TIDMNUM
RNS Number : 9593X
Numis Corporation PLC
03 May 2019
Numis Corporation Plc
Half Year Results
for the six months ended 31 March 2019
London, 3 May 2019: Numis Corporation Plc ("Numis") today
announces unaudited interim results for the period ended 31 March
2019.
Highlights
-- Challenging market backdrop has impacted first half performance
-- Investment Banking revenues 24% lower than H1 2018 but 3%
higher than the second half of 2018
-- Quality of the corporate client base continues to progress -
54 FTSE 350 clients and 17% increase in average market cap
-- Equities revenue down 28% reflecting weak UK investor sentiment and lower market volumes
-- Transition to MiFID II completed, payments for research
remain in line with prior year despite reduction in institutional
budgets
-- Dividend maintained at 5.5p and GBP7.5m spent on share repurchases in the 6 month period
-- Strong balance sheet, additional GBP35m of liquidity provided
by new committed credit facility
Key statistics
Financial highlights H1 2019 H1 2018 Change
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Revenue GBP55.7m GBP74.1m (24.9)%
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Underlying Operating profit GBP8.1m GBP19.3m (57.9)%
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Profit before tax GBP7.1m GBP19.5m (63.6)%
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
EPS 5.4p 15.8p (65.8)%
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Cash GBP78.9m GBP82.5m (4.4)%
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Net assets GBP140.2m GBP140.0m 0.1%
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Operating highlights
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Corporate clients 214 208 +6
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Average market cap of clients GBP836m GBP711m 17.3%
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Revenue per head (annualised) GBP401k GBP606k (33.8)%
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Operating margin 14.6% 26.0% (11.4ppts)
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Spend on share repurchases GBP7.5m GBP9.7m (22.7)%
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Notes:
1) Revenue, Underlying Operating profit, Operating margin and
Revenue per head all exclude investment income / losses
2) EPS represents Basic EPS
Alex Ham and Ross Mitchinson, Co-Chief Executive Officers,
said:
"We operate in a cyclical industry and our financial performance
will always be influenced to a certain extent by market conditions.
Our first half performance has been impacted by a significant
slowdown in UK deal activity and investors maintaining a cautious
approach toward the UK market. However, we are encouraged by the
continued progress of the business and believe our investment in
recent years provides a strong platform from which we can continue
to successfully execute our strategy.
Numis benefits from a strong financial position established over
a period of many years. This stability provides reassurance to
existing and potential clients, and ensures Numis continues to be a
great platform for our staff, and potential new hires. Stability
has also significantly contributed to our track record of
outperformance during periods of difficult market conditions. We
believe the current market environment, whilst uncertain in the
short term, presents further opportunities for the business to
advance its strategic ambitions within an evolving competitive
landscape."
The information contained within this announcement is deemed to
constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse
Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014. Upon the publication of this
announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in
the public domain.
Contacts:
Numis Corporation:
Alex Ham & Ross Mitchinson, Co-Chief Executives 020 7260 1245
Andrew Holloway, Chief Financial Officer 020 7260 1266
Brunswick:
Nick Cosgrove 020 7404 5959
Simone Selzer 020 7404 5959
Grant Thornton UK LLP (Nominated Adviser):
Philip Secrett 020 7728 2578
Harrison Clarke 020 7184 4384
Notes for Editors
Numis is a leading independent investment banking group offering
a full range of research, execution, corporate broking and advisory
services to companies in the UK and their investors. Numis is
listed on AIM, and employs approximately 270 staff in London and
New York.
Business review
Overall performance
The first half performance was impacted by a difficult trading
environment dominated by domestic political uncertainty, volatile
equity markets and a material decline in transaction activity.
Revenues declined 25% to GBP55.7m (2018: GBP74.1m) and Underlying
Operating profit declined 58% to GBP8.1m (2018: GBP19.3m). Profit
before tax declined by GBP12.4m to GBP7.1m and includes GBP1.4m of
losses recognised on investments held outside of our market making
business (2018: GBP0.4m gain). Our balance sheet remains strong
with cash balances of GBP78.9m (2018: GBP82.5m) and net assets of
GBP140.2m (2018: GBP140.0m).
Market conditions
Whilst markets closed the period at broadly similar levels to
the start of the financial year, with the FTSE 100 and 250
declining 3.1% and 5.9% respectively, the 6 month period witnessed
a material decline at the start of the period followed by a partial
recovery over the past few months. In addition, volatility levels
were elevated for much of the period driven by both domestic
matters and a variety of global economic concerns. The political
uncertainty facing the UK has inhibited corporate client activity
resulting in both lower M&A activity and a significant
reduction in equity capital markets transactions. UK ECM volumes
are approximately 50% lower in the 6 month period to 31 March 2019
compared to the previous 6 months to 30 September 2018.
Investment Banking
H1 2019 H1 2018 %
GBPm GBPm Change
--------------------------- ------- ------- -------
Capital Markets 24.9 33.0 (24.7)%
--------------------------- ------- ------- -------
Advisory 7.5 11.7 (35.9)%
--------------------------- ------- ------- -------
Corporate retainers 6.4 6.1 4.9%
--------------------------- ------- ------- -------
Investment Banking revenue 38.8 50.9 (23.8)%
--------------------------- ------- ------- -------
During the period, the Corporate Broking & Advisory division
(CB&A) was renamed Investment Banking reflecting the broader
range of products and services now delivered by the team (there is
no change to revenue attribution as a result of the renaming).
Investment Banking revenue for the 6 months to 31 March 2019 was
24% lower than the first half of the prior year but, despite the
significant fall in market activity, revenue was 3% higher than the
second half of the prior year. The period started positively with a
number of IPOs and Capital Markets transactions in October, and
ended strongly with 13 deals completed in March, however, across
the period, deal volumes were down compared to both 6 month periods
of the prior year. Average deal fees remained at broadly the same
level achieved across the prior financial year reflecting the
sustained benefits of a higher quality corporate client base and
consistently being awarded senior roles on transactions.
Capital Markets revenues were 25% lower than the comparable
period and only 4% lower than the second half of the prior
financial year, notwithstanding the far greater decline in UK
capital markets volumes over the past 6 months. Our performance
reflects our ability to execute transactions in challenging market
environments and enhances our reputation for being able to provide
our clients insightful, accurate and bespoke advice at pivotal
moments.
Advisory revenues were also down on the comparable period but
35% higher than the second half of the prior year, this continues
to be an area of focus as we leverage our evolving sector
specialisation with our strong execution capabilities to improve
the frequency of our appointment as a financial adviser in M&A
situations. We continue to make progress and the recent growth in
the M&A pipeline is encouraging.
Retainer fee income increased 3% relative to the comparative
period through a combination of new client wins and negotiated fee
increases. Overall we delivered a net 6 client wins in the six
month period including Fever-Tree and Euromoney. The average market
capitalisation of the clients won was materially higher than those
lost in the period reflecting our continued focus on developing the
quality and size of our corporate client base. We now act as
retained broker for 6 FTSE 100 companies and 48 FTSE 250
companies.
Equities
H1 2019 H1 2018 %
GBPm GBPm Change
--------------------- ------- ------- -------
Institutional income 16.5 18.7 (11.8)%
--------------------- ------- ------- -------
Trading 0.4 4.6 (91.3)%
--------------------- ------- ------- -------
Equities revenue 16.9 23.3 (27.5)%
--------------------- ------- ------- -------
Equities delivered revenue of GBP16.9m for the six months ended
31 March 2019 (2018: GBP23.3m), which represented a decline of 28%.
Institutional income, which comprises execution commission and
payments for research under MIFID II, declined 12% compared to the
first half of the prior year. This performance is reflective of
lower volumes in the UK market as the prevailing uncertainty has
reduced trading activity amongst our predominantly long-only
institutional client base. Payments for research remain robust
notwithstanding a reduction in budgets across the asset management
community. We continue to expect research payments for calendar
year 2019 to be in line with the previous year which we believe
would represent an increase in our market share. Our institutional
clients clearly recognise the relative quality of our product and
analysts, both of which have been enhanced by new hires completed
over the past 12 months. As a result, the number of institutional
clients who consider Numis their top rated UK broker continues to
grow.
Whilst Trading has reported a negligible gain in the period of
GBP0.4m, this includes the loss associated with the underwriting of
the Kier rights issue. Excluding this loss, Trading has delivered a
reasonable performance in the first half although below the level
achieved in the comparative period largely due to the increased
volatility and varied market performance across the 6 month
period.
The strength of our Equities platform continues to provide a
competitive advantage to our Investment Banking business, in
particular the quality of our research and distribution remains
central to our strategy to grow the corporate client base and gain
market share in UK ECM.
Investment portfolio
The valuation of our portfolio as at 31 March 2019 was GBP15.5m,
compared to GBP16.3m at the year end, representing a decline of
GBP0.8m. A total of GBP0.6m new investments were completed during
the period comprising one new investment and follow-on investments
relating to commitments arising from a private equity fund
investment made in the prior year. There were no disposals during
the period but we incurred a write down of GBP0.9m in relation to
our unquoted investments and a loss of GBP0.5m in relation to our
only remaining quoted investment. We do not anticipate materially
increasing the number of investments in the near term and we will
aim to take advantage of liquidity events to exit certain
investments.
Costs and people
H1 2019 H1 2018 %
GBPm GBPm Change
--------------------------- ------- ------- -------
Staff costs 24.7 34.8 (29.0)%
--------------------------- ------- ------- -------
Share-based payment 5.5 5.2 6.5%
--------------------------- ------- ------- -------
Non-staff costs 17.4 14.9 16.8%
--------------------------- ------- ------- -------
Total administrative costs 47.6 54.9 (13.3)%
--------------------------- ------- ------- -------
Period end headcount 279 254 9.8%
--------------------------- ------- ------- -------
Average headcount 278 245 13.5%
--------------------------- ------- ------- -------
Compensation ratio 54% 54% -
--------------------------- ------- ------- -------
Staff related costs comprise the majority of our cost base.
During the period we increased average headcount by 13.5%
reflecting the hiring activity completed towards the end of the
previous year. Periods of market dislocation generally present good
hiring opportunities and whilst we do not expect a material change
in our headcount across the remainder of the year, we may consider
such opportunities on a selective basis. The hiring initiatives of
the prior year were focused on strengthening our platform and
expanding our capabilities. The benefits of these hires are
beginning to materialise in the current financial year and our
primary focus is to maximise the positive impact of this investment
and continue to grow our market share.
Overall, staff costs were 29% lower than the comparative period
with the increase in salary costs associated with the higher
headcount being more than offset by a lower variable compensation
provision attributable to the weaker revenue performance over the
period.
Our share-based payment charge was GBP5.5m (2018: GBP5.2m), an
increase of 7% compared to the comparable period. This increase is
attributable to awards made to staff as part of the annual
compensation round, and awards made to new hires to compensate for
sacrificed awards made by previous employers. The expense related
to equity awards is generally weighted toward the first year of a
three year term.
Compensation costs as a percentage of revenue remained at 54%
(2018: 54%) as a result of the lower revenue performance over the
period being partially offset by a decline in variable
compensation. We adopt a disciplined approach to managing the
compensation ratio of the business across market cycles and seek to
ensure an appropriate alignment between staff compensation,
business performance and shareholder returns.
Non-staff costs are 17% higher than the comparable period. In
the six months to 31 March 2019 we incurred additional variable
costs related to information services and data costs arising partly
as a result of the higher headcount as well as further regulatory
related expenditure. In addition we continue to believe investing
in technology to enhance our service to clients, and effectively
manage the risks inherent in our business should remain
priorities.
Capital and Liquidity
The Group's net asset position as at 31 March 2019 was
GBP140.2m. We operate significantly in excess of our regulatory
capital requirements and believe this provides the Group stability,
and strategic flexibility, throughout periods of lower
profitability.
Our liquidity position is subject to material daily movements as
a result of our trading and underwriting activities. As at 31 March
2019, our cash position was GBP78.9m which was GBP3.6m lower than
31 March 2018 and GBP32.8m lower than 30 September 2018 reflecting
the seasonality of certain cash outflows.
The Group operates with a cash position materially above its
minimum liquidity obligations, however the liquidity requirements
of the Group are likely to continue increasing as a result of our
participation in larger and more complex equity transactions.
Accordingly, the Group has recently entered into a revolving credit
facility agreement with Barclays Bank PLC and AIB Group (UK) p.l.c
to provide access to a further GBP35m of liquidity. The facility is
committed for 3 years providing additional capacity to support our
strategy and also offers us greater cash management flexibility.
The additional costs and fees associated with the credit facility
are likely to be offset by cost savings attributable to the
reconfiguration of our clearing arrangements which has been
facilitated by the structure of the new credit facility.
Dividends and share purchases
The Board has declared an interim dividend for the year of 5.5p
per share in accordance with our stated policy. The dividend will
be paid on 21 June 2019 to shareholders on the Register on 17 May
2019.
Our goal is to pay a stable ordinary dividend and re-invest in
our platform, pursue selective growth opportunities and return
excess cash to shareholders subject to capital and liquidity
requirements and market outlook.
During the period 2.87m shares were repurchased compared to
2.84m shares purchased in the prior period. The majority of
employee share vestings occur during the first half, as a result
the share count typically increases in the first few months of the
year. Our intention is to continue mitigating the dilutive impact
of these awards through share buybacks.
Current trading and outlook
A number of Capital Markets transactions have been completed in
April, however, these have been generally lower value fee events.
Equities revenues are running at similar levels to recent
months.
Our pipeline remains encouraging with an increase in M&A fee
opportunities offsetting a reduction in the IPO pipeline. We also
continue to work on a number of meaningful capital raising
opportunities and hope to progress these transactions over the
coming months. In addition we expect to complete a number of high
quality corporate client wins in the near term.
Once greater clarity regarding the UK political outlook is
established, we expect a material improvement in corporate and
institutional client activity. As for all market participants,
predicting the timing of any such improvement remains difficult. In
the meantime we continue to support our clients, focus on
delivering market share gains, and ensure the firm remains well
positioned to take advantage of market opportunities.
Alex Ham & Ross Mitchinson
Co-Chief Executives
3 May 2019
Consolidated Income Statement
UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 31 MARCH 2019
6 months 6 months
ended ended Year ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2019 2018 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------- ------ --------------- ---------- ---------------
Revenue 3 55,689 74,140 136,047
Other operating income 4 (1,428) 399 1,733
------------------------- ------ --------------- ---------- ---------------
Total income 54,261 74,539 137,780
Administrative expenses 5 (47,567) (54,831) (106,348)
------------------------- ------ --------------- ---------- ---------------
Operating profit 6,694 19,708 31,432
Finance income 6 430 150 393
Finance costs 6 (16) (332) (181)
------------------------- ------ --------------- ---------- ---------------
Profit before tax 7,108 19,526 31,644
Taxation (1,396) (2,716) (4,967)
Profit after tax 5,712 16,810 26,677
------------------------- ------ --------------- ---------- ---------------
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 5,712 16,810 26,677
------------------------- ------ --------------- ---------- ---------------
Earnings per share 7
Basic 5.4p 15.8p 25.1p
Diluted 5.0p 14.6p 23.0p
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 31 MARCH 2019
6 months 6 months
ended ended Year ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2019 2018 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------- --------------- ---------- ---------------
Profit for the period 5,712 16,810 26,677
Exchange differences on translation
of foreign operations 8 29 115
---------------------------------------- --------------- ---------- ---------------
Other comprehensive income for
the period, net of tax 8 29 115
Total comprehensive income for
the period, net of tax, attributable
to the owners of the parent 5,720 16,839 26,792
---------------------------------------- --------------- ---------- ---------------
Consolidated Balance Sheet
UNAUDITED AS AT 31 MARCH 2019
31 March 31 March 30 September
2019 2018 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 9a 2,798 3,236 3,200
Intangible assets 62 101 77
Deferred tax 9b 3,455 4,102 4,938
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
6,315 7,439 8,215
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 9c 230,764 185,587 369,304
Trading investments 9d 38,824 51,263 43,800
Stock borrowing collateral 9e 23,853 10,926 7,906
Derivative financial instruments 967 466 350
Cash and cash equivalents 9g 78,876 82,531 111,673
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
373,284 330,773 533,033
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 9c (217,313) (188,428) (381,607)
Financial liabilities 9f (21,261) (7,277) (14,632)
Current income tax (804) (2,483) (1,873)
(239,378) (198,188) (398,112)
Net current assets 133,906 132,585 134,921
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Non current liabilities
Deferred tax 9b - (11) -
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Net assets 140,221 140,013 143,136
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Equity
Share capital 5,922 5,922 5,922
Share premium - - -
Other reserves 18,004 12,669 17,537
Retained earnings 116,295 121,422 119,677
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Total equity 140,221 140,013 143,136
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 31 MARCH 2019
Other Retained
Share capital reserves earnings Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------
Balance at 1 October 2017 5,922 13,416 114,288 133,626
Profit for the period 16,810 16,810
Other comprehensive income 29 - 29
---------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------
Total comprehensive income for
the period 29 16,810 16,839
---------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------
Dividends paid (6,902) (6,902)
Movement in respect of employee
share plans (776) (3,357) (4,133)
Deferred tax related to share
based payments 638 638
Net movement in Treasury shares (55) (55)
---------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------
Transactions with shareholders - (776) (9,676) (10,452)
---------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------
Balance at 31 March 2018 5,922 12,669 121,422 140,013
---------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------
Balance at 1 October 2017 5,922 13,416 114,288 133,626
Profit for the year 26,677 26,677
Other comprehensive income 115 - 115
---------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------
Total comprehensive income for
the year 115 26,677 26,792
---------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------
Dividends paid (12,763) (12,763)
Movement in respect of employee
share plans 4,006 (3,779) 227
Deferred tax related to share
based payments 1,004 1,004
Net movement in Treasury shares (5,750) (5,750)
---------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------
Transactions with shareholders - 4,006 (21,288) (17,282)
---------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------
Balance at 30 September 2018 5,922 17,537 119,677 143,136
---------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------
Balance at 1 October 2018 5,922 17,537 119,677 143,136
Profit for the period 5,712 5,712
Other comprehensive income 8 - 8
---------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- --------
Total comprehensive income for
the period 8 5,712 5,720
---------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- --------
Dividends paid (6,837) (6,837)
Movement in respect of employee
share plans 459 (2,281) (1,822)
Deferred tax related to share
based payments (1,445) (1,445)
Net movement in Treasury shares 1,469 1,469
---------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- --------
Transactions with shareholders - 459 (9,094) (8,635)
---------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- --------
Balance at 31 March 2019 5,922 18,004 116,295 140,221
---------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- --------
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 31 MARCH 2019
6 months 6 months
ended ended Year ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2019 2018 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Cash from/(used in) operating
activities 10 (16,817) 10,860 55,661
Interest paid (16) (17) (222)
Taxation paid (1,949) (6,527) (9,609)
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Net cash from/(used in) operating
activities (18,782) 4,316 45,830
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment (155) (820) (1,314)
Purchase of intangible assets - (93) (93)
Interest received 430 150 393
Net cash (used in) investing
activities 275 (763) (1,014)
Financing activities
Purchase of own shares - Employee
Benefit Trust (3,457) (4,801) (5,597)
Purchase of own shares - Treasury (4,001) (4,979) (10,675)
Dividends paid (6,837) (6,902) (12,763)
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Net cash used in financing activities (14,295) (16,682) (29,035)
Net movement in cash and cash
equivalents (32,802) (13,129) 15,781
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Opening cash and cash equivalents 111,673 95,852 95,852
Net movement in cash and cash
equivalents (32,801) (13,129) 15,781
Exchange movements 5 (192) 40
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Closing cash and cash equivalents 78,876 82,531 111,673
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Notes to the Financial Statements
1. Basis of preparation
Numis Corporation Plc is a UK AIM traded company incorporated
and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The address of its registered
office is 10 Paternoster Square, London, EC4M 7LT. The Company is
incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006
(company registration No. 2375296).
The consolidated financial information contained within these
financial statements is unaudited and does not constitute statutory
accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act
2006. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with AIM Rule 18. The statutory accounts for the year ended 30
September 2018, which were prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by
the European Union (EU) and in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC)
interpretations and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006
applicable to companies reporting under IFRS, have been delivered
to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the independent
auditor on those statutory accounts contained no qualification or
statement under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act
2006.
The preparation of these interim financial statements requires
the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. The judgements and estimates applied by the
Group in these interim financial statements have been applied on a
consistent basis with the statutory accounts for the year ended 30
September 2018. Although these estimates are based on management's
best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results
ultimately may differ from those of estimates.
These interim financial statements are prepared on the
historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain
financial instruments.
These interim financial statements are prepared on a going
concern basis as the directors have satisfied themselves that, at
the time of approving these interim financial statements, the Group
has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at
least the next twelve months.
During the period, a number of new standards and amendments to
IFRS became effective and were adopted by the Company and the
Group. These included IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and IFRS 15
Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, which replaces IAS 39, introduces
the concept that financial assets should be classified and measured
at fair value, with changes in fair value recognised through profit
and loss as they arise, unless specific requirements are met for
classifying and measuring the asset at either Amortized Cost or
Fair Value Through Other Comprehensive Income. As all of the
Group's investments are held as trading and measured at fair value
through profit and loss there is no material impact of this
change.
Further, the new standard also replaces the incurred loss
impairment approach under IAS 39 with an "expected credit loss"
model which focusses on the risk that a loan will default rather
than whether a loss has already occurred. As the Group does have
any debt instruments in issue at the balance sheet date this change
has no material impact on the Groups reporting.
Finally, the new standard also contains revised requirements
which aim to simplify hedge accounting. As the Group does not apply
hedge accounting, this change has no material impact on the Groups
reporting.
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers replaces IAS 18
and IAS 11 and does not apply to financial instruments, lease
contracts or insurance contracts which fall under the scope of
other IFRSs. The standard introduces a new revenue recognition
model which features a contract-based five-step analysis of
transactions to determine whether, how much, and when revenue is
recognised. The Group's contractual terms already stipulate the
contractual conditions, and the Group recognises revenue only when
these conditions have been met. In addition, where a service is
provided over time (eg retainer fees) fees are recognised upon the
same basis of the client's consumption of the services. Adoption of
IFRS 15 therefore does not have a material impact on the Group's
reporting.
We therefore conclude that none of the new standards or
amendments have a material impact on the Group's income statement,
statement of comprehensive income, balance sheet, statement of
changes in equity or statement of cash flows.
2. Segmental reporting
Geographical information
The Group is managed as an integrated investment banking and
equities business and although there are different revenue types
(which are separately disclosed in note 3) the nature of the
Group's activities is considered to be subject to the same and/or
similar economic characteristics. Consequently the Group is managed
as a single business unit.
The Group earns its revenue in the following geographical
locations:
6 months ended 6 months ended Year ended
30 September
31 March 2019 31 March 2018 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
United Kingdom 51,308 67,893 124,990
United States of America 4,381 6,247 11,057
55,689 74,140 136,047
-------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
The following is an analysis of the carrying amount of
non-current assets (excluding financial instruments and deferred
tax assets) by the geographical area in which the assets are
located:
6 months ended 6 months ended Year ended
30 September
31 March 2019 31 March 2018 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
United Kingdom 2,359 2,933 2,713
United States of America 501 404 564
2,860 3,337 3,277
-------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Other information
In addition, the analysis below sets out the income performance
and net asset split between our investment banking and equities
business and the equity holdings which constitute our investment
portfolio.
6 months 6 months
ended ended Year ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2019 2018 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------- ---------------------- ---------- -------------
Equities income 16,871 23,278 47,460
Corporate retainers 6,423 6,123 12,430
Total corporate transactions revenues 32,395 44,739 76,157
---------------------------------------- ---------------------- ---------- -------------
Revenue (see note 3) 55,689 74,140 136,047
Investment activity net gains (1,428) 399 1,733
Contribution from investment portfolio (1,428) 399 1,733
---------------------------------------- ---------------------- ---------- -------------
Total income 54,261 74,539 137,780
---------------------------------------- ---------------------- ---------- -------------
6 months 6 months
Net assets ended ended Year ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2019 2018 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Investment Banking & Equities activities 45,820 29,889 15,121
Investing activities 15,525 27,593 16,342
Cash and cash equivalents 78,876 82,531 111,673
------------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Total net assets 140,221 140,013 143,136
------------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- -------------
3. Revenue
6 months ended 6 months ended Year ended
30 September
31 March 2019 31 March 2018 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Net trading gains 359 4,557 9,594
Institutional income 16,512 18,721 37,866
--------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Equities income 16,871 23,278 47,460
Corporate retainers 6,423 6,123 12,430
Advisory 7,541 11,732 17,335
Capital markets 24,854 33,007 58,822
--------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Investment banking income 38,818 50,862 88,587
--------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
55,689 74,140 136,047
--------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
4. Other operating income
Other operating income represents net losses made on investments
which are held outside of the market making portfolio. The losses
reflect price movements on quoted holdings, fair value adjustments
on unquoted holdings and related dividend income. In the period
both our portfolio of unquoted and remaining quoted investments
suffered negative valuation movements.
5. Administrative expenses
6 months ended 6 months ended Year ended
30 September
31 March 2019 31 March 2018 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Staff costs 30,200 39,966 75,326
Non-staff costs 17,367 14,865 31,022
47,567 54,831 106,348
----------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
The average number of employees during the period has increased
to 278 (H1 2018: 245). Staff costs excluding share award related
charges have decreased by 29% compared to the prior period due to
the lower revenue performance resulting in lower variable
compensation.
Non-staff costs have increased by 17% compared to the prior
period. The increase is largely attributable to the additional
information and data costs associated with the higher headcount in
the period. In addition we continue to invest in our technology
platform.
6. Finance income and Finance costs
Finance income for the period:
6 months ended 6 months ended Year ended
30 September
31 March 2019 31 March 2018 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Interest income 430 150 393
----------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Finance costs for the period:
6 months ended 6 months ended Year ended
30 September
31 March 2019 31 March 2018 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Net foreign exchange losses 10 315 167
Interest expense 6 17 14
----------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
16 332 181
----------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
7. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated on profits after tax of
GBP5,712,000 (2018: GBP16,810,000) and 105,750,034 (2018:
106,654,473) ordinary shares being the weighted average number of
ordinary shares in issue during the period. Diluted earnings per
share takes account of contingently issuable shares arising from
share scheme award arrangements where their impact would be
dilutive. In accordance with IAS 33, potential ordinary shares are
only considered dilutive when their conversion would decrease the
profit per share or increase the loss per share from continuing
operations attributable to the equity holders. Therefore shares
that may be considered dilutive while positive earnings are being
reported may not be dilutive while losses are incurred.
The calculations exclude shares held by the Employee Benefit
Trust on behalf of the Group and shares held in Treasury.
6 months ended 6 months ended Year ended
30 September
31 March 2019 31 March 2018 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Number Number Number
Thousands Thousands Thousands
------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares in issue during the period
- basic 105,750 106,654 106,435
Dilutive effect of share awards 9,114 8,153 9,374
------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Diluted number of ordinary shares 114,864 114,807 115,809
------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
8. Dividends
6 months
ended 6 months ended Year ended
31 March 30 September
2019 31 March 2018 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------ ---------- --------------- -------------
Final dividend year ended 30 September
2017 (6.50p) 6,902 6,902
Interim dividend year ended 30 September
2018 (5.50p) 5,861
Final dividend year ended 30 September
2018 (6.50p) 6,837
Distribution to equity holders of
Numis Corporation Plc 6,837 6,902 12,763
------------------------------------------ ---------- --------------- -------------
The Board has approved the payment of an interim dividend of
5.50p per share (2018: interim 5.50p per share). This dividend will
be payable on 21 June 2019 to shareholders on the register of
members at the close of business on 17 May 2019. These financial
statements do not reflect this dividend payable.
9. Balance sheet items
(a) Property, plant and equipment
The Group's offices in London underwent a program of
refurbishment during 2015. No material additions have been made
since then.
(b) Deferred tax
As at 31 March 2019 deferred tax assets totalling GBP3,455,000
(30 September 2019: GBP4,938,000) have been recognised reflecting
management's confidence that there will be sufficient levels of
future taxable profits against which these deferred tax asset can
be utilised. The deferred tax asset principally comprises amounts
in respect of unvested share based payments.
(c) Trade and other receivables and Trade and other payables
Trade and other receivables and trade and other payables
principally comprise amounts due from and due to clients, brokers
and other counterparties. Such amounts represent unsettled sold and
unsettled purchased securities transactions and are stated gross.
The magnitude of such balances varies with the level of business
being transacted around the reporting date. Included within Trade
and other receivables are cash collateral balances held with
securities clearing houses of GBP7,160,000 (30 September 2018:
GBP8,630,000).
The group has a legally enforceable right and intention to
offset with a clearing house. The amount offset at the period end
was GBP14.5m (2018 GBP33.0m). The prior period has been restated to
reflect the application of the offsetting rules. This does not
affect the prior period net assets value and there has been no
impact on reported results in either financial period.
(d) Trading investments
Included within trading investments is GBP15,493,000 (30
September 2018: GBP16,348,000) of investments held outside of the
market making portfolio. The net decrease during the period has
been due to unfavourable valuation movements.
(e) Stock borrowing collateral
The Group enters stock borrowing arrangements with certain
institutions which are entered into on a collateralised basis with
cash advanced as collateral. Under such arrangements a security is
purchased with a commitment to return it at a future date at an
agreed price. The securities purchased are not recognised on the
balance sheet. Where cash has been used to affect the purchase, an
asset is recorded on the balance sheet as stock borrowing
collateral at the amount of cash collateral advanced or
received.
In the rare event that trading investments are pledged as
security these remain within trading investments and the value of
security pledged disclosed separately except in the case of
short-term highly liquid assets with an original maturity of three
months or less, which are reported within cash and cash equivalents
with the value of security pledged disclosed separately.
(f) Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities comprise short positions in quoted
securities arising through the normal course of business in
facilitating client order flow and form part of the market making
portfolio.
(g) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash balances are lower than those reported at 31 March 2018
reflecting decreased levels of operating profit, dividend
distributions and the repurchase of shares into Treasury and the
Employee Benefit Trust.
(h) Investment commitment
During the prior year the Company signed an investment
subscription agreement in a U.S. private fund with a total
subscription value of $1.0m. The full amount of the subscription
had not been called upon at the balance sheet date. The fund calls
upon capital as it is required and at the balance sheet date $0.9m
had been called up and paid. This is classified within Trading
Investments. The remaining $0.1m has not yet been called and is
therefore a commitment until it is paid over to the fund. The
subscription agreement allows that the investment can be called any
time up till the 5th anniversary of the agreement, which is June
2023.
10. Reconciliation of profit before tax to cash from operating activities
6 months
6 months ended ended Year ended
31 March 30 September
31 March 2019 2018 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------ --------------- ---------- -------------
Profit before tax 7,108 19,526 31,644
Net finance income/(expense) (414) 182 (212)
Depreciation charge on property,
plant and equipment 558 582 1,113
Amortisation charge on intangible
assets 15 25 49
Share scheme charges 5,493 5,158 10,583
(Increase)/ Decrease in current
asset trading investments 4,976 (3,665) 3,624
Decrease/(Increase) in trade and
other receivables 139,506 37,389 (122,100)
Net movement in stock borrowing
collateral (15,947) (2,320) 700
(Decrease)/Increase in trade and
other payables (157,490) (46,011) 130,580
(Increase)/Decrease in derivatives (622) (6) (320)
Cash from/(used in) operating activities (16,817) 10,860 55,661
------------------------------------------ --------------- ---------- -------------
The cash from operating activities during the six months ended
31 March 2019 reflects the lower operational inflows, principally
due to lower cash-based revenues, combined with outflows in respect
of seasonal expense items which fall within the first half of our
financial year.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
IR VLLFBKEFEBBE
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