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CAY Charles Stanley Group Plc

512.50
0.00 (0.00%)
18 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Charles Stanley Group Plc LSE:CAY London Ordinary Share GB0006556046 ORD 25P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 512.50 510.00 515.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Charles Stanley Group PLC Interim Results (1623X)

22/11/2017 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 1623X

Charles Stanley Group PLC

22 November 2017

22 November 2017

Charles Stanley Group PLC

Interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2017

"Completed the initial turnaround and continued the trend of improving profitability by focusing on core wealth management activities."

Charles Stanley Group PLC (the Group or Charles Stanley) today announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2017.

Financial highlights:

   --      Reported profit before tax up by 53.3% to GBP6.9 million (H1 2017: GBP4.5 million) 

-- Funds under Management and Administration up 1.3% to GBP24.3 billion (FY 2017: GBP24.0 billion)

   --      Core Business revenue up 9.8% to GBP74.0 million (H1 2017: GBP67.4 million) 
   --      Core Business operating margin improved to 7.3% (H1 2017: 6.2%); Target of 15% 

-- Balance sheet strengthened - regulatory capital resources increased to GBP65.0 million (FY 2017: GBP61.4 million)

   --      Interim dividend increased to 2.5 pence per share (H1 2017: 1.5 pence) 

Operational highlights:

   --      Finalised the disposal of our only remaining non-core activity, EBS Management PLC 

-- Reputation for client service reaffirmed with recent independent survey confirming that 58% of our clients would recommend us, compared to an industry average of 43%

-- Good progress made on a range of initiatives to drive revenue growth including: greater external marketing activity; ongoing implementation of repricing; greater focus on discretionary services; more resource devoted to developing and integrating our financial planning proposition; and launch of new mobile app for Charles Stanley Direct

-- Beginning to optimise the operating model to create capacity in the front office and efficiencies throughout our Support Functions

-- Welcomed Hugh Grootenhuis and Marcia Campbell to our Board as independent Non-executive Directors

Paul Abberley, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"Charles Stanley aims to become the UK's leading wealth manager by 2020. The first step toward this has now been delivered and the business has returned to profitability, achieving topline growth by focusing on core wealth management activities.

Our second step has been to put in place improved governance, better cost control and revised remuneration structures. We are now focused on the third but hardest step, that of invigorating our new business channels and more generally improving our productivity across both front and back office.

The Group continues to benefit from favourable markets which we think are likely to persist on a 6-12 month view. We do, however, face headwinds in the form of major regulatory change which is driving additional IT and process change costs and, in recent months, from lower than expected commission income. We will therefore need either a higher level of trading activity or other revenue increases to be generated in the second half in order to meet current market expectations.

Notwithstanding this note of caution, we remain confident about the long-term prospects for Charles Stanley as the benefits from the detailed execution of the third leg of our strategy begin to bear fruit."

For further information, please contact:

 
 Charles Stanley   Canaccord Genuity   Peel Hunt      Redleaf Communications 
  Christopher       Andrew Buchanan     Guy Wiehahn    Charlie Geller 
  Aldous            020 7523 4661       020 7418       020 7382 4730 
  Via Redleaf                           8893           CScapitalmarkets@redleafpr.com 
  Communications 
 

Notes to editors:

Charles Stanley traces its origins back directly to 1792 and is one of the oldest firms on the London Stock Exchange. Charles Stanley today provides holistic wealth management services to private clients, charities and smaller institutions. These are delivered by over 400 professionals located in 24 offices throughout the UK, both direct to clients and to intermediaries. Our services include investment portfolio management and financial planning, supported by in-house administration to enhance the quality of service provided. In addition, Charles Stanley Direct provides an award-winning, direct-to-customer execution-only dealing platform for equities and funds.

Financial highlights:

 
                                              H1 2018   H1 2017 
 Core Business(1) profit before tax (GBPm)        5.4       4.2 
 Reported profit before tax (GBPm)                6.9       4.5 
 Core Business basic earnings per share 
  (p)                                            7.75      7.06 
 Reported basic earnings per share (p)          10.87      6.30 
 Dividend per share (p)                           2.5       1.5 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Business highlights:

 
                                    H1 2018   H1 2017 
 FuMA(2) (GBPbn)                       24.3      22.5 
 Discretionary funds (GBPbn)           12.1      10.6 
 Core Business revenue (GBPm)(1)       74.0      67.4 
---------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Core Business revenue by division:

 
                                          H1 2018   H1 2017 
 Investment Management Services (GBPm)       64.6      59.8 
 Asset Management (GBPm)                      3.9       3.1 
 Financial Planning (GBPm)                    2.9       2.4 
 Charles Stanley Direct (GBPm)                2.6       2.1 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Financial calendar:

 
 Ex-dividend date for interim dividend   14 December 
                                                2017 
 Record date for interim dividend        15 December 
                                                2017 
 Payment date for interim dividend       19 January 
                                             2018 
--------------------------------------  ------------ 
 

(1) The Core Business figures represent the results of the Group's four main operating divisions, being Investment Management Services, Asset Management, Financial Planning and Charles Stanley Direct. They exclude held for sale activities and one-off items.

(2) Funds under Management and Administration.

Interim management report

The Group has continued to make good progress during the first half of the financial year, with growth in Discretionary funds of 6.1% to GBP12.1 billion and a Core Business profit before tax of GBP5.4 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 28.6%.

First half review

During the first half, we finalised the disposal of our only remaining non-core activity, EBS Management PLC. That marked the completion of Charles Stanley's initial turnaround, a two-year initiative which has returned the Group to profitability by focusing on core wealth management activities.

Our unique proposition is a full-service, holistic offering provided through an autonomous investment manager model. The structure for delivering this on a profitable basis is in place. Consequently we are now focused on invigorating our sales channels, both external and internal, and on improving productivity throughout the business.

Revenue growth

Charles Stanley has a strong reputation for client satisfaction, exemplified by a recent independent survey confirming that 58% of our clients would recommend us to a family member, friend or colleague, compared to an industry average of 43%.

That reputation has underpinned the Group's annualised revenue growth. In the first six months that rate was 5% after taking account of losses associated with investment managers who departed following last year's variable remuneration restructuring. Much of this growth continues to be generated directly by our investment managers but an increasing proportion is beginning to be derived from our Intermediary Sales Team who accounted for GBP81 million, or 10%, of new funds during the period.

In addition to securing new FuMA we have a number of other initiatives in train to increase revenue. First, we are implementing new charging structures arising from a firm-wide pricing review. Second, we continue to promote our discretionary investment management services where it is appropriate for existing clients. We expect regulatory requirements will accelerate the shift from advisory to discretionary services. Third, we are devoting more resource to growing and integrating our financial planning proposition. Fourth, we are widening our distribution network by building links with external independent financial advisers (IFAs).

Elsewhere, and with a focus on cross-divisional cooperation, the Asset Management division has launched the Personal Portfolio Service. This service is designed for smaller clients and provides a range of risk-rated open-ended investment companies (OEICs) supported by a suitability overlay. Charles Stanley Direct has assisted this launch by promoting the range on its platform. Both Asset Management and Charles Stanley Direct continue to achieve good growth in revenue, 25.8% and 23.8% respectively.

Operational efficiency

Alongside our revenue-generating activities, we are seeking to improve our operating model in order to create capacity in the front office and efficiencies throughout our Support Functions. To that end, we have recently appointed a highly experienced Transformation Director to oversee the redesign and automation of end-to-end processes. His work will complement process change already being implemented within each division. Currently this includes upgrading systems in the Asset Management and Financial Planning divisions and seeking to standardise tools used by the Investment Management Services division.

Board changes and governance

During the first half, we welcomed Hugh Grootenhuis and Marcia Campbell to our Board as independent Non-executive Directors. Both have considerable experience and knowledge in contemporary wealth management practices and business operations. Together they will offer constructive scrutiny and challenge to the executive team.

These appointments mark the completion of the Board restructure which has been undertaken as part of a wider governance refresh. In part that has been done in anticipation of the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR), but it will also improve our operational efficiency and risk management.

Outlook

With global growth improving, the main threat to financial markets is inflation and higher interest rates. However, we are not seeing the effects of this trend yet so we forecast a supportive market backdrop for the next 6-12 months.

That said, in recent months, we have faced various headwinds. First, there is an unusually high level of regulatory change being introduced in 2018 which is expected to give rise to an additional IT and process change cost in the second half of approximately GBP0.9 million. Secondly, although overall share trading volumes have been in line with our expectations, the commission income generated from it in recent months has been lower because of mix variances. We will therefore need either a higher level of trading activity or other revenue increases to be generated in the second half in order to meet current market expectations.

Notwithstanding the note of caution, we remain confident about the long-term prospects for Charles Stanley. We are growing organically and have a fully engaged team in place working towards one clear objective: to be the UK's leading wealth manager.

Paul Abberley

Chief Executive Officer

Ben Money-Coutts

Chief Financial Officer

21 November 2017

First half financial review

The Group continued to make good progress during H1 2018. Overall FuMA grew 1.3% to GBP24.3 billion, with Discretionary funds up 6.1% to GBP12.1 billion. The growth in funds and improved mix resulted in revenue of the Core Business increasing 9.8% and an improved profit before tax of GBP5.4 million (H1 2017: GBP4.2 million), an increase of 28.6%. The operating margin of our Core Business has also increased from 6.2% in the prior year to 7.3% this. The Board has declared an interim dividend of 2.5 pence per share (September 2016: 1.5 pence per share), an increase of 67%, payable on 19 January 2018.

Funds under Management and Administration

 
                                                    H1 2018   FY 2017   Change 
                                                      GBPbn     GBPbn        % 
 Discretionary funds                                   12.1      11.4      6.1 
 Advisory Managed funds                                 2.2       2.4    (8.3) 
 Total managed funds                                   14.3      13.8      3.6 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Advisory Dealing funds                                 1.7       1.8    (5.6) 
 Execution-only funds                                   8.3       8.4    (1.2) 
 Total administered funds                              10.0      10.2    (2.0) 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Total Funds under Management and Administration       24.3      24.0      1.3 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
 
 FTSE UK Private Investor Balanced Index              4,119     4,122    (0.1) 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
 

FuMA reached GBP24.3 billion at 30 September 2017, representing a 1.3% increase from the GBP24.0 billion position at 31 March 2017. During the same period the markets remained relatively flat, with the FTSE UK Private Investor Balanced Index down 0.1%.

Discretionary funds increased by GBP0.7 billion or 6.1% in H1 2018. Advisory Managed and Advisory Dealing funds reduced as efforts continued to upgrade existing clients from these services into discretionary services where appropriate. Execution-only funds fell by 1.2% overall comprising an increase of 8.7% (GBP0.2 billion) in Charles Stanley Direct funds offset by a reduction in the voice-brokered Execution-only book (GBP0.3 billion).

The GBP0.3 billion net increase in FuMA comprised of inflows from new (GBP0.8 billion) and existing (GBP0.1 billion) clients, offset by GBP0.6 billion of lost clients, of which GBP0.3 billion (50%) was accounted for by clients of departed investment managers. Adjusting for these, the underlying annualised rate of growth of FuMA was 5%.

The new inflows in the period were equally split across Discretionary and Execution-only services, whereas outflows were predominantly Execution-only funds relating to departed investment managers.

Results and performance

The Group's financial performance for the six months ended 30 September 2017 and the comparative period to 30 September 2016 is summarised in the tables below. These tables show the results of the Core Business (comprising the Investment Management Services, Asset Management, Financial Planning and Charles Stanley Direct divisions), the held for sale activities (EBS Management PLC, disposed of on 31 May 2017), and various adjusting items.

The held for sale figures for the period ended 30 September 2016 have been restated to bring them in line with the current period disclosures where the results of EBS Management PLC are excluded from the Core Business and shown separately.

In addition, so as to conform with the accounting treatment of the dilapidations arising in respect of the Group's London headquarters adopted for the year ended 31 March 2017, the charge of GBP0.9 million recognised in respect of leasehold dilapidations in the prior year has been retrospectively capitalised on the balance sheet in the form of leasehold improvements and depreciated over the remaining life of the lease. Consequently, the adjusting items and reported performance numbers contained within the Interim report and accounts for the six months ended 30 September 2016 have been restated by this amount. The Core Business comparative results were not impacted by this accounting restatement.

 
                                     Core       Held   Adjusting      Reported 
                                 Business   for sale       items   performance 
                                     GBPm       GBPm        GBPm          GBPm 
 Six months ended 
  30 September 2017 
 Revenue                             74.0        0.6           -          74.6 
 Expenses                          (69.0)      (0.6)       (1.1)        (70.7) 
 Other income                         0.2          -           -           0.2 
------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------ 
 Operating profit/(loss)              5.2          -       (1.1)           4.1 
 Net finance income                   0.2          -         2.6           2.8 
------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------ 
 Profit before tax                    5.4          -         1.5           6.9 
 Tax (expense)/credit               (1.4)          -         0.1         (1.3) 
------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------ 
 Profit/(loss) after tax              4.0          -         1.6           5.6 
 
 Basic earnings per share (p)        7.75          -           -         10.87 
------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------ 
 
 Six months ended 
  30 September 2016 
 Revenue                             67.4        1.4           -          68.8 
 Expenses                          (63.9)      (1.4)       (3.4)        (68.7) 
 Other income                         0.2          -           -           0.2 
------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------ 
 Operating profit/(loss)              3.7          -       (3.4)           0.3 
 Net finance income                   0.5          -         3.7           4.2 
------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------ 
 Profit before tax                    4.2          -         0.3           4.5 
 Tax expense                        (0.7)          -       (0.6)         (1.3) 
 Profit/(loss) after tax              3.5          -       (0.3)           3.2 
------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------ 
 
 Basic earnings per share (p)        7.06          -           -          6.30 
------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------ 
 

Core Business revenue

Revenue from the Core Business increased by 9.8% (GBP6.6 million) to GBP74.0 million in the period. Fee income increased by GBP7.7 million compared to prior year. This was driven by an increase in fee margins following a gradual introduction of new fee structures, growth in assets from new business, clients migrating to our discretionary services and an improvement in markets since the prior period. This positive movement was partly offset by the impact of lost clients from departed investment managers and a reduction in commission and interest income.

Core Business expenditure

Core Business expenditure increased by GBP5.1 million (8.0%) on prior year to GBP69.0 million. An increase in variable remuneration of GBP3.6 million was primarily driven by the increase in revenue noted above, along with the expense for the new employed investment managers' share option arrangements granted in June 2017 (GBP0.8 million). Fixed employment costs remained flat on prior year as savings resulting from a 2.4% reduction in headcount were offset by costs for termination payments and temporary contractors following the restructure of certain departments.

Marketing costs increased by GBP0.5 million compared to H1 2017, representing additional spend on marketing campaigns and brand awareness initiated by the Group to promote new business. Higher professional fees (GBP0.5 million) and IT & communications costs (GBP0.2 million) were also incurred during H1 2018 primarily in connection with the implementation of new regulatory requirements.

Core Business profit

The Core Business profit before tax of GBP5.4 million was ahead of prior year by GBP1.2 million, showing continued progress as the Board's strategy is implemented. The Core Business operating margin for H1 2018 was 7.3% (H1 2017: 6.2%, FY 2017: 7.1%).

Divisional review

The table below shows the H1 2018 results at a divisional level, with the H1 2017 comparatives restated for the exclusion of EBS Management PLC's results so as to present performance on a like-for-like basis.

 
                             Investment   Asset Management   Financial    Charles   Core Business 
                             Management                       Planning    Stanley 
                               Services                                    Direct 
                                   GBPm               GBPm        GBPm       GBPm            GBPm 
 Six months ended 
  30 September 2017 
 Revenue                           64.6                3.9         2.9        2.6            74.0 
 Expenditure                     (58.2)              (3.4)       (4.1)      (3.3)          (69.0) 
 Other income                       0.2                  -           -          -             0.2 
-------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -------------- 
 Operating profit/(loss)            6.6                0.5       (1.2)      (0.7)             5.2 
 Net finance income                 0.2                  -           -          -             0.2 
 Profit/(loss) 
  before tax                        6.8                0.5       (1.2)      (0.7)             5.4 
-------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -------------- 
 
 Six months ended 
  30 September 2016 
 Revenue                           59.8                3.1         2.4        2.1            67.4 
 Expenditure                     (54.0)              (2.7)       (4.4)      (2.8)          (63.9) 
 Other income                       0.2                  -           -          -             0.2 
-------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -------------- 
 Operating profit/(loss)            6.0                0.4       (2.0)      (0.7)             3.7 
 Net finance income                 0.5                  -           -          -             0.5 
 Profit/(loss) 
  before tax                        6.5                0.4       (2.0)      (0.7)             4.2 
-------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -------------- 
 

Investment Management Services

The Investment Management Services division provides personal investment services to individuals, companies, trusts and charities and includes dealing, custody and administration services.

 
                        H1 2018   H1 2017   Change 
                           GBPm      GBPm        % 
 Revenue                   64.6      59.8      8.0 
 Direct costs            (34.7)    (30.6)     13.4 
 Other income               0.2       0.2        - 
---------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Contribution              30.1      29.4      2.4 
 Allocated costs         (23.5)    (23.4)      0.4 
 Operating profit           6.6       6.0     10.0 
---------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
 
 Contribution margin      46.6%     49.2% 
 Operating margin         10.2%     10.0% 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 

The financial performance of the Investment Management Services division is largely driven by the value and mix of FuMA, the revenue margin earned on these assets and the operating costs associated with managing them.

FuMA increased from GBP20.3 billion at 31 March 2017 to GBP20.5 billion during the period. The biggest increase was in Discretionary funds which grew by GBP0.6 billion (5.8%) as a result of new client inflows (GBP0.4 billion) and from upgrades out of the Advisory Managed service (GBP0.2 billion). The division also transferred GBP0.05 billion of assets primarily from the Execution-only book to the Charles Stanley Direct platform as Investment Management Services focuses increasingly on discretionary services.

Revenue for the division grew by 8% compared to prior year. The growth was primarily in fee income which increased by GBP6.5 million. This was driven by a combination of higher FuMA, new fee structures and more clients electing for a clean, fee-only charge in preference to fees plus commission. For the same reason, commission income reduced by GBP1.1 million.

The division's direct expenditure base increased by GBP4.1 million or 13.4% on prior year. The key contributors to this increase were higher variable compensation (GBP2.0 million) as a result of revenue growth, the accounting charge for the investment managers' share options granted in June 2017 (GBP0.8 million), increased spend on marketing (GBP0.4 million), and higher project-related costs (GBP0.5 million). The costs allocated from Support Functions remained stable compared to the prior period.

The Investment Management Services division continues to be restructured to ensure underlying processes are streamlined and each team is best placed to better serve clients and grow new business. Business development activity is focussed both internally, through cross-selling with the other divisions, and externally by enhancing intermediary sales and investing in marketing events and prospects.

The regional network of offices continues to perform well and consolidation of offices is being carried out in certain locations where appropriate. We are currently preparing for the Reading and Oxford teams to move into one building and similarly for Wimborne, Isle of Wight and Southampton to consolidate into a new, larger office in Southampton.

Asset Management

The Asset Management division provides specialist asset management services through a range of funds, active and passive model portfolios, and an Inheritance Tax Portfolio Service. It also provides fiduciary advisory services to smaller defined benefit pension funds.

 
                        H1 2018   H1 2017   Change 
                           GBPm      GBPm        % 
 Revenue                    3.9       3.1     25.8 
 Direct costs             (2.2)     (1.5)     46.7 
---------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Contribution               1.7       1.6      6.3 
 Allocated costs          (1.2)     (1.2)        - 
 Operating profit           0.5       0.4     25.0 
---------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
 
 Contribution margin      43.6%     51.6% 
 Operating margin         12.8%     12.9% 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 

The division's total FuM increased by 6.4% to GBP1.3 billion. This helped to drive an increase in revenue of GBP0.8 million compared to the first half of the prior financial year.

A major initiative by the division during the period was the launch of a range of risk-rated multi-asset OEICs to provide a solution for our smaller clients. The funds, which are branded as the Personal Portfolio Service, were soft-launched in April 2017 and currently have GBP34.1 million invested by clients who have transferred across. The launch of this service contributed to the year-on-year increase in the division's direct costs.

In the first instance the operation of the Personal Portfolio Service is a loss leader because the costs of the underlying OEICs are currently being subsidised to keep them at an acceptable level for investors. Once the OEICs reach critical mass, estimated to be approximately GBP100 million, they are expected to become profitable for the Group. A print and digital marketing campaign is planned for these funds during the second half of the financial year to attract further inflows.

The division's fiduciary management business continues to win new business and has a strong pipeline. Similarly, active and passive model portfolios are both growing, with further growth to come from a new arrangement with a major national firm of IFAs and a marketing campaign focused on the IFA industry.

Financial Planning

The Financial Planning division provides financial planning and advice. The comparative figures shown below have been restated to exclude EBS Management PLC's results which were previously reported as part of this division's results.

 
                        H1 2018   H1 2017   Change 
                           GBPm      GBPm        % 
 Revenue                    2.9       2.4     20.8 
 Direct costs             (3.1)     (2.5)     24.0 
---------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Contribution             (0.2)     (0.1)    100.0 
 Allocated costs          (1.0)     (1.9)   (47.4) 
 Operating profit         (1.2)     (2.0)   (40.0) 
---------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
 
 Contribution margin     (6.9%)    (4.2%) 
 Operating margin       (41.4%)   (83.3%) 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Over the past twelve months, the Financial Planning division has been reorganised with additional high-calibre individuals recruited. This has helped increase revenue but has also led to an increase in direct costs including redundancy payments and recruitment costs.

In conjunction with hiring new planners, marketing activity has been stepped up, both externally and within Charles Stanley, to increase awareness of the services provided. This will take time to gain momentum but the early signs are encouraging.

During the past six months the division has undergone a major project to replace its operating system with Intelliflo. This system, once fully operational, is expected to support better the division's increased level of business and result in improved efficiencies.

For the longer term the provision of financial planning advice alongside investment management services will be a key component to delivering value to customers and growth for the Group. To deliver this the division intends to recruit more financial planners so long as candidates meet strict quality criteria. Such recruitment may act as a short-term drag on profitability but is intended to accelerate growth and the quality of the division's earnings over the medium to longer term. The division is currently engaged in conversations with a number of candidates.

Charles Stanley Direct

Charles Stanley Direct provides direct-to-client online and telephone-based dealing services within general investment accounts and tax-efficient wrappers.

 
                        H1 2018   H1 2017   Change 
                           GBPm      GBPm        % 
 Revenue                    2.6       2.1     23.8 
 Direct costs             (1.8)     (1.2)     50.0 
---------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Contribution               0.8       0.9   (11.1) 
 Allocated costs          (1.5)     (1.6)    (6.3) 
 Operating profit         (0.7)     (0.7)        - 
---------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
 
 Contribution margin      30.8%     42.9% 
 Operating margin       (26.9%)   (33.3%) 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Charles Stanley Direct's assets under administration grew by 8.7% to GBP2.5 billion during the period. This growth has been achieved both as a result of the division continuing to win new clients (GBP0.2 billion) and through encouraging smaller Execution-only clients of the Investment Management Services division, who can benefit from Charles Stanley Direct's lower charging structure, to transfer across (GBP0.05 billion).

The division is also supporting the recent launch of the Charles Stanley Multi Asset OEIC Fund range and the Monthly High Income Fund by offering these direct to clients online.

In recent months, the principal focus of Charles Stanley Direct has been the launch of new iOS and Android mobile applications. Development continues apace with a release schedule throughout 2018 aimed at repositioning the app from being a retention feature for existing clients to an acquisition tool for the next generation. Near-term upgrades will introduce account opening, full registration, deposit-taking and trading.

Support Functions

The costs incurred by the Group's Support Functions are either charged directly to the four main operating divisions, for example market data costs, or recharged as an allocated cost. Ongoing costs for all Support Functions reduced marginally by 1.5% to GBP26.8m compared to H1 2017. General savings achieved from the introduction of operational efficiencies across the back office functions during the period were largely offset by an increased spend on compliance-related projects and higher regulatory fees.

Adjusting items

The Board considers the Core Business profit before tax and earnings per share to be a better reflection of underlying business performance than the statutory figures reported in the financial statements. To calculate the Core Business results the Board has excluded certain adjusting items totalling a net credit of GBP1.5 million. An explanation of these adjusting items, together with a reconciliation of profits, is provided below:

 
                                                       H1 2018   H1 2017 
                                                          GBPm      GBPm 
 Reported profit before tax                                6.9       4.5 
 
 Gain on disposal of EBS Management PLC                  (0.7)         - 
 Gain on part-sale of shares held in Euroclear           (1.9)         - 
  PLC 
 Accelerated depreciation of leasehold improvements        0.6         - 
 Amortisation of client relationships                      0.5       0.7 
 London office rationalisation: 
 1. Net gain on surrender of long term lease                 -     (3.2) 
 2. Overlapping rent and occupancy costs                     -       1.9 
 3. Dilapidations(1)                                         -         - 
 Impairment of intangible assets                             -       0.7 
 Gain on part-sale of shares held in Runpath 
  Group Limited                                              -     (0.4) 
 Net credit from adjusting items                         (1.5)     (0.3) 
 Profit from held for sale activities                        -         - 
----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Core Business profit before tax                           5.4       4.2 
----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

(1) Included an adjustment of GBP0.9 million in the H1 2017 Interim report and accounts which has been restated in line with the accounting treatment and disclosure contained within the Annual report and accounts 2017.

Gain on disposal of EBS Management PLC: (GBP0.7 million credit)

On 31 May 2017, the Group completed the disposal of EBS Management PLC to Embark Group Limited for initial cash consideration of GBP2.0 million and deferred consideration of up to GBP2.0 million payable on the first and second anniversary of the completion date. A profit on disposal of GBP0.7 million was recognised.

Gain on part-sale of shares held in Euroclear PLC: (GBP1.9 million credit)

In April 2017, the Group participated in a share buyback tender offer by Euroclear PLC. This resulted in the sale of approximately 60% of the Group's holding in Euroclear PLC, giving rise to a profit on disposal of GBP1.9 million.

Accelerated depreciation of leasehold improvements: (GBP0.6 million expense)

Following the recognition of leasehold dilapidations in respect of the Group's London headquarters in the year ended 31 March 2017, the Group undertook a review of its branch network and obligations for dilapidations arising therefrom. Consequently, a provision of GBP0.9 million for leasehold dilapidations in respect of the Group's branch network was recognised in the statement of financial position, with a corresponding amount shown as an addition to leasehold improvements. The charge of GBP0.6 million recognised in H1 2018 represents the accelerated depreciation of these leasehold improvements for the expired portion of the branches' leases and is therefore shown as an adjusting item.

Amortisation of client relationships: (GBP0.5 million expense)

Payments made for the introduction of customer relationships that are deemed to be intangible assets are capitalised and amortised over their useful life, which has been assessed to be 10 years. This amortisation charge is excluded from the Core Business profit on the basis that it is a significant non-cash item.

Taxation

The tax charge for the period was GBP1.3 million (H1 2017: GBP1.3 million) representing an effective tax rate of 19.6% (H1 2017: 29.0%). Excluding the adjusting items, the effective tax rate is around 26%. The prior year effective tax rate was significantly higher due to the disposal of fixed assets not allowable for tax purposes following the London office relocation. A detailed reconciliation between the standard and effective rate of UK corporation tax is provided in note 9 of the Interim report and accounts for the six months ended 30 September 2017.

Financial position and regulatory capital

Charles Stanley & Co. Limited, the Group's main operating subsidiary, is an IFPRU 125k Limited Licence Firm regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority. In view of this, the Group is classified as a regulated group and subject to the same regime.

The Group monitors a range of capital and liquidity statistics on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. At 30 September 2017, the Group had regulatory capital resources of GBP65.0 million (H1 2017: GBP53.4 million).

As required under FCA rules, the Group maintains an Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP), which includes performing a range of stress tests to determine the appropriate level of regulatory capital and liquidity that the Group needs to hold. The Group's ICAAP was last reviewed and approved by the Board in November 2017.

Earnings per share

The Group's reported basic earnings per share for the first half was 10.87 pence (H1 2017: 6.30 pence). The Core Business earnings per share increased to 7.75 pence from 7.06 pence in the prior year.

Dividends

The Board has declared an interim dividend of 2.5 pence per share (September 2016: 1.5 pence per share) which will be paid on 19 January 2018 to shareholders on the register on 15 December 2017.

Condensed consolidated income statement

Six months ended 30 September 2017

 
                                          Notes    H1 2018    H1 2017     FY 2017 
                                                             Restated 
                                                    GBP000     GBP000      GBP000 
 Continuing operations 
 Revenue                                    4       74,580     68,835     141,630 
 Administrative expenses                    4     (70,686)   (68,041)   (136,122) 
 Impairment of intangible assets            4            -      (650)       (650) 
 Other income                               4          184        155         186 
 Operating profit                                    4,078        299       5,044 
---------------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Gain on surrender of lease                              -      5,550       5,550 
 Loss on disposal of fixed assets                      (7)    (2,190)     (2,199) 
 Gain on sale of business                              707         42         148 
 Gain on sale of corporate investments               1,930        422         423 
 Impairment of corporate loans                           -          -       (500) 
 Finance income                                        171        418         397 
 Finance costs                                        (27)       (44)        (64) 
 Net finance and other non-operating 
  income                                             2,774      4,198       3,755 
---------------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Profit before tax                                   6,852      4,497       8,799 
 Tax expense                                8      (1,343)    (1,306)     (2,539) 
 Profit for the period attributable 
  to owners of the Parent Company                    5,509      3,191       6,260 
---------------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 
 Earnings per share 
 Basic                                      5       10.87p      6.30p      12.35p 
 Diluted                                    5       10.73p      6.29p      12.34p 
---------------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Six months ended 30 September 2017

 
                                               H1 2018    H1 2017   FY 2017 
                                                         Restated 
                                                GBP000     GBP000    GBP000 
 Profit for the period                           5,509      3,191     6,260 
 Other comprehensive income 
 Items that will never be reclassified 
  to profit or loss 
 Remeasurement of the defined benefit 
  scheme obligation                              1,160    (5,221)   (1,093) 
 Related tax                                     (186)        958        81 
                                                   974    (4,263)   (1,012) 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Items that are or may be reclassified 
  to profit or loss 
 Available-for-sale financial assets 
  - unrealised gains or losses                     562        387       737 
 Available-for-sale financial assets 
  - realised gains and losses reclassified 
  to profit and loss                           (2,345)        160       170 
 Related tax                                       359      (199)     (195) 
                                               (1,424)        348       712 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Other comprehensive income for the period, 
  net of tax                                     (450)    (3,915)     (300) 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive income for the period 
  attributable to owners of the Parent 
  Company                                        5,059      (724)     5,960 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of financial position

Six months ended 30 September 2017

 
                                   Notes   H1 2018    H1 2017   FY 2017 
                                                     Restated 
 Assets                                     GBP000     GBP000    GBP000 
 Intangible assets                   9      20,206     23,896    21,220 
 Property, plant and equipment      10      10,079      9,974     9,976 
 Net deferred tax asset                      1,764      2,866     1,878 
 Available-for-sale financial 
  assets                                     5,833      7,698     5,626 
 Trade and other receivables                   922        500         - 
 Non-current assets                         38,804     44,934    38,700 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Trade and other receivables               108,888    164,328   144,673 
 Financial assets at fair value 
  through profit or loss                        53         50        73 
 Available-for-sale financial 
  assets                                       864          -     2,450 
 Assets held for sale                            -          -     8,965 
 Cash and cash equivalents                  56,554     54,903    52,101 
 Current assets                            166,359    219,281   208,262 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Total assets                              205,163    264,215   246,962 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Equity 
 Share capital                              12,674     12,671    12,672 
 Share premium                               4,440      4,423     4,429 
 Own shares                                   (95)          -         - 
 Revaluation reserve                         1,954      3,014     3,378 
 Merger relief reserve                      15,167     15,167    15,167 
 Retained earnings                          58,656     47,624    53,424 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Equity attributable to owners 
  of the Company                            92,796     82,899    89,070 
 Non-controlling interests                      24         24        24 
 Total equity                               92,820     82,923    89,094 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Liabilities 
 Employee benefits                   7       8,827     15,237    10,528 
 Provisions                                  1,699        940     1,108 
 Non-current liabilities                    10,526     16,177    11,636 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Trade and other payables                   98,176    159,955   141,509 
 Current tax liabilities                       663      1,018       994 
 Provisions                                  2,978      4,142     2,162 
 Liabilities held for sale                       -          -     1,567 
 Current liabilities                       101,817    165,115   146,232 
 Total liabilities                         112,343    181,292   157,868 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Total equity and liabilities              205,163    264,215   246,962 
--------------------------------  ------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Charles Stanley Group PLC (company number 48796) on 21 November 2017.

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

Six months ended 30 September 2017

 
                                                                    Merger 
                         Share     Share      Own   Re-valuation    relief   Retained             Non-controlling     Total 
                       capital   premium   shares      reserve     reserve   earnings     Total         interests    equity 
                        GBP000    GBP000   GBP000         GBP000    GBP000     GBP000    GBP000            GBP000    GBP000 
 1 April 2017           12,672     4,429        -          3,378    15,167     53,424    89,070                24    89,094 
 Profit for the 
  period                     -         -        -              -         -      5,509     5,509                 -     5,509 
--------------------  --------  --------  -------  -------------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Other comprehensive 
 income: 
 Revaluation of 
 available-for-sale 
 financial assets: 
 - unrealised gains 
  and losses                 -         -        -            562         -          -       562                 -       562 
 - realised gains 
  and losses 
  transferred to 
  profit and 
  loss                       -         -        -        (2,345)         -          -   (2,345)                 -   (2,345) 
 Deferred tax on 
  available-for-sale 
  financial assets           -         -        -            359         -          -       359                 -       359 
 Remeasurement of 
 defined benefit 
 scheme liability: 
 - actuarial gain in 
  the period                 -         -        -              -         -      1,160     1,160                 -     1,160 
 - deferred tax 
  movement on 
  scheme liability           -         -        -              -         -      (221)     (221)                 -     (221) 
 - current tax 
  relief                     -         -        -              -         -         35        35                 -        35 
 Total other 
  comprehensive 
  income for the 
  period                     -         -        -        (1,424)         -        974     (450)                 -     (450) 
--------------------  --------  --------  -------  -------------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income 
  for the period             -         -        -        (1,424)         -      6,483     5,059                 -     5,059 
--------------------  --------  --------  -------  -------------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Dividends paid              -         -        -              -         -    (2,281)   (2,281)                 -   (2,281) 
 Own shares acquired         -         -     (95)              -         -          -      (95)                 -      (95) 
 Share-based 
 payments: 
 - value of employee 
  services                   -         -        -              -         -      1,030     1,030                 -     1,030 
 - issue of shares           2        11        -              -         -          -        13                 -        13 
 30 September 2017 
  (unaudited)           12,674     4,440     (95)          1,954    15,167     58,656    92,796                24    92,820 
--------------------  --------  --------  -------  -------------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

Six months ended 30 September 2016

 
                                                              Merger 
                          Share      Share   Re-valuation     relief    Retained             Non-controlling     Total 
                        capital    premium        reserve    reserve    earnings     Total         interests    equity 
                         GBP000     GBP000         GBP000     GBP000      GBP000    GBP000            GBP000    GBP000 
 1 April 2016            12,669      4,402          2,666     15,167      50,461    85,365                24    85,389 
 Profit for the 
  period (restated)           -          -              -          -       3,191     3,191                 -     3,191 
--------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Other comprehensive 
 income: 
 Revaluation of 
 available-for-sale 
 financial assets: 
 - unrealised gains 
  and losses                  -          -            387          -           -       387                 -       387 
 - realised gains 
  and losses 
  transferred to 
  profit and loss             -          -            160          -           -       160                 -       160 
 Deferred tax on 
  available-for-sale 
  financial assets            -          -          (199)          -           -     (199)                 -     (199) 
 Remeasurement of 
 defined benefit 
 scheme liability: 
 - actuarial gain in 
  the period                  -          -              -          -     (5,221)   (5,221)                 -   (5,221) 
 - deferred tax 
  movement on scheme 
  liability                   -          -              -          -         958       958                 -       958 
 Total other 
  comprehensive 
  income 
  for the period 
  (restated)                  -          -            348          -     (4,263)   (3,915)                 -   (3,915) 
--------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period                  -          -            348          -     (1,072)     (724)                 -     (724) 
--------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Dividends paid               -          -              -          -     (1,774)   (1,774)                 -   (1,774) 
 Share-based 
 payments: 
 - value of employee 
  services                    -          -              -          -           9         9                 -         9 
 - issue of shares            2         21              -          -           -        23                 -        23 
 30 September 2016 
  (unaudited) 
  (restated)             12,671      4,423          3,014     15,167      47,624    82,899                24    82,923 
--------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

Year ended 31 March 2017

 
                                                               Merger 
                           Share      Share   Re-valuation     relief    Retained            Non-controlling     Total 
                         capital    premium        reserve    reserve    earnings    Total         interests    equity 
                          GBP000     GBP000         GBP000     GBP000      GBP000   GBP000            GBP000    GBP000 
 1 October 2016 
  (restated)              12,671      4,423          3,014     15,167      47,624   82,899                24    82,923 
 Profit for the 
  period (restated)            -          -              -          -       3,069    3,069                 -     3,069 
---------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ----------  -------  ----------------  -------- 
 Other comprehensive 
 income: 
 Revaluation of 
 available-for-sale 
 financial assets: 
 - unrealised gains 
  and losses                   -          -            350          -           -      350                 -       350 
 - realised gains and 
  losses 
  transferred to 
  profit and loss              -          -             10          -           -       10                 -        10 
 Deferred tax on 
  available-for-sale 
  financial assets             -          -              4          -           -        4                 -         4 
 Remeasurement of 
 defined benefit 
 scheme liability: 
 - actuarial gain in 
  the period                   -          -              -          -       4,128    4,128                 -     4,128 
 - deferred tax 
  movement on scheme 
  liability                    -          -              -          -       (978)    (978)                 -     (978) 
 - current tax relief          -          -              -          -         101      101                 -       101 
 Total other 
  comprehensive 
  income 
  for the period               -          -            364          -       3,251    3,615                 -     3,615 
---------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ----------  -------  ----------------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period 
  (restated)                   -          -            364          -       6,320    6,684                 -     6,684 
---------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ----------  -------  ----------------  -------- 
 Dividends paid                -          -              -          -       (760)    (760)                 -     (760) 
 Share-based 
 payments: 
 - value of employee 
  services                     -          -              -          -         240      240                 -       240 
 - issue of shares             1          6              -          -           -        7                 -         7 
 31 March 2017 
  (audited)               12,672      4,429          3,378     15,167      53,424   89,070                24    89,094 
---------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ----------  -------  ----------------  -------- 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows

Six months ended 30 September 2017

 
                                               Notes   H1 2018   H1 2017   FY 2017 
                                                        GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Cash generated from operating activities       12       2,694     4,063    10,688 
 Interest received                                         171       154       195 
 Interest paid                                            (27)      (44)      (63) 
 Tax paid                                              (1,387)     (234)   (1,367) 
 Net cash from operating activities                      1,451     3,939     9,453 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Proceeds from surrender of lease                            -     5,550     5,550 
 Acquisition of intangible assets                        (355)     (674)   (1,089) 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment               (622)   (1,686)   (2,562) 
 Purchase of available-for-sale financial 
  assets                                               (1,008)   (1,540)   (1,842) 
 Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale 
  financial assets                                       2,094     1,315     1,642 
 Net cash (outflow)/inflow from disposal 
  of business                                          (1,256)     1,180     1,180 
 Dividends received                                        184       155       186 
 Net cash generated (used in)/generated 
  from investing activities                              (963)     4,300     3,065 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Proceeds from issue of ordinary share 
  capital                                                   13         -        30 
 Purchase of ordinary shares for employee 
  share schemes                                           (95)        23         - 
 Dividends paid                                        (2,281)   (1,774)   (2,534) 
 Net cash used from financing activities               (2,363)   (1,751)   (2,504) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Net (decrease)/increase in cash and 
  cash equivalents                                     (1,875)     6,488    10,014 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at start of 
  period                                                58,429    48,415    48,415 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of 
  period                                                56,554    54,903    58,429 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents shown in current 
  assets                                                56,554    54,903    52,101 
 Cash classified as assets held for sale                     -         -     6,328 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of 
  period                                                56,554    54,903    58,429 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

1. General information

The condensed set of financial statements included in this Interim financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting (IAS 34), as adopted by the European Union, and with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR) of the UK Financial Conduct Authority. The information in this Interim financial report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.

The condensed set of financial statements included in this Interim financial report for the period ended 30 September 2017 should be read in conjunction with Charles Stanley Group PLC's Annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2017. A copy of the statutory accounts for that period has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor reported on those accounts. Their report was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The Interim report and accounts for the six month ended 30 September 2017 is available from the registered office of the Company at 55 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 3AS and on the Company's website www.charles-stanley.co.uk.

2. Restatement of comparative figures

The financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2016 have been restated to reclassify a leasehold dilapidations expense of GBP0.9 million recognised during that period.

The restatement resulted in an increase of GBP0.9 million in both the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and the profit after tax in the financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2016. There was no tax impact resulting from the restatement. The retained earnings at this date have therefore been restated from GBP46.7 million to GBP47.6 million. The earnings per share and diluted earnings per share reported in the prior year were both 4.44 pence. Following the restatement, these have increased to 6.30 pence and 6.29 pence respectively. This reclassification was reflected in the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017, therefore no restatement has been made to comparatives for that year.

3. Significant accounting policies and application of new and revised IFRSs

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group's Annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2017. The Group has not adopted any new accounting standards, amendments to standards or new interpretations during the period.

A number of new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for periods beginning on or after 1 April 2018. The following new standards are not applicable to these financial statements but are expected to have an impact when they become effective. The Group plans to apply these standards in the reporting period in which they become effective.

3.1 IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

IFRS 9 replaces IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and measurement. It includes new guidance on the classification, measurement and impairment of financial instruments. IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods commencing on or after 1 January 2018. The Group has not adopted this standard early.

The Group has conducted a preliminary assessment of the impact of adopting IFRS 9 based on its financial instruments at 30 September 2017.

The primary impact on the financial statements is expected to be the change in classification of financial assets. The IAS 39 categories of available-for-sale, loans and receivables and held to maturity no longer exist. Financial assets will fall into one of three categories under IFRS 9: amortised cost, fair value through profit or loss, or fair value through other comprehensive income. The Group is well advanced in its categorisation of financial assets under the new standard.

The Group has not identified any material differences in the measurement of financial assets under IFRS 9. The classification and measurement of financial liabilities remains unchanged from IAS 39, therefore no impact is anticipated on the Group's financial liabilities on adoption of the new standard.

IFRS 9 introduces a new expected credit loss impairment model to replace the incurred loss model in IAS 39. Based on both past experience and an assessment of the Group's credit risk exposures relating to its existing financial instruments, the new impairment model is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements.

3.2 IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

IFRS 15 outlines a single comprehensive model for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes existing revenue recognition guidance including IAS 18 Revenue, IAS 11 Construction Contracts and IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes. IFRS 15 is effective for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2018. The Group has not adopted this standard early.

The core principle of IFRS 15 is that an entity recognises revenue to reflect the transfer of goods or services to a customer, measured as an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. In addition to the guidance on recognising revenue from contracts with customers, IFRS 15 also prescribes the treatment of costs associated with obtaining contracts where they are not within the scope of another standard. The Group has performed an initial review of its existing revenue streams and costs associated with obtaining contracts. Based on this review, the adoption of IFRS 15 is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements.

3.3 IFRS 16 Leases

IFRS 16 replaces IAS 17 Leases. It eliminates the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases. Any leases with more than 12 months' term are to be recognised as a lease asset in the statement of financial position and the related future lease obligations shown as a liability. IFRS 16 is effective for annual periods commencing on or after 1 January 2019. The Group does not intend to adopt this standard early.

The Group has yet to carry out a full review of the impact of IFRS 16. However, based on an initial high-level assessment of the standard, the primary impact will be in respect of the Group's various leasehold offices. These leases will need to be shown in the statement of financial position, with a right of use asset and associated lease liability being recognised. Operating lease expenses currently recognised directly in the income statement will be replaced by depreciation and interest charges, which for individual leases will result in higher interest charges in early years of the lease compared to

later years. These changes are expected to be material to the financial statements of the Group, although the amount of the impact has not yet been quantified.

4. Operating segments

The Group has four operating divisions, representing the Core Business, which are its reportable segments. These segments are the basis on which the Group reports its performance to the Board, which is the Group's chief operating decision-maker.

 
                                     Investment                                   Charles 
                                     Management                      Financial    Stanley      Support 
                                       Services   Asset Management    Planning     Direct    Functions      Total 
 Six months ended 30 September           GBP000             GBP000      GBP000     GBP000       GBP000     GBP000 
  2017 
 
 Investment management fees              38,059              2,182         615          -            -     40,856 
 Administration fees                      5,371              1,252       2,850      1,902            -     11,375 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 Total fees                              43,430              3,434       3,465      1,902            -     52,231 
 Commission                              21,152                460          16        721            -     22,349 
 Total revenue                           64,582              3,894       3,481      2,623            -     74,580 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 Administrative expenses               (35,838)            (2,127)     (3,588)    (1,806)     (27,327)   (70,686) 
 Impairment of intangible assets              -                  -           -          -            -          - 
 Other income                               184                  -           -          -            -        184 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 Operating contribution                  28,928              1,767       (107)        817     (27,327)      4,078 
 Allocated costs                       (23,510)            (1,273)     (1,081)    (1,460)       27,324          - 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 Operating profit/(loss)                  5,418                494     (1,188)      (643)          (3)      4,078 
 Segment assets                         193,698                487       3,298      7,386          294    205,163 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 Segment liabilities                    109,424                  -       1,395      1,524            -    112,343 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 

Note: The operating profit/(loss) per the above table is different to that presented in the divisional analysis within the Interim management report as the table above includes adjusting items which are excluded from the Core Business analysis.

 
                                     Investment                                   Charles 
                                     Management                      Financial    Stanley      Support 
                                       Services   Asset Management    Planning     Direct    Functions      Total 
 Six months ended 30 September           GBP000             GBP000      GBP000     GBP000       GBP000     GBP000 
  2016 (restated) 
 
 Investment management fees              31,132              1,716         295          -            -     33,143 
 Administration fees                      6,399              1,079       3,453      1,701            -     12,632 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 Total fees                              37,531              2,795       3,748      1,701            -     45,755 
 Commission                              22,280                325          15        440            -     23,060 
 Total revenue                           59,811              3,120       3,763      2,141            -     68,835 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 Administrative expenses               (31,618)            (2,762)     (2,422)    (1,263)     (29,976)   (68,041) 
 Impairment of intangible assets              -                  -           -          -        (650)      (650) 
 Other income                               155                  -           -          -            -        155 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 Operating contribution                  28,348                358       1,341        878     (30,626)        299 
 Allocated costs                       (23,411)            (1,598)     (1,788)    (1,526)       28,323          - 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 Operating profit/(loss)                  4,937            (1,240)       (447)      (648)      (2,303)        299 
 Segment assets                         248,220                197       7,116      8,599           83    264,215 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 Segment liabilities                    180,097                (7)       1,187         15            -    181,292 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 

Note: The operating profit/(loss) per the above table is different to that presented in the divisional analysis within the Interim management report as the table above includes adjusting items which are excluded from the Core Business analysis.

 
                                     Investment                                   Charles 
                                     Management                      Financial    Stanley      Support 
                                       Services   Asset Management    Planning     Direct    Functions       Total 
 Year ended 31 March 2017                GBP000             GBP000      GBP000     GBP000       GBP000      GBP000 
 
 Investment management fees              65,004              3,645         760          -            -      69,409 
 Administration fees                     12,388              2,276       7,183      3,067            -      24,914 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ---------- 
 Total fees                              77,392              5,921       7,943      3,067            -      94,323 
 Commission                              45,303                702          25      1,277            -      47,307 
 Total revenue                          122,695              6,623       7,968      4,344            -     141,630 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ---------- 
 Administrative expenses               (65,028)            (3,632)     (7,365)    (3,072)     (57,025)   (136,122) 
 Impairment of intangible assets              -                  -           -          -        (650)       (650) 
 Other income                               186                  -           -          -            -         186 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ---------- 
 Operating contribution                  57,853              2,991         603      1,272     (57,675)       5,044 
 Allocated costs                       (48,699)            (2,500)     (3,358)    (3,118)       57,675           - 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ---------- 
 Operating profit/(loss)                  9,154                491     (2,755)    (1,846)            -       5,044 
 Segment assets                         227,429                487       9,627      9,122          297     246,962 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ---------- 
 Segment liabilities                    149,675                  -       5,842      2,351            -     157,868 
---------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ---------- 
 

Note: The operating profit/(loss) per the above table is different to that presented in the divisional analysis within the Interim management report as the table above includes adjusting items which are excluded from the Core Business analysis.

5. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares to assume exercise of all potentially dilutive share options.

 
                               H1 2018    H1 2017   FY 2017 
                                         Restated 
                                 pence      pence     pence 
 Earnings per share 
 Basic earnings per share        10.87       6.30     12.35 
 Diluted earnings per share      10.73       6.29     12.34 
----------------------------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 

The Directors believe that a truer reflection of the performance of the Group's underlying business is given by the measure of Core Business earnings per share, which is presented in the Interim management report. This measure is also followed by the analyst community as a benchmark of the Group's underlying performance.

The earnings and weighted average number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is shown below:

 
                                              H1 2018    H1 2017   FY 2017 
                                                        Restated 
                                               GBP000     GBP000    GBP000 
 Earnings 
 Earnings used in the calculation of basic 
  earnings per share and diluted earnings 
  per share                                     5,509      3,191     6,260 
-------------------------------------------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 
 
                                                 H1 2018   H1 2017   FY 2017 
                                                  GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
 Number of shares 
 Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
  used in the calculation of basic earnings 
  per share                                       50,680    50,678    50,683 
 Effect of potentially dilutive share 
  options                                            663        29        41 
 Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
  used in the calculation of diluted earnings 
  per share                                       51,343    50,707    50,724 
----------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

6. Share-based payment arrangements

During the period, the Group granted options under the Performance Share Plan and a new Investment Managers Share Plan.

6.1 Performance Share Plan (equity-settled)

The Performance Share Plan is only open to Executive Directors and senior managers. Options are awarded annually under the plan and vest over a period of three years based on specific performance targets. The contractual life of the options is five years.

250,000 options were granted under the scheme on 22 July 2017. As these awards are over nil cost options with an entitlement to dividends during the vesting period, the grant date fair value was deemed to be GBP3.65, being the share price at that date.

The performance conditions relating to 279,040 options granted during the year ended 31 March 2015 were not met and therefore these options lapsed during the period.

6.2 Investment Managers Share Plan (equity-settled)

The Investment Managers Share Plan is a one-off scheme whereby share options were awarded to investment managers employed by the Group. 2,415,725 options were granted on 15 June 2017, with 966,290 options allocated to Pool A and 1,449,435 allocated to Pool B of the plan.

Pool A options vest after three years, upon publication of the Annual report and accounts for the year ending 31 March 2020, subject to the option holder still being in the Group's employment. There are no attached performance conditions.

Pool B Awards will only vest if the pre-tax profit margin of the employed investment management teams collectively is 15% or more in any of the three years ending 31 March 2020, 2021 and 2022. If the pre-tax margin condition is not achieved by year ending 31 March 2022, the options will lapse.

During the period the Group recognised total share-based payment expenses of GBP1.0 million (30 September 2016: GBP0.01 million and 31 March 2017: GBP0.2 million).

7. Employee benefits

7.1 Defined contribution scheme

The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in independently-administered funds.

7.2 Defined benefit scheme

The Group also sponsors the Charles Stanley & Co. Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme, which is a funded defined benefit arrangement. This is a separate, trustee-administered fund holding the scheme assets to meet long-term pension liabilities of the scheme members.

A full actuarial valuation was carried out as at 13 May 2014 in accordance with the scheme funding requirements of the Pensions Act 2004. The next full actuarial valuation as at 13 May 2017 is currently being undertaken. This is due to be completed in early 2018 and will be reflected in the financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2018.

The funding of the scheme is agreed between the Group and the trustees in line with those requirements. There is a particular requirement to calculate the pension surplus or deficit using prudence, as opposed to best estimate actuarial assumptions.

For the purposes of IAS 19, the actuarial valuation as at 13 May 2014, which was carried out by a qualified independent actuary, has been updated on an approximate basis to 30 September 2017. The valuation methodology adopted for the current period disclosures is the same as that used in the prior year.

Amounts included in the condensed consolidated statement of financial position

 
                                                     H1 2018    H1 2017    FY 2017 
                                                      GBP000     GBP000     GBP000 
 Fair value of scheme assets                          19,974     28,798     21,667 
 Present valuation of defined benefit obligation    (28,801)   (44,035)   (32,195) 
 Deficit in scheme                                   (8,827)   (15,237)   (10,528) 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Liability recognised in condensed consolidated 
  statement of financial position                    (8,827)   (15,237)   (10,528) 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

Defined benefit costs recognised in the condensed consolidated income statement

 
                                               H1 2018   H1 2017   FY 2017 
                                                GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
 Past service cost and gain from settlement      (485)         -     (493) 
 Net interest cost                                 128       178       345 
 Total costs                                     (357)       178     (148) 
--------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

Defined benefit costs recognised in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

 
                                                      H1 2018   H1 2017   FY 2017 
                                                       GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
 Return on scheme assets                                  335     2,280     2,883 
 Experience gains/(losses) arising on the 
  scheme liabilities                                       51         -     (180) 
 Effects of changes in the demographic 
  assumptions underlying the present value 
  of the defined benefit obligation                       278     2,495     1,770 
 Effects of changes in the financial assumptions 
  underlying the present value of the defined 
  benefit obligation                                      496   (9,996)   (5,566) 
 Total amount recognised in condensed consolidated 
  statement of comprehensive income                     1,160   (5,221)   (1,093) 
---------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

8. Income taxes

Tax recognised in the condensed consolidated income statement

 
                                         H1 2018   H1 2017   FY 2017 
                                          GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
 Current taxation 
 Current period expense                    1,091     1,369     2,283 
 Adjustment in respect of prior years          -         -       306 
                                           1,091     1,369     2,589 
--------------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Deferred taxation 
 Expense/(credit) for the period             252      (63)      (50) 
                                             252      (63)      (50) 
--------------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Total tax expense                         1,343     1,306     2,539 
--------------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

In addition to amounts charged to the condensed income statement, deferred tax of GBP0.4 million relating to the revaluation of available-for-sale financial assets has been credited directly to equity (30 September 2016 and 31 March 2017: GBP0.2 million charge).

Current tax of GBP0.04 million has been credited directly to equity (30 September 2016: GBPnil and 31 March 2017: GBP0.1 million) and deferred tax of GBP0.2 million has been charged directly to equity (30 September 2016: GBP1.0 million credit and 31 March 2017: GBP0.02 million) in respect of the defined benefit scheme.

Legislation to reduce the UK corporation tax rate to 17% from 1 April 2020 was substantively enacted in September 2016. The deferred tax asset at 30 September 2017 has been calculated based on the rate expected to apply when the relevant timing differences are forecast to unwind.

9. Intangible assets

 
                                                     Internally 
                                          Customer    generated 
                          Goodwill   relationships     software     Total 
 Cost                       GBP000          GBP000       GBP000    GBP000 
 At 1 October 2016          21,507          23,409        6,746    51,662 
 Additions                       -              16          399       415 
 Transfer to held for 
  sale                     (1,294)               -            -   (1,294) 
-----------------------  ---------  --------------  -----------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2017           20,213          23,425        7,145    50,783 
 Additions                       -             200          155       355 
 At 30 September 2017       20,213          23,625        7,300    51,138 
-----------------------  ---------  --------------  -----------  -------- 
 Amortisation 
 At 1 October 2016           6,161          17,827        3,778    27,766 
 Charge for the period           -             862          935     1,797 
-----------------------  ---------  --------------  -----------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2017            6,161          18,689        4,713    29,563 
 Charge for the period           -             534          835     1,369 
 At 30 September 2017        6,161          19,223        5,548    30,932 
-----------------------  ---------  --------------  -----------  -------- 
 Net book value 
 At 30 September 2017       14,052           4,402        1,752    20,206 
-----------------------  ---------  --------------  -----------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2017           14,052           4,736        2,432    21,220 
 At 30 September 2016       15,346           5,582        2,968    23,896 
-----------------------  ---------  --------------  -----------  -------- 
 

None of the intangible assets have been pledged as security.

Goodwill is allocated to the Group's operating divisions as follows:

 
                                   H1 2018   H1 2017   FY 2017 
                                    GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
 Investment Management Services      8,805     8,805     8,805 
 Financial Planning                      -     1,294         - 
 Charles Stanley Direct              5,247     5,247     5,247 
                                    14,052    15,346    14,052 
                                  --------  --------  -------- 
 

9.1 Goodwill

The recoverable amount of goodwill allocated to a cash generating unit (CGU) is determined initially by calculating the CGU's fair value less costs to sell. If this is lower than the carrying amount or is not determinable, a value in use calculation is also prepared.

Fair value less costs to sell is calculated largely based on a percentage of FuMA. Where this approach is not appropriate a turnover multiple is used.

The rates used in the fair value less costs to sell calculations are those implied by recent transactions in the market or, where appropriate, based on publicly available information for similar quoted businesses. When calculating the fair value less costs to sell, key assumptions are stress tested to determine whether the calculations are sensitive to reasonable potential changes in these assumptions.

9. Intangible assets (continued)

At 30 September 2017, fair value less costs to sell was deemed to be higher than carrying value for each CGU. Therefore, no value in use calculations have been prepared.

9.1.1 Investment Management Services

The recoverable amount of goodwill related to Investment Management Services was assessed using fair value less costs to sell for the period ended 30 September 2017. The fair value was determined based on a percentage of FuMA. The recoverable amount was determined to be higher than the carrying amount of the CGU and therefore the goodwill carrying value is adequately supported.

9.1.2 Charles Stanley Direct

The recoverable amount of goodwill relating to Charles Stanley Direct was assessed using fair value less costs to sell for the period ended 30 September 2017. The recoverable amount was determined to be higher than the carrying amount of the CGU and therefore the goodwill carrying value is adequately supported.

9.2 Customer relationships

Purchases of customer relationships relate to payments made to investment managers and third parties for the introduction of customer relationships.

9.3 Internally generated software

Internally generated software is software designed, developed and commercialised by the Group.

10. Property, plant and equipment

 
                                                                   Office 
                                                                equipment 
                                  Freehold   Short leasehold    and motor 
                                  premises          premises     vehicles    Total 
 Cost                               GBP000            GBP000       GBP000   GBP000 
 At 1 October 2016 (restated)        5,013             5,482       17,268   27,763 
 Additions                               -               402          534      936 
 Disposals                               -               (4)         (45)     (49) 
------------------------------  ----------  ----------------  -----------  ------- 
 At 31 March 2017                    5,013             5,880       17,757   28,650 
 Additions                               -             1,070          483    1,553 
 Disposals                               -              (74)         (21)     (95) 
 At 30 September 2017                5,013             6,876       18,219   30,108 
------------------------------  ----------  ----------------  -----------  ------- 
 Depreciation 
 At 1 October 2016                     445             2,071       15,273   17,789 
 Charge for the period                  65               215          644      924 
 Disposals                               -               (5)         (34)     (39) 
------------------------------  ----------  ----------------  -----------  ------- 
 At 31 March 2017                      510             2,281       15,883   18,674 
 Charge for the period                  68               916          459    1,443 
 Disposals                               -              (67)         (21)     (88) 
 At 30 September 2017                  578             3,130       16,321   20,029 
------------------------------  ----------  ----------------  -----------  ------- 
 Net book value 
 At 30 September 2017 
  (unaudited)                        4,435             3,746        1,898   10,079 
------------------------------  ----------  ----------------  -----------  ------- 
 At 31 March 2017 (audited)          4,503             3,599        1,874    9,976 
 At 30 September 2016 
  (unaudited) (restated)             4,568             3,411        1,995    9,974 
------------------------------  ----------  ----------------  -----------  ------- 
 

Freehold premises are carried at revalued amount. The most recent valuations of freehold premises were carried out in March 2014 by independent chartered surveyors. If freehold premises had been carried under the cost model, its carrying value would have been GBP4.6 million (30 September 2016: GBP4.7 million and 31 March 2017: GBP4.6 million).

The cost and accumulated depreciation of property, plant and equipment in the above table includes GBP18.4 million (30 September 2016: GBP9.7 million and 31 March 2017: GBP13.2 million) in respect of fully depreciated assets which are still in use.

Included in short leasehold premises additions for the period is an amount of GBP0.9 million in respect of dilapidations obligations arising under lease agreements for the Group's various branches. Depreciation totalling GBP0.6 million was recognised in respect of these additions, in line with the expired portion of the associated lease agreements.

11. Dividends

The following dividends were declared and paid by the Parent Company during the period:

 
                                            H1 2018   H1 2017   FY 2017 
                                             GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
 Final dividend of 3.5 pence per share 
  paid 5 August 2016                              -     1,774     1,774 
 Interim dividend of 1.5 pence per share 
  paid 20 January 2017                            -         -       760 
 Final dividend of 4.5 pence per share        2,281         -         - 
  paid 31 July 2017 
                                              2,281     1,774     2,534 
                                           --------  --------  -------- 
 

12. Reconciliation of net profit to cash generated from operations

 
                                                     H1 2018    H1 2017   FY 2017 
                                                               Restated 
                                                      GBP000     GBP000    GBP000 
 Profit before tax                                     6,852      4,497     8,799 
 Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation                                          1,443      1,188     2,112 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                     1,369      1,528     3,325 
 Impairment of intangible assets                           -        400       650 
 Impairment of corporate loans                             -          -       500 
 Gain on surrender of long-term lease                      -    (5,550)   (5,550) 
 Share-based payments - value of employee 
  services                                             1,030          9       249 
 Retirement benefit scheme                             (541)       (74)     (655) 
 Dividend income                                       (184)      (155)     (186) 
 Interest income                                       (171)      (154)     (195) 
 Interest expense                                         27         44        63 
 (Profit)/loss on disposal of available-for-sale 
  financial assets                                   (1,957)         42         - 
 Loss on disposal of property, plant and 
  equipment                                                7      2,190     2,199 
 Gain on disposal of business                          (707)       (42)     (148) 
 Changes in working capital: 
 Decrease/(increase) in financial assets 
  at fair value through profit or loss                    20         22       (1) 
 Decrease/(increase) in receivables                   37,716   (17,700)       467 
 (Decrease)/increase in payables                    (42,210)     17,818     (941) 
 Net cash inflow from operations                       2,694      4,063    10,688 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 

13. Subsequent events

An interim dividend of 2.5 pence per share was declared by the Parent Company on 21 November 2017. There were no other material subsequent events.

The Group sold its full shareholding in Runpath Group Limited on 18 October 2017. This investment was included within current available-for-sale investments at 30 September 2017.

14. Forward-looking statements

This announcement has been prepared to provide information to shareholders to assess the current position and future potential of Charles Stanley Group. It contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the Group's financial condition, operations, and business opportunities. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by the statements. Any forward-looking statement is made in good faith based on information available to the Directors as of the date of the statement. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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