Mercia’s FY19 results reflect continued progress across the portfolio, with the company in good shape for further growth. Net assets rose 2% to £126.1m, but FUM fell 5% to £381m due to the winding up of the successful RisingStars Growth Fund (15% IRR, TVPI of 528%). The direct investment portfolio increased to £87.7m, with £19.4m of cash invested in 17 companies, as well as £3.9m of fair value uplift. Mercia remains well positioned for further progress in FY20 with key portfolio companies strategically well placed, together with firepower from the group’s £168m of free cash and £30m of unrestricted balance sheet cash. The shares continue to trade at a significant discount to NAV (0.77x), even before considering the embedded value of Mercia Fund Managers (10p+).