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Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Harwood Wealth Management Group Plc | LSE:HW. | London | Ordinary Share | GB00BYYWB172 | ORD 0.25P |
Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.00 | 0.00% | 142.50 | 0.00 | 01:00:00 |
Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
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0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
TIDMHW.
RNS Number : 3427T
Harwood Wealth Management Group PLC
03 July 2018
3 July 2018
Harwood Wealth Management Group PLC
("HWMG" or the "Group")
Unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 April 2018
Harwood Wealth Management Group (AIM: HW.), a leading UK-based financial planning and discretionary wealth management business, is pleased to announce its unaudited consolidated interim results for the six months ended 30 April 2018.
Financial highlights:
-- Assets under influence (AUI) up 30% to GBP4.3bn (H1 2017: GBP3.3bn)
o 37% of this growth was through acquisition
-- Revenue up 44% to GBP15.1m (H1 2017: GBP10.5m) of which approximately 68% is recurring -- Gross profit up 39% to GBP6.8m (H1 2017: GBP4.9m)
-- Gross margin at 45% (H1 2017: 47%), reflecting the full impact of the acquisition of Network Direct, a naturally lower margin business
-- Adjusted EBITDA[1] up 50% to GBP2.7m (H1 2017: GBP1.8m) -- EPS increased to 0.91p (H1 2017: 0.27p)
-- Net cash generated by operations of GBP2.2m (H1 2017: GBP1.5m) and total cash balances at the period end of GBP13.9m (H1 2017: GBP19.8m)
-- Interim dividend of 1.08 pence per share (H1 2017: 1.00) proposed
-- Nine acquisitions completed during the period for an aggregate consideration of GBP10.9m (GBP9.2m net of cash acquired)
Peter Mann, Chairman of Harwood Wealth Management Group, commented:
"The first half of the year has seen substantial progress, with the Group delivering profitable growth across all its divisions, achieved in line with our clear growth strategy. Harwood completed nine acquisitions in the period, many of which were on a larger scale than those executed in previous years. These acquisitions are important not only in boosting our earnings but also building the Group's capabilities and driving future growth. To date, all companies acquired have integrated well and are performing as expected.
Through maintaining the highest levels of service to our clients, providing advice and solutions truly appropriate to their needs, the Group continues to build on its strong client relationships as well as attracting an ever-increasing number of external mandates.
The Group's growth strategy remains appropriate to the market place we serve today, as demonstrated by the strong results achieved thus far and continued momentum into the second half. With strong visibility on revenues and an excellent pipeline of acquisition opportunities available to us, we look forward to the remainder of the year and beyond with confidence."
For further information please contact:
Harwood Wealth Management Group plc Alan Durrant, Chief Executive Officer +44 (0)23 9355 2004 N+1 Singer Advisory LLP Shaun Dobson Ben Farrow +44 (0)20 7496 3000 Alma PR Rebecca Sanders-Hewett / Susie Hudson +44 (0)20 8004 4218
Website
www.harwoodwealth.co.uk
CEO's statement
Introduction
The Group remains focused on delivering profitable growth in three areas: organic, through both the existing client base and attracting new clients; acquisitions of small to medium sized financial advisory and wealth management businesses which can help to fuel future organic growth; and improving the efficiency of our operations and economies of scale as the business grows.
Over the first half of the year we have made progress across all areas. The Group has continued to rapidly grow its client bank, alongside many of our existing clients choosing to expand their accounts with us as they turn to advisers they trust in order to navigate new tax and other legislative changes. It has also been a busy period for acquisitions, with the Group taking on nine quality businesses; the client portfolios of four IFA businesses and the entire issued share capital of five similar businesses. We are confident that they will be beneficial to our future growth and are pleased to note that they have benefitted from integration with Harwood as expected so far. The Group has begun to see the impacts of growing economies of scale, with more potential vendors approaching us directly and our administrative expenses as a ratio of revenues dropping.
Assets under influence (AUI) and assets under management (AUM)
-- Organic growth and asset market price movement accounted for 63% of the growth in AUI to GBP4.3bn (H1 2017: GBP3.3bn).
-- AUM doubled to GBP1.6bn (2017 H1: GBP0.8bn). This growth has been delivered primarily through our strategy of acquiring client portfolios and providing suitable investment solutions that meet each individual client's needs.
-- External mandates successes, including Frenkel Topping, boosted AUM and the investment performance of the centralised investment proposition continues to attract new clients. Being selected to manage mandates such as these is further validation of the strength of our investment management credentials. Wellian Investment Solutions was also awarded Platinum awards for the Best-Balanced Portfolio and the Best-Aggressive Portfolio in the boutique firm category at the Portfolio Adviser Wealth Manager Awards in January 2018.
Revenue analysis
6 Months 6 Months Year ended ended ended 30-Apr-18 30-Apr-17 31-Oct-17 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Restated Revenues GBP'm GBP'm GBP'm Financial Planning 6.6 6.1 12.9 Investment Management 2.1 1.4 3.2 Network 6.4 3.0 9.8 15.1 10.5 25.9 ========== ========== ==========
All three business divisions contributed to the 44% growth in revenue.
-- The Financial Planning business delivered an increase in income of 8%. Acquisitions accounted for a 5-percentage point revenue growth and the balance being net organic growth. The Financial Planning division also grew the AUM of the Group's centralised investment proposition by 28% to GBP648m (H1 2017: GBP506m).
-- The Investment Management business grew revenues 50%, with mandates driven by the discretionary fund management subsidiary accounting for 81% of the growth. The balance was delivered from the Financial Planning business as highlighted above.
-- The full period impact of the Network Direct acquisition led the growth in the Network Services division. This division was the major revenue growth driver over the period and accounted for 74% of the growth in revenue to GBP15.1m from GBP10.5m.
Organic growth accounted for GBP0.7m of the revenue increase over the period, a 7% organic growth rate. It is estimated that 68% of the Group's total revenue is of a recurring nature. The Network Direct business has a lower recurring income stream of just over 50% because there was previously no investment management offering within the business. The Group's recurring revenue excluding the Network Direct impact is estimated to be 84%.
Gross profit and margins
Overall gross profit has improved by 39% to GBP6.8m (H1 2017: GBP4.9m) with all divisions showing an increase to the prior period. The improvement in the Financial Planning gross margins results from acquisitive activity. As highlighted earlier, the Investment Management AUM has grown strongly but some of the large organic mandate successes have naturally been at a lower gross margin. Network Direct is a structurally different business and a gross margin of 9% is as expected. The full period impact of this acquisition has driven the blended gross margin's decline to 45% (H1 2017: 47%). The gross margin excluding Network Direct increased to 71% (H1 2017: 64%).
6 Months 6 Months Year ended ended ended 30-Apr-18 30-Apr-17 31-Oct-17 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Restated Source of gross profits and margin GBP'm % GBP'm % GBP'm % Financial Planning 4.3 65 3.5 57 7.4 57 Investment Management 1.9 90 1.3 93 3.0 94 Network 0.6 9 0.1 3 0.8 8 6.8 45 4.9 47 11.2 43 ========== === ========== === ========== ===
Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses increased to GBP5.5m from GBP4.2m as the scale of the Group's operations continues to grow. Pleasingly, the ratio of administrative expenses to revenue fell to 36% from 40% as the Group benefits from economies of scale and a close focus on cost control. Administrative expenses include amortisation of GBP1.4m (H1 2017: GBP1.2m).
Administrative expenses excluding amortisation and depreciation increased to GBP4.1m from GBP3.0m and as a percentage of revenue decreased to 27% from 29%.
Exceptional items
In the period under review, some final deferred consideration payments in connection with prior period acquisitions were settled. These payments were contingent on actual recurring revenues received. At the time of completion, the deferred consideration was estimated based on the expected future recurring revenue. If the actual revenue is higher than expected, the final contingent consideration is also higher than the deferred consideration on the balance sheet and the difference is written off (or written on if the actual revenue is lower) to the profit and loss. The net write-off in the period was GBP123,000 (H1 2017: GBP20,000).
Profitability
The primary measure of profitability in the sector is adjusted EBITDA, being earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation and exceptional items. Adjusted EBITDA for the period showed growth of 50% to GBP2.7m (H1 2017: GBP1.8m).
The profit before taxation of GBP932,000 was 6.2% of revenue (H1 2017: 3.1%).
Cash
In the six months under review, the net cash generated by operations was GBP2.2m, the net cash used in investing activities was GBP6.6m and the net cash used in financing activities was GBP0.6m. Discounted deferred consideration liabilities on the balance sheet total GBP7.1m of which GBP5.0m is payable within 12 months. The Group had no debt or borrowings at the period end and had a cash balance of GBP13.9m, down by GBP5.0m during the period.
After taking account of the deferred consideration liabilities (GBP7.1m), the dividend payable (GBP1.4m) and the Financial Conduct Authority's financial resource requirements (GBP1.8m), the amount of "free" cash available for acquisitions was GBP3.6m.
Financial advisers, network members and staff headcount
The number of financial advisers increased to 94 (H1 2017: 83). Network Direct members, who are not employees, stood at 87 (H1 2017: 90). Total staff headcount grew to 138 (H1 2017: 112). The Group welcomed the new advisers to support our organic and acquisitive growth strategy and continues to seek additional high-quality advisers.
Acquisitions
The Group completed the asset acquisition of the client portfolios of four IFA businesses and the entire issued share capital of another five similar businesses for an aggregate consideration of GBP10.9m (GBP9.2m net of cash acquired). These were acquired in line with the Group's rigorous selection model using a multiple of recurring revenue and an earn-out contingent on actual results. Integration of these businesses has progressed well and performing as expected.
Post period end non-binding heads of terms have been entered into with a further 18 potential business vendors.
We continue to see a strong pipeline of high quality businesses looking to engage with us. Some are driven by specific factors such as increasing capital adequacy costs or the need to invest in new technology. In other cases, the principals have simply reached a stage of their career at which they wish to retire. Whilst we recognise that there have always been competitors in the market looking for acquisitions, we do not sense any change in the number of such competitors. As a well-funded business that has a proven expertise in efficiently buying businesses, and with a culture that focuses on customers, clients and people, we are an attractive choice for anyone seeking to sell their business. Our increased profile since joining AIM has led to a greater number of potential vendors approaching us directly.
Dividends
Harwood has a progressive dividend policy in place and, in line with this, a final dividend of 2.24 pence per ordinary share in respect of the year ended 31 October 2017 was approved by shareholders at the Company's Annual General Meeting held on 18 April 2018. The final dividend, a total of GBP1.4m, was paid on 11 May 2018. The directors are proposing an interim dividend of 1.08 pence per share to be paid to shareholders on 9 November 2018 based on the register of shareholders at close of business on 26 October 2018.
Outlook
Our strategy is to deliver profitable growth, both organic and through acquisitions. The Group has successfully completed 69 acquisitions to date and has a healthy pipeline of potential acquisitions at various stages of progression for which the Directors are reviewing various financing options. The Directors are encouraged by the ongoing momentum in our investment management businesses which continue to add assets without increasing investment management costs. It is also pleasing to report that the demand for financial advice from clients has never been greater, driven in part by tax and other legislative changes, most notably pension freedoms.
We have a strong balance sheet and cash reserves and are confident that our clear strategy will continue to deliver strong and profitable growth.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my colleagues for their hard work in delivering excellence to our clients. To our clients I say thank you for the ongoing trust you place in us to deliver you the performance and service you seek.
Alan Durrant
Chief Executive Officer
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 6 Months 6 Months Year ended ended ended 30-Apr-18 30-Apr-17 31-Oct-17 Unaudited Unaudited Restated Audited Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Revenue 15,135 10,509 25,885 Cost of sales (8,289) (5,652) (14,719) Gross profit 6,846 4,857 11,166 Administrative expenses (5,528) (4,246) (9,410) Exceptional items 3 (123) (20) - Operating profit 1,195 591 1,756 Investment income 15 12 19 Finance costs (278) (273) (577) Profit before taxation 932 330 1,198 Income tax charge 4 (365) (180) (492) Profit and total comprehensive income for the period attributable to equity owners of parent 567 150 706 ========== ========== ========== Earnings per share pence pence pence Basic and fully diluted 6 0.91 0.27 1.19 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 6 Months 6 Months Year ended ended ended 30-Apr-18 30-Apr-17 31-Oct-17 Unaudited Unaudited Audited GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Non-current assets Intangible assets 24,437 15,640 15,033 Property, plant and equipment 35 21 24 24,472 15,661 15,057 ---------- ---------- ---------- Current assets Trade and other receivables 1,283 833 1,075 Cash and cash equivalents 13,914 19,798 18,959 15,197 20,631 20,034 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total assets 39,669 36,292 35,091 ---------- ---------- ---------- Current liabilities Trade and other payables 6,383 3,416 5,160 Accruals and deferred income 1,244 1,455 1,284 Current tax liabilities 651 586 474 Dividends payable 1,401 1,251 - 9,679 6,708 6,918 ---------- ---------- ---------- Net current assets 5,518 13,923 13,116 ---------- ---------- ---------- Non-current liabilities Trade and other payables 2,125 2,023 252 Deferred tax liabilities 2,564 1,357 1,161 4,689 3,380 1,413 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total liabilities 14,368 10,088 8,331 ---------- ---------- ---------- Net assets 25,301 26,204 26,760 ========== ========== ========== Equity
Called up share capital 156 156 156 Share premium account 25,500 25,500 25,500 Retained earnings (355) 548 1,104 Total equity attributable to the owners of the parent 25,301 26,204 26,760 ========== ========== ========== Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity Attributable to the owners of the parent Share Share premium Retained capital account earnings Total GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Balance at 1 November 2016 139 15,541 1,649 17,329 Profit and total comprehensive income for the period - - 150 150 -------- -------- --------- -------- Issue of share capital 17 10,414 - 10,431 Dividends - - (1,251) (1,251) Costs of share issue - (455) - (455) Total transactions with owners recognised directly in equity 17 9,959 (1,251) 8,725 -------- -------- --------- -------- Balance at 30 April 2017 156 25,500 548 26,204 -------- -------- --------- -------- Profit and total comprehensive income for the period - - 556 556 Balance at 31 October 2017 156 25,500 1,104 26,760 -------- -------- --------- -------- Profit and total comprehensive income for the period - - 567 567 -------- -------- --------- -------- Dividends payable - - (2,026) (2,026) Total transactions with owners recognised directly in equity - - (2,026) (2,026) -------- -------- --------- -------- Balance at 30 April 2018 156 25,500 (355) 25,301 -------- -------- --------- -------- Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 6 Months 6 Months Year ended ended ended 30-Apr-18 30-Apr-17 31-Oct-17 Unaudited Unaudited Audited GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Cash flows from operating activities Profit before income tax 932 330 1,198 Non-cash adjustments Depreciation and amortisation 1,390 1,209 2,563 Net finance costs 263 261 558 Working capital adjustments (Increase) in trade and other receivables (144) (73) (316) Increase in trade and other payables 225 449 917 Cash inflow from operating activities 2,666 2,176 4,920 Income tax paid (466) (681) (1,212) Interest paid - - - Net cash generated by operations 2,200 1,495 3,708 ---------- ---------- ---------- Investing activities Purchase of intangible assets (1,622) (608) (1,690) Purchase of property, plant and equipment (13) (3) (12) Interest received 15 12 19 Acquisition of subsidiaries net of cash acquired (5,000) (1,600) (2,317) Net cash used in investing activities (6,620) (2,199) (4,000) ---------- ---------- ---------- Financing activities Proceeds from issue of shares (net of costs) - 9,976 9,976 Dividends paid (625) - (1,251) Net cash (used in)/generated from (625) 9,976 8,725 ---------- ---------- ---------- financing activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents (5,045) 9,272 8,433 Cash and cash equivalents brought forward 18,959 10,526 10,526 Cash and cash equivalents carried forward 13,914 19,798 18,959 ---------- ---------- ----------
Notes to the interim financial information
1. General Information
The interim financial information is unaudited. This condensed consolidated interim financial information was approved by the Directors and authorised for issue on 3 July 2018.
Harwood Wealth Management Group plc is a public limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The Group's business activities are principally the provision of financial advice and investment management to the retail market. The address of the registered office is 5 Lancer House, Hussar Court, Westside View, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO7 7SE. The Company is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
2. Basis of preparation and Accounting Policies
Basis of preparation
The Group has not applied IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, which is not mandatory for UK AIM listed companies, in the preparation of this half-yearly report.
This condensed, consolidated interim financial information for the six months ended 30 April 2018 does not comply, therefore with all the requirements of IAS 34, "Interim financial reporting" as adopted by the European Union. The consolidated interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements of Harwood Wealth Management Group plc for the year ended 31 October 2017, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union.
This condensed consolidated interim financial information does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 October 2017 were approved by the Board of directors on 22 January 2018 and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors on those accounts was unqualified, did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain any statement under sections 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
Accounting policies
The accounting policies used in the preparation of the financial information for the six months ended 30 April 2018 are in accordance with the recognition and measurement criteria of International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union (EU) and are consistent with those which will be adopted in the annual statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2018.
While the financial information included has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement criteria of IFRS, as adopted by the EU, these financial statements do not contain sufficient information to comply with IFRSs.
Basis of consolidation
These interim consolidated financial statements consolidate the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings as at 30 April 2018. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control may cease. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company, using consistent accounting policies.
Restatement of comparatives
Revenue from network services, which is a network of Appointed Representative financial advisers comprises firstly the initial fees receivable from clients on inception of a new policy or investment product, and then the recurring service fees (trail income) that follow. On 1 February 2017, the Group acquired the entire share capital of Network Direct Limited (NDL). The initial accounting treatment for network services revenue arising from this acquisition were recorded in the H1 2017 unaudited interim results net of any Appointed Representative payments for services in connection with the initial or recurring fees. The accounting treatment was amended in the full year audited accounts following a detailed assessment of the commercial and legal arrangements in place.
The effect of the adjustment on the comparative figures is as follows:
Revenue Cost of sales Gross profit Period ended 30 April 2017 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 As previously reported 7,791 (2,934) 4,857 Adjustment 2,718 (2,718) - As restated 10,509 (5,652) 4,857 3. Exceptional items
In the period under review, some final deferred consideration payments in connection with prior period acquisitions were settled. These payments were contingent on actual recurring revenues received. At the time of completion, the deferred consideration was estimated based on the expected future recurring revenue. If the actual revenue is higher than expected, the final contingent consideration is also higher than the deferred consideration on the balance sheet and the difference is written off (or written on if the actual revenue is lower) to the profit and loss. The net write-off in the period was GBP123,000 (H1 2017: GBP20,000).
4. Taxation
An analysis of the income tax charge for the period is detailed below:
6 Months 6 Months Year ended ended ended 30-Apr-18 30-Apr-17 31-Oct-17 Unaudited Unaudited Audited GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Current tax Total current tax charge 497 356 769 Deferred tax Origination and reversal of temporary differences (132) (109) (210) Effect of change in tax rate - (67) (67) Total deferred tax charge (132) (176) (277) Total tax charge 365 180 492 ========== ========== ========== 5. Business combinations
In the period the Group completed the acquisitions of the entire share capital of Finance For Life Ltd (FFL), Anthony Harding & Partners Ltd (AH&P), Wealth Planning Services Ltd (WPL), AE Financial Services Ltd (AEFS) and Fund Management Ltd (FM) for a total consideration of GBP9.1m. The assets and liabilities acquired were as follows:
FFL AH&P WPS AEFS FM Total GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Acquired client portfolio 1,080 1,283 363 5,063 1,234 9,023 Tangible assets - - - 5 - 5 Receivables - - - 63 - 63 Cash & cash equivalents - - - 1,660 36 1,696 Trade and other payables - - - (1) - (1) Accruals and deferred income - - - (29) - (29) Current tax - - - (130) (16) (146) Deferred tax (183) (218) (62) (861) (210) (1,534) Net assets acquired 897 1,065 301 5,770 1,044 9,077 Goodwill arising - - - - - - The business combination has been recognised as follows: Cash on completion 486 591 170 3,897 566 5,710 Contingent cash consideration 411 474 131 1,873 478 3,367 Total consideration 897 1,065 301 5,770 1,044 9,077 Less cash acquired - - - (1,660) (36) (1,696) Total consideration less cash acquired 897 1,065 301 4,110 1,008 7,381
The initial accounting has not yet been completed in respect of all acquisitions and therefore the values are provisional.
In addition, four acquired client portfolios have been purchased in the period for a consideration of GBP1.8m, of which GBP1.0m was payable in cash on completion and the balance of GBP0.8m on deferred terms.
6. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share are calculated using a weighted average number of shares of 62,542,927 for the period (H1 2017: 56,049,966). Adjusted EBITDA per share has also been shown, as it is a common metric used by the market to monitor similar businesses.
6 Months 6 Months Year ended ended ended 30-Apr-18 30-Apr-17 31-Oct-17 Unaudited Unaudited Audited GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Profit for the period 567 150 706 Income tax 365 180 492 Net finance expense 263 261 558 Depreciation 7 6 11 Amortisation 1,383 1,203 2,552 Exceptional items 123 20 - Adjusted EBITDA 2,708 1,820 4,319 Statutory EPS - pence 0.91 0.27 1.19 Basic adjusted EBITDA per share - pence 4.33 3.25 7.28 7. 2017 dividends
On 10 November 2017 the Company paid an interim dividend of 1.00 pence per ordinary share totalling GBP0.6m.
At the Company's Annual General Meeting held on 18 April 2018, the Shareholders approved a final dividend of 2.24 pence per ordinary share totalling GBP1.4m payable on the 11 May 2018. This is included as a current liability in the consolidated statement of financial position for the six months period ended 30 April 2018.
All Ordinary Shares carry equal dividend rights.
As a holding company, the ability of the Group to pay dividends will principally depend upon dividends paid to it by its operating subsidiaries.
[1] Adjusted EBITDA, being earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and exceptional costs, is a non IFRS measure which the Group uses to assess its performance.
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.
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July 03, 2018 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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