Impax Asset Management Group plc
Interim results to 31 March 2024
London, 29 May 2024 - Impax
Asset Management Group plc ("Impax" or the "Company"), the
specialist investor focused on the transition to a more sustainable
global economy, today announces interim results for the six months
to 31 March 2024 (the "Period").
H1
Business highlights
· AUM
growth of 5.9% to £39.6 billion, driven by investment
performance
· Business showed its resilience with an increase in net number
of institutional accounts; £2.7 billion of net outflows came
largely from wholesale channel in Europe
· Expanded capabilities in fixed income by agreeing to acquire
assets of Absalon Corporate Credit from Formuepleje
Group
· Launched two new listed equities strategies
· Increased direct distribution capabilities and the focus on
Impax-branded funds
· Focused on operational efficiency and cost control
· Received the prestigious King's Award for Enterprise, in
Sustainable Development category
H1
Financial highlights
· AUM of £39.6
billion as at 31 March 2024 (H1 2023: £40.1 billion; FY 2023: £37.4
billion)
· Revenue of £86.2 million (H1 2023: £88.0 million; H2 2023:
£90.4 million)
· Adjusted operating profit of £25.8 million (H1 2023: £27.3
million; H2 2023: £30.8 million)
· Shareholders' equity at Period end £117.9 million (H1 2023:
£119.7 million; FY 2023: £134.0 million)
· Adjusted diluted earnings per share of 16.0 pence (H1 2023:
17.2 pence; H2 2023: 18.0 pence)
· Interim dividend per share of 4.7 pence (H1 2023: 4.7 pence;
FY 2023 Total dividend: 27.6 pence)
Ian
Simm, Chief Executive commented:
"The Company showed its resilience
during the first half to its financial year with a commendable rise
in assets under management ("AUM") of 5.9%, positive progress
against our strategic priorities and careful management of our cost
base.
"The rise in our AUM was driven by
the positive impact of £4.9 billion from investment performance,
market movement, and foreign exchange. This was partially offset by
net outflows of £2.7 billion, following asset allocation decisions
by clients primarily within our wholesale channel in Europe, who
rotated to a more 'risk-off' stance amid a higher interest rate
environment. Meanwhile, our institutional channel continues to be
robust, and we saw an increase in the net number of institutional
accounts due to some significant new client wins.
"Following nearly two years of
relative headwinds, asset owner sentiment around the transition to
a more sustainable economy and associated areas of Impax expertise
has improved in recent months. We believe that companies providing
innovative solutions that address environmental and social
challenges remain compelling. Over the long run, we believe these
companies can benefit from rising demand for their products and
services and deliver strong earnings growth.
"Our strategy of increasing our
direct distribution, diversifying our product offering into areas
such as fixed income and focusing on compelling investment returns
should translate into the delivery of further value for our
stakeholders.
"After the Period end, we were delighted to
receive a coveted King's Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable
Development category, placing Impax among the most innovative
businesses in the UK; this is the third time we have been
recognised with this award."[1]
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.
[1]
Previously awarded Queen's Award for Enterprise, Sustainable
Development in 2020 and 2014.
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
Andrew Buchanan
Dan Webster
Berenberg, Joint Broker
James Felix
Dan Gee-Summons
|
+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 assets under management of approximately £39.6
billion as of 31 March 2024 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 approximately 300 employees across
its offices in the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Hong
Kong and Japan, making it one of the investment management sector's
largest investment teams dedicated to sustainable
development.
www.impaxam.com
Chief Executive's Report
Impax showed its resilience in the first
half of its financial year, which includes the six months to 31
March 2024 ("the Period"). During the Period, Impax's assets under
management and advice ("AUM") rose by 5.9% to reach £39.6 billion,
driven by the performance of our investment
strategies.
The positive impact of £4.9 billion from
investment performance, market movement, and foreign exchange was
partially offset by net outflows of £2.7 billion, following asset
allocation decisions by clients primarily within our wholesale
channel in Europe, who rotated to a more 'risk-off' stance amid a
higher interest rate environment. Meanwhile, our institutional
channel continues to be more robust and we saw an increase in the
net number of institutional accounts due to some significant new
client wins; our new business pipeline also remains
healthy.
Despite ongoing challenges within the wider
asset management industry, the opportunities to invest in the
transition to a more sustainable economy continue to multiply. With
experience dating back over 25 years and today's global footprint,
Impax continues to stand out from peers in offering attractive
investment products and solutions to asset owners around the
world.
We are seeking to build out our differentiated
positioning by increasing our direct distribution capability,
diversifying our product offering and focusing on delivering strong
investment returns, while at the same time carefully managing our
costs.
MARKETS
During the six months of the Period, global
equities posted strong returns amid an improving
inflationary backdrop. While investment performance
continued to be heavily influenced by a small number of 'mega-cap'
technology stocks, this group was less dominant, as a broader range
of companies benefitted from resilient economic data from the
United States and a relatively strong earnings season.
Notwithstanding this positive backdrop, the shares of companies
solving environmental problems and/or advancing the transition to a
more sustainable economy generally traded at lower ratings and
their expected earnings recovery relative to other stocks appeared
to be delayed.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE
Impax offers actively managed listed equities
strategies that use our thematic Environmental Markets taxonomies
and the Impax Sustainability Lens, as well as strategies in fixed
income and private markets.
Although, in the main, our strategies have
largely performed positively on an absolute basis over the Period,
top-down factors continue to impact performance relative to generic
indices. For example, the market concentration of the mega cap
technology stocks in the MSCI All Country World Index ("ACWI")
acted as a detractor for many of our strategies, particularly in
the first quarter of the financial year.
For the six-month Period, the Leaders and the
Water strategies both outperformed, though the remainder of
our Environmental Markets strategies lagged their benchmarks
despite recording positive absolute returns.
Within our Sustainability Lens equities
strategies range, the US Large Cap strategy outperformed its
benchmark over the Period, while the Global Opportunities and US
Small Cap strategies underperformed.
Meanwhile, in fixed income, the High Yield and
Core Bond strategies both performed in line with their
benchmarks.
Longer term, six out of our 10 largest
strategies have outperformed their benchmarks over five
years.
FIXED INCOME and
Private Markets
We have identified the development of our fixed
income platform as a strategic priority as we aim to provide a
wider range of solutions to our clients who are seeking to allocate
to the transition to a more sustainable economy.
In January 2024, we took an important step in
this journey as we entered into an agreement to acquire from the
Formuepleje Group, the assets of Absalon Corporate Credit
("Absalon"), with closing expected over the summer. Absalon serves
European institutional investors and Danish high net worth
individuals. Its four-person portfolio management team manages two
fixed income strategies in Global High Yield and Emerging Market
Corporate Debt and, as of 31 March 2024, had in aggregate
approximately £364 million of assets under management.
Meanwhile, within private markets, we announced
the successful final close of our fourth and largest ever fund in
this area, raising €459 million. The fund's portfolio comprises 10
investments that have completed within two years of the fund's
first close. The team is currently focused on developing the
portfolio as well as executing exits in the third fund, including a
group of German wind farms and a French wind and solar
platform.
AUM movement for the Period
|
Listed
equities
£m
|
Fixed
income
£m
|
Private markets
£m
|
Total
firm
£m
|
Total AUM at 30
September 2023
|
35,552
|
1,283
|
564
|
37,399
|
Net flows
|
(2,710)
|
(106)
|
114
|
(2,702)
|
Market movement, FX and performance
|
4,893
|
38
|
(8)
|
4,922
|
Total AUM at 31
March 2024
|
37,735
|
1,215
|
670
|
39,620
|
CLIENT GROUP
We continue to build out our direct distribution
capabilities to support the growth of our own label fund ranges in
Europe and the US and to serve professional and institutional
investors globally. This activity is led by our Client Group, which
includes sales, client service, product development, and marketing
professionals in North America and Europe &
Asia-Pacific.
Significant new client wins during the Period
included listed equities mandates for pension funds in the UK,
Sweden and Australia. In the United States we saw additional
subscriptions into the US Large Cap strategy from a leading private
bank and the Leaders strategy was chosen for inclusion in two model
portfolios.
Redemptions during the Period were primarily
made through our wholesale channel and largely by retail clients
served by our third-party distribution partners, including BNP
Paribas Asset Management in Europe & Asia-Pacific.
By the Period end Environmental Markets
strategies represented 57% (H1 2023: 62%) and Sustainability Lens
strategies 36% (H1 2023: 32%) of the Company's total assets
under management.
Our Ireland-based UCITS fund range grew by 11%
to £2.2 billion, with flat net flows. In the US, our own label fund
range's AUM grew by 10% to £7 billion, despite net outflows of
£245 million.
As part of our new product development in listed
equities, in December 2023 we launched a Global Social Leaders
strategy, which invests in businesses with strong corporate
cultures that are responding to long-term, secular social
trends.
In March 2024, we seeded a Global Emerging
Markets Opportunities strategy, which will be managed by our
investment team in London and Hong Kong and is aimed at clients
seeking a sustainable core allocation equities product investing in
those growth markets.
We continue to invest in our brand, and our
leadership was again recognised as Impax was named 'Responsible
Investor of the Year' in the Reuters Responsible Business Awards
and 'Boutique Manager of the Year' by Financial News. After the
Period end, we were honoured with a coveted King's Award for
Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category, placing Impax
among the most innovative businesses in the UK; this is the third
time we have been recognised with this
award.1
1.
Previously awarded Queen's Award for Enterprise, Sustainable
Development in 2020 and 2014.
IMPAX SUSTAINABILITY CENTRE
We recently formed the Impax Sustainability
Centre to bring together our expertise in areas including
sustainability research, company engagement, policy advocacy,
thought leadership and impact reporting. In recent years the team
has interacted consistently with regulators and companies regarding
the approach to reporting on physical climate risk. Our leadership
on this issue was demonstrated in March this year, when the United
States Securities & Exchange Commission cited Impax 24 times in
the background notes to its new climate risk disclosure rule,
including the requirement that companies report on physical risks
and asset locations when impacts are material.
Meanwhile the team also provided a detailed
response to the European Union's Sustainable Finance Disclosure
Regulation consultation process, acted as co-chair of the UK's
Asset Management Transition Plan working group and signed on as an
early adopter of recommendations from the Task Force on Nature
Related Financial Disclosures.
CORPORATE SERVICES
We have continued to work hard to ensure our
support functions are optimally positioned to operate efficiently,
support the wider firm's risk management and contribute to new
business development opportunities, while at the same time
responding to evolving regulatory requirements.
Performance for Environmental Markets
strategies1, 2, 3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative returns (%), GBP, gross of
fees
|
|
AUM
|
6M
|
1YR
|
3YR
|
5YR
|
Leaders
|
£7.4bn
|
18.1
|
12.9
|
25.5
|
77.0
|
Water
|
£6.6bn
|
18.8
|
16.7
|
38.1
|
98.9
|
Specialists
|
£3.3bn
|
12.3
|
3.9
|
9.2
|
69.0
|
Climate
|
£2.8bn
|
12.7
|
7.0
|
9.5
|
69.9
|
Sustainable Food
|
£0.8bn
|
7.4
|
(1.1)
|
2.2
|
29.8
|
MSCI
ACWI
|
|
16.1
|
20.6
|
33.6
|
73.2
|
Asian Environmental
|
£0.7.bn
|
0.5
|
(7.9)
|
(10.4)
|
23.2
|
MSCI Asia Pac
Composite
|
|
8.3
|
6.9
|
(1.2)
|
25.2
|
Performance for Sustainability Lens Listed
Equities strategies1,2
|
|
Cumulative returns (%), GBP, gross of
fees
|
|
AUM
|
6M
|
1YR
|
3YR
|
5YR
|
Global Opportunities
|
£10.3bn
|
13.4
|
12.4
|
31.9
|
83.8
|
MSCI
ACWI
|
|
16.1
|
20.6
|
33.6
|
73.2
|
US Large Cap
|
£2.2bn
|
20.5
|
22.7
|
41.4
|
119.4
|
S&P
500
|
|
19.3
|
27.1
|
51.4
|
107.9
|
US Small Cap
|
£0.6bn
|
13.5
|
13.1
|
19.8
|
61.2
|
Russell
2000
|
|
15.9
|
17.2
|
8.9
|
52.3
|
Performance for Sustainability Lens Fixed
Income strategies1,3
|
|
Cumulative returns (%), GBP, gross of
fees
|
|
AUM
|
6M
|
1YR
|
3YR
|
5YR
|
High Yield Bond
|
£0.4bn
|
4.5
|
7.1
|
12.8
|
25.2
|
ICE BofA US
Cash Pay High Yield Constrained (BB-B)
|
|
4.8
|
7.8
|
16.1
|
25.3
|
Core Bond
|
£0.7bn
|
2.7
|
0.3
|
3.3
|
7.4
|
Bloomberg US
Aggregate
|
|
2.4
|
(0.5)
|
1.4
|
5.0
|
1. AUM (GBP as at
31 March 2024). The strategy returns are calculated including the
dividends re-invested, net of withholding taxes, gross of
management fee, and are represented in sterling.
2. 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).
3. MCSI indices
are total net return (net dividend re-invested). S&P, Russell,
ICE BofA, and Bloomberg indices are all total gross
return.
We have prioritised the development of our data
management capabilities and the integration of artificial
intelligence-based tools across the business, combined with
appropriate governance controls. We also strengthened our approach
to risk and compliance, including developing an enterprise risk
framework and creating a single global team in this
area.
Across the firm we have significantly slowed
down our rate of hiring and our headcount remained broadly flat,
with 306 employees at the end of March.
FInANCIAL RESULTS FOR
THE PERIOD
Revenue for the Period decreased slightly to
£86.2 million compared to both the first and second half of 2023
(H1 2023: £88.0 million, H2 2023: £90.4 million) as a result
of a relative decrease in average AUM over the Periods.
At the end of the Period the weighted average
run rate revenue margin remained stable at 45 basis points
(30 September 2023: 45 basis points). The Period-end
increase in AUM compared to H2 2023 saw our run-rate revenue rise
to £177.1 million (30 September 2023: £169.0 million).
Adjusted operating costs for the Period
increased marginally to £60.3 million compared to H2 2023 (H1
2023: £60.6 million, H2 2023: £59.7 million) as costs continued to
be carefully managed.
Adjusted operating profit for the Period was
£25.8 million (H1 2023: £27.3 million, H2 2023: £30.8million).
The decrease from H1 and H2 2023 is due to the decrease in
revenue discussed above. Despite reduced revenues, the operating
profit margin remains robust at 30.0% (H1 2023: 31.0%, H2
2023: 34.1%). Run-rate adjusted operating margin at the end of the
Period was 30.6% (H2 2023: 32.6%). Run-rate adjusted operating
profit was £54.2 million at the end of the Period (H1 2023: £58.0
million, H2 2023: £51.9 million).
Financial Highlights for H1 2024 versus H1
2023 and H2 2023
|
H1 2024
|
H1 2023
|
H2 2023
|
Revenue
|
£86.2m
|
£88.0m
|
£90.4m
|
Adjusted operating costs1
|
£60.3m
|
£60.6m
|
£59.7m
|
Adjusted operating profit1
|
£25.8m
|
£27.3m
|
£30.8m
|
Adjusted diluted earnings per
share1
|
16.0p
|
17.2p
|
18.0p
|
IFRS operating profit
|
£24.1m
|
£24.8m
|
£29.4m
|
IFRS profit before tax
|
£24.6m
|
£21.4m
|
£30.7m
|
IFRS diluted earnings per share
|
14.0p
|
12.8p
|
17.0p
|
1 This is
an Alternative Performance Measure.
Adjusted profit before tax of £27.4 million
(H1 2023: £28.2 million, H2 2023: £31.8 million) and adjusted
diluted earnings per share of 16.0 pence (H1 2023: 17.2 pence,
H2 2022: 18.0 pence) include net finance income of
£1.5 million (H1 2023: £0.9 million, H2 2023 £1.0
million).
IFRS profit before tax of £24.6 million (H1
2023: £21.4 million, H2 2023: £30.7 million) and IFRS
diluted earnings per share of 14.0 pence (H1 2023: 12.8 pence,
H2 2023: 17.0 pence) includes £1.7 million of acquisition related
charges and £1.1 million of foreign exchange losses attributable to
the foreign exchange losses on the retranslation of intercompany
loans and other assets held in foreign currencies.
TAX
The effective tax rate has increased due to an
increase in the main corporation tax rate in the UK from 19% to 25%
from 1 April 2023.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
The Company continues to retain high levels of
cash reserves and no debt. Our cash reserves, which include amounts
invested in money market funds, were £60.8 million at the Period
end (H1 2023: £61.8 million). We continue to hold seed investments
and to invest in our private equity funds. These investments were
in total valued at £15.4 million at the Period end (H1 2023:
£10.1 million).
DIVIDENDS
A final dividend for 2023 of 22.9 pence per
share was paid in March 2024, following approval at the Annual
General Meeting. This took the total dividend paid for 2023 to 27.6
pence per share. We are amending our dividend policy which going
forward will be to pay, in normal circumstances, an annual dividend
of at least 55% of adjusted profit after tax, while ensuring that
we retain sufficient capital to invest in our future
growth.
As described above, despite the outflows
experienced during the Period, the business continued to
demonstrate resilience and we are pleased to announce an
interim dividend of 4.7 pence per share (2023: 4.7 pence per
share). This dividend per share will be paid on 19 July 2024
to ordinary shareholders on the shareholder register at the close
of business on 14 June 2024. The Company operates a dividend
reinvestment plan ("DRIP"). The final date for receipt of elections
under the DRIP will be 28 June 2024. 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
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 Group's Employee Benefit Trust ("EBT") (subject to the
trustees' discretion), using funding provided by the
Company.
During the Period, the EBT purchased 1.6 million
of ordinary shares at a weighted average price of £4.53 per share.
The EBT holds shares for Restricted Share awards until they vest or
to satisfy share option exercises.
At the Period end the EBT held a total of 4.6
million shares, 3.3 million of which were held for Restricted
Share awards leaving up to 1.3 million available for option
exercises and future share awards.
At the end of the Period, there were 2.6 million
options outstanding, of which 50,000
were exercisable.
Board Succession
After the Period end, we announced the
appointment of Lyle Logan as Non-Executive Director, effective 1
May 2024. Lyle, who is based in Chicago, has considerable
experience within the wealth management, asset management and asset
servicing space and is currently Vice Chairman of Northern
Trust.
The announcement follows the appointment of
Julia Bond as a Non-Executive Director in November 2023. As
previously announced, Sally Bridgeland and Lindsey Brace Martinez
will step down from the Board at the end of July 2024 on the ninth
anniversary of joining. On behalf of the Board, I would like to
thank Sally and Lindsey for their excellent contributions and wise
counsel over the years.
On 31 July 2024, current Impax Director, Simon
O'Regan will succeed Sally as independent Non-Executive Chair,
subject to regulatory approval. Board member Annette Wilson will
succeed Simon as Senior Independent Director and Julia will succeed
Lindsey as Chair of the Remuneration Committee. Lyle and Julia are
both members of the Audit & Risk and Remuneration
Committees.
OUTLOOK
Following nearly two years of relative
headwinds, asset owner sentiment around the transition to a more
sustainable economy and associated areas of Impax expertise has
improved in recent months. The recovery in global equities since
last November appears to be resilient and there are indications
that stocks within the 'quality growth' portfolios that Impax is
focused on are due for a re-rating.
Meanwhile, the rise in the severity of issues
linked to climate change, for example weather-related damage, is
featuring in both the public and offline comments of leading major
investment institutions globally, raising the likelihood that
allocations to investment areas in which Impax has expertise will
increase.
Our investment team continues to look for
mispriced opportunities and is constructing portfolios that should
benefit from an improvement in secular and/or cyclical market
drivers. This includes companies recovering from destocking, such
as natural ingredients suppliers, as well as businesses with strong
pricing power and inflation resilience.
We believe that the drivers of the transition to
a more sustainable economy remain intact and that companies
providing innovative solutions that address environmental and
social challenges remain compelling. Over the long run, we believe
these companies can benefit from rising demand for their products
and services and deliver strong earnings growth.
We are encouraged by the strength of our new
business pipeline and have noticed an uptick in the number of
institutional mandate tenders in recent months. While we have been
impacted by net outflows in our European wholesale channel, our
client retention overall remains strong.
Impax's positioning as a specialist active
manager continues to appeal strongly to asset owners and their
advisers around the world. Our strategy of increasing our direct
distribution, diversifying our product offering into areas such as
fixed income and focusing on compelling investment returns should
translate into the delivery of further value for our
stakeholders.
Ian
Simm
Chief Executive
28 May 2024
Condensed Consolidated Income
Statement
For the six months ended 31 March
2024
|
Notes
|
Unaudited
Six months ended 31 March 2024
£000
|
Unaudited
Six months ended 31 March 2023
£000
|
Audited
Year ended
30 September 2023
£000
|
Revenue
|
|
86,150
|
87,960
|
178,367
|
Operating costs
|
|
(62,030)
|
(63,142)
|
(124,120)
|
Finance income
|
5
|
1,893
|
1,457
|
3,130
|
Finance expense
|
6
|
(1,453)
|
(4,879)
|
(5,271)
|
Profit before
taxation
|
|
24,560
|
21,396
|
52,106
|
Taxation
|
7
|
(6,321)
|
(4,601)
|
(12,884)
|
Profit after
taxation
|
|
18,239
|
16,795
|
39,222
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per
share
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
8
|
14.3p
|
13.0p
|
30.5p
|
Diluted
|
8
|
14.0p
|
12.8p
|
29.8p
|
Adjusted results are provided in note
3.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income
For the six months ended 31 March
2024
|
Unaudited
Six months ended 31 March 2024
£000
|
Unaudited
Six months ended 31 March 2023
£000
|
Audited
Year ended
30 September 2023
£000
|
Profit for the
Period
|
18,239
|
16,795
|
39,222
|
Exchange differences on translation of foreign
operations
|
(710)
|
(466)
|
(119)
|
Total other
comprehensive income
|
(710)
|
(466)
|
(119)
|
|
|
|
|
Total
comprehensive income for the Period attributable
to equity holders of the parent
|
17,529
|
16,329
|
39,103
|
All amounts in other comprehensive income may be
reclassified to income in the future.
The statement has been prepared on the basis
that all operations are continuing operations.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial
Position
For the six months ended 31 March
2024
|
Note
|
Unaudited
As at
31 March
2024
£000
|
Unaudited
As at
31 March
2023
£000
|
Audited
As at
30 September 2023
£000
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current
assets
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
10
|
12,501
|
12,738
|
12,883
|
Intangible assets
|
10
|
12,378
|
15,378
|
14,185
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
11
|
8,198
|
8,271
|
8,820
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
3,887
|
5,278
|
3,665
|
Total
non-current assets
|
|
36,964
|
41,665
|
39,553
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables
|
|
39,229
|
44,003
|
42,543
|
Investments
|
12
|
15,364
|
10,127
|
13,270
|
Current tax asset
|
|
1,127
|
2,416
|
1,645
|
Cash invested in money market funds
|
13
|
44,103
|
20,153
|
53,542
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
13
|
20,899
|
46,932
|
37,963
|
Total current
assets
|
|
120,722
|
123,631
|
148,963
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
157,686
|
165,296
|
188,516
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity and
liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary shares
|
14
|
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
|
|
2,230
|
2,593
|
2,940
|
Retained earnings
|
|
103,471
|
104,966
|
118,868
|
Total
equity
|
|
117,851
|
119,709
|
133,958
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other payables
|
|
31,012
|
35,166
|
44,809
|
Lease liabilities
|
11
|
1,957
|
1,361
|
1,524
|
Current tax liability
|
|
655
|
1,985
|
1,007
|
Total current
liabilities
|
|
33,624
|
38,512
|
47,340
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current
liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Lease liabilities
|
11
|
6,211
|
6,706
|
7,218
|
Deferred tax liability
|
|
-
|
369
|
-
|
Total
non-current liabilities
|
|
6,211
|
7,075
|
7,218
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
39,835
|
45,587
|
54,558
|
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the six months ended 31 March
2024
|
Share capital £000
|
Share premium £000
|
Merger reserve £000
|
Exchange translation reserve
£000
|
Retained earnings
£000
|
Total equity £000
|
1 October
2022
|
1,326
|
9,291
|
1,533
|
3,059
|
122,969
|
138,178
|
Transactions with owners of the
Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(30,216)
|
(30,216)
|
Cash received on option exercises
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,261
|
1,261
|
Tax credit on long-term incentive
schemes
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,623
|
1,623
|
Share based payment charge
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,649
|
2,649
|
Acquisition of own shares
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(10,115)
|
(10,115)
|
Total
transactions with owners
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(34,798)
|
(34,798)
|
Profit for the Period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
16,795
|
16,795
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange differences on translation of foreign
operations
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(466)
|
-
|
(466)
|
Total other comprehensive income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(466)
|
-
|
(466)
|
31 March
2023
|
1,326
|
9,291
|
1,533
|
2,593
|
104,966
|
119,709
|
Transactions with owners of the
Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(6,160)
|
(6,160)
|
Tax charge on long-term incentive
schemes
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,252)
|
(1,252)
|
Share based payment charge
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,886
|
3,886
|
Acquisition of own shares
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(4,999)
|
(4,999)
|
Total
transactions with owners
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(8,525)
|
(8,525)
|
Profit for the Period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
22,427
|
22,427
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange differences on translation of foreign
operations
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
347
|
-
|
347
|
Total other comprehensive income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
347
|
-
|
347
|
30 September
2023
|
1,326
|
9,291
|
1,533
|
2,940
|
118,868
|
133,958
|
Transactions
with owners of the Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(30,132)
|
(30,132)
|
Cash received on option exercises
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
359
|
359
|
Tax charge on long-term incentive
schemes
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(63)
|
(63)
|
Share based payment charge
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,375
|
3,375
|
Acquisition of own shares
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(7,175)
|
(7,175)
|
Total
transactions with owners
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(33,636)
|
(33,636)
|
Profit for the
Period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
18,239
|
18,239
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange differences on translation of foreign
operations
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(710)
|
-
|
(710)
|
Total other comprehensive income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(710)
|
-
|
(710)
|
31 March
2024
|
1,326
|
9,291
|
1,533
|
2,230
|
103,471
|
117,851
|
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the six months ended 31 March
2024
|
Note
|
Unaudited
Six months ended 31 March 2024 £000
|
Unaudited
Six months ended 31 March 2023 £000
|
Audited Year ended 30 September
2023
£000
|
Operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Cash generated
from operations
|
16
|
19,493
|
6,203
|
53,218
|
Corporation tax paid
|
|
(6,440)
|
(5,932)
|
(14,562)
|
Net cash
generated from operating activities
|
|
13,053
|
271
|
38,656
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Net acquisition of property plant and equipment
and intangible assets
|
|
(643)
|
(376)
|
(824)
|
Investments into unconsolidated Impax
funds
|
|
(4,903)
|
(2,298)
|
(8,073)
|
Redemptions from unconsolidated Impax
funds
|
|
3,883
|
96
|
2,792
|
Settlement of investment related
hedges
|
|
(984)
|
(477)
|
(390)
|
Investment income received
|
|
1,803
|
1,264
|
2,865
|
Decrease in cash held by money market
funds
|
|
9,439
|
38,534
|
5,145
|
Net cash
generated from investment activities
|
|
8,595
|
36,743
|
1,515
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid on bank borrowings
|
|
-
|
(34)
|
(86)
|
Payment of lease liabilities
|
|
(654)
|
(1,011)
|
(1,979)
|
Acquisition of own shares
|
|
(7,175)
|
(10,115)
|
(15,114)
|
Cash received on exercise of Impax share
options
|
|
359
|
1,261
|
1,261
|
Dividends paid
|
|
(30,132)
|
(30,216)
|
(36,376)
|
Net cash used
by financing activities
|
|
(37,602)
|
(40,115)
|
(52,294)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease in
cash and cash equivalents
|
|
(15,954)
|
(3,101)
|
(12,123)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of
the Period
|
|
37,963
|
52,232
|
52,232
|
Effect of foreign exchange rate
changes
|
|
(1,110)
|
(2,199)
|
(2,146)
|
Cash and cash
equivalents at the end of the Period
|
13
|
20,899
|
46,932
|
37,963
|
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim
Financial Statements
For the six months ended 31 March
2024
1 Basis of preparation
This interim report is unaudited and does not
constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 435 of
the Companies Act 2006. These condensed consolidated interim
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34
'Interim Financial Reporting' and the AIM rules. They do not
include all of the information required for full annual financial
statements, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements of the Group for the year ended 30 September
2023.
The comparative figures for the financial year
ended 30 September 2023 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 financial statements have been prepared on a
going concern basis which the Directors consider to be appropriate
for the following reasons. Cash flow forecasts covering a period of
12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements
indicate that, taking account of reasonably possible downside
assumptions in relation to asset flows, 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,
based on Period-end AUM, 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 2023.
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
below.
|
Six months ended 31 March
2024
|
Reported IFRS
£000
|
Adjustments
|
Adjusted
£000
|
Historic business combination
effects
£000
|
Other
£000
|
Income
statement
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
86,150
|
|
|
86,150
|
Operating costs
|
(62,030)
|
|
|
(60,320)
|
Amortisation of intangibles arising on
acquisition
|
|
1,286
|
|
|
Acquisition equity incentive scheme
charges
|
|
396
|
|
|
Mark to market charge on equity
awards
|
|
|
28
|
|
Operating
profit
|
24,120
|
1,682
|
28
|
25,830
|
Finance income
|
1,893
|
|
|
1,893
|
Finance expense
|
(1,453)
|
|
1,091
|
(362)
|
Profit before
taxation
|
24,560
|
1,682
|
1,119
|
27,361
|
Taxation
|
(6,321)
|
|
|
|
Tax on adjustments
|
|
|
(280)
|
(6,601)
|
Profit after
taxation
|
18,239
|
1,682
|
839
|
20,760
|
Diluted
earnings per share
|
14.0p
|
1.3p
|
0.6p
|
16.0p
|
|
Six months ended 31 March
2023
|
Reported IFRS
£000
|
Adjustments
|
Adjusted
(restated)**
£000
|
Historic business combination
effects
£000
|
Other
£000
|
Income
statement
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
87,960
|
|
|
87,960
|
Operating costs
|
(63,142)
|
|
|
(60,645)
|
Amortisation of intangibles arising on
acquisition
|
|
1,344
|
|
|
Acquisition equity incentive scheme
charges
|
|
661
|
|
|
Mark to market charge on equity
awards
|
|
|
492
|
|
Operating
profit
|
24,818
|
2,005
|
492
|
27,315
|
Finance income
|
1,457
|
|
|
1,457
|
Finance expense
|
(4,879)
|
|
4,328
|
(551)
|
Profit before
taxation
|
21,396
|
2,005
|
4,820
|
28,221
|
Taxation
|
(4,601)
|
|
|
|
Tax on adjustments
|
|
|
(1,085)
|
(5,686)
|
Profit after
taxation
|
16,795
|
2,005
|
3,735
|
22,535
|
Diluted
earnings per share
|
12.8p
|
1.5p
|
2.8p
|
17.2p
|
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 2023 to give adjusted
operating profit of £58,103,000, adjusted profit before tax of
£59,956,000 and adjusted diluted earnings per share of 35.2
pence.
Amortisation of intangibles
Management contracts, which are classified as
intangible assets, were acquired as part of the acquisition of Pax
World Management LLC (the "Acquisition"), subsequently referred to
as 'Impax NH'. These management contracts 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")
which have not vested at the balance sheet date. Employers'
national insurance contributions ("NIC") are payable on the options
when they are exercised and on the RSS awards when they vest, based
on the valuation of the underlying shares at that point. A charge
is accrued for the NIC within IFRS operating profit based on the
share price at the balance sheet date. The Group also receive a
corporation tax credit equal to the value of the awards at the date
they are exercised (options) or vest (RSS awards). The tax credit
in excess of the cumulative share-based payment expense is
recognised directly in equity.
These two charges/credits 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.
Finance income and expense
Finance expense for the Period has
been adjusted for foreign exchange gains and losses on
monetary assets that are not linked to the
operating performance of the Group. £450,000 of the current Period
foreign exchange loss relates to the retranslation of a US dollar
denominated loan between the Parent Company and a
US subsidiary with the remaining amount mainly relating to
retranslation of cash and cash equivalents.
A corresponding gain is recognised in equity in the exchange
translation reserve.
4 Segment Information
The Group is managed on an integrated basis and
there is one reportable segment. Segment information is presented
on the same basis as that provided for internal reporting purposes
to the Group's chief operating decision maker, the Chief
Executive.
5 Finance income
|
31 March
2024
£000
|
31 March
2023
£000
|
30 September
2023
£000
|
Fair value
gains
|
90
|
193
|
265
|
Interest
income
|
1,803
|
1,264
|
2,865
|
|
1,893
|
1,457
|
3,130
|
6 Finance expense
|
31 March
2024
£000
|
31 March
2023
£000
|
30 September
2023
£000
|
Interest on lease liabilities
|
217
|
209
|
411
|
Finance costs on bank loans
|
-
|
34
|
86
|
Foreign exchange losses
|
1,236
|
4,636
|
4,774
|
|
1,453
|
4,879
|
5,271
|
Foreign exchange losses in the Period mainly
arose on the retranslation of monetary assets held in US dollars.
£450,000 of this loss relates to the retranslation of a US dollar
denominated loan between the Parent Company and a US subsidiary.
The remaining amount relates to the retranslation of cash and cash
equivalents. A corresponding gain is recognised in equity in the
exchange translation reserve.
7 Taxation
The tax rate for the Period is higher than the
standard rate of corporation tax in the UK for the Period (25%).
The differences are explained below:
|
Six months ended 31 March
2024
£000
|
Six months ended 31 March
2023
£000
|
Year ended
30 September 2023
£000
|
Profit before tax
|
24,560
|
21,396
|
52,106
|
|
|
|
|
Tax charge at 25% (FY23: 22% and HY23:
19%)
|
6,140
|
4,707
|
11,463
|
Effects of:
|
|
|
|
Non-taxable income
|
(13)
|
(47)
|
(231)
|
Non-deductible expenses and charges
|
62
|
4
|
778
|
Tax differences on share awards
|
656
|
(449)
|
478
|
Adjustment in respect of historical tax
charges
|
(393)
|
289
|
559
|
Effect of lower tax rates in foreign
jurisdictions
|
(131)
|
(1)
|
(29)
|
Tax losses not recognised
|
-
|
98
|
9
|
Recognition of prior year tax losses
|
-
|
-
|
(143)
|
Total income tax expense
|
6,321
|
4,601
|
12,884
|
8 Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated
by dividing the profit for the year attributable to ordinary equity
holders of the Parent Company (the "Earnings") by the weighted
average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year, less
the weighted average number of own shares held. Own shares are held
in Employee Benefit Trusts ("EBTs"). Diluted EPS includes an
adjustment to reflect the dilutive impact of
share awards.
Six months
ended 31 March 2024
|
Earnings for the Period
£000
|
Shares
'000
|
Earnings
per share
|
Basic
|
18,239
|
127,838
|
14.3p
|
Diluted
|
18,239
|
130,113
|
14.0p
|
|
|
|
|
Six months
ended 31 March 2023
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
16,795
|
129,076
|
13.0p
|
Diluted
|
16,795
|
131,114
|
12.8p
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended 30
September 2023
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
39,222
|
128,769
|
30.5p
|
Diluted
|
39,222
|
131,572
|
29.8p
|
The weighted average number of shares is
calculated as shown in the table below.
|
Six months ended 31 March 2024
'000
|
Six months ended 31 March 2023
'000
|
Year ended
30 September 2023
'000
|
Weighted average issued share capital
|
132,597
|
132,597
|
132,597
|
Less own shares held
|
(4,759)
|
(3,521)
|
(3,828)
|
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used
in the calculation of basic EPS
|
127,838
|
129,076
|
128,769
|
Additional dilutive shares re share
awards
|
5,339
|
3,767
|
4,080
|
Adjustment to reflect option exercise proceeds
and future service from employees receiving
awards/shares
|
(3,064)
|
(1,729)
|
(1,277)
|
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used
in the calculation of diluted EPS
|
130,113
|
131,114
|
131,572
|
9 Dividends
On 12 March 2024, at the Company's Annual
General Meeting, payment of a 22.9 pence per share final dividend
for the year ended 30 September 2023 (2022: 22.9 pence per share)
was approved. Combined with an interim payment of 4.7 pence this
gave total dividends for the year ended 30 September 2023 of 27.6
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 £30,132,057 which was paid on 22 March
2024.
The Board has declared an interim dividend for
the Period of 4.7 pence per ordinary share (2023: 4.7 pence). This
dividend will be paid on 19 July 2024 to ordinary shareholders on
the register at close of business on 14 June 2024.
10 Goodwill and Intangible assets
The goodwill balance within the Group at 31
March 2024 arose from the acquisition of Impax Capital Limited on
18 June 2001 and the acquisition of Impax NH in January
2018.
Goodwill
|
£000
|
Cost
|
|
At 1 October 2022
|
13,932
|
Foreign exchange movement
|
(1,194)
|
At 31 March 2023
|
12,738
|
Foreign exchange movement
|
145
|
At 30 September 2023
|
12,883
|
Foreign exchange movement
|
(382)
|
At 31 March
2024
|
12,501
|
There were no brought forward impairment losses
at 1 October 2023 or impairment charges during
the Period.
Intangible assets
|
Management contracts
£000
|
Software
£000
|
Total
£000
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
At 1 October 2022
|
31,910
|
301
|
32,211
|
Additions
|
-
|
132
|
132
|
Foreign exchange movement
|
(3,490)
|
-
|
(3,490)
|
At 31 March
2023
|
28,420
|
433
|
28,853
|
Additions
|
-
|
167
|
167
|
Foreign exchange movement
|
780
|
-
|
780
|
At 30 September
2023
|
29,200
|
600
|
29,800
|
Additions
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Foreign exchange movement
|
(1,387)
|
-
|
(1,387)
|
At 31 March
2024
|
27,813
|
600
|
28,413
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
amortisation
|
|
|
|
At 1 October 2022
|
13,646
|
225
|
13,871
|
Charge for the period
|
1,344
|
15
|
1,359
|
Foreign exchange movement
|
(1,755)
|
-
|
(1,755)
|
At 31 March
2023
|
13,235
|
240
|
13,475
|
Charge for the period
|
1,469
|
47
|
1,516
|
Foreign exchange movement
|
624
|
-
|
624
|
At 30 September
2023
|
15,328
|
287
|
15,615
|
Charge for the period
|
1,286
|
58
|
1,344
|
Foreign exchange movement
|
(924)
|
-
|
(924)
|
At 31 March
2024
|
15,690
|
345
|
16,035
|
|
|
|
|
Net book
value
|
|
|
|
At 31 March
2024
|
12,123
|
255
|
12,378
|
At 30 September 2023
|
13,872
|
313
|
14,185
|
At 31 March 2023
|
15,185
|
193
|
15,378
|
The management contracts were acquired with the
acquisition of Impax NH in January 2018 and are amortised over an
11-year life.
Assets under management, forecast asset inflows
and operation margin are all the same or in excess of the
assumptions when the management contracts were first valued. The
discounted cost of capital is the same as when the management
contracts were first valued. As such, there are no indicators of
impairment.
11 Property, plant & equipment
Property plant and equipment
|
31 March
2024
£000
|
31 March
2023
£000
|
30 September
2023
£000
|
Right-of-use assets
|
6,593
|
6,689
|
7,254
|
Property, plant and equipment owned by the
Group
|
1,605
|
1,582
|
1,566
|
|
8,198
|
8,271
|
8,820
|
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 2023
|
7,254
|
8,742
|
Additions
|
314
|
314
|
Lease payments
|
-
|
(968)
|
Interest expense
|
-
|
217
|
Depreciation charge
|
(859)
|
-
|
Foreign exchange movement
|
(116)
|
(137)
|
At 31 March
2024
|
6,593
|
8,168
|
12 Current asset investments
The Group makes seed investments into its own
Listed Equities 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 2022
|
7,255
|
Additions
|
2,298
|
Fair value movements
|
670
|
Repayments/disposals
|
(96)
|
At 31 March 2023
|
10,127
|
Additions
|
5,775
|
Fair value movements
|
64
|
Repayments/disposals
|
(2,696)
|
At 30 September 2023
|
13,270
|
Additions
|
4,903
|
Fair value movements
|
1,074
|
Repayments/disposals
|
(3,883)
|
At 31 March
2024
|
15,364
|
An analysis of the investment by valuation
technique hierarchy is disclosed below:
|
31 March 2024
£000
|
31 March 2023
£000
|
30 September 2023
£000
|
Level 1
|
10,546
|
6,363
|
8,623
|
Level 2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Level 3
|
4,818
|
3,764
|
4,647
|
|
15,364
|
10,127
|
13,270
|
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 cash invested in money market funds which is exposed to
market variability. However the Group considers its total cash
reserves to include these amounts. Cash held by consolidated funds
is not considered to be available to the Group so it is not
included in cash reserves. 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
excluded from cash reserves. A reconciliation is shown
below:
|
31 March
2024
£000
|
31 March
2023
£000
|
30 September
2023
£000
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
20,899
|
46,932
|
37,963
|
Cash held in money market funds
|
44,103
|
20,153
|
53,542
|
Less: cash held in RPAs
|
(4,190)
|
(5,276)
|
(3,813)
|
Total cash reserves
|
60,812
|
61,809
|
87,692
|
14 Share capital and own shares
|
31 March
2024
|
31 March
2023
|
30 September
2023
|
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
2024
|
31 March
2023
|
30 September
2023
|
Own shares
|
|
|
|
Number
|
4,633,424
|
3,613,276
|
4,274,276
|
£000s
|
20,168
|
8,995
|
18,605
|
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. 1.6 million shares were purchased by the EBT in
the six months ended 31 March 2024. The EBT transferred 1.2 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 2024, there were a total of 2.6
million options outstanding over the Group's shares, of which
50,000 were exercisable. As at 31 March 2024, employees also held
3.3 million Restricted Shares over which the restrictions lapse
from June 2024 through to January 2029. These Restricted Shares are
held in the EBT and included in the own shares numbers shown
above.
15 Related party transactions
Private equity funds managed by the Group,
entities controlled by these funds and the Global Resource
Optimization Fund LP and Impax Global Opportunities Fund LP 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 13.8% equity
holding as well as having a representative on the Board of
Directors. The Group 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 their management
contracts.
Fees earned from the above related parties and
amounts receivable are disclosed within this note below. During the
Period, there were two existing loan facilities that were provided
to an Executive Director for the sole purpose of investment in
funds managed by the Group. The loans are provided at interest
rates of 2.25% and 3.0% per annum on amounts drawn, calculated on a
daily basis. Total interest of €2,111 was accrued during the Period
and the total balance of the two loans at the Period end was
€237,951 (2023: €292,194).
Revenue earned from and operating costs for
related parties of the Group are as shown in the table
below:
|
Six months ended 31 March 2024
£000
|
Six months ended 31 March 2023
£000
|
Year ended
30 September 2023
£000
|
Revenue
|
84,405
|
84,425
|
172,373
|
Operating
costs
|
542
|
537
|
1,237
|
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
2024
£000
|
31 March
2023
£000
|
30 September
2023
£000
|
Current asset investments
|
14,578
|
10,127
|
13,270
|
Trade and other receivables
|
31,290
|
35,593
|
33,660
|
16 Reconciliation of net cashflow from operating
activities
This note should be read in conjunction with the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. It provides a
reconciliation of how profit before tax, which is based on
accounting rules, translates to cashflows.
|
31 March
2024
£000
|
31 March
2023
£000
|
30 September
2023
£000
|
Profit before taxation
|
24,560
|
21,396
|
52,106
|
Adjustments for:
|
|
|
|
Depreciation of property plant and equipment and
amortisation
of intangible assets
|
2,447
|
2,428
|
5,073
|
Finance income
|
(1,893)
|
(1,457)
|
(3,130)
|
Finance expense
|
1,453
|
4,879
|
5,271
|
Share-based payment charges
|
3,375
|
2,649
|
6,535
|
Loss on disposals of property, plant and
equipment
|
34
|
-
|
31
|
Adjustment for statement of financial position
movements:
|
|
|
|
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other
receivables
|
3,314
|
(5,234)
|
(3,774)
|
Decrease in trade and other payables
|
(13,797)
|
(18,458)
|
(8,894)
|
Cash generated from operations
|
19,493
|
6,203
|
53,218
|
17 Group risks
The Group's principal risks remain as detailed
within the Directors' Report of the Group's 2023 Strategic
Report.
Independent Review Report to Impax Asset
Management Group plc
CONCLUSION
We have been engaged by Impax Asset Management
Group plc ("the Company") to review the condensed set of financial
statements in the half-yearly report for the six months ended 31
March 2024 which comprises the Condensed Consolidated Income
Statement and Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive
Income, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position,
the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and the related
explanatory notes.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our
attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of
financial statements in the half-yearly report for the six months
ended 31 March 2024 is not prepared, in all material respects, in
accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted for
use in the UK and the AIM Rules.
BASIS FOR CONCLUSION
We conducted our review in accordance with
International Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410 Review of
Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor
of the Entity ("ISRE (UK) 2410") issued for use in the UK. A review
of interim financial information consists of making enquiries,
primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting
matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. We
read the other information contained in the half-yearly report and
consider whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material
inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of
financial statements.
A review is substantially less in scope than an
audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on
Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain
assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters
that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not
express an audit opinion.
CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN
Based on our review procedures, which are less
extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the
Basis for conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to
our attention that causes us to believe that the Directors have
inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting, or
that the Directors have identified material uncertainties relating
to going concern that have not been appropriately
disclosed.
This conclusion is based on the review
procedures performed in accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410. However,
future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to
continue as a going concern, and the above conclusions are not a
guarantee that the Group will continue in operation.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES
The half-yearly report is the responsibility of,
and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are
responsible for preparing the half-yearly report in accordance with
the AIM Rules.
As disclosed in note 1 the latest annual
financial statements of the Group were prepared in accordance with
international accounting standards in conformity with the
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and the next annual
financial statements will be prepared in accordance with UK-adopted
international accounting standards. The Directors are responsible
for preparing the condensed set of financial statements included in
the half-yearly report in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted for use
in the UK.
In preparing the condensed set of financial
statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group's
ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable,
matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis
of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the
Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but
to do so.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY
Our responsibility is to express to the Company
a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the
half-yearly report based on our review. Our conclusion, including
our conclusions relating to going concern, are based on procedures
that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the
Basis
for conclusion section of this report.
THE PURPOSE OF OUR REVIEW WORK AND TO WHOM WE OWE OUR
RESPONSIBILITIES
This report is made solely to the Company in
accordance with the terms of our engagement. Our review has been
undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we
are required to state to it in this report and for no other
purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept
or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company for our
review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have
reached.
Alison
Allen
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants
15 Canada Square
London
28 May 2024
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
·
mark-to-market credits and charges in respect of national
insurance payable on share awards
· foreign
exchange gains and losses on the retranslation of monetary assets
that are not linked to the operating performance of the
Group
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.
Mark-to-market credits and 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.
Foreign exchange gains and losses on the retranslation of monetary
assets are excluded as they are not linked to 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 DILUTED 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.
***
Issued in the UK by Impax Asset
Management Group plc, whose shares are quoted on the Alternative
Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange. Impax Asset
Management Group plc is registered in England & Wales, number
03262305. AUM relates to Impax Asset Management Limited, Impax
Asset Management (AIFM) Limited, Impax Asset Management Ireland
Limited and Impax Asset Management LLC. Impax Asset
Management Limited and Impax Asset Management (AIFM) Limited are
authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and are
wholly owned subsidiaries of Impax Asset Management Group plc.
Please note that the information provided on www.impaxam.com and
links from it should not be relied upon for investment
purposes.
Impax is trademark of Impax Asset
Management Group Plc. Impax is a registered trademark in the EU,
US, Hong Kong and Australia. © Impax Asset Management LLC, Impax
Asset Management Limited and/or Impax Asset Management (Ireland)
Limited. All rights reserved.