Source - LSE Regulatory
RNS Number : 4774N
Impax Asset Management Group plc
01 June 2022
 

Impax Asset Management Group plc

Interim results to 31 March 2022

 

London, 1 June 2022 - Impax Asset Management Group plc ('Impax' or the 'Company'), the specialist investor focused on a more sustainable global economy, today announces interim results for the six months to 31 March 2022 (the 'Period').

 

H1 Business highlights

·      Positive net inflows of £2.5 billion during the Period, well diversified by channel and geography

·      Continued long-term out-performance of Impax's strategies versus benchmarks, despite market rotation towards value during the Period

·      Strengthened investment capabilities, distribution and resilience

·      Recent geopolitical events underscore the importance of energy security and tackling climate change, both key areas for Impax's investments

·      AUM £37.0 billion as at 30 April 2022

                                     

H1 Financial highlights

·      AUM £38.0 billion as at 31 March 2022 (31 March 2021: £30.0 billion)

·      Revenue increased to £88.6 million (H1 2021: £60.6 million)

·      Adjusted operating profit of £34.0 million (H1 2021: £20.7 million)

·      Shareholders' equity increased to £112.3 million (H1 2021 £81.0 million)

·      Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased to 21.5 pence (H1 2021: 11.8 pence)

·      Profit before tax of £32.7 million (H1 2021: £14.4 million)

·      Interim dividend per share of 4.7 pence (H1 2021: 3.6 pence)

 

Ian Simm, Chief Executive commented:

"Impax has delivered a solid first half to its financial year, with revenue up 46% and adjusted operating profit up 64% on the comparable period in 2021. We have benefitted from net inflows of £2.5 billion that were well diversified both geographically and across a wide range of sales channels.

 

"Our investment approach, with its careful attention to risk and resilience, continues to attract asset owners that are seeking to build robust portfolios with attractive returns, focused on the transition to a more sustainable economy.

 

"Amid considerable market volatility surrounding recent geopolitical events, we continue to be pleased with the long-term performance of our investment strategies."

 

The presentation for shareholders and analysts will be available to view on the Company's website later this morning: https://www.impaxam.com/investor-relations/reports-and-presentations

 

Enquiries:

 

Impax Asset Management Group plc

Ian Simm, Chief Executive

Paul French, Head of Corporate Communications

 

 

+44 (0)20 3912 3000

Montfort Communications

Gay Collins

Jack Roddan

impax@montfort.london

 

 

+44 (0)77 9862 6282

+44 (0)78 2567 0695

Peel Hunt LLP, Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker

James Britton or Rishi Shah

 

Berenberg, Joint Broker

Alex Reynolds

 

+44 (0)20 7418 8900

 

 

+44 (0)20 3207 7800

 

 

LEI number: 213800AJDNW4S2B7E680

About Impax

Founded in 1998, Impax is a specialist asset manager, with approximately £37.0bn / US$46.5bn as of 30 April 2022 in both listed and private markets strategies, investing in the opportunities arising from the transition to a more sustainable global economy.

Impax believes that capital markets will be shaped profoundly by global sustainability challenges, including climate change, pollution and essential investments in human capital, infrastructure and resource efficiency. These trends will drive growth for well-positioned companies and create risks for those unable or unwilling to adapt.

The company seeks to invest in higher quality companies with strong business models that demonstrate sound management of risk. Impax offers a well-rounded suite of investment solutions spanning multiple asset classes seeking superior risk-adjusted returns over the medium to long term.

Impax has ca. 230 staff across six offices in the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland and Hong Kong, making it one of the investment management sector's largest investment teams dedicated to sustainable development.

www.impaxam.com

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT

BUSINESS UPDATE

Impax delivered a solid first half to its financial year, which includes the six months to 31 March 2022 ("the Period"). Amid considerable market volatility surrounding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the business once again demonstrated its resilience. Meanwhile, our investment approach, with its careful attention to risk and a focus on quality companies, continues to attract asset owners that are seeking to build robust portfolios focused on the transition to a more sustainable economy.

During the Period, Impax's assets under management and advice ("AUM") rose by 2.2% to reach £38.0 billion. This was driven by positive net flows of £2.5 billion, which were offset by a decline of £1.7 billion due to market movements, investment performance and the impact of foreign exchange.

By 30 April 2022, our AUM had fallen slightly to £37.0 billion.

MARKETS

During the six months of the Period, underlying market concern switched from focusing on the impact of COVID-19 to gauging the impact of rising inflation and the deteriorating geopolitical situation.

Initially, global equity markets posted gains, backed by robust economic data and strong corporate earnings. However, the strength of the post COVID-19 recovery coupled with localised lockdowns led to supply chain constraints across numerous industries, which in turn fuelled inflation globally.

The Bank of England and the US Federal Reserve Bank ("the Fed") responded by raising rates, with the Fed signalling further hikes this year, noting improving labour conditions. The Fed also brought its quantitative easing programme to a close in March 2022.

In early 2022, the unexpected instigation, followed by the horrifying reality, of a war in Ukraine contributed to market volatility. Global equity markets fell as investor concerns about the wider implications of Russia's invasion combined with inflationary, interest rate, and monetary tightening pressures, were amplified.

The war intensified an already-looming global energy crisis with a rise in oil, gas and soft commodities prices, while the invasion caused policymakers urgently to turn their attention to reducing Europe's dependency on Russian gas, bolstering the secular case for renewables.

As investors shifted towards value-orientated stocks such as commodities and financials, the share prices of companies at the vanguard of the sustainable economy suffered more than average: for example, the FTSE Environmental Opportunities All-Share Index dropped 4.5% between 1 January and 31 March 2022, compared to the MSCI ACWI Index, which fell by 2.6%.

 

Movements in the Company's AUM for the Period1


Listed equities £m

Fixed income

£m

Private markets

£m

Total firm

£m

Total AUM at 30 September 2021

35,637

1,257

318

37,211

Net flows

2,256

48

168

2,472

Market movement, FX and performance

-1,624

-36

-7

-1,667

Total AUM at 31 March 2022

36,269

1,268

479

38,016

 

1   Figures may not add up due to rounding

Percentage returns for Environmental Markets strategies (GBP)1


AUM

The Period

 1 year

3 years

5 years

Leaders

£8.0bn

-4.5

5.0

48.0

70.2

Water

£6.2bn

-2.1

12.0

61.4

84.9

Specialists

£3.9bn

-5.8

6.5

64.8

88.0

Climate

£3.1bn

-6.0

5.2

63.2

N/A

Sustainable Food

£1.4bn

-2.3

2.3

30.0

45.1

MSCI ACWI Index2


3.4

12.4

45.7

64.7

Asian Environmental

£1.8bn

-8.6

-1.6

35.3

54.6

MSCI Asia-Pacific Composite Index3


-5.1

-5.8

18.2

30.7

 

Percentage returns for Sustainability Lens strategies (GBP)1


AUM

The Period

 1 year

3 years

5 years

Global Opportunities

£7.3bn

-1.4

12.5

56.7

104.6

MSCI ACWI Index2


3.4

12.4

45.7

64.7

US Large Cap

£1.2bn

6.0

18.8

84.3

122.8

S&P 500 Index


8.5

21.2

66.5

99.4

US Small Cap

£550m

-3.1

7.4

44.6

45.8

Russell 2000 Index


-3.3

-1.3

38.1

51.2

 

Percentage returns for Sustainability Lens Fixed Income strategies (GBP)1


AUM

The Period

 1 year

3 years

5 years

High Yield Bond

£590m

-1.9

3.6

15.0

20.1

ICE BofA US Cash Pay High Yield Constrained (BB-B)


-1.6

4.3

12.6

18.8

Core Bond

£560m

-3.2

1.1

5.2

6.8

Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate


-3.7

0.4

4.1

5.6

 

Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invested. All data as at 31 March 2022

1.  AUM (GBP as at 31 March 2022). The strategy returns are calculated including the dividends re-invested, net of withholding taxes, gross of management fee, and are represented in sterling.

2.  MCSI indices are total net return (net dividend re-invested). S&P, Russell, ICE BofA, and Bloomberg Barclays indices are all total gross return.

3.  MSCI AC AP Composite is a custom-made benchmark made up of 80% MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex-Japan and 20% MSCI Japan rebalanced daily. MSCI indices are total net return (net dividend re-invested).

 

INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE

Impax offers actively managed Listed Equities strategies in Environmental Markets and Sustainability Lens segments as well as strategies in Fixed Income, Systematic Equities, and Private Markets.

On an absolute and relative basis, Impax strategies largely performed positively during the first three months of the Period. However, during the second half of the Period our Environmental Markets strategies in particular - which use a quality growth at a reasonable price investment style - were negatively impacted, as market sentiment switched in favour of value-oriented stocks. This has led to strong performance, for example, in the fossil fuel energy sector, to which Impax strategies typically have no exposure.

Consequently, for the six-month Period, our thematic Environmental Markets strategies underperformed their benchmarks, with Water lagging the MSCI All Country World Index ("ACWI") by 5.5%; Sustainable Food by 5.7%; Leaders by 7.9%; Specialists by 9.2%; and the Climate strategy by 9.4%. The Asian Environmental strategy also trailed its benchmark, the MSCI AC AP Composite, by 3.5%.

Amongst our Sustainability Lens strategies, the US Large Cap strategy trailed the S&P 500 by 2.5%; the US Small Cap strategy lagged the Russell 2000 Index by 0.2%; and Global Opportunities trailed the ACWI by 4.8%.

Meanwhile, in Fixed Income, the Core Bond strategy and the High Yield strategy both performed broadly in line with their benchmarks.

We continue to be pleased with the long-term performance of our investment strategies. Eight out of our ten largest strategies have continued to outperform their benchmarks over three years and seven out of nine strategies with five-year track records also outperformed.

CLIENT SERVICE AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

The positive net flows of £2.5 billion during the Period reflected both new mandates and increased investments into existing accounts across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

The growth was well diversified via our distribution partner network and direct sales channels. Of the latter, by the end of the Period, the US-based Pax World funds' AUM grew by 4.9% to US$8.7 billion and our UCITS fund range (based in Ireland) grew by 9.8% to £2.3 billion. We saw increased net inflows via intermediaries, consultants and our distribution partners including Desjardins, NEI Investments and Principal Global Investors in North America and BNP Paribas Asset Management, Fidante and St James's Place in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

In the wake of the UN COP26 climate conference in Glasgow in November 2021, we continued to see strong investor interest in our Climate strategy. Part of our Environmental Markets range, this strategy focuses on investing in companies providing solutions to the challenges linked to climate change. The Climate strategy accounted for 12.9% of net inflows during the Period and we secured two new mandates for this strategy in the US and China.

Also part of our thematic Environmental Markets range, and with AUM of £8.0 billion, Leaders maintained its position as our largest strategy. Highlights included a global consulting firm choosing the strategy for distribution into the New Zealand market, while in the US, the Pax Global Environmental Markets fund enjoyed significant net inflows over the Period.

Utilising our Specialists strategy, Impax Environmental Markets plc, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, was named "Environmental Company of the Year" in Investment Week's Investment Company awards in November.

In the Sustainability Lens segment, Global Opportunities registered 36.6% of Impax's total net inflows for the Period and reached an AUM of £7.3 billion. This included strong inflows via St James's Place, and into our Ireland-based Impax Global Equity Opportunities fund.

In October 2021 our Private Markets team investing in renewable power generation held the first close of Impax New Energy Investors IV, with €238 million raised. By the Period end, the team had invested, reserved or committed nearly all the first close capital with projects signed in Poland, Greece, Italy and Germany during the Period. Meanwhile the team continues to make good progress with Impax New Energy Investors III having progressed the sale process for both its French and Spanish operating solar portfolios and completed add-on acquisitions in France.

Finally, we recently announced that we would be strengthening our distribution, product and marketing capabilities with a number of senior appointments announced during the Period. We are focusing on deepening our distribution capabilities across our target markets, accelerating our product development and ensuring that our clients enjoy a consistent experience globally.

OPERATIONS AND CORPORATE SERVICES

Within corporate services, we are continuing to invest in our systems, infrastructure, risk and compliance capabilities to increase our operational resilience as the business expands.

Impax continues to have no direct holdings in either Russian or Ukrainian equities or fixed income securities and very limited direct revenue exposure to those countries in companies held within our portfolios. We have reviewed our clients, suppliers and vendors to confirm compliance with sanctions and have found no areas of concern.

In light of the recent market volatility, we have moderated the rate of our hiring, but continue to build our team to support our previously stated growth ambitions.

FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD

Revenue for the six months to 31 March 2022 grew to £88.6 million (H1 2021: £60.6 million, H2 2021: £82.5 million) driven by the positive net flows across the business offset in part by the market falls in the second half of the Period. At the end of the Period the weighted average run rate revenue margin was 47 basis points (30 September 2021: 47 basis points) on the £38.0 billion of AUM.

Adjusted operating costs for the Period increased to £54.7 million (H1 2021: £39.8 million, H2 2021: £47.5 million), reflecting a full six months of costs from hires made throughout 2021 as well as the cost of further hires in the Period to support continued growth. IFRS operating costs includes £2.0 million, (H1 2021: £4.3 million, H2 £4.0 million) of charges that do not reflect the operating performance of the Group which have been removed for adjusted measures. A reconciliation of adjusted to IFRS measures is provided in Note 3.

Adjusted operating profit for the period was £34.0 million (H1 2021: £20.7 million, H2 2021: £35.1 million). The decrease from H2 2021 is a result of the increase in adjusted operating costs discussed above offset in part by the growth in revenue. Run rate annualised adjusted operating profit was £65.2 million at the end of the Period (H1 2021: £51.7m, H2 2021: £67.5m). Adjusted operating profit margin was 38% (H1 2021: 34%, H2 2021: 43%). Adjusted profit before tax of £34.6 million (H1 2021: £18.7 million, H2 2021: £35.3 million) includes net finance income of £0.7 million (H1 2021: (£2.0 million), H2 2021: £0.2 million). IFRS profit before tax for the Period was £32.7 million (H1 2021: £14.4 million, H2 2021: £31.4 million).

Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the Period were 21.5 pence (H1 2021: 11.8 pence, H2 2021: 22.1 pence). IFRS earnings per share were 20.1 pence (H1 2021: 10.9 pence, H2 2021: 19.4 pence).

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

The Company continues to be a strongly cash generative business with high levels of cash and no debt. Our cash reserves were £67.4 million at the Period end (H1 2021: £34.4 million). We retain access to a US$13 million revolving credit facility which remains unutilised. We continue to hold seed investments in our own Listed Equities funds and to invest in our Private Equity funds, and these investments were in total valued at £6.2 million at the Period end.

DIVIDENDS

A final dividend for 2021 of 17.0 pence per share was paid in March 2022, following approval at the Annual General Meeting. This took the total dividend paid for 2021 to 20.6 pence per share. As described above the business has continued to perform strongly in the Period and to reflect this we are pleased to announce a 31% increase in the interim dividend to 4.7 pence (2021: 3.6 pence per share). This dividend per share will be paid on 22 July 2022 to Ordinary Shareholders on the shareholder register at the close of business on 17 June 2022.

The Company operates a dividend reinvestment plan ("DRIP"). The final date for receipt of elections under the DRIP will be 1 July 2022. For further information and to register and elect for this facility, please visit www.signalshares.com and search for information related to the Company.

SHARE MANAGEMENT

During the Period the Group's Employee Benefit Trust ("EBT") purchased 367,000 ordinary shares. The EBT holds shares for Restricted Share awards until they vest or will use them to settle option exercises.

The Board will consider purchasing the Company's shares from time to time after due consideration of alternative uses of the Company's cash resources. Share purchases are usually made by the EBTs (subject to the trustees' discretion), using funding provided by the Company.

At the Period end the EBTs held a total of 2.8 million shares, 2.2 million of which were held for Restricted Share awards leaving up to 0.6 million available for option exercises and future share awards. There were 2.9 million options outstanding at the Period end, of which 0.9 million
were exercisable.

KEITH FALCONER

Earlier this month we were very sad to hear the news that Keith Falconer had died unexpectedly at the age of 67. Keith played an integral role in Impax's growth during his time as Chairman from 2004 until 2020 and the Impax leadership team benefitted greatly from his sage advice based on decades of asset management experience. Sadly, we must continue Impax's journey without him.

OUTLOOK

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia, higher inflation data and supply chain disruptions have complicated the global macroeconomic outlook. Nevertheless, companies whose business plans are aligned with a more sustainable economy should continue to offer compelling opportunities for investors. The recent heightened focus on energy security and the sobering reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have reinforced the drivers behind many of the markets in which Impax invests, including renewable power generation, zero-emissions transportation, climate resilience, resource efficiency and ecosystem protection.

Meanwhile, the emergence of mandatory "sustainable finance" disclosure requirements on fund managers and the adoption by governments of green taxonomies is likely to raise the attractiveness of investments that are consistent with the transition to a more sustainable economy. Given this backdrop, we believe that Impax continues to be well positioned to provide continued value to all of our stakeholders.

Ian Simm

31 May 2022

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

For the six months ended 31 March 2022


Note

Unaudited
Six months
ended 31 March
2022
£000

Unaudited

 Six months ended 31 March
2021
£000

Audited
Year ended
30 September 2021
£000

Revenue


88,640

60,591

143,056

Operating costs


(56,680)

(44,150)

(95,622)

Finance income

5

1,130

110

286

Finance expense

6

(403)

(2,103)

(1,971)

Profit before taxation


32,687

14,448

45,749

Taxation

7

(6,046)

(91)

(5,504)

Profit after taxation


26,641

14,357

40,245






Earnings per share





Basic

8

20.6p

11.1p

31.5

Diluted

8

20.1p

10.9p

30.3

 

Adjusted results are provided in Note 3.

 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 31 March 2022

 


Unaudited

Six months ended
31 March
2022
£000

Unaudited

Six months ended
31 March
2021
£000

Audited

Year ended
30 September 2021

£000

Profit for the Period

26,641

14,357

40,245

Change in value of cash flow hedges

-

288

137

Tax on change in value of cash flow hedges

-

(54)

(26)

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

64

(1,277)

(1,075)

Total other comprehensive income

64

(1,043)

(964)





Total comprehensive income for the Period attributable to equity holders of the parent

26,705

13,314

39,281

 

All amounts in other comprehensive income may be reclassified to income in the future.

All profit for the Period is derived from continuing operations.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 March 2022


Note

Unaudited

As at

31 March

2022

£000

Unaudited

As at

31 March

2021

£000

Audited

As at

30 September 2021

£000

Assets





Non-current assets





Goodwill

10

12,063

11,622

11,816

Intangible assets

10

16,714

18,338

17,473

Property, plant and equipment

11

9,020

9,805

9,435

Deferred tax assets


7,265

6,099

11,895

Total non-current assets


45,062

 45,864

 50,619






Current assets





Trade and other receivables


39,496

26,750

39,800

Investments

12

6,246

6,537

7,564

Current tax asset


558

1,601

134

Cash invested in money market funds and long term deposit accounts

13

40,451

11,357

38,066

Cash and cash equivalents

13 

31,574

26,896

36,172

Total current assets


118,325

73,141

121,736






Total assets


163,387

 119,005

 172,355






Equity and liabilities





Equity





Ordinary shares

15

1,326

1,326

1,326

Share premium


9,291

9,291

9,291

Merger reserve


1,533

1,533

 1,533

Exchange translation reserve


438

172

374

Hedging reserve


-

123

-

Retained earnings


99,758

68,652

97,998

Total equity


112,346

 81,097

 110,522






Current liabilities





Trade and other payables


41,365

27,570

50,107

Lease liabilities

11

1,311

1,403

1,330

Current tax liability


409

127

1,923

Total current liabilities


43,085

 29,100

 53,360






Non-current liabilities





Lease liabilities

11

7,585

8,378

8,102

Deferred tax liability


371

430

371

Total non-current liabilities


7,956

 8,808

 8,473

Total liabilities


51,041

 37,908

 61,833

Total equity and liabilities


 163,387

 119,005

 172,355

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the six months ended 31 March 2022

 


Share capital

£000

Share premium

£000

Merger reserve

£000

Exchange translation reserve

£000

Hedging reserve

£000

Retained earnings

£000

Total equity

£000

As at 1 October 2020

1,304

9,291

-

1,449

(111)

59,515

71,448

Transactions with owners of the Company








New shares issued

22

-

1,533

-

-

(20)

1,535

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

-

(8,871)

(8,871)

Cash received on option exercises

-

-

-

-

-

597

597

Purchase of Impax NH shares

-

 -

 -

-

-

(2,239)

(2,239)

Tax credit on long-term incentive schemes

-

 -

 -

-

-

3,570

3,570

Share based payment charge

 -

 -

 -

-

-

1,743

1,743

Total transactions with owners

22

 -

1,533

 -

-

(5,220)

(3,665)

Profit for the Period

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

14,357

14,357

Other comprehensive income








Change in value of cash flow hedge

 -

 -

 -

 -

288

 -

288

Tax on change in value of cashflow hedges

 -

 -

 -

 -

(54)

 -

(54)

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

 -

 -

 -

(1,277)

 -

 -

(1,277)

Total other comprehensive income

 -

 -

 -

(1,277)

234

 -

(1,043)

As at 31 March 2021

1,326

9,291

1,533

172

123

68,652

81,097

Transactions with owners of the Company








New shares issued

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

Dividends paid

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

(4,745)

(4,745)

Cash received on option exercises

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

Purchase of Impax NH shares

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

Tax credit on long-term incentive schemes

 -

 -

 -

-

-

5,064

5,064

Share based payment charge

 -

 -

-

-

-

3,139

3,139

Total transactions with owners

-

 -

 -

-

-

3,458

3,458

Profit for the Period

-

-

-

-

-

25,888

25,888

Other comprehensive income








Change in value of cash flow hedge

-

-

-

-

(151)

-

(151)

Tax on change in value of cashflow hedges

-

-

-

-

28

-

28

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

-

-

-

202

-

-

202

Total other comprehensive income

-

-

-

202

(123)

-

79

As at 30 September 2021

1,326

9,291

1,533

374

-

97,998

110,522

Transactions with owners of the Company








Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

-

(22,475)

(22,475)

Cash received on option exercises

-

-

-

-

-

180

180

Tax charge on long-term incentive schemes

-

-

-

-

-

(1,269)

(1,269)

Share based payment charge

-

-

-

-

-

2,558

2,558

Acquisition of own shares

-

-

-

-

-

(3,875)

(3,875)

Total transactions with owners

-

-

 -

 -

 -

(24,881)

(24,881)

Profit for the Period

-

-

-

-

-

26,641

26,641

Other comprehensive income








Change in value of cash flow hedge

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Tax on change in value of cashflow hedges

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

-

-

-

64

-

-

64

Total other comprehensive income

-

-

-

64

-

-

64

As at 31 March 2022

1,326

9,291

1,533

438

 -

99,758

112,346

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the six months ended 31 March 2022

 


Note

Unaudited

Six months ended

31 March 2022

£000

Unaudited

Six months ended

31 March 2021

£000

Audited

Year ended

30 September 2021

£000

Operating activities:





Cash generated from operations

17

28,149

13,275

59,812

Corporation tax paid


(4,624)

(1,532)

(4,445)

Net cash generated from operating activities


23,525

11,743

55,367






Investing activities:





Net acquisition of property plant and equipment and intangible assets


(407)

(33)

(257)

Net redemptions/(investments) from unconsolidated Impax funds


1,229

(1,973)

(2,529)

Purchase of Impax NH shares


-

(704)

(704)

Settlement of investment related hedges


(97)

(120)

(455)

Investment income received


145

54

93

(Increase)/decrease in cash held by money market funds and long-term deposit accounts


(2,385)

7,159

(19,550)

Net cash generated (used by)/from investment activities


(1,515)

4,383

(23,402)






Financing activities:





Acquisition of non-controlling interest


-

-

(191)

Interest paid on bank borrowings


(59)

(64)

(129)

Payment of lease liabilities


(846)

(832)

(1,691)

Acquisition of own shares


(3,875)

-

-

Cash received on exercise of Impax share options


180

597

597

Dividends paid


(22,475)

(8,871)

(13,616)

Net cash used by financing activities


(27,075)

(9,170)

(15,030)






Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents


(5,065)

6,956

16,935






Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the Period


36,172

20,245

20,245

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes


467

(305)

(1,008)

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the Period

13

31,574

26,896

36,172

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

For the six months ended 31 March 2022

 

1 Basis of preparation

This condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted for use in the UK and the AIM Rules.

The annual financial statements of the Group for the year ended 30 September 2022 will be prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards.  The condensed set of financial statements has been prepared applying the accounting policies and presentation that were applied in the preparation of the Company's published consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2021 which were prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ("Adopted IFRS") and applicable law.

The comparative figures for the financial year ended 30 September 2021 are not the Company's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts, prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, have been reported on by the Company's auditors and delivered to Companies House. The report of the auditors was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under Section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. Copies of these accounts are available upon request from the Company's registered office at 7th floor, 30 Panton St, London, SW1Y 4AJ or at the Company's website: www.impaxam.com.

Going concern

The Board has made an assessment covering a period of 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements which indicates that, taking account of reasonably possible downside assumptions in relation to asset inflows, market performance and costs, the Group will have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities as they fall due and regulatory capital requirements for that period. The Group has sufficient cash balances and no debt and, at the Period-end market levels, is profitable. A significant part of the Group's cost basis is variable as bonuses are linked to profitability. The Group can also preserve cash through dividend reduction and through issuance of shares to cover share option exercises/restricted share awards (rather than purchasing shares). Consequently, the Directors are confident that the Group will  have sufficient funds to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due for at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements and therefore have prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis.

Accounting policies

The accounting policies applied by the Group in these condensed consolidated interim financial statements are the same as those applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2021.

New and forthcoming accounting standards applicable to the Group

No new accounting standards or interpretations issued or not yet effective are expected to have an impact on the Group's condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2 Estimates

The preparation of interim financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The Group has not identified any significant judgements and estimates at the end of the reporting period. However the key areas that include judgement and/or estimates are set out in note 10.

 

3 Adjusted profits and earnings

The reported operating earnings, profit before tax and earnings per share are substantially affected by business combination effects and other items. The Directors have therefore decided to report an adjusted operating profit, adjusted profit before tax and adjusted earnings per share which exclude these items in order to enable comparison with peers and provide consistent measures of performance over time. A reconciliation of the adjusted amounts to the IFRS reported amounts is shown in the following tables.


Six months ended 31 March 2022



Adjustments



Reported IFRS

£000

Business combination effects

£000

Other

£000

Adjusted

£000

Income statement





Revenue

88,640



88,640

Operating costs

(56,680)



(54,688)

Amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition


1,200



Acquisition equity incentive scheme charges


 669



Mark to market charge on equity awards



123


Operating Profit

31,960

1,869

123

33,952

Finance income

1,130


(32)

1,098

Finance expense

(403)



(403)

Profit before taxation

32,687

1,869

91

34,647

Taxation

(6,046)




Tax credit on adjustments



(17)

(6,063)

Profit after taxation

26,641

1,869

74

28,584

Diluted earnings per share

20.1p

1.4p

0.1p

21.5p

 

 


Six months ended 31 March 2021



Adjustments



Reported IFRS

£000

Business combination effects

£000

Other

£000

Adjusted

£000

Income statement





Revenue

60,591



60,591

Operating costs

(44,150)



(39,849)

Amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition


1,196



Acquisition equity incentive scheme charges


986



Contingent consideration adjustment


167



Mark to market charge on equity awards



1,952


Operating Profit

16,441

2,349

1,952

20,742

Finance income

110


(42)

68

Finance expense

(2,103)



(2,103)

Profit before taxation

14,448

2,349

1,910

18,707

Taxation

(91)




Adjustment re historical tax charges



(2,803)


Tax credit on adjustments



(363)

(3,257)

Profit after taxation

14,357

2,349

(1,256)

15,450

Diluted earnings per share

10.9p

1.8p

(1.0)p

11.8p

 

The adjusted diluted earnings per share is calculated using the adjusted profit after taxation shown
above. The diluted number of shares is the same as used for the IFRS calculation of earnings per share (see Note 8).

Similar adjustments have been made, where relevant, for the year ended 30 September 2021 to give adjusted operating profit of £55,784,000, adjusted profit before tax of £54,010,000 and adjusted diluted earnings per share of 33.9 pence.

Amortisation of intangibles

Management contracts, which are classified as intangible assets, were acquired as part of the acquisition of Impax NH and are amortised over their 11 year life. This charge is not linked to the operating performance of the Impax NH business so is excluded from adjusted profit.

Acquisition equity incentive scheme charges

Impax NH staff have been awarded share-based payments in respect of the acquisition of Impax NH. Charges in respect of these relate to the acquisition rather than the operating performance of the Group and are therefore excluded from adjusted profit.

Mark to market charge on equity incentive awards

The Group has in prior years and the current period awarded employees options over the Group's shares, some of which are either unvested or unexercised at the balance sheet date. The Group has also made awards of restricted shares ("RSS awards") some of which have not vested at the balance sheet date. Employers National Insurance Contributions ("NIC") are payable on the option awards when they are exercised, and on the RSS awards when they vest, based on the valuation of the underlying shares at that point. The Group does however receive a corporation tax credit equal to the value of the awards at the date they are exercised (options) or vest (RSS awards). A charge is accrued for the NIC within IFRS operating profit based on the share price at the balance sheet date. Similarly a credit for the corporation tax is accrued within equity.

These two charges vary based on the Group's share price (together referred to as "mark to market charge on equity incentive schemes") and are not linked to the operating performance of the Group. They are therefore eliminated when reporting adjusted profit.

Taxation

The IFRS tax charge for 2021 included a credit in respect of historical tax charges related to private equity income. This does not reflect the performance of the Group and is therefore excluded from adjusted profit.

Contingent consideration adjustment

Until the time it was settled, the Group was required to review and adjust its estimate of the contingent consideration payable in respect of the Impax NH acquisition. Adjustments were recorded through income but excluded from adjusted profit. These adjustments are not linked to the operating performance of the Impax NH business and are therefore eliminated from operating costs.

 

4 Segment Information

The Group is managed on an integrated basis and there are no reportable segments.

 

5 Finance income


31 March

2022

£000

31 March

2021

£000

30 September 2021

£000

Fair value gains

-

57

161

Interest income

53

12

36

Other investment income

32

41

89

Foreign exchange gains

1,045

-

-


1,130

110

286

Foreign exchange gains mainly arise on the retranslation of intercompany loans and cash balances held in USD.

 

6 Finance expense


31 March

2022

£000

31 March

2021

£000

30 September 2021

£000

Interest on lease liabilities

217

242

468

Finance costs on bank loans

59

64

85

Foreign exchange losses

-

1,797

1,418

Fair value losses

127

-

-


403

2,103

1,971

 

Fair value losses represent those arising on the revaluation of investments held by the Group (see note 12) and any gains or losses arising on related hedge instruments held by the Group.

Commitment fees are payable on the revolving credit facility which the Group retains.

 

7 Taxation

The UK tax rate for the Period is 19%. The tax assessment for the Period is lower than this rate. The differences are explained below:


Six months ended

31 March

2022

£000

Six months

ended

31 March

2021

£000

Year ended

30 September 2021

£000

Profit before tax

32,687

14,448

45,749

Tax charge at 19%

6,211

2,745

8,692

Effects of:




Non-taxable income

(13)

-

(18)

Non-deductible expenses and charges

1

1

316

Adjustment in respect of historical tax charges

(65)

(2,803)

(2,795)

Effect of higher tax rates in foreign jurisdictions

123

83

22

Tax losses not recognised

2

65

-

Recognition of prior year tax losses

(213)

-

(713)

Total income tax expense

6,046

91

5,504

 

8 Earnings per share

Six months ended 31 March 2022

Earnings for the Period

£'000

Shares

'000

Earnings per share

Basic

26,641

129,259

20.6p

Diluted

26,641

132,743

20.1p





Six months ended 31 March 2021




Basic

14,029

126,804

11.1p

Diluted

14,029

128,429

10.9p





Year ended 30 September 2021




Basic

40,245

127,644

31.5p

Diluted

40,245

132,669

30.3p

 

The weighted average number of shares is calculated as shown in the table below.


Six months ended

 31 March

2022

'000

Six months

ended

31 March

2021

'000

Year ended

 30 September 2021

'000

Weighted average issued share capital

132,597

130,942

131,772

Less own shares

(3,338)

(4,138)

(4,128)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share

129,259

126,804

127,644

Additional dilutive shares regarding share awards

5,120

2,660

5,983

Adjustment to reflect option exercise proceeds and future service from employees receiving awards/shares

(1,636)

(1,035)

(958)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of diluted eps

132,743

128,429

132,669

 

9 Dividends

On 29 March 2022, at the Company's Annual General Meeting, payment of a 17.0 pence per share final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2021 (2020: 6.8 pence per share) was approved. Combined with an interim payment of 3.6 pence this gave total dividends for the year ended 30 September 2021 of 20.6 pence. The Trustee of the Impax Employee Benefit Trusts waived the Trusts' rights to part of the final dividend, leading to a total dividend payment of £27,220,113 which was paid on 24 March 2022.

The Board has declared an interim dividend for the Period of 4.7 pence per ordinary share (2021: 3.6 pence). This dividend will be paid on 22 July 2022 to Ordinary Shareholders on the register at close of business on 17 June 2022.

 

10 Goodwill and Intangible assets

The goodwill and intangible assets held by the Group primarily relate to the acquisition of Impax NH in January 2018.

Goodwill

£000

Cost


At 1 October 2020

12,306

Foreign exchange movement

(684)

At 31 March 2021

11,622

Foreign exchange movement

194

At 30 September 2021

11,816

Foreign exchange movement

247

At 31 March 2022

12,063

 

There were no brought forward impairment losses at 1 October 2021 or impairment charges during the Period.

Intangible assets

 Management contracts

£000

Software

£000

Total

£000

Cost




At 1 October 2020

27,707

529

28,236

Foreign exchange movement

(1,767)

1

(1,766)

At 31 March 2021

25,940

530

26,470

Foreign exchange movement

501

(1)

500

At 30 September 2021

26,441

529

26,970

Additions

-

57

57

Foreign exchange movement

640

-

640

At 31 March 2022

27,081

586

27,667





Accumulated amortisation and impairment




At 1 October 2020

6,907

458

7,365

Amortisation

1,196

29

1,225

Foreign exchange movement

(458)

-

(458)

At 31 March 2021

7,645

487

8,132

Amortisation

1,162

22

1,184

Foreign exchange movement

181

-

181

At 30 September 2021

8,988

509

9,497

Amortisation

1,200

14

1,214

Foreign exchange movement

242

-

242

At 31 March 2022

10,430

523

10,953





Net book value




At 31 March 2022

16,651

63

16,714

At 30 September 2021

17,453

20

17,473

At 31 March 2021

18,295

43

18,338

 

The management contracts were acquired with the acquisition of Impax NH in January 2018 and are amortised over an 11 year life. An impairment test was completed on this asset for the year ended 30 September 2021 and showed no impairment was required. The test used the following key assumptions - inflows of new assets of $US0.34bn per annum on average, future equity fund performance of 5%, an average operating margin of 20% and a discounted cost of capital of 13.5%. The assumptions that we would use in an impairment test performed at 31 March 2022 remain the same as at 30 September 2021. Long term fund performance, asset inflows and operating margin are in excess of those assumed in the valuation, accordingly there are no indicators of impairment.

 

11 Property, plant & equipment

Property plant and equipment

31 March

2022

£000

31 March

2021

£000

30 September 2021

£000

Right-of-use assets

7,531

8,432

8,065

Property, plant and equipment owned by the Group

1,489

1,373

1,370


9,020

9,805

9,435

 

The carrying value of the Group's right of use assets, associated lease liabilities and the movements during the Period are set out below.

Lease arrangements

Right of use asset

£000

Lease

liabilities

£000

At 1 October 2021

8,065

9,432

Lease payments

-

(846)

Interest expense

-

217

Depreciation charge

(619)

-

Foreign exchange movement

85

93

At 31 March 2022

7,531

8,896

 

12 Current asset investments

The Group makes seed investments into its own Listed Equity funds and also invests in its Private Equity funds. Where the funds are consolidated the underlying investments are shown in the table below. Investments made in unconsolidated funds are also included.


£000

At 1 October 2020

4,387

Additions

2,662

Fair value movements

177

Repayments/disposals

(689)

At 31 March 2021

6,537

Additions

170

Fair value movements

471

Repayments/disposals

386

At 30 September 2021

7,564

Additions

125

Fair value movements

(89)

Repayments/disposals

(1,354)

At 31 March 2022

6,246

 

An analysis of the investment by valuation technique hierarchy is disclosed below.


31 March

2022

£000

31 March

2021

£000

30 September 2021

£000

Level 1

3,880

3,895

4,090

Level 2

-

-

-

Level 3

2,366

2,642

3,474


6,246

6,537

7,564

 

Level 1 means that valuation is made by reference to quoted prices in active markets for the relevant securities.

Level 2 assets do not have regular market pricing but can be given a fair value based on quoted prices in active markets.

Level 3 assets are those where there is no readily available market information to value them and the asset value are based on models. They represent investments in our private equity funds.

13 Cash reserves

Cash and cash equivalents under IFRS does not include deposits in money market funds or cash held in deposits with an original maturity of more than three months. However the Group considers its total cash reserves to include these amounts. Cash held in Research Payment Accounts ("RPAs") is collected from funds managed by the Group and can only be used towards the cost of researching stocks. A liability of an equal amount is included in trade and other payables. This cash is also excluded from cash reserves. A reconciliation is shown below:


31 March

 2022

£000

31 March

2021

£000

30 September 2021

£000

Cash and cash equivalents

31,574

26,896

36,172

Cash held in money market funds and long-term deposit accounts

40,451

11,357

38,066

Less: cash held in RPAs

(4,673)

(3,777)

(4,089)

Total cash reserves

67,352

34,476

70,149

 

14 Loans

The Group retains a US$13 million revolving credit facility ("RCF") with RBS International which expires in January 2023. No amounts were drawn down or repaid in the current period or in the prior year.

 

15 Share capital and own shares


31 March

2022

31 March

2021

30 September 2021

Issued and fully paid ordinary shares of 1 pence each




Number

132,596,554

132,596,554

132,596,554

£000s

1,326

1,326

1,326






31 March

2022

31 March

2021

30 September 2021

Own shares




Number

2,792,373

4,165,214

4,103,395

£000s

2,802

3,030

4,117

 

Own shares represents those held by the Impax Asset Management Group plc Employee Benefit Trust 2012 (the "EBT") which are typically used to fund exercise of options or awards of restricted shares. 0.4 million shares were purchased by the EBT in the six months ended 31 March 2022. The number of own shares held by the EBT fell in the Period as it transferred 1.7 million shares to option/restricted share holders on exercise of options or to holders of restricted shares when the restrictions lapsed.

As at 31 March 2022 there were a total of 2.9 million options outstanding over the Group's shares of which 0.9 million were exercisable. As at 31 March 2022 employees also held 2.2 million Restricted Shares over which the restrictions lapse from December 2022 through to January 2027. These Restricted Shares are held in the EBT and included in the own shares numbers shown above.

 

16 Related party transactions

Private Equity Funds managed by the Group, entities controlled by these funds and certain other funds are related parties of the Group by virtue of subsidiaries being the General Partners to these funds. The Group earns management fees from these entities.

BNP Paribas Asset Management Holdings is a related party of the Group by virtue of owning a significant stake in the Group. The Group also sub-manages certain funds for BNP for which it earns fees.

Other funds managed by subsidiaries of the Group are also related parties by virtue of its management contracts.

A loan facility has been provided to an executive for the sole purpose of investment in a fund managed by the Group. The loan is provided at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2% per annum on amounts drawn, calculated on a daily basis. Interest of €1,952 was accrued on the loan during the Period. The balance on the loan is €91,789 at the reporting date.

Revenue earned from and operating costs for related parties of the Group are as shown in the table below:


Six months ended

31 March 2022

£000

Six months ended

31 March 2021

£000

Year ended

30 September 2021

£000

Revenue

 88,595

 59,634

 73,120

Operating costs

 509

 497

 898

Investments in related parties of the Group and trade and other receivables due from related parties are as shown in the table below:


31 March

2022

£000

31 March

2021

£000

30 September 2021

£000

Current asset investments

 2,366

 2,642

 3,474

Trade and other receivables

 33,460

23,577

 34,685

 

17 RECONCILIATION OF PROFIT BEFORE TAX TO CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS

This note should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated cash flow statement. It provides a reconciliation of how profit before tax, which is based on accounting rules, translates to cashflows.


31 March

2022

£000

31 March

2021

£000

30 September 2021

£000

Profit before taxation

32,687

14,448

45,749

Adjustments for:




Depreciation and amortisation

2,069

2,032

4,057

Finance income

(1,130)

(110)

(286)

Finance expense

403

2,103

1,971

Share-based payment charges

2,558

1,743

4,882

Adjustment for statement of financial position movements:




Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables

304

(6,664)

(19,021)

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables

(8,742)

(277)

22,460

Cash generated from operations

28,149

13,275

59,812

 

18 Group risks

The Group's principal risks remain as detailed within the Directors' Report of the Group's 2021 Strategic Report.

Alternative Performance Measures

The Group uses the following Alternative Performance Measures ("APMs").

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT, ADJUSTED PROFIT BEFORE TAX AND ADJUSTED PROFIT AFTER TAX

These APMs exclude the impact of the following items:

·      amortisation of intangible assets which arose on the acquisition of Impax NH;

·      charges in respect of equity incentive scheme related to the acquisition of Impax NH;

·      fair value movements in contingent consideration payable on the acquisition of Impax NH;

·      significant tax credits related to the prior year; and

·      mark-to-market charges in respect of National Insurance payable on share awards.

These performance measures are reported as they facilitate comparison with prior periods and provide an appropriate comparison with our peers. Excluding amortisation of intangible assets arising from acquisitions is consistent with peers and therefore aids comparability. It also aids comparison to businesses which have grown organically, and do not have such charges. Fair value movements on contingent consideration are excluded as they are one-off items and not representative of the operating performance of the Group. Mark to market charges in respect of National Insurance are excluded as they arise due only to changes in the share price and therefore do not reflect the operating performance of the Group.

A reconciliation to the relevant IFRS terms is provided in Note 3 of the financial statements.

ADJUSTED OPERATING MARGIN

This is calculated as the ratio of adjusted operating profit to revenue. This number is reported as it gives a good indication of the underlying profitability of the company and how this has changed year on year.

ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE AND ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

This is calculated as the adjusted profit after tax divided by the diluted number of shares used in the calculation of IFRS diluted earnings per share.

This is used to present a measure of profitability per share in line with adjusted profits.

A reconciliation to IFRS diluted earnings per share is shown in note 3 of the financial statements.

RUN RATE REVENUE AND RUN RATE ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT

Run rate revenue is the revenue that the Group would report if the AUM for the year remained static at that shown at 31 March and fee rates were those at 31 March. Run rate revenue margin is the ratio of run rate revenue to AUM.

Run rate adjusted operating profit is the run rate revenue less adjusted operating costs for the month of March extrapolated for 12 months. Adjustments are made to exclude any one off items. Run rate numbers are reported as they give a good indication of the current profitability of the Group.

CASH RESERVES

Cash reserves is the sum of cash and cash equivalents and cash held in money market accounts or fixed term deposit accounts less cash held in research payment accounts and cash held by consolidated funds. The calculation of cash reserves is shown in note 13 to the financial statements. Cash reserves are reported as they give a good indication of the total cash resources available to the Group.

 

 

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