Income portfolio produced a return of -3.8%, including the impact of exiting historic legacy positions. Our cautious approach to risk management resulted in high cash balances and the rebalancing of the Income portfolio helped to protect capital and performance as markets fell in February and March 2020.

6 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Caledonia Private Capital

Our diverse portfolio includes significant positions in six UK based businesses and one private European investment company, Cobepa, with which we also have a co-investment. These eight investments represent over 90% of the value of the Private Capital portfolio. Performance over the year, with a total return of -18.0%, was dominated by the impact of Covid-19 on Buzz Bingo, Liberation Group and, to a lesser extent, Seven Investment Management ('7IM'). However, trading across most portfolio companies was robust prior to the appearance of the pandemic. Deep Sea Electronics ('DSE'), our largest investment, has made good progress in growing its business year on year and formulating strategic plans for the future. One new investment was completed in the year, a minority shareholding in Stonehage Fleming, the international family office services provider, for £89.5m.

DSE, the industry leading manufacturer of genset and ATS control modules, battery chargers and power supplies, has traded strongly over the past year delivering double digit returns. The changes being seen elsewhere from the Covid-19 virus had only a marginal impact on DSE's operations, with its manufacturing site in the UK and representative offices in China and the US trading normally. We expect some reduction in demand in the current year. The valuation at 31 March 2020 was £122.6m, up 4.6% from March 2019.

Cobepa, the Belgian based investment company, owns a diverse portfolio of private global investments. We have used the net asset value at its year end of 31 December 2019 as the basis of valuation, applying a Covid-19 adjustment to each business, having assessed, in conjunction with the management of Cobepa, the likely impact of the virus. Cobepa had significant reserves of liquidity as at 31 December 2019. The valuation of Cobehold, the holding company of Cobepa, at 31 March 2020 was £97.4m, down 7.1% from March 2019.

Stonehage Fleming, the international family office, continues to trade normally and reported record profits in the first year of our investment. The provision of management and advisory services to family offices, its main revenue stream, have been largely unaffected by Covid-19 to date. A smaller proportion of the Stonehage Fleming's revenues are derived from assets under management ('AUM') related fees which will be impacted by the declines in public equity markets. The business remains profitable and has a strong balance sheet with plentiful liquidity. Caledonia owns a preferred position in the equity of Stonehage Fleming. The valuation at 31 March 2020 of £89.5m was in line with the cost of our 36.7% equity stake acquired in July 2019.

7IM, the retail investment manager, remains fully operational. Its revenue is directly linked to the value of its AUM, which have been negatively impacted by the declines in public equity markets. It is pleasing to note, however, that 7IM's defensively orientated funds have performed well on a relative basis. The business remains profitable and well-funded with significant amounts of available liquidity. The valuation at 31 March 2020 was £84.8m, down 21.3% from March 2019.

Liberation Group, a pub, restaurant and drinks business, with operations in the Channel Islands and South West England, has temporarily closed both its managed and tenanted pub estates in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Jersey based brewery has also been closed. However, Butcombe brewery in the UK continues to brew on a much-reduced basis to fulfil increased online and trade demand. The wholesale distribution businesses in the Channel Islands continue to trade albeit at reduced levels. Costs have been reduced, including the furloughing of staff, to preserve liquidity and reduce the cash burn. Liberation owns a predominantly freehold estate with a net asset value of £124m. The business has net debt of £38.3m and cash on its balance sheet of £12.2m as at 31 March 2020. The valuation at 31 March 2020 was £50.6m, down 38.8% from March 2019.

Cooke Optics, a leading manufacturer of cinematography lenses, temporarily closed its facilities near Leicester, UK while it made arrangements for its workforce to operate safely within Covid-19 social distancing restrictions. It reopened in April, gradually increasing output towards full production. Unsurprisingly, Cooke is witnessing a reduction in demand for new lenses whilst studios are closed, though demand from Asia has begun to return. The business has a strong order book and a good liquidity position with the £30m of senior debt on its balance sheet provided by Caledonia. The valuation at 31 March 2020 was £75.8m, down 18.1% from March 2019.

7 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Buzz Bingo, the UK's biggest omni-channel bingo business, has temporarily closed all 118 retail venues in response to Government imposed social distancing measures. Buzz continues to operate and invest in its online business (www.buzzbingo.com) which is showing strong growth. The company employs over 3,500 people, rents the majority of its properties and had net debt of £104m, with cash on its balance sheet of £41m as at 31 March 2020. Costs have been minimised wherever possible to preserve liquidity and reduce the cash burn of the retail business including use of the Government's furlough scheme. Buzz has good relationships with its debt providers, which remain supportive of the business. The valuation at 31 March 2020 was £41.0m, down 54.5% from March 2019.

BioAgilytix, a US based bioanalytical testing solutions provider, had a strong year of growth, including completing the expansion of its facilities to provide further capacity. Caledonia is a co-investor in the business and follows the valuation methodology utilised by Cobepa, the lead investor. Valuation at 31 March 2020 was £22.6m, similar to that at 31 March 2019, despite a small reduction in underlying value which was broadly offset by favourable exchange rate movements.

The three remaining businesses in the portfolio have a combined carrying value of £27.6m. They have been affected to varying degrees by Covid-19, but are well-positioned for the future and to take advantage of potential opportunities as they arise.

Caledonia Funds

The Funds portfolio valuations were based on the managers' latest published capital account statements, which, due to timing, did not take account of the potential impact of Covid-19. Therefore, managers' NAVs were adjusted by 16% overall, resulting in the Funds return reducing from 13.2% to -2.8%. The underlying performance of the portfolio was creditable, with some notable gains and distributions during the first nine months of the year. The investments are principally in private equity funds operating in the US and in Asia. We substantially exited our holdings in quoted market funds in 2019, a decision which avoided much of the volatility seen in US and Asian markets. The historic performance from this predominantly US dollar denominated portfolio has been strong, showing growth of 15.3% in the US and 11.0% in the more youthful Asian portfolio (prior to the application of the Covid-19 adjustments) aided by the weakness of Sterling against the US dollar.

Geographic and foreign exchange exposure

Caledonia's diverse portfolio includes substantial exposure to non-Sterling assets, as set out in the table below. In September 2019, we instigated a currency overlay to reduce exposure of the portfolio to the US dollar and the euro, following a period of particular Sterling weakness leading up to and post the UK General Election. On 31 March, the currency and exposure positions were as follows:

Investment

Hedged

exposure

exposure

Currency

%

%

Sterling

48

69

US dollar

45

26

Euro

6

4

Other

1

1

Subsequent to the year end, and in light of events surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, the overlay position (which generated the hedged exposure position shown in the table) was phased out and our currency exposure reverted to that provided by our investments.

Outlook

The outlook for our financial year 20/21 very much depends on the successful return to normal for societies and economies around the world. It is developing into an annus horribilisbut we hope that it will provide the platform from which we are able to return to growth.

The majority of our investments are in a good position to withstand this challenging economic period though those in the consumer leisure sector face an uncertain future. It is likely that income for the year will be lower than in 2020. However, our strong balance sheet and, in particular, our reserves of retained earnings, should give shareholders comfort that Caledonia is well placed to achieve its aims of growing net assets and dividends over the long term.

Will Wyatt,Chief Executive

8 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Investments summary

Holdings over 1% of net assets at 31 March 2020 were as follows:

Net

Value

assets

Name

Pool

Geography Business

£m

%

Deep Sea Electronics

Private Capital

UK

Control systems

122.6

6.9

Cobehold

Private Capital

Belgium

Investment company

97.4

5.4

Stonehage Fleming

Private Capital

Guernsey

Family office services

89.5

5.0

Seven Investment

Private Capital

Jersey

Investment management

84.8

4.7

Management

Cooke Optics

Private Capital

UK

Cine lens manufacturer

75.8

4.2

Aberdeen US PE funds

Funds

US

Funds of funds

70.0

3.9

Liberation Group

Private Capital

Jersey

Pubs and restaurants

50.6

2.8

Axiom Asia funds

Funds

Asia

Funds of funds

49.0

2.7

Buzz Bingo

Private Capital

UK

Bingo operator

41.0

2.3

Microsoft

Quoted Equity

US

Software

39.8

2.2

Oracle

Quoted Equity

US

Infrastructure technology

37.1

2.1

Watsco

Quoted Equity

US

Ventilation products

34.3

1.9

British American Tobacco

Quoted Equity

UK

Tobacco

32.6

1.8

Charter Communications

Quoted Equity

US

Cable telecommunications

32.0

1.8

Texas Instruments

Quoted Equity

US

Semiconductor manufacturer

31.8

1.8

JF Lehman funds

Funds

US

Private equity funds

31.6

1.8

Asia Alternatives funds

Funds

Asia

Funds of funds

30.1

1.7

Unilever

Quoted Equity

UK

Consumer goods

28.3

1.6

Becton Dickinson

Quoted Equity

US

Medical technology

27.0

1.5

Stonepeak funds

Funds

UK

Infrastructure funds

26.1

1.5

Spirax-Sarco

Quoted Equity

UK

Steam engineering

26.0

1.5

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Quoted Equity

US

Biotechnology development

24.8

1.4

Fastenal

Quoted Equity

US

Fasteners

22.6

1.3

BioAgilytix

Private Capital

US

Bioanalytical testing services

22.0

1.2

Decheng funds

Funds

Asia

Private equity funds

22.0

1.2

Polar Capital

Quoted Equity

UK

Fund manager

21.9

1.2

AG Barr

Quoted Equity

UK

Soft drinks

20.9

1.2

Hill & Smith

Quoted Equity

UK

Infrastructure products

20.5

1.1

PAG Asia funds

Funds

Asia

Private equity fund

20.5

1.1

North Haven fund

Funds

Asia

Private equity fund

18.8

1.1

Other investments

384.0

21.6

Investment portfolio

1,635.4

91.5

Non-pool investments

21.3

1.2

Cash and other

130.6

7.3

Net assets

1,787.3

100.0

  1. Geography is based on the country of listing, country of domicile for unlisted investments and underlying regional analysis for funds.
  2. Funds pool investment valuations are based principally on managers' NAV statements at 31 December 2019, adjusted to reflect the potential impact of theCovid-19 pandemic.

Pool distribution

Geographic distribution

Asset class distribution

Quoted Equity

32%

United Kingdom

30%

Listed equities

32%

Private Capital

35%

Channel Islands

13%

Private companies

34%

Funds

25%

Europe

7%

Private equity funds

25%

Cash and other

8%

North America

30%

Quoted market funds

1%

Asia

12%

Cash and other

8%

Cash and other

8%

1. Cash and other in the distributions above included non-pool investments.

9 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Risk management

Effective risk management is a key component of the company's business model and assists in ensuring that the different parts of the group operate within strategic risk parameters. The board has overall responsibility for setting and monitoring the company's risk appetite.

Covid-19 pandemic risk management

In March 2020, the Audit Committee conducted a review of the emerging risks arising from the Covid-19 pandemic and the mitigating actions taken by the business. The Committee considered actions to address financial risks arising from market volatility, liquidity and highly exposed Private Capital businesses. In addition, the operational risks associated with safety of staff, operational integrity and IT systems were all reviewed to ensure robust mitigation plans were in place.

Principal risks

Mitigation

Key developments

Strategic

Risks in relation to the

The company's business model

Quoted Equity approach

appropriateness of the business

and strategy are reviewed

adopted for Income portfolio.

model to deliver long-term

periodically, against market

growth in capital and income.

conditions and target returns.

Funds investment reduced by

disposal of quoted market

Strategic risks include the

The performance of the

funds.

allocation of capital between

company and its key risks are

public and private equity, and in

monitored regularly by

Approach to broad ESG issues

relation to geography, sector,

management and the board.

under development.

currency, yield and liquidity.

Investment

Risks in respect of specific

Investment opportunities are

Continued development of risk

investment and realisation

subject to rigorous appraisal and

management processes at

decisions.

a multi-stage approval process.

portfolio and company levels.

Investment managers have well-

Investment risks include the

developed networks through

Active management of Private

appropriate research and due

which they attract proprietary

Capital businesses to improve

diligence of new investments

deal flow. Target entry and exit

performance.

and the timely execution of both

events and prices are monitored

investments and realisations for

and updated regularly, in

Level of new Fund commitments

optimising value.

relation to market conditions

paired back and more focused.

and strategic aims.

Market (risk level increased to

reflect potential Covid-19

impact)

Risk of losses in value of

Market risks and sensitivities are

Performance issues with Income

investments arising from sudden

reviewed weekly and actions

portfolio recognised and

and significant movements in

taken, where appropriate, to

corrective action taken.

market prices, particularly in

balance appropriately risk and

highly volatile markets.

return.

A foreign currency overlay

strategy was implemented to

Caledonia's principal market risks

A regular review of market and

address asymmetric currency

are therefore equity price

portfolio volatility is conducted

risk arising from Brexit process.

volatility, foreign exchange rate

by the board. Reviews also

movements and interest rate

consider investment

Response to Covid-19 pandemic

volatility.

concentration, currency

for Private Capital businesses

exposure and portfolio liquidity.

has focussed on cost and

liquidity management to protect

key business assets.

10 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Principal risks

Mitigation

Key developments

Liquidity (risk level increased to

reflect potential Covid-19

impact)

Risk that liabilities cannot be met

Detailed cash forecasting for six

Use of banking facilities limited

or new investments made due to

months ahead is updated and

to short term only. Undrawn

a lack of liquidity. Such risk can

reviewed weekly, including the

committed banking facilities of

arise from not being able to sell

expected drawdown of capital

£250m in place.

an investment due to lack of a

commitments.

market or from not holding cash

Cash at year end of £115m,

or being able to raise debt.

Loan facilities are maintained to

following sale of Quoted Equity

provide appropriate liquidity

assets in March to provide

headroom. The liquidity of the

additional liquidity to manage

portfolio is reviewed regularly.

Covid-19 related risks. Planning

processes enhanced in response

to Covid-19 risks.

Operational (risk level increased

to reflect potential Covid-19

impact)

Risks arising from inadequate or

Systems and control procedures

Continued investment in IT

failed processes, people and

are developed and reviewed

security and business continuity.

systems or from external factors.

regularly. They are tested to

ensure effective operation.

Technology development

Operational risks arise from the

completed to allow the business

recruitment, development and

Appropriate remuneration and

to operate remotely ahead of

retention of staff, systems and

other policies are in place to

Covid-19 impact in the UK.

procedures and business

encourage the retention of key

disruption.

staff. Business continuity plans

Risk raised to reflect concerns

are maintained and updated as

around staff health, remote

the business evolves.

operation and broader business

continuity issues.

Regulatory and legal

Risk arising from exposure to litigation or fraud or failure to adhere to the tax and regulatory environment. Caledonia operates across a number of jurisdictions and in an industry that has been subject to increasing regulatory oversight.

Caledonia has internal resources to consider regulatory and tax matters as they arise: use is made of advisers where necessary to supplement internal knowledge in specialised areas. Caledonia is a member of the Association of Investment Companies and is represented on its self-managed investment trust committee. Regular training is undertaken.

US private equity fund interests moved into a UK holding company from existing Irish based ICAV structure, following UK departure from the EU.

New carbon disclosure regulations incorporated into reporting regime.

EU/UK trade

Risk arising from a failure to agree a trade agreement with the EU will add cost to UK trade and impact economic growth.

Potential volatility to public equity and foreign exchange markets due to uncertainty as to any trade agreement and its impact.

Continued monitoring of directly held unquoted investment performance and business model exposure to potential EU/UK trade arrangements.

Continued monitoring of public equity and foreign exchange market responses to EU/UK trade negotiations.

Review of the continuing business models of our Private Capital businesses have not revealed significant exposures to trading arrangements which may be impacted by the outcome of EU/UK trade negotiations.

We continue to monitor potential impacts to our public equities as the EU/UK trade negotiation position develops.

11 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Group statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 March 2020

2020

2019

Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Revenue

Investment income

53.4

-

53.4

52.1

-

52.1

Other income

-

-

-

0.1

0.9

1.0

Net gains and losses on fair value investments

-

(206.3)

(206.3)

-

176.7

176.7

Net gains and losses on fair value property

-

-

-

-

(5.3)

(5.3)

Total revenue

53.4

(206.3)

(152.9)

52.2

172.3

224.5

Management expenses

(17.2)

0.6

(16.6)

(17.9)

(8.6)

(26.5)

Profit/(loss) before finance costs

36.2

(205.7)

(169.5)

34.3

163.7

198.0

Treasury interest receivable

0.6

-

0.6

0.5

-

0.5

Finance costs

(2.1)

-

(2.1)

(2.1)

-

(2.1)

Exchange movements

(0.9)

-

(0.9)

0.5

-

0.5

Profit/(loss) before tax

33.8

(205.7)

(171.9)

33.2

163.7

196.9

Taxation

0.8

(1.8)

(1.0)

1.4

(0.1)

1.3

Profit/(loss) for the year

34.6

(207.5)

(172.9)

34.6

163.6

198.2

Other comprehensive income items never to

be reclassified to profit or loss

Gain on acquisition of pension scheme

-

-

-

1.4

-

1.4

Re-measurements of defined benefit pension

schemes

-

1.1

1.1

-

(0.1)

(0.1)

Tax on other comprehensive income

-

(0.7)

(0.7)

-

0.2

0.2

Total comprehensive income

34.6

(207.1)

(172.5)

36.0

163.7

199.7

Basic earnings per share

63.1p

-378.1p

-315.0p

63.0p

297.9p

360.9p

Diluted earnings per share

62.6p

-378.1p

-315.0p

61.9p

292.8p

354.7p

The total column of the above statement represents the group's statement of comprehensive income, prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union.

The revenue and capital columns are supplementary to the group's statement of comprehensive income and are prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies.

The loss for the year and total comprehensive income for the year is attributable to equity holders of the parent.

12 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Statement of financial position at 31 March 2020

Group

Company

2020

2019

2020

2019

£m

£m

£m

£m

Non-current assets

Investments held at fair value through profit or loss

1,656.7

1,860.0

1,658.1

1,864.2

Investments in subsidiaries held at cost

-

-

0.9

0.9

Investment property

8.7

6.7

-

-

Property, plant and equipment

28.0

28.4

-

-

Deferred tax assets

1.0

3.6

-

-

Employee benefits

5.1

2.6

-

-

Non-current assets

1,699.5

1,901.3

1,659.0

1,865.1

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

6.6

21.3

36.4

50.8

Current tax assets

2.6

5.3

2.6

5.2

Cash and cash equivalents

114.7

112.3

112.6

111.3

Current assets

123.9

138.9

151.6

167.3

Total assets

1,823.4

2,040.2

1,810.6

2,032.4

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

(30.0)

(28.1)

(30.0)

(34.3)

Employee benefits

(0.9)

(2.8)

-

-

Current liabilities

(30.9)

(30.9)

(30.0)

(34.3)

Non-current liabilities

Employee benefits

(5.2)

(7.3)

-

-

Non-current liabilities

(5.2)

(7.3)

-

-

Total liabilities

(36.1)

(38.2)

(30.0)

(34.3)

Net assets

1,787.3

2,002.0

1,780.6

1,998.1

Equity

Share capital

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

Share premium

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

Capital redemption reserve

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

Capital reserve

1,541.3

1,748.4

1,543.2

1,754.2

Retained earnings

255.5

292.4

246.9

282.7

Own shares

(15.3)

(44.6)

(15.3)

(44.6)

Total equity

1,787.3

2,002.0

1,780.6

1,998.1

Undiluted net asset value

3259p

3645p

Diluted net asset value

3236p

3582p

The financial statements were approved by the board and authorised for issue on 26 May 2020 and were signed on its behalf by:

Will Wyatt

Tim Livett

Chief Executive

Chief Financial Officer

13 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Statement of changes in equity for the year ended 31 March 2020

Capital

redemp-

Share

Share

tion

Capital

Retained

Own

Total

capital

premium

reserve

reserve

earnings

shares

equity

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Group

Balance at 31 March 2018

3.2

1.3

1.3

1,584.9

284.1

(38.2) 1,836.6

Total comprehensive income

Profit for the year

-

-

-

163.6

34.6

-

198.2

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

0.1

1.4

-

1.5

Total comprehensive income

-

-

-

163.7

36.0

-

199.7

Transactions with owners of the company

Contributions by and distributions to owners

Share-based payments

-

-

-

-

3.9

-

3.9

Own shares cancelled

-

-

-

(0.2)

-

-

(0.2)

Own shares purchased

-

-

-

-

-

(6.4)

(6.4)

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

(31.6)

-

(31.6)

Total transactions with owners

-

-

-

(0.2)

(27.7)

(6.4)

(34.3)

Balance at 31 March 2019

3.2

1.3

1.3

1,748.4

292.4

(44.6) 2,002.0

Total comprehensive income

Loss for the year

-

-

-

(207.5)

34.6

-

(172.9)

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

0.4

-

-

0.4

Total comprehensive income

-

-

-

(207.1)

34.6

-

(172.5)

Transactions with owners of the company

Contributions by and distributions to owners

Share-based payments

-

-

-

-

(1.5)

-

(1.5)

Transfer of shares to employees

-

-

-

-

(37.2)

37.2

-

Own shares purchased

-

-

-

-

-

(7.9)

(7.9)

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

(32.8)

-

(32.8)

Total transactions with owners

-

-

-

-

(71.5)

29.3

(42.2)

Balance at 31 March 2020

3.2

1.3

1.3

1,541.3

255.5

(15.3) 1,787.3

Company

Balance at 31 March 2018

3.2

1.3

1.3

1,585.6

277.3

(38.2) 1,830.5

Profit and total comprehensive income

-

-

-

168.8

33.1

-

201.9

Transactions with owners of the company

Contributions by and distributions to owners

Share-based payments

-

-

-

-

3.9

-

3.9

Own shares cancelled

-

-

-

(0.2)

-

-

(0.2)

Own shares purchased

-

-

-

-

-

(6.4)

(6.4)

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

(31.6)

-

(31.6)

Total transactions with owners

-

-

-

(0.2)

(27.7)

(6.4)

(34.3)

Balance at 31 March 2019

3.2

1.3

1.3

1,754.2

282.7

(44.6) 1,998.1

Loss and total comprehensive income

-

-

-

(211.0)

35.7

-

(175.3)

Transactions with owners of the company

Contributions by and distributions to owners

Share-based payments

-

-

-

-

(1.5)

-

(1.5)

Transfer of shares to employees

-

-

-

-

(37.2)

37.2

-

Own shares purchased

-

-

-

-

-

(7.9)

(7.9)

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

(32.8)

-

(32.8)

Total transactions with owners

-

-

-

-

(71.5)

29.3

(42.2)

Balance at 31 March 2020

3.2

1.3

1.3

1,543.2

246.9

(15.3) 1,780.6

14 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Statement of cash flows

for the year ended 31 March 2020

Group

Company

2020

2019

2020

2019

£m

£m

£m

£m

Operating activities

Dividends received

48.8

45.9

48.8

45.9

Interest received

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.6

Cash received from customers

-

0.1

-

-

Cash paid to suppliers and employees

(23.3)

(19.2)

(28.7)

(25.9)

Taxes received

0.2

-

0.2

-

Taxes paid

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.1)

Group tax relief received

3.7

2.5

3.7

2.5

Group tax relief paid

(0.1)

(1.5)

-

(1.5)

Net cash flow from operating activities

30.9

29.3

25.6

22.5

Investing activities

Purchases of investments

(383.1)

(558.2)

(383.1)

(558.2)

Proceeds from disposal of investments

397.2

473.7

399.6

476.9

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(2.7)

(2.0)

-

-

Net cash flow from/(used in) investing activities

11.4

(86.5)

16.5

(81.3)

Financing activities

Interest paid

(1.7)

(1.8)

(1.6)

(1.8)

Dividends paid to owners of the company

(32.8)

(31.6)

(32.8)

(31.6)

Proceeds from bank borrowings

10.0

-

10.0

-

Repayment of bank borrowings

(10.0)

-

(10.0)

-

Loan receipts from subsidiaries

2.5

1.7

2.5

7.0

Loan payments to subsidiaries

-

-

(1.0)

(4.3)

Purchases of own shares

(7.9)

(6.6)

(7.9)

(6.6)

Net cash flow used in financing activities

(39.9)

(38.3)

(40.8)

(37.3)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

2.4

(95.5)

1.3

(96.1)

Cash and cash equivalents at year start

112.3

207.8

111.3

207.4

Cash and cash equivalents at year end

114.7

112.3

112.6

111.3

15 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

Notes to the final results announcement

1. General information

Caledonia Investments plc is an investment trust company domiciled in the United Kingdom and incorporated in England in 1928, under number 235481. The address of its registered office is Cayzer House, 30 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6NN. The ordinary shares of the company are premium listed on the London Stock Exchange.

The financial information included in this announcement has been prepared using accounting policies consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRSs') as adopted by the European Union.

Under the UK Corporate Governance Code and applicable regulations, the directors are required to satisfy themselves that it is reasonable to presume that the company is a going concern. After reviewing the company's performance projections for a period of at least 12 months, the directors are satisfied that, in taking account of reasonably possible downsides including the potential impact of Covid-19, the company has adequate access to resources to enable it to meet its obligations and to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The directors have considered the impact of the emergence and spread of Covid-19 and potential implications on the future of the company. Whilst there are significant wider market uncertainties which may impact portfolio company investments (Private Capital) and the fund investments (Funds pool), the company does not believe this will significantly impact the liquidity of the company over the next 12 months. Accordingly, the directors have adopted the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements.

In the current year, the group has adopted IFRS 16 Leases. Adoption of this standard did not impact the financial position of the group.

2. Dividends

Amounts recognised as distributions to owners of the company in the year were as follows:

2020

2019

p/share

£m

p/share

£m

Final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2019 (2018)

43.2

23.7

41.5

22.8

Interim dividend for the year ended 31 March 2020 (2019)

16.6

9.1

16.1

8.8

59.8

32.8

57.6

31.6

Amounts proposed after the year end and not recognised in the financial statements were as follows:

Proposed final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2020

44.5

24.4

The proposed final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2020 was not included as a liability in these financial statements. This dividend, if approved by shareholders at the annual general meeting to be held on 29 July 2020, will be payable on 6 August 2020 to holders of shares on the register on 26 June 2020. The ex-dividend date will be 25 June 2020.

The deadline for elections under the dividend reinvestment plan offered by Link Asset Services will be the close of business on 16 July 2020.

For the purposes of section 1158 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 and associated regulations, the dividends payable for the year ended 31 March 2020 are the interim and final dividends for that year, amounting to £33.5m (2019 - £32.5m).

16 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

3. Earnings per share

Basic and diluted earnings per share

The calculation of basic earnings per share of the group was based on the profit/(loss) attributable to shareholders and the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. The calculation of diluted earnings per share included an adjustment for the effects of dilutive potential shares.

The profit/(loss) attributable to shareholders (basic and diluted) was as follows:

2020

2019

£m

£m

Revenue

34.6

34.6

Capital

(207.5)

163.6

Total

(172.9)

198.2

The weighted average number of shares was as follows:

2020

2019

000's

000's

Issued shares at the year start

55,374

55,381

Effect of shares cancelled

-

(6)

Effect of shares held by the employee share trust

(490)

(451)

Basic weighted average number of shares in the year

54,884

54,924

Effect of performance shares, share options and deferred bonus awards

388

960

Diluted weighted average number of shares in the year

55,272

55,884

4. Operating segments

The following is an analysis of the profit/(loss) before tax for the year and assets analysed by primary operating segments:

Profit/(loss) before tax

Total assets

2020

2019

2020

2019

£m

£m

£m

£m

Quoted Equity

(1.7)

95.6

574.0

688.9

Private Capital

(128.5)

63.4

611.3

659.5

Funds

(13.6)

69.9

450.1

482.7

Investment portfolio

(143.8)

228.9

1,635.4

1,831.1

Other investments

(9.1)

(4.4)

21.3

28.9

Total revenue/investments

(152.9)

224.5

1,656.7

1,860.0

Cash and cash equivalents

0.6

0.5

114.7

112.3

Other items

(19.6)

(28.1)

52.0

67.9

Reportable total

(171.9)

196.9

1,823.4

2,040.2

5. Share-based payments

In the year to 31 March 2020, participating employees in the performance share scheme were awarded options over 239,138 shares at nil-cost (2019 - 261,816 shares).

Also in the year to 31 March 2020, participating employees received deferred awards over 44,930 shares (2019 - 493 shares).

The IFRS 2 credit included in profit or loss for the year was £2.4m (2019 - £6.6m expense).

17 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

6. Net asset value

The group's undiluted net asset value is based on the net assets of the group at the year end and on the number of ordinary shares in issue at the year end less ordinary shares held by the Caledonia Investments plc Employee Share Trust. The group's diluted net asset value assumes the calling of performance share and deferred bonus awards.

2020

2019

Net

Number

Net

Number

assets

of shares

NAV

assets

of shares

NAV

£m

000's

p/share

£m

000's

p/share

Undiluted

1,787.3

54,839

3259

2,002.0

54,929

3645

Share options

-

388

(23)

-

960

(63)

Diluted

1,787.3

55,227

3236

2,002.0

55,889

3582

Net asset value total return is calculated in accordance with AIC guidance, as the change in NAV from the start of the period, assuming that dividends paid to shareholders are reinvested at NAV at the time the shares are quoted ex-dividend.

2020

2019

p

p

Diluted NAV at year start

3582

3285

Diluted NAV at year end

3236

3582

Dividends payable in the year

60

58

Reinvestment adjustment

(6)

3

3290

3643

NAVTR over the year

-8.1%

10.9%

1. The reinvestment adjustment is the gain or loss resulting from reinvesting the dividends in NAV at the ex-dividend date.

7. Capital commitments

At the reporting date, the group and company had entered into unconditional commitments to limited partnerships, committed loan facility agreements and a conditional loan and purchase agreement, as follows:

Group

Company

2020

2019

2020

2019

£m

£m

£m

£m

Investments

Contracted but not called

305.2

330.6

313.5

339.0

Conditionally contracted

75.6

167.6

75.6

167.6

380.8

498.2

389.1

506.6

Conditionally contracted commitments at 31 March 2019 included £142.6m in respect of the acquisition of a minority holding in Stonehage Fleming, then subject to regulatory approval.

8. Performance measures

Caledonia uses a number of performance measures to aid the understanding of its results. The performance measures are standard within the investment trust industry and Caledonia's use of such measures enhances comparability. Principal performance measures are as follows:

Net assets

Net assets provides a measure of the value of the company to shareholders and is taken from the IFRS group net assets.

Net asset value ('NAV')

NAV is a measure of the value of the company, being its assets - principally investments made in other companies and cash held - minus any liabilities expressed as pence per share. NAV is calculated by dividing net assets by the number of shares in issue, adjusted for shares held by the Employee Share Trust and for dilution by the exercise of outstanding share awards. NAV takes account of dividends payable on the ex- dividend date.

18 of 19

Caledonia Investments

Final results for the year ended 31 March 2020

NAV total return ('NAVTR')

NAVTR is a measure of how the net asset value per share has performed over a period, considering both capital returns and dividends paid to shareholders. NAVTR is calculated as the increase in NAV between the beginning and end of the period, plus the accretion from assumed dividend reinvestment during the period. NAVTR assumes that dividends are reinvested at the NAV on the ex-dividend date.

Annual dividends

Annual dividends are dividends declared as part of the company's recurring dividend cycle and are typically paid out of earnings in a financial year. Annual dividend growth is the compound annual dividend growth rate over the period.

Total shareholder return ('TSR')

TSR measures the return to shareholders through the movement in the share price and dividends paid during the measurement period.

9. Financial information

The financial information set out above does not constitute the company's statutory accounts for the years ended 31 March 2020 or 2019 but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 31 March 2019 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies, and those for 31 March 2020 will be delivered in due course. The auditor has reported on those accounts; their reports were (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor 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 statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2020 will be delivered to shareholders on 25 June 2020 and made available for download from the company's website on that date. Also, a copy will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies in accordance with section 441 of the Act, following approval by shareholders.

The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2020 include a 'Directors' statement of responsibility' as follows:

We confirm that, to the best of our knowledge:

  • the group financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and loss of the group
  • the strategic report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the group, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.

Signed on behalf of the board by:

Will Wyatt

Tim Livett

Chief Executive

Chief Financial Officer

26 May 2020

26 May 2020

FTSE International Limited ('FTSE') © FTSE 2020. 'FTSE®' is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under licence. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE's express written consent.

END

Copies of this statement are available at the company's registered office, Cayzer House, 30 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6NN, United Kingdom, or from its website at www.caledonia.com.

19 of 19

Attachments

  • Original document
  • Permalink

Disclaimer

Caledonia Investment plc published this content on 26 May 2020 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 27 May 2020 07:02:07 UTC