PANTHEON INTERNATIONAL PLC (the "Company" or "PIP")

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE 11 MONTHS ENDED 31 MAY 2017

 

The full Annual Report and Accounts can be accessed via the Company's website at www.piplc.com or by contacting the Company Secretary by telephone on +44 (0)1392 477500.

 

 

Pantheon International Plc (the "Company" or "PIP")

Pantheon International Plc, an investment trust that invests in private equity funds globally, today publishes its Annual Financial Report for the eleven months ended 31 May 2017.

In its 30^th year, PIP generated strong investment returns from its underlying portfolio and continued its strategy to invest selectively in the best private equity managers globally.

HIGHLIGHTS - 11 MONTHS ENDED 31 MAY 2017

·      NAV per share increased by 17%, from 1,873.6p to 2,189.9p.

·      Net assets increased to £1,388m (June 2016: £1,187m).

·      The ordinary share price increased from 1,285.0p to 1,793.0p, an increase of 40% and the discount decreased from 31% to 18%.

·      The redeemable share price increased from 1,175.0p to 1,632.5p, an increase of 39% as the discount narrowed from 37% to 25%.

·      PIP's accounting reference date changed from 30 June to 31 May of each year.

 

Portfolio update

·      Assets in the portfolio generated underlying (pre-FX) returns of 16.2%.

·      Distributions received in the eleven months to 31 May 2017 were £293m. Excluding proceeds from the previously announced sale of some tail-end funds, this was equivalent to an annualised rate of 27% of opening private equity assets. After funding £82m of calls, net cash flow from the portfolio totalled £211m.

·      £291m of new investment commitments were made during the eleven months with £151m drawn at the time of purchase.

 

Commenting on PIP's eleven month performance, Sir Laurie Magnus, Chairman, said:

"PIP has had a successful eleven months with strong returns from its underlying portfolio and both its ordinary and redeemable share prices having increased significantly. The global private equity market continues to be competitive and valuations remain high. Nonetheless, PIP has been able to take advantage of its access to Pantheon's extensive platform of manager relationships to redeploy capital into compelling new investments across all geographic regions. This year, PIP celebrates its 30^th anniversary since listing on the London Stock Exchange in 1987. Since its inception, the trust has grown its net assets to just under £1.4bn and generated annual average NAV per share growth of 11.8%. As we reflect on PIP's accumulated capital growth from performance generated over the past 30 years, we can remain confident that our manager, Pantheon, has the expertise and track record to continue to invest with the best private equity managers globally that are capable of generating attractive returns for the benefit of shareholders."

For more information please contact:

Andrew Lebus or Vicki Bradley

Pantheon

+44 (0)20 3356 1800

PIP will host a webcast at 10.30am GMT today. Access details can be found below.

The presentation can be viewed on the day via view-w.tv/819-1359-18692/en. Please refer to the numbers below for your local dial-in details. When you dial in for the webcast, you will be asked to provide your name, company name and the password Pantheon.

Dial-in details:
Standard International Access:	+44 (0) 20 3003 2666
UK Toll Free:	0808 109 0700
Password: Pantheon

A copy of the presentation and a recording of the webcast will be available on our website www.piplc.com following the event.

 

STRATEGIC REPORT

 

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

 

This year, PIP celebrates its 30^th anniversary since listing on the London Stock Exchange in 1987. The Company raised £12m at that time and, since then, has grown significantly to have net assets of just under £1.4bn as at 31 May 2017. Since its inception, the trust has generated annual average NAV per share growth of 11.8%, outperforming the FTSE All-Share (8.2%) and MSCI World (8.0%) indices during the same period. This performance reflects the Board's conviction that backing the best managers globally, to create a diversified portfolio of high quality private equity assets, can offer attractive returns to investors over the long term.

 

Change of accounting reference date

On 18 April 2017, the Board approved a change in PIP's accounting reference date from 30 June to 31 May of each year. This aligns the Company's annual audit process more closely with the timing of the release of valuations of its investments by general partners across the private equity sector and enables PIP to provide more up-to-date information on its underlying portfolio.

 

Performance for 11 months to 31 May 2017

During the 11 months to 31 May 2017, PIP's NAV per share increased by 16.9% to 2,189.9p and net assets rose from £1,187m to £1,388m. The strong investment returns in the underlying portfolio (16.2%) were the main drivers of this performance, reflecting our continuing investment with private equity managers who are able to identify companies where there are opportunities to drive growth as well as those who generate returns by investing in attractive assets in less favoured market segments.

 

The majority of PIP's portfolio is invested in non-UK assets. Foreign exchange gains therefore added 3.2% following continued weakness of sterling against the main currencies in which the Company's investments are denominated (US dollars and Euros). The gains to the NAV per share were marginally offset by expenses and taxes (-1.7%).

 

Our portfolio emphasises buyout and growth funds, which performed well during the period. The flat performance of our venture portfolio is a continuation of some of the disappointing venture performance in recent years. Venture now represents a relatively small portion of PIP's portfolio and continues to diminish through realisations, which we have accelerated from time to time through secondary disposals. Any new investment activity by PIP in early stage venture funds is focused on only investing with top tier venture managers, mainly through primary fund investments, that are able to spot innovative opportunities with the potential to generate significant outperformance. The Company reported previously that it had taken advantage of the dislocation in the energy sector, as a result of declining oil prices, and had acquired additional assets at attractive prices. The Special Situations portfolio, which consists primarily of those energy funds, has recovered well during the period and delivered a solid return.

 

 

During the 11 month period, the ordinary and redeemable share prices increased by 40% and 39% respectively and, although still trading at wide discounts, the discounts on both classes of share narrowed significantly.

 

Investment and realisation activity during the period

Our managers have continued to take advantage of the active M&A markets and during the 11 months to 31 May 2017, PIP's portfolio generated £293.2m of distributions. This included £23.6m in respect of previously reported disposals of secondary interests. Excluding these disposals, PIP's annualised distribution rate amounted to 27% of opening portfolio assets. Trade sales continue to be an important source of exit activity along with secondary buyouts. During the period, calls from existing commitments to private equity funds amounted to £82.1m, equivalent to an annualised call rate of 23% of opening undrawn commitments. This resulted in a net cash inflow of £211.1m during the period before taking account of new investments. PIP's mature portfolio continued to generate cash and the weighted average fund age was 6.7 years.

 

The global private equity market remains competitive and valuations are high. This has been particularly acute in the secondary market where high pricing levels have persisted and it has been more challenging to secure deals at attractive values. Nonetheless, PIP has been able to take advantage of its access to Pantheon's extensive platform of manager relationships, built up over 35 years, to make 39 new investments during the eleven month period across all geographic regions. These amounted to £290.5m in new commitments, of which £150.6m was drawn at the time of purchase, and included £129.4m committed to six secondary transactions, £67.3m committed to 20 co-investments and £93.8m to 12 primary commitments. Although PIP continues to emphasise secondary investments in its portfolio, its allocation to co-investments has increased gradually since it gained more opportunity to invest directly alongside selected managers in 2012. Co-investing is a cost-efficient means of gaining access to well-managed investments and, in combination with secondary investments, allows the Company even greater flexibility to manage the maturity profile of its portfolio. PIP continues to invest actively and, since the period end, has committed a further £20.8m.

 

Financial position and strength

At 31 May 2017, PIP held cash of £167m and the balance sheet remained ungeared. In October 2016, PIP announced that it had agreed an additional multi-currency revolving credit facility of £50m, which was an extension to the existing 4-year facility that is in place until November 2018. The combined facility, denominated as to US$139m and as to €67m, was equivalent to £166m as at 31 May 2017. Therefore, together with its undrawn credit facility, the Company had total liquid resources of £333m available to meet total undrawn commitments of £445m as at 31 May 2017, and its undrawn commitment cover (comprising the sum of PIP's available financing and private equity portfolio) remained comfortable at 3.5x.

 

PIP has an active deal pipeline and its strong cash position means that it is well-placed to redeploy capital into those opportunities and to pursue larger portfolios in the secondaries market. The Company maintains an opportunistic approach to buying back its shares when they offer a more attractive investment opportunity relative to other potential new investment commitments. Any such purchase is dependent on the prevailing market conditions and must also comply with the relevant regulatory requirements.

 

Board changes

I became Chairman of PIP upon the conclusion of its Annual General Meeting ("AGM") on 23 November 2016, succeeding Tom Bartlam who had been Chairman for 12 years. Susannah Nicklin replaced me as Senior Independent Director. In addition, we appointed two new Non-Executive Directors, John Burgess and John Singer, who took up their positions following the AGM. The Board has already benefited from their considerable private equity experience and knowledge.

 

Outlook

Despite global political and economic uncertainties, the private equity market remains buoyant and demand for good quality assets remains high. Against a backdrop of elevated pricing levels, the Company has maintained its discipline when assessing deal opportunities and has continued to execute its strategy of only backing the best private equity managers globally. Its privileged manager relationships are of increasing importance in navigating the current competitive deal environment. Indeed, the majority of secondary deals over the last three years have involved a manager where Pantheon already had an existing relationship.

 

Changing market dynamics are causing many companies to turn to private equity managers to raise capital rather than using the public markets. As this trend continues, our managers are well-placed to support those companies' management teams to implement their growth strategies through the provision of capital and sector knowledge. This should in turn create value within private equity investors' portfolios.

 

As we reflect on PIP's accumulated capital growth from performance generated over the past 30 years, we can remain confident that our manager, Pantheon, has the expertise and track record to continue selecting the best deal opportunities globally that are capable of generating attractive returns for the benefit of shareholders.

 

The Strategic Report, included within the Annual Report, has been approved and signed on behalf of the Board.

 

SIR LAURIE MAGNUS

Chairman

7 August 2017

 

 

INVESTMENT RATIONALE

 

PIP's strategy is to invest with leading private equity managers internationally.

 

Private equity is the term used for investments made in non-public companies through privately negotiated transactions. The global private equity market has grown significantly over recent years and is worth $2.5tn¹. The asset class covers a broad range of strategies, which all share a common theme - capital structure optimisation that aligns investors' interests with management, combined with long-term investment horizons and hands-on management support. For investors looking for attractive risk-adjusted returns relative to other asset classes, private equity has strong credentials. A broad range of institutions including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and endowments, as well as high net worth individuals, invest in private equity as it can offer a meaningful boost to the performance of their investment portfolios.

 

¹Source: 2017 Preqin Global Private Equity & Venture Capital Report

 

The Private Equity Investment Approach

Private equity managers typically specialise in market sectors in which they already have extensive investment experience and in which they are well placed to identify attractive investment opportunities based on proprietary research. Private equity investors acquire influential or controlling shareholdings in businesses where there is an opportunity to work closely with a company's management to implement both strategic and operational change, which can transform a company's value. Better alignment between management and shareholders can be achieved by ensuring that a company's management are investing at the same time while also using leverage to create an efficient capital structure.

 

The spread of performance in private equity is much wider than in other asset classes and the selection of managers has a significant influence on investment performance. The high level of outperformance of public market benchmarks achieved by top quartile managers in private equity, evident through multiple cycles, provides the opportunity for Pantheon to identify and select highly-skilled and strategic managers within a diversified portfolio. This approach mitigates the risk of being overexposed to any single fund, region or investment style. The Board of PIP believes that investing the Company's capital in private equity funds flexibly between the primary and secondary markets, or directly co-investing in companies alongside leading, individually-selected private equity managers, provides a good opportunity to generate attractive long-term investment performance.

 

By investing directly into private equity funds, rather than investing indirectly in such funds through Pantheon's funds of funds, the Company has full control over portfolio construction. PIP has the flexibility to vary the size and emphasis of its investments depending on its investment priorities at the time and available financing. In addition, this approach allows PIP to have greater control over the management of its balance sheet, cash and the maturity profile of the portfolio.

 

The current portfolio reflects PIP's prolonged access to Pantheon's carefully selected primary and secondary investments over the past 30 years. Only funds that have passed through rigorous research and analysis can be selected for investment.

 

OUR BUSINESS MODEL

 

PIP's aim is to maximise capital growth and deliver long-term shareholder value. It achieves this through its access to Pantheon's well-established platform and by investing in high quality private equity assets globally. PIP manages its portfolio by making primary and secondary investments in private equity funds as well as co-investing directly in companies alongside leading private equity managers.

 

Secondary Investments

It is the Board's current intention to emphasise secondary investments as the Company makes new commitments.

 

Secondary purchases of existing interests in private equity funds are typically many years after a fund's inception, when such funds are substantially invested. PIP benefits from secondaries because the fees and expenses in the first few years have been paid and distributions from the fund will be returned over a shorter time period. This helps to reduce the drag to performance from young and immature funds, known as the "J-curve effect". In addition, secondary assets can sometimes be purchased at a discount, especially in cases where the seller has a need for liquidity, increasing the opportunity for outperformance. As the Company continues to build its financial resources through net portfolio realisations, the shorter duration of secondary investments and lower associated undrawn commitments will enable the Company to maintain a mature, cash-generative profile.

 

In accordance with the terms of its management agreement with Pantheon, PIP is entitled, under Pantheon's allocation policy, to co-invest alongside Pantheon's latest global secondary fund, Pantheon Global Secondary Fund V, benefiting from access to larger secondary opportunities that it would not have had the capacity to complete alone. The secondary programme enables PIP to acquire attractively priced secondary interests as they become available, and aims to outperform market averages through judicious selection, pricing and timing.

 

Co-investments

The Company also participates in co-investments alongside established private equity managers. The extent of Pantheon's General Partner ("GP") relationships provide a significant advantage for the sourcing and evaluation of co-investments. As with secondary investing, co-investments allow the Company to put money to work at the time an investment is made. In addition, as there are lower or no management fees charged on co-investments by the underlying private equity manager, co-investing can represent a cost-efficient way of investing, whilst providing PIP with exposure to current vintages. It is the Board's current intention that co-investments will not account for more than 30% of PIP's new commitments.

 

Primary Investments

Investing in private equity through a primary commitment strategy (e.g. commitments to new private equity funds), by increasing the proportion of immature assets in its portfolio and by increasing its undrawn commitments relative to its assets, can reduce PIP's financial flexibility. New primary investments have longer payback periods, requiring the Company to maintain higher levels of standby financing against undrawn commitments. For these reasons, the Board limits primary commitments. However, the Company will consider making primary commitments on a targeted basis for portfolio construction purposes. The investment rationale for any new primary commitments will always be weighed against their effects on the Company's financial flexibility so as to keep the undrawn commitments to a level that can comfortably be expected to be financed from internally generated cash flows.

 

Social, Environmental, Community, Human Rights and Employment Issues

The Company has no employees and the Board consists entirely of Non-Executive Directors. At the end of the period under review, the Board was comprised of six male Directors and one female Director.

 

As an investment trust, the Company has no direct impact on the community or the environment. The Manager is committed to the Principles for Responsible Investment and its policies are set out in the Annual Report. These Principles are integrated into Pantheon's investment analysis and decision-making process, as well as post-investment monitoring procedures.

 

 

OBJECTIVE AND INVESTMENT POLICY

 

Investment Objective

The Company's primary investment objective is to maximise capital growth by investing in a diversified portfolio of private equity funds and directly in private companies.

 

Investment Policy

The Company's policy is to make unquoted investments, in general by subscribing for investments in new private equity funds ("Primary Investment") and by buying secondary interests in existing private equity funds ("Secondary Investment"), and from time to time to capitalise further on its fund investment activities by acquiring direct holdings in unquoted companies ("Co-investments"), usually either where a vendor is seeking to sell a combined portfolio of fund interests and direct holdings or where there is a private equity manager, well known to the Company's Manager, investing on substantially the same terms.

 

The Company may invest in private equity funds which are quoted. In addition, the Company may from time to time hold quoted investments in consequence of such investments being distributed to the Company from its fund investments or in consequence of an investment in an unquoted company becoming quoted. The Company will not otherwise normally invest in quoted securities, although it reserves the right to do so should this be deemed to be in the interests of the Company.

 

The Company may invest in any type of financial instrument, including equity and non-equity shares, debt securities, subscription and conversion rights and options in relation to such shares and securities and interests in partnerships and limited partnerships and other forms of collective investment scheme. Investments in funds and companies may be made either directly or indirectly, through one or more holding, special purpose or investment vehicles in which one or more co-investors may also have an interest.

 

The Company employs a policy of over-commitment. This means that the Company may commit more than its available uninvested assets to investments in private equity funds on the basis that such commitments can be met from anticipated future cash flows to the Company and through the use of borrowings and capital raisings where necessary.

 

The Company's policy is to adopt a global investment approach. The Company's strategy is to mitigate investment risk through diversification of its underlying portfolio by geography, sector and investment stage. Since the Company's assets are invested globally on the basis, primarily, of the merits of individual investment opportunities, the Company does not adopt maximum or minimum exposures to specific geographic regions, industry sectors or the investment stage of underlying investments.

 

In addition, the Company adopts the following limitations for the purpose of diversifying investment risk:

 

Ø that no holding in a company will represent more than 15% by value of the Company's investments at the time of investment (in accordance with the requirement for approval as an investment trust which applied to the Company in relation to its accounting periods ended on and before 30 June 2012);

 

Ø the aggregate of all the amounts invested by the Company in (including commitments to or in respect of) funds managed by a single management group may not, in consequence of any such investment being made, form more than 20% of the aggregate of the most recently determined gross asset value of the Company and the Company's aggregate outstanding commitments in respect of investments at the time such investment is made;

 

Ø the Company will invest no more than 15% of its total assets in other UK-listed closed-ended investment funds (including UK-listed investment trusts).

 

The Company may invest in funds and other vehicles established and managed or advised by Pantheon or any Pantheon affiliate. In determining the diversification of its portfolio and applying the manager diversification requirement referred to above, the Company looks through vehicles established and managed or advised by Pantheon or any Pantheon affiliate.

 

The Company may enter into derivatives transactions for the purposes of efficient portfolio management and hedging (for example, hedging interest rate, currency or market exposures).

 

Surplus cash of the Company may be invested in fixed interest securities, bank deposits or other similar securities.

 

The Company may borrow to make investments and typically uses its borrowing facilities to manage its cash flows flexibly, enabling the Company to make investments as and when suitable opportunities arise and to meet calls in relation to existing investments without having to retain significant cash balances for such purposes. Under the Company's articles of association, the Company's borrowings may not at any time exceed 100% of the Company's net asset value. Typically, the Company does not expect its gearing to exceed 30% of gross assets. However, gearing may exceed this in the event that, for example, the Company's pipeline of future cash flows alters.

 

The Company may invest in private equity funds, unquoted companies or special purpose or investment holding vehicles which are geared by loan facilities that rank ahead of the Company's investment. The Company does not adopt restrictions on the extent to which it is exposed to gearing in funds or companies in which it invests.

 

 

PRINCIPLE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

 

The Company is exposed to a variety of risks and uncertainties. The Board, through delegation to the Audit Committee, has undertaken a robust assessment and review of the principal risks facing PIP, together with a review of any new risks that may have arisen during the eleven months to 31 May 2017, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. A summary of the risk management and internal control processes can be found in the Corporate Governance Statement on in the full Annual Report.

 

Funding of investment commitments and default risk

 

Risk

In the normal course of its business, the Company typically has outstanding commitments to private equity funds which are substantial relative to the Company's assets and may be drawn down at any time. The Company's ability to meet these commitments is dependent upon it receiving cash distributions (the timing and amount of which can be unpredictable) from its private equity investments and, to the extent these are insufficient, on the availability of financing facilities.

 

Mitigation

The Company has a mature portfolio that is naturally cash generative and does not ordinarily gear its balance sheet for the purpose of enhancing performance. The Board intends to manage the Company so that undrawn commitments remain at a conservative level relative to its assets and available financing. The total available financing as at 31 May 2017 stood at £333m, comprising £167m in cash balances and £166m in undrawn bank facilities. As a result, the available financing along with the private equity portfolio exceeded the outstanding commitments by a factor of 3.5 times. The Company ordinarily expects to finance the majority of calls from undrawn commitments out of distributions. In the event that the levels of cash distributions and cash balances are insufficient to cover capital calls, the Company has the ability to draw funds from a credit facility (see Gearing section on the following page for details of the credit facility).

 

Risks relating to investment opportunities

 

Risk

There is no guarantee that the Company will find a sufficient number of suitable investment opportunities, or that the private equity funds in which it invests will find suitable investment opportunities, in order to achieve the level of diversification which the Company seeks to achieve in relation to its investment portfolio.

 

Mitigation

In line with the Objective and Investment Policy shown on above, the Manager has put in place a dedicated investment management process that is designed to help maximise the chances of the Board's intended investment strategy being achieved. The Board periodically reviews investment and financial reports from the Manager to monitor the effectiveness of the Manager's investment management process.

 

Financial risk of private equity

 

Risk

The Company invests in private equity funds and unquoted companies, which are less readily marketable than quoted securities. In addition, such investments may carry a higher degree of risk than investments in quoted securities.

 

Mitigation

The Manager's investment management process is designed to produce the best possible risk-adjusted returns from private equity investments. Where the Company commits to private equity funds, such funds are structured as limited life funds where the manager is incentivised to realise investments and return proceeds to investors within the funds' limited life span. As part of the investment process for secondaries and co-investments, an assessment is made to understand the possible impact of the underlying assets' illiquidity on projected exit outcomes. As part of the investment process for primaries, an assessment is made to understand a manager's approach to underlying company illiquidity.

 

Long-term nature of private equity investments

 

Risk

Private equity investments are long term in nature and it may take some years before they reach a level of maturity at which they can be realised. Accordingly, it is possible that the Company may not receive a return on its investments for a number of years.

 

Mitigation

The Company pursues a flexible investment strategy, emphasising secondary investments which will typically have shorter exit horizons on average than co-investment and primary commitments. Therefore, this flexible investment strategy results in a range of likely exit horizons for underlying investments, mitigating this risk.

 

Valuation uncertainty

 

Risk

By valuing its investments in private equity funds and unquoted companies and publishing its NAV, the Company relies to a significant extent on the accuracy of financial and other information provided by these funds and companies to the Manager. There is the potential for inconsistency in the valuation methods adopted by the managers of these funds and companies. In addition, the information provided is typically more than 60 days old at the time the Company's NAV per share is reported.

 

Mitigation

In the case of the Company's investment in private equity funds, and direct investments managed by private equity managers, the valuation of investments is based on the periodically audited valuations that are provided by the private equity managers. Pantheon carries out a formal valuation process involving a monthly review of these valuations, verification of the latest audited reports coverage, as well as a review of any potential adjustments that are required to ensure reasonable valuation of the underlying investments and in accordance with the fair market value principles required under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP").

 

Gearing

 

Risk

The use of gearing can cause the magnification of both gains and losses in the asset value of the Company. The Company may also invest in private equity funds or unquoted companies which are geared by loan facilities that rank ahead of the Company's investment both for payment of interest and capital. As a consequence, the Company may be exposed from time to time to gearing through the borrowings of such private equity funds and companies, increasing its investment risk.

 

Mitigation

While debt is commonly used within the capital structure of private equity funds' portfolio investments, it is not commonly used at the fund level other than for working capital purposes. Thus, leverage risk is typically non-recourse between portfolio companies operating independently within the same portfolio.

 

For working capital purposes, the Company maintains a revolving credit facility arranged by The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc, due to expire in November 2018, and comprising facilities of $138.8m and €66.6m. The principal covenant that applies to the loan facility ensures that the Company is limited to a maximum gearing of 30% of adjusted gross asset value. The facility was unutilised as at 31 May 2017.

 

Foreign currency risk

 

Risk

The Company makes investments in US dollars, euros and other currencies as well as sterling. Accordingly, the Company is exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

 

Mitigation

The Manager monitors the Company's underlying foreign exchange exposure and seeks to balance the risks associated with holding different currencies through diversification and cost-averaging effects. Furthermore, as part of the investment management process, the Manager will assess the risk-return of a specific investment, taking into consideration the currency denomination of the investment and the potential impact of currency risk. However, foreign currency risk tends to be a less significant factor over longer investment horizons.

 

Unregulated nature of underlying investments

 

Risk

The private equity funds and underlying unquoted investments that form the basis of the majority of the Company's portfolio are not necessarily subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") or an equivalent regulatory body. Funds and unquoted companies in which the Company invests (directly or indirectly) may be domiciled in jurisdictions which do not have a regulatory regime that provides an equivalent level of investor protection to that provided under the laws of the United Kingdom.

 

Mitigation

The Manager's investment management process for primary and secondary investments requires verification of the regulatory jurisdiction of underlying funds. In addition, the managers of the underlying funds are mostly regulated by the FCA, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), or an equivalent body in the managers' respective jurisdictions.

 

Taxation

 

Risk

Any change in the Company's tax status, or in taxation legislation or practice, could affect the value of the investments and the Company's performance. In addition, the Company's income and gains from its investments may suffer withholding tax, which may not be reclaimable in the countries where such income and gains arise.

 

Mitigation

The Manager's investment management process incorporates an assessment of the tax impact of each primary or secondary fund investment, or co-investment that is purchased. For every investment, the Manager also reviews the appropriateness of an investment's legal structure and any action required, including the establishment of special purpose, and/or blocker vehicles, to tailor an investment's structure to minimise the potential tax impact on the Company.

 

The Manager and other third party advisers

 

Risk

Like most investment trust companies, the Company has no employees and the Directors are all non-executive. The Company is dependent upon the services of Pantheon as its Manager and may be adversely affected if the services of Pantheon cease to be available to the Company.

 

Mitigation

The Board keeps the performance of the Manager under continual review. In addition, the Management Agreement is subject to a notice period that is designed to provide the Board with adequate time to put in place alternative arrangements in the event the services of Pantheon cease to be available.

 

Brexit

 

Risk

The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union and depending on what arrangements might be negotiated, there are likely to be consequences on the Company, and on the wider Pantheon ("Manager") organisation as a whole. Uncertainty about the Brexit process may result in some market and currency volatility, which may adversely impact returns. In addition, given a significant proportion of UK financial services legislation, such as the AIFMD, the UCITS Directives and MiFIDII/MiFIR, is derived from EU law, assuming the UK does not accede to the EEA Agreement or negotiate an equivalent arrangement, the Company's continued ability to market its services to European investors may be at risk.

 

Mitigation

Following the UK's decision to leave the EU, the Manager, through a dedicated working group, has been monitoring policy developments and reviewing aspects of the Company's business that rely on Pan-EU arrangements. Pantheon will open an office in Dublin, ensuring that Brexit will have a minimal impact on the Company's ability to manage and market its products in Europe.

 

Cybersecurity

 

Risk

The Company is dependent on effective information technology systems. These systems support key business functions and are an important means of safeguarding sensitive information. Any significant disruption to these IT systems, including breaches of data confidentiality or cybersecurity, could result in, among other things, financial losses, the inability to perform business critical functions, regulatory censure, legal liability and reputational damage.

 

Mitigation

Pantheon has a robust information and cybersecurity programme in place, aligned with SANS20 controls and the NIST cybersecurity framework. This includes a comprehensive set of policies, standards, procedures and technology related to information security. Validation of the Pantheon information and cybersecurity solutions is tested annually by means of a full penetration test, including phishing expeditions by accredited third party cybersecurity specialists. The findings of these tests are reported to both the Pantheon Operational Risk Committee and Pantheon Operating Committee. In addition, a company-wide cybersecurity awareness training programme has been put into place for all staff. Over the past 12 months the Company has not experienced any material breaches in respect of information or cybersecurity.

 

Retail Investors Advised by IFAs

The Company currently conducts its affairs so that its shares can be recommended by independent financial advisers to retail private investors in accordance with the Financial Conduct Authority's ("FCA") rules in relation to non-mainstream investment products.

 

The shares are excluded from the FCA's restrictions which apply to non-mainstream investment products because they are shares in a UK-listed investment trust.

 

Viability Statement

Pursuant to provision C.2.2 of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2016, the Board has assessed the viability of the Company over a three year period from 31 May 2017. It has chosen this period as it falls within the Board's strategic planning horizon. The Company invests in an internationally diversified portfolio of private equity assets, both through funds and by co-investing directly into companies alongside selected private equity managers. The Company invests significantly in the private equity secondaries market as this allows the Company to maintain a more mature portfolio profile that is naturally cash-generative in any particular year.

 

Commitments to new funds are restricted relative to the Company's assets, so as to maintain a reasonable expectation of being able to finance the calls, which arise from such commitments, out of cash flow that is generated internally. In addition, the Company has put in place a revolving credit facility to ensure that it is in a position to finance such calls in the event that distributions received from investments in the period are insufficient to finance calls. The Board reviews the Company's financing arrangements at least quarterly to ensure that the Company is in a strong position to finance all outstanding commitments on existing investments as well as being able to finance new investments.

 

In reviewing the Company's viability, the Board has considered the Company's position with reference to its business model, its business objectives, the principal risks and uncertainties as detailed on above and of its present and expected financial position. In addition, the Board has also considered the Company's conservative balance sheet, which allows it to take advantage of significant investment opportunities, and the appropriateness of the Company's current investment objectives in the prevailing investment market and environment. The Board regularly reviews the prospects for the Company's portfolio and the opportunities for new investment under a range of potential scenarios to ensure it can expect to be able to continue to finance its activities for the medium-term future.

 

On behalf of the Board

 

 

SIR LAURIE MAGNUS

7 August 2017

 

 

MANAGER'S REVIEW

 

The Manager (Pantheon)

Pantheon, one of the world's foremost private equity specialists, has acted as Manager to PIP since the Company's inception in 1987. Pantheon evaluates and manages investments on PIP's behalf in line with the strategy agreed by the Board. Pantheon is also one of the largest and most experienced secondary managers, having committed almost $11bn to secondary investments over the last 30 years.

 

At a Glance

 

·      $36.6bn¹ AUM

·      >450 Clients

·      >215 Employees²

·      70 Investment professionals²

 

Strong Private Equity Track Record

Pantheon is one of the leading private equity fund investors in the world with global assets under management of $36.1bn¹, on behalf of over 450 institutional investors.

 

Pantheon has a strong and consistent track record in private equity investment. Over 35 years, Pantheon has made investments in more than 1,400 private equity funds, gaining exceptional insight and access to many of the most attractive funds in all the major private equity markets.

 

Pantheon has broad experience of investing across all types of private equity, including buyout, venture capital, growth capital and special situations. It started out as a primary investor in private equity funds and has witnessed at first-hand the transformation and expansion of the industry over numerous market cycles. In its history, Pantheon has committed US$21.1bn to 614 primary investments, US$10.7bn to 344 secondary transactions and US$2.2bn to 134 co-investments (as at 31 March 2017). It has invested in private equity primaries since 1983, secondaries since 1988 and co-investments since 1997.

 

Diversification

Pantheon has substantial experience of investing in private equity through various economic cycles and in different regional markets. The firm's asset allocation, diversification strategies and disciplined investment process are structured with the objective of producing the best possible risk-adjusted returns. Pantheon's diversification strategy limits portfolio risk by including a multi-strategy approach, targeting funds with a variety of different return characteristics and deploying capital over a number of vintage years, generally ensuring that the most attractive segments of the market are represented in the portfolio. When applying this approach, the Board works closely with Pantheon to ensure that the Company is in line with its agreed strategy.

 

Reputation as a Preferred Investor

Pantheon has been investing in private equity for over 35 years and has a solid reputation in the industry. Pantheon is often considered a preferred investor due to its reputation, active approach and scale of commitments. In addition, Pantheon generally seeks advisory board seats to contribute actively to governance during the life of the fund. As such, Pantheon is represented on over 350 advisory boards worldwide. Long-standing partnerships with managers on a global basis can also enhance the firm's deal flow in the secondary market.

 

Team-based Culture

Pantheon draws upon a wide pool of resources that contributes to a team-based culture. With teams operating in London, San Francisco, New York, Hong Kong, Bogotá, and Seoul, Pantheon adopts a collegiate approach to investment decision-making, globally leveraging the collective experience and expertise of its investment professionals. The team's experience is also brought to bear on the evaluation, selection and ongoing monitoring of fund investments. Pantheon's team of over 70 investment professionals², supported by over 140 other professionals, work together with the ultimate aim of producing strong and consistent results.

 

The Investment Team²

 

·      San Francisco - 21 investment professionals

·      New York - 5 investment professionals

·      Bogotá - 3 investment professionals

·      London - 33 investment professionals

·      Hong Kong - 8 investment professionals

 

¹ As at 31 March 2017. The figure includes assets subject to discretionary or non-discretionary management, advice, or those limited to a reporting function.

² All staff figures are as at 1 July 2017.

 

 

MARKET REVIEW

 

The private equity market has grown significantly over recent years and is thought to be worth $2.5 trillion¹ globally. Accommodative monetary policy makes the market more competitive and valuations remain high, however Pantheon continues to gain privileged access to compelling opportunities via the relationships that it has developed with leading private equity managers over its 35 year history, and by backing managers that are nimble and able to take advantage of change.

 

Private equity market in the US expected to remain resilient despite political distractions

Growth in the US economy for 2017 is forecasted to be ahead of the previous year². However, uncertainty prevails as doubts are cast on the US administration's ability to push through radical reforms, as highlighted by the proposed changes to the healthcare bill, and as its timeframe for other key policy areas, such as tax reform, remains unclear. The recent weakening of the US dollar is perhaps a reflection of this unease as well as being an indication of improving prospects elsewhere, particularly in Europe.

 

The "core principles" of the US administration's plans for tax reform, released in April, included the lowering of corporation tax, however there was no reference to the previously proposed removal of tax deductibility for interest expenses. Although the full details of the tax reform package are yet to be released, any policy that reduces corporation tax would be positive for corporate cash flows and therefore should support buyout activity; it also provides greater personal incentives for entrepreneurship. To the extent that such gains are not fully incorporated into the cost of acquiring new investments, their impact on US private equity returns could be positive, particularly if interest rate deductibility is not removed.

 

Perhaps as a result of the political distraction and policy uncertainty, the deal environment in the US has been slower and exit activity is down from the high of 2015. However, fundraising continues at a pace and purchase price multiples have remained high. Trade sales have increasingly been the main source of exits while the public markets appear to be less favoured as a route for exit or for companies looking to raise capital. Private equity managers are well-placed to benefit from the latter as, with an expanded pool of "dry powder" capital, they are able to provide the capital that companies seek while operating as private businesses.

 

Although the credit markets have remained favourable, the recent interest rate rise with indications of a further rise this year, will affect the cost of new debt. We select managers who are disciplined towards debt levels while investing in companies that offer opportunities for growth. Conversely, the rise in interest rates should be beneficial for some of the investments that PIP has made in the financial sector during the period.

 

The US has the deepest, most established and resilient private equity market in the world, and it is where the majority of PIP's portfolio is invested. We expect this to continue as we work with leading managers that are able to handle operational and financial complexity and have experience of investing in companies which can deliver strong earnings growth over the economic cycle regardless of the equity market and political environment.

 

Sentiment improving in Europe

The future impact of the UK's exit from the European Union is still unknown but at least the results of the Dutch and French elections did not produce the political earthquakes as feared. In addition, although there are concerns that the debt crisis in the Eurozone may flair up again, growth prospects have improved with GDP in the Eurozone forecasted to grow by 2% in 2017².

 

A year after the "Brexit" vote, deal activity has continued to be buoyant in the UK's private equity market and it continues as Europe's largest private equity market. While we remain alert to attractive opportunities in the UK, it represents a minority (less than 10%) of PIP's total portfolio.

 

The strong fundraising environment, which was a feature of 2016, has continued in 2017. Assets continue to be highly priced in the private equity market in Europe therefore our disciplined approach of only backing managers, which are able to deploy capital diligently, remains paramount. During the period, we have continued to see liquidity and high levels of activity in the exit market in Europe, and we expect this to continue as corporate buyers globally acquire companies based in Europe.

 

A mix of founder- and family-owned primary management buyouts, corporate carve-outs and transformational secondary buyouts continue to be of interest to our managers. Pantheon is investing in managers that, when assessing these opportunities, take a thematic approach, focus on high growth sectors and are able to identify assets where many levers can be pulled to introduce operational efficiencies to better drive growth, both organically and through buy-and-build strategies. In selecting managers, our emphasis is on small and mid-cap, as well as growth, opportunities, which tend to be more conservatively priced and have lower levels of leverage than the broader market average, which is itself skewed towards the large and mega buyout space.

 

Although political risks remain in Europe, we are encouraged by the steady economic recovery in the Eurozone and the positive impact that this is likely to have on sentiment. We expect that European private equity funds will continue to be in high demand and that exit activity will be equally strong. We remain selective by backing the right managers that are able to take advantage of change in Europe and deliver attractive returns.

 

¹ Source: 2017 Preqin Global Private Equity & Venture Capital Report

² Source: Capital Economics, 7 July 2017

 

 

Consumption growth in Asia and Emerging Markets continues to present an attractive opportunity

Fundraising and investment activity in Asia have been slightly down since 2015, perhaps explained in part by the higher number of large pan-regional funds raising capital in that year. However, we have started to see large funds returning to raise capital in 2017. Exit activity has been strong in the region with trade sales and public markets remaining the main exit routes for our managers. While there have been mixed levels of activity on the IPO markets across the region, we have seen Asian corporate buyers becoming much more active in the M&A markets.

 

Pantheon selects managers that are focused on the mid-market where there is most scope for value creation while actively managing liquidity and market risk. We have seen an increase in corporate carve-outs and intra-regional investments.

 

China's economy has performed better than expected in the first half of 2017, however a slowdown in growth is still predicted for the year, when compared to previous years, and the build-up of debt levels continues to be a concern. Despite the Chinese Government putting in place a series of measures, aimed at trying to steer the economy away from its longstanding reliance on cheap credit to fuel growth as well as to tackle local government debt and bad bank loans, Moody's downgraded China's credit rating in May. On a more positive note, the fears over the trade relationship between the US and China have been partly allayed with ties warming over recent months. Despite the headwinds, the underlying companies in the Company's portfolio continue to deliver strong earnings growth which is, we believe, a reflection of Pantheon's focus on domestic consumption in China (e.g. healthcare, education and consumer).

 

India's economy is expected to deliver stronger economic growth than China in 2017 and during the period, the Company has been taking advantage of the shift to electronic payments there by investing in companies offering these services as well as smart financing solutions.

 

We remain relatively cautious on Latin America where, against a backdrop of political uncertainty and negative sentiment, there has been a significant drop in fundraising when compared with previous years. Nevertheless, we will continue to respond to compelling deal opportunities in the region, particularly in the secondary market.

 

While Asia and Emerging Markets represent a smaller part of PIP's portfolio, when compared to North America and Europe, we will continue to acquire assets in the region that support PIP's long-term investment strategy.

 

Record investment activity and fundraising levels in the secondary market

Fundraising in the private equity secondaries market reached a half-year record of $23.6bn³ in the first half of 2017, with seven secondary firms collecting more than $1bn for final fund closings.  The combination of a strong fundraising backdrop and a benign exit environment for asset sales has helped sustain a healthy investor demand for secondary interests in private equity funds. 

 

As a result, the historically high secondary pricing levels have persisted, with average deal pricing at around 91%⁴ of net asset value. This has helped encourage sellers to launch processes, allowing many to continue the process of active portfolio management. $18bn⁴ of deals were transacted during the first six months of 2017, higher than the $10bn transacted during the same period of the prior year. Despite the average maturity level of traded funds staying at nine years, with 2006 to 2008 funds dominating deal flow, the proportion of post-crisis fund interests has increased. Indeed, post crisis funds accounted for approximately 45% of marketed volume during the first half of 2017⁴.

 

In addition, more managers are actively seeking to extract embedded value from companies in funds that are reaching the end of their initial lives, resulting in an increase in the number of private equity manager-led ("structured secondary") transactions.  These came from a broad spectrum of private equity managers, employing a variety of structures including tender offers, fund recapitalisations and preferred equity structures.  A feature of the current surge in structured secondary deals is the growing proportion of high quality managers, which represents a significant difference from the previous surge in such manager-led deals during the 2005-2007 boom.  Structured secondaries accounted for $9.4bn of deal flow in 2016, and given the increasing stock of mature funds that are targets for such deals, structured secondaries are expected to reach record levels of c.$11bn⁵ in 2017.

 

Pantheon's preference in the current highly priced environment has been to acquire concentrated fund positions in managers that we hold in high regard, where the underlying assets have robust prospects for medium-term capital gain.  We are particularly interested in secondaries involving companies that have demonstrated financial resilience through multiple down-turns, where the manager has multiple levers to stimulate growth.  We are also attracted to funds where we can identify companies with embedded value, where a manager's conservative valuation policy provides the potential for uplifts to NAV on exit.

 

³ Secondaries Investor: 3 July 2017

⁴ Greenhill/Cogent Secondary Pricing Trends & Analysis, July 2017

⁵ Average of estimates from six secondary market intermediaries, as at April 2017

 

Co-investments remain an important source of opportunity

The co-investment market, comprising a variety of institutional participants including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, family offices and other co-investment funds, like other areas of the private equity market, is competitive. Pantheon has been able to position its clients advantageously with favoured managers that we believe are able to add value to the underlying businesses quickly and in a variety of ways, such as introducing operational efficiencies and cost synergies as well as optimising the companies' distribution networks. Pantheon's dedicated co-investment team enables the Company to participate in an active deal flow derived from a network of high quality managers that are well known to Pantheon, in opportunities that are most consistent with the strengths and expertise of those managers.

 

Pantheon assesses deals across all sectors and has continued to see interesting opportunities in information technology and industrials in particular. In addition, attractive deal dynamics have been found in certain energy and financial sector transactions and defensive sectors, such as education, are also of interest. Discipline when assessing co-investment opportunities and a thorough approach to due diligence, while ensuring we can execute on co-investments efficiently, provides Pantheon's clients with access to this important opportunity.

 

Finding value in highly priced and competitive markets

The supply of capital in the private equity market has become more plentiful and asset pricing is high. With the strong fundraising environment and investors struggling to reach their allocations, due to the rising levels of "dry powder", this situation looks set to continue. Despite positive macroeconomic signs, valuations and debt availability reaching cyclical highs means that there is still the potential for market falls. As a result, Pantheon is focused on adding exposure to companies that are less vulnerable to credit tightening and macroeconomic downside. Pantheon has a deliberate strategy of targeting sectors experiencing dislocation as well as niches where underlying growth is less correlated to GDP growth. For example, we have been selectively acquiring good quality assets in segments of the financial services and energy sectors.

 

Positive long-term outlook for private equity despite ongoing economic and political uncertainties

Political and macroeconomic risks remain on a global level, however it is our view that the inherent characteristics of private equity mean that it should continue to outperform other asset classes over the long term. Indeed, changing market dynamics can add to deal opportunities following market dislocations, or in mispriced and distressed situations.

 

In addition, research by Pantheon has shown that, perhaps as a result of increased regulation and cost, the number of publicly listed companies in the US has fallen dramatically, decreasing by roughly half since its peak in 1996⁶. This is a trend that has spanned multiple economic cycles and has impacted countries across the globe⁷. Many private equity investment strategies are direct beneficiaries of the shrinking public markets and our managers, often experts in particular sectors, are well-placed to provide the capital that companies seek while operating as private businesses. Managers that are focused on venture and growth equity can often access outperforming companies long before pre-IPO investors do.

 

We believe that private equity investors will continue to benefit from the favourable ownership characteristics which include active, control positions that are aligned with long-term value creation. Our managers, who have gained familiarity with their investee companies over months and often years prior to investing, are able to support growth and operational improvements in their underlying investments. The revenue and earnings growth reported by a sample of the underlying companies in PIP's portfolio, for example, consistently outperform the broader equity benchmark indices.

 

Over its 35 year history, Pantheon has developed a strong track record of selecting the best managers and accessing the most compelling deals via those relationships. Although we are faced with a more competitive and highly priced market, we believe that our market access, based on many years of experience, will allow us to continue to invest globally in private equity funds that can generate healthy returns.

 

⁶ Doidge, Craig, G. Andrew Karolyi, and René M. Stulz "The U.S. listing gap." Journal of Financial Economics 123, no. 3 (2017): 464-87. Doi:10.1016/j.jfineco.2016.12.002

⁷ Data from The World Bank, accessed 25 May 2017

 

PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW

 

·      16.2% Underlying (pre FX) return relative to opening portfolio assets for the eleven month period

·      £293m Distributions including asset sales

·      27% Distributions excluding asset sales as a percentage of opening portfolio assets (annualised)

·      £211m Net cash flow generated from PIP's portfolio

·      £82m Calls made from existing undrawn commitments

·      £291m New investment commitments, £151m of which was drawn

·      35% Average uplift on exit realisations¹

·      £67m New commitments made to 20 co-investments

·      6.7 years Weighted average fund age of portfolio

 

¹Realisation events are classified as exit realisations when proceeds equate to at least 80% of total investment value and once confirmation of exit realisation is received from the manager. Uplift on full exit compares the value received upon realisation against the investment's carrying value up to six months prior to the transaction taking place. The analysis only includes exit realisations that occurred during the financial period and disregards the impact of any proceeds received outside of the six month period covered in the uplift analysis. The data in the sample represents 94% of proceeds from exit realisations and 54% of distributions received during the period.

 

The Company offers a global, diversified selection of high quality private equity assets, which have been carefully selected by Pantheon. The diversification of PIP's portfolio, with assets spread across different investment styles and stages, helps to reduce the volatility of both returns and cash flows. The maturity profile of the portfolio ensures that PIP is not overly exposed to any one vintage. PIP's geographical diversification extends its exposure beyond the US and Europe, to regions with higher rates of economic growth.

 

Portfolio Analysis by Value as at 30 May 2017¹

 

Fund Geography

The majority of PIP's geographical exposure is focused on the US and Europe, reflecting the fact that these regions have the most developed private equity markets.

 

Portfolio assets based in Asia and other regions provide access to faster-growing economies.

 

USA	56%
Europe	25%
Asia and EM2	12%
Global3	7%

 

¹ Fund geography, stage, maturity and investment type charts are based upon underlying fund valuations and account for 100% of PIP's overall portfolio value. Company sector and company geography charts are based upon underlying company valuations as at 31 December 2016 and account for over 95% of PIP's overall portfolio value.

² EM: Emerging Markets

³ Global category contains funds with no target allocation to any particular region equal to or exceeding 60%.

 

Fund Stage

PIP's portfolio is well diversified across different private equity investment styles and stages.

 

Buyout funds continue to constitute the majority of PIP's portfolio.

 

Special situation investments are comprised of funds investing primarily in the energy sector and distressed securities.

 

Small/Mid Buyout	33%
Large/Mega Buyout	28%
Growth	16%
Venture	11%
Special Situations	11%
Generalist	1%

 

Pantheon Vehicles

At 31 May 2017, 3% of PIP's portfolio value and 1% of PIP's outstanding commitments were comprised of funds-of-funds managed directly by Pantheon. The value of investments in and outstanding commitments to, investment funds managed or advised by the Pantheon group ("Pantheon Funds") are excluded in calculating the monthly management fee and the fee on uncalled commitments payable by PIP to Pantheon. In addition, Pantheon has agreed that the total fees (including performance fees) payable by Pantheon Funds to members of the Pantheon Group and attributable to PIP's investments in Pantheon Funds shall be less than the total fees (excluding the performance fee) that PIP would have been charged under its management agreement with Pantheon had it invested directly in all of the underlying investments of the relevant Pantheon Funds instead of through the relevant Pantheon Funds. With the consent of the Board, the Company can agree that an investment fund managed or advised by the Pantheon group shall not be treated as a Pantheon Fund for this purpose (so that the fee rebate described above would not apply in respect of an investment in such fund).

 

Fund Maturity

The portfolio is well diversified by fund vintage.

 

New primary commitments and co-investments are increasing PIP's exposure to more recent vintages, with the 2010 and later segment of the portfolio increasing to 51% (from 35% as at 30 June 2016).

 

2016	12%
2015	14%
2014	9%
2013	5%
2012	6%
2011	4%
2010	1%
2009	3%
2008	12%
2007	16%
2006	7%
2005 and earlier	11%

 

Investment Type

Secondary investments continue to constitute the largest component of PIP's portfolio.

 

Co-investments are becoming a more established part of PIP's portfolio at 25% of value (up from 20% as at 30 June 2016).

 

Secondary	47%
Primary	28%
Co-investment	25%

 

Company Sectors¹

PIP's sectoral exposure diversifies the effects of cyclical trends within different industry segments.

 

Relative to the FTSE All-Share and MSCI World indices, PIP has greater exposure to information technology, and lower exposure to the banking, mining and energy sectors.

 

Consumer	27%
Information Technology	25%
Healthcare	13%
Industrials	11%
Financials	9%
Energy	9%
Telecommunication Services	3%
Materials	3%

 

Company Geography

Almost 60% of the portfolio is invested in companies based in North America, which benefit from greater capital market scope and depth.

 

PIP's European exposure, which represents approximately a third of the portfolio, is predominantly in companies based in the stronger Northern European economies including the UK, Scandinavia and Germany.

 

13% of PIP's portfolio is based in Asia, providing access to faster-growing economies such as China and India.

 

North America	59%
Asia	13%
UK	9%
Scandinavia	3%
Germany	3%
Benelux	3%
France	3%
Central and Eastern Europe	3%
Other Europe	2%
Italy	1%
Iberia	1%

 

¹ Company sector and company geography charts are based on underlying company valuations as at 31 December 2016 and account for over 95% of PIP's overall portfolio value

 

PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS

 

Portfolio Performance by Stage for the eleven months to 31 May 2017¹

 

Ø PIP's portfolio generated investment returns, prior to foreign exchange effects, of 16.2% during the eleven months to 31 May 2017.

 

Ø Solid performance across growth and buyout funds underpinned PIP's returns, aided by a strong recovery by special situations during the period.

 

Debt Multiples

 

Venture, growth and buyout investments have differing leverage characteristics.

 

Ø The venture and growth portfolio has little or no reliance on leverage.

 

Ø Average debt multiples for small/medium buyout investments, which represents the majority of PIP's buyout portfolio, are typically lower than debt levels in the large/mega buyout segment.

 

¹ Portfolio stage returns include income, exclude gains and losses from foreign exchange movements, and look through feeders and funds-of-funds to the underlying funds.

 

 

PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS - BUYOUT

 

Valuation Multiple¹

 

Ø Accounting standards require private equity managers to value their portfolio at fair value. Public market movements can be reflected in valuations.

 

Ø Sample-weighted average enterprise value/EBITDA was 11.0 times, compared to 12.2 times and 11.4 times for the FTSE All-Share and MSCI World indices respectively.

 

Revenue and EBITDA Growth¹

 

Ø Weighted average revenue growth for the sample buyout companies was 14.5% in the 12 months to 31 December 2016, compared to 17.2% and 1.6% for the FTSE All-Share and MSCI World indices.

 

Ø Weighted average EBITDA growth for the sample buyout companies was 11.0% in the 12 months to 31 December 2016, compared to 14.9% and 7.1% for the FTSE All-Share and MSCI World indices.

 

Ø Strong top-line performance, disciplined cost control, good earnings growth, together with an efficient use of capital, underpin the investment thesis of many private equity managers.

 

¹ The data is based on a sample of PIP's buyout funds. Buyout Sample Methodology: The sample buyout figures for the 12 months to 31 December 2016 were calculated from the companies, where information was available. The figures are based on unaudited data. The revenue and EBITDA figures were based upon the last 12 months to 31 December 2016 or, where not available, the closest annual period disclosed, and provide coverage of 44% and 42% (for revenue and EBITDA growth respectively) of PIP's buyout portfolio.  Individual company revenue and EBITDA growth figures were capped between +100% and -100% to avoid large distortions from excessive outliers. Sample data for 2010-2016 is based on the same methodology and provides coverage of 60% - 75% of the portfolio in each year. Enterprise value is defined as carrying value + net debt. The net debt and enterprise value figures were based on underlying valuations as at 31 December 2016, or the closest period end disclosed. The valuation multiple sample covers approximately 36% of PIP's buyout portfolio. The debt multiple sample covers approximately 60% of PIP's buyout portfolio. Data sourced from Bloomberg.

 

VENTURE PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS

 

Ø Venture funds represent 11% of PIP's portfolio.

 

Ø Despite the flat performance, venture funds collectively generated £33m in distributions for PIP, which was equivalent to 21% of the opening value of the venture portfolio.

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS IN THE ELEVEN MONTHS TO 31 MAY 2017

 

PIP received more than 2,000 distributions¹ in the eleven month period, with many reflecting realisations at significant uplifts to carrying value. PIP's mature portfolio should continue to generate significant distributions. Distributions in the period included £24m of proceeds from the sale of secondary stakes of some of PIP's older fund interests.

 

Distributions

 

Distributions by Region and Stage

PIP received £293m in proceeds (including asset sales of £24m) from the portfolio in the eleven months to 31 May 2017, equivalent to 30% of opening private equity assets on an annualised basis. Excluding asset sales, the annualised distribution rate for the period was equivalent to 27%.

 

The US accounted for the majority of PIP's distributions, where market conditions supported a good level of exits, particularly from larger buyouts.

 

Europe continues to generate significant distributions despite its lower portfolio weighting.

 

DISTRIBUTIONS BY REGION = £293M
USA	65%
Europe	26%
Asia and EM	5%
Global	4%

 

DISTRIBUTIONS BY STAGE = £293M
Large/Mega Buyout	34%
Small/Mid Buyout	31%
Growth	15%
Venture	11%
Special Situations	7%
Generalist	2%

 

Distribution Rates

 

Quarterly Distribution Rates²

Quarterly distribution rates remain strong. This reflected the maturity of PIP's portfolio.

 

Distribution Rates² in the eleven months to 31 May 2017 by Vintage

Mature vintages continue to distribute at higher rates, with 2009 and earlier funds distributing at an average rate in excess of 35% of opening value. With a weighted fund maturity of 6.7 years, PIP's portfolio should continue to generate significant levels of cash.

 

¹ This figure looks through feeders and funds-of-funds.

 ² Distribution rate equals distributions in period (annualised) divided by opening portfolio value.

 

EXIT REALISATIONS IN THE ELEVEN MONTHS TO 31 MAY 2017

 

Cost multiples on exit realisations for the eleven months to 31 May 2017¹

On a sample of exit realisations, the average cost multiple of the sample was 3.0 times, highlighting significant value creation over the course of an investment.

 

¹ This data in the sample represented approximately 31% by value of PIP's gross distributions for eleven months to 31 May 2017. A company with an excessively high multiple (>50 times) was removed from this analysis to avoid distortion of overall results. The data covers primary investments and is based upon gross cost multiples available at the time of distribution.

 

Uplifts on exit realisations for eleven months to 31 May 2017²

On a sample of exit realisations, the value weighted average uplift in the period to 31 May 2017 was 35%. This average uplift is consistent with our view that realisations can be significantly incremental to returns. PIP's mature portfolio is well placed to continue to generate a good level of distributions from exit realisations in the coming year.

 

² Realisation events are classified as exit realisations when proceeds equate to at least 80% of total investment value and once confirmation of exit realisation is received from the manager. Uplift on full exit compares the value received upon realisation against the investment's carrying value up to six months prior to the transaction taking place. The analysis only includes exit realisations that occurred during the period and discards the impact of any proceeds received outside of the six month period covered in the uplift analysis. The data in the sample represents 94% of proceeds from exit realisations and 54% of distributions received during the period.

 

Exit Realisations by Sector and Type

The portfolio benefited from strong realisation activity, particularly in the consumer, information technology, healthcare and industrial sectors.

 

Secondary buyouts and trade sales represented the most significant source of exit activity during the eleven month period.

 

EXIT REALISATIONS BY SECTOR
Consumer	30%
Information Technology	24%
Healthcare	22%
Industrials	10%
Financials	5%
Materials	3%
Others3	6%

 

EXIT REALISATIONS BY TYPE
Secondary Buyout	43%
Trade Sale	43%
IPO and Secondary Share Sale	11%
Refinancing and Recapitalisation	3%

 

³ The Others category includes exit realisations from Telecommunications (2%), Energy (2%), Utilities (1%), and Real Estate (1%).

 

 

CALLS IN THE ELEVEN MONTHS TO 31 MAY 2017

 

Calls on existing investments made during the eleven month period ranged across regions and sectors, including enterprise software, cloud-based data hosting, education, speciality pharmaceuticals, and energy investment companies.

 

Calls

 

Calls by Region and Stage

PIP paid £82m to finance calls on undrawn commitments during the eleven months to 31 May 2017.

 

The calls were predominantly made by managers in the buyout, special situations and growth segments, reflecting the focus of PIP's recent primary commitments.

 

CALLS BY REGION = £82m
USA	63%
Europe	21%
Asia & EM	8%
Global	8%

 

CALLS BY STAGE = £82m
Small/Mid Buyout	29%
Large/Mega Buyout	28%
Special Situations	20%
Growth	19%
Venture	3%
Generalist	1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarterly Call Rate¹

Quarterly call rates for the eleven month period were relatively stable at slightly above 20% on an annualised basis.

 

¹ Call rate equals calls in the period (annualised) divided by opening undrawn commitments. All call figures exclude the acquisition cost of new secondary and co-investment transactions.

 

Calls by Sector

Largest proportion of calls were for new investments made in the information technology and consumer sectors.

 

CALLS BY SECTOR = £82m
Information Technology	33%
Consumer	21%
Energy	13%
Industrials	10%
Healthcare	8%
Financials	7%
Telecommunication Services	4%
Materials	3%
Real Estate	1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW COMMITMENTS

 

PIP committed £291m to new investments during the eleven month period, mostly to buyout and special situations funds. £151m was drawn at the time of purchase.

 

New Commitments by Region

The majority of commitments made in the eleven month period were to US-focused private equity funds, reflecting greater investment opportunities in the region.

 

USA	67%
Europe	15%
Asia and EM	9%
Global	9%

 

New Commitments by Stage

A majority of new investments made in the eleven month period were to buyout funds.

 

Large/Mega Buyout	36%
Small/Mid Buyout	29%
Special Situations	21%
Growth	14%

 

New Commitments by Investment Type

Though the largest proportion of commitments was to secondaries, investment activity during the period reflects the continued attractive nature of co-investments and primaries.

 

Secondary	45%
Primary	32%
Co-Investment	23%

 

New Commitments by Vintage

Primaries and co-investments, which accounted for over half total commitments in the eleven months to 31 May 2017, offer exposure to more recent vintages.

 

2017	28%
2016	24%
2015	6%
2014	5%
2013	4%
2012	13%
2011	5%
2010	1%
2009	7%
2008 and earlier	7%

 

PIP committed £129m to six secondary transactions during the eleven months to 31 May 2017. In addition, PIP committed £94m to 12 primaries and £67m to 20 co-investments, which added current vintage exposure with high quality managers.

 

 

Secondary Commitments made in the eleven months to 31 May 2017¹

 

REGION	STAGE	DESCRIPTION	COMMITMENTS £M	% FUNDED2
Multiple	Multiple	Portfolio of North American small buyout funds	43.3	72%
USA	Large/Mega	North American large buyout fund focused on the retail, healthcare and oil industries	40.3	72%
Europe	Large/Mega	Global buyout fund focused on the financial services sector	6.8	100%
USA	Special Situations	Portfolio of North American energy-focused funds	14.0	94%
Europe	Large/Mega	Global buyout fund focused on the financial services sector	19.7	83%
Asia & EM	Large/Mega	Asian life insurance business	5.3	100%
TOTAL			129.4	79%

 

Primary Commitments in the eleven months to 31 May 2017

 

INVESTMENT	STAGE	DESCRIPTION	COMMITMENTS £M
Energy Minerals Group Fund IV	Special Situations	North American energy-focused fund	13.2
Veritas Capital Fund VI	Buyout	North American large buyout fund	12.0
IK VIII	Buyout	European mid market buyout	11.0
ABRY Senior Equity V	Special Situations	North American mezzanine fund focused on the media and communications sector	9.9
Oak HC/FT II	Growth	North American growth fund targeting investments in healthcare and financial technology	9.8
CVC Capital Partners VII	Buyout	European large buyout fund	9.6
Quantum Energy Partners VII	Special Situations	North American energy-focused fund	9.5
LYFE Capital Fund II	Growth	Growth fund focused on the healthcare sector in China	7.9
Arbor Investments IV	Buyout	North American mid market buyout fund focused on the food, beverage and packing industries	7.2
KKR Americas Fund XII	Buyout	North American mid market buyout	1.5
Riverstone Global Energy and Power Fund VI	Special Situations	North American energy fund	1.2
Clayton Dubilier & Rice X	Buyout	Global large buyout fund	1.0
TOTAL			93.8

 

¹ Funds acquired in new secondary transactions are not named due to non-disclosure agreements.

² The funding level does not include deferred payments.

 

Co-investments in the eleven months to 31 May 2017

The majority of co-investments were made to companies operating in the US and Europe across a variety of sectors.

 

BY SECTOR
Consumer	29%
Energy	18%
Healthcare	16%
Information Technology	12%
Other	25%

 

BY REGION
USA	67%
Europe	20%
Asia & EM	13%

 

 

OUTSTANDING COMMITMENTS

 

PIP's outstanding commitments¹ to fund investments are well-diversified by stage and geography and will enable the Company to participate in future investments with many of the highest quality fund managers in private equity worldwide. The Board and Manager keep the level of outstanding commitments under review so as not to exceed an amount that can be financed (comfortably) out of cash flows generated internally and for which the Company's liquid resources and unutilised bank facilities can provide sufficient cover in the event that distributions received from the portfolio slow down in adverse market conditions.

 

Analysis of Outstanding Commitments for eleven months to 31 May 2017

PIP's outstanding commitments to investments increased to £445m as at 31 May 2017 compared with £382m as at 30 June 2016. The Company paid calls of £82m and added £140m of outstanding commitments associated with new investments made in the eleven month period. Foreign exchange accounted for the remainder of the movement.

 

Geography

The US and Europe have the largest outstanding commitments, reflecting the Company's investment emphasis. Commitments to Asia and other regions provide access to faster-growing economies.

 

USA	58%
Europe	26%
Asia and EM	8%
Global	8%

 

Stage

PIP's undrawn commitments are diversified across the major stages, with an emphasis on small and mid-market buyout managers.

 

Small/Mid Buyout	35%
Large/Mega Buyout	30%
Growth	16%
Special Situations	16%
Venture	2%
Generalist	1%

 

Maturity

Approximately 26% of PIP's undrawn commitments are in the 2009 vintage or older where draw-downs may naturally occur at a slower pace. It is likely that a portion of these commitments will not be drawn.

 

The rise in 2016 and 2017 vintage undrawn commitments reflects PIP's recent primary commitment activity.

 

2017	14%
2016	28%
2015	18%
2014	6%
2013	4%
2012	3%
2009 - 2011	3%
2008	6%
2007	8%
2006	4%
2005 and earlier	6%

 

¹Capital committed to funds that to date remains undrawn.

 

FINANCE AND SHARE BUYBACKS

 

Finance

 

Cash and Available Bank Facility

At 31 May 2017, PIP had cash balances of £167.3m.

 

In addition to these cash balances, PIP can also finance investments out of its multi-currency revolving credit facility agreement ("Loan Facility"). An increase to the Loan Facility of £50m was agreed in October 2016. The Loan Facility is due to expire in November 2018 and comprises facilities of $138.8m and €66.6m which, using exchange rates at 31 May 2017, amount to a sterling equivalent of £165.5m. At 31 May 2017, the Loan Facility remained fully undrawn.

 

Undrawn Commitment Cover

At 31 May 2017, the Company had £332.8m of available financing, comprised of its cash balances and Loan Facility. The sum of PIP's available financing and private equity portfolio provide 3.5 times cover relative to undrawn commitments. When a fund is past its investment period, which is typically between five and six years, it generally cannot make any new investments and only draws capital to fund existing follow-on investments or to pay expenses. As a result, the rate of capital calls in these funds tends to slow dramatically. Over 25% of the Company's undrawn commitments are in fund vintages that are older than six years.

 

Share Buybacks

No share buybacks were completed in the eleven month period to 31 May 2017.

 

 

THE LARGEST 50 MANAGERS BY VALUE

 

Largest 50 Managers by Value as at 31 May 2017

 

NUMBER	MANAGER	REGION2	STAGE BIAS	% OF PIP'S TOTAL PRIVATE EQUITY ASSET VALUE1
1	Providence Equity Partners	USA	Buyout	6.0%
2	Texas Pacific Group	Global	Buyout	3.7%
3	Ares Management	USA	Buyout	3.1%
4	Baring Private Equity Asia	Asia	Venture and Growth	2.9%
5	Essex Woodlands	USA	Venture and Growth	2.4%
6	J.C. Flowers & Co	Global	Buyout	2.2%
7	Energy Minerals Group	USA	Special Situations	2.1%
8	Warburg Pincus Capital	Global	Generalist	2.1%
9	The Banc Funds Company	USA	Venture and Growth	1.7%
10	Quantum Energy Partners	USA	Special Situations	1.6%
11	EQT3	Asia	Buyout	1.4%
12	Growth Fund4	USA	Venture and Growth	1.3%
13	Yorktown Partners	USA	Special Situations	1.3%
14	MatlinPatterson Global Advisers	USA	Special Situations	1.2%
15	ABS Capital Partners	USA	Venture and Growth	1.2%
16	Shamrock Capital Advisors	USA	Buyout	1.2%
17	Apollo Advisors	USA	Buyout	1.2%
18	Apax Partners	Europe	Buyout	1.1%
19	Mid-Europa Partners	Europe	Buyout	1.1%
20	Wasserstein Management	USA	Buyout	1.1%
21	Kayne Anderson	Europe	Buyout	1.1%
22	Venture Fund 4	Europe	Venture and Growth	1.1%
23	IVF Advisors	Asia	Buyout	1.1%
24	KKR	Global	Buyout	1.0%
25	IK Investment Partners	USA	Special Situations	1.0%
26	Abris Capital	USA	Venture and Growth	1.0%
27	Lee Equity Partners	USA	Venture and Growth	0.9%
28	Gemini Capital	Europe	Venture and Growth	0.9%
29	Bridgepoint Partners	Europe	Buyout	0.9%
30	Altor Capital	Europe	Buyout	0.9%
31	Francisco Partners Management	USA	Buyout	0.9%
32	CVC Capital Partners Europe	Global	Buyout	0.8%
33	Apax Partners & Co	Europe	Buyout	0.8%
34	Baring Vostok Capital Partners	Asia	Venture and Growth	0.8%
35	ABRY Partners	USA	Buyout	0.8%
36	Brentwood Associates Private Equity	USA	Buyout	0.7%
37	Growth Fund4	USA	Venture and Growth	0.7%
38	HIG Capital	USA	Buyout	0.7%
39	Corsair Capital	Asia	Buyout	0.7%
40	KRG Capital Partners	USA	Buyout	0.7%
41	The Vistria Group	USA	Buyout	0.7%
42	Carlyle Group	Global	Generalist	0.7%
43	Summit Partners	Global	Generalist	0.6%
44	Clessidra Capital Partners	Europe	Buyout	0.6%
45	Equistone Partners Europe	Europe	Buyout	0.6%
46	Golden Gate Capital	USA	Buyout	0.6%
47	Vision Capital	Europe	Buyout	0.6%
48	TPG Asia	Asia	Buyout	0.6%
49	Lovell Minnick Equity Advisors	USA	Buyout	0.6%
50	Nordic Capital	Europe	Buyout	0.6%
COVERAGE OF PIP'S TOTAL PRIVATE EQUITY ASSET VALUE				63.6%

 

¹ Percentages look through feeders and funds-of-funds.

² Refers to the regional exposure of funds.

³ The majority of PIP's remaining investments in EQT is held in EQT Greater China II.

⁴ Confidential.

 

THE LARGEST 50 COMPANIES BY VALUE

 

Largest 50 Companies by Value as at 31 May 2017¹

 

NUMBER	MANAGER	REGION2	STAGE BIAS	% of PIP'S TOTAL PRIVATE  EQUITY ASSET VALUE
1	Western Gas Partners2,3	USA	Energy		1.2%
2	Biotoscana2	Colombia	Healthcare		1.0%
3	EUSA Pharma2	UK	Healthcare		0.9%
4	Abacus Data Systems2	USA	Information Technology		0.9%
5	LBX Pharmacy3	China	Consumer		0.9%
6	Atria Convergence Technologies2	India	Telecoms		0.8%
7	ALM Media2	USA	Consumer		0.8%
8	Centric Group2	USA	Consumer		0.8%
9	American Tire Distributors2	USA	Consumer		0.7%
10	Orangefield2	Netherlands	Industrials		0.7%
11	Apollo Education2	USA	Consumer		0.7%
12	ZeniMax Media	USA	Information Technology		0.7%
13	Extraction Oil & Gas2,3	USA	Energy		0.7%
14	Spotify	USA	Information Technology		0.6%
15	Tug Hill	USA	Energy		0.6%
16	Blackboard	USA	Information Technology		0.6%
17	StandardAero Business Aviation2	USA	Industrials		0.6%
18	Sivantos2	Singapore	Healthcare		0.6%
19	Applied Medical Resources2	USA	Healthcare		0.6%
20	GlobalTranz	USA	Industrials		0.6%
21	Vertical Bridge2	USA	Telecoms		0.6%
22	Salad Signature2	Belgium	Consumer		0.6%
23	Nord Anglia Education2,3	UK	Consumer		0.5%
24	CalAtlantic Group 3,4	USA	Consumer		0.5%
25	Isituto Centrale delle Banche Popolari	Italy	Financials		0.5%
26	Recorded Books2	USA	Consumer		0.5%
27	Confidential	Mexico	Financials		0.4%
28	Alarm.Com3, 4	USA	Information Technology		0.4%
29	IMS Health	USA	Healthcare		0.4%
30	Ista International2	Germany	Information Technology		0.4%
31	Alliant Insurance2	USA	Financials		0.4%
32	Verimatrix	USA	Information Technology		0.4%
33	Confidential2	USA	Information Technology		0.4%
34	Confidential	USA	Information Technology		0.4%
35	GE Capital Services India2	India	Financials		0.4%
36	ILX2	USA	Energy		0.4%
37	Neiman Marcus2	USA	Consumer		0.4%
38	LogicMonitor	USA	Information Technology		0.4%
39	Consilio2	USA	Information Technology		0.4%
40	RightPoint Consulting2	USA	Industrials		0.4%
41	Burning Glass	USA	Information Technology		0.4%
42	GTS	Brazil	Information Technology		0.4%
43	McGraw-Hill Education	USA	Consumer		0.4%
44	CPL Industries	UK	Energy		0.3%
45	Clayton Williams Energy4	USA	Energy		0.3%
46	Flagstar Bancorp	USA	Financials		0.3%
47	Big River Industries	USA	Materials		0.3%
48	Profi Rom Food	Romania	Consumer		0.3%
49	Targa Resources2,3	USA	Energy		0.3%
50	Ministry Brands	USA	Information Technology		0.3%
COVERAGE OF PIP'S NET ASSET VALUE					27.1%

 

The information presented herein has not been prepared or reviewed by the respective general partners, partnerships, managers, or sponsors (as the case may be) of the respective transactions.

 

¹ The largest 50 companies table is based upon underlying company valuations at 31 December 2016, adjusted for known calls, distributions, new investment commitments and post valuation information.

² Co-investments / directs.

³ Listed companies.

⁴ Liquidation event post 31 May 2017.

 

THE DIRECTORS

 

The Directors in office at the date of this report are:

 

Sir Laurie Magnus* (Chairman)

Ian Barby* (Audit Committee Chairman)

Susannah Nicklin* (Senior Independent Director)

David Melvin*

Rhoddy Swire

John Burgess*

John Singer*

 

* Independent of the Manager

 

EXTRACTS FROM THE DIRECTORS' REPORT

 

Share Capital

As at 31 May 2017 and as at the date of this Report, the Company had shares in issue as shown in the table below, all of which were admitted to the official list maintained by the FCA and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange. No shares were held in treasury at the period end.

 

During the period, there were no purchases of ordinary or redeemable shares made by the Company.

 

Share capital and voting rights at 31 May 2017	NUMBER OF SHARES IN ISSUE	VOTING RIGHTS ATTACHED TO EACH SHARE	NUMBER OF SHARES HELD  IN TREASURY	% OF TOTAL VOTING RIGHTS REPRESENTED BY EACH CLASS
ORDINARY SHARES AT £0.67 EACH	33,062,013	1	-	100
REDEEMABLE SHARES AT £0.01 EACH	30,297,534	-	-	-
TOTAL VOTING RIGHTS	33,062,013	-	-	-

 

Going Concern

The Company's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position, including its financial position, are set out in the Strategic Report and Manager's Review.

 

At each Board meeting, the Directors review the Company's latest management accounts and other financial information. Its commitments to private equity investments are reviewed, together with its financial resources, including cash held and the Company's borrowing capability. One-year cash flow scenarios are also presented to each meeting and discussed.

 

After due consideration of the Balance Sheet and activities of the Company and the Company's assets, liabilities, commitments and financial resources, the Directors have concluded that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operation for at least 12 months from the approval of the financial statements. For this reason, they consider it appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

 

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice ("UK GAAP"). Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

 

Ø select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 

Ø make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

 

Ø state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departure disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

 

Ø prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.

 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006.

 

The Directors are responsible for ensuring that the Strategic Report, Directors' Report and other information in the Annual Report is prepared in accordance with company law in the United Kingdom, and that the Annual Report includes information required by the Listing Rules of the FCA. They also have responsibility for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

 

The Directors consider that the Annual Report, and financial statements taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the necessary information for shareholders to assess the Company's position and performance, business model and strategy.

 

The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

 

Ø the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK accounting standards and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and return of the Company; and

 

Ø the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.

 

On behalf of the Board

SIR LAURIE MAGNUS

Chairman

7 August 2017

 

 

NON-STATUTORY ACCOUNTS

The financial information set out below does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the period ended 31 May 2017 and 30 June 2016 but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 2016 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies, and those for 2017 will be delivered in due course. The Auditors have reported on those accounts; their report was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the Auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and (iii) did not contain a statement under Section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The text of the Auditors' report can be found in the Company's full Annual Report and financial statements at www.piplc.com.