TIDMASTO

RNS Number : 6179C

AssetCo PLC

14 June 2023

14 June 2023

AssetCo plc

("AssetCo" or the "Company")

2023 Half-year Report

for the six months ended 31 March 2023

Highlights

-- Acquisition of Ocean Dial Asset Management announced, subject to regulatory approvals, continuing the expansion of AssetCo's listed equity platform:

o Brings emerging markets equity asset management capability in the fast-growing Indian economy (AuM c.GBP139m at end May)

o Adds a third closed end fund client to the Group

o Earnings enhancing from outset (based on run rate revenues of c.GBP1.6m pa as at end May)

   --    Steady progress made in underlying businesses: 

o Improvements in assets under management and operating margins for the active equities businesses despite industry outflows

o Net inflows of GBP28m for Saracen Global Income and Growth Fund making the Group the 8th largest net asset gatherer out of 36 groups in the Global Income sector

o Net inflows of $21m at Rize ETF over the period

o Improvement in profit, cashflows and balance sheet strength at Parmenion which also completed its first acquisition in the period.

o Further cost reductions in active equities business: over GBP1m identified in addition to those underway at year end, to deliver annualised cost reductions of over GBP16m in aggregate since announcement of the acquisition of River & Mercantile in January 2022

-- Assets under management (AuM) as at 31 March 2023 were GBP13.8 bn (31 March 2022: GBP9.9bn), including AuM for Parmenion (GBP10.6bn)

-- 86% of active equity mutual funds AuM in 1(st) or 2(nd) quartile in investment performance terms, over 3 years when compared to competitor funds in relevant Investment Association sectors

Underlying operational loss for the six months ended 31 March 2023 GBP4.1m before exceptionals and other one-off costs, reflecting the introduction of both River & Mercantile and SVM businesses since the previous half year report. Overall loss GBP13.8m (31 March 2022: loss of GBP2.6m).

Campbell Fleming, Chief Executive Officer of AssetCo, commented:

"The six months to end March 2023 has been one of the toughest on record for active equities businesses with a backdrop of relentless outflows across the industry. Given that extremely challenging operating environment, I am gratified to report a modest uptick in both assets under management and, importantly, operating margin for our active equities businesses. At Rize, the thematic focus of that ETF business has been out of favour in the market but it is pleasing to report healthy net inflows over the reporting period. Parmenion has gone from strength to strength over the period.

We were also delighted, in March, to announce the acquisition of Ocean Dial Asset Management which is expected to enhance earnings from the outset and provides welcome and valuable access to the long-term potential that India offers. We see opportunities to add value by bringing that business together with the other active equity businesses we are combining under the River and Mercantile brand.

The further cost savings we have identified, when taken together with work done to date and our continued strong investment performance showing as a Group, make us well placed to benefit from improvement in investor sentiment. The traction achieved for the Saracen Global Income and Growth Fund supported by River and Mercantile's distribution capability demonstrates the potential of bringing together strong operating companies."

For further information, please contact:

 
 AssetCo plc                        Numis Securities Limited 
  Campbell Fleming, CEO              Nominated adviser and joint 
  Gary Marshall, CFOO                broker 
  Tel: +44 (0) 7958 005141           Giles Rolls / Charles Farquhar 
                                     Tel: +44 (0) 20 7260 1000 
 Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited        H/Advisors Maitland 
  Joint corporate broker             Neil Bennett 
  Atholl Tweedie / Gabriel Hamlyn    Rachel Cohen 
  Tel: +44 (0) 20 7886 2906          Tel: +44 (0) 20 7379 5151 
 

For further details, visit the website, www.assetco.com

   Ticker:   AIM: ASTO.L 

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

The six months ended 31 March 2023 saw a period of unrelenting market pressure. Although most stock markets saw some uplift in value, investor sentiment was weak and the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, followed swiftly by the rescue of Credit Suisse, did nothing to calm the nerves of investors. Fund flows across the industry were consistently negative for the period, with outflows from UK Equity funds (currently AssetCo's largest exposure) actually increasing in Q1 2023 from what were already record levels in 2022. With overall industry figures negative, the only respite from the gloom was in Global Equity funds where inflows turned tentatively positive in Q1 2023.

The AssetCo Group of companies was sadly not immune from these pressures and the Group generally suffered outflows over the period, when inflows had been the expectation. The general rise in markets has cushioned the effect to some extent, but it is fair to say that we remain behind where we want to be in terms of asset growth. Thankfully the Global Equity asset class is one where we have been bucking the trend for some time with the Saracen Global Income and Growth Fund and the more supportive environment was welcome.

Progress has been made in delivering cost savings and the revenue pressures have moved us to go further in this regard. Savings of over GBP1m have been identified on top of those already targeted and being actioned at year end, leading us to a projected run rate costs target of GBP15m for the active equities business at River and Mercantile ("R&M"), which eliminates more than GBP16m from the cost base inherited in the River and Mercantile acquisition. We also reached agreement to sell River and Mercantile's loss-making US business earlier this year. The deal completed at the end of May and will result in a modest revenue share benefit for a period going forward, while eliminating net losses which amounted to GBP0.4m in this reporting period.

We intend to roll the Saracen business into SVM in the near future and the ground is being laid for the full-scale integration of all of our active equities businesses under the River and Mercantile brand. In the meantime, cost savings at SVM aim to move that business (considered as a stand-alone) to profitability on a run rate basis around financial year end, while Saracen is expected to generate good revenues this year as its flagship Global Income and Growth Fund continues to gather assets.

It has been encouraging to see net inflows into the Rize ETF business over the period, which bucks the general trend in conventional fund markets and points to the on-going potential for this product set. That said, the business remains materially behind plan, its thematic focus having been set back by the advent of war in Ukraine and subsequent market jitters. We have therefore decided to take the prudent approach of writing down the holding value in our balance sheet by c.GBP5m to GBP12m. We continue to see real potential in this business, but it is emerging later and slower than we had hoped.

The market for infrastructure funds has been particularly challenging against a backdrop of rising rates and a crisis for UK pension funds and insurers in the Liability Driven Investment (LDI) market. This has proven particularly unhelpful for River and Mercantile's own infrastructure fund as a UK only income vehicle and new commitments have not been forthcoming as hoped, although a pipeline of potential commitments is being actively developed. Recognising this slower and later business development and taking a conservative position, we have elected to make a provision of GBP1.7m against assets held on the balance sheet for our infrastructure business which have been advanced in expectation of future profits.

Financials

The Income Statement for the six months ended 31 March 2023 shows revenue of GBP8.3m (31 March 2022: GBP1.3m) and a loss before taxation of GBP13.8m (31 March 2022: loss GBP2.6m).

As was the case with the previous full year's result, it is difficult to make a direct comparison to the previous six-month period. The six months to 31 March 2022 did not include the businesses of River and Mercantile and SVM, whereas (with the exception of the month of October in the case of SVM which was acquired at the end of October) both businesses are fully included in the six months to end March 2023. This brought an additional GBP11.7m of administrative expenses into account for the current period, compared to the six months ending 31 March 2022. Some GBP3m of expenses in the current period were one-off costs, almost half relating to re-structuring.

We have elected to write down the holding value of Rize ETF (by GBP5m) and to make a provision (of GBP1.7m) against certain assets held on the balance sheet for River and Mercantile's infrastructure business. In both cases this reflects the later and slower development of these otherwise attractive businesses in the current market environment.

Total (balance sheet) assets at 31 March 2023 were GBP86.5m (31 March 2022: GBP60.9m) which underlines the strength of our balance sheet. The Group held cash of GBP27.5m and c.GBP4.8m in treasury shares at period end.

Continuing to Build the Business

We were pleased, at the beginning of March, to announce the acquisition of Ocean Dial Asset Management Limited. Ocean Dial was established in 2005 and is wholly owned by Avendus Capital Asset Management (UK) Limited. Ocean Dial's current business is the management of the assets of the India Capital Growth Fund Limited, which, as at end May 2023, had a net asset value in excess of GBP139m and an annualised run rate revenue of GBP1.6m. The Acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing for the Group and it is anticipated that further synergies will be achievable following completion. The acquisition is notable both for the access it gives us to investment capability in the world's most populous nation and the partnership it brings with the India Capital Growth Fund Limited. We look forward to completing the transaction later in the year (subject to receipt of the required regulatory approvals) and welcoming the Ocean Dial team to the AssetCo Group.

The Group was delighted to welcome Michelle Dunne as Head of Institutional Sales at River and Mercantile where she brings an outstanding reputation to bear in asset raising, particularly in the area of private markets and infrastructure, having worked at BlackRock for over 10 years and after that at Neuberger Berman. We are pleased to be able to attract such talent to the Group and to invest in the growth of our business in this way.

Outlook

While market conditions remain challenging, we remain on track to deliver significant cost savings from the Group by year-end. This, combined with the strong performance of many of our funds, our robust balance sheet and the fact that we continue to see numerous avenues for profitable growth, give us continuing confidence in the future of the business.

Board

Mark Butcher, previously independent non-executive director, stood down from the Board at the Company's AGM on 30 March 2023 in light of his length of service. I must re-iterate my thanks to Mark, both personally and on behalf of the Board, for his support and contribution to the Company for over 10 years. We wish him the very best for the future.

Martin Gilbert

Chairman

14 June 2023

BUSINESS REVIEW

The chart below shows the movement in active equities assets over the period and includes, for this purpose, SVM assets under management at 30 September even though the business was not actually acquired until end October 2022.

The single biggest detractor during the period was the River and Mercantile loss of a New Zealand institutional mandate (where the client made an asset allocation call away from the asset class in question). Otherwise, profit taking in R&M's Global Recovery funds has been the somewhat frustrating order of the day, together with unfortunately expected redemptions from the poorly performing SVM UK Growth fund. On the plus side, additions to another R&M US client's institutional mandate have been welcome, as has been the fairly consistent level of net inflows to the Saracen Global Income and Growth Fund.

Market movements have been helpful over the period, leaving the business marginally ahead overall, in terms of AuM.

Investment performance for the Group's active equities funds has been resilient over the period, with particularly strong showings over 10, 3 and 1 year periods. It is also worth noting that our flagship UK-domiciled European fund is approaching its important third anniversary with a favourable track record. All things continuing well, this should facilitate its wider promotion in the market.

Assets under management have increased over the period, thanks mainly to rises in market values, further draw down on infrastructure commitments and net inflows in ETFs. We have been particularly encouraged by the rise in weighted average fee rates for active equities where lower margin outflows have been replaced by higher margin inflows (for example in institutional mandates and with the inflows to the higher margin global equities fund in place of UK equities outflows)

Annualised Revenue Breakdown by Business Type (as at 31 March 2023)

 
 Business Type                  AuM (GBPm)   Weighted average   Gross annualised 
                                                fee rate, net        revenue net 
                                              of rebates (bp)         of rebates 
                                                                       (GBP000s) 
 Wholesale (active equities)         2,181                 58             12,640 
                               -----------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Institutional (active 
  equities)                            585                 37              2,138 
                               -----------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Investment Trust (active 
  equities)                             68                 73                501 
                               -----------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Infrastructure                         63                 68                428 
                               -----------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 ETFs                                  363                 47              1,700 
                               -----------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Total                               3,261                                17,408 
                               -----------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 

This table excludes the Group's structured 30% interest in Parmenion which had AuM of GBP10.6bn at 31 March 2023, and generated revenues of GBP20.6m for the period from 1 October 2022.

-- Wholesale refers to the active equity assets which are held and managed in mutual funds distributed by the Group.

-- Institutional refers to the active equity assets which are held and managed in separate accounts on behalf of institutional clients of the Group.

-- Investment Trust refers to the active equity assets which are held and managed in investment trusts which are clients of the Group.

Rize

The period between 1 October 2022 and 31 March 2023 was particularly tough for the European thematic ETF market as a whole, with net outflow of USD 314 million across that market. Notwithstanding the outflow across the wider thematic ETF market, Rize ETF enjoyed net inflows of $21 million in that period, and spent much of that time building its next suite of ETFs and expanding its marketing footprint across Europe. As part of that, Rize ETF has been working with a number of key clients to develop its next suite of sustainable thematic (Article 9) ETFs whilst also expanding the number of target client firms that have onboarded its ETFs as a way of positioning itself for the next wave of thematic allocations once interest rates and inflation begin to normalise and larger allocations into thematic equities begin to return in meaningful size. The Rize Environmental Impact 100 UCITS ETF has been one of the top performing environment/climate-themed sustainable thematic (Article 9) funds during the period with a return of 24.7 % between 1 October 2022 and 31 March 2023 and achieving $10 million in net inflows in the period.

Parmenion

The six-month period from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023 saw Parmenion generate revenues of GBP20.6m and an EBITDA of GBP9.1m. Platform AUM across the group increased from GBP8.5bn to GBP10.6bn. (Note the numbers include ebi as referenced below).

In December 2022, the business launched a new proposition, Advisory Models Pro, which allows significantly more flexibility for adviser firms in building their own models using our fund range and platform technology. This launch was accompanied by an app which has streamlined the consent journey for clients, along with providing more user-friendly reporting.

The platform offering was further enhanced with the addition of a number of new external discretionary fund managers, to run alongside our in-house portfolio investment management service.

At the end of the year, Parmenion was strengthened by the acquisition of ebi Portfolios Limited, a Midlands-based DFM, with a reputation for strong ESG credentials. Further M&A opportunities continue to be evaluated as they arise.

Parmenion has improved cash generation in line with increased EBITDA. Cash held at 31 March 2023 was GBP28.7m compared to GBP30.8m at the end of September 2022. This decrease reflects the payment of the initial consideration for ebi, which was paid out of operational cash. Parmenion has continued to strengthen its balance sheet with capital held well in excess of regulatory requirements.

In summary, Parmenion has continued to grow successfully despite the wider economic challenges and has improved profit, cashflows and balance sheet strength and completed its first acquisition in the period.

Key Performance Indicators

The following table summarises key performance indicators for the business, illustrating the progression of the business over the period.

 
                                  End March    End Sept   End March         Movement 
                                       2023        2022        2022       March 2022 
                                                                            to March 
                                                                                2023 
                                                                            (Sept 22 
                                                                            to March 
                                                                                 23) 
 Total Assets under Management    GBP3,261m   GBP2,652m     GBP503m       +GBP2,758m 
  (excluding Parmenion)                                                   (+GBP609m) 
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------- 
 Active Equities Assets           GBP2,766m   GBP2,291m     GBP113m       +GBP2,653m 
  under Management                                                        (+GBP475m) 
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------- 
 Total (balance sheet)             GBP86.5m   GBP102.1m    GBP60.9m        +GBP25.6m 
  assets                                                                 (-GBP15.6m) 
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------- 
 Annualised revenue(1)             GBP17.9m    GBP12.9m     GBP2.7m        +GBP15.2m 
                                                                            (+GBP5m) 
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------- 
 Profit/loss for the              -GBP13.8m    -GBP9.3m    -GBP2.6m        -GBP11.2m 
  period                                                                       (n/a) 
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------- 
 Investment performance(2)              62%         76%       0%(3)      +62% points 
  (1 year)                                                             (-14% points) 
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------- 
 Investment performance(2)              86%         53%       2%(3)      +84% points 
  (3 year)                                                             (+33% points) 
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------- 
 

(1) Monthly recurring revenue at date shown, annualised (i.e. x 12)

(2) % active equity mutual fund AuM in 1(st) or 2(nd) quartile when compared to competitor funds in relevant Investment Association sectors.

(3) Saracen only

Campbell Fleming, Chief Executive Officer

14 June 2023

AssetCo plc

Consolidated Income Statement

for the six months ended 31 March 2023

 
                                                         Six months ended              Year ended 
                                       Notes              Unaudited       Unaudited31       Audited 
                                                      31 March 2023        March 2022       30 Sept 
                                                            GBP'000           GBP'000          2022 
                                                                                            GBP'000 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
Revenue                                    3                  8,275             1,285         8,062 
Cost of sales                                                     -           (1,767)             - 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
Gross (loss)/profit                                           8,275             (482)         8,062 
Other income                               4                  1,788                 -         1,977 
Administrative expenses                    5               (17,014)           (5,261)      (25,051) 
Other gains/(losses)                       6                (6,718)                 -       (9,732) 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
Operating (loss)                           3               (13,669)           (5,743)      (24,744) 
 
Gain on bargain purchase                   7                      -                 -         3,227 
 
Finance income                             8                      2             1,590        12,433 
Finance costs                                                 (136)                 -          (10) 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
Finance income (net)                                          (134)             1,590        12,423 
Share of result of associate                                    266             1,512           181 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
(Loss) before income tax                                   (13,537)           (2,641)       (8,913) 
Income tax credit/(expense)                9                    148                 -            59 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
Loss after tax from continuing 
 operations                                                (13,389)           (2,641)       (8,913) 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
Loss after tax from discontinued 
 operation                                10                  (413)                 -         (401) 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
(Loss) for the year                                        (13,802)           (2,641)       (9,255) 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
(Loss) attributable to: 
Owners of the parent                                       (13,434)           (2,252)       (8,440) 
Non-controlling interest                                      (368)             (389)         (815) 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
                                                           (13,802)           (2,641)       (9,255) 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 
Loss per Ordinary Share attributable                          Pence          Pence(1)         Pence 
 to the owners of the parent 
 during the year 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
From continuing operations 
Basic                                     11                 (9.28)            (2.67)        (7.80) 
Diluted                                   11                 (9.28)            (2.67)        (7.80) 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 

(1) Prior year loss per share has been re-stated to reflect the 10-1 share split carried out by AssetCo in August 2022.

AssetCo plc

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the six months ended 31 March 2023

 
                                                  Six months ended                Year ended 
                                                 Unaudited      Unaudited         Audited 30 
                                             31 March 2023       31 March          Sept 2022 
                                                   GBP'000           2022            GBP'000 
                                                                  GBP'000 
-----------------------------------   --------------------  -------------  ----------------- 
 
(Loss) for the year                               (13,802)        (2,641)            (9,255) 
Other comprehensive (loss)/income: 
Currency translation differences                         -              -                  - 
-----------------------------------   --------------------  -------------  ----------------- 
Other comprehensive income                               -              -                  - 
 (net of tax) 
-----------------------------------   --------------------  -------------  ----------------- 
Total comprehensive (loss) 
 for the period                                   (13,802)        (2,641)            (9,255) 
------------------------------------  --------------------  -------------  ----------------- 
Attributable to: 
Owners of the parent                              (13,434)        (2,252)            (8,440) 
Non-controlling interests                            (368)          (389)              (815) 
------------------------------------  --------------------  -------------  ----------------- 
Total comprehensive (loss) 
 for the year                                     (13,802)        (2,641)            (9,255) 
------------------------------------  --------------------  -------------  ----------------- 
 

AssetCo plc

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

as at 31 March 2023

 
                                  Notes   Unaudited             Unaudited         Audited 
                                           31 March         31 March 2022         30 Sept 
                                               2023               GBP'000            2022 
                                            GBP'000                               GBP'000 
--------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------------  -------------- 
Assets 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment                    42                    27              32 
Right-of-use assets                           1,969                     -             224 
Goodwill and intangible 
 assets                                      25,798                20,051          24,600 
Investments accounted 
 for using the equity 
 method                                      22,318                23,383          22,052 
Long-term receivables                             -                     -           1,208 
--------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------------  -------------- 
Total non-current assets                     50,127                43,461          48,116 
--------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------------  -------------- 
Current assets 
Trade and other receivables                   7,596                   636           9,700 
Assets held for sale                 10          56                     -               - 
Financial assets at fair 
 value through profit 
 and loss                                        44                13,200              37 
Current income tax receivable                 1,173                     3           1,173 
Cash and cash equivalents                    27,548                 3,634          43,066 
--------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------------  -------------- 
Total current assets                         36,417                17,473          53,976 
--------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------------  -------------- 
Total assets                                 86,544                60,934         102,092 
--------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------------  -------------- 
Liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities                      1,000                    49           1,070 
--------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------------  -------------- 
Total non-current liabilities                 1,000                    49           1,070 
--------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------------  -------------- 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                      8,878                 2,471          12,750 
Liabilities held for 
 sale                                10          52                     -               - 
Lease liability                               2,049                     -             294 
 Loan due to related party                        -                 1,000               - 
 Loan notes                          12       6,895                     -               - 
 Current income tax liabilities               1,566                 1,437           1,437 
--------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------------  -------------- 
 Total current liabilities                   19,440                 4,908          14,481 
--------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------------  -------------- 
 Total liabilities                           20,440                 4,957          15,551 
--------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------------  -------------- 
 
Equity attributable to owners 
 of the parent 
 Share capital                                1,493                   843           1,493 
 Share premium                       12         209                27,770               - 
 Capital redemption reserve                     653                   653             653 
 Merger reserve                              43,063                 2,762          43,063 
 Other reserves                                   -                 7,977               - 
 Retained earnings                           22,148                16,640          42,426 
--------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------------  -------------- 
                                             67,566                56,645          87,635 
 Non-controlling interest                   (1,462)                 (668)         (1,094) 
--------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------------  -------------- 
 Total equity                                66,104                55,977          86,541 
--------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------------  -------------- 
 
 Total equity and liabilities                86,544                60,934         102,092 
--------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------------  -------------- 
 

AssetCo plc

Consolidated Cash Flows

for the six months ended 31 March 2023

 
                                             6 months ended     Year ended 
                                          Unaudited  Unaudited     Audited 
                                           31 March   31 March     30 Sept 
                                               2023       2022        2022 
                                            GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
Cash flows from operating activities 
 Cash (outflow) from operations 
 (note 13)                                  (8,759)    (2,768)    (17,916) 
Cash outflows from discontinued 
 operation                                    (413)          -       (401) 
Corporation tax paid                              -          -        (31) 
Finance costs                                  (33)          -        (10) 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
Net cash (outflow) from operating 
 activities                                 (9,205)    (2,768)    (18,358) 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
Cash flow from investing activities 
Net cash received from acquisitions 
 (note 12)                                    2,802          -      42,148 
Payments to acquire associated 
 undertakings                                     -   (21,871)    (21,871) 
Interest on loan notes held in 
 associate                                                   -       1,977 
Dividends received from financial 
 assets held at fair value                        -        390      11,459 
Finance income                                    2          -         974 
Proceeds of disposal of investments 
 at FV through P and L                            -          -       1,017 
Additions to right-of-use assets            (2,176)          -           - 
Purchase of property, plant and 
 equipment                                     (22)       (14)        (15) 
Purchase of intangibles                         (6)        (6)        (12) 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from 
 investing activities                           600   (21,501)      35,677 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
Cash flow from financing activities 
Costs of share issue                              -          -     (1,000) 
Dividend paid to AssetCo shareholders       (1,798)          -           - 
New lease financing                           2,176          -           - 
Lease payments                                (454)          -       (104) 
Shares bought for treasury                  (6,837)          -        (51) 
Short-term loan from related party                -      1,000           - 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
Net cash used in financing activities       (6,913)      1,000     (1,155) 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents    (15,518)   (23,269)      16,164 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
 of year                                     43,066     26,902      26,902 
Cash and cash equivalents at 
 end of year                                 27,548      3,633      43,066 
----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 

AssetCo plc

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the six months ended 31 March 2023

 
                             Share      Capital 
                   Share   premium   redemption     Merger      Other    Retained                  Non-controlling        Total 
                 capital   account      reserve    reserve    reserve    earnings         Total           interest       equity 
                 GBP'000   GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000       GBP'000            GBP'000      GBP'000 
--------------   -------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
At 1 October 
 2021                843    27,770          653      2,762      5,496      18,892        56,416              (279)       56,137 
Comprehensive 
 income 
Loss for the 
 period                -         -            -          -          -     (2,252)       (2,252)              (389)      (2,641) 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 loss                  -         -            -          -          -     (2,252)       (2,252)              (389)      (2,641) 
---------------  -------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Share-based 
 payments 
 - LTIP                -         -            -          -      2,481           -         2,481                  -        2,481 
At 31 March 
 2022                843    27,770          653      2,762      7,977      16,640        56,645              (668)       55,977 
---------------  -------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Comprehensive 
 income 
Loss for the 
 period                -         -            -          -          -     (6,188)       (6,188)              (426)      (6,614) 
Other 
comprehensive 
income 
Currency 
translation 
differences            -         -            -          -          -           -             -                  -            - 
--------------   -------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 (loss)                -         -            -          -          -     (6,188)       (6,188)              (426)      (6,614) 
---------------  -------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Shares issued 
 on 
 acquisition         598         -            -     41,301          -           -        41,899                  -       41,899 
Costs of share 
 issue                 -         -            -    (1,000)          -           -       (1,000)                  -      (1,000) 
Share-based 
 payments 
 - LTIP               52     4,255            -               (7,977)           -       (3,670)                  -      (3,670) 
Share premium 
 cancellation          -  (32,025)            -          -          -      32,025             -                  -            - 
Shares bought 
 for 
 treasury              -         -            -          -          -        (51)          (51)                  -         (51) 
---------------  -------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
At 30 September 
 2022              1,493         -          653     43,063          -      42,426        87,635            (1,094)       86,541 
---------------  -------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Comprehensive 
 income 
Loss for the 
 period                -         -            -          -          -    (13,434)      (13,434)              (368)     (13,802) 
---------------  -------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 (loss)                -         -            -          -          -    (13,434)      (13,434)              (368)     (13,802) 
---------------  -------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Shares bought 
 for 
 treasury              -         -            -          -          -     (6,837)       (6,837)                  -      (6,837) 
Treasury shares 
 used to settle 
 conversion of 
 loan 
 notes                 -       209            -          -          -       1,791         2,000                  -        2,000 
Dividends paid         -         -            -          -          -     (1,798)       (1,798)                  -      (1,798) 
---------------  -------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
At 31 March 
 2023              1,493       209          653     43,063          -      22,148        67,566            (1,462)       66,104 
---------------  -------  --------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
 

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. General information and basis of presentation

AssetCo Plc ("AssetCo" or the "Company") is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The address of its registered office is 30 Coleman Street, London, EC2R 5AL.

AssetCo is the Parent Company of a group of companies ("the Group") which offers a range of investment services to private and institutional investors.

The financial information in the Half-year Report has been prepared using the recognition and measurement principles of the UK-adopted International Accounting standards and in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The principal accounting policies used in preparing the Half-year Report are those the Company expects to apply in its financial statements for the year ending 30 September 2023 and are unchanged from those disclosed in the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2022.

The financial information for the six months ended 31 March 2023 and the six months ended 31 March 2022 is unaudited and does not constitute the Group's statutory financial statements for those periods. The comparative financial information for the full year ended 30 September 2022 has, however, been derived from the audited statutory financial statements for that period. A copy of those statutory financial statements has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

While the financial figures included in this Half-year Report have been computed in accordance with IFRSs applicable to interim periods, this Half-year Report does not contain sufficient information to constitute an interim financial report as that term is defined in IAS 34.

The financial statements have been presented in sterling to the nearest thousand pounds (GBP'000), except where otherwise indicated.

2. Going concern

The directors have considered the going concern assumption of the Group by assessing the operational and funding requirements of the Group. The directors have prepared financial projections along with sensitivity analyses of reasonable plausible alternative outcomes. The forecasts demonstrate that the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate financial resources to continue operating for a period of at least 12 months from the date of signing these Interim Financial Statements. Therefore the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

3. Segmental reporting

The core principle of IFRS 8 'Operating segments' is to require an entity to disclose information that enables users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business activities in which the entity engages and the economic environments in which it operates. Segment information is therefore presented in respect of the company's commercial competencies, Active equities, Infrastructure asset management, Exchange traded funds, Digital Platform and Head office. It should be noted that the segment 'Exchange traded funds' was historically named 'High-growth thematics'. There has been no change in allocation methodology or accounting for this segment.

Active equities comprise RMG, SVM, Saracen and Revera; Infrastructure Asset Management is the non-equities investment arm of RMG; Exchange Traded Funds is Rize ETF and Digital Platforms represents the Group's investment in the associated company, Parmenion.

Substantially all revenues are earned in the UK with a small amount generated in the US. We have included a table below to show the split. The Directors consider that the chief operating decision maker is the Board.

The amounts provided to the Board with respect to net assets are measured in a manner consistent with that of the financial statements. The Company is domiciled in the UK.

The segment information provided to the Board for the reportable segments is as follows:

 
Period ended                                            Exchange 
 31 March 2023               Active     Infrastructure    traded    Digital 
 unaudited                 equities   asset management     funds   platform  Head office     Total 
                            GBP'000            GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
Revenue 
 Management fees              7,257                230         -          -            -     7,487 
Marketing fees                    -                  -       788          -            -       788 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
Total revenue                 7,257                230       788          -            -     8,275 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
 
Operating (loss)/profit     (5,702)            (1,932)   (6,245)          -          210  (13,669) 
Finance income                    2                  -         -          -            -         2 
Finance costs                  (30)                  -         -          -        (106)     (136) 
Share of result 
 of associate                     -                  -         -        266            -       266 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
(Loss)/profit 
 before tax                 (5,730)            (1,932)   (6,245)        266          104  (13,537) 
Income tax                      144                  -         4          -            -       132 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
(Loss)/profit 
 for period                 (5,586)            (1,932)   (6,241)        266          104  (13,389) 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
 
  Segment assets 
  Total assets               47,570                645    12,819          -       25,510    86,544 
Total liabilities           (4,781)              (851)     (319)          -     (14,489)  (20,440) 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
Total net assets             42,789              (206)    12,500          -       11,021    66,104 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
Depreciation                     11                  -         3          -            -        14 
Impairment of 
 goodwill                         -                  -     5,000          -            -     5,000 
Amortisation of 
 intangible assets              365                  -         6          -            -       371 
Amortisation of 
 right-of-use assets            431                  -         -          -            -       431 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
Total capital 
 expenditure                     22                  -         6          -            -        28 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
 
 
 
  Period ended                                       Exchange 
  31 March 2022         Active     Infrastructure      traded    Digital 
  unaudited           equities   asset management       funds   platform  Head office    Total 
                       GBP'000            GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000  GBP'000 
-------------------  ---------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ------- 
 
  Revenue 
Management fees            424                  -           -          -            -      424 
Marketing fees               -                  -         861          -            -      861 
-------------------  ---------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ------- 
Total revenue              424                  -         861          -            -    1,285 
-------------------  ---------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ------- 
 
Operating (loss)           (6)                  -     (1,229)          -      (4,508)  (5,743) 
Finance income               -                  -           -          -        1,590    1,590 
Finance costs                -                  -           -          -            -        - 
Share of result 
 of associate                -                  -           -      1,512            -    1,512 
(Loss)/profit 
 before tax                (6)                  -     (1,229)      1,512      (2,918)  (2,641) 
Income tax                   -                  -           -          -            -        - 
-------------------  ---------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ------- 
(Loss)profit 
 for period                (6)                  -     (1,229)      1,512      (2,918)  (2,641) 
-------------------  ---------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ------- 
 
  Segment assets 
Total assets             3,523                  -      20,346          -       37,065   60,934 
Total liabilities         (48)                  -       (304)          -      (4,605)  (4,957) 
-------------------  ---------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ------- 
Total net assets         3,475                  -      20,042          -       32,460   55,977 
-------------------  ---------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ------- 
Depreciation                 -                  -           3          -            -        3 
Amortisation of 
 intangible assets           2                  -          20          -            -       22 
-------------------  ---------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ------- 
Total capital 
 expenditure                 -                  -          20          -            -       20 
-------------------  ---------  -----------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ------- 
 
 
Year ended 30                                           Exchange 
 September 2022              Active     Infrastructure    traded    Digital 
 audited                   equities   asset management     funds   platform  Head office     Total 
                            GBP'000            GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
Revenue 
 Management fees              6,259                 79         -          -            -     6,338 
Marketing fees                    -                  -     1,724          -            -     1,724 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
Total revenue                 6,259                 79     1,724          -            -     8,062 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
 
Operating (loss)/profit     (6,723)              (151)   (2,794)          -     (15,076)  (24,744) 
Gain on bargain 
 purchase                         -                  -         -          -        3,227     3,227 
Finance income                  974                  -         -          -       11,459    12,433 
Finance costs                  (10)                  -         -          -            -      (10) 
Share of result 
 of associate                     -                  -         -        181            -       181 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
(Loss)/profit 
 before tax                 (5,759)              (151)   (2,794)        181        (390)   (8,913) 
Income tax                       59                  -         -          -            -        59 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
(Loss)/profit 
 for the year               (5,710)              (151)   (2,794)        181        (390)   (8,854) 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
 
  Segment assets 
  Total assets               56,826              1,706    19,324          -       24,236   102,092 
Total liabilities          (12,157)              (678)     (461)          -      (2,255)  (15,551) 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
Total net assets             44,669              1,028    18,863          -       21,981    86,541 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
Depreciation                      9                  -         5          -            -        14 
Amortisation of 
 intangible assets              187                  -        40          -            -       227 
Amortisation of 
 right-of-use assets            187                  -         -          -            -       187 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
Total capital 
 expenditure                      1                  -        26          -            -        27 
------------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
 
 
Geographical analysis of revenues      Six months ended         Year ended 
                                    Unaudited     Unaudited        Audited 
                                     31 March      31 March   30 September 
                                         2023          2022           2022 
                                      GBP'000       GBP'000        GBP'000 
----------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
UK                                      8,275         1,285          6,905 
US                                          -             -          1,270 
----------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
                                        8,275         1,285          8,175 
----------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 
   4.   Other income 
 
                                              Six months ended         Year ended 
                                           Unaudited     Unaudited        Audited 
                                            31 March      31 March   30 September 
                                                2023          2022           2022 
                                             GBP'000       GBP'000        GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
Interest on loan notes held in associate       1,788             -          1,977 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 

The Group holds a 30% equity interest in Parmenion Capital Partners LLP through a corporate entity, Shillay TopCo Limited. A large part of the Group's total investment is held by way of loan notes. Shillay has the option to settle interest by payment-in-kind and they have informed the Company that they will do so for interest due at 30 June 2023. Accordingly they will issue additional loan notes to AssetCo plc for the amount of interest due at that date. We have in the 6 months to 31 March 2023 reflected GBP1,788,000 as accrued income pending settlement of the full amount due in loan notes immediately after 30 June. In the prior year the Group received GBP1,977,000 of interest on those loan notes in cash.

5. Administrative expenses and exceptional items

 
                                    Six months ended         Year ended 
                                  Unaudited   Unaudited         Audited 
                                   31 March    31 March    30 September 
                                       2023        2022            2022 
                                    GBP'000     GBP'000         GBP'000 
-------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Restructuring costs                  1,197           -           3,196 
 Costs of re-admission to AIM             -         516             671 
-------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Exceptional items                    1,197         516           3,867 
 Acquisition costs                      197         530           1,116 
 Share-based payments                     -       2,453           3,250 
 Other administrative expenses       15,620       1,722          16,818 
-------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 Total administrative expenses       17,014       5,261          25,051 
-------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 

Restructuring costs

RMG sold its UK Solutions business for GBP230 million on 31 January 2022, a transaction which left RMG a much smaller business with overheads out of step with its reduced size. AssetCo has usually bought businesses where the strategy has mainly involved growth in revenue but in this instance a significant project to right-size the acquired business has been needed following acquisition by AssetCo on 15 June 2022. As part of the process the Group has incurred one-off exceptional restructuring costs which including termination payments, salary costs of those exiting the business and other charges.

AssetCo completed the purchase of SVM at the end of October 2022 and the Group has incurred some restructuring costs in respect of the integration of this business as well.

Costs of re-admission to AIM

The Group has in the last two years twice had to apply for re-admission to AIM; once in April 2021 when shareholders were asked to approve the change in strategy to asset and wealth management, and again in June 2022 given the nature and scale of the acquisition of RMG. These significant costs are in relation to those exercises and were required because of the unusual nature of the change in strategy and the relative size of AssetCo compared to the acquisition target. Our strategy is now settled and, with the completion of the acquisition of RMG, AssetCo is now at a scale where re-admission in order to complete an acquisition is unlikely so the Directors consider that costs such as this are not likely to recur.

Acquisition costs

Costs incurred in the 6 months to 31 March 2023 relate to the acquisition of SVM Asset Management Limited. Costs incurred in the prior periods to 31 March and 30 September 2022 all relate to the acquisition of RMG.

   6.   Other gains and losses 
 
                                                Six months ended         Year ended 
                                             Unaudited     Unaudited        Audited 
                                              31 March      31 March   30 September 
                                                  2023          2022           2022 
                                               GBP'000       GBP'000        GBP'000 
Impairment of goodwill                           5,000             -              - 
Impairment of long-term receivable               1,718             -              - 
Reduction in fair value of asset 
 held for resale                                     -             -          9,750 
Gain on disposal of fair value investments           -             -           (18) 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
                                                 6,718             -          9,732 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------- 
 

As referred to in the Chairman's statement the Rize ETF business is not performing as we had hoped. Accordingly the board has reviewed the carrying value of goodwill attributable to the business and concluded that an impairment of GBP5 million is appropriate at 31 March 2023.

The Infrastructure business is still in its early stages and the Group is committed to paying drawings in advance of profits to the partners of this venture. In the last few months it has become clear that the timeline for achieving profitability has slipped back and the board believe it is prudent to make provision against the drawings advanced to date. The recoverability of these amounts will be kept under review.

On 15 June 2022 the Group acquired the entire share capital of RMG. However the Group had in 2021 bought 5,000,000 shares in RMG representing 5.85% of the total issued share capital and this investment was carried on the 2021 balance sheet at a fair value of GBP12,000,000. When calculating the overall consideration for the whole of RMG the Group must assess the fair value of the existing investment at the time of completion of the deal. Given the effect on the RMG share price of normal market pricing and the significant return to shareholders arising from the sale of the RMG Solutions business the fair value was assessed at GBP2,250,000 leading to a reduction in fair value of GBP9,750,000.

The Group acquired a small number of seed investments with the acquisition of RMG in June 2022. One of those investments was sold before 30 September 2022 for sale proceeds of GBP1,017,000 realising a gain on disposal of GBP18,000.

   7.   Gain on bargain purchase 
 
                                    Six months ended       Year ended 
                                 Unaudited      Unaudited     Audited 
                                  31 March       31 March          30 
                                      2023           2022   September 
                                   GBP'000        GBP'000        2022 
                                                              GBP'000 
------------------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------- 
Arising on acquisition of RMG            -              -       3,227 
------------------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------- 
 

The calculation of the difference arising on acquisition of River and Mercantile between the purchase consideration and the value of net assets acquired gave rise to a negative amount of goodwill as the value of net assets acquired was larger than the consideration. In accordance with accounting standards the amount of GBP3,227,000 is treated as a credit to the income statement.

   8.   Finance income 
 
                                                Six months ended         Year ended 
                                             Unaudited     Unaudited        Audited 
                                              31 March      31 March   30 September 
                                                  2023          2022           2022 
                                               GBP'000       GBP'000        GBP'000 
------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  ------------- 
Dividend income                                      -           390         11,459 
Gain on foreign exchange                             -             -            927 
Fair value gains on financial instruments 
 classified as fair value through 
 profit and loss                                     -         1,200              - 
Interest income                                      2             -             47 
------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  ------------- 
                                                     2         1,590         12,433 
 -----------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
 

9. Income tax (credit)/expense

 
                                              Six months ended           Year ended 
                                            Unaudited      Unaudited        Audited 
                                             31 March       31 March   30 September 
                                         2023 GBP'000   2022 GBP'000   2022 GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
Current tax: 
Current tax on loss for the period               (16)              -           (13) 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
Total current tax (credit)/expense                  -              -           (13) 
 
  Deferred tax: 
Arising from movement in deferred tax 
 assets                                             -          (228)             16 
Arising from movement in deferred tax 
 liabilities                                    (132)            228           (62) 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
Total deferred tax (credit)/expense             (132)              -           (46) 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
Income tax (credit)/expense                     (148)              -           (59) 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

10. Discontinued operations

In January 2023 the Group reached agreement to sell its US-based ILC business. The deal completed in the last week of May 2023. As required by IFRS 5 these interim financial statements show the assets and liabilities of this business as held for sale with the results of the business shown as discontinued operations. Financial information relating to the discontinued operation is set out below:

 
 Statement of comprehensive income              Six months ended          Year ended 
                                             Unaudited     Unaudited         Audited 
                                              31 March      31 March    30 September 
                                                  2023          2022            2022 
                                               GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000 
 Revenue                                           135             -             113 
 Administration costs                            (548)             -           (514) 
------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  -------------- 
 Reported loss on discontinued activities        (413)             -           (401) 
------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  -------------- 
 
 At 31 March 2023 the carrying amount of assets and liabilities 
  were reclassified as held for sale. There was no gain or 
  loss recognised as a result of this reclassification. 
                                                                           Unaudited 
                                                                            31 March 
                                                                                2023 
                                                                             GBP'000 
------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  -------------- 
 Assets 
 Cash and cash equivalents                                                         6 
 Other receivables                                                                50 
------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  -------------- 
 Total assets                                                                     56 
------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  -------------- 
 
   Liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                                                         52 
------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  -------------- 
 Total liabilities                                                                52 
 Net assets                                                                        4 
------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  -------------- 
 

11. Loss per share

Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss on continuing operations attributable to equity owners of the parent by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the period.

The weighted average number of shares is calculated by reference to the length of time shares are in issue taking into account the issue date of new shares and any buy-backs or usage of treasury shares.

 
                                                Six months ended         Year ended 
                                               Unaudited   Unaudited        Audited 
                                                31 March    31 March   30 September 
                                                    2023     2022(1)           2022 
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------- 
                                                  GBP000      GBP000         GBP000 
Loss attributable to owners of the 
 parent                                         (13,434)     (2,252)        (8,440) 
Less: amounts arising from discontinued 
 operation                                           413           -            401 
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------- 
Loss on continuing operations attributable 
 to owners of the parent                        (13,021)     (2,252)        (8,039) 
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
Weighted average number of ordinary 
 shares in issue before share split 
 as reported                                           -   8,424,847              - 
Basic (loss) per share as reported 
 - (pence)                                             -     (26.73)              - 
Weighted average number of ordinary 
 shares in issue post share split            140,307,124  84,248,470    103,017,624 
Basic (loss) per share restated - 
 (pence)                                          (9.28)      (2.67)         (7.80) 
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 

(1) In August 2022 the Company effected a 10 for 1 share split. The prior year share numbers and loss per share have been adjusted for this.

As the results in the periods under review are all losses diluted loss per share is the same as basic loss per share. Under IAS 33 the effects of anti-dilutive potential ordinary shares are ignored in calculating diluted loss per share.

12. Acquisition of SVM and issue of shares from treasury

At the end of October 2022 AssetCo completed the acquisition of SVM Asset Management Limited for a total fair value consideration of GBP11,044,000. Full details of fair value of assets, liabilities and consideration will be set out in the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts but the amounts included in these interim financial statements at the date of acquisition are summarised below:

 
 
                                        GBP'000 
-----------------------------------   --------- 
Cash at bank                              5,019 
Intangible assets                           250 
Net liabilities (excluding 
 cash at bank and intangible 
 assets)                                  (564) 
------------------------------------  --------- 
Net assets before goodwill 
 on acquisition                           4,705 
 
Consideration                            11,044 
Goodwill recognised on acquisition        6,339 
 
Consideration 
Cash paid                                 2,217 
Convertible loan notes at 
 fair value                               8,827 
------------------------------------  --------- 
Total consideration                      11,044 
 
Cash at bank on acquisition               5,019 
Cash paid on acquisition                  2,217 
------------------------------------  --------- 
Net cash on acquisition                   2,802 
 

The loan notes have a nominal value of GBP9 million, are unsecured and carry a coupon of 1%. The first GBP2 million of loan notes were convertible into AssetCo ordinary shares in certain circumstances, at market value, up to 31 December 2022 with the remainder convertible into AssetCo ordinary shares, at GBP1.45 per share, up to 31 December 2023. If not converted the loan notes are repayable at nominal value on 31 December 2023.

The reduction in nominal value of the loan notes represents a fair value adjustment to reflect the difference in the 1% coupon and a market interest rate. An amount of GBP173,000 will be amortised over the life of the loan notes with an amount of GBP68,000 expensed by 31 March 2023.

As announced on 20 March 2023 the SVM vendors, following an extension of their conversion option date to 28 February 2023, duly exercised their option to convert the first GBP2 million of loan notes into AssetCo ordinary shares. The market price agreed was 68.7p per share and led to the issue to the SVM vendors of 2,911,208 AssetCo ordinary shares which were satisfied by the transfer of shares from those held in treasury. As set out in Companies Act 2006 the difference between the average purchase price of these shares and the agreed issue price is taken to share premium.

At 31 March 2023 following conversion and amortisation of the fair value interest the balance on convertible loan notes is GBP6,895,000.

13. Cash generated by operations

 
                                               Six months ended       Year ended 
                                             Unaudited  Unaudited        Audited 
                                              31 March   31 March   30 September 
                                                  2023       2022           2022 
                                               GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 
(Loss)/profit before tax for the period       (13,537)    (2,641)        (8,913) 
Share-based payments - LTIP                          -      2,481          2,749 
Cash effect of LTIP                                  -          -        (3,938) 
Share of profits of associate                    (266)    (1,512)          (181) 
Interest received from associate                     -          -        (1,977) 
Increase in investments                            (7)    (1,200)              - 
Reduction in fair value of investments               -          -          9,750 
Gain on disposal of fair value investments           -          -           (18) 
Proceeds of assets held for resale               1,613          -          5,462 
Bargain purchase                                     -          -        (3,227) 
Impairment of long-term receivable               1,718          -              - 
Impairment of goodwill                           5,000          -              - 
Depreciation                                        14          3             14 
Amortisation of intangible assets                  386         22            227 
Amortisation of right-of-use assets                431          -            187 
Finance costs                                      136          -             10 
Finance income                                     (2)      (390)          (974) 
Dividends from investment held at fair 
 value                                               -          -       (11,459) 
(Increase)/decrease in receivables                 612       (29)            928 
(Decrease)/increase in payables                (4,851)        498        (6,556) 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operations      (8,759)    (2,768)       (17,916) 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 

14. Electronic communications

This Half-year Report is available on the Company's website www.assetco.com . News updates, regulatory news and financial statements can be viewed and downloaded from the Company's website, www.assetco.com . Copies can also be requested, in writing, from The Company Secretary, AssetCo plc, 30 Coleman Street, London EC2R 5AL. The Company is not proposing to bulk print and distribute hard copies of the Half-year Report unless specifically requested by individual shareholders.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

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END

IR NKNBDDBKBAAD

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 14, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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