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NUM Numis Corporation Plc

343.00
0.00 (0.00%)
Last Updated: 01:00:00
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Numis Corporation Plc LSE:NUM London Ordinary Share GB00B05M6465 ORD 5P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 343.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Numis Corporation PLC Half-year Results (3910E)

08/05/2017 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Numis (LSE:NUM)
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TIDMNUM

RNS Number : 3910E

Numis Corporation PLC

08 May 2017

Numis Corporation Plc

Half Year Results

for the six months ended 31 March 2017

London, 8 May 2017: Numis Corporation Plc ("Numis") today announces unaudited results for the six months ended 31 March 2017. Numis is the holding company of Numis Securities Limited, the independent corporate advisory and stockbroking business (the "Group").

Highlights

 
                             H1 2017       H1 2016   Change 
 
   Revenue                  GBP52.4m      GBP56.8m     -8% 
----------------------  ------------  ------------  ------- 
 
   Total income             GBP53.8m      GBP56.9m     -5% 
----------------------  ------------  ------------  ------- 
 
   Profit before tax        GBP10.5m      GBP16.8m     -38% 
 
   Earnings per share           8.0p         12.2p     -34% 
----------------------  ------------  ------------  ------- 
 
   Interim dividend             5.5p          5.5p     Flat 
----------------------  ------------  ------------  ------- 
 
   Cash balances            GBP71.2m      GBP72.0m     -1% 
----------------------  ------------  ------------  ------- 
 
   Net assets              GBP130.7m     GBP116.5m     +12% 
----------------------  ------------  ------------  ------- 
 

-- Revenue down 8% to GBP52.4m, against record high revenues recorded in the comparative prior period. Within this, we saw growth in Equities revenue up 31% to GBP23.4m offset by a decrease in Corporate Broking and Advisory ("CB&A") revenue which was down 26% to GBP29.0m. Overall staff numbers were largely unchanged and we believe our revenue per head remains favourable when compared to industry peers.

-- Profit before tax down 38% to GBP10.5m, which includes GBP1.4m of net gains on our strategic investment portfolio.

-- We ended the period with cash balances of GBP71.2m (2016: GBP72.0m) and net assets of GBP130.7m (2016: GBP116.5m). Lower revenues during the first half of 2017 combined with higher outflows in respect of seasonal expenses resulted in a small net operational cash outflow during the period. Cash outflows in respect of dividend payments and share repurchases during the period totalled GBP12.6m (H1 16: GBP9.0m). This combined cash outflow to shareholders is at its highest in the Group's history for a half year period.

   --          The Board has approved an unchanged interim dividend of 5.50p (2016: 5.50p). 

-- The strong revenue performance within Equities matched the highest level recorded by the Group for a half year period and was driven by our continued focus on offering best-in-class research, sales and execution services. This was recognised in the Thomson Reuters Extel survey, in which we were ranked No 1 UK Small & Mid Cap Brokerage Firm for the 4th year in a row during 2016.

-- The performance within CB&A reflects a scarcity of primary equity issuance in the UK market as a whole. We completed 2 IPOs during the period compared to 10 in the first half of last year. However, we also experienced higher transaction volumes in non-primary activity reflecting the quality and breadth of our client base. During the period we carried out 2 IPOs, 18 secondary fund raises, 17 advisory mandates primarily in M&A and 9 block trades and secondary sell-downs.

-- On 21 March 2017, Alan Carruthers succeeded Gerald Corbett as Non-Executive Chairman. We are delighted to welcome Alan and feel certain that he will make a significant contribution to the continued development and success of Numis.

-- Trading in the second half has started very well, with the completion of 10 corporate transactions generating over GBP10m of fees and a continuation of the high levels of revenue seen within our Equities division. When coupled with our deal pipeline, this gives us confidence that the business will have a satisfactory outcome for the full year.

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

"Numis delivered a creditable performance when viewed against record revenue generation in the comparable prior period and muted primary issuance market-wide. The business remains focussed on servicing its high quality corporate client base whilst, at the same time, expanding the franchise into supporting unquoted as well as quoted companies.

We believe our ability to nurture relationships with entrepreneurs and business leaders ranging from first fund-raisers through to stock market IPO candidates and into FTSE 100 market leaders gives us a unique insight into the UK's most exciting businesses. When coupled with the strong relationships we enjoy with our institutional clients, this provides an excellent platform from which to further develop and build the business."

Contacts:

Numis Corporation:

   Alex Ham & Ross Mitchinson, Co-Chief Executives                   020 7260 1245 
   Simon Denyer, Group Finance Director                                       020 7260 1225 

Brunswick:

Gill Ackers 020 7404 5959

Simone Selzer 020 7404 5959

Grant Thornton UK LLP (Nominated Adviser):

Philip Secrett 020 7728 2578

Harrison J Clarke 020 7184 4384

Notes for Editors

Numis is a leading independent corporate advisory and stockbroking group offering a full range of research, execution, corporate broking and advisory services to companies in the UK and their investors.

Alan Carruthers was appointed non-executive chairman of Numis on 21 March 2017. The details regarding his appointment are contained in our market announcement made on that date.

Review of Performance

Overall Performance

We are pleased to report that the business has delivered a creditable performance during the six months ended 31 March 2017 against a mixed market backdrop and record levels of income recorded in the comparative prior period. During the six months ended 31 March 2017, total income decreased by 5% to GBP53.8m (2016: GBP56.9m) and profit before tax decreased by 38% to GBP10.5m (2016: GBP16.8m). Profit before tax includes GBP1.4m of net gains recognised on investments held outside of our market making business (2016: GBP0.2m). Our balance sheet remains strong with cash balances totalling GBP71.2m (2016: GBP72.0m) while net assets have increased to GBP130.7m (2016: GBP116.5m).

Market Conditions

For the period from 1 October 2016 to 31 March 2017, all major UK equity indices recorded growth of 6% or more with the small cap sector approaching double-digit growth. Much of this performance was evenly spread across the period as the markets consolidated their view on Brexit and the US Presidential election result. During the period, the Numis Smaller Companies Index generated returns of +10.3%, and the Numis UK Mid Cap Index +7.7%, reflecting the relatively strong performance of this sector of the market.

For the market as a whole, the value of secondary trading on the London Stock Exchange has shown an improvement on the comparable six month period. However, equity issuance across the market has not experienced any appreciable upturn, with equity funds raised on AIM and the Main Market combined totalling GBP13.6bn, down 1% versus the comparable prior period. M&A activity across the market has also been muted although, as we are seeing within our own client base, the continued relative weakness of sterling combined with increasing availability of cheap finance is beginning to fuel M&A activity.

Corporate Broking & Advisory ("CB&A")

We believe in building long-term relationships with our corporate clients, endeavouring to provide them with service of exceptional quality, which is tailored to their needs. We pride ourselves on the strength of these relationships, which we believe is reflected in the momentum that we enjoy both in client numbers, as well as longevity of relationship and in fee generation over time.

Revenue from CB&A activities for the period totalled GBP29.0m (2016: GBP38.9m). We have seen a scarcity of primary equity issuance in the UK market as a whole and M&A activity has yet to fully benefit our top line. Whilst we are not immune to such conditions, our corporate division has experienced higher transaction volumes in non-primary activity than the same period last year, reflecting the quality of our client base. During the period we carried out 2 IPOs, 18 secondary fund raises, 17 advisory mandates primarily in M&A and 9 block trades and secondary sell-downs. Our market share of UK ECM activity remains intact and we are ranked 4th in the UK ECM league tables for the six month period ending 31 March 2017.

We continue to attract high quality corporate clients in order to offset inevitable departures resulting from M&A and ended the period with 199 companies for whom we act as broker. The market capitalisation of our client list now averages around GBP637m, but it is important to note that the median is GBP276m and we remain as committed as ever to the small cap space. This is reflected in our wins during the period, which have included businesses from GBP48m market cap to well over GBP1bn market cap. We remain ranked #2 Broker and #2 Adviser overall by total number of stock market clients as per the most recent Corporate Advisers Rankings Guide.

Notable deals completed during the period included IPOs for Luceco and Premier Asset Management and a number of secondary raises for our corporate clients including INPP, Learning Technologies Group, Bluefield Solar Income Fund and John Menzies. In addition, we raised GBP150m through a private placement for Accelerated Digital Ventures and now act as financial advisor to two unquoted companies. In total, we raised GBP0.7bn of equity capital during the period (2016: GBP1.2bn).

Building our corporate advisory capabilities remains a major area of focus. We completed 17 pure advisory roles during the period including the acquisition by the McColl's Retail Group of 298 stores from the Co-operative Group, John Menzies acquisition of ASIG and the recommended offer by Madison Dearbom Partners for Powerflute.

We have also built up a strong track record in the successful execution of block trades and secondary sell downs. During the period, we executed 9 such transactions with an aggregate value of GBP1.1bn. We continue to develop our ability to conduct private placements. There is an ever deeper and more developed pool of capital that is happy to own unlisted securities, and often private companies want to access this capital without going through an IPO. In November we took part in a GBP150m private placement in Accelerated Digital Ventures and helped to raise money privately for Oxford Science & Innovation. This is an exciting growth area, which plays well to our strengths in matching up UK growth companies with sophisticated and long-term investors. Our Venture Broking team spend a significant amount of time and energy filtering those private companies, and we continue to expand our network of investors in this space as well as the resource that we devote to those opportunities.

Equities

High quality research and sales is at the heart of our Equities business. It creates relationships based on trust with our institutional clients and is at the core of our powerful international distribution capability. Our sector analysts cover approximately 370 companies across 16 sectors, whilst our Investment Funds research team covers around 400 investment companies and funds. Our highly regarded sales team provides a service to more than 440 active institutional clients across the UK, Europe, the Americas and Australia. Data from Starmine and the various alpha capture systems continue to demonstrate the very impressive value we add to our institutional clients.

Our US office continues to provide a best-in-class service in marketing UK equities to major North American institutional investors, including managing a significant number of roadshows and reverse roadshows. Our distribution offering also extends to the Private Client Fund Managers ("PCFM") through our PCFM team, who access a network of over 3,000 active fund managers at 200 PCFM houses in the UK, who collectively can be a very powerful pool of liquidity.

We provide execution services in over 670 stocks, of which over 500 are listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. During the period we had #1 market share in 129 stocks (FY 2016: 127) across these markets, and were a top 3 provider in a further 80 stocks (FY 2016: 92). With access to multiple trading venues and liquidity providers, we are able to deliver an exceptionally strong execution capability to our institutional clients.

Combined institutional commission & trading revenues for the period were impressive, totalling GBP23.4m (2016: GBP17.8m), an increase of 31%, and matched the highest level recorded by the Group for a half year period. Whilst there was an overall increase in market volume and value traded, we continue to gain market share of direct customer business and to prosper despite the rise of electronic trading systems and dark pools of liquidity.

Our well-resourced market-making and sales-trading teams ensure that we are very well placed to source liquidity on behalf of our institutional clients, which often requires skill and human effort that cannot be found in a dark pool or standalone electronic trading venue. The growth in institutional commissions was achieved despite the changes to the institutional broker payment model as they look to embrace MiFID II, which is due to be implemented in January 2018. Our trading revenues saw a healthy increase and were achieved on moderately lower levels of capital usage.

Costs and People

Administrative expenses for the period totalled GBP43.3m (2016: GBP40.4m). Compensation costs as a percentage of revenue have increased to 58% (2016: 50%). This is wholly attributable to an increase in share award related charges which, in part, reflects the increase in the Company's share price over the six month period ending 31 March 2017. Despite this, compensation costs are marginally below that recorded in the second half of 2016.

Non-compensation costs comprise expenses incurred in the normal course of business, the most significant of which relate to technology, information systems, market data, brokerage, clearing and exchange fees and occupancy. The current non-compensation cost run-rate is 3% above that seen in the second half of 2016 and is likely to experience upward pressure as we increasingly commit resource to the implementation of MiFID II amongst other regulatory and business initiatives.

Average headcount remained stable at 214 (2016: 213) and we ended the period with a headcount of 217 (end 2016: 220).

The calibre and dedication of our people was instrumental in Numis being voted #1 UK Small & Mid Cap Brokerage Firm by both companies and institutions for the fourth year in succession in the 2016 Thomson Reuters Extel Survey.

Strategic Investments

The value of our strategic investments total GBP32.3m (30 September 2016: GBP29.8m). Of this value, GBP17.1m is in quoted and fairly liquid securities, whilst GBP15.2m is invested in unquoted securities. The movement during the period reflects new investments and follow-on funding totalling GBP1.3m coupled with GBP1.2m of net fair value uplifts of which the majority came from our unquoted investments. We continue to believe the majority of these investments are complementary to our existing core business and that they offer an exciting opportunity for the Group to grow its presence in areas in which it has expertise or a relevant network of investors. Going forward, we will explore opportunities for re-cycling the portfolio where we see attractive investment propositions which are strategically relevant.

Financial Position

Our balance sheet strengthened further during the period, with cash balances totalling GBP71.2m (2016: GBP72.0m), while net assets have increased to GBP130.7m (2016: GBP116.5m). Cash balances remain broadly unchanged to those reported at 31 March 2016 but are down GBP17.8m on that reported as at 30 September 2016. The cash used in operating activities during the six months ended 31 March 2017 reflects the lower operational inflows, principally due to lower cash-based revenues, combined with outflows in respect of seasonal expense items which fall within the first half of our financial year and an increase in the cash margin placed in respect of secondary trading activity.

We have been able to maintain dividend distributions (GBP7.3m cash outflow) in addition to the repurchase of shares into Treasury and the Employee Benefit Trust (GBP5.3m cash outflow) during the period. This combined cash outflow to shareholders is at its highest in the Group's history for a half year period and, in respect of the buy-back activity, compares to a GBP6.7m spend during the whole of our 2016 financial year.

Board Changes

On 21 March 2017, the Company announced the appointment of Alan Carruthers as Non-Executive Chairman. Alan replaced Gerald Corbett who stepped down from the Board on the same date. We are delighted to welcome Alan and feel certain that he will make a significant contribution to the continued development and success of Numis.

Dividend

The Board has approved the payment of an interim dividend of 5.50p per share (2016: interim 5.50p per share, 2016 total: 12.00p per share). This dividend will be payable on 23 June 2017 to shareholders on the register of members at the close of business on 19 May 2017. Shareholders have the option to elect to use their cash dividend to buy additional shares in Numis through a Dividend Re-Investment Plan (DRIP).

Current Trading and Outlook

Our second half has started very well with the completion of 10 fund raises generating fees of over GBP10m. Equities revenues continue to run at the high levels seen in the first half. The recent call for a general election in the UK during the summer as well as geo-political events further afield will undoubtedly cause an element of uncertainty.

We will continue to focus our efforts on providing high quality independent advice to our clients. We have a robust balance sheet, a quality corporate client base and a strong deal pipeline all of which positions Numis well to enjoy future success and gives us confidence that the business will have a satisfactory outcome for the full year.

Alex Ham & Ross Mitchinson

Co-Chief Executives

8 May 2017

Consolidated Income Statement

UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 31 MARCH 2017

 
                                          6 months    6 months 
                                             ended       ended       Year ended 
                                          31 March    31 March     30 September 
                                              2017        2016             2016 
                                         Unaudited   Unaudited          Audited 
                            Notes          GBP'000     GBP'000          GBP'000 
-------------------------  ------  ---------------  ----------  --------------- 
 Revenue                        3           52,388      56,769          112,335 
 
 Other operating income         4            1,441         156            3,759 
-------------------------  ------  ---------------  ----------  --------------- 
 Total income                               53,829      56,925          116,094 
 Administrative expenses        5         (43,340)    (40,353)         (83,600) 
-------------------------  ------  ---------------  ----------  --------------- 
 Operating profit                           10,489      16,572           32,494 
 
 
 Finance income                 6              179         224              427 
 Finance costs                  6            (203)        (31)            (390) 
-------------------------  ------  ---------------  ----------  --------------- 
 Profit before tax                          10,465      16,765           32,531 
 
 Taxation                                  (1,636)     (3,093)          (6,132) 
 
 
   Profit after tax                          8,829      13,672           26,399 
-------------------------  ------  ---------------  ----------  --------------- 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Owners of the parent                        8,829      13,672           26,399 
-------------------------  ------  ---------------  ----------  --------------- 
 
 Earnings per share             7 
   Basic                                      8.0p       12.2p            23.5p 
   Diluted                                    7.6p       11.6p            22.4p 
 
 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 31 MARCH 2017

 
                                                 6 months    6 months 
                                                    ended       ended       Year ended 
                                                 31 March    31 March     30 September 
                                                     2017        2016             2016 
                                                Unaudited   Unaudited          Audited 
                                                  GBP'000     GBP'000          GBP'000 
---------------------------------------   ---------------  ----------  --------------- 
 Profit for the period                              8,829      13,672           26,399 
 
 Exchange differences on translation 
  of foreign operations                                11         174              630 
----------------------------------------  ---------------  ----------  --------------- 
 Other comprehensive income for 
  the period, net of tax                               11         174              630 
 
 Total comprehensive income for 
  the period, net of tax, attributable 
  to the owners of the parent                       8,840      13,846           27,029 
----------------------------------------  ---------------  ----------  --------------- 
 

Consolidated Balance Sheet

UNAUDITED AS AT 31 MARCH 2017

 
                                              31 March    31 March   30 September 
                                                  2017        2016           2016 
                                             Unaudited   Unaudited        Audited 
                                     Notes     GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000 
----------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and equipment          9a       3,479       4,118          3,734 
 Intangible assets                                  78         178            122 
 Deferred tax                           9b       2,502       1,923          1,666 
----------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
                                                 6,059       6,219          5,522 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other receivables            9c     272,151     179,680        170,490 
 Trading investments                    9d      49,003      46,075         48,453 
 Stock borrowing collateral             9e      11,154       4,041          3,901 
 Derivative financial instruments                  682         709            616 
 Cash and cash equivalents              9g      71,199      71,990         89,002 
----------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
                                               404,189     302,495        312,462 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables               9c   (259,720)   (178,449)      (173,031) 
 Financial liabilities                  9f    (17,606)    (10,567)       (12,293) 
 Current income tax                            (2,198)     (3,171)        (3,571) 
                                             (279,524)   (192,187)      (188,895) 
 
 Net current assets                            124,665     110,308        123,567 
----------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 
   Non current liabilities 
 Deferred tax                           9b        (11)         (4)           (12) 
----------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 
 Net assets                                    130,713     116,523        129,077 
----------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 Equity 
 Share capital                                   5,922       5,922          5,922 
 Share premium                                  38,854      38,854         38,854 
 Other reserves                                 10,183       6,611          8,238 
 Retained earnings                              75,754      65,136         76,063 
----------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 Total equity                                  130,713     116,523        129,077 
----------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 31 MARCH 2017

 
                                              Share           Share               Other      Retained 
                                            capital         premium            reserves      earnings      Total 
                                            GBP'000         GBP'000             GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000 
---------------------------------   ---------------  --------------  ------------------  ------------  --------- 
 Balance at 1 October 2015                    5,922          38,854               5,631        65,112    115,519 
 
   Profit for the period                                                                       13,672     13,672 
 Other comprehensive income                                                         174             -        174 
----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  ------------------  ------------  --------- 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period                                                                    174        13,672     13,846 
----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  ------------------  ------------  --------- 
 
 Dividends paid                                                                              (12,861)   (12,861) 
 Movement in respect of employee 
  share plans                                                                       806         1,230      2,036 
 Deferred tax related to share 
  based payments                                                                                (158)      (158) 
 Net movement in Treasury shares                                                              (1,859)    (1,859) 
----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  ------------------  ------------  --------- 
 Transactions with shareholders                   -               -                 806      (13,648)   (12,842) 
----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  ------------------  ------------  --------- 
 
 Balance at 31 March 2016                     5,922          38,854               6,611        65,136    116,523 
----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  ------------------  ------------  --------- 
 
 
 Balance at 1 October 2015           5,922   38,854   5,631     65,112    115,519 
 
   Profit for the year                                          26,399     26,399 
 Other comprehensive income                             630          -        630 
----------------------------------  ------  -------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the year                                          630     26,399     27,029 
----------------------------------  ------  -------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Dividends paid                                               (12,861)   (12,861) 
 Movement in respect of employee 
  share plans                                                    1,470      1,470 
 Deferred tax related to share 
  based payments                                      1,977    (3,559)    (1,582) 
 Net movement in Treasury shares                                 (498)      (498) 
----------------------------------  ------  -------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Transactions with shareholders                       1,977   (15,448)   (13,471) 
----------------------------------  ------  -------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Balance at 30 September 2016        5,922   38,854   8,238     76,063    129,077 
----------------------------------  ------  -------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 
 
 Balance at 1 October 2016                    5,922          38,854               8,238      76,063   129,077 
 
   Profit for the period                                                                      8,829     8,829 
 Other comprehensive income                                                          11           -        11 
----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period                                                                     11       8,829     8,840 
----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------  -------- 
 
 
   Dividends paid                                                                           (7,307)   (7,307) 
 Movement in respect of employee 
  share plans                                                                     1,934     (1,199)       735 
 Deferred tax related to share 
  based payments                                                                                271       271 
 Net movement in Treasury shares                                                              (903)     (903) 
----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------  -------- 
 Transactions with shareholders                   -               -               1,934     (9,138)   (7,204) 
----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------  -------- 
 
 Balance at 31 March 2017                     5,922          38,854              10,183      75,754   130,713 
----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------  -------- 
 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 31 MARCH 2017

 
                                                   6 months    6 months 
                                                      ended       ended     Year ended 
                                                   31 March    31 March   30 September 
                                                       2017        2016           2016 
                                                  Unaudited   Unaudited        Audited 
                                          Notes     GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 Cash (used in)/from operating 
  activities                                 10     (1,217)      23,139         53,398 
 Interest paid                                         (34)         (2)          (182) 
 Taxation paid                                      (3,576)     (1,768)        (4,481) 
---------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 Net cash (used in)/from operating 
  activities                                        (4,827)      21,369         48,735 
 
 Investing activities 
 Purchase of property, plant 
  and equipment                                       (344)       (174)          (346) 
 Purchase of intangible assets                            -           -              - 
 Interest received                                      179         219            430 
 Net cash (used in)/from investing 
  activities                                          (165)          45             84 
 
 Financing activities 
 Purchase of own shares - Employee 
  Benefit Trust                                     (2,114)       (410)        (3,000) 
 Purchase of own shares - Treasury                  (3,215)     (1,859)        (3,719) 
 Dividends paid                                     (7,307)     (6,713)       (12,861) 
---------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 Net cash used in financing activities             (12,636)     (8,982)       (19,580) 
 
 Net movement in cash and cash 
  equivalents                                      (17,628)      12,432         29,239 
---------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 Opening cash and cash equivalents                   89,002      59,591         59,591 
 Net movement in cash and cash 
  equivalents                                      (17,628)      12,432         29,239 
 Exchange movements                                   (175)        (33)            172 
---------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 Closing cash and cash equivalents                   71,199      71,990         89,002 
---------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 

Notes to the Financial Statements

   1.      Basis of preparation 

Numis Corporation Plc is a UK AIM traded company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The address of its registered office is 10 Paternoster Square, London, EC4M 7LT. The Company is incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006 (company registration No. 2375296).

The consolidated financial information contained within these financial statements is unaudited and does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with AIM Rule 18. The statutory accounts for the year ended 30 September 2016, which were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union (EU) and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretations and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS, have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the independent auditor on those statutory accounts contained no qualification or statement under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The preparation of these interim financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The judgements and estimates applied by the Group in these interim financial statements have been applied on a consistent basis with the statutory accounts for the year ended 30 September 2016. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results ultimately may differ from those of estimates.

These interim financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain financial instruments.

These interim financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis as the directors have satisfied themselves that, at the time of approving these interim financial statements, the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least the next twelve months.

During the period, a number of amendments to IFRS became effective and were adopted by the Company and the Group. None of these amendments have a material impact on the Group's income statement, statement of comprehensive income, balance sheet, statement of changes in equity or statement of cash flows.

   2.     Segmental reporting 

Geographical information

The Group is managed as an integrated corporate advisory and stockbroking business and although there are different revenue types (which are separately disclosed in note 3) the nature of the Group's activities is considered to be subject to the same and/or similar economic characteristics. Consequently the Group is managed as a single business unit.

The Group earns its revenue in the following geographical locations:

 
                             6 months ended   6 months ended     Year ended 
                                                               30 September 
                              31 March 2017    31 March 2016           2016 
                                  Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited 
                                    GBP'000          GBP'000        GBP'000 
--------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 United Kingdom                      47,778           51,670        102,684 
 United States of America             4,610            5,099          9,651 
                                     52,388           56,769        112,335 
--------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

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

 
                             6 months ended   6 months ended     Year ended 
                                                               30 September 
                              31 March 2017    31 March 2016           2016 
                                  Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited 
                                    GBP'000          GBP'000        GBP'000 
--------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 United Kingdom                       3,482            4,160          3,744 
 United States of America                75              136            112 
                                      3,557            4,296          3,856 
--------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

Other information

In addition, the analysis below sets out the income performance and net asset split between our core corporate advisory and stockbroking business and the small number of equity holdings which constitute our investment portfolio.

 
                                            6 months    6 months 
                                               ended       ended     Year ended 
                                            31 March    31 March   30 September 
                                                2017        2016           2016 
                                           Unaudited   Unaudited        Audited 
                                             GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000 
----------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 Net institutional income                     23,433      17,832         38,419 
 Total corporate transaction revenues         23,340      34,446         64,293 
 Corporate retainers                           5,615       4,491          9,623 
----------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 Revenue (see note 3)                         52,388      56,769        112,335 
 
 Investment activity net gains                 1,441         156          3,759 
 Contribution from investment portfolio        1,441         156          3,759 
----------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 Total income                                 53,829      56,925        116,094 
----------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 
                                  6 months    6 months 
 Net assets                          ended       ended     Year ended 
                                  31 March    31 March   30 September 
                                      2017        2016           2016 
                                 Unaudited   Unaudited        Audited 
                                   GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000 
------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 Corporate advisory & broking       27,262      19,128         10,243 
 Investing activities               32,252      25,405         29,832 
 Cash and cash equivalents          71,199      71,990         89,002 
------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
   Total net assets                130,713     116,523        129,077 
------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 
   3.     Revenue 
 
                                        6 months ended   6 months ended     Year ended 
                                                                          30 September 
                                         31 March 2017    31 March 2016           2016 
                                             Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited 
                                               GBP'000          GBP'000        GBP'000 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Net trading gains                               4,997            1,780          6,496 
 Institutional commissions                      18,436           16,052         31,923 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Net institutional income (Equities)            23,433           17,832         38,419 
 
   Corporate retainers                           5,615            4,491          9,623 
 Advisory fees                                   6,890            8,514         16,261 
 Placing commissions                            16,450           25,932         48,032 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Net corporate income (CB&A)                    28,955           38,937         73,916 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
                                                52,388           56,769        112,335 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 
   4.      Other operating income 

Other operating income represents net gains made on investments which are held outside of the market making portfolio. The gains reflect price movements on quoted holdings, fair value adjustments on unquoted holdings and related dividend income. Broadly, half of the net gains recorded in the current period result from fair value adjustments on unquoted holdings.

   5.     Administrative expenses 
 
                    6 months ended   6 months ended     Year ended 
                                                      30 September 
                     31 March 2017    31 March 2016           2016 
                         Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited 
                           GBP'000          GBP'000        GBP'000 
-----------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Staff costs                30,254           28,281         58,882 
 Non-staff costs            13,086           12,072         24,718 
                            43,340           40,353         83,600 
-----------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

The average number of employees during the period has increased marginally to 214 (H1 2016: 213). Staff costs excluding share award related charges have reduced by 6% compared to the prior period. However, an increase in the Company's share price between 30 September 2016 and 31 March 2017 (219.0p to 246.5p) combined with the granting of performance based share awards within the last seven months has resulted in an overall increase in staff costs versus H1 2016. Despite this, staff costs are marginally below that recorded for H2 2016.

The major components of non-staff costs comprise our technology platform, premises costs and expenses incurred through brokerage, clearing and exchange fees. Certain elements within non-staff costs increase with activity levels, particularly brokerage, clearing and exchange fees which account for almost half of the increase seen versus the prior period. This is in-line with the 15% increase seen in institutional commission over the same period. The current non-staff cost run-rate is 3% above that seen in H2 2016 and is likely to experience upward pressure as we increasingly commit resource to the implementation of MiFD II amongst other regulatory and business initiatives.

   6.     Finance income and Finance costs 

Finance income for the period:

 
                    6 months ended   6 months ended     Year ended 
                                                      30 September 
                     31 March 2017    31 March 2016           2016 
                         Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited 
                           GBP'000          GBP'000        GBP'000 
-----------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Interest income               179              224            427 
-----------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 
 

Finance costs for the period:

 
                                6 months ended   6 months ended     Year ended 
                                                                  30 September 
                                 31 March 2017    31 March 2016           2016 
                                     Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited 
                                       GBP'000          GBP'000        GBP'000 
-----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Net foreign exchange losses               167               24            380 
 Interest expense                           36                7             10 
-----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
                                           203               31            390 
-----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 
   7.     Earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share is calculated on profits after tax of GBP8,829,000 (2016: GBP13,672,000) and 110,544,897 (2016: 111,887,475) ordinary shares being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period. Diluted earnings per share takes account of contingently issuable shares arising from share scheme award arrangements where their impact would be dilutive. In accordance with IAS 33, potential ordinary shares are only considered dilutive when their conversion would decrease the profit per share or increase the loss per share from continuing operations attributable to the equity holders. Therefore shares that may be considered dilutive while positive earnings are being reported may not be dilutive while losses are incurred.

The calculations exclude shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust on behalf of the Group and shares held in Treasury.

 
                                        6 months ended   6 months ended     Year ended 
                                                                          30 September 
                                         31 March 2017    31 March 2016           2016 
                                             Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited 
                                                Number           Number         Number 
                                             Thousands        Thousands      Thousands 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Weighted average number of ordinary 
  shares in issue during the period 
  - basic                                      110,545          111,887        112,255 
 Dilutive effect of share awards                 6,184            6,356          5,755 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Diluted number of ordinary shares             116,729          118,243        118,010 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 
   8.     Dividends 
 
                                              6 months 
                                                 ended   6 months ended     Year ended 
                                              31 March                    30 September 
                                                  2017    31 March 2016           2016 
                                             Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited 
                                               GBP'000          GBP'000        GBP'000 
------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Final dividend year ended 30 September 
  2015 (6.00p)                                                    6,713          6,713 
 Interim dividend year ended 30 September 
  2016 (5.50p)                                                    6,148          6,148 
 Final dividend year ended 30 September 
  2016 (6.50p)                                   7,307 
 Distribution to equity holders of 
  Numis Corporation Plc                          7,307           12,861         12,861 
------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

The Board has approved the payment of an interim dividend of 5.50p per share (2016: interim 5.50p per share). This dividend will be payable on 23 June 2017 to shareholders on the register of members at the close of business on 19 May 2017. These financial statements do not reflect this dividend payable.

   9.     Balance sheet items 
   (a)       Property, plant and equipment 

The Group's offices in London underwent a program of refurbishment during 2015. No material additions have been made since then.

   (b)      Deferred tax 

As at 31 March 2017 deferred tax assets totalling GBP2,502,000 (30 September 2016: GBP1,666,000) have been recognised reflecting managements' confidence that there will be sufficient levels of future taxable profits against which these deferred tax asset can be utilised. The deferred tax asset principally comprises amounts in respect of unvested share based payments.

   (c)       Trade and other receivables and Trade and other payables 

Trade and other receivables and trade and other payables principally comprise amounts due from and due to clients, brokers and other counterparties. Such amounts represent unsettled sold and unsettled purchased securities transactions and are stated gross. The magnitude of such balances varies with the level of business being transacted around the reporting date. Included within Trade and other receivables are cash collateral balances held with securities clearing houses of GBP10,430,000 (30 September 2016: GBP7,670,000).

   (d)      Trading investments 

Included within trading investments is GBP32,252,000 (30 September 2016: GBP29,832,000) of investments held outside of the market making portfolio. The increase during the period is evenly split between net fair value adjustments and additional investments, some of which were follow-on raises.

   (e)       Stock borrowing collateral 

The Group enters stock borrowing arrangements with certain institutions which are entered into on a collateralised basis with cash advanced as collateral. Under such arrangements a security is purchased with a commitment to return it at a future date at an agreed price. The securities purchased are not recognised on the balance sheet. Where cash has been used to affect the purchase, an asset is recorded on the balance sheet as stock borrowing collateral at the amount of cash collateral advanced or received.

In the rare event that trading investments are pledged as security these remain within trading investments and the value of security pledged disclosed separately except in the case of short-term highly liquid assets with an original maturity of three months or less, which are reported within cash and cash equivalents with the value of security pledged disclosed separately.

   (f)       Financial liabilities 

Financial liabilities comprise short positions in quoted securities arising through the normal course of business in facilitating client order flow and form part of the market making portfolio.

   (g)      Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash balances are at similar levels to those reported at 31 March 2016. This has been achieved whilst maintaining dividend distributions (GBP7.3m cash outflow) and the repurchase of shares into Treasury and the Employee Benefit Trust (GBP5.3m cash outflow). This combined cash outflow to shareholders is at its highest in the Group's history for a half year period.

   10.     Reconciliation of profit before tax to cash from operating activities 
 
                                                               6 months 
                                             6 months ended       ended     Year ended 
                                                               31 March   30 September 
                                              31 March 2017        2016           2016 
                                                  Unaudited   Unaudited        Audited 
                                                    GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000 
------------------------------------------  ---------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Profit before tax                                   10,465      16,765         32,531 
 Net finance (expense)/income                            24       (193)           (37) 
 Depreciation charge on property, 
  plant and equipment                                   604         554          1,126 
 Amortisation charge on intangible 
  assets                                                 44          69            125 
 Share scheme charges                                 4,975       2,513          6,229 
 (Increase)/decrease in current 
  asset trading investments                           (550)      11,546          9,168 
 Increase in trade and other receivables          (101,665)    (19,183)       (10,476) 
 Net movement in stock borrowing                    (7,253)     (3,219)        (3,079) 
 Increase in trade and other payables                92,205      14,313         17,744 
 (Increase)/decrease in derivatives                    (66)        (26)             67 
 
 Cash (used in)/from operating activities           (1,217)      23,139         53,398 
------------------------------------------  ---------------  ----------  ------------- 
 

The cash used in operating activities during the six months ended 31 March 2017 reflects the lower operational inflows, principally due to lower cash-based revenues, combined with outflows in respect of seasonal expense items which fall within the first half of our financial year and an increase in the cash margin placed in respect of secondary trading activity directed through the London Clearing House.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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May 08, 2017 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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