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WHI W.h. Ireland Group Plc

4.25
0.00 (0.00%)
Last Updated: 08:00:00
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
W.h. Ireland Group Plc LSE:WHI London Ordinary Share GB0009241885 ORD 1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 4.25 4.00 4.50 4.25 4.25 4.25 0.00 08:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Finance Services 25.97M -1.94M -0.0082 -5.18 10.03M

W.H. Ireland Group PLC Interim Results (6943I)

28/11/2018 7:01am

UK Regulatory


W.h. Ireland (LSE:WHI)
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TIDMWHI

RNS Number : 6943I

W.H. Ireland Group PLC

28 November 2018

Dissemination of a Regulatory Announcement that contains inside information according to REGULATION (EU) No 596/2014 (MAR).

WH Ireland Group Plc

("WH Ireland" or the "Company")

Interim Results for Six Month Period ended 30 September 2018

Chairman's statement

This interim report covers the six month period to September 2018 and is the first since our decision to move our year-end to 31 March. The firm has continued to progress its transformation programme during this period in order to provide a more robust platform and enhance our offering to clients for the years ahead. As I have stated before, the scale of this process has not been without additional cost and labour, but is now closer to fulfilment.

The last two months of this period saw a number of important changes, building on the work undertaken in recent years.

Phillip Wale joined us as CEO (elect) from August 2018, with the FCA approving his appointment last month. Phillip has brought considerable experience to the Board of WH Ireland having held a number of senior positions in similar financial services businesses, which span both Wealth Management and Corporate and Institutional Broking, including senior positions at Goldman Sachs in both New York and London, and Chief Executive roles at Seymour Pierce and Panmure Gordon & Co.

The Group has also seen a strengthening of our core shareholder base during the period, with Polygon and Oceanwood agreeing to increase their stakes in the firm, alongside the welcome addition of M&G joining the key shareholder list.

Private Wealth Management

We have previously described to shareholders the initiatives being undertaken across our Private Wealth Management business, including the focus on increasing discretionary assets under management and the outsourcing of our custody and operational functions.

The period under review saw further progress on both counts and whilst more needs to be done to improve the profitability of the division, I am encouraged by what has been achieved to date.

Corporate & Institutional Broking

As has been widely reported, the Corporate & Institutional Broking division is operating in a market that has seen a high degree of uncertainty in recent months but importantly, the division has remained profitable for the period.

Notwithstanding this backdrop, we have undertaken a number of notable capital raisings and advisory roles in the period and I believe that we have established a business model which is positioned well to take advantage of the structural changes being brought about in our industry by the introduction of MiFID ii legislation.

The division is already benefiting from Phillip Wale's considerable experience in the short time since his appointment and will continue to provide a high quality of service to both our corporate and institutional clients as we grow, whether it be through advice, access to capital or trading capabilities.

Looking forward

The Board continues to progress its transformation strategy and, following his appointment as CEO, Phillip has been tasked with delivering an accelerated path to growth and profitability of the Group, for the benefit of all of the Company's stakeholders. Fee income (CIB retainers, Private Wealth management and advice fees) is now running at approximately GBP1.3 million a month, representing nearly 55% of our total monthly revenue and provides a strong platform from which to continue to build. Whilst there remains much to be achieved, I believe that the foundations are being put in place to deliver growth across both divisions.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge on behalf of the Board and Senior Management team, the continued hard work and focus of all of our employees during the past six months.

Chief Executive Officer's report

This is my first CEO's interim report, having joined the firm in August. The firm continues to undergo transformation to create a capable and robust platform that will enable the financial performance of the Group to grow significantly. These changes, started by my predecessor over the past two years, have covered all aspects of both the Private Wealth Management and Corporate & Institutional Broking businesses. Although close to conclusion, they have been expensive and not without challenge to implement.

Private Wealth Management

The Private Wealth Management division increased total assets under management by 3% to GBP2.6bn as at 30 September 2018, compared to 31 March 2018. Following the strategic focus previously set out, it was pleasing to note that Discretionary AUM increased by almost 8% since the beginning of the financial year and accounted for nearly 44% of total AUM.

The division continued its transformation programme during the period under review, which has been both costly and challenging for the business but I am pleased to see the progress that has been achieved to date. One of the key initiatives being undertaken has been outsourcing our custody and operational functions and, as previously reported, this complex project has run over budget and taken longer to implement. However, looking forward, it has resulted in a more robust and scalable operating platform from which to build the division.

We have seen a number of successes in the period across the division.

Wealth Management: In addition to both growing the total AUM and proportion of Discretionary portfolios as referred to above, the business has also increased AUM for its 'Navigator' product for our clients with smaller portfolios.

Wealth Planning: has continued to attract new funds under management and is benefiting from cross-referrals from the wider Wealth Management business.

Isle of Man: has increased AUM through a number of new mandates.

We were delighted that a number of our investment people from across the division were included in the 2018 Citywire Wealth Manager Top 100 last month, a testament to the strength of the team.

Outlook for Private Wealth Management

Following the significant investment made in the division in recent years, the key now is to ensure that we build on the platform in place to grow the business towards profitability. We will continue to look to increase the proportion of discretionary assets under management and attract high quality teams into the business in order to take advantage of the scalable platform which we now have in place.

Corporate & Institutional Broking

The Corporate & Institutional Broking division (CIB) has continued to build on its solid foundations against the widely reported headwinds being seen across the sector. The division benefits from an experienced team, headed by Adam Pollock, with an attractive level of recurring revenue from its corporate retainer base and a proven track record in raising capital.

CIB has positively embraced the fundamental changes brought about by the introduction of MiFID ii at the beginning of the year and is seeing an increasing number of opportunities as a result of both our business model and approach to this new legislation. We have further invested in our platform for raising growth capital for private companies, whilst continuing to utilise resource from across the wider CIB division to complement the dedicated team when required.

Public markets

Retainer income increased by 14% in the period. This was driven not only through a number of new quoted corporate clients moving to WH Ireland from our competition but also as a result of an increase in our average NOMAD/broker fees. The division secured five new corporate NOMAD/broker clients during the period under review and remained the third largest NOMAD to AIM companies by total number of clients.

A number of notable capital raises were undertaken in the period for our corporate clients and we were delighted to win the 'IPO of the year' category at the recent Insider Media North West Dealmakers awards.

A decline in institutional secondary volumes was seen in the period, although compared to other activities, this is a relatively small element of revenue across the division.

The business is benefiting from the fundamental changes brought about by MiFID II legislation due to the nature of our business model, a tight control of costs and ability to distribute research across the wider base of investment firms. This complementary approach, including working alongside larger firms to the benefit of corporate clients, is beginning to provide an increasing number of opportunities for the division.

Private markets

In addition to our traditional public markets business within the Corporate & Institutional Broking division, our platform for raising growth capital for private companies from VCT and EIS funds, as well as through the 'Investor Forum', whose clients include High Net Worth Individuals and Family Offices, continues to make good progress. We believe that this platform has significant long-term potential for both the division and the Company.

Outlook for Corporate & Institutional Broking

Against an uncertain market backdrop, the division is building an encouraging pipeline for 2019, the delivery of which, as always will be dependent upon market conditions. However, reflecting the opportunities we are beginning to see, and to ensure we take full advantage of structural changes being seen in the market, we are actively looking to recruit further high quality people into the division to grow the business over the coming years.

Events after the reporting period

On 20 September 2018 the Company proposed a placing of 2,000,000 ordinary shares from its authorised share capital at an issue price of GBP1.00. This was approved at a General Meeting of the Company held on 9 October 2018.

For further information please contact:

WH Ireland Group plc www.whirelandplc.com

Phillip Wale, CEO

Tim Steel, Chairman +44(0) 20 7220 1666

 
 
   SPARK Advisory Partners Limited 
 Mark Brady/Miriam Greenwood                                +44(0) 203 368 3551/3550 
 
 MHP Communications                                 +44(0)20 3128 8793 
 Reg Hoare 
 

Consolidated statement of Comprehensive Income

UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2018

 
                                                                                          6 Months ended 30  6 Months ended 
                                                                                                  Sept 2018    30 Sept 2017 
                                                         Note                                   (unaudited)     (unaudited) 
                                                                                                    GBP'000         GBP'000 
===========================================  ================  ============================================  ============== 
Revenue                                                     2                                        12,817          14,514 
===========================================  ================  ============================================  ============== 
Administrative expenses                                                                            (14,759)        (14,251) 
===========================================  ================  ============================================  ============== 
 Operating (loss)/profit                                                                          (1,942)               263 
===========================================  --------------------------------------------------------------  ============== 
 
Operating profit/(loss) before exceptional 
 items                                                                                              (1,942)             263 
===========================================  ================  ============================================  ============== 
Exceptional items - MiFID ii                                                                              -           (136) 
===========================================  ================  ============================================  ============== 
           - restructuring costs                                                                      (331)           (527) 
===========================================  ================  ============================================  ============== 
- System Migration - Project Discovery                                                                (177)           (870) 
===========================================  ================  ============================================  ============== 
Operating loss after exceptional 
 items                                                                                              (2,450)         (1,270) 
===========================================  ================  ============================================  ============== 
 
Realised investment gains                                   2                                           296             148 
===========================================  ================  ============================================  ============== 
Fair value gains on investments                                                                          24             171 
===========================================  ================  ============================================  ============== 
Finance income                                                                                            2               - 
===========================================  ================  ============================================  ============== 
Finance expense                                             2                                           (8)             (9) 
===========================================  ================  ============================================  ============== 
Loss before tax                                                                                     (2,136)           (960) 
===========================================  ================  ============================================  ============== 
Tax credit                                                                                                -             149 
===========================================  ================  ============================================  ============== 
Loss and total comprehensive income 
 for the period                                                                                     (2,136)           (811) 
===========================================  ================  ============================================  ============== 
 
 
Earnings per share 
===================   =======  ======= 
Basic                6(7.15)p  (2.92)p 
===================   =======  ======= 
Diluted              6(7.15)p  (2.92)p 
===================   =======  ======= 
 

Consolidated statement of Financial Position

UNAUDITED AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2018

 
                                As at 30 Sept 2018  As at 31 Mar 2018 
                          Note         (unaudited)          (audited) 
                                           GBP'000            GBP'000 
==============================  ==================  ================= 
ASSETS 
                                ==================  ================= 
Non-current assets 
=============================   ==================  ================= 
Property, plant and equipment                1,167              1,274 
==============================  ==================  ================= 
Goodwill                                       258                258 
==============================  ==================  ================= 
Intangible assets                            3,326              3,425 
==============================  ==================  ================= 
Investments                    3               315                245 
=============================   ==================  ================= 
Deferred tax asset                           1,197              1,197 
==============================  ==================  ================= 
                                             6,263              6,399 
==============================  ==================  ================= 
 

Current assets

 
Trade and other receivables   17,789  17,339 
============================  ======  ====== 
Corporation tax receivable       222       - 
============================  ======  ====== 
Trading investments          3   961     692 
===========================   ======  ====== 
Cash and cash equivalents    4 4,526   7,277 
===========================   ======  ====== 
                              23,498  25,308 
============================  ======  ====== 
Total assets                  29,761  31,707 
============================  ======  ====== 
 
 
LIABILITIES 
Current liabilities 
=======================================  ========  ======== 
Trade and other payables                 (15,988)  (15,744) 
=======================================  ========  ======== 
Corporation tax payable                         -         - 
=======================================  ========  ======== 
Obligations under finance leases            (141)     (282) 
=======================================  ========  ======== 
Deferred consideration                    (1,480)   (1,179) 
=======================================  ========  ======== 
Provisions for liabilities and charges       (10)      (33) 
=======================================  ========  ======== 
                                         (17,619)  (17,238) 
=======================================  ========  ======== 
Non-current liabilities 
=========================================================== 
Deferred tax liability                          -         - 
=======================================  ========  ======== 
Accruals and deferred income                (385)     (439) 
=======================================  ========  ======== 
Deferred consideration                      (879)   (1,123) 
=======================================  ========  ======== 
Provisions for liabilities and charges       (35)      (35) 
=======================================  ========  ======== 
                                          (1,299)   (1,597) 
=======================================  ========  ======== 
Total liabilities                        (18,918)  (18,835) 
=======================================  ========  ======== 
Total net assets                           10,843    12,872 
=======================================  ========  ======== 
 

EQUITY

 
Share capital               5 1,493   1,493 
==========================   ======  ====== 
Share premium                 5,508   5,503 
===========================  ======  ====== 
Available-for-sale reserve        -       7 
===========================  ======  ====== 
Other reserves                  982     982 
===========================  ======  ====== 
Retained earnings             3,504   5,633 
===========================  ======  ====== 
Treasury shares               (644)   (746) 
===========================  ======  ====== 
Total equity                 10,843  12,872 
===========================  ======  ====== 
 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2018

 
                                             6 Months ended 30  6 Months ended 
                                                     Sept 2018    30 Sept 2017 
                                                   (unaudited)     (unaudited) 
                                                       GBP'000         GBP'000 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
Loss for the period                                    (2,136)           (811) 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
Adjustments for 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment                  349             239 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
Finance income                                             (2)               - 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
Finance expense                                              8               9 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
Taxation                                                     -           (149) 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
Gain on sale of property, plant and 
 equipment                                                   -              19 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
Fair value gain in investments                           (320)           (319) 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
Increase in trade and other receivables                  (418)         (4,996) 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
Increase in trade and other payables                       190           2,579 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
Decrease in provisions                                    (23)               - 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
Decrease/(increase) in trading investments               (269)             106 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
Net cash used in operations                            (2,621)         (3,323) 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
Income taxes paid                                            -               - 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
Net cash used in operating activities                  (2,621)         (3,323) 
===========================================  =================  ============== 
 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 
Loss from the sale of property, plant 
 and equipment                              -   (19) 
======================================  =====  ===== 
Proceeds from the sale of investments     641    484 
======================================  =====  ===== 
Interest received                           2      - 
======================================  =====  ===== 
Acquisition of investments              (531)  (473) 
======================================  =====  ===== 
Payment of deferred consideration           -  (285) 
======================================  =====  ===== 
Increase in intangible fixed asset          -      - 
======================================  =====  ===== 
Acquisition of property, plant and 
 equipment                              (143)  (289) 
======================================  =====  ===== 
Net cash used in investing activities    (31)  (582) 
======================================  =====  ===== 
 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 
Proceeds from issue of shares                         5       98 
==============================================  =======  ======= 
Increase/(decrease) in treasury shares              102     (15) 
==============================================  =======  ======= 
Repayment of obligations under finance 
 leases                                           (141)    (141) 
==============================================  =======  ======= 
Increase/(decrease) in deferred consideration      (57)      205 
==============================================  =======  ======= 
Interest paid                                       (8)      (9) 
==============================================  =======  ======= 
Net cash generated from/(used in) 
 financing activities                              (99)      138 
==============================================  =======  ======= 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents       (2,751)  (3,767) 
==============================================  =======  ======= 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
 of period                                        7,277   11,006 
==============================================  =======  ======= 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of 
 period                                           4,526    7,239 
==============================================  =======  ======= 
 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

UNAUDITED FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2018

 
                                                     Available 
                                 Share      Share     for sale    Other       Retained    Treasury    Total 
  AS AT 1 APRIL 2017             capital    premium   reserve     reserves    earnings    shares      equity 
                                 GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000 
=============================  =========  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ========= 
Balance at 1 April 2017            1,374      3,150          7         982       8,771       (731)     13,553 
=============================  =========  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ========= 
Loss and total comprehensive 
 income for the period                 -          -          -           -       (811)           -      (811) 
=============================  =========  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ========= 
 
 
CONTRIBUTIONS BY AND DISTRIBUTIONS 
 TO OWNERS 
===================================  =====  =====   ===  =====  =====  ====== 
Deferred tax on employee share 
 options                                 -      -  -  -   (36)      -    (36) 
===================================  =====  =====   ===  =====  =====  ====== 
New share capital issued                18     80  -  -      -   (15)      83 
===================================  =====  =====   ===  =====  =====  ====== 
Other movements                          -      -  -  -     91      -      91 
===================================  =====  =====   ===  =====  =====  ====== 
Total contributions by and 
 distributions to owners                18     80  -  -     55   (15)     138 
===================================  =====  =====   ===  =====  =====  ====== 
Balance at 30 September 2017         1,392  3,230  7982  8,015  (746)  12,880 
===================================  =====  =====   ===  =====  =====  ====== 
 
 
AS AT 1 APRIL 2018 
=================================  =====  =====  ===  ===  =======  =====  ======= 
Balance at 1 April 2018            1,493  5,503    7  982    5,633  (746)   12,872 
---------------------------------  -----  -----  ---  ---  -------  -----  ------- 
Transition adjustments - IFRS 
 9 Financial Instruments               -      -  (7)    -        7      -        - 
---------------------------------  -----  -----  ---  ---  -------  -----  ------- 
As at 1 April 2018 (as restated)   1,493  5,503    -  982    5,640  (746)   12,872 
---------------------------------  -----  -----  ---  ---  -------  -----  ------- 
Loss and total comprehensive 
 income for the period                 -      -    -    -  (2,136)      -  (2,136) 
=================================  =====  =====  ===  ===  =======  =====  ======= 
 
 
CONTRIBUTIONS BY AND DISTRIBUTIONS 
 TO OWNERS 
=========================================  =====  =====   ===  =====  =====  ====== 
Share options exercised                        -      5  -  -      -      -       5 
=========================================  =====  =====   ===  =====  =====  ====== 
Other movements                                -      -  -  -      -    102     102 
=========================================  =====  =====   ===  =====  =====  ====== 
Total contributions by and distributions 
 to owners                                     -      5  -  -      -    102     107 
=========================================  =====  =====   ===  =====  =====  ====== 
Balance at 30 September 2018               1,493  5,508  -982  3,504  (644)  10,843 
=========================================  =====  =====   ===  =====  =====  ====== 
 

Notes to the consolidated statements (unaudited)

   1.     BASIS OF PREPARATION 

STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

The financial information in this interim report has been prepared in accordance with the disclosure requirements of the Alternative Investment Market ("AIM") Rules and the recognition and measurements of International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), as adopted by the European Union ("EU").

The interim report does not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements.

The accounting policies adopted by the Group in the preparation of its 2018 interim report are those which the Group currently expects to adopt in its annual financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2019 and are consistent with those disclosed in the annual financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2018.

The financial information in this interim report and accounts does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts. The statutory accounts for the period ended 31 March 2018 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies in England and Wales. The auditor has reported on those accounts. Its report was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis, and did not contain a statement under Section 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the half year ended 30 September 2018 and 30 September 2017 is unaudited.

The AIM Rules for Companies do not require IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" to be applied; therefore it has not been used in the preparation of this interim report.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of computation are followed in these condensed set of financial statements as are applied in the Group's latest audited Report and Accounts for the period ended 31 March 2018, except for those that relate to new standards and interpretations effective for the first time for periods beginning on (or after) 1 January 2018, and will be adopted in the 2019 annual financial statements. New standards impacting the Group that will be adopted in the annual financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2019, and which have given rise to changes in the Group's accounting policies are:

-- IFRS 9 Financial Instruments; and

-- IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Details of the impact these two standards have had are given below. Other new and amended standards and Interpretations issued by the IASB that will apply for the first time in the next annual financial statements are not expected to impact the Group as they are either not relevant to the Group's activities or require accounting which is consistent with the Group's current accounting policies.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

IFRS 9, implementation date 1 April 2018, has replaced IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, and has impacted the Group in the following areas:

-- A Principal Finance investment classified as an available for sale financial asset under IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement has now been classified as being at fair value through profit or loss under IFRS 9.

-- The impairment provision on financial assets measured at amortised cost (such as trade and other receivables) calculated in accordance with IFRS 9's expected loss provision, has not impacted the Group's results given the historically low level of write offs across the Group. Management have calculated the impairment provision to be of nil effect.

The Group has chosen not to restate comparatives on adoption of IFRS 9 and, therefore, both of these changes have been processed at the date of initial application (i.e. 1 January 2018) and presented in the statement of changes in equity for the 6 months to 30 September 2018.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

IFRS 15 has replaced IAS 18 Revenue and IAS 11 Construction Contracts as well as various interpretations previously issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee. It has been adopted on its mandatorily effective date, and applied on a retrospective basis, recognising the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings, of which there was nil. There has been no material change to the way the Group recognises revenue.

GOING CONCERN

The financial information in this interim report and accounts has been prepared on a going concern basis. In making this assessment, the Directors have prepared detailed financial forecasts for the period to March 2021 which consider the funding and capital position of the Group. Those forecasts make assumptions in respect of future trading conditions, notably the economic environment and its impact on the Group's revenues and costs. In addition to this, the nature of the Group's business is such that there can be considerable variation in the timing of cash inflows. The forecasts take into account foreseeable downside risks, based on the information that is available to the Directors at the time of the approval of these financial statements.

Certain activities of the Group are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) which is the statutory regulator for financial services business in the UK and has responsibility for policy, monitoring and discipline for the financial services industry. The FCA requires the Group's capital resources to be adequate; that is sufficient in terms of quantity, quality and availability, in relation to its regulated activities. The Directors monitor the Group's regulatory capital resources on a daily basis and they have developed appropriate scenario tests and corrective management plans which they are prepared to implement to address any potential deficit as required. These actions may include cost reductions, regulatory capital optimisation programs or further capital raising. The Directors consider that, taking account of foreseeable downside risks, regulatory capital requirements will continue to be met.

As mentioned in Note 8, the Group announced that it had raised GBP2m in Setempber 2018. This will ensure that the Group has sufficient resources in place to satisfy the FCA's present capital adequacy requirements.

The Directors most recently renewed the Group's banking facilities in February 2015. As an evergreen facility there is no requirement to update the agreement annually, although a formal review of facilities is undertaken at least annually.

EXCEPTIONAL COSTS

Project Discovery

As announced on 2 June 2016, the Group has entered into a seven year agreement with SEI Investments (Europe) Ltd, to outsource its Wealth Management back office operations and move to a "Model B" arrangement. This function was previously performed out of the Group's Manchester office. Significant investment has been made in both internal and external resources which have been dedicated to this project ("Project Discovery"). Some of the duplicate costs are still being borne by the Group and this has had a negative impact on the results for the current period.

Restructuring

During the period ended 30 September 2018 there were a number of changes within the senior management team. The costs of these changes, in respect of both short term consultancy costs and fixed employment related costs, are considered by the Board to be non-trading and exceptional in nature.

   1.     SEGMENTAL REPORTING 

THE GROUP HAS TWO OPERATING SEGMENTS

The Private Wealth Management division offers investment management advice and services to individuals and contains the Group's Wealth Planning business, giving advice on and acting as intermediary for a range of financial products. The Corporate & Institutional Broking division provides corporate finance and corporate broking advice and services to companies and acts as Nominated Adviser to clients listed on AIM. It also contains the Group's Institutional Sales and Research business, which carries out stockbroking activities on behalf of companies as well as conducting research into markets of interest to its clients.

The segment "Other Group companies" includes WH Ireland Group plc, WHIreland (IOM) Limited, Readycount Limited and Stockholm Investments Limited.

All segments are located in the UK or the Isle of Man. Each reportable segment has a segment manager who is directly accountable to, and maintains regular contact with, the CEO.

No customer represents more than ten percent of the Group's revenue.

The following tables represent revenue and profit information for the Group's business segments.

 
                                     Private Wealth     Corporate                     Other Group 
                                         Management   & Institutional    Head Office    companies    Group 
  6 MONTHSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2018          GBP'000       Broking        GBP'000          GBP'000    GBP'000 
                                                          GBP'000 
===================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
REVENUE                                       8,124             4,176              -          517     12,817 
===================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Segment result                              (2,162)             (311)              -           23    (2,450) 
===================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Executive Board cost                            264               264          (630)          102          - 
===================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Gain on sale of property, plant                   -                 -              -            -          - 
 and equipment 
===================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Realised investment gains                         -               296              -            -        296 
===================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Fair value gains on investments                   -                24              -            -         24 
===================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Finance income                                    -                 -              2            -          2 
===================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Finance expense                                 (6)               (2)              -            -        (8) 
===================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
(Loss)/profit before tax                    (1,904)               271          (628)          125    (2,136) 
===================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Tax income/(expense)                              -                 -              -            -          - 
===================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
(Loss)/profit for the period                (1,904)               271          (628)          125    (2,136) 
===================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
 
 
                                  Private Wealth     Corporate                     Other Group 
                                      Management   & Institutional    Head Office    companies    Group 
  6 MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER            GBP'000       Broking        GBP'000          GBP'000    GBP'000 
  2017                                                 GBP'000 
================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
REVENUE                                    9,421             4,701              -          392     14,514 
================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Segment result                           (1,293)              (58)              -          100    (1,251) 
================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Executive Board cost                         129               129          (356)           98          - 
================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Loss on sale of property, plant 
 and equipment                                 -                 -              -         (19)       (19) 
================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Realised investment gains                      -               148              -            -        148 
================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Fair value gains on investments                -               171              -            -        171 
================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Finance income                                 -                 -              -            -          - 
================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Finance expense                              (7)               (2)              -            -        (9) 
================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
(Loss)/profit before tax                 (1,171)               388          (356)          179      (960) 
================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
Tax income/(expense)                         202              (40)              -         (13)        149 
================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
(Loss)/profit for the period               (969)               348          (356)          166      (811) 
================================  ==============  ================  =============  ===========  ========= 
 
   2.     INVESTMENTS 
 
                       As at 30 Sept 2018  As at 31 Mar 2018 
                                  GBP'000            GBP'000 
=====================  ==================  ================= 
INVESTMENTS 
=====================  ==================  ================= 
Fair value: unquoted                   48                 48 
=====================  ==================  ================= 
Fair value: quoted                      1                  1 
=====================  ==================  ================= 
Fair value: warrants                  266                196 
=====================  ==================  ================= 
Total Investments                     315                245 
=====================  ==================  ================= 
 

Quoted and unquoted investments include equity investments other than those in subsidiary undertakings. Warrants may be received during the ordinary course of business; there is no cash consideration associated with the acquisition.

Fair value, in the case of quoted investments, represents the bid price at the reporting date. In the case of unquoted investments, the fair value is estimated by reference to recent arm's length transactions. The fair value of warrants is estimated using established valuation models.

 
                      As at 30 Sept 2018  As at 31 Mar 2018 
                                 GBP'000            GBP'000 
====================  ==================  ================= 
TRADING INVESTMENTS 
====================  ==================  ================= 
Listed investments                   961                692 
====================  ==================  ================= 
Total                                961                692 
====================  ==================  ================= 
 

Investments are measured at fair value, which is determined directly by reference to published prices in an active market where available.

Available for sale assets are restated from IAS 39.

   3.     CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND BANK OVERDRAFTS 

For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and deposits with banks and financial institutions with a maturity of up to three months.

Cash and cash equivalents represent the Group's money and money held for settlement of outstanding transactions.

Money held on behalf of clients is not included in the statement of financial position. Client money at 30 September 2018 was

GBP0.9m (31 March 2018: GBP9.5m ). This decrease reflects the effect of the transfer of assets to SEI (Europe) Ltd.

   4.     SHARE CAPITAL 

The total number of authorised ordinary shares is 34.5 million shares of 5p each (31 March 2018: 34.5 million). The total number of issued ordinary shares is 29.9 million shares of 5p each (31 March 2018: 29.9million).

   5.     EARNINGS PER SHARE 

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year, excluding ordinary shares purchased by the Company and held as treasury shares.

Diluted EPS is the basic EPS, adjusted for the effect of conversion into fully paid shares of the weighted average number of all dilutive employee share options outstanding during the period. At 30 September 2018: nil (30 September 2017: nil) options were excluded from the EPS calculation as they were anti-dilutive. In a period when the company presents positive earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders, anti-dilutive options represent options issued where the exercise price is greater than the average market price for the period.

Reconciliation of the earnings and weighted average number of shares used in the calculations are set out below.

 
                                                                     As at 30 Sept 2018  As at 30 Sept 2017 
                                                                                GBP'000             GBP'000 
==================================  ===================================================  ================== 
Weighted average number of shares 
 in issue during the period                                                      29,864              27,720 
==================================  ===================================================  ================== 
Effect of dilutive share options                                                  1,152               1,394 
==================================  ===================================================  ================== 
                                                                                 31,016              29,114 
==================================  ===================================================  ================== 
                                                                                GBP'000             GBP'000 
==================================  ===================================================  ================== 
Earnings attributable to ordinary 
 shareholders                                                                   (2,136)               (811) 
==================================  ===================================================  ================== 
 
 
BASIC EPS 
==================================================================================================== 
Continuing operations                                                               (7.15)p  (2.92)p 
======================  ===================================================================  ======= 
 
 
DILUTED EPS 
==================================================================================================== 
Continuing operations                                                               (7.15)p  (2.92)p 
======================  ===================================================================  ======= 
 
   6.     DIVIDENDS 

No interim dividend has been paid or proposed in respect of the current financial period (2017: nil).

   7.     EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD 

On 20 September 2018 the Company proposed a placing of 2,000,000 ordinary shares from its authorised share capital at an issue price of GBP1.00. This was approved at a General Meeting of the Company held on 9 October 2018.

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 LFFEVLDLDFIT

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November 28, 2018 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT)

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