Half-year Report

RNS Number : 5557M
Numis Corporation PLC
12 May 2020
 

Numis Corporation Plc

Half Year Results

for the six months ended 31 March 2020

London, 12 May 2020: Numis Corporation Plc ("Numis") today announces unaudited interim results for the period ended 31 March 2020.

 

Highlights

 

· Resilient business performance despite volatile market conditions during the 6 month period ending with the unprecedented impact of COVID-19  

· Investment Banking revenues down 5% due to lower deal volumes in line with the UK market

· Equities revenue increased 55% reflecting higher market activity levels and strong trading gains

· Market declines at the end of the period resulted in £1.9m write down of  the Investment portfolio

· All business lines fully operational with all staff working from home

· Resilient returns; dividend maintained at 5.5p and £5.5m spent on share repurchases

· Strong balance sheet; cash position materially higher and undrawn credit facility

 

Key statistics

Financial highlights

H1 2020

H1 2019

Change

Revenue

£63.1m

£55.7m

13.3%

Underlying Operating profit

£9.1m

£8.1m

12.4%

Profit before tax

£7.3m

£7.1m

2.1%

EPS

6.0p

5.4p

11.2%

Cash

£95.3m

£78.9m

20.9%

Net assets

£136.7m

£140.2m

(2.5)%





Operating highlights




Corporate clients

209

214

(2.3)%

Average market cap of clients

£692m

£836m

(17.2)%

Revenue per head (annualised)

£449k

£401k

12.0%

Operating margin

14.5%

14.6%

(0.1)ppts

Spend on share repurchases

£5.5m

£7.5m

(26.2)%

Notes:

1)  Revenue, Underlying Operating profit, Operating margin and Revenue per head all exclude investment income / losses

2)  Basic EPS

Alex Ham and Ross Mitchinson, Co-Chief Executive Officers, said:

 

"During these unprecedented times our priority has been protecting our staff and continuing to support our clients in such difficult circumstances. We are proud of the commitment demonstrated by our people and grateful for their efforts in ensuring our business activities suffered no disruption and our quality of service remains uncompromised.

 

Over many years we have built an enviable corporate client base. Many of these companies are now facing significant challenges as a result of COVID-19 and our support for a number of these businesses in recent weeks has included raising equity to provide additional liquidity headroom in response to the disruption they are suffering. Our near term performance will likely be determined by the frequency of these deals given the immediate headwinds facing M&A, IPOs and other corporate transactions.

 

Whilst the pandemic is currently dominating markets, this event will eventually pass and the strength of our balance sheet ensures we can continue to focus on our long term strategic priorities.  Our stability and consistency has underpinned our ability to capture market share gains through difficult market environments in the past and we expect to emerge from this challenging period with our business in a strong position."

 

Contacts:

Numis Corporation: 

Alex Ham & Ross Mitchinson, Co-Chief Executive Officers  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

Jen Clarke  020 7865 2474

 

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 280 staff in London and New York.



 

Business review

 

Overall performance

Numis delivered good revenue growth against an unpredictable market backdrop which proved beneficial for our equities business but our Investment Banking division was impacted by lower deal volumes. Overall, revenues increased 13% to £63.1m (2019: £55.7m) and Underlying Operating profit increased 12% to £9.1m (2019: £8.1m).  Profit before tax was in line with the comparative period and includes £1.9m of losses recognised on investments held outside of our market making business (2019: £1.4m loss).  Our balance sheet remains resilient, and our liquidity position strengthened over the period in response to the market environment; cash balances increased by 21% to £95.3m (2019: £78.9m). 

Market conditions

Equity markets experienced a dramatic and largely unprecedented 6 month period, the FTSE 100 and FTSE250 were down 23.4% and 24.3% respectively.

The three month period ended 31 December 2019 featured subdued equity markets and weak corporate activity in advance of the UK General Election.  Subsequently markets delivered strong gains and UK equity market activity improved significantly.  However, there was insufficient opportunity for deal flow to recover in response to the General Election result as the second quarter was swiftly dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic which caused an unprecedented decline in global markets and extraordinary volatility levels. Transaction volumes across both ECM and M&A declined significantly through the second quarter as a result. ECM remains our largest revenue contributor and whilst market volumes in the comparative period were particularly weak relative to historic levels, this 6 month period witnessed volumes decline a further 10%.

During the final weeks of the period we started to see ECM issuance increase as a result of companies responding to liquidity stresses created by COVID-19. We expect this trend to continue, however the near term outlook for M&A and Private markets transactions will likely remain challenging.

Investment Banking


H1 2020

£m

H1 2019

£m

%

Change

Capital Markets

22.8

24.9

(8.1)%

Advisory

7.2

7.5

(4.2)%

Corporate retainers

6.8

6.4

6.0%

Investment Banking revenue

36.9

38.8

(5.0)%

 

Leveraging our market expertise to provide insightful advice to our corporate clients during this difficult period has been our priority. In parallel we continue to advance our strategic priorities through selective hiring to diversify our business and develop our sector capabilities. Our private markets business performed well in the first quarter, continuing the positive momentum from the prior year, and our debt advisory service has proved valuable in guiding our clients through their financing analysis in recent weeks.

Investment Banking revenue for the 6 months to 31 March 2020 was 5% lower than the first half of the prior year. Notwithstanding the cautious market environment leading up to the General Election the year started positively with an improvement in average deal fees leading to a strong performance in the first quarter. Whilst this improvement has been sustained across the period, the second quarter suffered from a decline in deal volumes as COVID-19 concerns significantly impacted the pipeline.

Capital markets revenues declined 8% as a result of lower market volumes and the weakest period for IPOs since 2012. The weak environment for public markets issuance was partially offset by an improvement in our private markets revenue contribution where we completed 6 deals in the period. In the near term we expect public markets activity to improve, prompted by an increase in corporate recapitalisations.

Advisory revenues were down 4% reflecting lower M&A volumes in the UK market over the period.  Our M&A pipeline was building ahead of the second quarter however COVID-19 has caused a material decline in the near term.  Despite the short term headwinds we continue to believe M&A represents a significant growth opportunity for Numis and we intend to leverage our evolving sector specialisation to improve the number of financial adviser mandates won from our corporate client base.

Retainer fee income increased 6% relative to the comparative period.  Overall client numbers declined marginally over the period as we continue to actively rotate the client base. The average market capitalisation of the clients won was approximately five times higher than of those lost in the period reflecting our continued focus on strengthening the corporate client base and targeting those businesses which we believe will be active and offer revenue generating opportunities.

 

Equities


H1 2020

£m

H1 2019

£m

%

change

Institutional income

19.7

16.5

19.2%

Trading

6.5

0.4

n.m.

Equities revenue

26.2

16.9

55.5%

 

Equities delivered a strong performance over the half benefiting from the market share gains achieved in recent years, and the increase in market activity levels. Electronic trading was launched during the period and is delivering a growing contribution to our institutional income. The quality of our research offering, which has received further investment over the past couple of years, provides our institutional clients with a differentiated, high quality service which is invaluable in periods of such severe market disruption. We believe our market position and reputation as a leading UK equities platform will be enhanced through our performance and service in this environment.

 

Institutional income, which comprises execution commission and payments for research, increased 19% compared to the first half of the prior year. Execution commission benefitted from an increase in market activity post the General Election, and thereafter the extreme market volatility levels underpinned a strong performance in the second quarter. Research fees have been in line with expectations.

 

Trading delivered gains materially ahead of the comparative period which included the £3m loss associated with the underwriting of the Kier rights issue.  In response to the heightened market volatility toward the end of the period we reduced our trading book positions, however this has not impacted profitability levels. Our standing in the market as a leading provider of liquidity in small and mid-cap equities, together with our long standing relationships, ensures we are well positioned to support our institutional clients in volatile markets. 

 

 

 

Investment portfolio

Our investment portfolio is currently valued at £13.0m. The portfolio comprises a combination of operating companies and funds, with approximately 40% of the portfolio value held in funds or diversified investment vehicles.  Whilst our portfolio is almost entirely private investments, these are not immune to the severe valuation declines we have seen across the public markets in recent months.  As a result most of our investments have been subject to write downs attributable to the recent performance of equity markets.  Overall the write down over the period amounted to £1.9m representing approximately 13% of the portfolio valuation at the start of the period.  There were no disposals or new investments in the period.  Given the diversified nature of the portfolio, should there be any recovery in public market indices in the second half we would expect the portfolio valuation to benefit. 

Costs and people


H1 2020

£m

H1 2019

£m

%

Change

Staff costs

31.0

24.7

25.7%

Share-based payments

6.0

5.5

8.3%

Non-staff costs

17.0

17.4

(2.3)%

Total administrative costs

54.0

47.6

13.5%

Period end headcount

285

279

2.2%

Average headcount

281

278

1.1%

Compensation ratio

58.6%

54.2%

4.4ppts

 

Average headcount increased by only 1% over the period. Hiring activity has been focused on Investment Banking hires, particularly at junior levels, and support roles to safeguard the continued operational resilience of the business.  Given the current market conditions, and challenges facing clients, our staff are currently operating at high utilisation rates.  We have not furloughed any staff and have no intention of doing so. Similarly we have not accessed any of the Government schemes designed to provide financial support to businesses through this crisis.  We expect future hiring activity, particularly at senior levels, to be limited in view of the current challenges, however we remain focused on continuing to advance our strategic priorities over the longer term.

 

Overall staff costs were 26% higher than the comparative period.  The increase is mostly attributable to a higher variable compensation provision reflecting the improved operating performance of the business. In addition our staff costs for the period have been adversely impacted by a higher holiday pay accrual resulting from the current government restrictions.

 

Our share-based payment charge was £6.0m (2019: £5.5m), an increase of 8% compared to the comparable period. This increase is largely attributable to the higher aggregate equity award to staff as part of the last annual compensation round.  The expense related to equity awards is generally weighted toward the first year of a three year term.

Compensation cost as a percentage of revenue has increased compared to the prior period but remains consistent with the FY19 ratio and within our target range of 50% to 60% which we believe to be appropriate given the potential for market cycles to significantly impact revenue performance.  We will always target an appropriate alignment between staff compensation, business performance and shareholder returns whilst recognising the prevailing market conditions and outlook.

Non-staff costs are in line with the comparative period. Our investment in technology infrastructure over recent years facilitated an efficient transition to remote working for all staff including the trading floor, and importantly this ensured the protection of our people. All of our staff are working from home with minimal disruption to business performance and client service.  In view of the uncertain outlook and our near term priorities, we have delayed discretionary spend related to a number of projects and initiatives.

 

As previously announced we have agreed to enter into a 15 year lease on new office space at 40 Gresham Street. We previously expected the lease to commence near the end of the current financial year with a relocation date early in the second half of FY21.  However work on the Gresham Street building site has been delayed due to COVID-19 and we are awaiting details regarding the length of the delay to completion of the building before we can determine a revised office relocation timetable. As previously indicated the impact of the higher rent and larger office space will increase our ongoing property costs by approximately £3m annually, this cost increase will now most likely commence during the first half of FY21. We have adopted IFRS16 during the period, given the short duration remaining on our head office lease, the impact is immaterial.

 

Capital and Liquidity

The Group's net asset position as at 31 March 2020 was £136.7m representing an immaterial decline of 1% compared to 30 September 2019.  We continue to operate significantly in excess of our regulatory capital requirements and believe this provides the business with stability, and offers reassurance to our clients and counterparties in periods of significant uncertainty and disruption.

Our liquidity position strengthened during the period as we reduced our market exposure in response to volatility levels.  As at 31 March 2020 our cash position was £95.3m which was £11.1m higher than the position at 30 September 2019. In addition we have a revolving credit facility which is currently undrawn. Overall, at 31 March 2020 the Group had committed liquidity available of £130m, representing meaningful underwriting capacity to support equity issuance for our corporate clients.

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 19 June 2020 to shareholders on the Register on 22 May 2020.

Whilst market conditions have been highly volatile and COVID-19 is presenting many challenges across all sectors, we believe maintaining our dividend commitment to shareholders is important and demonstrates our ability to pay a stable ordinary dividend, whilst pursuing selective growth opportunities, across all market cycles.

During the period 2.01m shares were repurchased compared to 2.87m 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 although the buyback volume may be lower this year compared to prior years given the extreme market volatility experienced.

Current trading and outlook

Transaction volumes have increased in recent weeks as corporate clients accessed the equity markets to complete recapitalisations. Deals executed since the period end include equity raises for ASOS, Hyve and Polypipe. Average deal fees have been maintained resulting in an improved Investment Banking performance since the end of the first half. Equities has maintained the strong performance levels achieved in the first half.

Our pipeline of recapitalisation transactions for clients continues to grow, partially offsetting the decline in M&A, Private markets and IPO fee opportunities which have generally been subject to delay or abandoned.  The market environment post COVID-19 is difficult to forecast, however we expect the economic outlook will be challenging and balance sheet repair will continue to be a priority for many companies.

These market conditions will inevitably present opportunities to achieve market share gains and build a stronger business in an evolving competitive landscape, but in the short term we will continue to prioritise the wellbeing of our staff and support our clients whilst adopting a cautious approach to costs and liquidity.

Alex Ham & Ross Mitchinson

Co-Chief Executive Officers

12 May 2020



Consolidated Income Statement

UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2020

 

 

 



6 months ended

6 months ended

Year ended



31 March 2020

31 March 2019

30 September 2019



  Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited


Notes

  £'000

£'000

  £'000

Revenue

3

63,104

55,689

111,610 






Other operating income

4

(1,904)

(1,428)

(2,210)

Total income


61,200

54,261

109,400






Administrative expenses

5

(53,973)

(47,567)

(97,514)

Operating profit


7,227

6,694

11,886






Finance income

6

420

430

684

Finance costs

6

(390)

(16)

(134)

Profit before tax


7,257

7,108

12,436






Taxation 


(1,003)

(1,396)

(3,110)






 

Profit after tax


6,254

5,712

9,326






Attributable to:





Owners of the parent


6,254

5,712

9,326






Earnings per share

7



  Basic


6.0p

5.4p

8.8p

  Diluted


5.5p

5.0p

8.1p






 



Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2020

 


6 months ended

6 months ended

Year ended


31 March 2020

31 March 2019

30 September 2019


  Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited


  £'000

£'000

  £'000

Profit for the period

6,254

5,712

9,326





Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

27

8

(96)

Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax

27

8

(96)





Total comprehensive income for the period, net of tax, attributable to the owners of the parent

6,281

5,720

9,230

 



Consolidated Balance Sheet

UNAUDITED AS AT 31 MARCH 2020

 

 

 

 



31 March 2020

31 March 2019

30 September 2019



Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited


Notes

£'000

£'000

£'000

Non-current assets





Property, plant and equipment


2,418

2,798

2,790

Intangible assets


222

62

80

Right-of-use asset

9a

5,045

-

-

Deferred tax

9b

3,194

3,455

3,962



10,879

6,315

6,832

Current assets


 

 


Trade and other receivables

9c

246,151

230,764

187,258

Trading investments

9d

25,367

38,824

38,463

Stock borrowing collateral

9e

10,658

23,853

14,640

Current income tax receivable


1,004

-

-

Derivative financial instruments


-

967

1,103

Cash and cash equivalents

9g

95,332

78,876

84,202



378,512

373,284

325,666

Current liabilities





Trade and other payables

9c

(236,176)

(217,313)

(178,613)

Financial liabilities

9f

(10,882)

(21,261)

(14,153)

Lease liabilities

9a

(1,925)

-

-

Current income tax


-

(804)

(1,578)



(248,983)

(239,378)

(194,344)






Net current assets


129,529

133,906

131,322






 

Non current liabilities





Lease liabilities

9a

(3,737)

-

-











Net assets


136,672

140,221

138,154






Equity





Share capital


5,922

5,922

5,922

Other reserves


19,755

18,004

20,639

Retained earnings


110,995

116,295

111,593






Total equity


136,672

140,221

138,154

 



Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2020

 



Share capital

£'000

Other reserves £'000

Retained earnings £'000

Total

£'000

 

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

 

 






Balance at 1 October 2018


  5,922

  17,537

  119,677

143,136

 

Profit for the year


 


9,326

9,326

Other comprehensive income


 

(96)

-

(96)

Total comprehensive income for the year



(96)

9,326

9,230







Dividends paid




(12,650)

(12,650)

Movement in respect of employee share plans



3,198

(1,879)

1,319

Deferred tax related to share based payments




(578)

(578)

Net movement in Treasury shares




(2,303)

(2,303)

Transactions with shareholders


-

3,198

(17,410)

(14,212)







Balance at 30 September 2019


5,922

20,639

111,593

138,154







Balance at 1 October 2019


  5,922

  20,639

  111,593

138,154

 

 

Profit for the period


 


6,254

6,254

 

Other comprehensive income


 

27

-

27

 

Total comprehensive income for the period


-

27

6,254

6,281

 







 

Dividends paid




(6,787) 

(6,787)

 

Movement in respect of employee share plans



(912)

(2,853)

(3,765)

 

Deferred tax related to share based payments




(647)

(647)

 

Net movement in Treasury shares




3,436

3,436

 

Transactions with shareholders


-

(912)

(6,852)

(7,763)

 







 

Balance at 31 March 2020


5,922

19,755

110,995

136,672

 

 



Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2020

 

 

 

 



6 months ended

6 months ended

Year ended



31 March 2020

31 March 2019

30 September 2019



Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited


Notes

£'000

£'000

£'000

Cash flows from/(used in) operating activities

10

28,175

(16,817)

391

Interest paid


(270)

(16)

(134)

Taxation paid


(3,464)

(1,949)

(3,005)

Net cash from/(used in) operating activities


24,441

(18,782)

(2,748)






Investing activities





Purchase of property, plant and equipment


(212)

(155)

(714)

Purchase of intangible assets


(189)

-

(47)

Interest received


420

430

684

Net cash from/(used in) investing activities


19

275

(77)






Financing activities





Purchase of own shares - Employee Benefit Trust


(3,548)

(3,457)

(7,774)

Purchase of own shares - Treasury


(1,953)

(4,001)

(4,222)

Cash paid in respect of lease arrangements - principal


(922)

-

-

Cash paid in respect of lease arrangements - discount


(120)

-

-

Dividends paid


(6,787)

(6,837)

(12,650)

Net cash used in financing activities


(13,330)

(14,295)

(24,646)






Net movement in cash and cash equivalents


11,130

(32,802)

(27,471)






Opening cash and cash equivalents


84,202

111,673

111,673

Net movement in cash and cash equivalents


11,130

(32,802)

(27,471)

Exchange movements


-

5

-

Closing cash and cash equivalents


95,332

78,876

 

84,202

 

 

 



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 2019, 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 2019.  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 16 'Leases'.

 

IFRS 16 'Leases' brings all material leases on to the balance sheet with a liability representing future lease payments and an asset representing right of use.  This impacts the Company and the Group for all its leases that fall within scope of the standard. All leases have been assessed, and the leases that fall within the standard will be the property leases that the Company has in place in London and New York, as well as some equipment leases in New York. The standard is applicable for the Company's 2020 accounting year end. The assessment shows that the impact will not be material to the income statement, although it has introduced material additional balances to the assets and liabilities of the Company and the Group. In relation to the property leases that the Company and Group have in place, where the space is available for use, the net present value of the remaining lease liabilities, and therefore also the right of use asset, is approximately £5.0m as at the balance sheet date and the impact on the income statement is immaterial.

 

 



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


31 March 2020

31 March 2019

30 September 2019


Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited


£'000

£'000

£'000

United Kingdom

60,358

51,308

106,077

United States of America

2,746

4,381

5,533


63,104

55,689

111,610

 

The following is an analysis of the carrying amount of non-current assets (excluding deferred tax assets) by the geographical area in which the assets are located:

 


6 months ended

6 months ended

Year ended


31 March 2020

31 March 2019

30 September 2019


Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited


£'000

£'000

£'000

United Kingdom

4,225

2,359

2,394

United States of America

3,460

501

476


7,685

2,860

2,870

 

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 ended

6 months ended

Year ended


31 March 2020

31 March 2019

30 September 2019


Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited


£'000

£'000

£'000

Equities income

  26,233

16,871

37,325

Corporate retainers

6,811

6,423

13,357

Total corporate transactions revenues

30,060

32,395

60,928

Revenue (see note 3)

63,104

55,689

111,610





Investment activity net gains

(1,904)

(1,428)

(2,210)

Contribution from investment portfolio

(1,904)

(1,428)

(2,210)

Total income

61,200

54,261

109,400







 

Net assets

6 months ended

6 months ended

Year ended


31 March 2020

31 March 2019

30 September 2019


Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited


£'000

£'000

£'000

Investment banking and equities activities

28,380

45,820

39,105

Investing activities

12,960

15,525

14,847

Cash and cash equivalents

95,332

78,876

84,202

 

Total net assets

136,672

140,221

138,154





 

3.  Revenue


6 months ended

6 months ended

Year ended


31 March 2020

31 March 2019

30 September 2019


Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited


£'000

£'000

£'000

Net trading gains

6,548

359

4,008

Institutional income

19,685

16,512

33,317

Equities income

26,233

16,871

37,325

 

Corporate retainers

6,811

6,423

13,357

Advisory

7,225

7,541

12,576

Capital markets

22,835

24,854

48,352

Investment banking income

36,871

38,818

74,285


63,104

55,689

111,610

 

 

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 quoted investments suffered negative valuation movements. Specifically, downward valuation adjustments have been made against the unquoted investment portfolio in relation to the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

5.  Administrative expenses


6 months ended

6 months ended

Year ended


31 March 2020

31 March 2019

30 September 2019


Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited


£'000

£'000

£'000

Staff costs

36,999

30,200

64,543

Non-staff costs

16,974

17,367

32,971


53,973

47,567

97,514

 

The average number of employees during the period has increased to 281 (H1 2019: 279).  Staff costs excluding share award related charges have increased by 22.5% compared to the prior period due to the improved operating performance resulting in higher variable compensation.  

Non-staff costs have decreased by 2.3% compared to the prior period.  Approximately 0.4% of this reduction relates to changes in classification and treatment of expenses due to IFRS 16, for which comparatives are not restated.

 

 

6.  Finance income and Finance costs

 

Finance income for the period:


6 months ended

6 months ended

Year ended


31 March 2020

31 March 2019

30 September 2019


Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited


£'000

£'000

£'000

Interest income

226

430

581

Net foreign exchange gains

194

-

74

Other income

-

-

29


420

430

684





Finance costs for the period:


6 months ended

6 months ended

Year ended


31 March 2020

31 March 2019

30 September 2019


Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited


£'000

£'000

£'000

Interest expense

390

6

134

Net foreign exchange losses

-

10

-


390

16

134

 

Finance costs have increased in the current financial year due to the classification of the unwinding of the lease liability discount as a Finance cost under IFRS16, and additional costs in relation to the Revolving Credit Facility.

 

 

7.  Earnings per share

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated on profits after tax of £6,254,000 (2019: £5,712,000) and 104,162,166 (2019: 105,750,034) 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


31 March 2020

31 March 2019

30 September 2019


Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited


Number

Number

Number


Thousands

Thousands

Thousands

Weighted average number of ordinary shares  in issue during the period - basic

104,162

105,750

105,443

Dilutive effect of share awards

8,946

9,114

9,424

Diluted number of ordinary shares

113,108

114,864

114,867



 

8.  Dividends


6 months ended

6 months ended

Year ended


31 March 2020

31 March 2019

30 September 2019


Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited


£'000

£'000

£'000

Final dividend year ended 30 September 2018 (6.50p)


6,837

6,837

Interim dividend year ended 30 September 2019 (5.50p)



5,813

Final dividend year ended 30 September 2019 (6.50p)

6,787



Distribution to equity holders of Numis Corporation Plc

6,787

6,837

12,650

 

The Board has approved the payment of an interim dividend of 5.50p per share (2019: interim 5.50p per share). This dividend will be payable on 19 June 2020 to shareholders on the register of members at the close of business on 22 May 2020. These financial statements do not reflect this dividend payable.

 

 

9.  Balance sheet items

 

(a)  Right-of-use asset and lease liabilities

The right-of-use asset and lease liabilities (current and non-current) represent the two property leases that the Group holds for its offices in London and New York. This does not include the lease for our new London office, as that lease is not yet available for use.

 

(b)  Deferred tax

As at 31 March 2020 deferred tax assets totalling £3,194,000 (30 September 2019: £3,962,000) 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 £8,537,000 (30 September 2019: £12,007,000).

 

The group has a legally enforceable right and intention to offset with a clearing house. The amount offset at the period end was £10.2m (30 September 2019: £5.0m). 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 £12,985,000 (30 September 2019: £14,847,000) of investments held outside of the market making portfolio. The net decrease during the period has been due to unfavourable valuation movements largely attributable to the Covid-19 pandemic.  

 

(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.

 

(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 higher than those reported at 31 March 2019 reflecting a reduction of market making positions held, following the Covid-19 outbreak.  Dividend distributions have been maintained at a similar level to the prior period (£6.8m cash outflow). The repurchase of shares into Treasury and the Employee Benefit Trust have continued, but at a lower level than the prior period (£5.5m cash outflow). 

 

(h)  Investment commitment

During 2018 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 ended

6 months ended

Year ended


31 March 2020

31 March 2019

30 September 2019


Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited


£'000

£'000

£'000

Profit before tax

7,257

7,108

12,436

Net finance (income)

(30)

(414)

(550)

Depreciation charge on property, plant and equipment

584

558

1,124

Depreciation charge on right-of-use asset

862

-

-

Amortisation charge on intangible assets

47

15

44

Share scheme charges

5,200

5,493

10,914

Decrease in current asset trading investments

13,096

4,976

5,337

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

(58,893)

139,506

182,046

Net movement in stock borrowing collateral

3,982

(15,947)

(6,734)

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables

54,292

(157,490)

(203,473)

Other balance sheet movements in respect of leases

676

-

-

Decrease/(increase) in derivatives

1,103

(622)

(753)

Cash from/(used in) operating activities

28,175

(16,817)

391

 

The increase in cash generated from operating activities during the six months ended 31 March 2020 reflects a reduction in market making positions over the period, partially offset by 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
 
 
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