TIDMGHE
RNS Number : 2335Z
Gresham House PLC
17 September 2020
17 September 2020
Gresham House plc
("Gresham House," "the Group" or "the Company")
Interim results
Strong AUM and income growth with focus on sustainable
investment
Gresham House plc, (AIM: GHE) the specialist alternative asset
manager, is pleased to report a strong 17% growth in Assets Under
Management (AUM) in the first half of the year, with a 33% increase
in core income and 15% increase in adjusted operating profit. The
Group remained focused on delivering both organic as well as
acquisition-based growth despite challenging market conditions,
while continuing to broaden its client base, investing in people
and enhancing its sustainability culture.
HIGHLIGHTS
As at As at Change
30 Jun 2020 31 Dec 2019
(GBPm) (GBPm) (%)
-------------------------------- ---------------- ------------------ ---------------
Assets under management 3,264 2,797 +16.7
Cash and liquid assets(1) 45.1 41.3 +9.0
Six months to Six months
30 Jun 2020 to 30 Jun 2019
(GBPm) (GBPm) (%)
-------------------------------- ---------------- ------------------ ---------------
Total core income 17.8 13.4 +33.3
Adjusted operating profit(2) 5.2 4.5 +15.5
Total comprehensive net
loss 2.2 0.7 * 239.6
(1) Cash and liquid assets includes cash and investments in
tangible and realisable assets
(2) Adjusted operating profit is defined as the net trading
profit of the Group after charging interest but before
depreciation, amortisation, share-based payments relating to
acquisitions, profits and losses on disposal of tangible fixed
assets, net performance fees, net development gains and exceptional
items
Financial Highlights
-- AUM up 17% in H1 to GBP3.3 billion including +10% organic growth
-- Core income up 33% to GBP17.8 million (H1 2019: GBP13.4million)
-- Adjusted operating profit up 15% to GBP5.2 million (H1 2019: GBP4.5 million)
-- Strong balance sheet with cash and liquid assets at GBP45.1 million and zero debt
Operational Highlights
-- COVID-19 pandemic resilience, with no team members furloughed
or use of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
-- Integration of TradeRisks progressing well, enhancing
strength and expertise of Housing team and increasing AUM by GBP184
million alongside the planned launch of Gresham House Residential
Secured Income LP (shared ownership housing fund)
-- Final close of the British Strategic Investment Fund at GBP300 million
-- Further investment in the future growth of the business with
senior appointments made including Rebecca Craddock-Taylor as
Director of Sustainable Investment and David Gardner and Peter
Bachmann to the International Forestry and Sustainable
Infrastructure teams
Sustainable Investment Highlights
-- Achieved Principles for Responsible Investment scores of A+
for Strategy and Governance, A+ for Infrastructure and A for
Strategic Equity divisions
-- Awarded Green Economy Mark by the London Stock Exchange,
emphasising our dedication to building a greener economy and a more
sustainable future
Commenting on the results, Tony Dalwood, Chief Executive Officer
said:
"We have continued to build and invest in our platform to
achieve our strategic and financial objectives set out in the
"GH25" plan. Our AUM growth is testament to the strength and
resilience of our investment strategies and our talented team
despite the challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the strong foundation and robust balance sheet, we remain
confident of maintaining our long-term growth trajectory."
Gresham House is hosting its interim results webinar at 11:00 AM
today via
https://greshamhouse.com/webinar-gresham-house-plc-interim-results-2020/
- Ends -
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes
of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014
For more information contact:
Gresham House plc
Tony Dalwood, Chief Executive Officer
Kevin Acton, Chief Financial Officer +44 (0)20 3837 6270
Houston - PR advisors
Alexander Clelland gh@houston.co.uk
Anushka Mathew +44 (0)20 3701 7660
Canaccord Genuity Limited - Nominated
Adviser and Joint Broker
B obbie Hilliam
Georgina McCooke +44 (0)20 7523 8000
Jefferies International Limited - Joint
Broker and Financial Adviser
Paul Nicholls
Max Jones +44 (0)20 7029 8000
About Gresham House
Gresham House is a specialist alternative asset management
group, dedicated to sustainable investments across a range of
strategies, with expertise across forestry, housing,
infrastructure, renewable energy and battery storage, public and
private equity.
Whilst our origins stretch back to 1857, our focus is on the
future and the long term. Quoted on the London Stock Exchange
(GHE:LN) we actively manage c.GBP3.3 billion of assets on behalf of
institutions, family offices, charities and endowments, private
individuals and their advisers. We act responsibly within a culture
of empowerment that encourages individual flair and entrepreneurial
thinking.
As a signatory to the UN-supported Principles for Responsible
Investment (PRI), our vision is to always make a positive social or
environmental impact, while delivering on our commitments to
shareholders, employees and investors. www.greshamhouse.com
Disclaimers
This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements
with respect to the financial condition, results, operations and
businesses of Gresham House plc. These statements and forecasts
involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and
depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a
number of factors that could cause actual results or developments
to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these
forward-looking statements and forecasts.
Past performance is no guide to future performance and persons
needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
I am delighted to record the continued growth and momentum at
Gresham House with the tenth consecutive half-year increase in AUM,
under exceptionally challenging market conditions. This growth in
AUM to GBP3.3 billion is testament to the strength and scalability
of our platform and our ability to attract a diverse and growing
pool of clients.
We are a long-term business with a long-term plan based on
long-term investment horizons. We entered the pandemic in a
favourable position due to the resilient nature of many of our
assets, which are naturally less correlated, and less sensitive, to
stock market movements, particularly in our Real Assets division.
However, our continued investment performance has been a direct
reflection of the expertise of our investment teams.
Our teams have delivered growth and performed well consistently
whilst working remotely, ensuring smooth business continuity. With
our successful track record of investing in public and private
small businesses through our open-ended and closed-ended vehicles,
we remain well positioned to support businesses crucial to the
recovery of the UK economy post COVID-19.
We were very proud to receive our first PRI (Principles for
Responsible Investment) scores, and to be awarded the highest
rating possible, A+, for Strategy and Governance, a reflection of
the robust and transparent approach that we have taken. Our
investment strategies were awarded A+ in Infrastructure and A in
Public Equity and Private Equity. Placing sustainability at the
core of all our investment strategies has meant that we scored well
above the investment industry median.
ACTIVITY IN THE PERIOD
The resilience and appeal of our assets for clients, underpinned
by the growing interest in specialist and sustainable investments,
has enabled us to deliver 17% growth in AUM in the first half of
2020, despite the difficult environment, of which organic growth
contributed 10%. The integration of TradeRisks, the fund management
business and debt advisory services group acquired in March, into
the housing division is progressing well and we remain on track to
deliver identified synergies.
In Real Assets, there was notable success across a growing
client base. Our Strategic Equity division maintained net positive
inflows into our open-ended equity funds over the period and we
were pleased to win the c.GBP150 million investment management
contract for Strategic Equity Capital plc, based on our successful
Strategic Public Equity track record and resources. We are excited
about the fundraising pipeline of activity that we have already
established, especially in Housing, Sustainable Infrastructure,
Forestry and Private Equity.
RESULTS
It has been pleasing to see the growth against the strategic and
financial objectives we laid out in March this year through our
five-year plan 'GH25'. Our core income is up 33% to GBP17.8 million
from GBP13.4 million in the same period last year. Adjusted
operating profit grew 15% to GBP5.2 million from GBP4.5 million in
the first half of 2019. This performance is particularly noteworthy
given the significant level of ongoing investment in the key areas
of growth in the business - our people and our ESG offering -
particularly in Housing, New Energy, Sustainable Infrastructure and
Forestry. The net comprehensive loss for the period was GBP2.2
million (H1 2019: GBP0.7 million), which reflected the deduction of
exceptional costs relating to acquisitions, the fair value
movements of balance sheet investments and contingent consideration
and tax.
Shareholders
Our successful GBP8.0 million equity fundraising in March
demonstrated the commitment and support from our existing and new
institutional shareholders, enabling us to enhance our balance
sheet and proceed with identified strategic growth opportunities as
we entered into the COVID-19 enforced lockdown. There is a focus on
generating attractive returns from our own equity within the Group
and this scrutiny will continue to be applied when looking at
accelerating growth within existing product areas and potential
acquisitions.
Outlook
Gresham House has developed substantially under our management
team and it has created significant shareholder value. The
ambitions are long-term and we remain well positioned to grow
sustainably in all areas of the business in the second half of the
year, as we target the delivery of our objectives within 'GH25' and
focus on generating shareholder value over the next five years.
Although there is continued market uncertainty, the quality of
the individuals and the dynamic culture that exists within the
business are evident. The nature of our product areas and the
increasing demand for alternative assets with sustainability
characteristics give us confidence in the opportunities to
fundraise across the business. Whilst we may be at an inflection
point in the market cycle catalysed by COVID-19, we believe that we
will be able to continue to deliver superior performance for our
clients.
Anthony Townsend
Chairman
17 September 2020
SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT OVERVIEW
KEY MILESTONES
SUSTAINABLE INVESTING COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED
In the past year, we codified our approach with the
establishment of a Sustainable Investing Committee, which comprises
senior representatives from across the company and ensures delivery
against the Sustainable Investing Policies that are embedded for
each investment strategy and across each stage of the investment
lifecycle.
DIRECTOR, SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT APPOINTED
We announced the appointment of Rebecca Craddock-Taylor as
Director of Sustainable Investment. Rebecca will lead the further
development and integration of our existing sustainable investment
policies across both the Real Assets and Strategic Equity
divisions, alongside data capture to quantify the environmental and
social benefits of our investment approach.
GREEN ECONOMY MARK AWARDED
We are pleased that our commitment to embedding ESG and
sustainable investing across the Group has been recognised by the
London Stock Exchange, which awarded us the coveted Green Economy
Mark in July.
The Green Economy Mark is only awarded to listed companies that
derive more than 50% of their annual revenues from products and
services that help towards building a green economy and a more
sustainable future.
TOP PRI SCORES RECEIVED
We were very proud to receive our first PRI (Principles for
Responsible Investment) scores, and to be awarded the highest
rating possible, A+ for Strategy and Governance, a reflection of
the robust and transparent approach that we have taken to
sustainable investment. Our investment strategies were awarded A+
in Infrastructure and A in Public Equity and Private Equity (our
Housing and Forestry strategies were not assessed this year).
Placing sustainability at the core of all our investment
strategies ensured that we scored well above the investment
industry median.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
GHE PLC
-- Awarded London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark
-- Achieved top scores (A+ and A) in PRI assessment
-- Published our first Diversity & Inclusion policy
-- Committed to the #100blackinterns initiative
FORESTRY
-- Planted 8.4 million trees in 2020, equivalent to an area
covering over 4,600 football pitches*
-- Our existing forestry captured the equivalent CO2 generated
by 270,000 people in the UK (roughly the population of Newcastle)
annually**
-- All timber harvested from our UK managed forests in the
previous six months was Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
certified
* Based on 1,100 trees per hectare for broadleaves, 2,700 per
hectare for conifer
** Existing forestry is captured in the UK national account, so
no direct offsetting claims can be made
NEW ENERGY & SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE
-- Largest battery storage fund / operator in the UK
-- An acre of land at our first vertical farm investment will
produce the same yield as 250 acres of field-grown crops
-- Invested in WasteKnot Energy, which diverts waste from
landfill and produces pellets that can replace coal
-- Solar and wind projects generated enough energy to power over
117,000 homes in the last year
HOUSING
-- Delivered 166 new shared ownership homes this year, with a
total shared ownership portfolio of 205 homes
-- Our housing fund provides 2,224 retirement homes and 289
homes to local authorities, housing people who are otherwise
homeless
STRATEGIC EQUITY
-- In 2019, we voted 94% for management recommendations, 6%
against, and had 0% abstentions
-- Developed a formal engagement and voting policy which will be
published on our website
CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT
The first half of 2020 will be remembered for the unprecedented
challenges we have all faced, catalysed by global lockdowns on
economies and the resulting changes in working practices and
lifestyles. Strong actions by governments have softened some of the
macroeconomic impacts, however, the microeconomic issues will
increasingly become apparent over the next couple of years. It is
therefore important to recognise the capabilities of all the
Gresham House employees who have adapted so well to the challenging
environment in order to continue to focus on the shareholder goals
which are firmly embedded in our team's DNA.
Technology has allowed the Group to continue functioning and
communicating to a high level, although it has been necessary to
alter regular routines. Importantly, we encouraged people to
"over-communicate" with their colleagues and clients to make sure
nothing was taken for granted. We introduced a daily management
committee briefing each morning, and a new Heads of Departments
weekly forum, as well as a weekly Group video call to remind
everyone that whilst working from home, that they are part of a
larger family, with clear goals both short and long term. I am
immensely proud of everyone within Gresham House for adapting so
well to keep the business moving forward.
Over the past six months, we have continued to build on our
platform with both organic and acquisition-based growth; embedding
sustainability, investing in talented people, broadening our client
base and thereby continuing to generate long-term shareholder
value. We have achieved all this despite the exceptionally
difficult market conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is
particularly pleasing to report overall AUM growth of 17% in this
period, demonstrating the strength of our investment strategies,
with strong fundraising success and good relative performance
across both our Real Assets and Strategic Equity divisions. As a
result, we have made a strong start against the strategic
priorities of our growth plan 'GH25' outlined in March this year,
where we aim to create substantial shareholder value over the next
five years through a combination of strategic and financial
goals.
COVID-19
For our staff, protecting their safety and wellbeing has been
our priority during this period and their commitment has ensured
that we were able to maintain business as usual whilst seamlessly
transitioning to working from home. The investments made in the
prior year in our people, systems, business continuity planning and
infrastructure have ensured that we have stayed agile and nimble
for our clients and I'm delighted that we have been in a position
to continue to recruit new talent to support our growth
ambitions.
In keeping with our culture and values and our desire to support
communities in need, I am pleased that the Company, Management
Committee and Directors donated GBP100,000 in aggregate to the
Trussell Trust and NHS Charities Together. In addition, we set up a
Give As You Earn Scheme for all employees and the Company will
match the donations made.
We entered this unprecedented period from a position of
strength, and cognisant of the challenges presented by market
volatility and restrictions in many areas that we operate in. We
were able to establish and position a number of identified growth
areas across the platforms for further scale, supported by the
resilience of the asset classes themselves, the majority of which
are less correlated to general market movements. Prudent cash
management has also helped us maintain a strong balance sheet
position with cash of GBP22 million and no debt, which positions us
well to deliver future growth.
Our performance in the first half of the year has been testament
to the resilience and quality of the team working in challenging
conditions and we look forward to building on this in the second
half of 2020 and beyond.
Sustainability
Our asset management platforms, such as forestry and renewables,
naturally lend themselves to the increasing focus among governments
and investors on sustainability goals. We have placed
sustainability at the core of all our investment strategies and our
commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles
is central to growing the business. In the past year, we codified
our approach with the establishment of a Sustainable Investing
Committee, which comprises senior representatives from across the
company and ensures delivery against the Sustainable Investing
Policies that are embedded for each investment strategy and across
each stage of the investment lifecycle.
We have continued to make further progress over the past six
months by hosting our first webinar on our approach to sustainable
investing, providing examples of the application to real assets
including forestry, housing, new energy and sustainable
infrastructure. We also announced the appointment of Rebecca
Craddock-Taylor as Director of Sustainable Investment, who will
lead the further development and integration of our existing
sustainable investment policies across both the Real Assets and
Strategic Equity divisions, alongside data capture to quantify the
social benefits from our investment approach.
Our sustainable investment credentials have been recognised with
a top score rating under the PRI (Principles for Responsible
Investing) assessment report for 2020, the Company's first
assessment since becoming a PRI signatory in 2018. We achieved the
highest rating possible, A+ for our Strategy and Governance and,
for the investment strategies covered by the scheme, an A+ for
Infrastructure and As in both Public and Private Equity. This
underlines the focus that we place on Environmental, Social and
Governance (ESG) criteria across the whole business and reflects
the robust and transparent approach that we have adopted.
We were also pleased that our commitment to embedding ESG and
sustainable investing across the Group has been recognised by the
London Stock Exchange, which awarded us the coveted Green Economy
Mark in July. The Green Economy Mark is only awarded to listed
companies that derive more than 50% of their annual revenues from
products and services that help towards building a green economy
and a more sustainable future.
Progress on 2020 priorities
We have made good progress against our 2020 priorities in the
first half of this year, despite the exceptionally difficult market
conditions. We have delivered AUM growth of 17%, with core income
rising 33% and adjusted operating profit up by 15%.
Organic growth has been driven by strong fundraising success
with a growing client base across Institutional, Wholesale and
Family Office investors, demonstrating the attractive nature of our
market-leading growth opportunities, and the continued increase in
asset allocation to alternative investments.
In our Real Assets division, we raised GBP31 million of equity
for Gresham House Energy Storage Fund plc (GRID) in March 2020. We
continue to develop battery storage projects to scale GRID and are
in advanced stages with two projects expected to be operational in
the coming months. We achieved the successful final close in our
Housing and Infrastructure Strategy, the British Strategic
Investment Fund strategy (BSIF), hitting the target of GBP300
million, with GBP100 million raised in the period from three new
Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) clients. We continue to
invest these funds in sustainable housing and infrastructure
projects and look forward to launching BSIF 2 in 2021. We were
pleased that Peter Bachmann joined as a senior fund manager in our
sustainable infrastructure unit, as we continue to add capability
and resources to this growing area.
As a result of the TradeRisks acquisition, we announced the
launch of a new Limited Partnership, Gresham House Residential
Secure Income LP, targeting the shared ownership housing market and
aiming to unlock a new supply of more affordable homes across the
UK and to encourage first time buyers onto the housing ladder.
Meanwhile in Forestry, we commenced fundraising for the Gresham
House Forest Fund I LP, which is targeting a close in the second
half of the year with a strong pipeline of assets ready to acquire.
We have continued to acquire forests for existing and new clients,
and the pricing remains robust as the asset class becomes
increasingly of interest to institutional investors. As previously
indicated, and following our initial move into Irish Forestry, we
are increasing resources with the appointment of David Gardner to
build our international presence, including related asset classes
in carbon credits in jurisdictions such as New Zealand.
Despite market volatility, the Strategic Equity division has
seen positive net inflows, including into our open-ended funds, the
LF Gresham House UK Micro Cap and LF Gresham House UK Multi Cap
Income funds, alongside winning the Strategic Public Equity mandate
for Strategic Equity Capital plc (SEC). The Strategic Public Equity
approach of using private equity techniques to invest in public
companies is a growing area of the smaller company market, and
Gresham House has a successful 20-year track record alongside
significant resources to continue expanding the opportunity for
more investors to benefit from the long-term superior performance
record of this strategy. The LF Gresham House UK Multi Cap Income
Fund marked its three-year anniversary on 30 June 2020. It is the
best performing fund in the IA UK Equity Income sector since
launch. In Private Equity, the Baronsmead VCTs raised a further
GBP22 million in the first half of 2020 and we are planning to
commence further fundraising in the second half of the year.
The original intention shared by us and Aberdeen Standard
Investments (ASI), as announced in March 2019, for the formation of
a joint venture relationship is no longer viewed as practicable
based on a current regulatory/financial cost benefit analysis. GHAM
will now enter into a distribution and marketing agreement with
ASI, pursuant to which ASI will, amongst other things, provide
certain marketing services for SEC.
Having focused on organic growth and integration synergies in
2019, we resumed our acquisition-based growth, with the purchase in
March 2020 of TradeRisks Limited, a housing fund management
business and specialist provider of debt advisory services to the
housing and social infrastructure sectors. Residential Capital
Management Limited, a subsidiary of TradeRisks Limited, is the
manager of Residential Secure Income plc (ReSI), a listed
Investment Trust seeking to deliver secure income returns to its
shareholders by investing in portfolios of shared ownership,
retirement and Local Authority housing which as at 31 December 2019
had gross AUM of GBP321 million (including committed acquisitions).
I am delighted to welcome Alex Pilato, Ben Fry and Antoine Pesenti
to the Gresham House family, who together considerably enhance our
ability to scale our Housing strategy and we look forward to
benefitting from the expertise of their highly experienced team. We
remain on track with the integration process and delivering on the
targeted synergies.
Delivering value to shareholders
In March, we outlined our 'GH25' strategy that aims to achieve
both strategic and financial goals in order to double shareholder
value over the next five years. With sustainability and governance
at the heart of our goal to generate long-term shareholder value,
we aim to:
-- grow AUM to over GBP6 billion;
-- increase operating margins to greater than 40%; and
-- maintain target Returns on Invested Capital of 15% or above.
Our broader strategic goals include becoming a recognised leader
in sustainable investing, ensuring that our funds maintain superior
returns compared to the market, building market share in niche
investment product areas, developing the business internationally
and generating further goodwill for the Gresham House brand. Our
goals are well aligned with those of our shareholders, with senior
management owning 8% of shares in the Company.
The continued positive momentum in AUM growth in the first half
of the year has ensured that we have made good progress against our
targets, maintaining our positive growth trajectory. Our robust
balance sheet and the strong cash and net liquid asset positions
have also provided us with the strength and flexibility to pursue
our growth ambitions. The strong fundraising success across
multiple areas in both our Real Assets and Strategic Equity
divisions, has enabled us to achieve scale and to establish
significant market share in critical areas of sustainable
investment opportunities such as housing, infrastructure, renewable
energy and forestry, which are all important building blocks of a
green economy.
People
Our greatest asset has always been our people and I am very
proud of the quality of our team, who have continued to work
diligently and to deliver on our objectives for the year, ensuring
that we have remained fully operational during these times. We have
continued to build our talented team with a number of strategic
hires, who will help us to expand in their relevant areas. In
addition to the appointment of Rebecca Craddock-Taylor (Sustainable
Investment Director), the senior appointments to the Forestry,
Housing and New Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure teams of
David Gardner (Investment Director of Forestry) focusing on
international expansion, Peter Bachmann (Senior Infrastructure
Investor) in sustainable infrastructure and Andrew Stirling (Head
of Treasury Solutions), have maintained our commitment to investing
in our people.
We are also aware of our responsibilities around diversity and
inclusion and amongst various initiatives we are proud to have
signed up to the #100blackinterns initiative and look forward to
welcoming our first intern through this scheme next summer. More
detail can be found in our diversity and inclusion policy,
available on our website:
greshamhouse.com/diversity-and-inclusion.
Outlook
Despite clear macro and socio-economic challenges, the
opportunities for growth from alternative asset allocation,
underpinned by significant demand for sustainable investments,
place Gresham House in a position of strength.
We have achieved a strong first half performance despite
exceptionally challenging external conditions, and this has
provided us with a solid foundation from which to deliver on our
objectives in the second half of the year and beyond. The talent
and strength of our team have underpinned outperformance in a
number of our funds including the LF Gresham House UK Micro Cap, LF
Gresham House UK Multi Cap Income and Gresham House Strategic plc
(GHS) funds.
During the second half of the year we will continue, and
anticipate commencing new fundraisings, in a number of areas
including Forestry, Housing, New Energy and Sustainable
Infrastructure and focusing on a number of distribution channels
for our Public Equity funds.
The speed and strength of the UK economy's recovery remains
contingent upon various factors, including the extent of any second
wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, levels of unemployment, Brexit trade
negotiations and the scale of the recession. We expect challenging
times in the real economy but the long term and resilient nature of
our asset classes lead us to remain cautiously optimistic that our
growing client base will continue to view our investment solutions
favourably throughout these turbulent times and beyond.
Tony Dalwood
Chief Executive
17 September 2020
FINANCIAL REVIEW
In the first half of 2020 we witnessed the unprecedented impact
of the COVID-19 pandemic across the world. This has provided one of
the most challenging environments for businesses to operate in and
Gresham House approached this period from a position of balance
sheet strength and stability. We were able to continue to execute
our strategy with the acquisition of TradeRisks alongside further
organic growth in AUM in the first half of 2020.
Gresham House has seen core income grow in the period by 33% to
GBP17.8 million compared to GBP13.4 million in the first half of
2019. This has driven the adjusted operating profits of the Group
up by 15% to GBP5.2 million (H1 2019: GBP4.5 million). After the
deduction of the amortisation and depreciation, exceptional items,
acquisition related share-based payment charges, net losses on
investments and other fair value movements and tax the total
comprehensive net loss was GBP2.2 million for the period (H1 2019:
GBP0.8 million).
COVID-19
We entered the COVID-19 pandemic with a strong balance sheet and
as at 30 June 2020 had cash of GBP21.9 million. The pressure placed
on many businesses forced a focus on cash and receivables. The
nature of our asset management business and the quality of our
clients remained strong, with core income continuing to grow in the
period.
A clear focus on discretionary spend, alongside maintaining
investment in the critical growth areas of the business has meant
that we have remained focussed on executing our growth strategy
during the period. We have therefore not utilised the government
COVID-19 support initiatives of the furlough scheme or the
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
AUM grew by 17% in the first six months of the year to GBP3.3
billion (2019: GBP2.8 billion), despite the COVID-19 pandemic. In
line with our strategy this was achieved through both organic
growth (10%) and acquisition growth (7%).
GBP millions AUM Net Performance Funds Acquired/Won(2) AUM Total
Dec-19 Fund Jun-20 Growth
Flows(1) %
Strategic
Equity
Public Equity 283.7 59.0 (26.3) 147.6 464.0 63.6%
Private Equity 424.5 20.6 (38.0) (55.2) 351.9 (17.1)%
Subtotal 708.2 79.6 (64.3) 92.4 815.9 15.2%
Real Assets
Forestry 1,333.3 (8.5) 72.1 - 1,396.9 4.8%
New Energy
and Sustainable
Infrastructure 672.8 97.2 (17.9) - 752.1 11.8%
Housing 82.5 34.0 (1.2) 184.0 299.3 262.8%
Subtotal 2,088.6 122.7 53.0 184.0 2,448.3 17.2%
Total AUM 2,796.8 202.3 (11.3) 276.4 3,264.2 16.7%
1. Including funds raised, redemptions and distributions.
2. The LMS Capital plc contract was terminated in January 2020
with a NAV of GBP55.2 million and is included in Funds
Acquired/Won.
The Real Assets division grew by GBP359 million with a
successful GBP100 million fundraising for the British Strategic
Investment Fund (GBP34 million Housing and GBP66 million
Infrastructure) and GBP31 million for Gresham House Energy Storage
plc (GRID), as well as the acquisition of the Residential Secured
Income Fund plc management contract of GBP184 million as part of
the TradeRisks transaction. Following the acquisition of TradeRisks
we now separately report the Housing division from the New Energy
and Sustainable Infrastructure division. We also saw strong
performance in the Forestry division with GBP72 million of growth
in the period.
The Strategic Equity division was more impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic. However, it achieved continued growth in AUM of 108
million in the period. Net fund inflows of GBP80 million and the
winning of the GBP148 million Strategic Equity Capital mandate more
than offset the market-driven performance reductions.
ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT
The adjusted operating profit for the Group grew in the first
half of 2020 by 15% to GBP5.2 million (H1 2019: GBP4.5 million). We
use the non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating profit as a key
performance indicator for Gresham House as an alternative asset
manager and have separated out net performance fees and net gains
on investments. As set out in the 2019 Annual Report, the adjusted
operating profit is defined as the net trading profit of the Group
before deducting amortisation, depreciation and exceptional items
relating to acquisition and restructuring costs and share-based
payments relating to acquisitions.
ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT
Six months Six months
to 30 June to
2020 30 June 2019
GBP'000 GBP'000
Total core income 17,803 13,358
--------------- -----------------
Administration overheads (excluding amortisation,
depreciation, exceptional items and acquisition
related share-based payments) (12,561) (8,518)
Finance costs (5) (305)
Adjusted operating profit 5,237 4,535
--------------- -----------------
Adjusted operating margin 29.4% 33.9%
Performance fees (gross) - 1,944
Variable compensation attributable to
performance fees - (1,744)
--------------- -----------------
Performance fees net of costs - 200
--------------- -----------------
Adjusted operating profit including performance
fees 5,237 4,735
--------------- -----------------
Amortisation and depreciation (4,482) (4,350)
Acquisition related share-based payments
charges (296) (296)
Exceptional items (1,170) (757)
Net losses on investments and other fair
value movements (898) (133)
Tax (623) 144
--------------- -----------------
Operating loss after tax (2,232) (657)
--------------- -----------------
Loss from discontinued operations (6) (2)
--------------- -----------------
Total comprehensive net income (2,238) (659)
--------------- -----------------
INCOME
Core income in the period increased by 33% to GBP17.8 million
(H1 2019: GBP13.4 million). This increase reflects the organic
growth in AUM across the business alongside four months of revenues
from the TradeRisks business since acquisition and the winning of
the SEC management contract in May 2020. The Strategic Equity
division was impacted by the volatility in the equity markets since
March 2020, however this was offset by net fund inflows and new
mandates won in the period. Markets have improved since the end of
the period and we continue to see net inflows into our Strategic
Equity Funds, however, volatility remains.
The long-term nature of the Group's Real Asset management
contracts highlight the stable revenue streams for the business
with over GBP1.0 billion of AUM in Limited Partnership management
contracts with a weighted average contract length of 15 years. The
underlying assets within these funds are forests, infrastructure
and renewable energy, which have been relatively less impacted by
recent market volatility. This asset base continues to provide a
stable platform to grow the business from.
ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES
Administration expenses, (excluding amortisation, depreciation,
share-based payments relating to acquisitions and exceptional
items) have increased to GBP12.6 million (H1 2019: GBP8.5 million)
in the period. We continue to manage costs diligently while
ensuring that we invest in critical areas of the business. This
includes a focused investment in our distribution and investment
teams as a key driver of growth, as well as in critical support
functions such as compliance and legal.
The small increase in depreciation and amortisation to GBP4.5
million (H1 2019: GBP4.4 million) is primarily driven by the
amortisation of the management contract acquired as part of the
TradeRisks acquisition.
Exceptional items in the first half of the year of GBP1.2
million (2019: GBP0.8 million) represent the acquisition costs and
restructuring costs of combining the TradeRisks business. These are
considered one-off costs and have therefore been classified as
exceptional in the period.
GAINS AND LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS
Gains and losses on investments in the period of GBP0.9 million
reflect the recognition of the Group's investments in associates as
well as the fair value movements of contingent consideration
relating to previous acquisitions. The treatment of GHS as an
associate requires the Group to recognise its share of profits or
losses in the period last reported by GHS. GHS announced its annual
results for the period to 31 March 2020. However, given the impact
of COVID-19 in the intervening period the Board has reviewed this
accounting treatment and have adjusted for GHS's Net Asset Value as
at 30 June 2020 which shows the Group's share of losses over the
period was GBP127,000 (H1 2019: GBP37,000 profit).
Contingent consideration payable to the sellers of acquired
businesses is fair valued each period end, with the movement
reflecting assessments of the expected final payment as well as the
discount over time. The fair value movement in the period of GBP0.7
million was primarily driven by the unwind of the discount (H1
2019: GBP0.5 million). I am pleased to announce that the investment
in FIM Services Limited reached the end of its earnout period and
exceeded the original acquisition targeted income.
FINANCIAL POSITION
The balance sheet remains strong with cash at the end of the
period at GBP21.9 million, up from GBP19.4 million at the beginning
of the year. The business continues to generate cash from
operations alongside the issuance of GBP8.0 million of shares in
March 2020 and gross cash received of GBP2.4 million on the sale of
the Devco Project (battery storage) to GRID, which was announced in
December 2019. This activity underlines the Group's ability to
generate cash to grow the business.
This cash has been used to acquire the TradeRisks business
(GBP3.5 million) and make further investments in the development of
battery storage through Devco Projects to support the pipeline for
GRID.
The Devco Projects are included in the statement of financial
position as assets and liabilities of a disposal group held for
sale. These vehicles are consolidated under IFRS and the increase
in assets and the associated liabilities reflects the investment in
batteries, which has been funded by loans with GRID.
OUTLOOK
The continued growth in AUM through the turbulent first half of
2020 means the Group is well placed for the second half of 2020 and
beyond. We continue to raise funds in ESG attractive asset classes
such as forestry, infrastructure, housing and renewable energy and
are cautiously optimistic of continued progress during the
remainder of 2020.
Kevin Acton
Chief Financial Officer
17 September 2020
UNAUDITED CONDENSED GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
31 December
2019
30 June 2020 30 June 2019
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
Notes GBP' 000 GBP' 000 GBP' 000
Income
Asset management income 17,583 13,270 31,226
Dividend and interest income 200 74 278
Other operating income 20 14 79
Performance fees and carried
interest - 1,944 1,944
------------- --------------- ------------
Total income 5 17,803 15,302 33,527
Operating costs
Administrative overheads (17,339) (14,908) (34,130)
------------- --------------- ------------
Net operating profit/(loss)
before exceptional items 464 394 (603)
Finance costs (5) (305) (390)
Exceptional items 7 (1,170) (757) (1,063)
Net operating loss after exceptional
items (711) (668) (2,056)
Gains and losses on investments
Share of associates' (losses)/profits (177) 142 246
Gains and losses on investments
held at fair value (64) 274 3,048
Movement in fair value of
contingent consideration (657) (549) (2,065)
Operating loss before taxation (1,609) (801) (827)
Taxation (623) 144 (23)
------------- --------------- ------------
Operating loss from continuing
operations (2,232) (657) (850)
(Loss)/profit from discontinued
operations (6) (2) 55
Total comprehensive income (2,238) (659) (795)
============= =============== ============
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent (2,237) (664) (850)
Non-controlling interest (1) 5 55
------------- --------------- ------------
(2,238) (659) (795)
============= =============== ============
Basic and diluted loss per
ordinary share (pence) 8 (7.7) (2.6) (3.2)
Basic adjusted profit per
ordinary share (pence) 8 18.0 18.1 38.9
Diluted adjusted profit per
ordinary share (pence) 8 16.2 16.6 34.3
Six months ended 30 June 2020 (unaudited)
Equity
Ordinary attributable Non-
Share Share Retained to equity controlling Total
Capital premium reserves shareholders interest equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Balance at 31 December 2019 6,956 69,242 14,039 90,237 582 90,819
Loss and total comprehensive
income for the period - - (2,237) (2,237) (1) (2,238)
Contributions by and distributions
to owners
Share-based payments - - (1,755) (1,755) - (1,755)
Issue of shares 547 10,800 - 11,347 - 11,347
Dividends paid - - (1,351) (1,351) - (1,351)
--------- -------- --------- ------------- ------------ --------
Total contributions by and
distributions to owners 547 10,800 (3,106) 8,241 - 8,241
--------- -------- --------- ------------- ------------ --------
Balance at 30 June 2020 7,503 80,042 8,696 96,241 581 96,822
========= ======== ========= ============= ============ ========
Six months ended 30 June 2019 (unaudited)
Equity
Ordinary Share attributable Non-
share Share warrant Retained to equity controlling Total
capital premium reserve reserves shareholders interest equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Balance at 31 December
2018 6,218 57,901 58 15,036 79,213 527 79,740
Adjustments for changes
in accounting policy
for IFRS16 Leases - - - 6 6 - 6
--------- --------- -------- --------- ------------- ------------ --------
Balance at 31 December
2018 after adjustment 6,218 57,901 58 15,042 79,219 527 79,746
Loss and total
comprehensive
income for the period - - - (664) (664) 5 (659)
Contributions by and
distributions to owners
Share-based payments - - - 756 756 - 756
Issue of shares 592 9,500 (57) - 10,035 - 10,035
Dividends paid - - - (795) (795) - (795)
--------- --------- -------- --------- ------------- ------------ --------
Total contributions by
and distributions to
owners 592 9,500 (57) (39) 9,996 - 9,996
--------- --------- -------- --------- ------------- ------------ --------
Balance at 30 June 2019 6,810 67,401 1 14,339 88,511 532 89,083
========= ========= ======== ========= ============= ============ ========
Year ended 31 December 2019 (audited)
Equity
Ordinary Share attributable Non-
share Share warrant Retained to equity controlling Total
capital premium reserve reserves shareholders interest equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Balance at 31 December
2018 6,218 57,901 58 15,036 79,213 527 79,740
Adjustments for changes
in accounting policy
for IFRS16 Leases - - - 6 6 - 6
--------- --------- -------- --------- ------------- ------------ --------
Balance at 31 December
2018 after adjustment 6,218 57,901 58 15,042 79,219 527 79,746
Loss and total
comprehensive
income for the year - - - (850) (850) 55 (795)
Contributions by and
distributions to owners
Share-based payments 8 189 - 642 839 - 839
Issue of shares 730 11,152 (58) - 11,824 - 11,824
Dividends paid - - - (795) (795) - (795)
--------- --------- -------- --------- ------------- ------------ --------
Total contributions by
and distributions to
owners 738 11,341 (58) (153) 11,868 - 11,868
--------- --------- -------- --------- ------------- ------------ --------
Balance at 31 December
2019 6,956 69,242 - 14,039 90,237 582 90,819
========= ========= ======== ========= ============= ============ ========
UNAUDITED CONDENSED GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
30 June 30 June 31 December
2020 2019 2019
Notes (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
Assets GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Non-current assets
Investments - securities 10 9,872 7,791 9,621
Tangible fixed assets 743 1,132 813
Investment in associates 9,009 10,340 9,186
Intangible assets 63,779 62,157 58,545
Total non-current assets 83,403 81,420 78,165
-------------- ----------------- --------------------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 6,092 7,405 5,334
Accrued income and prepaid expenses 6,196 2,202 7,200
Other current assets 1,071 3,192 1,420
Deferred tax 613 - 613
Cash and cash equivalents 21,864 15,826 19,432
Non-current assets held for sale
Assets of a disposal group held
for sale 35,407 - 12,188
-------------- ----------------- --------------------
Total current & non-current assets
held for sale 71,243 28,625 46,187
-------------- ----------------- --------------------
Total assets 154,646 110,045 124,352
-------------- ----------------- --------------------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 19,618 6,059 15,210
Short-term borrowings - 2,000 -
Liabilities of a disposal group
held for sale
Liabilities of a disposal group
held for sale 31,255 - 9,718
-------------- ----------------- --------------------
50,873 8,059 24,928
-------------- ----------------- --------------------
Total assets less current liabilities 103,773 101,986 99,424
Non-current liabilities
Deferred taxation 3,037 2,800 2,632
Long-term borrowings - 947 -
Other creditors 3,914 9,156 5,973
-------------- ----------------- --------------------
6,951 12,903 8,605
-------------- ----------------- --------------------
Net assets 96,822 89,083 90,819
============== ================= ====================
Capital and reserves
Ordinary share capital 11 7,503 6,810 6,956
Share premium 80,042 67,401 69,242
Share warrant reserve - 1 -
Retained reserves 8,696 14,339 14,039
-------------- ----------------- --------------------
Equity attributable to equity shareholders 96,241 88,551 90,237
Non-controlling interest 581 532 582
-------------- ----------------- --------------------
Total equity 96,822 89,083 90,819
============== ================= ====================
Basic net asset value per ordinary
share (pence) 13 320.7 325.1 324.3
============== ================= ====================
Diluted net asset value per ordinary
share (pence) 13 288.9 299.7 288.2
============== ================= ====================
UNAUDITED CONDENSED GROUP STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2020 2019 2019
Notes (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash flow from operating activities
Net cash generated from operations 14 6,225 2,362 9,646
Corporation tax paid (98) (171) (178)
Interest paid on loans (5) (222) (265)
Net cash flow from operating
activities 6,122 1,969 9,203
============= ============= ================
Cash flow from investing activities
Acquisition of TradeRisks Limited (8,045) - -
Investment in associates - - (65)
Dividends received from associates 82 - 118
Purchase of investments (269) (2,260) (2,149)
Sale of investments 187 27 319
Deferred proceeds received
on sale of investment properties - 1,033 1,033
Investment in DevCo projects (2,021) - (1,510)
DevCo loans repaid 1,096 - -
Proceeds received on sale of
DevCo projects 2,334 - -
Purchase of fixed assets (103) (139) (269)
Sale of fixed assets - 12 40
Purchase of intangible assets (286) (158) (302)
(7,025) (1,485) (2,785)
============= ============= ================
Cash flow from financing activities
Repayment of loans - (7,000) (10,000)
Share issue proceeds 8,010 6,496 6,495
Share issue costs (347) (8) (8)
Share warrants exercised 182 3,069 4,859
Share-based payments settled (2,860) - (833)
Dividends paid (1,351) (795) (795)
Lease payments under IFRS16 (299) (378) (662)
------------- ------------- ----------------
3,335 1,384 (944)
============= ============= ================
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 2,432 1,868 5,474
Cash and cash equivalents at
start of period 19,432 13,958 13,958
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of period 21,864 15,826 19,432
============= ============= ================
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
1 REPORTING ENTITY
Gresham House plc (the Company) is a public limited company
limited by shares incorporated in the United Kingdom under the
Companies Act and registered in England. The unaudited condensed
group interim financial statements of the Company as at and for the
six months ended 30 June 2020 comprise the Company and its
subsidiary undertakings (together referred to as the Group). All
intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are
eliminated on consolidation.
2 STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE AND BASIS OF PREPARATION
The financial information presented in these interim results has
been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement
requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board, as adopted by the
European Union. The principal accounting policies adopted in the
preparation of the financial information in these interim results
are primarily unchanged from those used in the Company's financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 and are consistent
with those that the Company expects to apply in its financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.
The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2019
presented in this Interim Report does not constitute the Company's
statutory accounts for that period but has been derived from them.
The Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019 were
audited and have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The
Independent Auditor's Report on the Report and Accounts for the
year ended 31 December 2019 was unqualified and did not draw
attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain
statements under s498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The
financial information for the periods ended 30 June 2019 and 30
June 2020 are unaudited and have not been reviewed by the Company's
auditors.
3 ESTIMATES AND MANAGEMENT JUDGEMENTS
The preparation of the unaudited condensed group interim
financial statements requires management to make judgements,
estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting
policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income
and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
In preparing these unaudited condensed group interim financial
statements, the significant judgements made by management in
applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of
estimation were the same as those that applied to the group
financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December
2019.
The only change has been the recognition of the significant
events of COVID-19 on the treatment of Gresham House Strategic plc
(GHS) as an Associate. The Group recognises its share of profits
and losses in GHS using the latest available annual report (year to
31 March) or interim results (period to 30 September). The Board
has considered the significant impact of COVID-19 and in this
instance have used the Group's share of GHS's profits and losses
based on its publicly announced Net Asset Value as at 30 June 2020.
The Group's share of this loss is GBP127,000 for the nine month
period to 30 June 2020. The 31 March 2020 share of losses is
considered not reflective of the position of GHS as at 30 June 2020
and as a significant event has taken place the Board have concluded
to adjust for this interim period. This is not a change of
accounting policy but has been adjusted to provide the reader of
the accounts with greater clarity.
4 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The Group's financial risk management objectives and policy are
consistent with those disclosed in the group financial statements
as at and for the year ended 31 December 2019.
5 INCOME
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2020 2019 2019
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Asset management income
Asset management income 17,583 13,270 31,226
17,583 13,270 31,226
----------- ----------- -------------
Income from investments
Dividend income - Listed UK 138 47 166
Interest receivable - Banks 51 15 52
- Other 11 12 60
----------- ----------- -------------
200 74 278
----------- ----------- -------------
Other operating income
Arrangement fees - - 13
Consultancy fees receivable - 5 5
Other fees receivable 20 9 61
----------- ----------- -------------
20 14 79
----------- ----------- -------------
Performance fees
Performance fees - 1,944 1,944
----------- ----------- -------------
- 1,944 1,944
----------- ----------- -------------
Total income 17,803 15,302 33,527
=========== =========== =============
6 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
On 5 March 2020 the Group acquired 100% of the issued share
capital of TradeRisks Limited (TradeRisks), a company registered in
England. TradeRisks is a fund management business and specialist
provider of debt structuring and advisory services to the housing
and social infrastructure sectors. TradeRisks' wholly owned and
separately FCA regulated subsidiary, ReSI Capital Management
Limited (RCM), is the manager of Residential Secure Income plc
(ReSI plc) (LSE: RESI), a closed-ended investment company which
seeks to deliver secure income returns to its shareholders by
investing in portfolios of shared ownership, retirement and local
authority housing. The management contracts for ReSI plc were
acquired as part of the acquisition of TradeRisks.
The fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired, and the
consideration paid under IFRS3 are as follows:
Net book
value Adjustments Fair value
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Investments 463 - 463
Tangible fixed assets 180 - 180
Intangible fixed assets 97 - 97
Cash 1,639 - 1,639
Trade and other receivables 5,999 - 5,999
Trade and other payables (426) - (426)
Management contracts - 2,886 2,886
Customer relationships - 263 263
Deferred tax liability - (598) (598)
Goodwill - 5,655 5,655
Total identifiable net assets 7,952 8,206 16,158
========= ============ ===========
Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, the fair value of
the consideration paid to the vendors of TradeRisks was:
GBP'000
Cash 9,684
Shares - 555,555 shares in Gresham House plc valued
at 625 pence per share on 5 March 2020 3,472
--------
Total initial consideration 13,156
Contingent consideration 3,002
Total consideration 16,158
========
The consideration shares were admitted to trading on AIM on 11
March 2020.
Contingent consideration
Contingent consideration totalling a maximum of GBP6.0 million
will be payable in cash to the sellers based on the following:
-- 0.5% of funds raised payable in three years, with maximum
amount capped at GBP3.0 million. The expected fair value at
acquisition is GBP1.9 million.
-- Any realised synergies payable in three years, capped at
GBP1.0 million. The expected fair value at acquisition is GBP0.8
million.
-- GBP2.0 million payable within six months post-completion for any inventory true-up.
The fair value of the contingent consideration has been
estimated at the date of acquisition using estimated outcomes, the
probability of those outcomes and discounting this at 7.5%. This is
cash settled and will therefore be recognised as a liability on the
balance sheet and the fair value assessed each reporting period.
The fair value at the time of acquisition was calculated as GBP3.0
million.
Revenue and profits of TradeRisks
TradeRisks was acquired on 5 March 2020. The Group has
recognised the following amounts in respect of TradeRisks for the
17-week period ended 30 June 2020:
GBP'000
Revenue 784
Loss before tax (133)
The GBP133,000 loss for the period of ownership reflects the
impact of COVID-19 on the debt arrangement business.
Prior to acquisition by the Group, TradeRisks had a 31 July year
end. The results for the most recent audited reporting period prior
to acquisition were to 31 July 2019. Had TradeRisks been part of
the Group for the entire reporting period the following sums would
have been consolidated:
GBP'000
Revenue 5,897
Profit before tax 2,187
Goodwill
Goodwill arises due to the excess of the fair value of the
consideration payable over the fair value of the net assets
acquired. It is mainly attributable to the skills of the team
acquired, the synergies expected to be achieved from the
acquisition and the business development potential. Goodwill
arising on the TradeRisks acquisition is not deductible for tax
purposes.
Fair value
The fair value of the management contracts and customer
relationships have been estimated using a discounted cash flow
model. The estimated cash flows have been valued at a discount of
7.5%. This resulted in the fair value of management contracts being
recognised at GBP2,886,000 and the customer relationships at
GBP263,000.
7 EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2020 2019 2019
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Acquisition costs
TradeRisks Limited 847 - -
FIM Services Limited - - 2
Livingbridge VC - 10 10
Joint Venture establishment 210 217 251
Other 30 - -
----------- ----------- -------------
1,087 227 263
Restructuring costs 83 376 646
Exceptional legal fees - 154 154
----------- ----------- -------------
1,170 757 1,063
=========== =========== =============
Acquisition, associated restructuring costs and exceptional
legal fees are considered exceptional and not part of the normal
course of business activity.
8 EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic and diluted loss per share
Six
months Six months
ended ended Year ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2020 2019 2019
Total net loss attributable to equity
holders of the parent (GBP'000) (2,237) (664) (850)
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares in issue during the period 29,099,750 25,089,445 26,479,021
Basic and diluted loss per share to
equity holders of the parent (pence) (7.7) (2.6) (3.2)
=========== =========== =============
3,301,297 (30 June 2019: 2,307,168; 31 December 2019: 3,490,871)
shares were deemed to have been issued at nil consideration as a
result of the shareholder and supporter warrants granted (in prior
periods) and shares which could be issued under the bonus share
matching plan and long-term incentive plans which, as required
under IAS 33, Earnings per Share, have not been recognised as they
would reduce the loss per share.
Adjusted earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share is based on adjusted operating
profit, which is stated after charging interest but before
depreciation, amortisation, share-based payments relating to
acquisitions, profits and losses on disposal of tangible fixed
assets, net performance fees, net development gains and exceptional
items, to provide the non-GAAP measure of the performance as an
asset manager. This includes dividend and interest income received
from investment in associates. This metric was revised in 2019 to
reflect the activity of the core asset management business
separately from performance fees and realised gains on investments.
Accordingly, the metric now deducts net performance fees, variable
compensation attributable to gains on investments (development
projects) and share-based payments relating to acquisitions.
Adjusted profit for calculating adjusted earnings per share:
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2020 2019 2019
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Net operating loss after exceptional
items (711) (668) (2,056)
Add back:
Exceptional operating expenses 1,170 757 1,063
Depreciation and amortisation 4,482 4,325 8,484
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed
assets - 25 43
Dividend income received from associates - - 1,323
Net performance fees - (200) (200)
Variable compensation attributable
to realised gains on investments - - 1,037
Share-based payments relating to acquisitions 296 296 593
Adjusted operating profit attributable
to equity holders of the parent 5,237 4,535 10,287
Adjusted profit per share (pence)
- basic 18.0 18.1 38.9
=========== =========== =============
Adjusted profit per share (pence)
- diluted 16.2 16.6 34.3
=========== =========== =============
9 DIVIDS
The Company paid GBP1,351,000 during the period which represents
a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2019 of 4.5 pence
per share. A final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2018 of
3.0 pence per share totalling GBP795,000 was paid in May 2019.
10 INVESTMENTS - SECURITIES
Investments have been classified as follows:
30 June 30 June 31 December
2020 2019 2019
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Non-current assets 9,872 7,791 9,621
Other debtors due within one year - Investment
in development projects 752 2,840 1,208
10,624 10,631 10,829
======== ======== ============
A further analysis of total investments is as follows:
30 June 30 June 31 December
2020 2019 2019
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Listed securities - on the London Stock
Exchange 6,318 4,389 5,624
Securities dealt in under AIM 395 593 531
Securities dealt in under Aquis Stock Exchange 13 18 10
Unlisted securities 3,898 5,631 4,664
Closing value 10,624 10,631 10,829
======== ======== ============
Investments valued at fair value through
profit or loss 9,605 7,489 8,914
Loans and receivables carried at amortised
cost 1,019 3,142 1,915
10,624 10,631 10,829
======== ======== ============
Unlisted securities primarily include the Group's investment in
the Gresham House Forestry Fund LP (GBP2.1 million, including
non-controlling interests), investment in battery storage projects
(GBP0.8 million) included within other debtors due within one year,
and an investment of GBP0.6 million in LF GH Equity Funds.
11 SHARE CAPITAL
30 June 30 June 31 December
2020 2019 2019
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Allotted: Ordinary - 30,012,401 (30 June
2019: 27,239,162; 31 December 2019: 27,824,222)
fully paid shares of 25 pence each 7,503 6,810 6,956
======== ======== ============
During the six months to 30 June 2020 the Company issued the
following new ordinary shares:
-- 2,924 shares on 14 January 2020 at a price of 324.8 pence per
share pursuant to an exercise of options in the 2018 Save as You
Earn (SAYE) Scheme ;
-- 555,555 shares on 11 March 2020 at a price of 625 pence per
share to the vendors of TradeRisks Limited;
-- 4,770 shares on 11 March 2020 at a price of 632.5 pence to
the Gresham House plc Employee Benefit Trust to be used to satisfy
awards arising from the Company's employee incentive schemes ;
-- 1,568,628 placing shares on 20 March 2020 at a price of 510 pence per share; and
-- 56,302 shareholder warrants were exercised during the period
at a price of 323.27 pence per share.
12 SHARE WARRANTS
Shareholder Supporter Total
warrants warrants warrants
Balance at 1 January 2019 874,485 769,000 1,643,485
Warrants exercised during the period (197,726) (752,000) (949,726)
------------ ---------- ------------
Balance at 30 June 2019 676,759 17,000 693,759
Warrants exercised during the period (536,456) (17,000) (553,456)
Warrants lapsed during the period (83,940) - (83,940)
------------ ---------- ------------
Balance at 31 December 2019 56,363 - 56,363
Warrants exercised during the period (56,302) - (56,302)
Warrants lapsed during the period 61 - 61
Balance at 30 June 2020 - - -
============ ========== ============
Shareholder warrants
On 1 December 2014 the Company issued 1,073,904 shareholder
warrants to existing shareholders as at the close of business on 28
November 2014 on a 1:5 basis, such warrants having been admitted to
trading on AIM. Shareholder warrants are freely transferable, are
exercisable at any time between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019
at an exercise price of 323.27 pence per ordinary share and are
subject to the terms of the shareholder warrant instrument dated 7
October 2014. Shareholder warrants not exercised by 31 December
2019 lapsed.
Supporter warrants
On 1 December 2014 the Company issued 850,000 supporter warrants
to the new directors and certain members of the Investment
Committee and Advisory Group at a price of 7.5 pence per warrant.
Supporter warrants have the same entitlements as the shareholder
warrants save that (i) they are not freely transferable (such
supporter warrants only being transferable to certain family
members, trusts or companies connected with the relevant warrant
holder) and accordingly not quoted on AIM; (ii) are exercisable
between 1 December 2015 and 31 December 2019; and (iii) are subject
to the terms of the supporter warrant instrument dated 7 October
2014.
During the six months to 30 June 2020 56,302 shareholder
warrants were converted into ordinary shares resulting in the issue
of 56,302 new ordinary shares (30 June 2019: 949,726; year ended 31
December 2019: 1,503,182). Notice was given by shareholder warrant
holders by 31 December 2019 for 56,363 shareholder warrants, of
which 56,302 have been exercised, with the remaining 61 shareholder
warrants lapsing in the period.
13 NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
Basic
30 June 30 June 31 December
2020 2019 2019
Equity attributable to holders of
the parent (GBP'000) 96,241 88,551 90,237
Number of ordinary shares in issue
at the end of the period 30,012,401 27,239,162 27,824,222
Basic net asset value (pence) 320.7 325.1 324.3
=========== =========== ============
Diluted
30 June 30 June 31 December
2020 2019 2019
Equity attributable to holders of
the parent (GBP'000) 96,241 88,551 90,237
Number of ordinary shares in issue
at the end of the period 33,313,698 29,546,330 31,315,093
Diluted net asset value (pence) 288.1 299.7 288.2
=========== =========== ============
Diluted net asset value per share is based on the number of
shares in issue at the period end together with 3,301,297 (30 June
2019: 2,307,168; 31 December 2019: 3,490,871) shares deemed to have
been issued at nil consideration as a result of the shareholder and
supporter warrants (in prior periods) and shares which could be
issued under the bonus share matching plan and long-term incentive
plans.
14 RECONCILIATION OF NET OPERATING LOSS TO OPERATING CASH
FLOWS
30 June 30 June 31 December
2020 2019 2019
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Net operating loss after exceptional
items (711) (668) (2,056)
(Loss)/profit from discontinued operations (6) (2) 55
Interest payable 5 195 221
Depreciation 529 413 816
Loss/(profit) on disposal of tangible
fixed assets - 25 43
Amortisation 3,953 3,912 7,668
Share-based payments 1,105 756 1,844
4,875 4,631 8,591
Decrease in long-term receivables - 78 78
Decrease/(increase) in current assets 3,851 (4,127) (4,638)
(Decrease)/increase in current liabilities (2,501) 1,780 5,615
6,225 2,362 9,646
======== =========== ============
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END
IR SFIFUMESSEDU
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 17, 2020 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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