TIDMFIPP
RNS Number : 9959I
Frontier IP Group plc
27 March 2018
RNS
AIM: FIPP
27 March 2018
FRONTIER IP GROUP PLC
("Frontier IP" or "the Group")
HALF-YEAR RESULTS FOR THE 6 MONTHS TO 31 DECEMBER 2017
Frontier IP is a specialist asset manager focused on
commercialising intellectual property through partnerships with
universities and industry.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:
-- Fair value of the portfolio up 19% to GBP8,020,000 at 31
December 2017 (30 June 2017: GBP6,751,000), an increase of 49% year
on year (31 December 2016: GBP5,396,000)
-- Total revenue increased 41% to GBP1,188,000 (2016:
GBP843,000) - the increase reflecting a higher gain on the
revaluation of investments of GBP1,068,000 (2016: GBP711,000)
-- Revenue from services decreased 9% to GBP120,000 (2016: GBP132,000)
-- Profit before tax increased 67% to GBP524,000 (2016:
GBP314,000) - the increase reflecting both the higher gain on
revaluation of investments and the increase in administrative costs
to GBP667,000 (2016: GBP529,000)
-- Basic earnings per share increased by 15% to 1.17p (2016: 1.02p)
-- Net assets per share increased to 32.0p as at 31 December
2017 (30 June 2017: 30.7p; 31 December 2016: 26.0p)
PORFOLIO AND OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS:
The company enjoyed strong commercial progress during the first
half of the year, reflected in the increase to the fair value of
the portfolio.
-- Exscientia secured a EUR15 million minority investment from
its first strategic investor, Evotec AG, and a drug discovery
collaboration agreement with FTSE 100 pharmaceuticals group GSK
-- Nandi Proteins raised GBP1 million from new and existing
investors to further the commercialisation and scale up of its
patented technology to significantly reduce sugar, fat, and
additives in food
-- PulsiV Solar granted two US patents to protect its intellectual property
-- Molendotech, which develops a novel test to identify the
concentration of faecal matter in water, accelerated its
commercialisation during the period. This resulted, post period
end, in the company attracting its first investment and entering
into a strategic collaboration agreement with Palintest, a
subsidiary of FTSE 100 life protection and hazard detection group
Halma plc
-- Post period end, we announced the appointment of former Daily
Express deputy City editor Andrew Johnson to take responsibility
for communications and investor relations across the Group's
activities. Andrew will be based in our new office in London.
Chief Executive Neil Crabb said: "These encouraging results and,
in particular, the near 50% growth in the value our portfolio value
year-on-year increasingly demonstrate the strength of our business
model. By involving industry in our spin-out companies at an early
stage of the commercialisation process, we're able to ensure the
technology developed meets real needs. This approach is now clearly
delivering value for all our stakeholders. I am confident we'll
make further strides forward in the second half of the year."
Enquiries
Frontier IP Group Plc T: 0131 240 1251
Neil Crabb, Chief Executive
Andrew Johnson, Communications M: 07464 546 025
& Investor Relations
Company website: www.frontierip.co.uk
Cenkos Securities plc (Nominated T: 0131 220 6939
Adviser and Joint Broker)
Neil McDonald / Beth McKiernan
Peterhouse Corporate Finance T: 020 7469 0935
Limited (Joint Broker)
Lucy Williams
Kreab (Financial PR) T: 020 7074 1800
Robert Speed / Matthew Jervois
Notes to Editors
Frontier IP is a specialist asset manager aiming to close the
gaps between universities, investors and industry. The Group is
focused on helping institutions and companies in commercialising,
exploiting, and scaling up their intellectual property through
formal and informal relationships with sources of exploitable IP;
mainly universities. It looks to build and grow a portfolio of
equity stakes and licence income from companies founded on strong,
commercially-focused, IP by taking an active involvement in them,
including help with fund raising and collaborating with relevant
industry partners at an early stage of development.
www.frontierip.co.uk
Interim Management Statement
Summary
Frontier IP made good progress in pursuing growth and value for
shareholders by:
-- Generating value from our relationships through working on
new spin-outs, significant equity holdings and licensing income
-- Continuing to build a portfolio showing increasing signs of success
-- Reviewing and extending our pipeline for sources of high-quality intellectual property
-- Applying commercialisation expertise and leveraging our
extensive network to help portfolio companies grow and achieve
their business objectives
Performance
I am pleased to report we enjoyed an encouraging first half of
the year across all areas of the business. Our core strategy is
showing ever-more positive signs of delivering value and growth for
our portfolio partners and shareholders. Fair value in our
portfolio increased 19 per cent to GBP8,020,000 over the previous
six months, representing year-on-year growth of 49 per cent.
Pre-tax profits increased 67% to GBP524,000; cash at GBP1.85
million.
Our continued growth was reflected in a highly successful
capital markets day, held in Lisbon, Portugal, after the period
end. This was attended by more than 70 participants including
academics, industry, government, investors and a number of
potential spin-out partners.
Results
Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss at 31
December 2017 increased to GBP8,020,000 (30 June 2017:
GBP6,751,000; 31 December 2016: GBP5,396,000). Total revenue over
the first half increased by 41% to GBP1,188,000 (2016: GBP843,000)
reflecting the higher investment revaluations (unrealised) of
GBP1,068,000 (2016: GBP711,000) while revenue from services
decreased marginally to GBP120,000 (2016: GBP132,000). The profit
before tax increased by 67% to GBP524,000 (2016: GBP314,000)
reflecting the higher investment revaluations, partially offset by
the higher administrative expenses. Administrative expenses
increased by 26% to GBP667,000 (2016: GBP529,000) primarily
reflecting increased staff, salaries and associated costs. Basic
earnings per share was 1.17p (2016: 1.02p).
Cash balances stood at GBP1,849,000 as at 31 December 2017 (30
June 2017: GBP2,329,000; 31 December 2016: GBP186,000). Net assets
per share as at 31 December 2017 were 32.0p (30 June 2017: 30.7p;
31 December 2016: 26.0p).
Operational Review
We continued with our approach to grow value in our portfolio
companies by not just advising but doing. In addition to providing
strategic direction, our experienced team supports companies with a
range of activities, usually those which are common points of
failure in early-stage businesses. We help companies to adopt a
more business-like approach, in particular encouraging early
engagement with the potential market to ensure real-world demands
and needs are being met.
Through formal and informal relationships, we work closely with
a range of institutions, mainly universities, to identify and
commercialise IP, creating spin-out companies and licensing
opportunities to develop the Group's portfolio. In particular, we
earned our first license revenue from FCT Nova, our most recent
formal partnership. We are actively exploring new sources of IP and
potential spin-outs.
The success of our approach is shown by the progress made in our
portfolio over the first half of the year.
Portfolio Developments
We saw positive developments in a number of our portfolio
companies including in our most recent additions - Molendotech and
The Vaccine Group, meeting our aim of bringing new, high-quality IP
into our business.
Molendotech, from the University of Plymouth, has developed a
novel test to detect concentrations of faecal matter in water.
After the period end, the company struck a strategic collaboration
agreement with Palintest, a subsidiary of FTSE 100 life protection
and hazard detection group Halma Plc. Molendotech will initially
work with Palintest to develop kits to measure faecal
concentrations in recreational seawater. Development is well
underway and first products are expected to be available shortly.
Post period-end, Molendotech successfully completed its first
fundraising attracting commitments totaling GBP0.5 million, which
will be invested in three tranches. The Group will hold
approximately 14% of issued share capital following the investment
of the third tranche.
We saw strong commercial progress at Exscientia which entered
into a Drug Discovery Collaboration with GSK and finalised a EUR15M
strategic investment from Evotec AG.
Our portfolio company partnerships represent further evidence we
are beginning to gain real traction in winning support from
industry leaders. We believe our strategy of early engagement with
industry within the portfolio enables accelerated and commercially
targeted technology development and broadens the spectrum of
early-stage funding options. Discussions with potential partners
with regards to other companies in our portfolio are in course.
The Vaccine Group addresses growing concerns from governments,
pharmaceutical companies and supranational bodies about new
infectious diseases emerging from animal populations. It develops
novel vaccine platforms for infection control and rapid response to
new pathogens unpredictably crossing between species.
Nandi Proteins completed a GBP1 million fundraising from new and
existing investors in July to further commercialisation and scale
up its patented technology. This could significantly reduce sugar,
fat, and additive content in foods. We are now in talks with major
food industry participants keen to explore its transformational
benefits.
Fieldwork Robotics has developed a proof-of-concept soft,
adaptive robotic arm. Its first target application is in soft fruit
picking, addressing critical needs from producers facing labour
shortages. Initial interest has been received from leading growers
and further funding is being sought.
PulsiV was granted two US patents in October and, post
period-end, one patent in Europe for its potentially
ground-breaking photovoltaic solar cell and power conversion
technology. PulsiV is now actively exploring opportunities in a
range of industries, including energy and consumer electronics.
Alusid, which recycles porcelain and glass to create new low
environmental impact building materials, made strong commercial
progress during the period. It has now completed 10 orders with
leading consumer brands and has more than 100 potential projects in
its pipeline. The company is in the process of finalising further
investment to prepare for scale-up.
Corporate
During the period we expanded our core team in Cambridge with an
additional commercialisation officer, in line with demand.
A need for early-stage technology validation and development
within our portfolio companies is growing and we have taken a
number of measures to extend the service we provide, including
developing a technology internship programme.
In order to remain competitive and attract and retain a
high-calibre team we revised our option scheme, which was approved
at the Group's Annual General Meeting in December 2017 and has been
adopted by the board. The new scheme increased the limit on the
number of shares that may be subject to options in any ten year
period maximum of 15% of the ordinary share capital and options to
be granted at nominal cost.
As announced yesterday, we recently appointed Andrew Johnson,
who will have responsibility for communications and investor
relations across the Group's activities. Andrew has more than 20
years' journalism experience and is a former Deputy City Editor of
the Daily Express. He will be based at our new offices in London at
18 King William Street, London, EC4N 7BP.
Outlook
Our business is gathering pace rapidly. We are starting to see
strong interest in our portfolio companies from a growing number of
industry leaders, a clear indication that our business model and
core strategic focus is paying off. We are investing in our people
and are confident that we are building a strong base on which we
can deliver further progress during the second half of the
financial year and beyond.
Neil Crabb
Chief Executive Officer
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the six months ended 31 December 2017
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
31 December 31 December 30 June
Notes 2017 (unaudited) 2016 (unaudited) 2017
(audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue
Revenue from services 120 132 264
Other operating income
Unrealised profit on
the revaluation of
investments 7 1,068 711 2,045
Total revenue 1,188 843 2,309
Administrative expenses (667) (529) (1,082)
Profit from operations 521 314 1,227
Interest income on short-term
bank deposits 3 - 2
Profit before tax 524 314 1,229
Taxation 5 (79) - -
Profit and total comprehensive
income attributable to
the equity holders of
the parent 445 314 1,229
================== =================== ===========
Profit/ per share attributable
to the equity
holders of the parent
Basic earnings per share 6 1.17p 1.02p 3.73p
Diluted earnings per
share 6 1.13p 1.00p 3.63p
All of the Group's activities are classed as continuing and
there were no comprehensive gains or losses in any period other
than those included in the statement of comprehensive income.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
At 31 December 2017
As at As at As at
31 December 31 December 30 June
2017 2016 2017
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
ASSETS Notes
Non-current assets
Tangible fixed assets 5 5 5
Goodwill 1,966 1,966 1,966
Financial assets at fair
value through profit and
loss 7 8,020 5,396 6,751
Trade receivables and other
non-current assets 211 177 321
-------------- -------------- -----------
10,202 7,544 9,043
-------------- -------------- -----------
Current assets
Trade receivables and other
current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 387 399 537
1,849 186 2,329
-------------- -------------- -----------
2,236 585 2,866
Total assets 12,438 8,129 11,909
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Deferred taxation 5 (79) - -
-------------- -------------- -----------
(79) - -
-------------- -------------- -----------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (126) (121) (150)
-------------- -------------- -----------
(126) (121) (150)
-------------- -------------- -----------
Total liabilities (205) (121) (150)
-------------- -------------- -----------
Net assets 12,233 8,008 11,759
============== ============== ===========
EQUITY
Called up share capital 3,828 3,078 3,828
Share premium account 7,789 5,729 7,789
Reverse acquisition reserve (1,667) (1,667) (1,667)
Share based payment reserve 159 104 130
Retained earnings 2,124 764 1,679
-------------- -------------- -----------
Total equity 12,233 8,008 11,759
============== ============== ===========
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the six month period ended 31 December 2017
Share-
Share Reverse based Profit
Share premium acquisition payment and
capital account reserve reserve loss Total
account
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1st July
2016 3,078 5,729 (1,667) 78 450 7,668
Share-based
payments - - - 26 - 26
Profit/comprehensive
income for
the period - - - - 314 314
At 31 December
2016 3,078 5,729 (1,667) 104 764 8,008
---------- ---------- -------------- --------- ---------- --------
Issue of shares 750 2,060 - - - 2,810
Share-based
payments - - - 26 - 26
Profit/comprehensive
income for
the period - - - - 915 915
---------- ---------- -------------- --------- ---------- --------
At 30 June
2017 3,828 7,789 (1,667) 130 1,679 11,759
---------- ---------- -------------- --------- ---------- --------
Share-based
payments - - - 29 - 29
Profit/comprehensive
income for
the period - - - - 445 445
At 31 December
2017 3,828 7,789 (1,667) 159 2,124 12,233
========== ========== ============== ========= ========== ========
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the six months ended 31 December 2017
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
31 December 31 December 30 June
2017 2016 2017
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash used in operations (280) (569) (1,216)
Taxation paid - - -
------------- ------------- -----------
Net cash used in operating
activities (280) (569) (1,216)
------------- ------------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed
assets (2) (4) (5)
Purchase of financial assets
at fair value through profit
and loss (201) (12) (33)
Interest received 3 - 2
------------- ------------- -----------
Net cash used in investing
activities (200) (16) (36)
------------- -------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of equity
shares - - 3,000
Costs of share issue - - (190)
------------- ------------- -----------
Net cash generated from financing
activities - - 2,810
------------- ------------- -----------
Net (decrease)/increase in
cash and cash equivalents (480) (585) 1,558
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period 2,329 771 771
------------- ------------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of period 1,849 186 2,329
============= ============= ===========
Cash used in operations
Profit before tax 524 314 1,229
Adjustments for:
Share-based payments 29 26 52
Depreciation 2 1 2
Interest received (3) - (2)
Costs of share issue - - -
Fair value (gain) on financial
assets at fair value through
profit or loss (1,068) (711) (2,045)
Changes in working capital:
Trade and other receivables 260 (209) (491)
Trade and other payables (24) 10 39
(280) (569) (1,216)
============= ============= ===========
NOTES
1. General information
The Company is a limited liability company incorporated in
England and with its registered office at 78 Cannon Street, London
EC4N 6AF. The Company's main trading office is situated at 93
George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3ES.
The Company is quoted on the AIM market.
This condensed consolidated interim financial information was
approved and authorised for issue by a duly appointed and
authorised committee of the Board of Directors on 26(th) March
2018.
This condensed interim financial information has not been
audited or reviewed by the Company's auditor.
2. Basis of preparation
This condensed consolidated interim financial information for
the six months ended 31 December 2017 has been prepared in
accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 "Interim
Financial Reporting". The condensed consolidated interim financial
information should be read in conjunction with the annual financial
statements for the year ended 30 June 2017, which have been
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU.
This condensed consolidated interim financial information does
not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434
of the Companies Act 2006. The comparatives for the full year ended
30 June 2017 are not the Company's full statutory accounts for that
year. A copy of the statutory accounts for that year has been
delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on
those accounts was unqualified and did not contain a statement
under sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
3. Accounting policies
The accounting policies applied by the Group in these unaudited
half year results are consistent with those applied in the annual
financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2017 as described
in the Group's Annual Report for that year and as available on our
website www.frontierip.co.uk. No new standards that have become
effective in the period have had a material effect on the Group's
financial statements.
Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued using the tax
rate that would be applicable to expected total annual
earnings.
4. Segmental information
The chief operating decision-maker has been identified as the
Group's board of directors. The board reviews the Group's internal
reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources.
Currently the board considers that the Group has one operating
activity, the commercialisation of University IP. The Group's
revenue and profit/loss before taxation were derived almost
entirely from its principal activities within the UK. Though the
Group has partnerships in Portugal the associated revenues and
costs are currently immaterial and accordingly, no additional
geographical disclosures are given.
5. Taxation
The taxation expense is recognised based on management's best
estimate of the weighted average annual tax rate expected for the
full financial year. The taxation expense for the six months to 31
December 2017 of GBP79,000 (2016: Nil) represents the recognition
of a deferred tax liability on unrealised fair value gains less the
recognition of available tax losses.
A deferred tax asset has not been recognised in respect of
trading losses in view of the uncertainty as to the level of future
taxable profits.
6. Earnings per share
The calculation of the basic earnings per share for the six
months ended 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016 and for the year
ended 30 June 2017 is based on the earnings attributable to the
shareholders of Frontier IP Group Plc in each period divided by the
weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.
Basic earnings per share Weighted
Earnings average Basic
attributable number earnings
to shareholders of shares per share
GBP'000 Number Pence
Six months ended 31
December 2017 445 38,278,520 1.17
Six months ended 31
December 2016 314 30,778,520 1.02
Year ended 30 June 2017 1,229 32,983,190 3.73
Diluted earnings per Weighted
share Earnings average Diluted
attributable number earnings
to shareholders of shares per share
GBP'000 Number Pence
Six months ended 31
December 2017 445 39,559,095 1.13
Six months ended 31
December 2016 314 31,449,663 1.00
Year ended 30 June 2017 1,229 33,897,226 3.63
7. Financial Assets at Fair Value Through Profit and Loss
31 December 31 December 30 June
2017 2016 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Opening balance 6,751 4,673 4,673
Additions 201 12 33
Net fair value
increase 1,068 711 2,045
------------ ------------ --------
Closing balance 8,020 5,396 6,751
============ ============ ========
8. Copies of Half Yearly Report
Copies of the Half Yearly Report will be available on the
Company's website, www.frontierip.co.uk, and on request from the
Company's offices at 93 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 3ES no later
than 3(rd) April 2018.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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