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 monitor Customisable watchlists with full streaming quotes from leading exchanges, such as LSE, NASDAQ, NYSE, AMEX, Bovespa, BIT and more.

LIO Liontrust Asset Management Plc

694.00
-1.00 (-0.14%)
03 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Liontrust Asset Management Plc LSE:LIO London Ordinary Share GB0007388407 ORD 1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -1.00 -0.14% 694.00 696.00 697.00 709.00 693.00 698.00 215,699 16:35:17
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Unit Inv Tr, Closed-end Mgmt 243.34M 39.33M 0.6160 11.30 444.38M

Liontrust Asset Management PLC Half-year Report (9511H)

21/11/2018 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Liontrust Asset Management (LSE:LIO)
Historical Stock Chart


From May 2019 to May 2024

Click Here for more Liontrust Asset Management Charts.

TIDMLIO

RNS Number : 9511H

Liontrust Asset Management PLC

21 November 2018

Embargoed until 0700 hours, Wednesday 21 November 2018

LIONTRUST ASSET MANAGEMENT PLC

HALF YEARLY REPORT FOR THE SIX MONTHSED

30 SEPTEMBER 2018

Liontrust Asset Management Plc ("Liontrust", the "Company", or the "Group"), the independent fund management group, today announces its Half Yearly Report for the six months ended 30 September 2018.

Results:

   --     Adjusted profit before tax* of GBP14.5 million (2017: GBP12.0 million), an increase of 21% 

-- Profit before tax of GBP7.8 million (2017: GBP3.1 million (restated - see note 10)), an increase of 149%. This includes costs of GBP6.7 million (2017: GBP8.4 million) relating to the amortisation of the related intangible asset and other non-cash and non-recurring costs (see note 5 below)

   --     Gross Profit of GBP41 million (2017: GBP35 million), an increase of 19%. 

Dividend:

-- First Interim dividend per share of 7.0 pence (2017: 5.0 pence), which will be payable on 4 January 2019, the shares going ex-dividend on 29 November 2018.

Assets under management:

   --     On 30 September 2018, assets under management ("AuM") were GBP12.0 billion. 
   --     Assets under management as at close of business on 19 November 2018 were GBP11.5 billion 

*This is an Alternative Performance Measure ('APM') see note 2.

Flows:

   --     Net inflows for the period to 30 September 2018 of GBP723 million (2017: GBP178 million) 

Commenting on the results, John Ions, Chief Executive, said:

"It has been another successful six months for Liontrust in which we have continued to make progress in growing and developing the business. We have had strong sales, increased profits and invested across the Company to enable us to continue our expansion.

Net inflows for the first half of our financial year were GBP723 million. This was a strong performance given the environment of investor, economic and political uncertainty. The level of this achievement is shown by the fact that for the third quarter of 2018, Liontrust had the 5(th) highest net onshore and offshore sales across institutional and retail markets.*

These sales demonstrate the demand for truly active fund managers with proven track records of adding value to investors' portfolios. Even with the IA UK All Companies being out of favour with investors, the Liontrust Special Situations Fund continues to attract large net inflows and was the 4(th) best-selling fund in onshore and offshore markets over the third quarter of 2018.*

Increased volatility, which we have seen in equity and bond markets, is usually a positive for us. Investors become more discerning and look for fund managers who have a robust process, a good track record of being able to handle such an environment and of superior stock selection. With the gradual withdrawal of central bank support, for example, active management and having the ability to be flexible will become increasingly important when investing in bond markets.

We are benefiting from the growing demand for sustainable investment, with the AuM of our team growing from GBP2.5 billion when we acquired them on 1 April 2017 to GBP3.4 billion. This is because an increasing number of institutions and investors realise sustainable is a proven investment style and an ever growing number of people care about how they make their money as well as how much money they make.

We are confident the AuM will continue to increase given the experience and long track record of our Sustainable Investment team, their extensive knowledge and expertise and the integration of ESG with their investment decisions.

Our brand awareness and perception is strong, which is reiterated by the independent recognition Liontrust receives. We won the Specialist Management Group of the Year (over GBP10bn in AuM) Award at the IW Specialist Investment Awards in October, with the judges highlighting the successful integration of new teams at Liontrust and our community engagement programme.

To support and aid the continued growth of Liontrust, we have been strengthening the infrastructure of the business. We are consolidating all outsourced fund services for our UK and Ireland ranges into one provider: Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited (BNYM). Our acquisition of Alliance Trust Investments last year resulted in a total of five asset servicing relationships across the Liontrust business and moving to a single partner will help us to achieve our strategic objectives.

The development of the infrastructure of the business, the excellence of our fund management capability and the strength of our distribution gives me great confidence about the future growth of Liontrust."

*Source: The Pridham Report, which is published by Pridham and Pridham Ltd on a quarterly basis.

Non-executive Chairman Retirement

The Board of Liontrust announces that Adrian Collins will retire as Non-executive Chairman of the Company at its 2019 AGM. Alastair Barbour becomes Non-executive Deputy Chairman with immediate effect and will succeed Adrian Collins as Non-executive Chairman immediately after the 2019 AGM.

Adrian Collins, Non-executive Chairman, said: "I have had a wonderful nine years as Chairman of Liontrust. It has been exciting, and a lot of fun, to transform the business and successfully grow Liontrust into the high profile and respected company it is today. I am confident that with John Ions and Vinay Abrol at the helm, and a great team working with them, Liontrust will continue to flourish. I would like to thank my fellow Non-executive Directors, John, Vinay and everyone else at Liontrust for their hard work and support. I will continue to follow Liontrust with interest."

John Ions, Chief Executive, said: "I want to thank Adrian Collins for his outstanding contribution to the Board and Company over a period of time that has seen significant change for our business. I would also personally like to express my thanks for the support and advice Adrian has given me since becoming Chief Executive, this has been invaluable.

I'm delighted that Alastair Barbour will succeed Adrian as Non-executive Chairman. He has considerable experience of both asset management and finance, which will be key as we continue to invest in and grow the business."

Alastair Barbour, Non-executive Deputy Chairman, said: "I am delighted to become Non-executive Deputy Chairman, and from the 2019 AGM Non-executive Chairman. Adrian has made a fantastic contribution to Liontrust and I look forward to working with the Board to ensure the business maintains its growth."

For further information please contact:

   Liontrust Asset Management                                                     020 7412 1700 

John Ions, Vinay Abrol www.liontrust.co.uk

Simon Hildrey - Chief Marketing Officer

   Numis Securities Limited                                                             020 7260 1000 

Charles Farquhar

   Macquarie Capital (Europe) Limited                                       020 3037 2000 

Advisory - Jonny Allison, Kavita Choitram

Corporate Broking - Alex Reynolds, Nicholas Harland

Chairman's Statement

Introduction

When Liontrust announced the full year results on 16 June 2016, our AuM was GBP4.8 billion with net inflows of GBP255 million for the financial year. Exactly a week later, the UK went to the polls and voted to leave the EU. We have experienced an unprecedented period of political turbulence over the subsequent past two and a half years with still no certainty over how we will be leaving the EU and what kind of deal we will secure. The political unpredictability and consequential economic uncertainty, however, have not stopped the progress of investment markets or the development of Liontrust since 2016.

This development of the business is shown by the strong results that Liontrust has delivered for the first half of the financial year to 30 September 2018. Our AuM has increased to GBP12 billion, our net flows for the past six months have been GBP723 million and adjusted profit before tax is GBP14.538 million. The success over the past six months means we are declaring a First Interim dividend of 7.0 pence per share, an increase from 5.0 pence last year.

This success has been driven by the quality of our management team, the strength of our fund management capability and the power of our distribution. The rolling 24-hour news service means there is increasing political, economic and market noise. It is vital for our fund managers and the business not to get distracted by this. Our fund management teams have rigorous and robust investment processes to ensure the way they manage money is repeatable and predictable for investors.

Likewise, the business must remain focused, knowing when to take advantage of opportunities and knowing when not to make a decision to do something. We continue to focus on those areas of investment where we believe we can add long-term value for investors, on providing top-quality service for our clients and communicating in a clear and timely manner.

I have decided to retire as Non-executive Chairman of Liontrust at the AGM in 2019. By announcing my retirement now, we can ensure a smooth succession. I will be replaced by Alastair Barbour, who will be an excellent Non-executive Chairman.

I am delighted that over the nine years I have been Chairman we have been able to transform and grow the business so successfully. I would like to thank my fellow Non-executive Directors for their dedication and support. John Ions and Vinay Abrol have done a fantastic job in driving the business forward and putting in place such a strong group of people across the Company.

I will be leaving the Company in excellent hands when I retire next year.

Results

Profit before tax is GBP7.820 million (2017: GBP3.138 million (restated - see note 10)).

Adjusted profit before tax was GBP14.538 million (2017: GBP12.002 million). Adjusted profit before tax is disclosed in order to give shareholders an indication of the profitability of the Group excluding non-cash (depreciation, intangible asset amortisation and share incentivisation related) expenses and non-recurring (professional fees relating to acquisition, cost reduction, restructuring, share incentivisation and severance compensation related) expenses ("Adjustments"), see note 5 below for a reconciliation of adjusted profit (or loss) before tax.

Dividend

In accordance with the Company's dividend policy, and to create more balance between the First and Second Interim dividends, the Board is declaring a First Interim dividend of 7.0 pence per share (2017: 5.0 pence) which will be payable on 4 January 2019 to shareholders who are on the register as at 30 November 2018, the shares going ex-dividend on 29 November 2018.

The Company has a Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("DRIP") that allows shareholders to reinvest dividends to purchase additional shares in the Company. For shareholders to apply the proceeds of this and future dividends to the DRIP, application forms must be received by the Company's Registrars by no later than 14 December 2018. Existing participants in the DRIP will automatically have the dividend reinvested. Details on the DRIP can be obtained from Link Asset Services on 0371 664 0381 or at www.signalshares.com. (Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate. Lines are open between 09:00 - 17:30, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales).

Funds under Management

On 30 September 2018, our AuM stood at GBP12.045 billion and were broken down by type and process as follows:-

 
                                                                              Offshore 
         Process           Total    Institutional   UK Retail   Multi-Asset     Funds 
                           (GBPm)      (GBPm)        (GBPm)       (GBPm)       (GBPm) 
 Cashflow Solution          1,008             553         334             -        121 
 Economic Advantage         5,962             397       5,467             -         98 
 Macro Thematic               261              84         165             -         12 
 European Income              199               -         199             -          - 
 Asia                         122               -         112             -         10 
 Sustainable Investment     3,390              30       3,203             -        157 
 Global Fixed 
  Income                      272               -         126             -        146 
 Multi-Asset                  786               -           -           786          - 
 Indexed                       45               -          45             -          - 
 Total                     12,045           1,064       9,651           786        544 
 

On 19 November 2018, our AuM was GBP11.507 billion.

Funds Flows

The net inflows over the six months to 30 September 2018 are GBP723 million (2017: GBP178 million). A reconciliation of fund flows and AuM over the half year is as follows:-

 
                                                                                  Offshore 
                                Total   Institutional   UK Retail   Multi-Asset      Funds 
                                 GBPm            GBPm        GBPm          GBPm       GBPm 
 
 Opening AuM - 1 April 
  2018                         10,475           1,144       8,201           700        430 
 
 Net flows                        723           (134)         707            61         89 
 
 Market and Investment 
  performance                     847              54         743            25         25 
 
 Closing AuM - 30 September 
  2018                         12,045           1,064       9,651           786        544 
 

Fund Performance (Quartile ranking)

 
                                 Quartile          Quartile    Quartile    Quartile       Launch 
                                 ranking -          ranking     ranking     ranking     Date/Manager 
                            Since Launch/Manager    - 5 year    - 3 year    - 1 year     Appointed 
                                 Appointed 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust UK Growth 
  Fund                               1                 1           1           1        25/03/2009 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust Special 
  Situations Fund                    1                 1           1           1        10/11/2005 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust UK Smaller 
  Companies Fund                     1                 1           1           1        08/01/1998 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust UK Micro 
  Cap Fund                           1                                         1        09/03/2016 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust Macro Equity 
  Income Fund                        1                 3           4           4        31/10/2003 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust Macro UK 
  Growth Fund                        2                 4           4           4        01/08/2002 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust European 
  Growth Fund                        1                 1           1           1        15/11/2006 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust Asia Income 
  Fund                               2                 3           3           4        05/03/2012 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust European 
  Income Fund                        4                 4           4           4        15/12/2005 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust European 
  Enhanced Income Fund 
  (Hedged)                           4                 4           4           4        30/04/2010 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust Global 
  Income Fund                        4                 4           3           3        03/07/2013 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust Monthly 
  Income Bond Fund                   1                 1           1           1        12/07/2010 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust SF Absolute 
  Growth Fund                        3                 1           1           1        19/02/2001 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust SF Corporate 
  Bond Fund                          1                 1           1           2        20/08/2012 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust SF Cautious 
  Managed Fund                       1                             2           1        23/07/2014 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust SF Defensive 
  Managed Fund                       1                             1           1        23/07/2014 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust SF European 
  Growth Fund                        2                 2           3           4        19/02/2001 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust SF Global 
  Growth Fund                        4                 2           1           1        19/02/2001 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust SF Managed 
  Fund                               2                 1           1           1        19/02/2001 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust UK Ethical 
  Fund                               2                 1           1           1        01/12/2000 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Liontrust SF UK Growth 
  Fund                               2                 1           1           1        19/02/2001 
------------------------  ----------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 

Source: Financial Express, total return (income reinvested and net of fees), to 30 September 2018 unless otherwise stated, based on primary share classes. The above funds are all UK authorised unit trusts or UK authorised ICVCs (primary share class). Liontrust FTSE 100 Tracker Fund (index fund) not included. Past performance is not a guide to the future; the value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise. Investors may not get back the amount originally subscribed. Quartile rankings correct as at 2 October 2018.

Outlook

We have successfully integrated the Global Fixed Income team into the business, having raised GBP272 million by 30 September, since they joined at the start of 2018 and have seen increasing demand for and flows into our Sustainable Investment team's funds. Over the past 18 months, these two teams have added to the excellent fund management capability we already had and have further diversified our offering.

With our enhanced distribution and broader client base in the UK and internationally, along with our investment across the business, I am confident Liontrust will continue to grow.

Adrian Collins

Non-executive Chairman

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Six months ended 30 September 2018

 
                                                         Six                 Six        Year 
                                                      months              months 
                                                          to                  to       ended 
                                                   30-Sep-18           30-Sep-17   31-Mar-18 
                                                 (unaudited)         (unaudited)   (audited) 
                                                                      (restated) 
                                    Notes            GBP'000             GBP'000     GBP'000 
 
 
 
 Revenue                              4               46,326              34,572      76,861 
 Cost of sales                        4              (5,150)                (25)        (50) 
---------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  ---------- 
 Gross profit                                         41,176              34,547      76,811 
 
 Realised profit on sale of 
  financial assets                                         1                   2           3 
 Unrealised profit on financial 
  assets                                                   -                   -       (142) 
 Contingent consideration on 
  ATI acquisition                    10                 (44)               (456)       (912) 
 Administration expenses              5             (33,316)            (30,957)    (63,450) 
---------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  ---------- 
 Operating profit                                      7,817               3,136      12,310 
 
 Interest receivable                                       3                   2           3 
---------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  ---------- 
 
 Profit before tax                                     7,820               3,138      12,313 
 
 Taxation                             7              (1,892)               (954)     (3,590) 
---------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  ---------- 
 
 Profit for the period                                 5,928               2,184       8,723 
 
 Other comprehensive income                                -                   -          33 
 
 Total comprehensive income                            5,928               2,184       8,756 
=================================  ======  =================  ==================  ========== 
 
                                                       Pence               Pence       Pence 
--------------------------------   ------  -----------------  ------------------  ---------- 
 Basic earnings per share             8                11.81                4.44       17.76 
 Diluted earnings per share           8                11.39                4.31       16.78 
---------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  ---------- 
 

Consolidated Balance Sheet

As at 30 September 2018

 
                                                    30-Sep-18                       30-Sep-17              31-Mar-18 
                                                  (unaudited)                     (unaudited)              (audited) 
                                                                                   (restated) 
                                Notes                 GBP'000                         GBP'000                GBP'000 
 Assets 
 Non current assets 
 Intangible assets                9                    12,514                          14,530                 13,521 
 Goodwill                        10                    11,872                          11,872                 11,872 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                                               615                             263                    207 
 Deferred tax assets                                        -                               -                      - 
  Total non current assets                             25,001                          26,665                 25,600 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------------------  ------------------------------  --------------------- 
 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other receivables                          139,766                          48,564                 79,080 
 Financial assets                11                     3,411                           1,545                  2,076 
 Cash and cash equivalents                             21,881                          22,619                 30,775 
-----------------------------  ------ 
 Total current assets                                 165,058                          72,728                111,931 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------------------  ------------------------------  --------------------- 
 
 Liabilities 
 Non current liabilities 
 DVBAP liability                                        (398)                           (788)                  (918) 
 Deferred tax liabilities                               (804)                           (998)                  (838) 
 ATI acquisition related 
  contingent consideration       10                   (2,956)                         (2,456)                (2,912) 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------------------  ------------------------------  --------------------- 
 Total non current 
  liabilities                                         (4,158)                         (4,242)                (4,668) 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------------------  ------------------------------  --------------------- 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                           (138,600)                        (51,831)               (83,104) 
 Corporation tax payable                                    -                            (58)                (1,403) 
 Total current liabilities                          (138,600)                        (51,889)               (84,507) 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------------------  ------------------------------  --------------------- 
 
 Net current assets                                    26,458                          20,839                 27,424 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------------------  ------------------------------  --------------------- 
 
 Net assets                                            47,301                          43,262                 48,356 
=============================  ======  ======================  ==============================  ===================== 
 
 Shareholders' equity 
 Ordinary shares                                          505                             495                    495 
 Share premium                                         19,745                          15,796                 15,796 
 Deferred consideration                                     -                           3,959                  3,959 
 Capital redemption reserve                                19                              19                     19 
 Retained earnings                                     30,924                          26,677                 31,853 
 Own shares held                                      (3,892)                         (3,684)                (3,766) 
 
 Total equity                                          47,301                          43,262                 48,356 
=============================  ======  ======================  ==============================  ===================== 
 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

Six months ended 30 September 2018

 
                                                               Six                       Six                      Year 
                                                            months                    months 
                                                                to                        to                     ended 
                                                         30-Sep-18                 30-Sep-17                 31-Mar-18 
                                                       (unaudited)               (unaudited)                 (audited) 
                                                           GBP'000                   GBP'000                   GBP'000 
 
 Cash flows from 
 operating activities 
 Cash inflow from 
  operations                                                44,222                    48,944                    88,032 
 Cash outflow from 
  operations                                              (36,816)                  (38,835)                  (60,783) 
 Cash (outflow)/inflow 
  from changes 
  in unit trust 
  receivables and 
  payables                                                 (3,155)                     4,233                        92 
-------------------------  ---------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 Net cash from operations                                    4,251                    14,342                    27,341 
 
 Interest received                                               3                         2                         3 
 Tax paid                                                  (3,409)                   (1,403)                   (2,774) 
                           ---------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 Net cash from operating 
  activities                                                   845                    12,941                    24,570 
-------------------------  ---------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 
 Cash flows from 
 investing activities 
 Purchase of property, 
  plant and 
  equipment                                                  (490)                     (146)                     (159) 
 Acquisition of Alliance 
  Trust 
  Investments net of cash                                        -                     (929)                     (929) 
 Purchase of DBVAP 
  Financial Asset                                          (1,629)                         -                     (920) 
 Sale of Financial Assets                                      752                         -                         - 
 Purchase of seeding 
 investments                                                 (323)                         -                         - 
 Sale of seeding 
  investments                                                  106                        54                        54 
                           ---------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 Net cash used in 
  investing activities                                     (1,584)                   (1,021)                   (1,954) 
-------------------------  ---------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 
 Cash flows from 
 financing activities 
 Purchase of own shares                                      (126)                     (848)                     (930) 
 Dividends paid                                            (8,029)                   (5,409)                   (7,867) 
-------------------------  ---------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 Net cash used in 
  financing activities                                     (8,155)                   (6,257)                   (8,797) 
 
 Net (decrease)/increase 
  in cash 
  and cash equivalents                                     (8,894)                     5,663                    13,819 
 Opening cash and cash 
  equivalents*                                              30,775                    16,956                    16,956 
 Closing cash and cash 
  equivalents                                               21,881                    22,619                    30,775 
=========================  =======================================  ========================  ======================== 
 

* Cash and cash equivalents consists only of cash balances.

Consolidated Statement of Change in Equity

Six months ended 30 September 2018

 
                              Share                   Share                       Deferred                Capital                    Retained                    Own shares     Total 
                            capital                 premium                  consideration             redemption                    earnings                          held    Equity 
 
                                GBP                     GBP                                                                                                                       GBP 
                               '000                    '000                       GBP '000               GBP '000                    GBP '000                      GBP '000      '000 
 
 Balance at 1 
  April 
  2018 brought 
  forward                       495                  15,796                          3,959                     19                      31,853                       (3,766)    48,356 
 Profit for the 
  period                          -                       -                              -                      -                       5,928                             -     5,928 
----------------  -----------------  ----------------------  -----------------------------  ---------------------  --------------------------  ----------------------------  -------- 
 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for the 
  period                          -                       -                              -                      -                       5,928                             -     5,928 
 Dividends paid                   -                       -                              -                      -                     (8,029)                             -   (8,029) 
 Shares issued                   10                   3,949                        (3,959)                      -                           -                             -         - 
 
 Purchase of own 
  shares                          -                       -                              -                      -                           -                         (126)     (126) 
 Equity share 
  options 
  issued                          -                       -                              -                      -                       1,172                             -     1,172 
 Balance at 30 
  September 
  2018                          505                  19,745                              -                     19                      30,924                       (3,892)    47,301 
================  =================  ======================  =============================  =====================  ==========================  ============================  ======== 
 

Consolidated Statement of Change in Equity

Six months ended 30 September 2017 (restated)

 
                             Share              Share                 Deferred                Capital               Retained              Own shares     Total 
                           capital            premium            consideration             redemption               earnings                    held    Equity 
 
                               GBP                GBP                                                                                                      GBP 
                              '000               '000                 GBP '000               GBP '000               GBP '000                GBP '000      '000 
 
 Balance at 1 
  April 2017 
  brought forward              454                  -                        -                     19                 28,936                 (2,859)    26,550 
 Profit for the 
  period                         -                  -                        -                      -                  2,184                       -     2,184 
-----------------  ---------------  -----------------  -----------------------  ---------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  -------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for the 
  period                         -                  -                        -                      -                  2,184                       -     2,184 
 Dividends paid                  -                  -                        -                      -                (5,409)                       -   (5,409) 
 Shares issued                  41             15,796                        -                      -                      -                       -    15,837 
 
   Deferred 
   consideration 
   - ATI 
   acquisition                   -                  -                    3,959                      -                      -                       -     3,959 
 Purchase of own 
  shares                         -                  -                        -                      -                      -                   (825)     (825) 
 Equity share 
  options 
  issued                         -                  -                        -                      -                    966                       -       966 
 Balance at 30 
  September 
  2017                         495             15,796                    3,959                     19                 26,677                 (3,684)    43,262 
=================  ===============  =================  =======================  =====================  =====================  ======================  ======== 
 

Consolidated Statement of Change in Equity

Year ended 31 March 2018

 
                              Ordinary      Share        Deferred      Capital   Retained   Own shares     Total 
                                shares    Premium   consideration   redemption   earnings         held    Equity 
 
                                   GBP                   GBP '000                                            GBP 
                                  '000   GBP '000                     GBP '000   GBP '000     GBP '000      '000 
 
 Balance at 1 April 
  2017 brought forward             454          -               -           19     28,936      (2,859)    26,550 
 Profit for the 
  year                               -          -               -            -      8,723            -     8,723 
 
 Other comprehensive 
  income                             -          -               -            -         33            -        33 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the 
  year                               -          -               -            -      8,756            -     8,756 
 
   Dividends paid                    -          -               -            -    (7,867)            -   (7,867) 
 Shares issued                      41     15,796               -            -          -            -    15,837 
 
 Purchase of own 
  shares                             -          -               -            -          -        (965)     (965) 
 
   Deferred consideration 
   ATI                               -          -           3,959            -          -            -     3,959 
 
 EBT share option 
  settlement                         -          -               -            -       (58)           58         - 
 
 Equity share options 
  issued                             -          -               -            -      2,086            -     2,086 
 
 Balance at 31 
  March 2018                       495     15,796           3,959           19     31,853      (3,766)    48,356 
===========================  =========  =========  ==============  ===========  =========  ===========  ======== 
 

Notes to the Financial Statements

   1.    Principal accounting policies 

This Half Yearly Report is unaudited and does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of s434 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the half years ended 30 September 2018 and 2017 has not been audited or reviewed by the auditors pursuant to the Auditing Practices Board guidance on Review of Interim Financial Information. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2018, which were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, comprising standards and interpretations approved by either the International Accounting Standards Board or the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee or their predecessors, as adopted by the European Union ("IFRS"), and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS, have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors' opinion on these accounts was unqualified and did not contain a statement made under s498 of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Sourcebook and with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'.

The accounting policies applied in this Half Yearly Report are consistent with those applied in the Group's most recent annual accounts other than the implementation of IFRS9 and IFRS15 as noted in the 2018 annual report and accounts.

Forthcoming accounting standards applicable to the Group:

IFRS 16 'Leases' will become applicable from 1 January 2019. The expected impact of these standards is being assessed and further quantitative information will be included within the Group's 2019 Annual Report and Accounts.

   2.    Alternative Performance Measures 

The Group assess its performance using a variety of measures that are not defined under IFRS and are therefore termed alternative performance measures ("APM's"). The APMs that we use may not be directly comparable with similarly named measures used by other companies.

The Group uses the APM's to present its financial performance, in a manner which is aligned with the requirements of our stakeholders. By presenting these APM's it enables comparison with our peers who may use different accounting policies.

The Group uses the following APM's:

 
 Alternative Performance 
  Measure                  Definition                       Reconciliation 
 
 Adjusted profit before    Profit before tax, before        Note 6 
  tax                       depreciation, amortisation, 
                            non-recurring items* 
                            and share incentivisation 
                            schemes 
 

Adjusted profit before tax is used to present a measure of profitability which excludes the effects of non-recurring and non-cash items and capital investment (depreciation and amortisation), enabling comparison with our peers and to provide a consistent measure of the businesses performance.

 
 Adjusted operating          Adjusted profit before           Note 6 
  profit                      tax, before interest. 
 
 Adjusted basic earnings     Adjusted profit before 
  per share                   tax divided by the weighted 
                              average number of shares 
                              in issue for the period         n/a 
 
 Adjusted diluted earnings   Adjusted profit before 
  per share                   tax divided by the diluted 
                              weighted average number 
                              of shares in issue for 
                              the period                      n/a 
 

* Non-recurring items include cost reduction expenses, restructuring costs, acquisition related costs, integration costs, severance compensation and non-recurring legal expenses.

   3.    Segmental reporting 

The Group's operates only in one business segment - Investment management.

The Group offers different fund products through different distribution channels. All financial, business and strategic decisions are made centrally by the Board, which determines the key performance indicators of the Group. The Group reviews financial information presented at a Group level. The Board, is therefore, the chief operating decision-maker for the Group. The information used to allocate resources and assess performance is reviewed for the Group as a whole. On this basis, the Group considers itself to be a single-segment investment management business.

   4.    Revenue 
 
                                       Six           Six        Year 
                                    months        months 
                                        to            to       ended 
                                 30-Sep-18     30-Sep-17   31-Mar-18 
                               (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (audited) 
                                   GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
 Revenue 
  - Revenue(*)                      46,326        34,514      72,411 
  - Performance fee revenue              -            58       4,450 
                              ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Total Revenue                      46,326        34,572      76,861 
============================  ============  ============  ========== 
 
 
 Revenue from earnings includes: 
      1. Investment management on unit trusts, open-ended investment 
       companies sub-funds, portfolios and segregated accounts, net 
       of rebates and commissions paid; 
      2. Performance fees on unit trusts, open-ended investment companies 
       sub-funds, portfolios and segregated accounts; 
      3. Fixed administration fees on unit trusts and open-ended 
       investment companies sub-funds; 
      4. Net value of sales and repurchases of units in unit trusts 
       and shares in open-ended investment companies (net of discounts); 
      5. Net value of liquidations and creations of units in unit 
       trusts and shares in open-ended investment companies sub-funds; 
      6. Box profits on unit trusts; and 
      7. Foreign currency gains and losses. 
 
      The cost of sales includes: 
 
      1. Operating expenses (including but not limited to keeping 
      a record of investor holdings, paying income, sending annual 
      and interim reports, valuing fund assets and calculating prices, 
      maintaining fund accounting records, depositary and trustee 
      oversight and auditors; 
      2. Sales commission paid or payable; and 
      3. External investment advisory fees paid or payable. 
 
      *Following the implementation of IFRS 15 on 1 April 2018 Management 
      Fees are now shown gross, with rebates and commissions disclosed 
      in Cost of Sales. 
 
 
   5.    Administration expenses 
 
                                              Six           Six        Year 
                                        months to     months to       ended 
                                        30-Sep-18     30-Sep-17   31-Mar-18 
                                      (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (audited) 
 
                                          GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
 Employee related expenses 
 Director and employee costs                5,001         3,905       9,721 
 Pension costs                                277           318         585 
 Share incentivisation expense              1,003         1,677       2,929 
 DBVAP expense(1)                           3,309           505         805 
 Severance compensation                        15         1,469         430 
                                            9,605         7,874      14,470 
 Non employee related expenses 
 Members' drawings charged as an 
  expense                                  13,653        11,127      25,357 
 Members' share incentivisation 
  expense                                     436           999       1,296 
 Member severance compensation                  -           338         339 
 Professional services(2)                     821         2,017       5,840 
 Depreciation and Intangible asset 
  amortisation                              1,090         1,403       2,481 
 Other administration expenses              7,711         7,199      13,667 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Total administration expenses             33,316        30,957      63,450 
===================================  ============  ============  ========== 
 

(1) includes GBP2.4 million relating to 2015 DBVAP. The Remuneration Committee chose to settle this award with cash rather than using Liontrust shares held by the Liontrust Asset Management Employee Benefit Trust ("EBT"), so that the EBT holds onto Liontrust shares to reduce future dilution on awards under the Liontrust Long Term Incentive Plan.

(2) includes costs relating to the consolidation of all outsourced fund services for our UK and Ireland ranges into one provider: Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited.

   6.    Adjusted profit before tax 

Adjusted profit before tax is reconciled in the table below:

 
                                                        Six           Six        Year 
                                                     months        months 
                                                         to            to       ended 
                                                  30-Sep-18     30-Sep-17   31-Mar-18 
                                                (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (audited) 
                                                               (restated) 
                                                    GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
 
 Profit for the period                                5,928         2,184       8,723 
 Taxation                                             1,892           954       3,590 
---------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Profit before tax                                    7,820         3,138      12,313 
 
 Share incentivisation expense                        1,439         2,676       4,225 
 Other comprehensive income                               -             -          33 
 DBVAP expense(1)                                     3,309           505         805 
 Contingent consideration on ATI acquisition             44           456         912 
 Severance compensation                                  15         1,807         769 
 Professional services(2)                               821         2,017       5,840 
 Depreciation, Intangible asset amortisation 
  and impairment                                      1,090         1,403       2,481 
 Adjustments                                          6,718         8,864      15,065 
---------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Adjusted profit before tax                          14,538        12,002      27,378 
---------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Interest receivable                                    (3)           (2)         (3) 
 
 Adjusted operating profit                           14,535        12,000      27,375 
---------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Adjusted basic earnings per share                    23.47         19.77       45.14 
 Adjusted diluted earnings per share                  22.62         19.17       42.67 
---------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 

(1) includes GBP2.4 million relating to 2015 DBVAP. The Remuneration Committee chose to settle this award with cash rather than using Liontrust shares held by the Liontrust Asset Management Employee Benefit Trust ("EBT"), so that the EBT holds onto Liontrust shares to reduce future dilution on awards under the Liontrust Long Term Incentive Plan.

(2) Includes costs relating to the consolidation of all outsourced fund services for our UK and Ireland ranges into one provider: Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited.

   7.    Taxation 

The half yearly tax charge has been calculated at the estimated full year effective UK corporation tax rate of 19% (2017: 19%).

   8.    Earnings per share 

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on profit after taxation and the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue for each period. The weighted average number of Ordinary Shares for the six months ended 30 September 2018 was 50,180,286 (30 September 2017: 49,168,235, 31 March 2018: 49,125,724). Shares held by the Liontrust Asset Management Employee Trust are not eligible for dividends and are treated as cancelled for the purposes of calculating earnings per share.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated on the same bases as set out above, after adjusting the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares for the effect of options to subscribe for new Ordinary Shares that were in existence during the six months ended 30 September 2018. The adjusted weighted average number of Ordinary Shares so calculated for the period was 52,061,284 (30 September 2017: 50,719,938, 31 March 2018: 51,977,398). This is reconciled to the actual weighted number of Ordinary Shares as follows:

 
                                              30-Sep-18    30-Sep-17    31-Mar-18 
 
 Weighted average number of Ordinary 
  Shares                                     50,180,286   49,168,235   49,125,724 
 
 Weighted average number of dilutive 
  Ordinary shares under option: 
 
  - to Liontrust Long Term Incentive 
   Plan                                       1,704,393    1,173,750    1,463,856 
  - to the DBVAP                                176,605      377,953      372,620 
  - shares related to the ATI acquisition             -            -    1,015,198 
 
 Adjusted weighted average number of 
  Ordinary Shares                            52,061,284   50,719,938   51,977,398 
==========================================  ===========  ===========  =========== 
 
   9.    Intangible assets 

Intangible assets represent investment management contracts that have been capitalised upon acquisition and are amortised on a straight-line basis over a period of 5 years or 10 years depending on the type of contracts acquired. The intangible asset on the balance sheet represents investment management contracts as follows:

 
                                                   30-Sep-18   30-Sep-17   31-Mar-18 
                                                     GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000 
 
 Investment management contracts acquired 
  from Argonaut                                        2,314       3,130       2,721 
 Investment management contracts acquired 
  from ATI                                            10,200      11,400      10,800 
                                                      12,514      14,530      13,521 
                                            ================  ==========  ========== 
 

10. Restatement

As detailed in Note 13 of the 2018 Annual Report and accounts - Acquisition of Alliance Trust Investments Limited.

There is an additional contingent consideration that may become payable if, on the second anniversary of the completion date, the average assets under management managed by the Sustainable Investment team (the investment team acquired pursuant to the Acquisition) for the 3 month period prior to this date is in excess of GBP3 billion then the Group will pay an additional GBP3,000,000 in cash to AT Plc.

Based on facts and circumstances known at the previous interim accounting date (30 September 2017) the fair value of the contingent consideration was assessed as nil and and no liability recorded. Prior to the year end, with the assets under management having grown considerably, the fair value of this liability was reassessed. Based on the assessment, it was identified that at acquisition date, certain conditions existed which were not previously considered when assessing the fair value of the liability.

Following the completion of the acquisition, the positive fund flows were significantly higher than initially expected. The perception of corporate instability surrounding AT Plc and to what extent it would suppress demand for ATI's retails funds had not been fully considered. UK investment consumer demand for 'Sustainable' investments had been underestimated.

These two factors were considered in the re-evaluation of whether a liability should be recognised on acquisition date. Based on a probability assessment model a measurement period adjustment was recorded at a discounted value of GBP2,000,000 (GBP2,175,000 undiscounted value) which increased the Goodwill by a corresponding amount. Further, GBP175,000 is expected to be recorded over a period of 2 years through the Statement of Comprehensive Income to account for the difference between the discounted and undiscounted values. Further, the balance of GBP825,000 is recorded through the Statement of Comprehensive Income to reflect that the entire GBP3,000,000 will be payable.

Goodwill on acquisition is allocated to the Sustainable funds cash generating unit ('CGU'). An assessment was made in relation to impairment of the Goodwill where the recoverable amount was calculated using an earnings model which used key assumptions such as growth rate and discount rate. A reasonably possible change in these assumptions would not result in an impairment.

11. Financial Assets

The Group holds financial assets that have been categorised within one of three levels using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs into measuring the fair value. These levels are based on the degree to which the fair value is observable and are defined as follows:

a) Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;

b) Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

c) Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

As at the balance sheet date all financial assets are categorised as Level 1.

Financial assets are classified as held at fair value through profit or loss if their carrying amounts will be recovered through continuing use. These financial assets consist of units held in the Group's collective investment schemes as part of a 'manager's box (as detailed below), assets held by the EBT in respect of the Liontrust DBVAP and assets held in Liontrust Global Funds plc to assist administration.

The Group holds the following assets at fair value through profit or loss:

For the UK Authorised unit trusts, the units held in the 'manager's box' are to ease the calculation of daily creations and cancellations of units. These box positions are not held to create speculative proprietary positions but are managed in accordance with specified criteria and authorisation limits. The units in the 'manager's box' are accounted for on a trade date basis. These units are valued on a bid price basis.

For the UK ICVC's, the shares held in the 'manager's box' are to ease the calculation of daily creations and cancellations of shares. These box positions are not held to create speculative proprietary positions but are managed in accordance with specified criteria and authorisation limits. The shares in the 'manager's box' are accounted for on a trade date basis. These shares are valued on a mid-price basis.

Units in Liontrust UK Authorised unit trusts, shares in the sub funds of the Liontrust Global Funds Plc and shares in the Liontrust ICVCs are held by the Liontrust EBT in respect of The DVBAP, the units and shares are accounted for on a trade date basis. The holdings are valued on a mid or bid basis.

12. Related party transactions

During the six months to 30 September 2018 the Group received fees from unit trusts under management of GBP27,428,000 (2017: GBP22,371,000). Transactions with these unit trusts comprised creations of GBP659,174,000 (2017: GBP384,521,000) and liquidations of GBP284,888,000 (2017: GBP181,329,000). Directors can invest in unit trusts managed by the Group on commercial terms that are no more favourable than those available to staff in general. As at 30 September 2018 the Group owed the unit trusts GBP105,270,000 (2017: GBP28,149,000) in respect of unit trust creations and was owed GBP105,172,000 (2017: GBP27,360,000) in respect of unit trust cancellations and fees.

During the six months to 30 September 2018 the Group received fees from ICVC's under management of GBP6,863,000 (2017: GBP5,284,000). Transactions with these ICVC's comprised creations of GBP400,039,000 (2017: GBP542,208,000) and liquidations of GBP87,615,000 (2017: GBP243,365,000). Directors can invest in ICVC's managed by the Group on commercial terms that are no more favourable than those available to staff in general. As at 30 September 2018 the Group owed the ICVC's GBP20,496,000 (2017: GBP13,859,000) in respect of creations and was owed GBP20,045,000 (2017: GBP14,009,000) in respect of cancellations and fees.

During the six months to 30 September 2018 the Group received fees from offshore funds under management of GBP1,236,000 (2017: GBP1,087,000). Transactions with these funds comprised purchases of GBP323,000 (2017: GBP0) and sales of GBP106,000 (2017: GBP54,000). As at 30 September 2018 the Group was owed GBP254,000 (2017: GBP177,000) in respect of management fees.

During the six months to 30 September 2018 remuneration paid to key decision makers (the Executive Directors) was GBP338,000 (2017: GBP338,000).

13. Key risks

The Directors have identified the risks and uncertainties that affect the Group's business and believe that they will be substantially the same for the second half of the year as the current risks as identified in the 2018 Annual Report. These can be broken down into risks that are within the management's influence and risks that are outside it.

Risks that are within management's influence include areas such as the expansion of the business, prolonged periods of under-performance, loss of key personnel, human error, poor communication and service leading to reputational damage and fraud.

Risks outside the management's influence include falling markets, terrorism, a deteriorating UK economy, investment industry price competition and hostile takeovers.

Management monitor all risks to the business, they record how each risk is mitigated and have warning flags to identify increased risk levels. Management recognise the importance of risk management and view it as an integral part of the management process which is tied into the business model and is described further in the Risk management and internal control section on page 47 of the 2018 Annual Report and Note 2 "Financial risk management" on page 87 of the 2018 Annual Report.

14. Contingent assets and liabilities

The Group can earn performance fees on some of the segregated and fund accounts that it manages. In some cases a proportion of the fee earned is deferred until the next performance fee is payable or offset against future underperformance on that account. As there is no certainty that such deferred fees will be collectable in future years, the Group's accounting policy is to include performance fees in income only when they become due and collectable and therefore the element (if any) deferred beyond 30 September 2018 has not been recognised in the results for the year.

There were no contingent liabilities.

15. Directors' responsibilities

The Directors confirm that this condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the European Union, and that the Half Yearly Report herein includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the current financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and DTR 4.2.8, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the Group during that period; and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last Annual Report and Accounts that could have a material effect on the financial position or performance of the Group in the past six months of the current financial year.

By Order of the Board

   John Ions                                                             Vinay Abrol 

Chief Executive Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

20 November 2018

Forward Looking Statements

This report contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and businesses and plans of the Group. These statements and forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that have not yet occurred. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forecasts. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast.

END

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 BUBDBSUDBGIG

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 21, 2018 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

1 Year Liontrust Asset Management Chart

1 Year Liontrust Asset Management Chart

1 Month Liontrust Asset Management Chart

1 Month Liontrust Asset Management Chart

Your Recent History

Delayed Upgrade Clock