TIDMCAV

RNS Number : 2177X

Cavendish Financial PLC

19 December 2023

Cavendish Financial plc

2024 Interim Results

19 DECEMBER 2023: Cavendish Financial plc (together with its subsidiary undertakings, "Cavendish" or the "Group") today announces unaudited interim results for the period ended 30 September 2023.

Julian Morse and John Farrugia, Co-Chief Executive Officers at Cavendish, said:

"We are delighted with the progress our teams have made in the short time since the merger in September. Careful planning enabled rapid business integration, unlocking GBP7m of cost synergies, more quickly than we originally forecast.

We are already winning clients and have executed over 20 transactions across all divisions since coming together. Despite the significant one-off costs of merger, our cash balance had risen to GBP17m on 30 November.

Perhaps most pleasing has been the positive feedback received from existing clients, with us achieving our goal of providing enhanced service through our much deeper resource, efficient business model and renewed energy. Whilst we intend to make strategic hires, our teams are settled and we are well positioned to benefit from improving market conditions when they come."

CAVISH - A LEADING UK MID-MARKET INVESTMENT BANK

-- Merger of finnCap Group plc ("finnCap") and Cenkos Securities plc ("Cenkos") legally effective on 7 September 2023

-- Creation of Cavendish, the clear no.1 AIM adviser with over 200 retained corporate clients, serviced by enlarged sector focused teams.

   --    Wide product expertise across ECM, private and public M&A, debt advisory and private capital 
   --    Enhanced corporate broking, distribution and equity research offering for all clients 
   --    Pro forma revenue to 30 September 2023: GBP19.5m (H1 FY23: GBP23.3m) 

STRONG POST-MERGER PERFORMANCE(1)

   --    GBP7m annualised cost synergies locked in, ahead of and quicker than our pre-merger plans 

-- Effective pre-planning and the subsequent rapid integration of teams, systems and processes has enabled uninterrupted focus on client service

   --    Since completion, Cavendish has been appointed by 3 new premium listed clients. 
   --    Over 20 transactions already executed together since becoming the combined group. 

BOARD APPOINTMENT

-- Appointment of Mark Astaire - former Vice Chairman of Investment Banking and Chairman of Corporate Broking of Barclays Investment Bank as an independent Non-Executive Director

Capital Strength for investment and challenging market conditions

Post integration costs, the Group has substantial regulatory capital and liquidity. After merger costs, dividend and bonus payments, cash at 30 September 2023 was GBP12.3m. Cash has risen to GBP17m at 30 November 2023, driven by the completion of over 20 transactions in the period.

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW(2)

   --    Consolidated results include the results of Cenkos from 7 September 2023. 

-- Consolidated revenue: GBP13.4m (H1 FY23: GBP16.4m) reflecting lower ECM and private M&A activity during the summer months across the UK markets.

   --    Operating loss: GBP2.0m (H1 FY23: loss GBP2.3m) 
   --    Adjusted loss before tax: GBP3.6m (H1 FY23: loss GBP0.5m), see note 9. 
   --    Loss per share: 0.7p (H1 FY23: loss per share 1.8p) 

OUTLOOK

The current interest rate upcycle appears to be nearing completion, but inflationary pressures, although reduced, remain a risk. With relatively higher yields available to investors on cash deposits we continue to see a drag on market demand for UK growth equity. This has continued to adversely impact equity transactions and trading, but private and public M&A activity remains resilient. The breadth of the service offering was a key driver for the merger, putting us in a strong position to weather market conditions. Post-merger enhancements in winning and executing business allied to a tentative pick up of the markets in the last three months has enabled us to get off to a good start in the second half. We look forward to building on this momentum, underpinned by a good pipeline, lower overheads and a strong cash position.

CONTACTS

Cavendish (Management) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7220 0500

Julian Morse, Co-Chief Executive Officer investor.relations@cavendish .com

John Farrugia, Co-Chief Executive Officer

Ben Procter, Chief Financial Officer

Grant Thornton (Nominated Adviser) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7383 5100

Philip Secrett/Samantha Harrison

Cavendish (Broker) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7220 0500

Tim Redfern

Hudson Sandler (PR adviser) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7796 4133

Dan de Belder/Rebekah Chapman

(1) Post-merger performance covers the period from 7 September 2023 to 30 November 2023.

(2) Basis of preparation: the results for the six months to 30 September 2023 includes the consolidation of the results for Cenkos Securities plc from completion of its merger with finnCap Group plc for the period from 7 September 2023.

The information contained within this announcement is deemed to constitute inside information as stipulated under the retained EU law version of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 (the "UK MAR") which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. The information is disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under Article 17 of the UK MAR. Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

BUSINESS REVIEW

On 7 September 2023, having received FCA approval, we completed the merger between Cenkos and finnCap creating Cavendish, a new leading UK Investment Bank focused on the mid-market and servicing over 200 retained clients.

Since the merger we have been actively engaging with our clients to discuss the Group's wider range of sector and product expertise to support their growth ambitions, and it has been pleasing to receive positive feedback from clients noting enhanced service levels from the significantly enlarged team.

Taking best practices from across the combined firm has already improved our service offering, both in terms of our day-to-day client engagement and how we work together on transactions.

Within a few weeks of working together we were already winning new clients and mandates and we continue to make good progress across the group. We have integrated our client facing teams and continue to add talent where we see opportunities. At the same time we have implemented our headcount cost reduction where there was duplication and put in place our non-people cost reduction programme, which has resulted in delivering cost synergies of over GBP7m, in excess of our pre-merger target. We are now making selective hires, recruiting additional talent to allow us to grow the business as market conditions ease.

Our first half results only reflect the combined group for 3 weeks of the reporting period. On a pro forma combined basis from 1 April 2023, we generated revenues of GBP19.5m, before leveraging the benefits of our combined expertise and enhanced service offering.

At the end of the period, we had net assets of GBP39.4m and cash of GBP12.3m which has improved substantially since the half year end reflecting good deal activity.

MARKET CONDITIONS

Persistent inflationary pressure and associated interest rate rises continued to hamper investment in the equity of UK quoted growth companies across the period, reflected in the 11% decrease in the FTSE AIM All Share Index in the period and by far the lowest levels of new and secondary fund raising in the last twenty years. In M&A, public company take-over activity is perhaps the strongest we have seen and, although private equity buyers remain cash rich, the UK economic environment is impacting on deal timetables.

INVESTMENT BANKING REVENUE (3)

Investment Banking revenue comprises regular retainer income from corporate clients and advisory fees earned from ECM, M&A, debt and private placings.

On a reported bases, revenue declined by 18% reflecting the impact of weaker ECM and M&A market conditions over the summer months. On a pro forma basis Investment Banking revenues of GBP16.8m were 19% less than in the prior period.

Despite the challenges of market conditions and managing the complexities of the merger, we have protected our income from client retainers and executed a number of client transactions, albeit at lower levels, in both the private M&A and Equity Capital Markets.

 
                                Pro forma                   Reported 
                           6 months      6 months      6 months      6 months 
                              ended         ended         ended         ended 
                        30 Sep 2023   30 Sep 2022   30 Sep 2023   30 Sep 2022 
                            GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
 Corporate Retainers          6,471         6,203         3,914         3,452 
 Advisory Fees               10,287        14,522         8,019        10,983 
---------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Investment Banking 
  Revenue                    16,758        20,725        11,933        14,435 
---------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

EQUITIES REVENUE (3)

Weaker equity issuance and investor demand for UK equities did not detract from the proactive engagement with institutional clients and the quality of service we delivered, but did reduce market making profits and commission in the period.

 
                             Pro forma                   Reported 
                        6 months      6 months      6 months      6 months 
                           ended         ended         ended         ended 
                     30 Sep 2023   30 Sep 2022   30 Sep 2023   30 Sep 2022 
                         GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
 Equities Revenue          2,768         2,581         1,432         1,917 
------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

OPERATING EXPENSES

Both firms maintained rigorous cost controls ahead of the merger. Merger related advisory and severance costs are materially behind us. Most of the targeted GBP7m reduction in annualised operating costs, from co-locating and eliminating duplicate roles and support services, has already been achieved.

We are now focused on firmwide cost controls, automation and outsourcing to further reduce our cost base.

 
                                                                 Reported 
                                                          6 months 
                                                             ended   6 months ended 
                                                       30 Sep 2023      30 Sep 2022 
                                                         Unaudited        Unaudited 
                                                           GBP'000          GBP'000 
 
 Employee benefit 
  expense                                                   11,855           11,329 
 Non-employee costs                                          5,663            5,728 
 Total administrative 
  expenses                                                  17,518           17,057 
--------------------------------   -----------------  ------------  --------------- 
 
 

On a reported basis, excluding the incremental operating costs arising from the merger, the change in administration costs reflects the benefit of the cost reduction programme implemented in the finnCap Group in Q3 of FY23 with staff and administration costs being in line with our expectations.

SHAREHOLDER REMUNERATION

The Board is committed to delivering returns for our shareholders. If we can build on our strong post-merger performance we will consider dividend payments with the full year results.

BOARD CHANGES

A separate announcement regarding proposed changes to the Board has been issued today.

NON-RECURRING COSTS

 
                                            Pro forma         Reported       Reported 
                                             6 months                        6 months 
                                                ended   6 months ended          ended 
                                         30 September     30 September   30 September 
                                                 2023             2023           2022 
                                              GBP'000          GBP'000        GBP'000 
 Negative goodwill                            (5,771)          (5,771)              - 
 Onerous contracts                              1,811            1,811              - 
 Group restructuring                            1,031              620          1,255 
 Transaction costs                              1,335            1,115            189 
 Non-recurring 
  items                                       (1,594)          (2,225)          1,444 
---------------------------  ---------  -------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 
 

Negative goodwill reflects the difference between of the fair value of Cenkos' net assets at merger and the value of the shares issued for the purchase. Onerous contracts reflect the write down of the property no longer occupied by Cenkos. Group restructuring is the cost of the headcount reduction programme and Transaction costs cover the advisory fees relating to the merger.

Further non-recurring items will be reported in H2 relating to completion of the headcount reduction programme and redundant systems. Overall, the direct costs of the merger are estimated to be c.GBP3.7m and the overall annualised savings for the Group will be more than GBP7.0m.

In H1 FY23, the non-recurring items related to the headcount reduction programme implemented by the Group.

(3) References to unaudited pro forma revenues reflect the addition of the unaudited consolidated revenue of finnCap Group plc and the unaudited consolidated revenue of Cenkos Securities plc for the relevant period as if they were consolidated fully for that period. Pro forma information is a non-GAAP measure and is provided to assist with a better understanding of the Group's performance.

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

Unaudited for the 6 months ended 30 september 2023

 
                                                            6 months       6 months   12 months 
                                                               ended          ended       ended 
                                                        30 September   30 September    31 March 
                                                                2023           2022        2023 
                                                           Unaudited      Unaudited     Audited 
                                                             GBP'000        GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                                Notes 
 Revenue                                          2           13,365         16,352      32,864 
 Other operating expenses                         3             (90)          (138)       (214) 
------------------------------------  -------  ------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Total income                                                 13,275         16,214      32,650 
 Administrative expenses                          4         (17,518)       (17,057)    (34,543) 
------------------------------------  -------  ------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Operating loss before non-recurring 
  items                                                      (4,243)          (843)     (1,893) 
 Non-recurring items                              5            2,225        (1,444)     (3,658) 
                                                       -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Operating loss                                              (2,018)        (2,287)     (5,551) 
 Finance income                                                   73             22          65 
 Finance charge                                                (223)          (242)       (502) 
 Share of associate and 
  joint venture losses                                         (241)           (85)       (297) 
-----------------------------------------      ------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Loss before taxation                                        (2,409)        (2,592)     (6,285) 
 Taxation                                                      1,168          (487)         767 
 Loss attributable to 
  equity shareholders                                        (1,241)        (3,079)     (5,518) 
---------------------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Total comprehensive expense 
  for the year                                               (1,241)        (3,079)     (5,518) 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Loss per share (pence) 
 Basic                                            6           (0.66)         (1.82)      (3.25) 
 Diluted                                          6           (0.66)         (1.82)      (3.25) 
 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

Unaudited for the 6 months ended 30 september 2023

 
                                           30 September   30 September   31 March 
                                                   2023           2022       2023 
                                              Unaudited      Unaudited    Audited 
                                                GBP'000        GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Non-current 
  assets 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                                      11,960         12,518     12,239 
 Intangible 
  assets                                         13,534         13,514     13,492 
 Investment in associates 
  and joint ventures                              1,987          2,218      2,106 
 Financial assets 
  held at fair value                                746            729        404 
 Deferred tax 
  asset                            8 i)           4,040            133        886 
 Total non-current 
  assets                                         32,267         29,112     29,127 
-------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other receivables      8 ii)          17,382         11,186     13,186 
 Current assets held 
  at fair value                                   5,624            213        269 
 Cash and cash equivalents                       12,341         11,124      9,382 
 Total current 
  assets                                         35,347         22,523     22,837 
------------------------------   -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Total assets                                    67,614         51,635     51,964 
------------------------------   -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 Non-Current 
  liabilities 
 Lease liability                                 10,214         10,829     10,008 
 Borrowings                                         291            667        481 
 Provisions                                          66             30         29 
------------------------------- 
 Total non-Current 
  liabilities                                    10,571         11,526     10,518 
-------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                        17,247          9,122     14,632 
 Borrowings                                         414            364        843 
 Total current 
  liabilities                                    17,661          9,486     15,475 
------------------------------   -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Equity 
 Share capital                                    3,622          1,811      1,811 
 Share premium                                    1,716          1,716      1,716 
 Own shares 
  held                            8 iii)        (5,090)        (1,926)    (1,926) 
 EBT reserve                                      (350)          (338)      (294) 
 Merger relief reserve            8 iv)          25,151         10,482     10,482 
 Share based payments 
  reserve                                         3,107          1,588      1,771 
 Retained earnings                               11,226         17,290     12,411 
 Total equity                                    39,382         30,623     25,971 
------------------------------   -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Total equity and 
  liabilities                                    67,614         51,635     51,964 
-------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGE IN EQUITY

Unaudited for the 6 months ended 30 september 2023

 
                                                                              Share 
                                                  Own              Merger     Based 
                            Share     Share    Shares       EBT    Relief   Payment   Retained     Total 
                          Capital   Premium      Held   Reserve   Reserve   Reserve   Earnings    Equity 
                          GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Balance at 31 
  March 2022                1,799     1,475   (1,926)     (322)    10,482     1,294     20,261    33,063 
----------------------  ---------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  expense for the 
  period                        -         -         -      (16)         -         -    (3,063)   (3,079) 
 Transactions 
  with owners: 
 Share based payments 
  charge                        -         -         -         -         -       386          -       386 
 Share options 
  exercised                    12       241         -         -         -      (92)         92       253 
                               12       241         -         -         -       294         92       639 
----------------------  ---------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Balance at 30 
  September 2022            1,811     1,716   (1,926)     (338)    10,482     1,588     17,290    30,623 
----------------------  ---------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  expense for the 
  period                        -         -         -        44         -         -    (2,483)   (2,439) 
 Transactions 
  with owners: 
 Share based payments 
  charge                        -         -         -         -         -       191          -       191 
 Deferred tax 
  on share-based 
  payments                      -         -         -         -         -         -      (450)     (450) 
 Dividends                      -         -         -         -         -         -    (1,954)   (1,954) 
 Share options 
  exercised                     -         -         -         -         -       (8)          8         - 
                                -         -         -         -         -       183    (2,396)   (2,213) 
----------------------  ---------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Balance at 31 
  March 2023                1,811     1,716   (1,926)     (294)    10,482     1,771     12,411    25,971 
----------------------  ---------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  expense for the 
  period                        -         -         -      (56)         -         -    (1,185)   (1,241) 
 Transactions 
  with owners: 
 Share based payments 
  charge                        -         -         -         -         -       746          -       746 
 Investment in 
  subsidiaries              1,811         -   (3,164)         -    14,669       590          -    13,906 
                            1,811         -   (3,164)         -    14,669     1,336          -    14,652 
----------------------  ---------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Balance at 30 
  September 2023            3,622     1,716   (5,090)     (350)    25,151     3,107     11,226    39,382 
----------------------  ---------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 
 

CONSOLIDARED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Unaudited for the 6 months ended 30 september 2023

 
                                                                           12 months 
                                         6 months ended   6 months ended       ended 
                                           30 September     30 September    31 March 
                                                   2023             2022        2023 
                                              Unaudited        Unaudited     Audited 
                                                GBP'000          GBP'000     GBP'000 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Loss before taxation                           (2,409)          (2,592)     (6,285) 
 Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation                                       919              891       1,789 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                   28               31          60 
 Share of associate and joint 
  venture losses                                    241               85         297 
 Negative goodwill                              (5,771)                -           - 
 Onerous contracts                                1,523                -           - 
 Finance income                                    (73)             (22)        (65) 
 Finance charge                                     223              242         502 
 Share based payments charge                        746              386         577 
 Net fair value gains recognised 
  in profit or loss                                  90              138         382 
 Payments received of non-cash 
  assets                                              -             (15)       (854) 
                                                (4,483)            (856)     (3,597) 
 Changes in working capital: 
 (Increase) / decrease in trade 
  and other receivables                         (4,196)            1,888         398 
 Increase / (decrease) in trade 
  and other payables                              1,685         (10,505)     (5,951) 
 Increase / (decrease) in provisions                 37             (64)        (65) 
 Acquisition of subsidiary working                1,810                -           - 
  capital 
 Cash utilised from operations                  (5,147)          (9,537)     (9,215) 
 Net cash payments for current 
  asset investments 
 held at fair value through profit 
  or loss                                       (1,719)              658         602 
 Tax paid                                             -          (1,141)     (1,155) 
 Net cash outflow from operating 
  activities                                    (6,866)         (10,020)     (9,768) 
--------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Purchase of property, plant 
  and equipment                                   (109)            (112)       (724) 
 Purchase of intangible assets                     (70)             (25)        (40) 
 Proceeds on sale of investments                      -                -         870 
 Acquisition of subsidiary, net                  11,576                -           - 
  of cash acquired 
 Investments in associates and 
  joint ventures                                   (50)          (2,022)     (2,029) 
 Interest received                                   73               22          65 
 Net cash outflow from investing 
  activities                                     11,420          (2,137)     (1,858) 
--------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Equity dividends paid                                -                -     (1,954) 
 Proceeds from exercise of options                    -                3           3 
 Interest paid                                     (14)             (21)        (38) 
 Lease liabilities payments                       (962)            (960)     (1,555) 
 Repayment of borrowings                          (619)            (176)       (356) 
 Proceeds from borrowings                             -                -         473 
 Net cash inflow / (outflow) 
  from financing activities                     (1,595)          (1,154)     (3,427) 
--------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 Net increase / (decrease) in 
  cash and cash equivalents                       2,959         (13,311)    (15,053) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  beginning of period                             9,382           24,435      24,435 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  end of period                                  12,341           11,124       9,382 
--------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Unaudited for the 6 months ended 30 september 2023

   1.   Basis of preparation 

Cavendish Financial plc (the "Company") is a public limited company, limited by shares, incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The Company was incorporated on 28 August 2018. The registered office of the Company is at 1 Bartholomew Close, London EC1A 7BL, United Kingdom. The registered company number is 11540126. The Company is quoted on the AIM of the London Stock Exchange.

The financial Information contained within these condensed consolidated Interim financial statements Is unaudited and has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting ('IAS 34') and AIM Rule 18. The financial information contained in the Interim Financial Statements is unaudited and does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.

The statutory accounts for the 12 months ended 31 March 2023 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The statutory accounts have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and International Accounting Standards as adopted by the European Union and the IFRS Interpretation Committee interpretations (collectively IFRSs), and in accordance with applicable law. The Independent Auditor's Report to the members of finnCap Group plc contained no qualification or statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

These consolidated Interim Financial Statements contain information about the Group and have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for certain financial instruments which are carried at fair value. Amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise stated and are presented in pounds sterling, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates.

The preparation of these Interim Financial Statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires Group management to exercise judgement in applying the Group's accounting policies. Judgements and estimates used in these Interim Financial Statements have been applied on a consistent basis with those use in the statutory accounts for the 12 months ended 31 March 2023.

As normal, the Group has assessed the appropriateness of accounting on a going concern basis. This process involved the review of a forecast for the coming 15 months, along with stress testing a second downside scenario. Both cases showed that the Group has the required resources to operate within its resources during the period.

The Directors believe that the Group has adequate resources to continue trading for at least 12 months from the date of approval of this report. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Interim Financial Statements.

   2.   Segmental reporting 

The Group is managed as an integrated financial services group and the different revenue streams are considered to be subject to similar economic characteristics. Consequently, the Group is managed as one business unit.

The trading operations of the Group comprise of Corporate Advisory and Broking, M&A Advisory and Institutional Stockbroking. The Group's revenues are derived from activities conducted in the UK, although several of its corporate and institutional investors and clients are situated overseas. All assets of the Group reside in the UK.

 
                                                                    12 months 
                                  6 months ended   6 months ended       ended 
                                    30 September     30 September    31 March 
                                            2023             2022        2023 
                                       Unaudited        Unaudited     Audited 
                                         GBP'000          GBP'000     GBP'000 
 Revenues 
 Retainers                                 3,914            3,452       6,956 
 Transactions                              8,019           10,983      22,632 
 Securities                                1,432            1,917       3,276 
 Total Revenue                            13,365           16,352      32,864 
----------------------------     ---------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 
 Services transferred 
  at a point in time                       8,665           12,100      24,413 
 Services transferred over 
  a period of time                         4,700            4,252       8,451 
 Total Revenue                            13,365           16,352      32,864 
----------------------------     ---------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 
   3.   Other operating EXpenses 
 
                                                                   12 months 
                                 6 months ended   6 months ended       ended 
                                   30 September     30 September    31 March 
                                           2023             2022        2023 
                                      Unaudited        Unaudited     Audited 
                                        GBP'000          GBP'000     GBP'000 
 
 Other operating expenses                  (90)            (138)       (214) 
----------------------------    ---------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 
   4.   Expenses by Nature 
 
                                                               12 months 
                             6 months ended   6 months ended       ended 
                               30 September     30 September    31 March 
                                       2023             2022        2023 
                                  Unaudited        Unaudited     Audited 
                                    GBP'000          GBP'000     GBP'000 
 
 Employee benefit 
  expense                            11,855           11,329      23,257 
 Non-employee 
 costs                                5,663            5,728      11,286 
 Total administrative 
  expenses                           17,518           17,057      34,543 
------------------------    ---------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 
 Average number of 
  employees                             157              151         155 
------------------------    ---------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 

Employee benefit expense includes share based payments of GBP746k (H1 FY23: GBP386k).

   5.   Non-recurring items 
 
                                                                                 12 months 
                                             6 months ended   6 months ended         ended 
                                               30 September     30 September      31 March 
                                                       2023             2022          2023 
                                                  Unaudited        Unaudited       Audited 
                                                    GBP'000          GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
 Negative goodwill                                  (5,771)                -             - 
 Onerous contracts                                    1,811                -             - 
 Group restructuring                                    620            1,255         3,247 
 Transaction fees                                     1,115              189           411 
 Non-recurring 
  items                                             (2,225)            1,444         3,658 
---------------------------    -----------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 
 

Non-recurring items in the period relate to negative goodwill, group restructuring costs, onerous contracts and legal and professional fees in connection with the acquisition of Cenkos Securities plc on the 7(th) September 2023, see note 9.

   6.   Earnings per share 
 
                                                                                        12 months 
                                                    6 months ended   6 months ended         ended 
                                                      30 September     30 September      31 March 
                                                              2023             2022          2023 
                                                         Unaudited        Unaudited       Audited 
 Earnings per share 
 Number of shares 
 Weighted average number of shares for 
  the purposes 
 of basic earnings 
  per share                                            187,101,924      169,041,783   169,724,785 
----------------------------------   -------     -----------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 Weighted average dilutive effect of 
  conditional share 
 awards                                                  2,453,333        3,011,648    11,847,873 
                                                 -----------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 Weighted average number of shares for 
  the purposes 
 of diluted earnings 
  per share                                            189,555,257      172,053,431   181,572,658 
----------------------------------   -------     -----------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 
 Loss per ordinary 
  share (pence) 
 Basic loss per ordinary 
  share                                                     (0.66)           (1.82)        (3.25) 
 Diluted loss per 
  ordinary share                                            (0.66)           (1.82)        (3.25) 
----------------------------------  -------  ----------  ---------  ---------------  ------------ 
 
 

The shares held by the Group's Employee Benefit Trusts have been excluded from the calculation of earnings per share.

   7.   Dividends 
 
                                                                        12 months 
                                     6 months ended    6 months ended       ended 
                                       30 September      30 September    31 March 
                                               2023              2022        2023 
                                          Unaudited         Unaudited     Audited 
                                            GBP'000           GBP'000     GBP'000 
 
 Dividends proposed and paid 
 during the year                                  -                 -       1,954 
---------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Dividends per share                             -p                -p       1.15p 
---------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 
   8.   Balance Sheet Items 
   i)              Deferred tax asset 

Deferred taxation for the group relates to timing difference on the taxation relief on the exercise of options and tax losses carried forward. The amount of the asset is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted when the deferred tax assets are expected to be recovered.

   ii)             Trade and other receivables 

Trade and other receivable principally consist of amounts due from client, brokers and other counterparties. In addition, the Group has credit risk exposure to the gross value of unsettled trades (on a delivery versus payment basis) at its agency settlement agent (Pershing, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of New York Mellon Corporation).

   iii)            Own Shares Held 

The value of own shares held is the cost of shares purchased the Group's Employee Benefit Trusts. The Trusts were established with the authority to acquire shares in the Group and are funded by the Group.

   iv)            Merger relief reserve 

The merger relief reserve represents:

-- the difference between net book value of subsidiaries acquired via share-for-share exchanges and the nominal value of the shares issued as consideration. Upon consolidation, part of the merger reserve is eliminated to recognise the pre-acquisition reserves of Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (December 2018) and Cavendish Securities plc (September 2023); and

-- the difference between the fair value and nominal value of shares issued for the acquisition of Cavendish Corporate Finance (UK) Limited and Cavendish Corporate Finance LLP from the acquisition in December 2018.

This reserve is not distributable.

   v)             Post balance sheet events 

There are no material post balance sheet events.

   9.   Acquisition of Cavendish Securites PLC 

On 7 September 2023, having received FCA approval, Cavendish Financial plc issued 181,094,721 shares to acquired 100% of the share capital of Cavendish Securities plc by means of a scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the UK Companies Act 2006 for consideration of GBP13.9m.

The fair value of the shares issue was calculated using the Cavendish Financial plc market price of 9.1 pence per share, on the AIM exchange at its close of business on 6 September 2023. The fair value was increased due to employee share based awards outstanding at the acquisition date and reduced due to shares held by the Cavendish Securities plc at the date of the acquisition.

 
                                Book Value    Fair Value    Fair Value 
                                6 September                 6 September 
                                    2023      Adjustments       2023 
 Right of use assets                  3,207           744         3,951 
 Deferred tax assets                  2,049         (268)         1,781 
 Financial assets held 
  at fair value                         467             -           467 
 Other non-current assets               408             -           408 
 Trade and other receivables          8,182             -         8,182 
 Current assets held 
  at fair value                       3,636             -         3,636 
 Cash and cash equivalents           11,576             -        11,576 
 Trade and other payables          (10,650)           328      (10,322) 
 Net assets acquired                 18,875           804        19,679 
 Fair value of equity consideration                              13,907 
 Negative goodwill                                              (5,772) 
-----------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

IFRS3 requires the acquirer to perform a fair value exercise during the measurement period which can last no more than twelve months from the date of acquisition. An assessment of intangible assets was performed at the acquisition as part of the implementation of IFRS 3. No additional assets were recognised as a result of this review. The acquired right of use assets and lease liabilities were recognised using the present value of the remaining lease payments at the acquisition date.

Transactions costs of GBP1.1m were incurred in relation to the acquisition.

10. Related party transactions

During the period, 5,000,000 options with a 15p exercise price and 2,000,000 options with a 1p exercise price were issued to John Farrugia, a director of Cavendish Finance plc. All of the options have a vesting period to two years.

11. Alternative performance measures

The below non-GAAP alternative performance measures have been used.

Adjusted profit before tax

Measure: Adjusted profit before tax is calculated excluding share based payments, non-recurring items, share of associate profits and fair value gains on long term investments.

Use: Provides a consistent measure of the earnings performance of the core business activities.

 
                                                                       12 months 
                                     6 months ended   6 months ended       ended 
                                       30 September     30 September    31 March 
                                               2023             2022        2023 
                                          Unaudited        Unaudited     Audited 
                                            GBP'000          GBP'000     GBP'000 
 
 Operating loss                             (2,018)          (2,287)     (5,551) 
 Fair value gains on long 
  term investments                               90              138           - 
 Negative goodwill (see note 
  9)                                        (5,771)                -           - 
 Other non-recurring expenses                 3,546            1,444       3,658 
 Share based payments                           746              386         577 
 Net finance charge                           (150)            (220)       (232) 
 Amortisation                                     -                -          59 
 Adjusted loss before 
  tax                                       (3,557)            (539)     (1,489) 
--------------------------------    ---------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 

Pro forma Revenues

References to unaudited pro forma revenues reflect the addition of the unaudited consolidated revenue of finnCap Group plc and the unaudited consolidated revenue of Cenkos Securities plc for the relevant period as if they were consolidated fully for that period. Pro forma information is a non-GAAP measure and is provided to assist with a better understanding of the Group's performance.

INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO CAVISH FINANCIAL PLC

Unaudited for the 6 months ended 30 september 2023

Conclusion

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 financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2023 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34 and the London Stock Exchange AIM Rules for Companies.

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2023 which comprises the condensed Income Statement, the condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income, the condensed Statement of Financial Position, the condensed Cash Flow Statement and the condensed Statement of Changes in Equity and all accompanying notes.

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"). 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. 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.

As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting."

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 to suggest 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 are not 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.

Responsibilities of directors

The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with

the London Stock Exchange AIM Rules for Companies which require that the half-yearly report be presented and prepared in a form consistent with that which will be adopted in the Company's annual accounts having regard to the accounting standards applicable to such annual accounts.

In preparing the half-yearly financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the company'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 company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the review of the financial information

In reviewing the half-yearly report, we are responsible for expressing to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statement in the half-yearly financial report. 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 paragraph of this report.

Use of our report

Our report has been prepared in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the rules of the London Stock Exchange AIM Rules for Companies for no other purpose. No person is entitled to rely on this report unless such a person is a person entitled to rely upon this report by virtue of and for the purpose of our terms of engagement or has been expressly authorised to do so by our prior written consent. Save as above, we do not accept responsibility for this report to any other person or for any other purpose and we hereby expressly disclaim any and all such liability.

BDO LLP

Chartered Accountants

London, UK

Date 18 December 2023

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).

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END

IR EAEAPFAEDFAA

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 19, 2023 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

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