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RNS Number : 7618N
Ashmore Group PLC
24 February 2009
PRESS RELEASE
24th February 2009 07.00
Ashmore Group plc
UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO 31 DECEMBER 2008
Ashmore Group plc ("Ashmore", the "Group"), a leading specialist emerging
markets investment manager today announces its interim results for the six
months to 31 December 2008.
Financial Highlights
* Net management fees up 19% to £101.9 million (2007: £85.9million), down 1% on
a US$ basis
* Performance fees up 52% to £48.9 million (2007: £32.2 million)
* Foreign exchange loss of £49.8 million (2007: £0.4 million gain), principally
from hedging of management fee income, including timing differences
of£41.4mrelatedto future fee income
* Total net revenue of £104.5 million (2007: £123.5 million)
* Profit before tax of £80.3 million (2007: £100.9 million)
* Operating margin of 70% (H1 2008: 75%)
* Basic EPS of 8.48p (2007: 10.47p) and diluted EPSof 7.90p (2007: 9.9p)
* An interim dividend of 3.66p per share will be paid on 24 April 2009
(2007:3.66p)
Operational Highlights
* Assets under management ("AuM") of US$24.6 billion at 31 December 2008, down
US$12.9 billion (34%) from 30 June 2008
* Offices established in India, Turkey, and New York during the period
Commenting on the results Mark Coombs Chief Executive Officer of Ashmore Group
plc said;
"The results for the six months to 31 December 2008 represent a period where
Ashmore Group plc has delivered satisfactory financial performance despite
challenging operating conditions, in a period of significant global market
turmoil.
Over the last twenty years, the investment team at Ashmore has had significant
experience operating and outperforming during a number of economic crises
affecting the emerging markets. With this experience and our strong balance
sheet, we see significant opportunities to outperform going forward,
particularly as the number of participants operating within emerging markets
reduces. Ashmore is in an excellent position to continue to deliver on our
strategy."
Contacts
Penrose Financial Gay Collins/Jesper Lofgren +44 20 7786 4882/4873 mobile 07798
626282
[email protected]
Ashmore Group plc Graeme Dell, Group Finance Director +44 20 7557 4100
Chief Executive Officer's Statement
Financial performance
The results for the six months to 31 December 2008 represent a period where
Ashmore Group plc ("Ashmore", the "Group") has delivered satisfactory financial
performance despite challenging operating conditions, in a period of significant
global market turmoil. The Group's net revenue comprised management fee income
net of distribution costs of £101.9 million (2007: £85.9 million), performance
fees of £48.9 million (2007: £32.2 million), other revenue of £3.5 million
(2007: £5.0 million), and foreign exchange losses of £49.8 million (2007: £0.4
million gain). Within foreign exchange losses, £12.7 million relates to
management fees earned in the first half, and £41.4 million relates to the
hedging of management fee income to be earned in future periods, partially
offset by other FX gains. The Group profit before tax for the six months to 31
December 2008 was £80.3 million (2007: £100.9 million) resulting in basic
earnings per share of 8.48 pence (2007: 10.47 pence). The Group declared an
interim dividend of 3.66 pence per share (2007: 3.66 pence).
Market background
The first half has been a time of extreme turbulence in the world's markets,
culminating in the sale, reorganisation, nationalisation or bankruptcy of a
number of major financial institutions in the developed world and structural
changes within those organisations that remain. The principal impact of these
structural changes has been a severe reduction in the amount of leverage
employed in the markets with an extreme fall in asset values as liquidity has
been withdrawn. The crisis did not originate in the emerging markets and the
economic fundamentals for many of these markets remain significantly more
positive than for a number of the developed ones. Nevertheless, whilst not
historically over-levered, the emerging markets have seen liquidity withdrawn -
partly reflecting US dollar and other hard currency repatriation - as investors
have moved away from markets traditionally viewed as riskier than the developed
world, regardless of current relative risk measures.
Assets under Management ("AuM") and theme review
Assets under management at 31 December 2008 were US $24.6 billion, a decrease of
US$12.9 billion (-34%) in the period resulting from net redemptions of US$5.8
billion, and negative investment performance of US$7.1 billion.
Gross subscriptions in the first half were US$2.2 billion, down 58% from US$5.2
billion in the same period last year, reflecting the difficult market conditions
and the absence of any new fund launches.
Gross redemptions have increased substantially to US$8.0 billion (2007: US$2.6
billion), largely reflecting the liquidity needs of clients in the extreme
market conditions, rather than any adverse allocation away from emerging market
assets. Included within redemptions is US$0.3 billion in respect of the first
Global Special Situations Fund which matured at the end of its 5 year term in
July 2008 with gross annualised performance of 39%. A number of redemptions
have been at lower fee rates, which has contributed to average management fee
margins increasing to 114 basis points ("bps"), (FY08: 103bps; 1H08 103bps).
The adverse investment performance of US$7.1 billion in the period reflects the
extreme market conditions, where there were significant month-on-month declines
in all relevant emerging market indices up to the end of November and all
relevant indices ended the half down, some significantly. Prior to the period
end markets have stabilised somewhat, with December 2008 providing the first
overall positive performance month across all themes since May 2008.
External debt
In line with terminology widely used within the emerging markets the dollar debt
theme has been renamed "external debt". The external debt investment theme
comprises US dollar and other G7 currency denominated instruments, which may
include derivatives, investing principally in sovereign bonds.
AuM at 31 December 2008 were US$14.7 billion, a decrease of US$8.0 billion (35%)
from 30 June 2008, with net redemptions accounting for US$3.9 billion. During
the period the theme contributed £45.9 million in management fees at an average
margin of 88bps, and £17.4 million of performance fees (2007: £44.6 million;
83bps; and £13.2 million).
Local currency
The local currency investment theme comprises local currency and local currency
denominated debt instruments, principally sovereign in nature, and it may
include derivatives.
AuM at 31 December 2008 were US$5.4 billion; a decrease of US$3.1 billion (36%)
from 30 June 2008, with net redemptions of US$1.2 billion. There has however
been continued demand for the Group's local currency products with reasonable
gross subscriptions of US$1.2 billion (2007: US$1.6 billion). During the period
the theme contributed £26.6 million in management fees at an average margin of
125 bps, and £14.9 million of performance fees (2007: £16.6 million; 117 bps;
and £14.4 million).
Special situations
The special situations theme comprises investments in debt, equity, and other
instruments in specialist corporate investments or projects. Situations include
distressed assets or distressed sellers of assets, where our approach often
incorporates restructuring, reorganisations, or other private equity techniques.
AuM at 31 December 2008 were US$4.4 billion, a decrease of US$1.1 billion (20%).
Net redemptions of US$0.3 billion overall included US$0.3 billion as a result of
the first Global Special Situations Fund maturing at the end of its 5 year term
which, as previously announced, crystallised a £15.6m performance fee. During
the period the theme contributed £28.1 million in management fees at an average
margin of 191bps, and £16.5 million of performance fees (2007: £18.9 million;
191bps; and £2.1 million).
Equity, Corporate High Yield, Multi Strategy and other assets
The equity investment theme comprises public equity and equity-related
securities. The instruments invested in by the funds can include equities,
convertibles, warrants and equity derivatives. AuM at 31 December 2008 was
US$0.1 billion, a decrease of US$0.7 billion (88%) from 30 June 2008, reflecting
negative market sentiment towards equities, especially during the first four
months of the financial year.
The corporate high yield theme comprises investments in corporate debt within
emerging markets. This asset class offers investors a risk-return profile
distinct from other segments of emerging market fixed income. AuM at 31 December
2008 had increased by 20% to US$1.3 billion, across our funds, reflecting our
assessment of the value within this theme at this point in the economic cycle.
In both the multi-strategy funds and Ashmore Global Opportunities Limited, the
LSE listed permanent capital vehicle, Ashmore makes the asset allocations based
on analysis across the investment themes. At the end of the period the total AuM
within the five themes arising from the multi strategy funds was US$1.6 billion,
a decrease of 43% from 30 June 2008.
The liquidity fund, with its Standard & Poors "AAAm" rating, is principally used
to manage the cash components of the underlying Ashmore funds, retained by the
funds for liquidity purposes, with a view to enhancing the absolute return
received on this. The level of funds at the period end was US$1.3 billion drawn
from across the investment themes and funds, a US$1.1 billion (46%) decrease
from 30 June 2008.
Development of the Ashmore platform
In line with the Group's strategy of developing asset management operations in a
number of the key emerging markets, the period has seen developments in two
markets. Firstly, following receipt of regulatory approval from the Capital
Markets Board in Turkey, the Group established an asset management operation
with equity and fixed income capabilities, which manages listed onshore
investment companies and offshore open ended funds focussed on Turkey. Secondly,
during the period the Group increased its presence in India by adding locally
based special situations resources co-located with the mid market private equity
venture it established there two years ago. Finally, in line with the Group's
strategy to increase the number of global emerging markets themes the Group
acquired a majority interest in New York based Dolomite Capital in November,
which provides a platform and expertise as a specialist emerging markets fund of
funds manager and independent advisor on emerging market investments.
Operating costs and margins
The Group's cost structure is maintained with a low proportion of tightly
controlled recurring costs and a large proportion of variable performance
related costs. The majority of the Group's costs are personnel expenses, where
recurring costs have increased during the period in line with the planned
increase in headcount to 138 at 31 December 2008 from 93 at 30 June 2008. These
increases include the recruitment of investment professionals and infrastructure
staff within the global operating business together with those joining the Group
in the subsidiary operations described above. Variable compensation, including
performance related bonuses, share based payments and associated social security
costs is calculated as a percentage of profit before tax, interest and variable
compensation which has been accrued at a rate of 20% (six months to 31 December
2007: 20%; year ended 30 June 2008: 18.2%). Other operating costs are in line
with the levels outlined at the time of the Group's full year results but ahead
of the equivalent period last year reflecting the increases in rental expense in
the Group's London office and the amortisation of deferred acquisition costs.
As a result of the reduction in net income, particularly the foreign exchange
loss relating to future management fee income, and the increases to costs
outlined above, including the early stage of some of the new business ventures
established in the period, the overall operating margin has reduced to 70% from
75% in the equivalent period last year. This continues to place Ashmore amongst
the leading asset managers in terms of operational efficiency, a position we
strive to maintain in our global business and to develop within our subsidiary
asset management operations.
Balance sheet, cash flow and foreign exchange
The Group maintains a strong balance sheet in order to support its regulatory
capital, commercial and business developmental requirements, including seeding
new funds. Cash has increased during the six months to 31 December 2008 to
£301.8 million (31 December 2007: £221.0 million; 30 June 2008: £279.2 million).
The Group's operating activities are highly cash-generative, as demonstrated by
net operating cash inflows during the period of £79.9 million, after payments in
respect of taxation liabilities of £28.2 million. Material non-operating cash
outflows during the period were in respect of business acquisitions (£3.7
million), share purchases held in Treasury (£6.5 million), and the payment in
December of the final dividend in respect of the year ended 30 June 2008 (£57.0
million).
The Group's foreign exchange hedging activities have had a material impact in
the period following the sharp fall in sterling between September and December
2008 to levels not anticipated and not experienced in many years. In line with
the Group's hedging policy a significant proportion of its management fee
income, which is almost entirely denominated in US dollars, is hedged using
forward foreign exchange contracts providing certainty over the exchange rates
that will be achieved. Following the reduction in AuM, the Group's FY08/09
effective management fee income reported in GBP will not benefit from the
current strength of the US Dollar, being fully hedged at current AuM levels at a
rate of GBP1:1.95USD as a result of these forward foreign exchange contracts.
Hedge contracts of US$100m are also in place to partially hedge FY09/10
management fees at a rate of GBP1:1.79USD. Included within the overall foreign
exchange loss of £49.8 million recognised as at 31 December 2008, is £41.4
million, in respect of the unrealised marked-to-market loss on open forward
foreign exchange contracts. These are valued at the year end rate of
GBP1:1.46USD and will be offset by either gains on management fees as they
crystallise, or hedge contracts as they mature, during the second half of this
financial year and the next financial year.
Dividend
The Board has determined that an interim dividend of 3.66 pence per share (3.66
pence) will be paid on 24 April 2009 to all shareholders who are on the register
on 27 March 2009.
Purchase of own shares
In line with authorities granted at the AGM in October 2008, the Company
purchased 4,966,587 shares for an aggregate consideration of £6.5 million which
are held in treasury.
Strategy and outlook
The current global economic environment has resulted in markets where the
dominant characteristic is the severe reduction in liquidity which exacerbates
the traditionally lower levels of liquidity seen in the emerging markets,
accompanied by asset repatriation to the US Dollar and a lesser extent the Euro.
The investment team at Ashmore has significant experience operating and
outperforming during a number of economic crises affecting the emerging markets
over the last twenty years, which share many characteristics with the current
conditions. We continue to believe that global and regional macroeconomic,
demographic and political factors underpin the long term growth prospects of the
emerging market asset classes and these trends will see the long term allocation
to the emerging markets increase, particularly as their relative growth
prospects become ever clearer over the next two years.
We see significant investment opportunities for our funds, where asset
valuations have been driven lower by uncertainty surrounding the economic
backdrop and reduced market liquidity - basically we are a buyer from here.
However the environment for asset raising remains difficult, as it always does
at the right time to invest, with investors still digesting the impact of recent
events and their large losses in developed markets.
The Group, with its strong balance sheet and significant cash reserves, is in an
excellent position to deliver on its strategy, as the number of participants
operating within emerging markets reduces, and a large number of global
financial institutions retreat to their home markets. This provides both
increased visibility of Ashmore's commitment to these markets as well as the
potential opportunities to establish or acquire interesting asset management
capabilities.
Consolidated income statement
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months to 6 months to 12 months to
31 December 2008 31 December 2007 30 June
2008
Note £m £m £m
Management fees 104.6 88.7 186.7
Performance fees 48.9 32.2 44.7
Other revenue 3.5 5.0 10.1
Total revenue 157.0 125.9 241.5
Less: Distribution costs (2.7) (2.8) (4.7)
Less: Foreign exchange 2 (49.8) 0.4 3.2
Net revenue 104.5 123.5 240.0
Personnel expenses (23.2) (26.6) (47.7)
Other expenses (8.1) (4.0) (11.1)
Operating profit 73.2 92.9 181.2
Interest income 7.1 8.0 15.0
Profit before tax 80.3 100.9 196.2
Tax expense (23.3) (30.8) (55.2)
Profit for the period 57.0 70.1 141.0
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent 56.9 70.0 140.8
Minority interest 0.1 0.1 0.2
Profit for the period 57.0 70.1 141.0
Earnings per share:
Basic 3 8.48p 10.47p 21.03p
Diluted 3 7.90p 9.90p 19.89p
consolidated balance sheet
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
As at As at As at
31 December 2008 31 December 2007 30 June
2008
Note £m £m £m
Assets
Property, plant and equipment 4.0 0.5 3.3
Intangible assets 5 6.7 4.1 4.1
Deferred acquisition costs 6 12.4 14.5 13.4
Other receivables 1.0 - -
Deferred tax assets 8.0 14.8 13.8
Total non-current assets 32.1 33.9 34.6
Trade and other receivables 32.9 57.0 34.7
Derivative financial instruments - - 1.2
Cash and cash equivalents 301.8 221.0 279.2
Total current assets 334.7 278.0 315.1
Non-current assets held for sale 16.6 - 16.4
Total assets 383.4 311.9 366.1
Equity
Issued capital - - -
Share premium 0.3 0.3 0.3
Retained earnings 262.0 223.8 271.5
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 262.3 224.1 271.8
Minority interest 2.4 0.6 1.5
Total equity 264.7 224.7 273.3
Liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities 2.1 4.1 3.8
Total non-current liabilities 2.1 4.1 3.8
Current tax 20.3 24.4 24.5
Derivative financial instruments 41.4 1.2 0.7
Trade and other payables 54.9 57.5 63.7
Total current liabilities 116.6 83.1 88.9
Non-current liabilities held for sale - - 0.1
Total liabilities 118.7 87.2 92.8
Total equity and liabilities 383.4 311.9 366.1
consolidated statement of changes in equity
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
Issued capital Share premium Retained earnings Minority interest Total equity
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Audited balance at 1 July 2007 - 0.3 195.6 195.9 0.1 196.0
Profit for the period - - 70.0 70.0 0.1 70.1
Issue of share capital - - - - 0.4 0.4
Share based payments - - 2.7 2.7 - 2.7
Current tax related to share based payments - - 0.7 0.7 - 0.7
Dividends - - (45.2) (45.2) - (45.2)
Unaudited balance at 31 December 2007 - 0.3 223.8 224.1 0.6 224.7
Profit for the period - - 70.8 70.8 0.1 70.9
Issue of share capital - - - - 0.8 0.8
Share based payments - - 6.1 6.1 - 6.1
Current tax related to share based payments - - (2.0) (2.0) - (2.0)
Deferred tax related to share based payments - - (2.7) (2.7) - (2.7)
Net gains on available-for-sale financial assets - - 0.4 0.4 - 0.4
Dividends - - (24.9) (24.9) - (24.9)
Audited balance at 30 June 2008 - 0.3 271.5 271.8 1.5 273.3
Profit for the period - - 56.9 56.9 0.1 57.0
Issue of share capital - - - - 0.8 0.8
Share based payments - - 0.9 0.9 - 0.9
Current tax related to share based payments - - 0.2 0.2 - 0.2
Deferred tax related to share based payments - - (5.3) (5.3) - (5.3)
Net gains on available-for-sale financial assets - - 0.6 0.6 - 0.6
Treasury shares - - (6.5) (6.5) - (6.5)
Dividends - - (57.0) (57.0) - (57.0)
Exchange adjustments on translation of foreign operations - - 0.7 0.7 - 0.7
Unaudited balance at 31 December 2008 - 0.3 262.0 262.3 2.4 264.7
consolidated cash flow statement
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months to 6 months to 12 months to
31 December 2008 31 December 2007 30 June
2008
Note £m £m £m
Operating activities
Cash receipts from customers 159.2 105.9 242.8
Cash paid to suppliers and employees (51.1) (38.8) (47.3)
Cash generated from operations 108.1 67.1 195.5
Taxes paid (28.2) (17.9) (46.5)
Net cash from operating activities 79.9 49.2 149.0
Investing activities
Interest received 6.6 8.0 15.4
Acquisition of subsidiary (3.7) - -
Purchase of non-current assets held for sale - - (15.1)
Purchase of deferred acquisition costs - (10.3) (14.6)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (1.1) (0.3) (3.5)
Net cash from/(used in)investing activities 1.8 (2.6) (17.8)
Financing activities
Dividends paid 4 (57.0) (45.2) (70.1)
Purchase of treasury shares 9 (6.5) - -
Net cash used infinancing activities (63.5) (45.2) (70.1)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 4.4 1.6 0.1
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 22.6 3.0 61.2
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 279.2 218.0 218.0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 301.8 221.0 279.2
Cash and cash equivalents comprise:
Cash at bank and in hand as shown in balance sheet 301.8 221.0 279.2
301.8 221.0 279.2
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies
The interim report is unaudited and does not constitute statutory accounts
within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The financial
statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial
Reporting' and the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority ("FSA").
The accounting policies applied in these interim financial statements are
consistent with those applied in the Group's annual report and accounts for the
year ended 30 June 2008. The annual report and accounts is available on the
Group's website. Certain comparative amounts relating to foreign exchange have
been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. None of the
changes are significant in nature.
In addition to the accounting policies applied in the Group's annual report, the
following accounting policies were adopted:
Basis of consolidation
The results of subsidiaries acquired during the year are included in the
consolidated income statement from the effective date of acquisition.
Treasury Shares
Treasury Shares are recognised in equity and are measured at cost. Consideration
received for the sale of such shares is also recognised in equity, with any
difference between the proceeds from the sale and original cost being taken to
revenue reserves.
2. Foreign exchange
The only foreign exchange rate which has a material impact on the reporting of
the Group's results is the US dollar.
Closing rate as at Closing rate as at Closing rate as at Average rate Average rate Average rate
31 December 2008 31 December 2007 30 June six months ended six months ended year
2008 31 December 2008 31 December 2007 ended
30 June
2008
US dollar 1.4593 1.9850 1.9923 1.6984 2.0368 2.0119
Net foreign exchange losses in the six months to 31 December 2008 comprise £54.2
million (six months to 31 December 2007: £0.6 million net gains) of realised and
unrealised hedging losses relating to the management of the Group's US dollar
denominated revenue. This was partially offset by a £4.4 million gain (six
months to 31 December 2007: £0.2 million loss) from foreign exchange movements
on the Group's non-sterling denominated net assets.
Included within the overall foreign exchange loss of £49.8 million recognised at
31 December 2008 is £41.4 million in respect of the unrealised marked-to-market
loss on open forward foreign exchange contracts. These are valued at the year
end rate of GBP1:1.46USD and will be offset by either gains on management fees
as they crystallise, or hedge contracts as they mature, during the second half
of this financial year and the next financial year.
Maturity date
Second half 08/09 Full year 09/10
Hedge contracts maturing (US$m) 165.0 100.0
Average contract rate (GBP:USD) 1.95 1.79
Exchange rate at 31 December 2008 (GBP:USD) 1.46 1.46
Hedge loss recognised at 31/12/08 (£m) (28.7) (12.7)
3. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit for the financial
year attributable to equity holders of the parent of £56.9 million (six months
to 31 December 2007:£70.0 million) by the weighted average number of ordinary
shares in issue during the year.
Diluted earnings per share is calculated as for basic earnings per share with an
adjustment to the weighted average number of ordinary shares to reflect the
effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. There is no difference
between the profit for the financial year attributable to equity holders of the
parent used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations.
A reconciliation of the figures used in calculating basic and diluted earnings
per share is shown below:
6months to 6months to 12 months to
31 December 2008 31 December 2007 30 June
2008
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculation 670,469,341 668,501,230 669,671,683
of basic earnings per share
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares - share options 49,804,829 38,428,080 38,322,426
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculation 720,274,170 706,929,310 707,994,109
of diluted earnings per share
4. Dividends
An analysis of dividends is as follows:
6 months to 6 months to 12 months to
More to follow, for following part double-click [nRn2X7618N]