TIDMNUM
RNS Number : 3910E
Numis Corporation PLC
08 May 2017
Numis Corporation Plc
Half Year Results
for the six months ended 31 March 2017
London, 8 May 2017: Numis Corporation Plc ("Numis") today
announces unaudited results for the six months ended 31 March 2017.
Numis is the holding company of Numis Securities Limited, the
independent corporate advisory and stockbroking business (the
"Group").
Highlights
H1 2017 H1 2016 Change
Revenue GBP52.4m GBP56.8m -8%
---------------------- ------------ ------------ -------
Total income GBP53.8m GBP56.9m -5%
---------------------- ------------ ------------ -------
Profit before tax GBP10.5m GBP16.8m -38%
Earnings per share 8.0p 12.2p -34%
---------------------- ------------ ------------ -------
Interim dividend 5.5p 5.5p Flat
---------------------- ------------ ------------ -------
Cash balances GBP71.2m GBP72.0m -1%
---------------------- ------------ ------------ -------
Net assets GBP130.7m GBP116.5m +12%
---------------------- ------------ ------------ -------
-- Revenue down 8% to GBP52.4m, against record high revenues
recorded in the comparative prior period. Within this, we saw
growth in Equities revenue up 31% to GBP23.4m offset by a decrease
in Corporate Broking and Advisory ("CB&A") revenue which was
down 26% to GBP29.0m. Overall staff numbers were largely unchanged
and we believe our revenue per head remains favourable when
compared to industry peers.
-- Profit before tax down 38% to GBP10.5m, which includes
GBP1.4m of net gains on our strategic investment portfolio.
-- We ended the period with cash balances of GBP71.2m (2016:
GBP72.0m) and net assets of GBP130.7m (2016: GBP116.5m). Lower
revenues during the first half of 2017 combined with higher
outflows in respect of seasonal expenses resulted in a small net
operational cash outflow during the period. Cash outflows in
respect of dividend payments and share repurchases during the
period totalled GBP12.6m (H1 16: GBP9.0m). This combined cash
outflow to shareholders is at its highest in the Group's history
for a half year period.
-- The Board has approved an unchanged interim dividend of 5.50p (2016: 5.50p).
-- The strong revenue performance within Equities matched the
highest level recorded by the Group for a half year period and was
driven by our continued focus on offering best-in-class research,
sales and execution services. This was recognised in the Thomson
Reuters Extel survey, in which we were ranked No 1 UK Small &
Mid Cap Brokerage Firm for the 4th year in a row during 2016.
-- The performance within CB&A reflects a scarcity of
primary equity issuance in the UK market as a whole. We completed 2
IPOs during the period compared to 10 in the first half of last
year. However, we also experienced higher transaction volumes in
non-primary activity reflecting the quality and breadth of our
client base. During the period we carried out 2 IPOs, 18 secondary
fund raises, 17 advisory mandates primarily in M&A and 9 block
trades and secondary sell-downs.
-- On 21 March 2017, Alan Carruthers succeeded Gerald Corbett as
Non-Executive Chairman. We are delighted to welcome Alan and feel
certain that he will make a significant contribution to the
continued development and success of Numis.
-- Trading in the second half has started very well, with the
completion of 10 corporate transactions generating over GBP10m of
fees and a continuation of the high levels of revenue seen within
our Equities division. When coupled with our deal pipeline, this
gives us confidence that the business will have a satisfactory
outcome for the full year.
Alex Ham and Ross Mitchinson, Co-Chief Executive Officers,
said:
"Numis delivered a creditable performance when viewed against
record revenue generation in the comparable prior period and muted
primary issuance market-wide. The business remains focussed on
servicing its high quality corporate client base whilst, at the
same time, expanding the franchise into supporting unquoted as well
as quoted companies.
We believe our ability to nurture relationships with
entrepreneurs and business leaders ranging from first fund-raisers
through to stock market IPO candidates and into FTSE 100 market
leaders gives us a unique insight into the UK's most exciting
businesses. When coupled with the strong relationships we enjoy
with our institutional clients, this provides an excellent platform
from which to further develop and build the business."
Contacts:
Numis Corporation:
Alex Ham & Ross Mitchinson, Co-Chief Executives 020 7260 1245
Simon Denyer, Group Finance Director 020 7260 1225
Brunswick:
Gill Ackers 020 7404 5959
Simone Selzer 020 7404 5959
Grant Thornton UK LLP (Nominated Adviser):
Philip Secrett 020 7728 2578
Harrison J Clarke 020 7184 4384
Notes for Editors
Numis is a leading independent corporate advisory and
stockbroking group offering a full range of research, execution,
corporate broking and advisory services to companies in the UK and
their investors.
Alan Carruthers was appointed non-executive chairman of Numis on
21 March 2017. The details regarding his appointment are contained
in our market announcement made on that date.
Review of Performance
Overall Performance
We are pleased to report that the business has delivered a
creditable performance during the six months ended 31 March 2017
against a mixed market backdrop and record levels of income
recorded in the comparative prior period. During the six months
ended 31 March 2017, total income decreased by 5% to GBP53.8m
(2016: GBP56.9m) and profit before tax decreased by 38% to GBP10.5m
(2016: GBP16.8m). Profit before tax includes GBP1.4m of net gains
recognised on investments held outside of our market making
business (2016: GBP0.2m). Our balance sheet remains strong with
cash balances totalling GBP71.2m (2016: GBP72.0m) while net assets
have increased to GBP130.7m (2016: GBP116.5m).
Market Conditions
For the period from 1 October 2016 to 31 March 2017, all major
UK equity indices recorded growth of 6% or more with the small cap
sector approaching double-digit growth. Much of this performance
was evenly spread across the period as the markets consolidated
their view on Brexit and the US Presidential election result.
During the period, the Numis Smaller Companies Index generated
returns of +10.3%, and the Numis UK Mid Cap Index +7.7%, reflecting
the relatively strong performance of this sector of the market.
For the market as a whole, the value of secondary trading on the
London Stock Exchange has shown an improvement on the comparable
six month period. However, equity issuance across the market has
not experienced any appreciable upturn, with equity funds raised on
AIM and the Main Market combined totalling GBP13.6bn, down 1%
versus the comparable prior period. M&A activity across the
market has also been muted although, as we are seeing within our
own client base, the continued relative weakness of sterling
combined with increasing availability of cheap finance is beginning
to fuel M&A activity.
Corporate Broking & Advisory ("CB&A")
We believe in building long-term relationships with our
corporate clients, endeavouring to provide them with service of
exceptional quality, which is tailored to their needs. We pride
ourselves on the strength of these relationships, which we believe
is reflected in the momentum that we enjoy both in client numbers,
as well as longevity of relationship and in fee generation over
time.
Revenue from CB&A activities for the period totalled
GBP29.0m (2016: GBP38.9m). We have seen a scarcity of primary
equity issuance in the UK market as a whole and M&A activity
has yet to fully benefit our top line. Whilst we are not immune to
such conditions, our corporate division has experienced higher
transaction volumes in non-primary activity than the same period
last year, reflecting the quality of our client base. During the
period we carried out 2 IPOs, 18 secondary fund raises, 17 advisory
mandates primarily in M&A and 9 block trades and secondary
sell-downs. Our market share of UK ECM activity remains intact and
we are ranked 4th in the UK ECM league tables for the six month
period ending 31 March 2017.
We continue to attract high quality corporate clients in order
to offset inevitable departures resulting from M&A and ended
the period with 199 companies for whom we act as broker. The market
capitalisation of our client list now averages around GBP637m, but
it is important to note that the median is GBP276m and we remain as
committed as ever to the small cap space. This is reflected in our
wins during the period, which have included businesses from GBP48m
market cap to well over GBP1bn market cap. We remain ranked #2
Broker and #2 Adviser overall by total number of stock market
clients as per the most recent Corporate Advisers Rankings
Guide.
Notable deals completed during the period included IPOs for
Luceco and Premier Asset Management and a number of secondary
raises for our corporate clients including INPP, Learning
Technologies Group, Bluefield Solar Income Fund and John Menzies.
In addition, we raised GBP150m through a private placement for
Accelerated Digital Ventures and now act as financial advisor to
two unquoted companies. In total, we raised GBP0.7bn of equity
capital during the period (2016: GBP1.2bn).
Building our corporate advisory capabilities remains a major
area of focus. We completed 17 pure advisory roles during the
period including the acquisition by the McColl's Retail Group of
298 stores from the Co-operative Group, John Menzies acquisition of
ASIG and the recommended offer by Madison Dearbom Partners for
Powerflute.
We have also built up a strong track record in the successful
execution of block trades and secondary sell downs. During the
period, we executed 9 such transactions with an aggregate value of
GBP1.1bn. We continue to develop our ability to conduct private
placements. There is an ever deeper and more developed pool of
capital that is happy to own unlisted securities, and often private
companies want to access this capital without going through an IPO.
In November we took part in a GBP150m private placement in
Accelerated Digital Ventures and helped to raise money privately
for Oxford Science & Innovation. This is an exciting growth
area, which plays well to our strengths in matching up UK growth
companies with sophisticated and long-term investors. Our Venture
Broking team spend a significant amount of time and energy
filtering those private companies, and we continue to expand our
network of investors in this space as well as the resource that we
devote to those opportunities.
Equities
High quality research and sales is at the heart of our Equities
business. It creates relationships based on trust with our
institutional clients and is at the core of our powerful
international distribution capability. Our sector analysts cover
approximately 370 companies across 16 sectors, whilst our
Investment Funds research team covers around 400 investment
companies and funds. Our highly regarded sales team provides a
service to more than 440 active institutional clients across the
UK, Europe, the Americas and Australia. Data from Starmine and the
various alpha capture systems continue to demonstrate the very
impressive value we add to our institutional clients.
Our US office continues to provide a best-in-class service in
marketing UK equities to major North American institutional
investors, including managing a significant number of roadshows and
reverse roadshows. Our distribution offering also extends to the
Private Client Fund Managers ("PCFM") through our PCFM team, who
access a network of over 3,000 active fund managers at 200 PCFM
houses in the UK, who collectively can be a very powerful pool of
liquidity.
We provide execution services in over 670 stocks, of which over
500 are listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
During the period we had #1 market share in 129 stocks (FY 2016:
127) across these markets, and were a top 3 provider in a further
80 stocks (FY 2016: 92). With access to multiple trading venues and
liquidity providers, we are able to deliver an exceptionally strong
execution capability to our institutional clients.
Combined institutional commission & trading revenues for the
period were impressive, totalling GBP23.4m (2016: GBP17.8m), an
increase of 31%, and matched the highest level recorded by the
Group for a half year period. Whilst there was an overall increase
in market volume and value traded, we continue to gain market share
of direct customer business and to prosper despite the rise of
electronic trading systems and dark pools of liquidity.
Our well-resourced market-making and sales-trading teams ensure
that we are very well placed to source liquidity on behalf of our
institutional clients, which often requires skill and human effort
that cannot be found in a dark pool or standalone electronic
trading venue. The growth in institutional commissions was achieved
despite the changes to the institutional broker payment model as
they look to embrace MiFID II, which is due to be implemented in
January 2018. Our trading revenues saw a healthy increase and were
achieved on moderately lower levels of capital usage.
Costs and People
Administrative expenses for the period totalled GBP43.3m (2016:
GBP40.4m). Compensation costs as a percentage of revenue have
increased to 58% (2016: 50%). This is wholly attributable to an
increase in share award related charges which, in part, reflects
the increase in the Company's share price over the six month period
ending 31 March 2017. Despite this, compensation costs are
marginally below that recorded in the second half of 2016.
Non-compensation costs comprise expenses incurred in the normal
course of business, the most significant of which relate to
technology, information systems, market data, brokerage, clearing
and exchange fees and occupancy. The current non-compensation cost
run-rate is 3% above that seen in the second half of 2016 and is
likely to experience upward pressure as we increasingly commit
resource to the implementation of MiFID II amongst other regulatory
and business initiatives.
Average headcount remained stable at 214 (2016: 213) and we
ended the period with a headcount of 217 (end 2016: 220).
The calibre and dedication of our people was instrumental in
Numis being voted #1 UK Small & Mid Cap Brokerage Firm by both
companies and institutions for the fourth year in succession in the
2016 Thomson Reuters Extel Survey.
Strategic Investments
The value of our strategic investments total GBP32.3m (30
September 2016: GBP29.8m). Of this value, GBP17.1m is in quoted and
fairly liquid securities, whilst GBP15.2m is invested in unquoted
securities. The movement during the period reflects new investments
and follow-on funding totalling GBP1.3m coupled with GBP1.2m of net
fair value uplifts of which the majority came from our unquoted
investments. We continue to believe the majority of these
investments are complementary to our existing core business and
that they offer an exciting opportunity for the Group to grow its
presence in areas in which it has expertise or a relevant network
of investors. Going forward, we will explore opportunities for
re-cycling the portfolio where we see attractive investment
propositions which are strategically relevant.
Financial Position
Our balance sheet strengthened further during the period, with
cash balances totalling GBP71.2m (2016: GBP72.0m), while net assets
have increased to GBP130.7m (2016: GBP116.5m). Cash balances remain
broadly unchanged to those reported at 31 March 2016 but are down
GBP17.8m on that reported as at 30 September 2016. The cash used in
operating activities during the six months ended 31 March 2017
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 and an increase in the cash margin placed in respect of
secondary trading activity.
We have been able to maintain dividend distributions (GBP7.3m
cash outflow) in addition to the repurchase of shares into Treasury
and the Employee Benefit Trust (GBP5.3m cash outflow) during the
period. This combined cash outflow to shareholders is at its
highest in the Group's history for a half year period and, in
respect of the buy-back activity, compares to a GBP6.7m spend
during the whole of our 2016 financial year.
Board Changes
On 21 March 2017, the Company announced the appointment of Alan
Carruthers as Non-Executive Chairman. Alan replaced Gerald Corbett
who stepped down from the Board on the same date. We are delighted
to welcome Alan and feel certain that he will make a significant
contribution to the continued development and success of Numis.
Dividend
The Board has approved the payment of an interim dividend of
5.50p per share (2016: interim 5.50p per share, 2016 total: 12.00p
per share). This dividend will be payable on 23 June 2017 to
shareholders on the register of members at the close of business on
19 May 2017. Shareholders have the option to elect to use their
cash dividend to buy additional shares in Numis through a Dividend
Re-Investment Plan (DRIP).
Current Trading and Outlook
Our second half has started very well with the completion of 10
fund raises generating fees of over GBP10m. Equities revenues
continue to run at the high levels seen in the first half. The
recent call for a general election in the UK during the summer as
well as geo-political events further afield will undoubtedly cause
an element of uncertainty.
We will continue to focus our efforts on providing high quality
independent advice to our clients. We have a robust balance sheet,
a quality corporate client base and a strong deal pipeline all of
which positions Numis well to enjoy future success and gives us
confidence that the business will have a satisfactory outcome for
the full year.
Alex Ham & Ross Mitchinson
Co-Chief Executives
8 May 2017
Consolidated Income Statement
UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 31 MARCH 2017
6 months 6 months
ended ended Year ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------- ------ --------------- ---------- ---------------
Revenue 3 52,388 56,769 112,335
Other operating income 4 1,441 156 3,759
------------------------- ------ --------------- ---------- ---------------
Total income 53,829 56,925 116,094
Administrative expenses 5 (43,340) (40,353) (83,600)
------------------------- ------ --------------- ---------- ---------------
Operating profit 10,489 16,572 32,494
Finance income 6 179 224 427
Finance costs 6 (203) (31) (390)
------------------------- ------ --------------- ---------- ---------------
Profit before tax 10,465 16,765 32,531
Taxation (1,636) (3,093) (6,132)
Profit after tax 8,829 13,672 26,399
------------------------- ------ --------------- ---------- ---------------
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent 8,829 13,672 26,399
------------------------- ------ --------------- ---------- ---------------
Earnings per share 7
Basic 8.0p 12.2p 23.5p
Diluted 7.6p 11.6p 22.4p
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 31 MARCH 2017
6 months 6 months
ended ended Year ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------- --------------- ---------- ---------------
Profit for the period 8,829 13,672 26,399
Exchange differences on translation
of foreign operations 11 174 630
---------------------------------------- --------------- ---------- ---------------
Other comprehensive income for
the period, net of tax 11 174 630
Total comprehensive income for
the period, net of tax, attributable
to the owners of the parent 8,840 13,846 27,029
---------------------------------------- --------------- ---------- ---------------
Consolidated Balance Sheet
UNAUDITED AS AT 31 MARCH 2017
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 9a 3,479 4,118 3,734
Intangible assets 78 178 122
Deferred tax 9b 2,502 1,923 1,666
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
6,059 6,219 5,522
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 9c 272,151 179,680 170,490
Trading investments 9d 49,003 46,075 48,453
Stock borrowing collateral 9e 11,154 4,041 3,901
Derivative financial instruments 682 709 616
Cash and cash equivalents 9g 71,199 71,990 89,002
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
404,189 302,495 312,462
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 9c (259,720) (178,449) (173,031)
Financial liabilities 9f (17,606) (10,567) (12,293)
Current income tax (2,198) (3,171) (3,571)
(279,524) (192,187) (188,895)
Net current assets 124,665 110,308 123,567
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Non current liabilities
Deferred tax 9b (11) (4) (12)
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Net assets 130,713 116,523 129,077
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Equity
Share capital 5,922 5,922 5,922
Share premium 38,854 38,854 38,854
Other reserves 10,183 6,611 8,238
Retained earnings 75,754 65,136 76,063
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Total equity 130,713 116,523 129,077
---------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 31 MARCH 2017
Share Share Other Retained
capital premium reserves earnings Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ------------------ ------------ ---------
Balance at 1 October 2015 5,922 38,854 5,631 65,112 115,519
Profit for the period 13,672 13,672
Other comprehensive income 174 - 174
---------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ------------------ ------------ ---------
Total comprehensive income
for the period 174 13,672 13,846
---------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ------------------ ------------ ---------
Dividends paid (12,861) (12,861)
Movement in respect of employee
share plans 806 1,230 2,036
Deferred tax related to share
based payments (158) (158)
Net movement in Treasury shares (1,859) (1,859)
---------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ------------------ ------------ ---------
Transactions with shareholders - - 806 (13,648) (12,842)
---------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ------------------ ------------ ---------
Balance at 31 March 2016 5,922 38,854 6,611 65,136 116,523
---------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ------------------ ------------ ---------
Balance at 1 October 2015 5,922 38,854 5,631 65,112 115,519
Profit for the year 26,399 26,399
Other comprehensive income 630 - 630
---------------------------------- ------ ------- ------ --------- ---------
Total comprehensive income
for the year 630 26,399 27,029
---------------------------------- ------ ------- ------ --------- ---------
Dividends paid (12,861) (12,861)
Movement in respect of employee
share plans 1,470 1,470
Deferred tax related to share
based payments 1,977 (3,559) (1,582)
Net movement in Treasury shares (498) (498)
---------------------------------- ------ ------- ------ --------- ---------
Transactions with shareholders 1,977 (15,448) (13,471)
---------------------------------- ------ ------- ------ --------- ---------
Balance at 30 September 2016 5,922 38,854 8,238 76,063 129,077
---------------------------------- ------ ------- ------ --------- ---------
Balance at 1 October 2016 5,922 38,854 8,238 76,063 129,077
Profit for the period 8,829 8,829
Other comprehensive income 11 - 11
---------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ------------------ ---------- --------
Total comprehensive income
for the period 11 8,829 8,840
---------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ------------------ ---------- --------
Dividends paid (7,307) (7,307)
Movement in respect of employee
share plans 1,934 (1,199) 735
Deferred tax related to share
based payments 271 271
Net movement in Treasury shares (903) (903)
---------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ------------------ ---------- --------
Transactions with shareholders - - 1,934 (9,138) (7,204)
---------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ------------------ ---------- --------
Balance at 31 March 2017 5,922 38,854 10,183 75,754 130,713
---------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ------------------ ---------- --------
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 31 MARCH 2017
6 months 6 months
ended ended Year ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Cash (used in)/from operating
activities 10 (1,217) 23,139 53,398
Interest paid (34) (2) (182)
Taxation paid (3,576) (1,768) (4,481)
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Net cash (used in)/from operating
activities (4,827) 21,369 48,735
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment (344) (174) (346)
Purchase of intangible assets - - -
Interest received 179 219 430
Net cash (used in)/from investing
activities (165) 45 84
Financing activities
Purchase of own shares - Employee
Benefit Trust (2,114) (410) (3,000)
Purchase of own shares - Treasury (3,215) (1,859) (3,719)
Dividends paid (7,307) (6,713) (12,861)
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Net cash used in financing activities (12,636) (8,982) (19,580)
Net movement in cash and cash
equivalents (17,628) 12,432 29,239
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Opening cash and cash equivalents 89,002 59,591 59,591
Net movement in cash and cash
equivalents (17,628) 12,432 29,239
Exchange movements (175) (33) 172
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Closing cash and cash equivalents 71,199 71,990 89,002
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- -------------
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 2016, 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 2016. 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 amendments to IFRS became
effective and were adopted by the Company and the Group. None of
these 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 corporate advisory and
stockbroking 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 2017 31 March 2016 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
United Kingdom 47,778 51,670 102,684
United States of America 4,610 5,099 9,651
52,388 56,769 112,335
-------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
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 2017 31 March 2016 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
United Kingdom 3,482 4,160 3,744
United States of America 75 136 112
3,557 4,296 3,856
-------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Other information
In addition, the analysis below sets out the income performance
and net asset split between our core corporate advisory and
stockbroking business and the small number of equity holdings which
constitute our investment portfolio.
6 months 6 months
ended ended Year ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Net institutional income 23,433 17,832 38,419
Total corporate transaction revenues 23,340 34,446 64,293
Corporate retainers 5,615 4,491 9,623
---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Revenue (see note 3) 52,388 56,769 112,335
Investment activity net gains 1,441 156 3,759
Contribution from investment portfolio 1,441 156 3,759
---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Total income 53,829 56,925 116,094
---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------
6 months 6 months
Net assets ended ended Year ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Corporate advisory & broking 27,262 19,128 10,243
Investing activities 32,252 25,405 29,832
Cash and cash equivalents 71,199 71,990 89,002
------------------------------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Total net assets 130,713 116,523 129,077
------------------------------ ---------- ---------- -------------
3. Revenue
6 months ended 6 months ended Year ended
30 September
31 March 2017 31 March 2016 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Net trading gains 4,997 1,780 6,496
Institutional commissions 18,436 16,052 31,923
------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Net institutional income (Equities) 23,433 17,832 38,419
Corporate retainers 5,615 4,491 9,623
Advisory fees 6,890 8,514 16,261
Placing commissions 16,450 25,932 48,032
------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Net corporate income (CB&A) 28,955 38,937 73,916
------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
52,388 56,769 112,335
------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
4. Other operating income
Other operating income represents net gains made on investments
which are held outside of the market making portfolio. The gains
reflect price movements on quoted holdings, fair value adjustments
on unquoted holdings and related dividend income. Broadly, half of
the net gains recorded in the current period result from fair value
adjustments on unquoted holdings.
5. Administrative expenses
6 months ended 6 months ended Year ended
30 September
31 March 2017 31 March 2016 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Staff costs 30,254 28,281 58,882
Non-staff costs 13,086 12,072 24,718
43,340 40,353 83,600
----------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
The average number of employees during the period has increased
marginally to 214 (H1 2016: 213). Staff costs excluding share award
related charges have reduced by 6% compared to the prior period.
However, an increase in the Company's share price between 30
September 2016 and 31 March 2017 (219.0p to 246.5p) combined with
the granting of performance based share awards within the last
seven months has resulted in an overall increase in staff costs
versus H1 2016. Despite this, staff costs are marginally below that
recorded for H2 2016.
The major components of non-staff costs comprise our technology
platform, premises costs and expenses incurred through brokerage,
clearing and exchange fees. Certain elements within non-staff costs
increase with activity levels, particularly brokerage, clearing and
exchange fees which account for almost half of the increase seen
versus the prior period. This is in-line with the 15% increase seen
in institutional commission over the same period. The current
non-staff cost run-rate is 3% above that seen in H2 2016 and is
likely to experience upward pressure as we increasingly commit
resource to the implementation of MiFD II amongst other regulatory
and business initiatives.
6. Finance income and Finance costs
Finance income for the period:
6 months ended 6 months ended Year ended
30 September
31 March 2017 31 March 2016 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Interest income 179 224 427
----------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Finance costs for the period:
6 months ended 6 months ended Year ended
30 September
31 March 2017 31 March 2016 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Net foreign exchange losses 167 24 380
Interest expense 36 7 10
----------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
203 31 390
----------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
7. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated on profits after tax of
GBP8,829,000 (2016: GBP13,672,000) and 110,544,897 (2016:
111,887,475) 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 2017 31 March 2016 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Number Number Number
Thousands Thousands Thousands
------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares in issue during the period
- basic 110,545 111,887 112,255
Dilutive effect of share awards 6,184 6,356 5,755
------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Diluted number of ordinary shares 116,729 118,243 118,010
------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
8. Dividends
6 months
ended 6 months ended Year ended
31 March 30 September
2017 31 March 2016 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------ ---------- --------------- -------------
Final dividend year ended 30 September
2015 (6.00p) 6,713 6,713
Interim dividend year ended 30 September
2016 (5.50p) 6,148 6,148
Final dividend year ended 30 September
2016 (6.50p) 7,307
Distribution to equity holders of
Numis Corporation Plc 7,307 12,861 12,861
------------------------------------------ ---------- --------------- -------------
The Board has approved the payment of an interim dividend of
5.50p per share (2016: interim 5.50p per share). This dividend will
be payable on 23 June 2017 to shareholders on the register of
members at the close of business on 19 May 2017. 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 2017 deferred tax assets totalling GBP2,502,000
(30 September 2016: GBP1,666,000) have been recognised reflecting
managements' 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 GBP10,430,000 (30 September 2016:
GBP7,670,000).
(d) Trading investments
Included within trading investments is GBP32,252,000 (30
September 2016: GBP29,832,000) of investments held outside of the
market making portfolio. The increase during the period is evenly
split between net fair value adjustments and additional
investments, some of which were follow-on raises.
(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 at similar levels to those reported at 31
March 2016. This has been achieved whilst maintaining dividend
distributions (GBP7.3m cash outflow) and the repurchase of shares
into Treasury and the Employee Benefit Trust (GBP5.3m cash
outflow). This combined cash outflow to shareholders is at its
highest in the Group's history for a half year period.
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 2017 2016 2016
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------ --------------- ---------- -------------
Profit before tax 10,465 16,765 32,531
Net finance (expense)/income 24 (193) (37)
Depreciation charge on property,
plant and equipment 604 554 1,126
Amortisation charge on intangible
assets 44 69 125
Share scheme charges 4,975 2,513 6,229
(Increase)/decrease in current
asset trading investments (550) 11,546 9,168
Increase in trade and other receivables (101,665) (19,183) (10,476)
Net movement in stock borrowing (7,253) (3,219) (3,079)
Increase in trade and other payables 92,205 14,313 17,744
(Increase)/decrease in derivatives (66) (26) 67
Cash (used in)/from operating activities (1,217) 23,139 53,398
------------------------------------------ --------------- ---------- -------------
The cash used in operating activities during the six months
ended 31 March 2017 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 and an increase in the cash margin
placed in respect of secondary trading activity directed through
the London Clearing House.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR LLFSREIIEIID
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
May 08, 2017 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
Numis (LSE:NUM)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2024 to May 2024
Numis (LSE:NUM)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2023 to May 2024