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North Atlantic Smaller Companies Invesment Trust PLC

Interim / Quarterly Report Sep 30, 2025

5189_ir_2025-09-30_f55ec67a-03a4-4c6f-8605-0e2058edb44b.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

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North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc

Half-Yearly Report for the six months ended 31 July 2025

Front Cover: 'The Battle of Navarino, 20 October 1827' (George Philip Reinagle) © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Fund

Registered in England and Wales number 1091347

objective of the company and financial highlights

North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc is a company incorporated and registered in England and Wales.

The objective of the Company is to provide capital appreciation through investment in a portfolio of smaller companies principally based in countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean.

31 July 31 January
2025 2025 %
(unaudited) (audited) Change
Net asset value ("NAV") per 0.5p Ordinary Share*:
Basic and diluted
565.4p 539.7p‡ 4.8
Basic and diluted adjusted# 594.3p 574.0p‡ 3.5
Market price of the 0.5p Ordinary Shares 393.0p 375.0p‡ 4.8
Discount to net asset value 30.5% 30.5%
Discount to adjusted net asset value 33.9% 34.7%
Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index† 4,794.2 4,850.3 (1.2)
Russell 2000 Index† 1,672.6 1,836.9 (8.9)
Ongoing charges (annualised) 1.2% 1.1%
  • * Includes current period revenue.
  • Adjusted to reflect Oryx International Growth Fund plc ("Oryx") under the equity method of accounting, which is how the Company previously accounted for its share of Oryx, prior to the adoption of IFRS 10. This is useful to the shareholder as it shows the NAV based on valuing Oryx at NAV. See note 6.

† Sterling adjusted.

‡ Restated for the sub-division of each Ordinary Share into 10 new Ordinary Shares, approved at the AGM held on 12 June 2025 and completed on 13 June 2025.

chief executive's review

During the six months period under review the total return to
shareholders, adjusting for the payment of the dividend, was 4.8% as
compared to a fall in the Sterling adjusted Standard & Poors Index of
1.2%. Performance of the indices, and to a lesser extent the fall, was
adversely impacted by the weakness of the Dollar which fell by 6.1%
relative to Sterling during the period.
The company generated an income profit for the period of £8,522,000
which compares favourably with the corresponding period last year
of £8,076,000 despite lower rates and a weaker Dollar. Consistent with
prior years, no dividend is being declared until the outcome of the
year becomes clearer. However, based on my current expectations,
it is anticipated that the dividend in respect of the current year will
approximate the dividend paid in respect of the 2025 fiscal year,
adjusted for the stock split following the Annual General Meeting.
The company purchased 700,000 shares (adjusted for the stock split)
for cancellation during the period. The shares were purchased at a
discount to net asset value of circa 30% and will therefore benefit all
long-term shareholders. It is expected that further purchases will be
made over the next six months.
quoted portfolio The period under review saw very considerable volatility, not least
because of the volatile and sometimes contradictory nature of US
President Trump.
It is therefore encouraging that the fund's largest investment, Oryx
International Growth, saw an increase in it's net asset value of just
over 9% during the period under review. Sadly, Odyssean performed
less well rising by only 1%, adversely impacted by its exposure to
industrial businesses which have borne the full weight of Trump's
tariffs and the weakness of the Dollar.
Stocks held directly were mixed but overall performance was assisted
by the decision to increase exposure to UK equities in April when
valuations were depressed as a result of Trump's 'Liberation Day'.

chief executive's review (continued)

uk quoted portfolio Assetco performed well rising by 15% following their decision to hive off the Parmenion holding into a separate legal entity. Carr's Group rose by around 20% as a result of the sale of its nuclear business and a tender offer which reduced the number of shares outstanding by circa 45%. EKF rose by 20% following good results and a share buyback. Frenkel Topping also performed well following a bid from a consortium of which the Trust is a member. The Trust's largest holding, Hargreaves Services, rose 18% following good results and the stand-out performer was Pinewood which rose 40% following significant new contract wins and the buyout of the United States joint venture.

Sadly, two of our larger holdings performed very disappointingly. Gleeson fell by 20% as the Labour Party's chaotic housing policy has led to difficulties across the whole sector. The greater disappointment however was Conduit Reinsurance which despite a very benign insurance market managed to lose money in the twelve months to end June 2025. The shares fell circa 33% and now trade at a 40% discount to the end December estimate of the net asset value. A shareholder activist has recently targeted the company so I am hopeful that I can report more positive news in the forthcoming Annual Report.

united states Mountain Commerce, the only listed holding, reported good news
portfolio and increased its dividend by 40%. Notwithstanding this, the stock
in Sterling adjusted terms fell by 13%, although given the small size
of the holding the impact on the fund was immaterial.

chief executive's review (continued)

unquoted portfolio One new investment was made during the period, Benchmark Holdings, which delisted from the market. We rejected an offer of 25p as we felt this materially undervalued the business which we believe will return more than 40 pence per share within two years including an 8 pence per share return of capital no later than end November this year.

As to the individual investments:

Coventbridge – the company is performing well and is substantially in excess of last year and budget.

3BL Media – The company has suffered some client losses due to Trump's attack on woke businesses. As the largest distributor of ESG strategies for major corporations, it has seen cancellation and postponement of some major contracts. The company is right sizing to deal with these issues" but it was necessary to write down the investment by 50% during the period.

Spring – The company manufactures drugs for the NHS and the private hospital industry. Trading in the current year has recovered from what now looks like a temporary blip in 2024. It is expected that the company will be put up for sale in early 2026 and we are hopeful that we will receive a good premium to the current valuation.

Journey Group – The company provides catering services to the airline industry in the US. The business is performing well winning new customers and has minimal debt.

SMT – The company distributes hard to get components mainly for the US military. Trading has recovered from the disappointing performance last year but the core business remains challenging.

Specialist Components – The company distributes parts in the UK. Trading conditions are improving with some good recent contract wins. The company is in discussion with two parties which may lead to its acquisition, although the price is likely to be only in line with the current valuation.

chief executive's review (continued)

Source Bioscience – The company which is the leading digital
pathology business in the UK is performing very strongly with
operating results considerably ahead of last year and budget. The
outlook for next year is also very good which bodes well for a
successful exit in the medium term.
Crest – The company manufactures specialty food ingredients and
food with a significant packaging division. The fiscal year just ended
was significantly ahead of budget and the outlook for the current
year is for further growth. Recently a number of large long-term
contracts have been won which bodes extremely well for fiscal 2027.
Other businesses held within the unquoted funds are all trading
satisfactorily with no adverse news anticipated.
outlook The UK stock market has been volatile with the best performance
coming from the major international businesses and banks. Smaller
companies continue to face headwinds as fund managers experience
redemptions and brutal price falls if expectations are missed even
only marginally.
The unquoted portfolio suffers from indigestion across the unlisted
sector with exits becoming harder to achieve as public markets view
private equity IPO's with (well founded) suspicion.
The Trust's liquidity fell from approximately £70m to £51m during
the period as we took advantage of the weak equity market in April.
Looking to the balance of the year, we are hopeful that a number of
corporate events, both in the quoted and unquoted portfolios, will
enable us to maintain the momentum of the first half.
C H B Mills
Chief Executive
29 September 2025

top ten investments

as at 31 July 2025

Company Fair
value
£'000
% of
net assets
Oryx International Growth Fund Limited* UK Quoted 100,688 13.5
Hargreaves Services Plc UK Quoted on AIM 49,609 6.7
Crest Foods US Unquoted 38,030 5.1
Harwood Private Equity Fund V LP UK Unquoted 37,185 5.0
Polar Capital Holdings Plc UK Quoted on AIM 33,285 4.5
TP ICAP Group plc UK Quoted 30,650 4.1
US Treasury Bills US Treasury Stock 29,878 4.0
EKF Diagnostics Holdings Plc UK Quoted on AIM 29,478 4.0
Odyssean Investment Trust Plc UK Quoted 25,680 3.5
Niox Group Plc UK Quoted on AIM 24,570 3.3
399,053 53.7

* Traded Price under IFRS10, incorporated in Guernsey.

All investments are valued at fair value.

interim management report

The objective of North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust
PLC is to provide capital appreciation to its shareholders through
investing in a portfolio of smaller companies which are principally
based in countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean.
There were no material events during the period.
There were no material transactions during the period.
The principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months
of the year continue to be as described in the Annual Report for the
year ended 31 January 2025. The principal risks arising from the
Company's financial instruments are market price risk, including
currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk, liquidity risk
and credit risk. The Directors review and agree policies with the
Investment Manager, Harwood Capital, for managing these risks.
The policies have remained substantially unchanged in the six
months since the year end.
The Company does not have any significant exposure to credit risk
arising from any one individual party. Credit risk is spread across
a number of counterparties, each having an immaterial effect on
the Company's cash flows, should a default happen. The Company
assesses the credit worthiness of its debtors from time to time to
ensure that they are neither past due or impaired.
To support its investment in unquoted companies, the Company
may periodically agree to guarantee all or part of the borrowings
of investee companies. Provision is made for any costs that may be
incurred when the Directors consider it likely that the guarantee
will crystallise.
The Company's exposure to market price risk comprises mainly
movements in the value of the Company's investments. It should
be noted that the prices of options tend to be more volatile than
the prices of the underlying securities. The Manager assesses the
exposure to market risk when making each investment decision
and monitors the overall level of market risk on the whole of the
investment portfolio on an ongoing basis.

interim management report (continued)

The functional and presentational currency of the Company is Sterling, and therefore, the Company's principal exposure to foreign currency risk comprises investments priced in other currencies, principally US Dollars.

The Company invests in equities and other investments that are realisable.

related parties These are listed in note 9 to the half yearly condensed financial transactions statements on page 25.

On behalf of the Board

Sir Charles Wake Chairman

29 September 2025

responsibility statement

The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that:

  • The condensed set of financial statements contained within this half yearly financial report have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard ("IAS") 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' in conformity with the requirement of the Companies Act 2006 and gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Company; and
  • The half yearly financial report includes a fair review of the information required by the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rule 4.2.7R being disclosure of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year, their impact on the condensed set of financial statements and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and
  • The half yearly financial report includes a fair review of the information required by the Disclosure and Transparency Rule 4.2.8R being disclosure of related party transactions during the first six months of the financial year, how they have materially affected the financial position of the Company during the period and any changes therein.

The half yearly financial report was approved by the Board on 29 September 2025 and the above responsibility statement was signed on its behalf by:

Sir Charles Wake Chairman

29 September 2025

Year ended 31 January 2025 (audited)

condensed statement of comprehensive income (unaudited)

Six months ended
31 July
2025
Six months ended
31 July
2024
Revenue
£'000
Capital
£'000
Total
£'000
Revenue
£'000
Capital
£'000
Total
£'000
Income
Net gains on investments at
12,962 12,962 12,416 12,416
fair value
Currency exchange (losses)/gains

37,867
(103)
37,867
(103)

55,123
81
55,123
81
total income 12,962 37,764 50,726 12,416 55,204 67,620
Expenses
Investment management
fee (note 9)
Other expenses
(3,794)
(641)
(1,982)
(18)
(5,776)
(659)
(3,629)
(699)

(3,629)
(699)
return before taxation 8,527 35,764 44,291 8,088 55,204 63,292
Taxation (5) (5) (12) (12)
return for the period 8,522 35,764 44,286 8,076 55,204 63,280
earnings per ordinary share (note 5)
Basic and diluted*
33.57p 47.25p

The total column of the condensed statement is the Statement of Comprehensive Income of the Company, prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards. The supplementary revenue and capital columns are presented in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice issued by the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC SORP").

All items in the above Statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued in the period.

* In accordance with IAS 33 'Earnings per Share', the comparative return per Ordinary Share figures have been restated using the new number of shares in issue following the ten for one share split. For weighted average purposes, the share split has been treated as happening on the first day of the accounting period. See note 5 for further details.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.

condensed statement of comprehensive income (unaudited) (continued)

Year ended
31 January
2025
(audited)
Total Capital Revenue
£'000 £'000 £'000
Income
Net gains on investments at
23,655 23,655
fair value 26,724 26,724
Currency exchange (losses)/gains 154 154
total income 50,533 26,878 23,655
Expenses
Investment management
fee (note 9) (7,258) (7,258)
Other expenses (1,344) (1,344)
return before taxation 41,931 26,878 15,053
Taxation (11) (11)
return for the period 41,920 26,878 15,042
earnings per ordinary share (note 5)
Basic and diluted
31.47p

condensed statement of changes in equity (unaudited)

Share
capital
£'000
Capital
redemption
reserve
£'000
Share
premium
£'000
six months ended 31 July 2025
31 January 2025
Total comprehensive income for the period
661
209
1,301
Shares purchased for cancellation (4) 4
Dividend
31 July 2025 657 213 1,301
six months ended 31 July 2024
31 January 2024 673 197 1,301
Total comprehensive income for the period
Shares purchased for cancellation (9) 9
Dividend
31 July 2024 664 206 1,301
year ended 31 January 2025 (audited)
31 January 2024 673 197 1,301
Total comprehensive income for the year
Shares purchased for cancellation (12) 12
Dividend
31 January 2025 661 209 1,301

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.

condensed statement of changes in equity (unaudited) (continued)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.

Capital redemption reserve £'000

Capital Revenue
reserve
£'000
reserve
£'000
Total
£'000
six months ended 31 July 2025
687,595 23,738 713,504 31 January 2025
35,764 8,522 44,286 Total comprehensive income for the period
(2,681) (2,681) Shares purchased for cancellation
(11,628) (11,628) Dividend
720,678 20,632 743,481 31 July 2025
six months ended 31 July 2024
670,168 17,891 690,230 31 January 2024
55,204 8,076 63,280 Total comprehensive income for the period
(6,986) (6,986) Shares purchased for cancellation
(9,195) (9,195) Dividend
718,386 16,772 737,329 31 July 2024
year ended 31 January 2025 (audited)
670,168 17,891 690,230 31 January 2024
26,878 15,042 41,920 Total comprehensive income for the year
(9,451) (9,451) Shares purchased for cancellation
(9,195) (9,195) Dividend
687,595 23,738 713,504 31 January 2025

condensed balance sheet (unaudited)

As at
As at As at 31 January
31 July 31 July 2025
2025 2024 (audited)
£'000 £'000 £'000
non-current assets
Investments at fair value through profit or loss 713,677 700,544 695,418
713,677 700,544 695,418
current assets
Trade and other receivables 11,450 9,231 6,365
Cash and cash equivalents 21,397 28,149 17,310
32,847 37,380 23,675
total assets 746,524 737,924 719,093
current liabilities
Trade and other payables (3,043) (595) (5,589)
total liabilities (3,043) (595) (5,589)
total assets less current liabilities 743,481 737,329 713,504
net assets 743,481 737,329 713,504
represented by:
Share capital 657 664 661
Capital redemption reserve 213 206 209
Share premium account 1,301 1,301 1,301
Capital reserve 720,678 718,386 687,595
Revenue reserve 20,632 16,772 23,738
total equity attributable to equity holders of
the company 743,481 737,329 713,504
net asset value per ordinary share (note 6):
Basic and diluted* 565.4p 555.1p 539.7p

* Figures for July 2024 and January 2025 restated for a 10 for 1 share split.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.

condensed cash flow statement (unaudited)

Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
31 July 31 July 31 January
2025 2024 2025
£'000 £'000 £'000
cash flows from operating activities
Investment income received 8,285 7,173 17,545
Deposit interest received 4 719 897
Interest received from money market funds 121 474
Investment Manager's fees and performance fees paid (3,811) (3,636) (7,265)
Other cash payments (814) (870) (1,469)
cash received from operations (note 7) 3,785 3,386 10,182
Taxation paid (5) (12) (11)
net cash inflow from operating activities 3,780 3,374 10,171
cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of investments (137,175) (158,833) (389,154)
Sales of investments 151,914 190,162 405,276
net cash inflow from investing activities 14,739 31,329 16,122
cash flows from financing activities
Dividend paid (11,628) (9,195) (9,195)
Repurchase of ordinary shares for cancellation (2,681) (6,985) (9,451)
net cash outflow from financing activities (14,309) (16,180) (18,646)
increase in cash and cash equivalents for
the period 4,210 18,523 7,647
cash and cash equivalents at the start of
the period 17,310 9,203 9,203
Revaluation of foreign currency balances (123) 423 460
cash and cash equivalents at the end of
the period 21,397 28,149 17,310

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.

notes to the financial statements (unaudited)

1. a) basis of accounting

North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc is a company incorporated and registered in England and Wales. The principal activity of the Company is that of an investment trust company within the meaning of Sections 1158/1159 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010.

The condensed financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard ("IAS") 34 – "Interim Financial Reporting". The accounting policies and methods of computation followed in these half-yearly condensed financial statements are consistent with the most recent annual financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2025 included in the Annual Report.

The financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with the AIC SORP for the financial statements of investment trust companies and venture capital trusts, except to any extent where it is not consistent with the requirements of IFRS.

The financial information contained in this Half-Yearly Report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the periods ended 31 July 2025 and 31 July 2024 have not been audited or reviewed by the Company's Auditor. The figure and financial information for the year ended 31 January 2025 are an extract from the latest published audited financial statements, which have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The report of the Auditor on those financial statements was unqualified and did not contain a statement under either Section 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

b) functional currency

The functional currency of the Company is Pounds Sterling because this is the primary economic currency in which the Company operates. The financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling rounded to the nearest thousand, except where otherwise indicated.

c) significant accounting policies

The accounting policies applied are consistent with those of the Annual Financial Report for the year ended 31 January 2025. Since the year end no new standards have been adopted.

d) accounting developments

In the current period, the Company has applied a number of amendments to IFRS, issued by the IASB mandatorily effective for an accounting period that begins on or after 1 January 2025. These include annual improvements to IFRS, changes in standards, legislative and regulatory amendments, changes in disclosure and presentation requirements. The adoption of these has not had any material impact on these condensed financial statements.

e) segmental reporting

The Directors are of the opinion that the Company is engaged in a single segment of business, being investment business. The Company invests in smaller companies principally based in countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean.

f) going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and on the basis that approval as an investment trust company will continue to be met. The Directors have made an assessment of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and are satisfied that the Company has the resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future, being a period of 12 months from the date when these financial statements were approved. The Directors are of the view that the Company can meet its obligations as and when they fall due. The cash and US treasury bills available enables the Company to meet any funding requirements and finance future additional investments. The Company is a closed-end fund, where assets are not required to be liquidated to meet day-today redemptions.

2. investment management and performance fees

A Performance Fee is only payable if the investment portfolio, including Oryx at the adjusted price, outperforms the Sterling adjusted Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index at the end of each financial year and is limited to a maximum payment of 0.5% of Shareholders' Funds, and is allocated 100% to capital.

An amount would be included in these financial statements for the Performance Fee that could be payable based on investment performance to 31 July 2025. At that date, a Performance Fee of £1,982,000, inclusive of VAT, has been accrued for in the accounts (31 July 2024: £nil; 31 January 2025: £nil).

Further details of fees paid to the investment manager can be found in Note 9, Related Party transactions.

3. taxation

The Company has an effective tax rate of 0%. The estimated effective tax rate is 0% as investment gains are exempt from tax owing to the Company's status as an Investment Trust and there is expected to be an excess of management expenses over taxable income and thus there is no charge for corporation tax.

During the half year to 31 July 2025, the Company recognised a total charge of £5,000 (half year to 31 July 2024: £12,000, year ended 31 January 2025: £11,000), representing irrecoverable withholding tax paid on overseas investment income.

notes to the financial statements (unaudited) (continued)

4. dividends

For the year ended 31 January 2025, the Board declared an interim dividend of 8.80p per Ordinary share (31 January 2024: 6.85p) which was paid on 8 April 2025. This value is restated from 88.0p (31 January 2024: 68.5p) due to the 10 for 1 share split. For the year end 31 January 2025, no final dividend was proposed (31 January 2024: nil).

5. earnings per ordinary share

Revenue Capital
Net
return
£'000
Ordinary
Shares
Per
Share
pence
Net
return
£'000
Ordinary
Shares
Per
Share
pence
six months ended 31 July 2025
Basic and diluted return
per Share 8,522 131,933,406 6.46 35,764 131,933,406 27.11
six months ended 31 July 2024
Basic and diluted return
per Share 8,076 133,921,210* 6.03* 55,204 133,921,210* 41.22*
year ended 31 January 2025
Basic and diluted return
per Share
15,042 133,221,580* 11.29* 26,878 133,221,580* 20.18*

Basic earnings per Ordinary Share has been calculated using the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the period.

* Figures for July 2024 and January 2025 restated for a 10 for 1 share split.

  1. dividends

  2. earnings per ordinary share

Ordinary Shares in issue during the period.

* Figures for July 2024 and January 2025 restated for a 10 for 1 share split.

For the year ended 31 January 2025, the Board declared an interim dividend of 8.80p per Ordinary share (31 January 2024: 6.85p) which was paid on 8 April 2025. This value is restated from 88.0p (31 January 2024: 68.5p) due to the 10 for 1 share split. For the year end

Basic earnings per Ordinary Share has been calculated using the weighted average number of

31 January 2025, no final dividend was proposed (31 January 2024: nil).

5. earnings per ordinary share (continued)

Total
Per Share
pence
Ordinary
Shares
Net
return
£'000
six months ended 31 July 2025
Basic and diluted return
per Share
33.57 131,933,406 44,286
six months ended 31 July 2024
Basic and diluted return
per Share
47.25* 133,921,210* 63,280
year ended 31 January 2025
Basic and diluted return
per Share
31.47* 133,221,580* 41,920

Basic earnings per Ordinary Share has been calculated using the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the period.

* Figures for July 2024 and January 2025 restated for a 10 for 1 share split.

6. net asset value per ordinary share

At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 12 June 2025, shareholders approved a resolution for a ten for one share split such that each shareholder would receive ten shares with a nominal value of 0.5 pence each for every one share held. These new shares were listed on 13 June 2025.

The basic net asset value per Ordinary Share is based on net assets of £743,481,000 (31 July 2024: £737,329,000; 31 January 2025: £713,504,000) and on 131,500,000 Ordinary Shares (31 July 2024: 132,833,380; 31 January 2025: 132,200,000) being the number of Ordinary Shares in issue at the period end. Figures for July 2024 and January 2025 restated for a 10 for 1 share split.

During the period to 31 July 2025, the Company bought back for cancellation 33,751 shares prior to the share split and 362,490 shares post share split, for a total cost including stamp duty of £2,681,000 (31 July 2024: 178,237 shares bought back for cancellation at a cost, including stamp duty of £6,986,000; 31 January 2025: 241,575 shares at a cost, including stamp duty of £9,451,000). Figures for July 2024 and January 2025 are prior to the share split.

adjustment for Oryx

The Company has also reported an adjusted net asset value per share using equity accounting, in accordance with its previous method of valuing its investment in Oryx. The Company has chosen to report this net asset value per share to show the difference derived if equity accounting were to be used. Equity accounting permits the use of net asset value pricing for listed assets which in the case of Oryx is higher than its fair value.

The values of Oryx, as at each period end, are as follows:

31 July 2025
£'000
31 July 2024
£'000
31 January 2025
£'000
Oryx at fair value (traded price) 100,688 106,249 81,750
Oryx value using equity accounting 138,675 134,831 127,125
Increase in net assets using equity accounting 37,987 28,582 45,375

6. net asset value per ordinary share (continued)

31 July 2025 31 July 2024 31 January 2025
Net asset value per Share
– Basic and diluted
565.4p 555.1p* 539.7p*
Net asset value per Share adjusted
– Basic and diluted
594.3p 576.6p* 574.0p*

* Figures for July 2024 and January 2025 restated for a 10 for 1 share split.

7. reconciliation of total return before taxation to cash received from operations

Six months
ended
31 July
2025
£'000
Six months
ended
31 July
2024
£'000
Year
ended
31 January
2025
£'000
Total return before taxation 44,291 63,292 41,931
Gains
on investments and currency
(37,764) (55,204) (26,878)
Income reinvested (133) (3,275)
Increase in trade and other receivables (5,085) (4,493) (1,628)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 2,343 (76) 32
Cash received from operations 3,785 3,386 10,182

8. investments

financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

This requires the Company to classify fair value measurements using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:

  • Level 1 Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
  • Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices).
  • Level 3 Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorised in its entirety is determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

For this purpose, the significance of an input is assessed against the fair value measurement in its entirety. If a fair value measurement uses observable inputs that require significant adjustment based on unobservable inputs, that measurement is a Level 3 measurement. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgement, considering factors specific to the asset or liability.

The determination of what constitutes 'observable' requires significant judgement by the Company. The Company considers observable data from investments actively traded in organised financial markets; fair value is generally determined by reference to Stock Exchange quoted market bid prices at the close of business on the Balance Sheet date, without adjustment for transaction costs necessary to realise the asset.

8. investments (continued)

financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (continued)

The table below sets out fair value measurements as at the period end, by the level in the fair value hierarchy into which the fair value measurement is categorised.

as at 31 July 2025

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Equity shares 629,974 503,975 125,999
Preference securities 14,586 14,586
Fixed interest/loan note securities 39,239 39,239
Treasury Bills 29,878 29,878
Total 713,677 533,853 179,824
as at 31 July 2024
Total
£'000
Level 1
£'000
Level 2
£'000
Level 3
£'000
Equity shares 581,175 478,796 102,379
Preference securities 15,027 15,027
Fixed interest/loan note securities 40,247 40,247
Treasury Bills 64,095 64,095
Total 700,544 542,891 157,653
as at 31 January 2025
Total
£'000
Level 1
£'000
Level 2
£'000
Level 3
£'000
Equity shares 563,595 453,148 110,447

Preference securities 15,533 – – 15,533 Fixed interest/loan note securities 49,845 – – 49,845 Treasury Bills 66,445 66,445 – – Total 695,418 519,593 – 175,825

8. investments (continued)

reconciliation of level 3 movement – financial assets

at 31 July 2025

Total
£'000
Equity
investments
£'000
Preference
share
investments
£'000
Fixed interest
investments
£'000
Opening fair value at 31 January
2025 175,825 110,447 15,533 49,845
Purchases 7,647 5,328 2,319
Sales (7,491) (7,491)
Transfer from level 1 7,500 7,500
Total gains/(losses) included in gains
on investments in the statement
of comprehensive income:

on assets sold

on assets held at the end of
8 8
the period (3,665) 2,724 (947) (5,442)
Closing fair value 179,824 125,999 14,586 39,239

unquoted at directors' estimate of fair value

Unquoted investments are valued in accordance with the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation ("IPEV") Guidelines. Their valuation incorporates all factors that market participants would consider in setting a price. The primary valuation techniques employed to value the unquoted investments are earnings multiples, recent transactions and the net asset basis. Valuations in local currency are translated into Sterling at the exchange rate ruling on the Balance Sheet date.

Included within the Statement of Comprehensive Income as at 31 July 2025, is a loss of £3,665,000 relative to the movement in the fair value of the unquoted investments valued using IPEV valuation techniques.

the valuation techniques applied are based on the following assumptions:

Unquoted investments are usually valued by reference to the valuation multiples of similar listed companies or from transactions of similar businesses. Where appropriate discounts are then applied to those comparable multiples to reflect differences in size and liquidity. These enterprise values are then adjusted for net debt to arrive at an equity valuation. Where companies are in compliance with the loan note terms these loans are generally held at par plus accrued interest (where applicable) unless the enterprise value suggests that the debt cannot be recovered.

9. related party transactions

There have been no changes to the related party arrangements or transactions as reported in the Statutory Annual Financial Report for the year ended 31 January 2025.

The Administrator, North Atlantic Investment Services Limited ("NAIS") is regarded as a related party of the Company. The amounts incurred by NAIS and Growth Financial Services Limited ("GFS") in respect of investment management for the period are as follows:

Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
31 July 31 July 31 January
2025 2024 2025
£'000 £'000 £'000
Fees due to
NAIS
2,276 2,177 4,355
Fees due to GFS 1,518 1,452 2,903
Performance fee 1,943
Irrecoverable VAT thereon 39
5,776 3,629 7,258

At 31 July 2025, £379,000 was payable to NAIS in respect of outstanding management fees (31 July 2024: £363,000, 31 January 2025: £363,000). At 31 July 2025, there was £1,943,000 payable to GFS in respect of outstanding performance fees (31 July 2024: £nil, 31 January 2025: £nil) net of VAT.

Fees paid to Directors, for the six months ended 31 July 2025 amounted to £109,000 (six months ended 31 July 2024: £109,000; year ended 31 January 2025: £218,000).

At 31 July 2025, £18,000 was payable to Directors in respect of outstanding fees (31 July 2024: £18,000, 31 January 2025 £18,000).

10. post balance sheet events

Since the period end and up to 26 September 2025, the Company has bought back 225,000 shares for an aggregate consideration of £855,000.

shareholder information

financial calendar Announcement of results and annual report
Annual General Meeting
Half Yearly figures announced
Half Yearly Report posted
May
June
September
September
share price The Company's market share price is quoted daily in the Financial
Times appearing under "Investment Companies".
It also appears on:
SEAQ Ordinary Shares:
Trustnet:
NAS
www.trustnet.com
net asset value Company's website:
www.nascit.co.uk
The latest net asset value of the Company can be found on the
share dealing Investors wishing to purchase more Ordinary Shares or dispose of
all or part of their holding may do so through a stockbroker. Many
banks also offer this service.
The Company's registrars are MUFG Corporate Markets. If you have
a question about your shareholding in the Company you should
contact: MUFG Corporate Markets, Central Square, 29 Wellington
Street, Leeds LS1 4DL, by email: [email protected].
mufg.com, or by telephone 0371 664 0300 and +44 (0) 371 664 0300
(international).
writing at: Changes of name or address must be notified to the registrars in
MUFG Corporate Markets
Central Square
29 Wellington Street
Leeds LS1 4DL

directors and advisers

Directors

Sir Charles Wake (Chairman) Christopher Mills (Chief Executive) Professor Fiona Gilbert Lord Howard of Rising G Walter Loewenbaum Peregrine Moncreiffe Julian Fagge

Administrator

North Atlantic Investment Services Limited (Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) 6 Stratton Street Mayfair London W1J 8LD Telephone: 020 7640 3200

Financial Adviser and Stockbroker

Winterflood Investment Trusts Riverbank House 2 Swan Lane London EC4R 3GA

Registered Office

6 Stratton Street Mayfair London W1J 8LD Telephone: 020 7640 3200

Registrars

MUFG Corporate Markets Central Square 29 Wellington Street Leeds LS1 4DL

Auditors

RSM UK Audit LLP 25 Farringdon Street London EC4A 4AB

Company Secretary

Ben Harber 31 Orchard Avenue Woodham Addlestone Surrey KT15 3EA

notes

Front Cover: 'The Battle of Navarino, 20 October 1827' (George Philip Reinagle) © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Fund

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