Investment Performance Recovery
Calendar year-to-date (end-April) 70% of assets under management have outperformed their benchmarks, marking a clear improvement versus prior years when performance lagged amid AI-dominated markets. Multiple listed equity and fixed income strategies showed calendar YTD outperformance (notably Leaders, Water and Specialists).
Revenue and Profitability Metrics
Group revenue for H1 was GBP 58.8m versus GBP 65.4m in the prior comparable period (≈10.3% decline). Underlying operating profit for the six months was GBP 11.3m and reported operating margin was 19.2%. Fee margin held up above ~47 basis points (guidance 47–48bps). Full-year revenue guidance remains GBP 109m–113m.
Cost Reductions and Efficiency
Operating costs reduced to GBP 47.5m in H1, more than GBP 8m lower year-on-year (implying ~14% reduction from the prior comparable period). Headcount reductions and technology/efficiency initiatives are driving savings; the company expects further cost savings in H2 and guidance for FY operating costs is just below GBP 95m.
Strong Balance Sheet and Capital Returns
Debt-free balance sheet with shareholder equity of GBP 106m. Seed capital stands at GBP 16.8m. The Board declared a covered interim dividend of 2p per share (consistent with a 55% payout policy). The company completed a GBP 10m share buyback in the prior period and expects cash to recover from the half-year low.
Product and Distribution Initiatives
Strategic product development includes launch of the first U.S. ETF (conversion of a mutual fund subfund) with potential to convert 9–10 more subfunds; integration of SKY Harbor and Absalon into fixed income; ongoing private markets fund commitments and plans to raise further capital. Active client partnership work and institutional outreach have been expanded.