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CNKS Cenkos Securities Plc

29.00
0.00 (0.00%)
19 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Cenkos Securities Plc LSE:CNKS London Ordinary Share GB00B1FLHR07 ORD 1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 29.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Cenkos Securities PLC Interim Results for six months ended 30 June 2018 (0375B)

18/09/2018 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMCNKS

RNS Number : 0375B

Cenkos Securities PLC

18 September 2018

18 September 2018

Cenkos Securities plc

Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2018

Cenkos Securities plc (the "Company" or "Cenkos") and together with its subsidiaries (the "Group" or the "Firm"), today announces its results for the six months ended 30 June 2018. Cenkos is an independent, specialist institutional securities group, focused on small and mid-cap companies and investment funds. The Group's principal activity is institutional stockbroking.

Cenkos' shares are admitted to trading on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange ("LSE"). The Company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") and is a member of the LSE.

Financial highlights

 
                                 30 June 
 Continuing operations              2018   30 June 2017 
 Revenue                        GBP18.1m       GBP29.2m 
 Profit before tax               GBP0.5m        GBP4.6m 
 Profit after tax                GBP0.3m        GBP3.7m 
 Cash                           GBP21.7m       GBP19.8m 
 Net assets                     GBP26.3m       GBP27.7m 
 Basic Earnings per 
  share                             0.6p           6.7p 
 Interim dividend per 
  share                             2.0p           4.5p 
 Continuing and discontinued 
  operations 
 Profit after tax                GBP0.3m        GBP3.3m 
 Basic Earnings per 
  share                             0.6p           6.1p 
 
 
 For further information contact: 
 Cenkos Securities plc 
 Anthony Hotson - Chief Executive      +44 20 
  Officer                               7397 8900 
 
 Spark Advisory Partners Limited 
                                      +44 20 3368 
 Matthew Davis                         3550 
 Nominated Adviser 
 
 Whitman Howard 
                                      +44 20 7659 
 Nick Lovering                         1224 
 Broker 
 
 Buchanan Communications 
                                      +44 20 7466 
 David Rydell                          5066 
 
 

Chief Executive's Statement

Following my appointment as Chief Executive in August 2017, we have focused on our core business, closing our Singapore office, and are in the process of acquiring a team of Nomad advisers from Smith and Williamson. A strategic review of our front and back office capabilities has been started together with a review of the markets we serve. The exercise, initiated in Q3 2017, was undertaken in the context of the introduction of the Market Abuse Regulations (MAR), MiFiD II, the Criminal Finances Act (CFA), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and, of course, with the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR) on the horizon. Our Board recognises the increasing complexity of the financial markets and the demands, correctly, placed upon us by our customers, regulators and the public. The strategic reviews sought to put in place appropriate front and back office structures with systems and controls to provide good client outcomes in a way that can be clearly demonstrated. The costs associated with transforming Cenkos are included below under administrative expenses. The two-year transition program of refreshing our brand values; focusing on strengthening our core competencies; and undertaking opportunistic acquisitions to complement our core business is well under way.

Interim management report

Performance

Revenues of GBP18.1m in the first half of 2018 have been disappointing compared to the same time last year (GBP29.2m) and our internal targets. There are several reasons for this:

-- Cenkos, predominantly, earns commission and corporate finance fees from primary and secondary fund raisings. The 2017 first half results benefited from revenues of GBP10.6m from a single client transaction whilst in 2018 the highest value transaction was GBP2.4m. This difference accounted for much of the shortfall.

-- Transaction rates were slow in Q1 2018 but have begun to gather pace in Q2 2018.

A summary of the revenue streams in H1 2018 v H1 2017 is set out below:

 
                                               Six months 
  Revenue streams          Six months ended         ended 
                                    30 June       30 June 
                                       2018          2017 
                                  GBP 000's     GBP 000's 
--------------------     ------------------  ------------ 
 
  Corporate finance                  11,925        21,209 
  Nomad and broking                   2,552         2,610 
  Research                            1,538         1,741 
  Execution                           2,085         3,689 
-----------------------  ------------------  ------------ 
                                     18,100        29,249 
 
 

Corporate finance

Corporate finance fees decreased by 44% to GBP11.9 million (H1 2017: GBP21.2 million) as a number of transactions which were expected to complete in the first half slipped in to the second half and the 2017 first half results benefited from revenues of GBP10.6 million from a single client transaction.

During H1 2018, we completed 15 transactions (H1 2017: 19 transactions) of which 3 were IPOs (H1 2017: 2 IPOs) and raised GBP666 million (H1 2017: GBP982 million) for our corporate and investment trust clients. Deals of note which completed during the period include the secondary raisings of GBP170 million for Breedon Group plc and GBP51.5 million for Restore plc.

Nomad and broking

Nomad and broking retainer fees were flat at GBP2.6 million (H1 2017: GBP2.6 million).

As at 30 June 2018, Cenkos' client base was made up of 116 (H1 2017: 120) companies and investment trusts of which 80 (H1 2017: 73) were clients whose shares were admitted to trading on the AIM market and 36 (H1 2017: 42) clients were main market listed.

We remain ranked as one of the leading brokers in London for growth companies, as demonstrated by Adviser Rankings Limited's July 2018 'AIM Adviser Rankings Guide' where we were ranked number 2 Nominated Adviser by total number of AIM clients and for 'Consumer Goods' clients. We were also ranked first for 'Consumer Services' by number of clients and first for 'Industrials' clients by both number of clients and client market capitalisation.

Research

Research fees and commission decreased by 12% to GBP1.5 million (H1 2017: GBP1.7 million) following the roll out of MiFID II which came into effect from 3 January 2018, requiring the unbundling of research and commission payments. There remains a level of uncertainty in the market as the full impact of the legislation affects product offerings and pricing models, however we produce research covering 130 companies and 8 sectors and since the beginning of the year 57 institutional clients have signed up to take this research.

Execution

Execution gains decreased by 43% to GBP2.1 million (H1 2017: GBP3.7 million) largely due to gains made on shares and options in lieu of fees in 2017.

Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses of GBP17.7m in H1 2018 have decreased by almost a third from GBP24.7m in H1 2017. Staff costs make up over 70% of the cost base and within this, discretionary performance-related pay is a significant part. The significant levels of discretionary performance-related pay, having fallen, highlights the resilience of the Cenkos' business model and its capacity to withstand market and other shocks.

 
                                Six months    Six months 
 Administrative expenses             ended         ended 
                                   30 June       30 June 
                                      2018          2017 
                                 GBP 000's     GBP 000's 
-------------------------     ------------  ------------ 
 
  Staff costs                       12,982        19,241 
  Other administrative 
   expenses                          4,692         5,460 
----------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
                                    17,674        24,701 
 
 

Front office staff costs, before discretionary performance-related pay, have fallen by over 15% in H1 2018 compared to the same period last year reflecting the actions taken from the front office review. Front office discretionary performance-related pay has fallen sharply, reflecting lower revenues.

Back office staff costs, before discretionary performance-related pay, rose by 7% in H1 2018 over the same period in 2017, reflecting investment in senior management (with pay structures less oriented to bonuses based upon revenues), a revised three lines of defence compliance model and investment in project management capability to deliver the various statutory and regulatory initiatives such as CFA, GDPR and SM&CR in addition to various internal projects. The investment in these areas have led to significant reductions in other non-staff-related administrative expenses, where efficiencies have more than off-set this investment through the period.

Other administrative expenses have fallen from GBP5.5m to GBP4.7m just over 14% reflecting lower use of regulatory and other consultancies to deliver day to day compliance, legal and project work.

Profit and Earnings per share

Profit before tax on continuing operations decreased by 90% to GBP0.5 million (H1 2017: GBP4.6 million) and profit after tax on continuing and discontinued operations decreased by 90% to GBP0.3 million (H1 2017: GBP3.3 million). Our basic earnings per share ("EPS") on continuing and discontinued operations decreased by 90% to 0.6p (H1 2017: 6.1p).

Financial position

The consolidated statement of financial position shows a fall in the net assets to GBP26.3m as at 30 June 2018 from GBP27.7m as at 30 June 2017. This is due, mainly, to a reduction in net trading investments resulting from the sale of shares received in lieu of fees, an increase in trade and other receivables reflecting the movement in trade and client receivables, a fall in trade and other payables reflecting a lower accrual for performance related pay and an increase in cash.

The increase in cash resulted from the net cash inflow from operating activities due to profits generated and the movements in working capital being partially offset by dividends paid and the acquisition of own shares into treasury and by the Cenkos Securities plc Employee Benefit Trust ('EBT').

 
  Net assets summary                   30 June      30 June 
                                          2018         2017 
                                     GBP 000's    GBP 000's 
------------------------------     -----------  ----------- 
 
  Non-current assets                     1,191        1,275 
---------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
  FVOCI financial assets                   164          142 
  Other current financial 
   assets                               10,334       19,868 
  Other current financial 
   liabilities                         (3,451)      (2,609) 
---------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
  Net trading investments                7,047       17,401 
  Trade and other receivables           40,039       38,726 
  Trade and other payables 
   - current & non-current            (43,658)     (49,447) 
  Cash and cash equivalents             21,722       19,778 
---------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
                                        26,341       27,733 
 
 

Dividend and capital

Cenkos' dividend policy as stated in the 2017 Annual Report is to use earnings and cash flow to underpin shareholder returns through a combination of dividend payments and share buy backs into treasury. Our goal is to pay a stable ordinary dividend, reinvest in the firm and return excess cash to shareholders subject to capital and liquidity requirements and the prevailing market conditions and outlook. As at 30 June 2018, Cenkos had a capital resources surplus of GBP12.0 million (30 June 2017: GBP7.8 million) above the pillar 1 regulatory capital requirements reflecting retained earnings from the prior year.

The Board proposes an interim dividend of 2.0p per share. The payment of this interim dividend will trigger payments to staff under the CAP of GBP0.2 million in H2 2018 (H2 2017: GBP0.5 million). The dividend will be paid on 2 November 2018 to all shareholders on the register at 5 October 2018.

Acquisition of the Nomad business of Smith & Williamson

As previously announced, Cenkos has entered into an agreement to acquire the Nominated Adviser and Corporate Broker business of Smith & Williamson. The transaction is expected to complete by November 2018, following the undertaking of due diligence on existing clients of the Business which may transfer as part of the transaction. As a result of the acquisition, a team of 6 will join Cenkos' Corporate Finance department with effect from completion of the transaction.

Outlook

We have made a good start to the second half of the year with several transactions announced in July and August and more to come later in the year and beyond.

Responsibility statement

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

a) The condensed set of financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of Cenkos Securities plc and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole as at 30 June 2018; and

b) The interim management report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of Cenkos Securities plc and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that the Group faces.

Forward-looking statements

These financial statements contain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results, operations and businesses of Cenkos Securities plc. Although the Group believes that the expectations reflected in these forward- looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. Such statements and forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements and forecasts. Forward-looking statements and forecasts are based on the Directors' current view and information known to them at the date of this statement. The Directors do not make any undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Anthony Hotson

Chief Executive Officer

18 September 2018

Condensed consolidated income statement for the six months ended 30 June 2018

 
                                   Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                  Six months   Six months          Year 
                                       ended        ended         ended 
                                     30 June      30 June   31 December 
                                        2018         2017          2017 
                                   GBP 000's    GBP 000's     GBP 000's 
----------------------------     -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 Continuing operations 
 Revenue                              18,100       29,249        59,504 
 Administrative expenses            (17,674)     (24,701)      (49,528) 
-------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 Operating profit                        426        4,548         9,976 
 
 Investment income - 
  interest income                         38            8            23 
-------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 Profit before tax from 
  continuing operations                  464        4,556         9,999 
 
 Tax                                   (123)        (904)       (1,815) 
-------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 Profit after tax from 
  continuing operations                  341        3,652         8,184 
 
 Discontinued operations 
 Loss after tax from 
  discontinued operations                  -        (331)         (973) 
-------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 Profit after tax                        341        3,321         7,211 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Equity holders of Cenkos 
  Securities plc                         341        3,321         7,211 
 
 
 From continuing operations 
 Basic earnings per share               0.6p         6.7p         15.0p 
 Diluted earnings per 
  share                                 0.6p         6.7p         15.0p 
 
 From continuing and 
  discontinued operations 
 Basic earnings per share               0.6p         6.1p         13.2p 
 Diluted earnings per 
  share                                 0.6p         6.1p         13.2p 
 
 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

for the six months ended 30 June 2018

 
                                             Unaudited    Unaudited         Audited 
                                            Six months   Six months            Year 
                                                 ended        ended           ended 
                                               30 June      30 June     31 December 
                                                  2018         2017            2017 
                                             GBP 000's    GBP 000's       GBP 000's 
----------------------------  ---          -----------  -----------  -------------- 
 
 Profit                                            341        3,321           7,211 
 
 Amounts that will be recycled 
  to income statement in future 
  periods 
 Loss on FVOCI financial 
  asset                                           (36)        (164)           (133) 
 Reclassification from 
  FVOCI to FVTPL                                  (29)            -               - 
 Tax on FVOCI financial 
  asset                                              7           32              26 
 Exchange differences 
  on translation of foreign 
  operations                                         -          (3)           (105) 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------- 
 
 Other comprehensive losses                       (58)        (135)           (212) 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------- 
 
 Total comprehensive income                        283        3,186           6,999 
 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Equity holders of Cenkos 
  Securities plc                                   283        3,186           6,999 
 
 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2018

 
                                                     Unaudited   Unaudited       Audited 
                                                       30 June     30 June   31 December 
                                                          2018        2017          2017 
                                                     GBP 000's   GBP 000's     GBP 000's 
------------------------------     ---------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                                                569         386           525 
 Deferred tax asset                                        622         889           738 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
                                                         1,191       1,275         1,263 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other receivables                            40,039      38,726        20,798 
 FVOCI financial assets                                    164         142           250 
 Other current financial 
  assets                                                10,334      19,868        10,615 
 Cash and cash equivalents                              21,722      19,778        36,829 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
                                                        72,259      78,514        68,492 
 
 Total assets                                           73,450      79,789        69,755 
 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                             (43,582)    (48,763)      (36,300) 
 Other current financial 
  liabilities                                          (3,451)     (2,609)       (3,341) 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
                                                      (47,033)    (51,372)      (39,641) 
 
 Net current assets                                     25,226      27,142        28,851 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                                 (76)       (684)         (366) 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
 Total liabilities                                    (47,109)    (52,056)      (40,007) 
 
 Net assets                                             26,341      27,733        29,748 
 
 
 Equity 
 Share capital                                             567         567           567 
 Share premium                                           3,331       3,331         3,331 
 Capital redemption reserve                                195         195           195 
 Own shares                                            (5,260)     (3,684)       (3,845) 
 FVOCI reserve                                               -          33            58 
 Foreign Currency Translation 
  Reserve                                                    -         102             - 
 Retained earnings                                      27,508      27,189        29,442 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
 
 Total equity                                           26,341      27,733        29,748 
 
 
 

Condensed consolidated cash flow statement for the six months ended 30 June 2018

 
                                                              Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                                             Six months   Six months 
                                                                  ended        ended    Year ended 
                                                                30 June      30 June   31 December 
                                                                   2018         2017          2017 
                                                              GBP 000's    GBP 000's     GBP 000's 
---------------------------------          -------  -------------------  -----------  ------------ 
 Profit                                                             341        3,321         7,211 
 Adjustments for: 
 Net finance income                                                (38)          (8)          (23) 
 Tax expense                                                        123          904         1,815 
 Depreciation of property, 
  plant and equipment                                               118          127           242 
 Shares and options received 
  in lieu of fees                                                 (378)      (3,684)       (3,888) 
 Share-based payment expense                                        741          372         1,560 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------------  -----------  ------------ 
 Operating cash flows before movements 
  in working capital                                                907        1,032         6,917 
 
 Decrease in net trading 
  investments and FVOCI 
  financial assets                                                  790      (2,204)         7,908 
 (Increase) / decrease 
  in trade and other receivables                               (19,234)     (14,200)         3,623 
 Increase in trade and 
  other payables                                                  8,173       14,683         1,959 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------------  -----------  ------------ 
 Net cash flow from operating 
  activities before interest and 
  tax paid                                                      (9,364)        (689)        20,407 
 
 Tax paid                                                       (1,301)        (204)       (1,334) 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------------  -----------  ------------ 
 Net cash flow from operating 
  activities                                                   (10,665)        (893)        19,073 
 
 Investing activities 
 Interest received                                                   31            8            23 
 Purchase of property, 
  plant and equipment                                             (162)        (124)         (378) 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------------  -----------  ------------ 
 Net cash outflow from investing 
  activities                                                      (131)        (116)         (355) 
 
 Financing activities 
 Dividends paid                                                 (2,484)      (2,743)       (5,201) 
 Proceeds from sale of 
  own shares to employee 
  share plans                                                        41           35            66 
 Acquisition of own shares                                      (1,868)        (300)         (549) 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------------  -----------  ------------ 
 Net cash used in financing activities                          (4,311)      (3,008)       (5,684) 
 
 Net (decrease) / increase in 
  cash and cash equivalents                                    (15,107)      (4,017)        13,034 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at beginning of period                                         36,829       23,795        23,795 
-----------------------------------------   ------  -------------------  -----------  ------------ 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at end of period                                               21,722       19,778        36,829 
 
 
 
 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity for the six months ended 30 June 2018

 
                                                                                               Foreign 
                                                             Capital                          currency 
                       Share                      Share   redemption       Own     FVOCI   translation   Retained 
                     capital                    premium      reserve    shares   reserve       reserve   earnings     Total 
                         GBP                                     GBP       GBP       GBP                      GBP       GBP 
                       000's                  GBP 000's        000's     000's     000's     GBP 000's      000's     000's 
------------------  --------  -------------------------  -----------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 Balance at 1 
  January 2017           567                      3,331          195   (3,556)       165           105     26,376    27,183 
 Retained Profit           -                          -            -         -         -             -      3,321     3,321 
 Loss on FVOCI 
  financial assets 
  net of tax               -                          -            -         -     (132)             -          -     (132) 
 Exchange 
  difference on 
  translation 
  of foreign 
  operations               -                          -            -         -         -           (3)          -       (3) 
------------------  --------  -------------------------  -----------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                   -                          -            -         -     (132)           (3)      3,321     3,186 
 Transfer of 
  shares to 
  employee 
  share plans              -                          -            -        36         -             -        (1)        35 
 Transfer of 
  shares from SIP 
  to employees             -                          -            -       136         -             -      (136)         - 
 Acquisition of 
  own shares 
  by EBT                   -                          -            -     (300)         -             -          -     (300) 
 Credit to equity 
  for 
  equity-settled 
  share-based 
  payments                 -                          -            -         -         -             -        372       372 
 Dividends paid            -                          -            -         -         -             -    (2,743)   (2,743) 
 Balance at 30 
  June 2017              567                      3,331          195   (3,684)        33           102     27,189    27,733 
 Retained Profit           -                          -            -         -         -             -      3,890     3,890 
 Gain on FVOCI 
  financial assets 
  net of tax               -                          -            -         -        25             -          -        25 
 Exchange 
  difference on 
  translation 
  of foreign 
  operations               -                          -            -         -         -         (102)          -     (102) 
------------------  --------  -------------------------  -----------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                   -                          -            -         -        25         (102)      3,890     3,813 
 Transfer of 
  shares to 
  employee 
  share plans              -                          -            -        30         -             -          1        31 
 Transfer of 
  shares from SIP 
  to employees             -                          -            -        58         -             -       (58)         - 
 Acquisition of 
  own shares 
  by EBT                   -                          -            -     (249)         -             -          -     (249) 
 Credit to equity 
  for 
  equity-settled 
  share-based 
  payments                 -                          -                      -         -             -        878       878 
 Dividends paid            -                          -            -         -         -             -    (2,458)   (2,458) 
 
 Balance at 31 
  December 2017          567                      3,331          195   (3,845)        58             -     29,442    29,748 
 Retained Profit           -                          -            -         -         -             -        341       341 
 Loss on FVOCI 
  financial assets 
  net of tax               -                          -            -         -      (29)             -          -      (29) 
 Reclassification 
  from FVOCI 
  to FVTPL                 -                          -            -         -      (29)             -          -      (29) 
------------------  --------  -------------------------  -----------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                   -                          -            -         -      (58)             -        341       283 
 Transfer of 
  shares to 
  employee 
  share plans              -                          -            -        41         -             -          -        41 
 Transfer of 
  shares from 
  share 
  plans to 
  employees                -                          -            -       412         -             -      (412)         - 
 Acquisition of 
  own shares               -                          -            -   (1,868)         -             -          -   (1,868) 
 Credit to equity 
  for 
  equity-settled 
  share-based 
  payments                 -                          -                      -         -             -        621       621 
 Dividends paid            -                          -            -         -         -             -    (2,484)   (2,484) 
------------------  --------  -------------------------  -----------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 Balance at 31 
  December 2017          567                      3,331          195   (5,260)         -             -     27,508    26,341 
------------------  --------  -------------------------  -----------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 
 

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements

1. Accounting policies

General information

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Cenkos Securities plc (the "Company" or "Cenkos") together with its subsidiaries (the "Group") for the six months ended 30 June 2018 are unaudited and were approved by the Board of Directors for issue on 17 September 2018.

The Company is incorporated in England under the Companies Act 2006 (company registration No. 05210733) and its shares are publicly traded. The Group's principal activity is as an institutional stockbroker to UK small and mid- cap companies and investment funds. These financial statements are presented in pounds sterling because that is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union 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. 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 financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain financial instruments.

Prior year comparatives have been amended to conform to the presentation in the current period due to the treatment of discontinued operations as required by IFRS 5 in the consolidated income statement.

Basis of accounting

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2018 have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard ("IAS") 34 Interim Financial Reporting. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 except for the adoption of new standards in the period as mentioned below. These financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union.

The financial information contained in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements does not constitute the Group's statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The comparative information contained in this report for the year ended 31 December 2017 does not constitute the statutory accounts for that financial period. Those accounts have been reported on by the Company's auditors Ernst & Young LLP and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors was unqualified and did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

Going concern

The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development and performance, its principal risks and uncertainties, the financial position of the Group, its cash flows and liquidity position are set out in the Strategic Report in the Group's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2017.

The Directors are satisfied that the Group has sufficient resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future, a period of not less than 12 months from the date of this report. Accordingly, the Directors continue to adopt a going concern basis in preparing the interim financial statements.

2. Dividends

 
                                                                     Six 
                                                    Six months    months          Year 
                                                         ended     ended         ended 
                                                       30 June   30 June   31 December 
                                                          2018      2017          2017 
                                                                     GBP 
                                                     GBP 000's     000's     GBP 000's 
------------  ------------  ---  ----------------  -----------  --------  ------------ 
 Amounts recognised as distributions 
  to equity holders in the period: 
 Final dividend for the year ended 
  31 December 2017 of 4.5p (2016: 
  5.0p) per share                                        2,484     2,743         2,743 
 Interim dividend for the period 
  to 30 June 2017 of 4.5p (2016: 
  1.0p) per share                                            -         -         2,458 
 
                                                         2,484     2,743         5,201 
 
 
 The proposed interim dividend for 30 June 2018 of 
  2.0p (30 June 2017: 4.5p) per share was approved 
  by the Board on 17 September 2018 and has not been 
  included as a liability as at 30 June 2018. The dividend 
  will be payable on 2 November 2018 to all shareholders 
  on the register at 5 October 2018. 
 Under the Compensatory Award Plan ("CAP"), as described 
  in the 2017 Annual Report, the payment of a dividend 
  to ordinary shareholders will trigger a cash payment 
  to holders of options under the CAP. The payment 
  of this interim dividend will increase staff costs 
  by GBP0.2 million in the second half of 2018 (4.5p 
  2017 interim dividend increased staff costs by GBP0.5 
  million in the second half of 2017). 
 
 
 

3. Events after the reporting period

On 1 August 2018 Cenkos entered into an agreement to acquire the Nominated Adviser and Corporate Broker business of Smith and Williamson. Under the terms of the agreement, Cenkos has agreed to pay Smith and Williamson deferred consideration equal to 20% of all corporate finance fees earned by the business from existing clients transferring to Cenkos during the 12 months following completion, capped to a maximum amount of GBP2m. Apart from this, there were no material events to report on that occurred between 30 June 2018 and the date at which the Directors signed this Interim Report.

4. Market abuse regulation (MAR) disclosure

Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed to be inside information for the purposes of article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 until the release of this announcement.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

IR FMGMLNNDGRZM

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September 18, 2018 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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