ADVFN Logo ADVFN

We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.

Trending Now

Toplists

It looks like you aren't logged in.
Click the button below to log in and view your recent history.

Hot Features

Registration Strip Icon for default Register for Free to get streaming real-time quotes, interactive charts, live options flow, and more.

AFX Alpha Fx Group Plc

1,920.00
0.00 (0.00%)
Last Updated: 01:00:00
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Alpha Fx Group Plc LSE:AFX London Ordinary Share GB00BF1TM596 ORD 0.2P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 1,920.00 1,900.00 1,940.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Alpha FX Group PLC Interim Report (7927P)

05/09/2017 7:01am

UK Regulatory


Alpha Fx (LSE:AFX)
Historical Stock Chart


From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024

Click Here for more Alpha Fx Charts.

TIDMAFX

RNS Number : 7927P

Alpha FX Group PLC

05 September 2017

5 September 2017

Alpha FX Group plc

("Alpha FX" or the "Group")

Interim Report

Alpha FX (AIM: AFX), the UK-based corporate foreign exchange service provider, is pleased to announce its unaudited Interim Report for the six months ended 30 June 2017.

Financial Highlights

   --     Revenue up 90% to GBP6.3m (H1 2016: GBP3.3m) 
   --     Underlying operating profit* up 84% to GBP3.2m (H1 2016: GBP1.7m) 
   --     Reported operating profit up 40% to GBP2.4m (H1 2016: GBP1.7m) 

-- Underlying operating profit margin for the period of 50% (H1 2016: 52%) and on a reported basis 38% (H1 2016: 52%)

-- Underlying basic earnings per share up 69% to 8.6p (H1 2016: 5.1p) and on a reported basis 6.3p (H1 2016: 5.1p)

   --     Maiden interim dividend of 1.5 pence per share, payable on 13 October 2017 

Operational highlights

-- Successful AIM listing on 7 April 2017, raising GBP13m of new money to provide the Group with collateral for an expanded FX forward book and increased volume and size of FX trades for new and existing clients

   --     Front office staff numbers increased from 21 to 29 in the period 
   --     46 new clients added during the period, taking total to 269** 

* Underlying excludes the impact of the one-off costs relating to the IPO and non-cash share based payments.

** The Group exclude Training Accounts (those that have generated less than GBP10,000 in revenue since being onboarded) in order to provide a clearer picture of client retention for the purposes of these figures.

Morgan Tillbrook, Chief Executive Officer of Alpha FX, commented:

"Alpha has developed a highly differentiated service in an established market through the strength of its vision, culture and people. Our client base continues to grow and there is significant scope to grow our presence in the UK corporate FX market. As Alpha's reputation grows ever stronger and the proceeds from the IPO are put to use, the Group looks forward to the significant opportunity that lies ahead and delivering on the objectives we set out at IPO."

Outlook

We are encouraged by our performance in the first half of the year and trading for the second half has begun well. The Board is confident that the results for the full year will be in line with market expectations.

Enquiries:

 
 Alpha FX Group plc            via Alma PR 
  Morgan Tillbrook, Founder 
  and CEO 
  Tim Kidd, CFO 
 
   Liberum Capital Limited       Tel: +44 (0) 20 3100 
   (Nominated Adviser and        2000 
   Sole Broker) 
   Neil Patel 
   Richard Bootle 
   Dominik Götzenberger 
                                Tel: 07780 901979 
   Alma PR (Financial Public 
   Relations) 
   Josh Royston 
   Rebecca Sanders-Hewett 
   Helena Bogle 
 

Market Abuse Regulation

This announcement is released by Alpha FX Group plc and contains inside information for the purposes of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 ("MAR") and is disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under Article 17 of MAR. The person who arranged for the release of this announcement on behalf of Alpha FX Group plc was Tim Kidd, Chief Financial Officer.

Notes to Editors

Alpha is a UK-based corporate foreign exchange service provider focused on managing exchange rate risk for UK corporates that trade internationally. The Group's primary client base consists of medium sized corporates that have a requirement to convert currency for a commercial purpose, such as buying or selling goods and services overseas, repatriating profits, or expatriating payroll. Since it was incorporated in 2010, Alpha has been able to build and retain a high-quality client base that includes brands such as ASOS, Holland & Barrett and Global Data.

Chief Executive's Report

I am pleased to report on a strong set of half year results, which include 12 weeks as a public listed company. The successful initial public offering on AIM in April 2017, which attracted strong support from high quality institutional investors, was a key milestone in the Group's evolution and one that I believe will enable Alpha to achieve its ambitious growth plans whilst retaining the unique culture which is integral to our success.

Revenue for the first half was GBP6.3 million, representing growth of 90% on the prior period, with underlying operating profit of GBP3.2 million representing 84% growth on the prior period. The performance has been driven by both an increase in new clients trading their foreign exchange through Alpha for the first time and an increasing volume of trades with existing clients. Additionally, the capital constraints prior to the IPO that restricted the Group from taking advantage of all of its available opportunities have now been relieved.

Market developments

The UK corporate FX market continues to be dominated by large multinational banks that hold approximately 85% market share, with the remaining balance comprising independent FX specialists. Alpha still makes up less than 1% of the UK corporate FX market and therefore the Group's potential for growth remains significant.

In addition, the Group will continue to extend its brand and services overseas in order to support our growing acquisition of overseas clients.

Regulation

In January, Alpha submitted an application to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for its wholly owned trading subsidiary Alpha FX Limited to be regulated as a BIPRU investment firm both in anticipation of later regulatory changes, possibly driven by MiFID II, and also to enable it to expand the range of products it provides. Alpha FX Limited obtained authorisation on 1 August, enabling the Group to offer currency Swaps and non-leveraged FX Options to its clients, in addition to its existing products and services. The Group has self-elected not to provide FX Options to Retail Clients, restricting its FX Option service to Professional Clients and Eligible Counterparties only (as defined in the Conduct of Business Sourcebook).

These products will continue to adhere to Alpha's philosophy of acting in its clients' best interests and always with the overriding objective of helping them to manage exchange rate risk.

Benefits of the IPO

The Group is already experiencing several benefits as a result of the AIM listing in April. The proceeds from the primary fundraise has provided the Group with greater collateral. This is enabling it to expand the size of its FX forward book, allowing it to both significantly increase the number of forward contracts entered into with clients, as well as enter into larger FX trades and pursue new, larger opportunities in the UK corporate FX market which it could not pursue prior to the IPO. It is pleasing to note that we are already seeing evidence of this, both in terms of signing up new clients (including FTSE 250 clients), larger volume with new and existing clients and an enhanced pipeline of potential new business. Our Front Office team has also found that the enhanced profile and credibility of being a publicly listed business is helping to increase traction with potential new customers, as well as larger clients who may have previously discounted Alpha on account of its private company status and balance sheet size.

The strong client retention rate that the Group achieved for the financial year ended 31 December 2016 (97%) has continued during the half year with 46 new clients added, bringing the total number of corporates who trade through Alpha to 269. The Group has a track record of gaining a larger share of new and existing clients' annual currency purchasing volume as the relationship progresses, once the client experiences the benefits of Alpha's approach, which bodes well for generating further revenue growth in the years to come. Alpha's co-founder, Jonathan Currie, has moved into a new role which will see him focus predominantly on maintaining the Group's high retention levels and enhancing customer experience.

The IPO has provided key employees with the opportunity to acquire equity. This has had a pronounced cultural benefit across the business, with employees taking on an enhanced sense of ownership and the Group is naturally benefitting from the mentality and motivation that comes with this.

Following the IPO, we have also found that the Group has become a more attractive prospect to both existing and potential liquidity providers in the marketplace.

People

The Group's success is based on its collegiate culture, and every new hire is carefully selected to ensure they fit with the Alpha ethos. The IPO has aided and we believe will continue to aid, the recruitment, retention and incentivisation of the Senior Management team and high calibre employees at all levels of the Group. Front Office staff recruited during 2016 have continued to develop in line with expectations and we expect their contributions to continue increasing incrementally as they mature. During the first half of the year, overall staff numbers have increased from 30 to 44, with eight new staff added in Front Office functions and six in the Back Office. Notably, two of the increases in Back Office headcount were due to consultants becoming full-time employees. Additionally, as new Portfolio Managers have become more experienced, we have been able to draw on existing employees in order to double the size of our team of Strategists and Support Dealers, providing Portfolio Managers and their clients with even greater levels of support and service.

In conjunction with the IPO, we welcomed Clive Kahn to the Board as Non-Executive Chairman and Lisa Gordon, as Non-Executive Director, both of whom made valuable contributions throughout the IPO process and bring a wealth of experience in foreign exchange and public company oversight. Their independent role has been much appreciated and their continued counsel will be essential as the Group continues to execute on its growth strategy.

Furthermore, the opening of the London office has enabled Alpha to target a greater pool of skills, in particular, individuals that are bilingual and fluent in foreign languages which will prove vital as we continue to explore the possibilities of entering new territories.

Following consultation with our employees, we have also announced today an extension to the vesting periods from three to five years for shares allotted to full-time employees under the Growth Share Scheme implemented at the IPO. It is particularly satisfying to note that employees share the same vision and longer term outlook for the business.

Technology

Other new hires include additional support for the IT Development and Back Office teams. The sophistication of our client facing technology is a key area of differentiation for Alpha, helping us to identify, win and retain bigger clients and we will continue to invest in this field. In addition, significant developments have been made in the technologies used by our Front and Back Office teams, which will increase our efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in areas of client insight and profiling, as well as resource management.

Financial Review

Revenue in the first half increased by 90% to GBP6.3m (H1 2016: GBP3.3m), whilst revenue growth against H2 2016 was 22%. In 2016, H2 benefitted from the outcome of the Brexit referendum on 23 June 2016, whilst 2016 H1 was impacted as a number of clients were reluctant to hedge prior to the referendum.

Underlying operating profit increased by 84% to GBP3.2m (H1 2016: GBP1.7m). The Group delivered an underlying operating profit margin of 50% (H1 2016: 52%), despite continued investment in headcount.

The average commission (revenue as a % of gross value of currency transactions sold) increased in the six months to 30 June 2017 to 0.61% from 0.36% in the six months to 30 June 2016 due to a higher proportion of forward trades (which attract a higher commission rate), larger trades and changes in the mix of currencies traded in the first half. The Group expects the average commission rate to fluctuate from period to period due to the different variables impacting it, primarily tenure, trade size, collateral size and currency pair. There were no structural changes in forward commission rates in the first half of the year compared to the prior period.

Cash flow

The Group's cash position can fluctuate significantly from period to period due to the impact of changes in the collateral received from clients, early settlements or the unrealised mark to market profit or loss from client swaps, resulting in an increase or decrease in cash with a corresponding change in other payables and trade receivables. Therefore, in addition to the statutory cash flow, the Group presents an adjusted net cash summary below which excludes the above items. In the six months to 30 June 2017 net cash on the non-statutory basis increased by GBP12.6m to GBP14.4m, largely due to the net proceeds of the IPO and the profitable trading in the period.

 
                                         30 June    31 Dec 
                                            2017      2016 
                                         GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Net cash and cash equivalents            11,778     7,581 
 Variation margin paid to 
  banking counterparties                   6,638     4,342 
--------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
                                          18,416    11,923 
 Margin received from clients 
  & client held funds*                   (5,246)   (9,772) 
 Net MTM timing loss/(profit) 
  from client drawdowns and 
  extensions within trade receivables      1,237     (350) 
 
 Adjusted net cash**                      14,407     1,801 
 

* Represents 'other payables' within 'trade and other payables' note 8

** Excluding collateral received from clients, early settlements and the unrealised mark to market profit or loss from client swaps

The table below presents the operating cash conversion on a similar basis, which excludes collateral received from clients, early settlements and the unrealised mark to market profit or loss from client swaps. Cash conversion for the six month period to 30 June 2017 was 65% in comparison to 60% for the financial year 2016.

 
                                6 months   6 months      Year 
                                      to         to     ended 
                                 30 June    30 June    31 Dec 
                                    2017       2016      2016 
                                 GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Underlying operating 
  profit                           3,174      1,729     4,358 
 Depreciation & amortisation          42         33        57 
 Bad debt provision                  100          -         - 
 
 Increase in debtors**           (1,149)      (596)   (2,145) 
 (Decrease)/increase 
  in creditors**                    (53)        242       427 
 Less capital expenditure           (62)       (45)      (90) 
 
 Cash from operations 
  before tax, and after 
  capex**                          2,052      1,363     2,607 
-----------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 
 Conversion                          65%        79%       60% 
 

** Excluding collateral received from clients, early settlements and the unrealised mark to market profit or loss from client swaps

Dividend

The Board intends to target a dividend of approximately 30% of the Group's underlying profits after tax in each financial year. In line with its stated dividend policy, the Board is pleased to declare a maiden interim dividend of 1.5 pence per share. The interim dividend will be payable on 13 October 2017 to shareholders on the register at 15 September 2017. The ex-dividend date is 14 September 2017.

Outlook

We are encouraged by our performance in the first half of the year and trading for the second half has begun well. The Board is confident that the results for the full year will be in line with market expectations.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

 
                                      Unaudited       Unaudited           Audited 
                                     Six months      Six months        Year ended 
                                             to      to 30 June            31 Dec 
                                        30 June            2016              2016 
                                           2017 
 
                         Note               GBP             GBP               GBP 
 
 Gross value 
  of currency 
  transactions 
  sold                            1,029,406,162     907,055,192     1,818,167,316 
 Gross value 
  of currency 
  transactions 
  purchased                     (1,023,115,851)   (903,747,967)   (1,809,691,892) 
----------------------  -----  ----------------  --------------  ---------------- 
 Revenue                              6,290,311       3,307,225         8,475,424 
 
 Operating expenses                 (3,116,569)     (1,578,250)       (4,117,175) 
 
 Underlying operating 
  profit                              3,173,742       1,728,975         4,358,249 
 Cost associated                      (612,873)               -                 - 
  with the IPO 
 Share based                          (147,000)               -                 - 
  payments 
 
 Operating profit                     2,413,869       1,728,975         4,358,249 
 
 Finance costs                         (32,626)         (6,350)          (45,164) 
----------------------  -----  ----------------  --------------  ---------------- 
 
 Profit before 
  taxation                            2,381,243       1,722,625         4,313,085 
 
 Taxation                             (528,452)       (344,437)         (863,992) 
----------------------  -----  ----------------  --------------  ---------------- 
 
 
 Profit and total 
  comprehensive 
  income for the 
  period                              1,852,791       1,378,188         3,449,093 
----------------------  ----- 
 
 
 Profit for the 
  year attributable 
  to: 
 Equity owners 
  of the parent                       1,852,791       1,070,373         2,940,086 
 Non-controlling 
  interests                                   -         307,815           509,007 
----------------------  -----  ----------------  --------------  ---------------- 
                                      1,852,791       1,378,188         3,449,093 
 
 Earnings per 
  share attributable 
  to equity owners 
  of the parent 
  (basic and diluted)       4              6.3p            5.1p             13.4p 
 
 
 Consolidated statement of financial position 
 
                                       Unaudited 
                                                     Unaudited       Audited 
                                         30 June       30 June        31 Dec 
                                            2017          2016          2016 
                              Note           GBP           GBP           GBP 
 Non-current assets 
 Intangible assets                        65,453        28,500        45,521 
 Property, plant 
  and equipment                          168,981       165,246       169,291 
---------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total non-current 
  assets                                 234,434       193,746       214,812 
---------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other 
  receivables                  6      16,294,751    15,050,937    15,792,474 
 Cash and cash equivalents     7      11,777,551    11,093,309     7,963,625 
 Other cash balances           7         741,590       826,544     1,921,264 
---------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total current assets                 28,813,892    26,970,790    25,677,363 
---------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Total assets                         29,048,326    27,164,536    25,892,175 
---------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Equity 
 
 Share capital                 9          65,524           140         1,118 
 Share premium account                12,237,951             -             - 
 Capital redemption 
  reserve                                  3,701             -            60 
 Merger reserve                          666,529             -       666,529 
 Retained earnings                     6,696,060     3,118,701     4,748,978 
---------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total equity attributable 
  to equity holders 
  of the Company                      19,669,765     3,118,841     5,416,685 
---------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Non-controlling                               -       476,176             - 
  interests 
---------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Total equity                         19,669,765     3,595,017     5,416,685 
---------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Loans and borrowings                          -       599,000     1,381,282 
 Trade and other 
  payables                     8       8,810,769    21,142,372    17,826,893 
 Current tax liability                   524,198       946,575       865,327 
---------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total current liabilities             9,334,967    22,687,947    20,073,502 
---------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Loans and borrowings                          -       847,500       370,500 
 Deferred tax liability                   43,594        34,072        31,488 
---------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total non-current 
  liabilities                             43,594       881,572       401,988 
---------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Total equity and 
  liabilities                         29,048,326    27,164,536    25,892,175 
---------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 
 
 Consolidated cash flow 
  statement                                 Unaudited      Unaudited       Audited 
                                             6 months       6 months          Year 
                                                   to          to 30         ended 
                                              30 June      June 2016        31 Dec 
                                                 2017                         2016 
                                  Notes           GBP            GBP           GBP 
 Cash flows from operating 
  activities 
 Profit before taxation                     2,381,243      1,722,625     4,313,085 
 Finance costs                                 32,626          6,350        45,164 
 Amortisation of intangible 
  assets                                       10,172              -         1,979 
 Depreciation of property, 
  plant and equipment                          32,310         32,741        54,724 
 Share based payment                          147,000              -             - 
  expense 
 Decrease in other receivables                 32,022        461,284       484,105 
 (Decrease)/increase 
  in other payables                       (4,581,470)      4,981,066     6,053,170 
 Increase in derivative 
  financial assets                          (534,299)    (7,605,568)   (8,510,926) 
 (Decrease)/increase 
  in derivative financial 
  liabilities                             (4,434,654)      7,829,953     3,649,156 
 Decrease/(increase) 
  in other cash balances                    1,179,674      (208,115)   (1,302,835) 
-------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Cash (outflows)/inflows 
  from operating activities               (5,735,376)      7,220,336     4,787,622 
 Tax paid                                   (857,475)      (305,480)     (908,868) 
-------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Net cash (outflows)/inflows 
  from operating activities               (6,592,851)      6,914,856     3,878,754 
-------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Cash flows from investing 
  activities 
 Payments to acquire 
  property, plant and 
  equipment                                  (32,000)       (16,934)      (42,961) 
 Internally developed 
  intangible assets                          (30,104)       (28,500)      (47,500) 
 Purchase of non-controlling 
  interest for cash                                 -    (1,000,000)   (1,000,000) 
-------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Net cash outflows from 
  investing activities                       (62,104)    (1,045,434)   (1,090,461) 
-------------------------------  ------ 
 
 Cash flows from financing 
  activities 
 Proceeds from borrowings                     400,000              -       475,925 
 Repayment of borrowings                  (1,769,425)       (24,000)     (100,000) 
 Dividends paid to equity 
  owners of the parent 
  company                                           -       (97,483)     (510,000) 
 Amounts repaid by Directors                        -        105,875       242,642 
 Amounts lent to Directors                          -              -      (40,173) 
 Issue of ordinary shares 
  by parent company                        13,000,000              -           900 
 Share issue costs                          (748,784)              -             - 
 Issue of ordinary shares                       2,073              -             - 
  by subsidiary 
 Repurchase of preference 
  shares in subsidiary                              -              -     (477,000) 
 Interest paid                               (32,626)        (6,350)      (45,164) 
-------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------- 
 Net cash outflows from 
  financing activities                     10,851,238       (21,958)     (452,870) 
-------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Increase in net cash 
  and cash equivalents 
  in the period                             4,196,283      5,847,464     2,335,423 
 Net cash and cash equivalents 
  at beginning of period                    7,581,268      5,245,845     5,245,845 
-------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Net cash and cash equivalents 
  at end of period                  7      11,777,551     11,093,309     7,581,268 
-------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
 
                                  Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
 
 
                                          Attributable to the owners of 
                                                    the parent 
                          Share        Share      Capital    Merger    Retained        Total                           Total 
                        capital      premium   redemption   reserve    Earnings                Non-controlling 
                                     account      reserve                                         interests 
                            GBP                       GBP       GBP         GBP          GBP               GBP           GBP 
 Balance at 
  1 January 2016            140            -            -         -   1,916,753    1,916,893           991,438     2,908,331 
-----------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Profit and 
  total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period                  -            -            -         -   1,070,373    1,070,373           307,815     1,378,188 
 
 Transactions 
  with owners 
 Shares 
  repurchased 
  from 
  non-controlling 
  interest                    -            -            -         -     260,759      260,759       (1,260,759)   (1,000,000) 
 Cancellation 
  of shares in 
  subsidiary                  -            -            -         -    (31,701)     (31,701)            31,701             - 
 Dividends paid               -            -            -         -    (97,483)     (97,483)                 -      (97,483) 
 Waiver by 
  non-controlling 
  interests of 
  dividend 
  liabilities                 -            -            -         -           -            -           405,981       405,981 
 Balance at 
  30 June 2016              140            -            -         -   3,118,701    3,118,841           476,176     3,595,017 
-----------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Profit and 
  total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period                  -            -            -         -   1,869,713    1,869,713           201,192     2,070,905 
 
 Transactions 
  with owners 
 Shares issued              900            -            -         -           -          900                 -          900) 
 Cancellation 
  of shares in 
  parent company           (60)            -           60         -           -            -                 -             - 
 Settlement 
  of 
  non-controlling 
  interest via 
  share for share 
  exchange                  138            -            -   666,529     173,081      839,748         (839,610)           138 
 Dividends paid               -            -            -         -   (412,517)    (412,517)                 -     (412,517) 
 Waiver by 
  non-controlling 
  interests of 
  dividend 
  liabilities                 -            -            -         -           -            -          162,242)       162,242 
 Balance at 
  31 Dec 2016             1,118            -           60   666,529   4,748,978    5,416,685                 -     5,416,685 
-----------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Profit and 
  total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the financial 
  period                      -            -            -         -   1,852,791    1,852,791                 -     1,852,791 
 
 Transactions 
  with owners 
 Bonus shares 
  issued                 54,782            -            -         -    (54,782)            -                 -             - 
 Cancellation 
  of shares in 
  parent company        (3,641)            -        3,641         -           -            -                 -             - 
 Shares issued 
  on listing             13,265   12,986,735            -         -           -   13,000,000                 -    13,000,000 
 Costs of issue 
  of equity 
  shares                      -    (748,784)            -         -           -    (748,784)                 -     (748,784) 
 Share based 
  payments                    -            -            -         -     149,073      149,073                 -       149,073 
 Balance at 
  30 June 2017           65,524   12,237,951        3,701   666,529   6,696,060   19,669,765                 -    19,669,765 
-----------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 
 

Notes to the consolidated financial information

1. Corporate information

The Company, Alpha FX Group plc, is a public limited company having listed its shares on AIM, a market operated by The London Stock Exchange, on 7 April 2017. The Company is incorporated and domiciled in the UK (registered number 07262416). The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of the Company and its subsidiary undertaking Alpha FX Limited.

2. Basis of preparation

The basis of preparation of this financial information is consistent with the basis that will be adopted for the full year accounts which will be prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union.

While the financial figures included in this interim report have been computed in accordance with IFRS applicable to interim periods, this interim report does not contain sufficient information to constitute an interim financial report as defined in IAS 34.

This interim financial information has not been audited and the financial information contained in this report does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The year to 31 December 2016 has been extracted from the audited financial statements for that year.

The Group's financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 have been reported on by auditors, BDO LLP, and have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors' report on those financial statements was unqualified and did not contain statements under Section 498(2) or Section 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

Accounting policies

The accounting policies adopted in these interim financial statements are identical to the those adopted in the Group's most recent annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 except as described below.

Share based payments

The Group issues equity-settled share based payments to certain senior executives of the Group. Equity-settled share based schemes are measured at fair value, excluding the effect of non market-based vesting conditions, at the date of grant using an appropriate option pricing model. The probability of meeting non-market vesting conditions which includes revenue targets, is used to estimate the number of share options which are likely to vest.

The fair value of the shares or share options is recognised over the vesting period to reflect the value of the employee services received. The charge relating to grants to employees of the Company is recognised as an expense in the income statement.

3. Segmental reporting

The revenue for the Group is generated through the provision of commercial and wholesale foreign exchange services and this is the sole operating segment of the group. All revenue is derived from within the UK.

4. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares during the period. Diluted earnings per share additionally includes in the calculation, the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on conversion of any dilutive potential ordinary shares.

The Group additionally discloses an underlying earnings per share calculation that excludes the impact of the one-off costs relating to the IPO and their tax effect and share based payments, which better enables comparison of financial performance in the current period with comparative periods.

 
                             Unaudited   Unaudited 
                                   six         six 
                                months      months   Year ended 
                                 ended       ended 
                               30 June     30 June       31 Dec 
                                  2017        2016         2016 
--------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
 Underlying - basic               8.6p        5.1p        13.4p 
 Underlying - diluted             8.6p        5.1p        13.4p 
 Basic earnings per share         6.3p        5.1p        13.4p 
 Diluted earnings per 
  share                           6.3p        5.1p        13.4p 
 
 

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following number of shares:

 
                              Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                    six          six 
                                 months       months   Year ended 
                                  ended        ended 
                                30 June      30 June       31 Dec 
                                   2017         2016         2016 
                                    No.          No.          No. 
--------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Basic weighted average 
  shares                     29,244,108   21,000,000   21,969,750 
 Contingently issuable 
  shares                         28,223            -            - 
 Diluted weigthed average 
  shares                     29,272,331   21,000,000   21,969,750 
 

The earnings used in the calculation of basic, diluted and underlying earnings per share are set out below:

 
                              Unaudited   Unaudited 
                                    six         six 
                                 months      months   Year ended 
                                  ended       ended 
                                30 June     30 June       31 Dec 
                                   2017        2016         2016 
                                    GBP         GBP          GBP 
---------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
 Profit after tax for 
  the period                  1,852,791   1,378,188    3,449,093 
 Non-controlling interests            -   (307,815)    (509,007) 
---------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
 Earnings - basic and 
  diluted                     1,852,791   1,070,373    2,940,086 
 Costs associated with          612,873           -            - 
  the IPO 
 Tax effect                    (88,718)           -            - 
 Share based payments           147,000           -            - 
 Earnings - underlying        2,523,946   1,070,373    2,940,086 
 

5. Dividends

The Board has recommended the payment of an interim dividend to shareholders in respect of the year ended 31 December 2017 of 1.5p per share (total GBP491,430). The interim dividend will be payable on 13 October 2017.

6. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables represent the fair value of derivative financial assets arising as a result of matched principal transactions.

 
                                   Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                     30 June      30 June       31 Dec 
                                        2017         2016         2016 
                                         GBP          GBP          GBP 
-------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Foreign currency forward 
  contracts with customers        16,015,348   13,742,739   15,549,510 
 Foreign currency forward 
  contracts with banking 
  counterparties                     192,568    1,025,519      124,107 
 Trade receivables (derivative 
  financial asset)                16,207,916   14,768,258   15,673,617 
 Other receivables                    25,316      119,573        1,533 
 Directors' current account                -      141,000            - 
 Prepayments                          61,519       22,106      117,324 
-------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
                                  16,294,751   15,050,937   15,792,474 
 

7. Cash

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and deposits held at call with banks.

Other cash balances comprise cash held as collateral with banking counterparties for which the Group does not have immediate access.

Cash balances included within derivative financial assets relate to the net mark to market of derivative contracts with liquidity providers.

 
                                    Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                      30 June      30 June       31 Dec 
                                         2017         2016         2016 
                                          GBP          GBP          GBP 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents         11,777,551   11,093,309    7,963,625 
 Bank overdraft                             -            -    (382,357) 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
  Net cash and cash equivalents    11,777,551   11,093,309    7,581,268 
 
 Variation margin called 
  by counterparties*                6,638,503    2,789,103    4,341,820 
 Other cash balances                  741,590      826,544    1,921,264 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Total cash                        19,157,644   14,708,956   13,844,352 
 

*Included with trade receivables and trade payables.

8. Trade and other payables

Trade payables represent the fair value of derivative financial liabilities arising as a result of matched principal transactions.

Other payables consist of margin received from clients and client held funds.

 
                               Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                 30 June      30 June       31 Dec 
                                    2017         2016         2016 
                                     GBP          GBP          GBP 
----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Foreign currency forward 
  contracts with customers     3,019,424   11,522,550    7,463,047 
 Other foreign exchange 
  forward contracts               31,220      143,546       22,250 
 Trade payables (derivative 
  financial liability)         3,050,644   11,666,096    7,485,297 
 Other payables                5,245,625    8,974,124    9,771,807 
 Directors' current account            -       44,406            - 
 Dividends payable to 
  non-controlling interests            -      162,393            - 
 Other taxation and social 
  security                       174,780      166,388      216,306 
 Accruals and deferred 
  income                         339,720      128,965      353,483 
----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----------- 
                               8,810,769   21,142,372   17,826,893 
 

9. Share capital

The following movements of share capital occurred in the 6 months to 30 June 2017.

 
                              A             B           C             D      Ordinary        Deferred 
   Number of             shares        shares      shares        shares        shares          shares 
   shares                                                                                                       Total 
----------------  -------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  ------------  --------------  -------------- 
 At 1 January 
  2017 
  - shares 
  of GBP1 
  each                      860           118          31           109             -               -           1,118 
 Bonus issue             42,140         5,782       1,519         5,341             -               -          54,782 
                         43,000         5,900       1,550         5,450             -               -          55,900 
----------------  -------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  ------------  --------------  -------------- 
 
 Conversion 
  to GBP0.002 
  each               21,500,000     2,950,000     775,000     2,725,000             -               -      27,950,000 
 Re-designation    (21,500,000)   (2,950,000)   (775,000)   (2,725,000)    26,129,326       1,820,674               - 
 Cancellation 
  of shares                   -             -           -             -             -     (1,820,674)     (1,820,674) 
 Issue of 
  new shares 
  on IPO                      -             -           -             -     6,632,653               -       6,632,653 
 
 At 30 June 
  2017                        -             -           -             -    32,761,979               -      32,761,979 
----------------  -------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  ------------  --------------  -------------- 
 
 
 At 30 June 
  2017 Nominal                -             -                         -     GBP65,524               -       GBP65,524 
  value 
----------------  -------------  ------------  ----------  ------------  ------------  --------------  -------------- 
 

On 24 March 2017, a bonus issues of shares was made for all A, B, C and D shares of 49 additional shares for each share held. On the same date, all shares were converted from ordinary shares of GBP1 each to ordinary shares of GBP0.002 each.

On 31 March 2017, all the A and B shares were converted into ordinary shares, the C shares were converted into 371,851 ordinary shares and 403,149 deferred shares and the D shares were converted into 1,307,475 ordinary shares and 1,417,525 deferred shares. On the same date the 1,820,674 deferred shares were cancelled.

On 7 April 2017, the Company issued 6,632,653 new shares upon admission to the London Stock Exchange.

10. Subsequent events

No significant events have occurred between the reporting date and the date of approval.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

IR OKQDKCBKDPCK

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 05, 2017 02:01 ET (06:01 GMT)

1 Year Alpha Fx Chart

1 Year Alpha Fx Chart

1 Month Alpha Fx Chart

1 Month Alpha Fx Chart

Your Recent History

Delayed Upgrade Clock